Saturday, September 27, 2008

Exodus 40/Leviticus 1/2 - proverbs 16/17/18 – john 19/20/21 – Colossians 3/4/5

Exodus 40/Leviticus 1/2
- They put up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month of their second year in the wilderness
- Moses put together the tabernacle and everything in it just as God had commanded him.
- The cloud (glory of the Lord) filled the tabernacle. Whever it was lifted they set out, but when it remained they stayed in that place.
Leviticus 1
- They sacrificed a male without blemish
- Why did they have to wash the entrails and legs before burning it with the rest of the sacrifice.
- Why did they kill the animal on the north side of the tabernacle?
- What does it mean not to "sever" a pigeon completely?
Leviticus 2
- Grain offering of fine flour
- Why did they have to bake their grain offering and why was leaven seen as bad?
- How much of the grain offering went to Aaron and the other priests?
- Why did they put frankensense on their grain offering before burning it?
- Why was honey not used in the sacrifices since it was a "good" thing?

Proverbs 16/17/18
- We need to check our desires against God's, because He weighs our spirit.
- Need to submit our plans to God.
- If you do what is pleasing to God, even enemies will be at peace with you (especially good to reflect on at work this year)
- Pride leads to destruction.
- Gracious words are like a honeycombs (honey is a good thing)
- Gray hair is a good thing (wisdom comes with age)
- Every decision ultimately is God's
Ch.17
- It's better to be hungry and poor than rich and full of strife.
- God tests the heart
- Mocking the poor (lacking compassion) insults God.
- Is verse 8 encouraging bribery?
- Love is covering an offense, recounting it divided people.
- A rebuke to a wise man is a good thing.
- Being with a fool is dangerous.
- A friend loves at all times.
- The father of a fool has no joy.
- A joyful heart is good medicine, a crushed spirit drains you.
- Restraining your words and remaining cool shows wisdom.
- Very convicting - Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise. (Watch how much you say)
Ch.18
- Isolating yourself leads to danger
- A fool only loves to hear his opinion.
- Foolishness invites a beating.
- The righteous run to God for safety in times of trouble. (He is a strong tower)
- Humilty leads to honor.
- Answering before hearing is to your shame.
- The worst thing to bear is a crushed spirit
- It is important to hear both sides of an argument before taking sides.
- An offended brother is is more unyielding that a fortified city.
- The tongue has the power of life and death.
- A wife (marriage) is a good thing.
- A true friend is closer than a brother

John 19/20/21
- Why did Pilate flog and mock Jesus if He was not guilty?
- Pilate was afraid when he heard the Jews say that He was "the Son of God"
- Jesus said the Jews had a greater sin in killing Jesus than Pilate.
- The Jews said that if Pilate released Jesus, he was NOT a friend of Caesar.
- Pilate put the sign Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, of Jesus' cross in Aramaic, Latin, Greek. He would not change the sign.
- The soldiers divided Jesus' garments, thus fulfilling another OT prophecy.
- The 3 Marys were with Jesus when he was crucified.
- Which disciple was there?
- What scripture did Jesus fulfill by "thirsting"?
- Jesus said "It is finished" and gave up His spirit.
- The Jews wanted Pilate to breaj the legs of those crucified before the holy Sabbath.
- Jesus was already dead which fulfilled another OT prophecy that no bones would be broken. They also pierced His side to make sure He was dead.
- Joseph secretly asked Pilate for Jesus' body and buried Him.
Ch. 20
- Mary Magdelene came to the tomb on the first day of the week, and found the stone had been moved away from the tomb.
- Are they referring to Mary as a disciple?
- Who was the other disciple that was referred to as "he"?
- Two angels appeared to Mary and asked why she was weeping
- Jesus appeared to her and told her to tell the disciples that He had risen!
- How did Jesus give the disciples the Holy nSpirit BEFORE He had ascended?
- Thomas wasn't with them during Jesus' first visit and said he wouldn't believe until He saw Jesus' scars.
- Jesus appeared again to them and said blessed are those who believe without seeing.
- John says that he wrote this book so the readers may believe.
- Jesus appeared to Peter, Thomas, the sons of Zebedee, and two others.
- They went fishing and caught nothing.
- Jesus appeared to them and they cast their nets which were too full to pull in.
- Why did Peter put on his robe to swim to shore?
- Why did the disciples doubt in was Jesus?
- Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved Him. This upset Peter.
- Jesus said that he must lead His people.
- Did it show what way Peter was going to die?
- John finally says that he himself was the "disciple of whom He loved" in the closing of this book.

Colossians 3/4/5
- We have died to this world with Christ.
- Paul is saying that the only distinction is being in Christ or not.
- We are to put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience and forgiveness toward those who sin against us.
- Love binds everything together.
- We need to be at peace and thankful in Christ.
- Everything we do is to be for God; And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
- Parents shouldn't be harsh and discourgae their children.
- Slaves should obey their masters for the Lord and work hard even when no one is watching.
- This is a good verse for the work place "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Ch. 4
- Masters should treat slaves fairly for God is their master.
- Be steadfast in prayer, Paul also asks for them to pray for him to continue boldly preaching the Gospel.
- A Christian's words should always be gracious.
- Tychicus will go to the Colossians and tell them about Paul.
- Do the Colossians know the men Paul is listing here?
- Who wrote the rest of the letter because Paul said he wrote the greeting.
1 Thessalonians
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Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Exodus 39 - proverbs 15 – john 18 – Colossians 2

Exodus 39
- They made the holy garments for Aaron with gold leaf trim.
- There were onyx stones to remember the tribes of Israel.
- There was one precious stone to represent each tribe. They used four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle was the first row; and the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper.
- The robe was all blue thread.
- There were pomegranates and bells in alternating patterns on the robe.
- They wore w turban
- They wore a crown of gold with the inscription, “Holy to the Lord”
- After they completed make all of these things, Moses blessed them.

Proverbs 15
- A soft answer turns away wrath
- God sees everything that happens, good and evil
- What "way" are they referring to in verse 10?
- A glad heart makes a man cheerful, but a crushed spirit is the result of a sorrowful heart.
- Being slow to anger quiets contention.
- Counsel of many makes plans succeed.
- The Lord will tear down the house of the prideful.
- God hears the prayers of the righteous.
- You must be humble before you can receive honor

John 18
- Jesus and the disciples often met in the garden where He was arrested.
- Why did the men fall down and draw back from Jesus in the garden after He said "I am He"?
- Wouldn't Judas count as one Jesus had lost?
- Peter drew his sword and struck off the ear of the high priests servant.
- Who was the high priest that year; Annas or Caiaphas?
- Caiaphas was the one who prophesied that Jesus would die to save many.
- Which other discple followed Jesus?
- Peter denied Jesus the first time while around a fire
- One of the officers struck Jesus for responding to the high priest.
- Annas sent Jesus to Caiaphas the high priest.
- Are they both high priests?
- Peter denied Jesus two more times and the rooster crowed immediately after the 3rd time.
- They took Jesus to Pilate's house but wouldn't enter it and defile themselves for Passover.
- It is ironic that they couldn't find a just reason to kill them when judging by their own laws.
- Pilate questioned Jesus about being a king. Jesus' response was that His kingdom was not of this world.
- Everyone who is of the truth listens to Him.
- Pilate found no guilt in Him and offered to release Him to the Jews, but they wanted Barabas released instead for the Passover custom.

Colossians 2
- The Colossians had never met Paul before.
- Paul still wants them to know he is with them in spirit and encourages them to stay firm in their faith in Christ.
- Walking in Christ leads to abundant thanksgiving.
- We were circumsized in sprit with Him and buried with Him in baptism and raise with Him by faith from the dead.
- Christ has canceled the debt against us we had with God.
- Our sin has been nailed to the cross with Christ.
- Paul tells them not to let others judge them.
- Was Paul referring to Jews or people of the world?
- Some people might try to disqualify them for not worshipping idols or insisting on asceticism.
- Asceticism is the doctrine that a person can attain a high spiritual and moral state by practicing self-denial, self-mortification, and rigorous self-denial; extreme abstinence. - Some boast in visions they have had, but Paul tells the Colossians not to baost in these either, but to look to Christ as their Head from whom all things flow.
- Paul tells them not to submit to old, worldly regulations any more.
- Regulations have the appearance of good but ultimately they do not stop the idulgence of the flesh, which we must fight against.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Exodus 38 - proverbs 14 – john 17 – Colossians 1

Exodus 38
- Bezalel made the alter of Burnt Offerings and all of its needed utensils
- The alter was hollow with four rings and two long poles to make it easier to carry.
- The alter and the Basin were both made with bronze. (Why not gold?)
- The court's pillars were made of bronze with silver in them.
- Which metal was most valuable to the Israelites?
- The Court was made to God's previously states specifications.
- Oholiab helped Bezalel make the Tabernacle.
- They used about 2,210 pounds of gold, 8388 pounds of silver, and 6,450 pounds of bronze for the Tabernacle.
- There were 603,550 men over 20 who were old enough to give amongst the Israelites.
- How did they move all of this added weight with them through the wilderness?

Proverbs 14
- A wise woman builds her house.
- The upright fear the Lord.
- The prudent find wisdom in perserving his way.
- Bitterness is only know in the heart.
- The backslider will be filled with bad fruit.
- The wise think before they act.
- A quick temper leads to foolish words
- Why would it say that the rich have many friends?
- Steadfast love and faithfulness are the fruit of the good.
- We can find refuge and confidence and life in the fear of the Lord.
- Slow to anger shows great understanding.
- Tranquility brings life but envy brings evil.
- Giving to the needy honors God.
- (v.32) Is this talking about the evil man's death or the righteous men?

John 17
- Jesus asked God to glorify HIm so that He could glorify God.
- Jesus is asking God to give back the glory He had with God before the world existed showing Jesus' eternalality.
- Jesus says that He has given those who would believe the words God sent Him with.
- Jesus is praying for those who would believe, not the world as a whole.
- Jesus prays for unity for the believers after He leaves them.
- Jesus says not one has been lost under His care, except the "son of destruction" (Judas).
- Did Judas lose his salvation?
- God's Word is Truth.
- Jesus wants God to protect them and set them apart from the world.
- Jesus also prays this prayer for future believers as well.
- Jesus says over and over that His prayer is that they (believers) will be in Him as He is in God. This phrased is echoed over and over again in different ways.

Colossians 1
- Did Timothy convince Paul to write a letter to the Colossians?
- Epaphras was the one who was ministering to the Colossians and made their faith known to Paul.
- They pray continuously for enlightenment and increased faith and understanding of God's Word for the Colossians.
- Paul reminds them to continue in good works, but also that their hope is ultimately in Christ alone who drew them out of darkness
- All things were created for Him and through Him (Is the "Him" God or Jesus or are they saying the two are one?)
- Later in the verse it uses "He" to describe Christ (make peace by blood of cross, etc..)
- God reconciled to Himself all things through Christ.
- Paul reminds them that they were hostile and evil toward God but now through Christ they are holy and blameless (which is how husbands are to hold their wives in Ephesians 5)
- Now their faith can be stable and not shift from the hope they have in the true gospel.
- Paul can rejoice in his suffering for their sake.
- Paul is stewarding the message of the Gosepl which God gave him on the road to Damascus.
- The OT mysteries are now revealed and made known through Christ.
- Paul strives to preach the gospel to everyone so that they may be united under Christ.
- Paul gives Christ credit for the energy he has to preach the gospel under extreme persecution.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Exodus 36/37 - proverbs 12/13 – john 15/16 – Ephesians 5/6

Exodus 36/37
- The people brought more than enough gold and jewelry to make all that the Lord had commanded them, so Moses told the people to stop giving freewill offerings.
- They made everything to the specifications that the Lord had given them.
Ch. 37
- Bezalel made the ark exactly how God had said he should.
- Bezalel also made the alter of incense, the table, and the lampstand just as the Lord had subscribed.

Proverbs 12/13
- Whoever hate reproof is stupid.
- The root of the righteous shall never be moved.
- Use diligence over following worthless pursuits.
- A wise man listens to advice (even Moses listened to his father-in-law's advice)
- Wise words bring healing, foolish words bring pain.
- How can it say that "no ill befalls the righteous" when Job was befallen a lot?
- Anxiety is like a heavy weight
Ch. 13
- A wise son listens to correction.
- A sluggard gets nothing, while the diligent is richly supplied
- We shouldn't boast in what we do or don't have.
- (v.12) How can we fulfill our hopes in a better way?
- We should love God's word and His commandments.
- How can I better "walk with the wise"?
- A sinner's wealth will fin its way to the righteous.
- Disciplining children is a way to show love. To not do this shows "hate" for one's children.

John 15/16
- Jesus compares Himself to a vine and God to the vine dresser.
- We need to be in Christ to bear any fruit just as the branches have to be attached to the vine.
- We can do nothing apart from Christ.
- The bad (unfruitful) branches will be thrown away into the fire (hell).
- If we abide in Christ we can ask for whatever we want and it will be given us
- How exactly does this work practically?
- This truth should fill us with true joy!
- The greatest love there is laying one's life down for his friends.
- Jesus is getting ready to do this, no longer calling us servants (in bondage to sin) but He calls us His friends. Wow!
- Jesus says is was He who chose them, not the other way around.
- He chose them to do good works, so that they'd love one another.
- The world will hate us because we are in Him.
- Jesus again echos that He chose us (out if the world)
- (v.22)If Christ had not come, would many go to Hell on account of their sin?
- Were people saved from sin BEFORE Christ came?
- Regardless we are now have no excuse for our sins and are seen as guilty.
- The OT is again fulfilled because "They hated me without cause"
- The believers and the Spirit will bear witness about Christ to the world.
Ch.16
- Jesus tells the disciples they will be thrown out and some killed in His name. He tells them to give them strength and faith when their hour comes.
- Jesus says He will be leaving them and they are speechless but sad.
- Isn't having Jesus there physically better than having the Spirit/Helper?
- The "ruler" of this world will be judged. This must be referring to Satan because it is singular.
- The Spirit will convict the world of its sin.
- Jesus wants to tell them so much more, but knows they cannot truly understand it until the Spirit comes who will open their minds and souls to receive the truth.
- Why does Jesus speak to His disciples in riddles?
- Jesus says they will grieved, but that sadness will be turned to joy, like a woman who goes into labor, but is joyful when she sees the final product, a healthy baby.
- This is the third time in today's reading that Jesus says whatever is asked is His name will be given to us.
- Why does Jesus not talk plainly to the Disciples now?
- Jesus' last statement about leaving and going to the Father is said plainly so that they understand.
- When Jesus speaks plainly they respond enthusiastically and are confident He is from God.
- Jesus says they will be scattered soon and leave Him alone.
- In Jesus there is peace, in the world tribulation
- Jesus has overcome the world!!!

Ephesians 5/6
- Ephesians echos John in telling us to imitate Christ's love for us.
- As Christians we should control our lusts and not joke crudely.
- What constitutes "crude humor"?
- Because of these sins God's wrath has come upon the world.
- We were in darkness but now walk in the light.
- We should always try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
- We should be light and try to expose darkness in this world.
- Walk in wisdom and make the best use of our time.
- Paul tells the Ephesians not to get drunk on wine.
- Wives should submit to their husbands and husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church (That's a high calling)
- Paul says that marriage is a mystery but he refers to it as the marriage between Christ and the church.
- Husbands should love their wives and wives should respect their husbands.
- Why doesn't it tell wives to love their husbands?
Ch.6
- Children should honor their parents. (This commandment comes with a promise "that it may go well with you)
- What does honoring one's parents look like if their expectations are unreasonable?
- Do not raise children to hate you, but raise them in the fear of the Lord.
- Slaves should obey their masters, even when they aren't looking because they are serving the Lord and doing God's will.
- Does God promote slavery?
- Slaves will be rewarded by God later.
- He warns Masters to do the same because ultimately God is their master.
- Put on armor of God to resist the devil and to battle against the flesh.
Armor of God:
1) Belt of Truth
2) Breastplate of Righteousness
3) Shoes of Readiness
4) Shield of Faith (to deflect Satan's arrows)
5) Helmet of Salvation
6) Sword of Spirit (Word of God and prayer)
- Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for boldness for himself.
- Isn't Paul one of the boldest people there was?
- Paul is in chains as he writes this letter.
- Tychicus is being sent by Paul to them.
- The love of Jesus is incorruptible.
- They should love with faith in Christ

Friday, September 19, 2008

Exodus 35 - proverbs 11 – john 14 – Ephesians 4

Exodus 35
- No work on Sabbath or you die, can't even make a fire
- Those of generous heart were to give gold, cloth, oil, etc...
- Every skilled craftsman was to build what the Lord had commanded
- What happened to the 2 men who were highly skilled to do the work?
- It repeatedly says "everyone" brought what they could.
- This was a free will offering
- Bezalel, son of Judah, was given talents to do the work and to teach others how to do the work.
- Oholiab, so of Dan, They were designers, embroiderers, weavers, and engravers.

Proverbs 11
- The Lord delights in just weights (because He is just)
- Righteous men walk a straight path and live.
- A man of wisdom remains silent and does not belittle his neighbor
- Many counselors = safety
- The wicked will no go unpunished (even if it is after death)
- Women should use discretion.
- Generosity will lead to reward not into poverty.
- What does this phrase mean? "Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, [2]
but evil comes to him who searches for it."

John 14
- Jesus told the disciples not to be troubled because He was preparing a place for the and would come back for them.
- Thomas said they didn't know the way.
- Jesus said He is the way, the truth, the light and no comes to the Father except through Him.
- Philip said seeing the Father was enough motivation/reason.
- Jesus semi rebukes Philip for his lack of faith because the Father is in Jesus, yet Philip has not been able to see that.
- Whatever you ask in Jesus name, He will do to glorify the Father.
- Jesus says He will send them a Helper.
- The other less known Judas asked why Jesus manifests Himself to them and not to the world.
- Jesus gives them His peace
- Jesus again says He must go away so that He may fulfil His purpose for being sent.

Ephesians 4
- These are "worthy traits of a Christian according to Paul, "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
- We need to bear with each other in love.
- What lower parts does this refer to?
- By speaking the truth in love we grow more and more like Christ.
- Hardness of heart = alienation from God.
- Walking in sin is no way to see God. (don't be like the Gentiles)
- We are called to put off our old self and put on our new self.
- This verse has been a key one for fighting temptations to sin, gossip, slander at work, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
- We should fix our anger and not dwell upon it or try to bury it. This leads to bitterness which gives room for the devil to work.
- We shouldn't gossip or slander or even say "true" things which tear people down.
- We are only to say what is good for building up and gives grace to those who hear.
- The key to avoiding bitterness and anger is to seek to forgive others as much as God has forgiven us when He called us to Him through Christ His son. Once we forgive this much (which is impossible) we can start getting mad.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Exodus 34 - proverbs 10 – john 13 – Ephesians 3

Exodus 34
- Moses cut 2 new tablets and went back up the mountain.
- God came down in a cloud to meet him.
- God's character is shown; He is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
- How would the Israelites have found favor with God to be able to ask for forgiveness?
- God proclaims He will drive out other tribes from the land doing awesome wonders.
- God also commands them to destroy foreign alters in the new lands, lest they turn and worship other gods.
- Why would you redeem a first born donkey with a lamb?
- The shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Ingathering?
- Is this a harvest celebration?
- Moses was with God for 40 days and 40 nights and he didn't eat or drink anything
- How could Moses live without water?
- Moses' face shone so brightly when he reentered the camp that the people were afraid and Moses had to wear a veil.
- Moses only removed the veil when he was speaking to God.

Proverbs 10
- Hard work pays off
- A foolish child brings sorrow to his parents.
- If you walk in integrity your way will be secure
- Love covers all offenses.
- He who avoids reproof will lead others astray
- Talking too much will lead to transgression.
- The fear of the Lord brings long life (eternal life)
- The righteous know what is acceptable to say.

John 13
- Was the devil in Judas the whole time since he was stealing from the poor?
- Jesus wahsed His disciples' feet, but Peter didn't want to allow Him to do this.
- Jesus told Peter that He must wash his feet, so Peter asked to have his hands and face washed too.
- How does washing the feet clean the whole body?
- Jesus said one of the disciples was unclean.
- Jesus tells them to follow His example.
- He also says that He had not chosen all of them.
- Didn't Jesus specifically choose these 12 men to be with Him?
- Why didn't the disciples understand that Judas would betray Jesus since He gave Judas the morsel of bread?
- The disciples thought Judas was going out to give the poor money.
- Jesus gave them a new commandment; to love one another as He had loved them.
- Peter didn't understand where Jesus was going that he couldn't follow
- Peter says he would lay his life down for Jesus, and this is when Jesus tells him that Peter will deny Him 3 times that very night.

Ephesians 3
- Paul is in prison for the Gentiles' sake.
- Paul knows the mystery of Christ and how he was to bring it to the Gentiles who would be under the same body of believers as the Jews. (There is no more separation between the two)
- Paul sees preaching to the Gentiles as a gift of God's grace.
- God's eternal purposes are fulfilled in Christ.
- He have boldness and confidence through Christ.
- God names every family in heaven.
- God will strengthen their spirit
- their faith shall be rooted in love (echoing Jesus' new commandment in John 13)
- The love of Christ is where knowledge is
- All glory is due to God.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Exodus 33 - proverbs 9 – john 12 – Ephesians 2

Exodus 33
- The Lord told Moses that He’d send an angel before them into the land to destroy the people already there.
- The Lord also said He would not go with them because He’d get angry with the stiff necked people and destroy them.
- The people mourned this word and took off their ornaments.
- Moses would go to the tent of meeting outside the tent.
- Whenever Moses entered the tent a pillar of cloud would descend and God would talk to Moses face-to-face.
- Can a man talk to God face-to-face without dying?
- Moses asked God to show him His plans.
- Moses said he didn’t want to go on without God present with the people.
- Moses knew that God being with them was the only thing different about the Jews from other people
- Moses saw the back side of God in His glory, but a man cannot live and see God’s face.
- God put Moses in a cleft in the rock until He had passed by.
- Could Adam and Eve see God’s face in the Garden of Eden
Proverbs 9
- What are wisdom’s 7 pillars?
- If you correct a wise man he will love you (so I should love correction)
- Fear of the Lord is beginning of wisdom and knowledge of God is insight
- Wisdom adds days to your life.
- Folly can be seductive
- Folly leads to death and Sheol.
John 12
- Did this chapter yesterday
Ephesians 2
- We were all once dead in our trespasses and sins.
- We were all children of wrath (since the time of the Fall)
- In God’s great love He chose to save us through sending His Son.
- We have been seated in heaven and gave us riches in Christ Jesus.
- We have been saved by faith, which is not our own doing, but God’s doing so that no one can boast.
- God created works for us to do before hand (probably referring to before time began)
- No person can take credit for anything good done or for saving themselves from avoiding God’s wrath. It is only possible through His saving grace though His Son.
- Paul reminds the Ephesians of their hopeless, helpless estate before God called them to Himself
- They have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
- He is our peace because we can now come to Him now that the Law has been done away with.
- Jesus’ death on the cross took away the hostility which existed between God and man once sin entered the world.
- The Spirit gives us access to God
- They are now a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit and part of the House of God

Monday, September 15, 2008

Exodus 32 - Proverbs 8 - John 12 - Ephesians 1

Exodus 32
- The people were impatient and made Aaron create a god for them to worship.
- Why did Aaron give in and lead them into sin?
- Why didn't the people worship the pillar of fire?
- The people worshipped the golden calf.
- Moses told God not to totally destroy the people because it would look bad to other nations that God saved the Jews to kill them all.
- Moses went down the mountain with the 2 tablets and Joshua.
- Moses became angry and smashed the tablets and ground up the idol and made the people drink it.
- Aaron's excuse seems lame, he said he put the gold into the fire and a calf came out.
- Moses asked the people who was on the Lord's side and the Levites were.
- Moses commanded them to go and kill their brothers and friends who had sinned.
- The Levites were now servants of the Lord.
- Moses went back up the mountain to plead for forgiveness for his people.
- They refer twice to "the book" and having names written in it.
- The Lord sent a plague on the people for their sin.
- Can the people be responsible for keeping the commandments BEFORE Moses had given them to the people?

Proverbs 8
- Through wisdom comes righteousness.
- Wisdom was with God before, during, and after creation and wisdom is a delight to God.
- Fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
- Riches and honor come by wisdom.
- Wisdom delights in the children of man
- Does this refer to the Garden of Eden?
- Wisdom leads to favor from God and to life.

John 12
- Jesus visits Lazarus and Mary 6 days before the Passover.
- Mary wipes Jesus' feet with expensive oil and Judas rebukes her for not giving the money to the poor.
- We see that Judas didn't care about the poor, but about the money, which he had been using part of for himself.
- How could Judas sin against Jesus before Satan enters him to betray Jesus?
- The priests wanted to kill Jesus and Lazarus because many people began believing in Jesus.
- Jesus rode into town on a colt (fulfilling an OT prophecy) and the people celebrated Him.
- Why does verse 20 specify that it was Greeks who came to Jesus?
- Jesus says that in order to be fruitful He must die, like a seed that falls to the ground.
- Jesus tells the people that He was there to die.
- A voice spoke about Him like thunder. Jesus states that the voice was for them not for Him.
- The people wondered how the Christ could die when He was to live forever.
- Jesus hid from those who refused refused to believe in Him. Their hearts were hardened.
- Isaiah had spoken of Christ's glory because he had seen it.
- Some believed but didn't acknowledge it because they like the praise of people more than the praise of God.
- Jesus says He is speaking for God who will ultimately judge them.

Ephesians 1
- Paul greets the Ephesians with grace and peace a combination of a Greek and a Jewish greeting (we learned about this in church last Sunday)
- We were chosen in Him before the creation of the world.
- By grace He predestined us and elected us to be adopted into His kingdom.
- By grace we have been forgiven of our sins and trespasses.
- He has given believers wisdom.
- Through Christ, God is uniting all of His creation again.
- Paul remembers when they believed in Christ and received the Spirit themselves.
- Having the Holy Spirit ensures we have received an inheritance.
- Paul continually rejoices and prays for the Ephesians.
- He prays that they will rejoice in their inheritance and in the fact that God raised Christ to sit as His right hand in heaven.
- God put all things under Christ's feet and made Him head of the church.
- The church is Christ's body.
-

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Exodus 30/31 - Proverbs 6/7 - John 10/11 - Galatians 5/6

Exodus 30/31
- The alter of incense was to be outside of the curtain where the ark was kept.
- Aaron was supposed to offer up incense offerings. No other offerings should be made there except the blood of the atonement from the sin offering once a year.
- Every man over 21 should give a census tax of half a sheckel. (This symbolized their trust in God's protection).
- Aaron and his sons had to wash their hand and feet as well as the food offering before entering the tent of meeting.
- Their made a sacred perfume of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane, 24 and 500 of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin [5] of olive oil."
- Everything shall be washed in this sacred oil to make things holy.
- Anyone else who uses perfume like this shall be cast out.
- The holy incense was made of Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part), 35 and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.
Ch.31
- Bezalel (tribe of Judah) God gave special craftsman's giftings to make things for the Lords tent.
- Oholiab (tribe of Dan) was also given these giftings.
- They both would make everything the Lord commanded Moses to have made. (God supplied the command and people to meet those commands)
- The Lord commands the people to keep the Sabbath because it is holy for "them"
- Whoever works on the Sabbath shall be put to death
- It represents how God made everything in six days and rested on the 7th.
- Can God get tired since He rested on the 7th day and was refreshed?
- God wrote all these things on 2 stone tablets with His own finger.

Proverbs 6/7
- What does it mean to put up security for your neighbor and why is it a bad thing?
- Solomon addresses laziness by pointing us back to the ant, a lowly creation, who works diligently.
- With laziness comes poverty and ruin.
- Those who sow evil will reap destruction.
- God hates 7 things: There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.
- Commandments and teachings offer light into the darkness and will insure success.
- Solomon again warns against adultery.
- No despises a poor man who steal but he has to pay back 7 times the amount if he's caught.
- Adultery can not be overlooked.
- Adultery will burn you like fire against your chest.
- When caught, the man who was adultered against will seek revenge.
Ch. 7
- This chapter is all about warning against adultery.
- What does it mean to keep teachings as the apple of your eye?
- Wisdom will keep you from adultery.
- Solomon recounts seeing an adulteress coaxing a married man to lay with her.
- Adultery can seem easy and smooth without wisdom.
- Solomon compares this man going into the adulteress to a lamb going to slaughter. It will cost him his life.
- This sin captures and takes down even the mightiest of men

John 10/11
- Why would Jesus share this parable able sheep following the shepherd's voice if they did not understand it?
- Jesus says that He is the good shepherd and many will be saved by Him.
- Jesus says that He must lay down His life, so that He can take it up again.
- Again some thought He was possessed and other said he was not.
- During the Feast of Dedication, Jesus states that He and the Father are one.
- They picked up stones to stone Him for blasphemy and He quoted scriptures whcih caused them to back down.
- How did He escape from them?
Ch. 11
- Mary was the woman who annoited Jesus' feet with oil. Mary's brother Lazarus had died. Jesus said it will be good for them to see this miracle.
- Jesus didn't fear doing good works even though the Jews wanted to stone Him.
- What does Thomas mean about wnated to die with him?
- Jesus arrived 4 days after Lazarus had been buried.
- Martha went and said Jesus could do anything including raise her brother, and He raised Lazarus.
- Why was Jesus "troubled"?
- Jesus wept.
- Martha second guessed Jesus when He asked to remove the stone fromthe entrance to Lazarus' burial cave.
- Jesus thanked God out loud for raising Lazarus, and then He called him out.
- Caiaphas, the high priest profesied that Jesus would die for His nation, and other ones too.
- They were looking to arrest Him at the Passover Feast.

Galatians 5/6
- Since we're free we should not put ourselves under slavery again.
- Circumsision won't save you but faith alone.
- Paul asks who among them is scewing their faith.
- We shouldn't use our freedom to indulge in sin.
- Paul addresses the battle between the spirit and the flesh.
- Paul lists many sins followed by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control
-We should not provoke others to envy.
Ch. 6
- Bearing one another's burdens is the topic of this passage
- Brothers, [1] if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
- One of my favorite passages is: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
- We should do good to others and not grow weary in doing good (because we should do all things with the end in mind)
- Paul wrote this letter himself and wrote in big letters for emphasis.
- Paul says he will only boast in the cross.
-Paul says if the have faith they will also have peace and mercy.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Exodus 29 - Proverbs 5 - John 9 - Galatians 4

Exodus 29
- Aaron and his two sons were ordained with a bull and 2 rams and unleavened bread.
- The bull will be killed and its blood sprinkled on the horn of the Ark and the rest of the blood poured out on the alter.
- Why did they burn the flesh and dung of the bull outside the camp?
- The bull was killed as a sin offering.
- The first ram is killed as a burnt offering.
- Why does God like this particular smell?
- Who is the "you" referring to in these directions?
- The second ram is then killed and its blood thrown against the alter.
- Why does Aaron put its blood on his right ear, right toe, and right thumb?
- What is the significance of a wave offering and a food offering?
- Aaron and his sons shall eat of the 2nd ram. This is a peace offering. They must eat it all before morning. The leftovers should be burned.
- The holy garments must be worn for 7 days by each new priest.
- They were to kill a bull every day for 7 days and cleanse the alter.
- Did they sacrifice 2 lambs each day or jusr during those 7 days?
- These directions were to remind the people the the Lord was their God.

Proverbs 5
- Solomon warns his son about the adulterous woman who may appear smooth but will ultimately lead to death.
- He warns to keep away from her who can take your honor
- Do not hate discipline which will lead to ruin.
- You should rejoice in the wife of your youth (which Solomon did in the Song of solomon)
- Why didn't Solomon follow this advice later in his own life when he had many many wives?
- These warnings are against being led stray.

John 9
- Jesus is asked who sinned that a certain man was born blind; the man or his parents.
- Jesus responds that the man was born blind so that He might display His power.
- Jesus put mud in the man's eyes and told him to wash his face in the pool. When he did this, his sight was restored.
- This was seen as an overwhelming miracle because this man was like thise since birth which apparently gives the miracle itself more credit in their eyes.
- Of course this healing took place on the Sabbath.
- The Pharisees didn't believe he was the same man who was blind, but half did believe in Jesus after this miracle and half did not. This caused division among them.
- They even asked the man's parents if he was indeed their son. His parents made him answer the Pharisees because they were afraid.
- The formerly blind man didn't know if Jesus was a sinner, but he did know that he was once blind but now he could see.
- They were confused because they didn't want to believe that God had spoken to Jesus like God had spoken to Moses.
- They threw the healed man out because his thoughts on truth were mocking what they wanted to believe about Jesus.
- The man believed in Jesus
- Jesus called the Pharisees blind for not being able to see what was taking place in their midst.

Galatians 4
- Paul points out the similarities between a child and a slave becuase both are under people.
- God sent His Son born to a woman under a law, to allow us to become adopted by God.
- Because we are now God's sons, we are given His Spirit.
- Paul is rebuking them for tunring from godly principles, back to their former idolartry ways. He even says he fears that he had labored among them in vain.
- Did Paul think they weren't saved?
- Paul oringinally visited the Galatians because he was sick and they took great care of him.
- Paul again refers to them as little children.
- Paul says he is anguish over Christ being formed in you. This anguish comes from being confused about them.
- The Galatians are desiring to be back under the Law. Why?
- Paul recounts the story of Hagar and Sarah to them. Hagar's son was born of the flesh, while Sarah's son was born from a promise by God.
- Why does Paul refer to Hagar as Arabia AND Jerusalem?
- The Jerusalem above must be referring to heaven.
- Paul tells them that they are not children of the slave but they are free.

Exodus 28 - Proverbs 4 - John 8 - Galatians 3

My notes on these verses didn't publish on Tuesday. I'll come back and retype these notes when I have a chance.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Exodus 27 - Proverbs 3 - John 7 - Galatians 2

Exodus 27
- The alter was 5 x 5 x 3 cubits.
- It had horns on 4 sides and was covered in bronze.
- All of the utensils should be made of bronze also.
- The alter shall be carried with poles of acacia wood.
- North and South sides of court of the Tabernacle were 100 cubits with 20 pillars.
- West Side was 50 cubits long with 10 pillars.
- The East side is 50 cubits and has a screen made for it of linen.
- The height of the court is 5 cubits.
- The people were supposed to bring beaten olive oil to light the lamp which Aaron and his sons were to keep burning.
- This should be done for all generations.

Proverbs 3
- Steadfast love and faithfulness will lead to favor and good success before man and God.
- We are to trust in God and not our own understanding.
- We need to acknowledge God in all we do and He will bless us.
- We are called to honor God with our money (steward it well).
- God disciplines us because He loves us.
- Wisdom leads to peace and riches
- God created the world with His wisdom.
- Wisdom will keep you safe and unafraid.
- Don't withhold good when it's possible for you to do it.
- Don't make others wait when you can help them today.
- Do not envy people who do wrong.
- The Lord curses the wicked but blesses the righteous.
- God grants favor to the humble.

John 7
- Jesus did not go to the Feast of Booths with His brothers. Instead He came later, alone.
- Jesus said His time had not yet come and that the world hated Him for speaking truth about them.
- The people wondered why Jesus wasn't there. Some said He was good, others said He was leading people astray.
- Jesus told the people He spoke to glorify God not Himself.
- When Jesus asked why they were seeking to kill Him, many said He had a demon.
- Jesus again asked why it was wrong to heal on the Sabbath but not wrong to circumcise.
- There was a debate about whether Jesus could be the Christ because He was from Galilee not Bethlehem as the prophets had written.
- Jesus said they would seek Him but not find Him soon.
- On the last day of the feast He told people to come to Him for living water.
- Why did He talk about receiving the Spirit when He hadn't been glorified yet?
- How did the last part of this chapter and first part of chapter 8 get added to this section of Scripture if it wasn't in early manuscripts?

Galatians 2
- After 14 years of preaching to the Gentiles, Paul went back to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus.
- Titus was not circumcised in order to preserve the truth of the gospel.
- Paul was called to preach to the Gentiles while Peter, James, and John preached to the Jews.
- Why did they encourage Paul to remember the poor?
- Paul confronted Peter when he disassociated from the Gentiles when Jews were around.
- What caused this fear in Peter? Wasn't he filled with the Holy Spirit?
- Why does Paul refer to Peter as Cephas?
- We are justified by faith in Jesus not by what we do!
- Paul says we have been crucified with Christ (our sinful ways of the past are dead).
- The Law leads only to death. If the Law could save a man, then Christ died for no reason.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Exodus 26 - Proverbs 2 - John 5 - Galatians 1

Exodus 26
- There will be 10 curtains in the tabernacle that are 42 feet long and 6 feet wide.
- The curtains are blue, purple, and scarlet witha cherubim sewn into them.
- The curtains will be paired up and hung by 50 gold rings
- The eleven outer protective curtain was made of goats' hair and was 45 feet high and 6 feet wide, one was the entrance
- The outer curtains are hung with bronze.
- The frames were made a acacia wood. They were to be 15 feet high. Each frame was set on 2 silver bases.
- There were 230 frames on the south side and 20 frames on the north side.
- There will be 8 bases in the back of the tabernacle (two were corner frames)
- West was the rear of the tent, so it opened to the east.
- There were four pillars of acacia wood covered in gold and silver
- They were to make a veil to separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place where the ark of the covenant was kept.
- Outside the Most Holy Place there was a lampstand to the north and a table to the south.
- 5 gold and bronze colored pillars outside the Most Holy Place

Proverbs 2
- Value of wisdom
- we should incline our hearts to understanding
- Wisdom starts with the fear of the Lord
- God is a shield to those of integrity
- Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
- Discretion will help keep us safe
- Wisdom will protect from the adulterous woman.
- The adulterous woman breaks her covenant with God The upright will inherit the land and the treacherous will be rooted out.

John 5
- There was an invalid for 38 years at the pool in Bethsada
- Why didn't the man respond that he wanted to be healed when Jesus asked him?
- The Jews asked the healed man why he was carrying his mat on the Sabbath. His reply was that the man who healed him told him to.
- Jesus saw the healed man again in the temple and told him to sin no more. The healed man went back and told the Jews it was Jesus. The Jews began to persecute Jesus.
- Jesus works all the time because God, His Father, works all the time.
- Saying God was His Father made the Jews want to kill Him even more.
- The Son will do what He sees His father doing.
- Jesus says the Father has given judgement to the Son.
- Those who believe in the Son will inherit eternal life.
- Does Jesus choose who to save?
- Why does John always say, "Truly, Truly"?
- Even the dead will hear Jesus voice and be raised.
- The dead will see life or be judged.
- Is Jesus talking about the End Times?
- Jesus judgement is just because He is doing God's will.
- Jesus points to John's testimony about Him, but He has an even greater testimony from the Father.
- Jesus tells them the OT won't save them, but it bears witness about Jesus.
- Jesus rebukes them for receiving those whose glory is in themselves but not receiving Jesus whose glory is from God.
- Jesus says He is not accusing them, but Moses is in what he wrote about them.
- If the people don't believe Moses' writings how will they believe Jesus' words.

Galatians 1
- Paul also states he wasn't sent by men, but by Jesus and God.
- This letter was written to many churches in Galatia (maybe they'd share this letter)
- Paul starts off by rebuking them for allowing others to distort the gospel.
- Paul states that even if he or an angel would preach a different gospel they should be accursed.
- Paul says he can't be a people pleaser and a servant of Christ.
- Paul didn't learn the gospel from any man, but through a revelation from Christ.
- Paul rehashes his former persecution of the church and his excellence in the Jewish faith and laws.
- Paul states that God set him apart before he was born for the work of the gospel.
- Paul went to Arabia after his conversion before going back to Jerusalem. Paul was called to preach to the Gentiles.
- Paul didn't go to Jerusalem for 3 years after his conversion.
- He visited with Cephas (Peter) for 15 days.
- Paul was still unknown at this time, but believers were hearing stories about how Paul had changed.
This caused many to glorify God.

Exodus 21 - 25 - Job 39 - Proverbs 1 - Luke 24 - John 4 - 2 Corinthians 9 - 13

This is my quick overview of these chapters. Last week, I spent most of my quiet time times preparing for my Care Group Leaders retreat. I am now caught up with the reading, but I didn't take notes on thios section. I plan to come back to this section later in the year when some of our readings repeat.