Monday, August 18, 2008

Exodus 4-8 - Job 21 -26 - Luke 7-11 - 1 Corinthians 8 - 12

Exodus 4 -8
- The Lord gave Moses three signs to convince the people that God sent Him; staff into serpent, hand with leprosy, and Nile water turning into blood
- Moses try to say he was not eloquent of speech, but God responded saying He made Moses' mouth and would give him the words. (Moses used a poor excuse)
- This made God angry and he used Aaron, the Levite, to speak to the people.
- Why would God allow Aaron to speak for Moses?
- Why would God tell Moses that He would harden Pharaoh's heart? Wouldn't that make Moses' actions pointless?
- God says he will kill Pharaoh's first born son if he doesn't let Moses' people go.
- Why did the Lord come to kill him?
- Who is the "him" referred to here?
- Why does Aaron speak God's word to Moses to the people and show the signs?
- The people bowed and worshipped God when they heard that He had heard their cries.
ch. 5
- Moses and Aaron went before Pharaoh but he made the Israelites work even harder by no longer providing hay to make bricks. Pharaoh said the people were idle.
- The people responded negatively toward Moses and Aaron because of their increased burden.
- Moses question why God made the Israelites burdens worse by sending Moses.
Ch. 6
- God told Moses to wait and see His plan unfold against Pharaoh
- Moses told the people that God was still preparing to free them from the burdens and fulfill the promises to Abraham, but the people did not listen to Moses because of their broken spirit and heavy work load.
- What does Moses mean by uncircumcised lips?
- The genealogies of Aaron and Moses are given tracing their line back to Levi.
- Why does it repeat the uncircumcised lips part and that Pharaoh won't listen to Moses?
Ch.7
- God made Moses like God to Pharaoh and Aaron like a prophet
- Moses was 80 and Aaron was 83 when they spoke to Pharaoh. God again tells them to go to Pharaoh even though at first Pharaoh won't listen, eventually God promises to free His people.
- How did Pharaoh's sorcerers make their staffs turn into snakes?
- Aaron's staff snake ate Pharaoh's snakes
- 1st Plague:WATER INTO BLOOD
- How did Pharaoh's sorcerers turn the water into blood?
- Did they also kill the fish in the Nile?
- The Nile stayed as blood for 7 days.
Ch.8
- 2nd Plague: FROGS
- Why would Pharaoh plead with Aaron and Moses to take the frogs away if his magicians made frogs come up too?
- Moses cried out to God to remove the frogs as Pharaoh had requested but Pharaoh again hardened his heart the next day.
- 3rd Plague: GNATS
- Pharaoh's magicians couldn't produce gnats, and told Pharaoh that this act was from God, but still Pharaoh hardened his heart.
- 4th Plague: FLIES
- The Lord sent a swarm of flies on all of Egypt except in the land of Goshen when the Israelites still dwelt from the days of Joseph.
- Pharaoh said they could sacrifice to the Lord in Egypt, but Moses said that was against the Egyptian law and they would be stoned.
- Pharaoh promised to let the people go sacrifice to God, so Moses again pleaded before God to remove the flies. God did but Pharaoh again hardened his heart and refused to let them leave.

Job 21
- Job asks them to listen before continuing to mock him.
- Job asks why wicked prosper.
- Why does Job ask why people should pray to God?
- Job asks why God doesn't bring judgement immediately on the wicked.
Ch. 22
- Eliphaz begins recounting Job's wicked deeds; not feeding the hungry, cursing his brothers,
- Eliphaz rebukes Job for asking "what can God know?"
- Eliphaz pleads with Job to agree with God and be at peace
- If Job returns to God, God will again build him up.
- If Job prays to God, He will hear him and answer him.
Ch. 23
- How can Job say his complaint is bitter/defiant and not see that as wrong?
- Job thinks that if he could talk to God, his judge, he would be acquitted.
- Job is saying that he cannot see God anywhere he turns
- How can Job say he hasn't turned aside from God when he has complained so much?
- Job knows that God will do what He wants with Job, and that puts fear in Job.
Ch.24
- Job again asks why God does not cast judgement on the wicked and allows them to prosper.
Ch. 25
- Bildad replies that no one born of woman can be pure and no one escapes the light of God
- The son of man is a maggot in God's eyes
Ch. 26
- What is Abaddon?
- God has made everything and is in everything.
- God struck the fleeing serpent
- Is this a reference to the Garden of Eden?
- We hear a small whisper of God yet hear His great thunder also.

Luke 7
- Jesus marveled at the faith of the Centurion who simply asked Jesus to say the word and heal his servant from afar. Jesus said such faith isn't even in Israel.
- Jesus resurrected a dead son of a widow and people there glorified God and saw Jesus as a great prophet.
- Why would John ask Jesus if he was the one, after John himself had said Jesus was the one when he baptized Jesus?
- Jesus says none born of women is greater than John but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater then John.
- Jesus asked the Pharisees why they were upset that John didn't drink or eat bread and were upset that Jesus did eat and drink wine.
- Jesus said, "Wisdom is justified by all her children."
- A woman came and washed Jesus' feet with ointment and her tears at a Pharisees house.
- They knew she was a sinner, and wondered why Jesus allowed her to wash His feet.
- Jesus asked Simon which person in His parable would be more grateful of being forgiven a debt. Simon replied the one forgiven of the bigger debt.
- Jesus forgave the woman of her many sins and said her faith had saved her and she could go in peace.
Ch. 8
- Mary Magdalene, who had had 7 demons cast out of her, and several other women went with Jesus and his disciples.
- Jesus tells the parable of the sower to the people listening. He explains it to His disciples.
- The seed is the Word of God, path = devil taking the word away from people, rocky soil = people who are excited but have no root, thorns = hear word, but give into worldly temptation and bear no fruit, good soil = hear word and bear much fruit in patience.
- Why does Jesus add patience to bearing fruit?
- Jesus tells them to hear carefully because to those who have, more will be given, but to those who lack even what they have will be taken away.
- Jesus says His mother and brothers are those who "hear the word and do it!"
-The disciples got into a boat with Jesus and when a storm came they panicked and woke Jesus up. He stopped the storm and rebuked them for their lack of faith.
- The demons in the man pleaded with Jesus not to torment them, and he let them go into a herd of pigs.
- The people of the town were afraid of Jesus then asked Jesus to leave.
- the man begged to go with Jesus but He told the man to proclaim what God had done for him to those around him. That's just what he did.
- A woman who had bleeding touched Jesus in a crowd and He felt power go out from Him. His disciples were surprised to hear this because they were in a crowd.
- Jesus told the woman that her faith had made her well.
- The girl had died while Jesus was on His way to the house. Jesus took James, John, and Peter into the room, but the people grieving laughed at Jesus who then healed the girl. They were all amazed.
Ch.9
- Jesus sent the disciples out to preach the gospel and heal wherever they went.
- Herod was worried that Jesus might be John the Baptist, who he had killed, come back from the dead. Herod wanted to see Jesus.
- The apostles came back to him with stories of what they had done and Jesus feed the 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and 2 fish and had plenty left over.
- Jesus asks Peter who he says Jesus is and Peter responds, "The Christ of God"
- Jesus says he must be killed and raised the 3rd day.
- Why doesn't Jesus want His disciples to tell others about this prophecy?
- What does it mean to take up your cross and follow me?
- Didn't everyone there with Jesus eventually taste death? What did Jesus mean in verse 27?
- Jesus took James, John, and Peter up on the mountain to pray and Jesus was transfigured before them and spoke with Moses and Elijah.
- Peter asked if he should prepare them all tents, but then a loud voice told them to listen to Jesus, God's chosen one.
- Jesus sounded impatient when the disciples couldn't cast out a demon from the boy. He asked how long he would be with them?
- Jesus again foretells of His death, but what it meant was concealed from them.
- Jesus tells them that whoever receives Him will receive God who sent Him.
- Whoever is the least will be great among them
- The disciples tried to stop a man casting out demons in Jesus name, but He told them that whoever is not against you is for you.
- Why did James and John want to call fire down upon the village that did not receive Jesus?
- Jesus set Himself toward Jerusalem.
- Why didn't Jesus want the man with Him to bury his father or for another to say good bye to his family?
Ch. 10
- Who were the 72 that Jesus sent out?
- Jesus tells them to go out and find places to spread the good news and to let their peace be on those places. If those places won't receive them kick the dust off their sandals and leave that city.
- Jesus casts woes on Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for not repenting.
- Why didn't Jesus go to Sidon or Tyre if they would have repented?
- The 72 return rejoicing that evil spirits listen to them because of His name. Jesus tells them not to celebrate in this, but in the fact that their names are written in heaven.
- Jesus thanks God for helping the children believe.
- A lawyer tested Jesus by asking what he should do to inherit eternal life. He agrees with what Jesus says but asks who his neighbor is.
- Jesus tells a parable about a man stripped and beaten who is passed by a priest, a Levite, and then finally a Samaritan who cared for the man and paid for his lodging. The lawyer agreed that the Samaritan who showed mercy was the man's neighbor.
- Jesus encouraged the lawyer to go and do likewise.
- Jesus went to Mary and Martha's house. Martha was "busy serving", but Mary served alone.
- Why is Martha's serving seen as a bad thing?
Ch. 11
- The Lord's Prayer = And he said to them, “WONT class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_35>hen you pray, say:
“FatT class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_36>her, hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins,for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”
- Jesus tells the disciples to ask, seek, knock, and find.
- Jesus also asks what parent will give their kid something bad if they ask. God will do even more than a human father will do.
- The people accused Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebub, but Jesus corrected their thinking.
- Jesus says whoever is not with Him is against Him.
- How do spirits enter a person's body? (v.24)
- A woman in the crowd blessed Jesus' mother Mary who bore Him, but He said rather bless the person who hears God's Word and keeps it.
- Jonah was a sign to Ninevaclass=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_37>h as JeNT>sus ONT class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_38>is a sign to this generation, but the people of Ninevaclass=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_39>h repen</FONT>ted wher aT class=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_40>s thNT>is generation is not repenting.
- Do not put a lamp under a basket. The eyes are the light of the body.
- The Pharisee was surprised that Jesus didn't wash his hands before eating, but Jesus told them to wash the inside of the cup, not just the outside.
- Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for seeking the best seats of the house.
- A lawyer said Jesus had insulted them, and Jesus called woes upon the laywerclass=blsp-spelling-error id=SPELLING_ERROR_41>s for adding extra burdens on the people.
- Jesus said some that He will send will be killed just like prophets have been killed through out history from Abel to Zechariah.
- The scribes and Pharisees continued to question and press Him to find fault in Him.

1 Corinthians 8 -12
- 8:1 is a reply to a question the Corinthians had asked Paul in their letter to him.
- Knowledge puffs up by love build up.
- Why is knowledge in quotes?
- Paul says that idols do not really exist and there is only one true God.
- What types of gods and lords does Paul refer to here?
- Paul reminds them that they exist through Jesus.
- If people feel that food sacrificed to idols is bad (have a weaker faith).
- Eating or not eating is not the issue, but we shouldn't cause others to stumble because of our beliefs.
- If you cause a weaker member to stumble you sin against Christ.
- Paul says that if he knows eating meat will cause someone to struggle he will never eat meat.
Ch.9
-
- Paul says he has the right to eat and drink or take a wife.
- The plowman is commanded to muzzle his ox for his sake, not for the ox's sake.
- Paul says he has the right to collect material goods from them, but he doesn't enact that right which could cause some to stumble.
- Paul says he is a steward of the gospel, and woe to him if he doesn't preach it.
- Paul says he is free from all, but he has made himself a servant to win more people for Christ.
- Paul says that a runner runs to win the race and a beliver must beat (discpline) their own body for the sake of the Gospel.
- Pasul doesn't want to be disqualified from the eternal rewards.
Ch. 10
- Paul looks back at the cloud and rock the people of Moses were under pointing out that the "rock" was Christ.
- We must not put Christ to the test or complain as those with Moses did.
- All temptations are common to all man. We shouldn't be surprised by them.
- God will not let you be tempted beyond your ability and will always provide a way of escaping.
- Paul tells the Corinthians to flee idolatry and not try to divide their alegiance between God and demons.
- All things are lawful but not all things are good.
- We should seek the good of our neighbor not our own good.
- Do everything for the glory of God, whether it's eating or drinking.
Ch.11
- What does Paul mean when referring to wives covering their heads?
- God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of man, man is the head of his wife.
- Why was it disgraceful for women to have short hair?
- Why does paul say women should cover their heads because of the angels?
- Why is it disgraceful for men to have long hair?
- Paul addresses the divisions in the church and the fact that people are overeating and getting drunk during the "Lord's supper"
- The Lord judges us to discipline us.
-Paul says that he will answer their other questions when he comes to them.
Ch. 12
- Paul says we are given the Spirit for the common good.
- Gifts are wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophecy, tongues, interpretations of tongues, but the Spirit gives gifts as He wills.
- The body of believers are all different but under one body- Christ Jesus
- Paul uses a metaphor about certain parts of the body wanting to stand alone and how absurd that would be, so it is with the body of Christ.
- Paul continues this analogy by saying all parts of the body big and small are important, just as the people in the body of believers are important.
- If one part suffers, the whole body suffers; if one part rejoices the whole body does also. This is how the church should be too.
- Paul says that they don't all have th same giftings, but should seek the higher ones.


Saturday, August 16, 2008

Exodus 3 - Job 20 - Luke 6 - 1 Corinthians 7

Exodus 3
- Moses had been living with his father-in-law, Jethro when he saw an angel of God in the burning bush.
- God spoke from the burning bush and told Moses to remove his sandals.
- Was it God or an angel speaking to Moses from the burning bush?
- Moses hid his face from God because he was afraid.
- God said He had seen the affliction of His people in Egypt. God told Moses that he would go to Pharaoh and speak on the people's behalf.
- Moses asked who he was to do such a thing.
- God simply replied that He would go down with Moses.
- God told Moses that he would serve his people from this mountain. This was a sign for Moses.
- Moses asked who he should tell the people sent Moses. God said I AM WHO I AM, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- God told Moses to go round up the elders and go to Pharaoh to request a 3 day journey to sacrifice to the Lord.
- God says that He knows Pharaoh won't let them go at first until God performs wonders in Egypt.
- God also told Moses that when the Israelites leave Egypt, the Egyptians will give them good for their journey.

Job 20
- Zopphar speaks again to Job saying that the exulting of the wicked is short, and ruin will come upon him.
- The wicked will get no enjoyment and his prosperity will not endure.
- His possessions will be dragged off in the day of God's wrath.

Luke 6
- The Pharisees asked Jesus why His disciples picked grain on the Sabbath and Jesus referred to a time when King David had done this and stated that He was Lord of the Sabbath.
- The Pharisees wanted to accuse Him for healing on the Sabbath, but Jesus asked them if it was unlawful to do good on the Sabbath and healed the man to show His power. The Pharisees were angry and began to discuss what should be done to Him.
- Jesus stated the beatitudes in front of a large crowd basically giving future hope to those suffering now.
- Jesus said that the people should jump for joy when persecuted for they will receive a reward in heaven.
- Jesus follows the beatitudes with a list of woes against those who have much now, for they will lack later.
- Jesus says woe to those who are spoken well of, because the same thing happened with false prophets in the OT.
- Jesus calls the people to love their enemies because even Pagans love their friends.
- Do good and expect nothing in return and your reward will be great in heaven.
- Jesus says the people should be merciful as God is merciful...they should emulate God's characteristics in their lives.
- How we relate to others, by that same measure God will judge us.
- If a blind man leads another blind man, they will both stumble.
- We are called to look at the log in our own eye before looking at the speck in the eyes of another, basically judge ourselves and not others.
- We are judged by our fruit just like a tree.
- Out of the abundance of our heart our mouth speaks.
- Jesus asks why people call Him Lord but don't listen to Him.
- Jesus tells them a parable a man who builds a house with a firm foundation verses the man who build a house with no foundation. When the water rose the first man's house stood while the second house was greatly ruined. (Similar to the parable of the man who build upon the rock verses the man who build his house upon the sand)
- Is this the same parable?

1 Corinthians 7
- Paul seems to be promoting celibacy here, but he recommends getting married to avoid sexual temptation.
- In marriage your body belongs to your spouse, so only limit sex for a time of prayer, so that Satan won't lead you into sin.
- Paul says singleness is a gift which he wishes everyone had.
- Paul says to get remarried if you lack self control.
- Paul tells husbands and wives not to get divorced, but to be reconciled (Paul specifies this command is from the Lord not Paul)
- The next command is from Paul, not from the Lord - if a man or woman is married to an unbeliever, they should stayed married to them because the holy makes the spouse holy and the children holy too.
- What does Paul mean about making the unbelieving spouse and the children holy?
- If the unbelieving spouse wants to leave let them leave because the holy spouse can't save the unbelieving spouse.
- Circumcision doesn't mean anything, keeping God's commandments does.
- Paul tells them to stay as they were when they were called.
- Paul reminds them that they are slaves to Christ not to man.
- Paul again says it's best to be single, but getting married is not sinning.
- Paul says that married couples will have worldly troubles that singles won't.
- What does Paul mean when he says the married should live as if they didn't have a wife? (This section is confusing)
- Single men are anxious for things of the Lord but married men are anxious about how to please their wife. His interests are divided.
- Paul is spurring them onto undivided devotion to the Lord.
- Why would Paul tell the unmarried to not marry their betrothed?
- A wife is free to remarry as long as she remarries a Christian, but still staying single is better in Paul's eyes.
-

Friday, August 8, 2008

A Little Break in the Action

I'll be continuing with my Bible-in-a-Year notes starting again next Wednesday. Our church singles ministry in which my wife, Renee, and I lead a care group are studying through Proverbs. So over the next week I'll be studying Proverbs, so I won't be posting on this site.

See ya'll next Wednesday

Grace and peace to you

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Exodus 2 - Job 19 - Luke 5 - 1 Corinthians 6

Exodus 2
- A man of Levi married a Levite woman and they had a son.
- The woman hid the baby after 3 months in a basket along the river.
- Did Moses have an older sister who was watching him?
- Pharaoh's daughter came down to the river, found the baby, and took pity on him.
- Moses' sister recommended she find a nurse for the baby.
- The sister called Moses' real mother to nurse the baby, so his mother was paid to raise her son.
- How old was Moses when he finally went to live with Pharaoh's daughter?
- Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and Moses killed the Egyptian and hid him in the bushes.
- How did Moses know he was a Hebrew and why would he side with the Hebrews and not the Egyptians?
- Why would Pharaoh want to kill Moses who was like his son?
- Moses saved Reuel's 7 daughters from some rogue shepherds and went to live with them.
- Moses was given Zipporah as his wife.
- Why was Moses referred to by the daughters as an Egyptian and not as a Hebrew?
- She bore Moses a son named Gershom.
- The Pharaoh died and the people cried out to God for help.
- Why didn't they cry out during the previous Pharaoh's reign?
- What did God know?

Job 19
- Job asks his friends why they are against him.
- Job says that even if he has erred it is against himself.
- He asks them not to heap more upon him because he is already forgotten my friends and family and children are scared of him.
- Job still sees God as against him, but wants his friends to be an encouragement to him not an increased burden. Even his wife is far from him.
- Job wishes that his story could be written down.
- What does Job mean by "my Redeemer lives"?
- Job knows that once he dies he will see God!
- Job is asking his friends to stop trying to interrogate him to see what he has done wrong, because he hasn't sinned, and he adds a semi curse that God's wrath be on them for judging him.

Luke 5
- Jesus went out in Simon Peter's boat and was preaching to the people.
- Jesus told Peter to take his boat into deeper water and let down his nets.
- Peter had fished all night with no fish, but he obeyed Jesus' instructions.
- They pulled up the nets that were so full with fish that they filled two boats which almost sank.
- Jesus performed a miracle which would be obvious to the fishermen there.
- Upon seeing all the fish, Simon fell at Jesus' feet and told Him to depart because Peter was a sinner.
- Jesus said that Peter would be a fisher of men.
- James and John were also there and joined Jesus on the spot after seeing the fishing miracle.
- These three left everything and followed Jesus
- Why isn't Peter's brother Andrew mentioned here?
- Jesus healed a man with leprosy who believed Jesus could heal him.
- Jesus did heal him and told him to tell no one except the priest, as the OT commanded.
- As Jesus' popularity and fame grew He continued to withdraw to pray.
- There was a lame man, who Jesus forgave of his sins.
- The Pharisees rebuked Him for blasphemy, but to dispel their rebukes he healed the man and he walked. This showed the Pharisees that Jesus had authority to heal AND forgive sins.
- They were in awe at this and glorified God after this miracle.
- Jesus called Levi (Matthew) the tax collector and ate with him.
- The Pharisees asked why Jesus ate with sinners, and Jesus responded that He had come to save sinners not the righteous.
- The Pharisees asked Jesus why His disciples ate and drank but John's disciples did not. Jesus told them that they would once He, the bridegroom, had left them.

1 Corinthians 6
- Paul tells the Corinthians that they are to be judges by saints not the world.
- What does Paul mean that we are to judge angels?
- Doesn't this again contradict Paul's statement not to judge anyone?
- Paul is asking them why they go to worldly courts and not just settle the disputes among their "brothers".
- Paul asks why they have grievances against one another at all.
- Does Paul simply want us to overlook all offenses against us?
- Paul reminds them of the various sins they once walked in, but also reminds them that they were washed, sanctified, and justified by Christ Jesus.
- Why does Paul mean when he states, "“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything."?
- We will be raised as Christ was raised.
- Paul warns them against sexual immorality and interacting with prostitutes, which Paul says is one of the greatest sins because it is the one sin that takes place inside the body, not outside the body.
- Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and that it was bought with a price (Jesus' death on the cross)
- Paul tells them to glorify God with their bodies because of this fact.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Exodus 1 - Job 18 - Luke 4 - 1 Corinthians 5

Exodus 1
- The people of Israel multiplied and grew in strength in Egypt.
- A new Pharaoh came into power who did not know Joseph, and he feared that the Israelites would join forces with Egypt's enemies.
- The Israelites were given heavy burdens and task masters were appointed over them.
- What jobs did the Israelites do before this?
- Pharaoh had them build cities, but the more he oppressed them, the more they multiplied.
- Then the Egyptians made the Israelites their slaves.
- Pharaoh told the midwives to kill any sons born to the Israelites during labor, but they didn't do that because they feared God more than Pharaoh.
- God dealt well with the midwives and bless their families.
- Pharaoh made a new law which said any Hebrew sons born were to be killed.

Job 18
- Bildad responds asking why Job sees his friends as stupid.
- Bildad also acknowledges that Job is tearing himself in anger.
- This chapter uses many metaphors to say what will happen to the wicked; stumble in his calamity, famished strength, his roots dry up, and people no longer remember him.
- These things happen to those who do not know God and who are unrighteous.

Luke 4
- Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days, and at the end of that time the devil came to him to tempt him.
- The devil told Jesus to turn stones into bread to eat, but Jesus quoted a scripture against that.
- The devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in a moment in time, and the devil offers to give him authority over all the kingdoms.
- What does it mean by a "moment in time"?
- Who gave Satan authority over all the kingdoms on earth?
- The third temptation Satan starts with a scripture quote, but Jesus counters with another verse. (God's Word is the only way to overcome temptations sent by the devil)
- What "opportune time" was Satan waiting for?
- Jesus went back to Galilee filled with the Spirit.
- Jesus went back to Nazareth, his hometown, and read the scroll of Isaiah, stating that he was the fulfillment of the verses He read to them.
- Their initial response was to speak well of Him and marvel at His words.
- Why did Jesus refuse to do any miracles among them there when they believed and marveled at what Jesus had just said to them?
- Jesus continues by saying He was disregarded like Elijah and Elisha in the OT.
- They were filled with wrath at His words and drove Him out of the city.
- In Capernaum, Jesus saw a man with an unclean spirit who yelled to Him that He was the Holy One of God.
- Jesus hushed the spirit and made it come out of the man.
- v. 38 has Jesus healing Simon's mother-in-law.
- Is this Simon Peter's mother-in-law that was talked about in mark, since He hadn't called His disciples yet?
- How do the demons know who Jesus is?
- Why does Jesus silence the spirits from speaking the truth about Him to the people?
- The people wanted Him to stay with them, but He told them that He must preach the good news to others, for this is what He was sent to do.

1 Corinthians 5
- The reports Paul has gotten about the Corinthians tell him that a man has married his father's wife (possibly his mother).
- Paul rebukes them for not only allowing it, but boasting in it.
- Paul tells them that even Pagan view this as wrong.
- Why does Paul pronounce his judgement on this man, when in 1 Corinthians 4 he told them not to judge others, but to let that up to God?
- Isn't this contradictory?
- If the people deliver this man's flesh over to Satan, how can his spirit be saved?
- Paul uses a bread analogy stating that a little leaven gets into the whole lump, just like a little sexual immorality will ruin the whole church.
- The Corinthians need to put of evil and malice (their old ways) and turn to sincerity and truth (new way in Christ)
- Paul says that the sexually immoral in the world are not to be avoided, but those who are sexually immoral "brothers". (There is greater danger when fellow believers are walking in sin)
- Paul tells them to purge this wicked man from among them.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Genesis 50 - Job 16/17 - Luke 3 - 1 Corinthians 4

Genesis 50
- Joseph had Jacob embalmed which took 40 days.
- The people of Egypt wept for 70 days after Jacob died.
- Why would the Egyptians mourn a Hebrew when they were culturally inferior?
- Joseph went before Pharaoh to ask if he could fulfill Jacob's request of Joseph, in burying him in Ephron. Pharaoh sent Joseph with many others to mourn Jacob's death.
- Joseph's brothers thought that now that their father was dead Joseph would enact revenge upon them. They made up a request of Jacob to tell Joseph.
- Upon hearing the request Joseph wept because he never intended them any harm Joseph knew that their evil plans God had intended for the good of all the people of the land. (Joseph was able to see the bigger picture of God's plans where as his brothers were thinking narrowly)
- Joseph spoke kindly and promised to provide for them and their families. (What a testimony of faithfulness and trust in God's plans and not Joseph's desires)
- Joseph saw his great, great grandchildren of Ephraim and he saw Machnir's, the son of Manasseh's, children.
- Why does the reference apply to Machnir and not Joseph's son Manasseh?
- Joseph told his brothers he was about to die, but that God would surely fulfill his words spoken to their fathers.
- Joseph had his brothers promise to some day take his bones out of Egypt, and he died at 110 years old in Egypt.

Job 16/17
- Job replies that his friends are miserable comforters.
- He accuses them of doing nothing more than trying to ease his pain and being against him.
- He has also accused God of wearing him out and shriveling him up.
- He feels as though God hates him and is against him.
- v.19 Job acknowledges someone testifying for Him before God (is this a reference to
- How long has it been since Job was first struck with these trials by God? Christ?)
Ch.17
-Job confesses that his spirit is broken and his days are extinct.
- His hopes and plans are over in this world.
- If Job believes his hands are clean in this matter why isn't he growing stronger as he says in verse 9?
- Where is Job's hope in his present circumstances?
- Where should it be?

Luke 3
- John the Baptist was preaching many things to people quoting Isaiah about the things to come.
- John was preaching that the people needed to repent and be forgiven of their sins.
- Wasn't this being done for the people by sacrifices by the priests?
- John told the people that being a descendant of Abraham wasn't enough, they would be judged, like a tree, by the fruit they bore.
- The people asked what they should do and he said to share any extra clothing or food they had with those who were in need.
- He told the tax collectors and soldiers not to take more money from the people than they were supposed to, but to be content with their pay.
- The people thought John might be the Christ, but he said the Christ was coming and he was not the Christ.
- Herod locked John up for speaking bad about his affair with his sister0in-law.
- Luke gives a brief account of Jesus' baptism, saying he had been baptised and was praying and a voice spoke saying, "You are my Beloved Son"
- Why is Luke's account directed to Jesus specifically and not "This is my Son" which proclaims to others around?
- Jesus started His ministry when he was 30.
- Jesus' lineage included Adam, Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah (not Genesis Joseph), Boaz, and many other people that fill in the void of time between the OT and the NT.

1 Corinthians 4
- Paul says we are stewards of the mysteries of Christ.
- We should not judge others, and Paul says that he doesn't even judge himself, because God will do that in due time. God will commend and judge later, so we should not do it now.
- Paul warns the Corinthians not to go past what has been taught and add to it, so that they might get "puffed up" (prideful). They have nothing in themselves which they did not receive from God or through the Holy Spirit.
- Paul reminds them that they are rich now in Christ though many, like Paul, are seen as fools in the world, but they carry on for Christ's sake.
- Paul leads by his example on how they should react and be treated, which is still a good thing.
- Paul is reviled, but his response is to bless.
- Paul is persecuted, he endures it.
- Paul says that the Corinthians have many guides in Christ but not many fathers (people wise and mature in the faith)
- That is why Paul sent Timothy to them and wishes to return to them, God willing.
- God is not about talking the talk, but God is a God of power.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Genesis 49 - Job 15 - Luke 2 - 1 Corinthians 3

Genesis 49
- Jacob "blesses his sons"
- Why are their blessings so unkind? Are these really blessings?
- Reuben, strong and powerful, shall not have preeminence because of laying with Jacob's concubine Billah.
- Simeon and Levi are cursed for their anger toward the circumcised guy who raped their sister.
- Why was the house of Levi chosen to be God's chosen household to be priests?
- Judah shall be praised and hold the scepter (which holds true later in the OT)
- Zebulun shall live by the sea at Sidon.
- Issachar is a donkey who shall be at forced labor.
- Dan will judge his people
- Why is Dan compared then to a viper?
- What does Jacob mean by, "I wait for your salvation Oh Lord"?
- Gad will be raided.
- Asher shall have rich food
- Naphtali will bear beautiful "fawns" also interpreted as "give beautiful words"
- What does this mean?
- Joseph gets the longest speech and Jacob says the Lord will bless Joseph. Jacob passes his blessing from his father onto Joseph.
- Benjamin is a ravenous wolf that divides the spoil.
- What does this mean?
- How can some of these things said by Jacob be seen as blessings?
- Jacob tells his sons to bury him at Ephron the Hittite with Abraham/Sarah, Isaac/Rebekah, and his wife Leah.
- Does this mean Rachel has not yet died?
- Why did Jacob want to buried with Leah in Ephron and not Rachel in Ephrath?

Job 15
- Eliphaz the Temonite responds but his response is hard for me to fully understand.
- He tells Job that he is doing away with the fear of God and hindering mediation (he is throwing away the spiritual disciplines)
- Again the focus is on God's almighty character.
- Eliphaz again states that God is larger than life itself.
- Job's words have borderlined upon blasphemy against a holy and righteous God.
- Even heaven is not pure to God, so how can man be.
- The wicked man is in pain, distress, and anguish (It seems Eliphaz thinks that Job has done wrong and turned from God)
- What does turning from God look like in times of trouble (since God had told Satan that Job did not sin)?
- Possessions and wealth leave you at death.
- Those who trust in possessions will be left with emptiness.

Luke 2
- Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem (the city of David) for a census. There Mary gave birth to Jesus and lay him in a manger.
- Why did the angel appear to shepherds and not nobles or people of importance so that word might spread of Jesus' birth?
- A heavenly host appeared before the shepherds.
- The shepherds went and saw Jesus and Mary treasured what they said had happened to them.
- After 8 days Jesus was circumcised and named Jesus.
- Joseph and Mary followed the Jewish customs with their first born son.
- They took baby Jesus to the temple to sacrifice 2 doves.
- There they met an old man named Simeon who had been filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Simeon said that Jesus would be a light to the Gentiles and bring glory to the people of Israel.
- It's interesting to note that the Gentiles are listed first by Simeon.
- How were people filled with the Holy Spirit before Jesus died and rose again?
- Were they able to be saved with this faith in the Spirit?
- Simeon told them that Jesus would pierce Mary's soul also and reveal the hearts of many.
- This seems to mean that Mary was a sinner in need of a Savior too
- Anna prayed outside the temple day and night for many years and began to give thanks to the Lord and speak of the redemption of Jerusalem.
- Jesus was from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, but his family line is through King David whose hometown was Bethlehem.
- Every year Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover.
- They left and after a day's journey they realized that Jesus was missing, so they returned to Jerusalem looking for Jesus.
- After 3 days of searching they found Jesus in the temple talking with the teachers there.
- The teacher's were astonished at Jesus' understanding.
- Mary asked Jesus why He had worried them (Mary had been fearful of what had happened to him)
- Jesus responded that He must be in his Father's House (also interpreted as Father's business)
- They did not understand what he meant.
- Jesus was submissive to their parenting and went home with them.
- What did Mary treasure in her heart if she didn't understand what he was talking about?
- Why doesn't it ever say how Joseph responded in these situations?
- Jesus continued to increase in wisdom years and favor of God and man.
- How could Jesus grow in greater favor with God if He was God in part?

1 Corinthians 3
- Paul begins chapter 3 by telling the Corinthians that they were and still are people of the flesh and not spiritual people which is obvious by how they are acting.
- They are fighting over who to follow; Paul or Apollos.
- Paul rebukes them and says the Paul and Apollos are nothing but servants of God.
- They plant and water but only God can cause things to grow.
- Paul uses a builder's analogy by saying that Christ is the foundation and each person will be tested with fire based upon what they build upon that foundation.
- The Day will disclose it (notice that Day is capitalized probably referring to the last day.
- The fire will test what people build and what remains will be rewarded.
- How can people be saved and suffer loss v.15?
- We are God's temple and we cannot destroy God's temple or we too will be destroyed.
- Paul tells them that the wise are foolish compared to God.
- If Christ is God's and we are Christ's then all things are ours if we boast in God and not in the wisdom of men.