Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Deuteronomy 2 - Isaiah 20 – 2 Corinthians 3 – Revelations 2

Deuteronomy 2
- They went toward the Red Sea and went around Mount Seir
- God told Moses to head north through the country of Esau, but be careful because they are afraid of you.
- They were not to contend with them because God wouldn't give them any of the people of Esau's land.
- They shall buy food and drink their using money
- They lacked nothing for 40 years because God provided
- They left land of Esau and headed into the wilderness of Moab
- God said they wouldn't get any of Moab's land either so not to fight for it.
- God had given Ar to the people of Lot.
- The Emim formally lived in Moab
- The Horites formerly lived in Seir
- God sent them over the Brook of Zered
- From Kadesh-barnea to the brook of Zered was 38 years total.
- By this time all the men from the wicked generation had died as God promised
- Then God sent them in Ammon again saying He would not give them any of this land
- This land belonged to the sons of Lot.
- Rephaim formerly lived there
- The Anakim tribe was a very tall tribe
- The Caphtorim destroyed the Avvim
- God sent them to the Valley of Arnon
- Here the Lord gave them the land of Sihon, the Amorite king of Hesbon
- From this day on God would put the fear of them into other people's hearts.
- Moses sent a messenger to Sihon with words of peace, saying they'd pass through his land and pay for food.
- God hardened the king's heart and he wouldn't let them through
- This was the Battle of Jahaz and Sihon was defeated
- They captured all the cities and destroyed everything, leaving NO survivors, not even women or children.
- They only kept the livestock as spoil.
- God gave them the cities from Aroer to Gilead
- God forbid them to take the land of the sons of Ammon by the Jabbok River

Isaiah 20
- The year that the commander in chief was sent by Sargon the king of Assyria and he captured Ashdod.
- Then God spoke the Isaiah.
- God told Isaiah to walk around naked and barefoot
- Isaiah did this for 3 years as a sign that the king of Assyria will lead away those from Egypt and Cush naked and barefoot
- They shall be ashamed because Cush was their hope and Egypt their boast.
- Those that fled to Cush and Egypt will be dismayed when those countries themselves are captured.

2 Corinthians 3
- Paul say that the people are his "letter of recommendation"
- They are a letter to those around them "written by Spirit not with ink", not on tablets but on hearts
- We aren't sufficient alone to claim anything, but our sufficiency is from God.
- God made them ministers of a new covenant
- The letter kills but the spirit gives life
- The "ministry of death" (stone tablets) came with so much glory that the people couldn't look at Moses
- The ministry of the Spirit will be even more glorious.
- Ministry of righteousness far exceeds that of condemnation.
- The stone tablet that once had "glory" now has been surpassed and now has no glory at all.
- We can be very bold because of this new hope.
- Not like Moses who veiled his face
- Their minds were hardened when they read the old covenant because only Christ can take that veil away.
- Reading about Moses = veil over your heart
- Reading about the Lord = veil removed
- The Spirit of the Lord brings freedom
- Believers can behold His glory and are being transformed into the same image from "one degree of glory to another"
- This transformation can only come from God

Revelations 2
1) John was to write to the angel of the church of Ephesus
- He knows their patient endurance and toil and how they have tested and found out false apostles.
- They have not grown weary of enduring patiently for his name's sake.
- Bad things - they have abandoned their first love
- John reminds them to remember where they have fallen from and to do the works they did at first
- Unless they repent, their lampstand will be removed
- Good Things: They hated the works of the Nicolaitans
- John encourages them to hear what is being said to the churches
- The one who conquers will eat of the tree of life
2) Written to the angel at the church in Smyrna
- written to those who have died and came to life (believers?)
- He says he knows their poverty but reminds them they they are in fact rich!
- He is also aware of slander/blasphemy of those who are in a "synagogue of Satan
- They are not to fear what they are about to suffer
- The devil will throw some in prison to be tested for 10 days under great trial.
- They should be faithful unto death and receive the crown of life.
- The one who conquers will not be burnt by the second death
3) Church of Pergamum
- Satan throne dwells close to them but they hold fast to Christ's name and didn't deny their faith.
- Antipas was a false witness among them
- Bad Things: some follow teachings of Balaam who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before Israel, so they might eat sacrifices to idols and practice sexual immorality.
- Some of them, like those in Ephesus are believing teachings of Nicolaitans.
- They need to repent or God will come against them with "the sword of His mouth"
- If they repent they will receive manna and a white stone with a new name on it that no one knows except those who receive it.
4) The Church in Thyatira
- sent by the Son of God who has fiery eyes and feet like burnished bronze
- Christ knows their love, faith, service, and patient endurance and that their works are increasing.
- Things against them: They are listening to Jezebel, a prophetess who teaches them to practice sexual immorality and eating idol food
- She refuses to repent of her sin, even though He gave her time
- Christ will throw her and those with her onto a sickbed with great tribulation unless they repent
- Her children will be struck dead
- Christ is the one who searches minds and hearts
- He will give to each as the works deserve
- Some in Thyatira do not listen to her and aren't being addressed in the warning
- He tells them to hold fast to what they do have until He comes
- Those who keep His works will have authority over nations
- He will receive the morning star, if they listen to Him
- Christ's authority comes from His Father

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Deuteronomy 1 - Isaiah 19 – 2 Corinthians 2 – Revelations 1

Deuteronomy 1
- These are the words of Moses to his people in the wilderness in the Arabah
- It takes 11 days to get from Horeb to Kadeshbarnea
- The 40th year, first day of the 11th month.
- Moses spoke to the people after they defeated Sihon, king of Amorites
- God had told them to leave the mountain and go to land of Canaanites and in Lebanon by the Euphrates River.
- God said He had given them that land
- There were too many people for Moses to lead alone because they had multiplied
- Moses had each tribe appoint wise, experienced, understanding men as their heads.
- The people agreed that choosing heads was good.
- Moses made them commanders of thousands, hundreds, tens, and officers for the tribes.
- Moses told their judges to judge righteously and not to be partial
- They shall hear small and great alike and not be intimidated.
- If the case is too hard they shall bring it to Moses
- Moses is reminding them of everything he had commanded them in the past.
- They left Horeb and entered Kadeshbarnea (hill country of the Amorites) which God had given to them.
- Moses told them not to fear or be dismayed.
- The people wanted to send in scouts to let them know how and where to enter the land.
- That idea sounded good to Moses so he agreed to do it.
- Moses sent one man from each tribe (12 total) into the land as scouts
- The spies brought back fruit and said the land God was giving them was good.
- Moses reminded them the rebelled and wouldn't enter the land.
- The people murmured that God brought them out of Egypt to be killed by the Amorites.
- The spies told the people that the Amorites were taller and stronger than they were and their city walls stretched up into heaven.
- Who are the "sons of Anakim" they saw there?
- Moses told them not to fear because God would fight for them.
- Moses reminded them of God's faithfulness in Egypt and in the wilderness
- The people still didn't believe the same God who went before them in cloud and flame could do this for them.
- God got angry and said not one of them would see the good land He had for them except for Caleb and Joshua
- Caleb was allowed because he wholly followed God
- Joshua shall inherit the land and cause Israel to inherit it as well
- God was also mad at Moses because of the people and told Moses he couldn't enter either.
- Their children who have no knowledge of good or evil shall one day enter the land.
- God told the people to turn and go toward the Red Sea.
- Then the people saw their sin and decided to go fight, but God told Moses to tell the people not to go because He would not be with them if they did.
- They didn't listen and went up anyway.
- The Amorites chased them like bees and the people fled and wept before the Lord.
- The Lord did not listen to their cries.

Isaiah 19
- An Oracle concerning Egypt
- The idols there will tremble at God's arrival
- The hearts of the Egyptians will melt.
- Egyptians will fight one another
- God will confound their counsel and a hard master will rule over them.
- The waters of the sea will dry up and the canals will be spoiled.
- The branches of the Nile will dry up as well causing famine and drought
- They won't catch fish there and will mourn
- "Pillars of the land" will be crushed
- The princes of Zoan are foolish and the wisest counselors give Pharaoh stupid counsel
- They don't know the plans of the Lord.
- The Lord has confused her spirit that will make Egypt stagger
- Egypt won't be able to do anything.
- The Egyptians will tremble at what God does to them.
- The land of Judah will become a terror to Egypt
- In the day there will be 5 cities in Egypt that speak the language of Canaan but swear allegiance to God.
- One of these cities will be called the City of Destruction (City of the Sun)
- There will be an altar to the Lord in Egypt
- When they cry out to the Lord, He will send a savior and defender to deliver them.
- The Egyptians will know the Lord and sacrifice to Him.
- They will make vows and perform them to the Lord.
- God will strike and heal Egypt
- There will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria and they will worship together
- Israel, Assyria, and Egypt will be a blessing in the midst of the earth.
- God will see all three nations as His people.

2 Corinthians 2
- Paul made up his mind not to make another "painful" visit to them.
- Paul wrote them before so that he might not suffer pain but be able to find joy with them.
- Paul wrote to them through tears, affliction, and anguish not to cause them pain but to let them know of his abundant love for them.
- Paul was caused some pain, but they pained each other most.
- They should forgive and comfort not overwhelm by excessive sorrow.
- Paul tells them to affirm their love for this pained man
- Paul wrote to test whether they were obedient or not
- Paul forgives anyone they forgive.
- Paul forgives for the sake of Christ and so that Satan's plans don't go forward.
- When Paul preach to Troas, the door was opened for the gospel, but Paul didn't find Titus there so he left.
- If the door was open for the gospel, why wouldn't Paul stay and preach there?
- He left Troas and went to Macedonia
- God always leads us to spread the knowledge of Him everywhere.
- We are the aroma of Christ to those being saved.
- Paul says they are not merely peddlers of God's word, but men of sincerity, commissioned by God to speak in Christ.

Revelations 1
- The revelation from God of what must take place.
- God sent an angel to John to show him what would take place.
- Blessed are the ones who read, hear, and keep, this word
- The time is near
- John writes to the 7 churches in Asia
- John starts by identifying God as the one "who is, who was, and who is to come"
- The message also comes from the 7 spirits who are before His throne
- The message also comes from Christ who saved us by His blood
- To Him be all glory and dominion forever
- He is coming from the clouds so that ALL will see Him.
- All those on earth will wail at His coming.
- Jesus says, "I am the Alpha and Omega, who is and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty"
- John received this word on the island of Patmos
- John was enjoying Sabbath when he heard a loud voice like a trumpet
- The voice told John to write what he saw and send in to seven churches in Asia; Ephesus, Smyrna, Pregamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea
- John saw 7 golden lampstands and in the middle one like the son of man clothed in a long robe with a golden sash
- His hair was white like snow
- His eyes were like flames
- His feet like burnished bronze
- His voice like the roar of many waters
- On His right hand he held 7 stars
- From His mouth came a sharp 2 edged sword
- His face was like the sun.
- John saw Him and fell down like he was dead.
- The voice said not to fear
- He had died but was alive forever more
- Jesus says He has the keys of Death and Hades
- The 7 stars are the 7 angels of the 7 churches
- The 7 lampstands are the 7 churches.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Numbers 36 - Isaiah 18 – 2 Corinthians 1 – Jude

Numbers 36
- The people of Gilead (of Manasseh/Joseph) spoke before Moses.
- They addressed the lots given to Zelophehad's daughter's
- They addressed the problem of the daughter's having to give up their inheritance once they married men from another tribe thus losing the family inheritance.
- Moses told those daughters to marry someone within their clan and no one will lose their inheritance.
- Each tribe shall hold their own inheritance.
- This command would hold true for future daughters as well.
- The daughters of Zelophehad married their cousins.

Isaiah 18
- Oracle concerning Cush (Nubia)
- They were known for sending messages by water
- God tells them to send word that a feared people will come conquering.
- Look for a signal from the mountains
- Listen for the trumpet to sound
- The Lord will look quietly from His dwelling like heat or dew and then cut off "shoots"
- The animals will feast on them.
- A tribute will rise forth from the feared people
- Who is Isaiah referring to with the description, " tall and smooth, feared near and far, mighty and conquering, and whose land the rivers divide?"

2 Corinthians 1
- Paul writes this letter with Timothy present
- They write to Corinth and all churches of Acacia
- Begins with grace and peace in this letter
- Paul acknowledges God as Father of Jesus, full of mercy and comfort
- God comforts us so we can comfort others
- We share in Christ's suffering and in His comfort too.
- Their affliction is for the Corinthians comfort and salvation
- They will find comfort when you patiently endure suffering.
- Paul says his hope for them is unshaken.
- Paul wants them to know about his suffering in Asia.
- They were burdened beyond their strength in Asia and despaired.
- They thought they'd be put to death there.
- They realized that was to make them rely on God instead of themselves.
- God has delivered them from sin so He will deliver them again.
- He asks them to pray so that many will give thanks
- Paul's testimony is: behaving with holiness, godly sincerity, and living in godly wisdom, not earthly wisdom.
- Paul wants them to fully believe in what they believe in part so that in the end they will be able to boast about one another.
- Paul wanted to come to them first so they might experience a "second grace"
- Paul wanted to visit them after Macedonia and before Judea
- Paul says he doesn't make his plans according to the flesh.
- Paul said he preached to them with Timothy and Silvanus
- All God's promises find their "yes" in Him.
- God has established Paul with the Corinthians in Christ.
- God gave them both His Spirit in their hearts as a guarantee (down payment)
- What was Paul trying to "spare" them from by not coming to see them?

Jude
- Jude, brother of James, writes this letter
- He wishes that mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to them.
- Jude wanted to write to them about "common salvation" but instead writes to encourage them to "contend for the faith"
- Some ungodly people have crept in among them (designated long ago)
- These people pervert the grace of God into sensuality and deny Jesus
- Jude says Jesus saved people out of Egypt and destroyed those who didn't believe.
- Angel who didn't keep their position He keeps in eternal chains until judgement day.
- Sodom and Gomorrah also serve as example of people deserving eternal fire.
- Some among them do the same thing; relying on dreams, defiling the flesh, rejecting authority, and blaspheming the "glorious one".
- The angel Micheal had contended with the devil about the body of Moses.
- Michael didn't blaspheme but said "The Lord rebuke you"
- Those people's "instincts and blaspheming are what destroy them.
- They walk in the way of Cain and abandon themselves like Balaam for the sake of gain, who died in Korah's rebellion.
- These people are fruitless trees, waterless clouds, twice dead and uprooted, like wild waves foaming up shame.
- All that is reserved for them in utter darkness.
- Enoch (7th from Adam) prophesied about these people.
- Enoch said the Lord came with 10,000 of his holy ones to execute judgment and convict the ungodly of all the ungodly things they've said and done.
- These are grumbler, malcontents, loud boasters, who show favoritism to gain advantage.
- Christ's apostles said, "there would be scoffers in the last times following ungodly passions.
- These people will cause divisions
- Jude encourages them to build each other up in holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, keep themselves in the love of God.
- Have mercy on those who doubt , seek to save others from the fire, show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
- Jude ends by acknowledging Him who is able to prevent them from stumbling, to present them blameless in His presence with great joy.
- It's in God, our Saviour the Jesus Christ is all glory, majesty, dominion, and authority now and forever.
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Thursday, September 3, 2009

Numbers 35 - Isaiah 17 – 1 Corinthians 16 – 3 John 1

Numbers 35
- The Lord spoke to Moses by the Jordan at Jericho
- The Levites were supposed to be given a portion of the other tribes inheritance, cities and pasturelands.
- The Levites' pasturelands shall be 18,000 inches from the city walls.
- If it was 1,000 cubits (18,000 inches) why does the next paragraph say to measure out 2,000 cubits?
- Levites will get 6 cities that will be "cities of refuge"
- A murderer can flee to one of these 6 cities.
- The Levites shall also get 42 smaller cities.
- The larger tribes shall give up more cities than the smaller ones.
- A manslayer (who did so without intent) can flee to one of the 6 cities.
- The avenger may not touch the manslayer until he has been judged by the congregation.
- 3 refuges shall be on one side of the Jordan and the other 3 will be in Canaan.
- If he killed with a metal object, stone tool, or wooded tool he is a murderer and shall be put to death.
- The avenger shall put that murderer to death.
- If the murderer threw something, beat the man to death, or pushed him out of hatred he shall be put to death.
- If the man killed without enmity (an accident) and didn't seek the dead's harm then the congregation shall judge the man.
- The manslayer can stay in the city of refuge and he shall live there until the death of the high priest.
- If the avenger finds the manslayer outside the city, he may kill the man without being "guilty of blood"
- The manslayer may only return to his home city after the high priest dies.
- No one shall be killed based on evidence of only one witness.
- The murderer shall not be able to be ransomed. He must be killed.
- Blood pollutes the land.
- God says they must not defile the land (pollute it by shedding blood)

Isaiah 17
- Oracle about Damascus
- it will cease to be a city and be in ruins
- The fortress in Ephraim will disappear.
- Syria will be like the remnant of God.
- The glory of Jacob will be brought low.
- The crops will be sparse.
- Man will look to his Master and turn back to God.
- Man will turn from trusting in alters and the works of their own hands.
- Their cities will be like deserted places.
- Why? because they have forgotten their Lord.
- They build up and plant, but they won't reap the harvest.
- Isaiah describes it as a day of grief and incurable pain.
- The enemies will come in like roaring waters but will be swept away later for looting and plundering "us" (Israel)

1 Corinthians 16
- Paul moves onto discussing the collection for the saints.
- He already told the Galatians to do this.
- Paul tells them to put some of what they have aside on the first of the week for the saints in Jerusalem, not just to give it to Paul when he comes
- Paul will have men who they choose to take the money to Jerusalem.
- He will visit them after Macedonia, and try to stay the winter there.
- If the Lord permits, he wants to spend some time with them, not just a quick visit.
- He is in Ephesus until Pentacost because "a wide door has opened" there
- He tells them to treat Timothy well and help him on in peace.
- Paul hope Apollos would visit them but it was not God's will.
- Paul exhorts them to be watchful, stand firm in faith, be strong, and do everything in love
- The house of Stephanas were the first converts in Achacia
- Paul tells the Corinthians to follow people like this.
- Stephanas, Fotunatus, and Achaicus visited Paul and refreshed him.
- He sends greeting from the churches in Asia (Aquila and Prisca)
- Paul wrote this letter himself.
He wishes a curse on those who don't love the Lord.
- Our Lord come! = Maranatha
- Grace and Paul's love are with them.

3 John 1
- This letter was written to Gaius
- John prays he is in good physical health like his soul is in good health
- John rejoiced when he heard of Gaius' faith
- There is no greater joy for John than to hear of "his children" walking in faith.
- John encourage Gaius for helping fellow brothers.
- Gaius should send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God (be generous)
- The teachers haven't accepted anything from Gentiles.
- That's why these men need support from Jewish brothers.
- John wrote to the church but it was dismissed by Diotephes who doesn't acknowledge John's authority
- John will call Diotephes out on this when he comes.
- He is stopping others from helping out brothers passing through.
- Don't imitate evil, imitate good.
- Doing evil = not knowing God.
- Demetrius has received good testimony.
- John doesn't want to write to much to Gaius but would rather come and visit him.
- John says the friends greet Gaius, and he should greet "every one of them"

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Numbers 34 - Isaiah 16 – 1 Corinthians 15 – 2 John 1

Numbers 34
- God gave the people instructions about the land before they even won it.
- Southern Border = wilderness of Zin next to Edom from the Salt Sea to Kadesh-barnea.
- It shall go from Azmon to the Brook of Egypt to the sea.
- Western Border = Great Sea's coast
- Nornthern Border = a line from Great Sea to Mount Hor then a line to Lebo-hamath. It's limit shall be Hazar-enan.
- Eastern Border = Line from Hazar-enan to Sepham to Riblah reaching to Sea of Chinnereth down the Jordan stopping at the Salt Sea.
- 9 tribes and the half tribe (Manasseh)would get land there by lot.
- 2 tribes and the 1/2 tribe have received their inheritance to the east of the Jordan already.
- God gave Moses a list of men to divide the land.
- Eleazar and Joshua would take one chief from each tribe
- Caleb - tribe of Judah
- Shemuel - tribe of Simeon
- Elidad - tribe of Benjamin
- Bukki - tribe of Dan
- Hanniel - tribe of Joseph/Manasseh
- Kemuel - tribe of Ephraim
- Elizaphan - tribe of Zebulun
- Paltiel - tribe of Issachar
- Ahihud - tribe of Asher
- Pedahel - tribe of Naphtali

Isaiah 16
- He will send the lamb to the ruler of the land (still building off of Moab passage)
- Moab's daughters will scatter like birds
- Give counsel and grant justice and provide shade to the outcasts
- Why would God tell the Israelites to let the outcasts of the Moabites sojourn with them?
- After this destruction a ruler will come established in steadfast love.
- From family of David will come a faithful judge who will seek justice and righteousness.
- Moab is brought down because of its prideful boasting.
- The Lord has struck down their fields and vines all the way to Jazer
- "I" (Isaiah or God) weeps over the destruction at Jazer and of the desolation at Heshbon and Elealeh
- There is no joy, gladness, cheers or singing there anymore.
- He again talks about moaning over their loss.
- We the Moabites enter the sanctuary to pray they will not prevail.
- This is God's word spoken against Moab in the past
- This section ends with a prophecy that in 3 years those who remain will be few and feeble in spite of their great multitude now.

1 Corinthians 15
- Paul starts this chapter by reminding them of the gospel he preached to them and they received.
- He reminds them of what he preached - that Christ died for their sins, died and rose 3 days later as the Scriptures said He would.
- Jesus then appeared to Cephas and the 12
- Jesus also appeared to over 500, most of who are still living to bear witness.
- Then Jesus appeared to James and then all the apostles.
- Last of all Jesus appeared to Paul (Paul says this is because he is the least of the apostles).
- Paul reminds them how he persecuted the church but God's grace saved him, but not in vain.
- They preached and so did Paul and the Corinthians believed.
- If scripture says Christ was raised Paul questions why some say there was no resurrection.
- Paul says if their was no resurrection then his preaching is in vain.
- Saying Christ was not raised calls God a liar
- Paul says that if Christ was not raised then their faith is pointless and they are still in their sins.
- By a man (Adam) came death. Life came by a man (Jesus).
- Christ was made alive, then those who belong to Him, then comes the end when Christ will destroy all other rulers and powers.
- Christ will destroy all His enemies, ending with death.
- God put all things under Christ's feet, but Christ is subject to God
- If the dead are not raised, Paul says baptism and his preaching are pointless.
- Paul tells them not to be deceived by popular phrases at the time like, "Bad company ruins good morals" (from a comedy)
- Paul tell them to wake up and to not go on sinning.
- Paul says it's to their shame that some with them have no knowledge of God.
- Paul answers one of their questions about what kind of body they will get when they are raised.
- Even a seed must die to grow a plant.
- This body is a kernel and each kind of "seed" will receive its own type of body
- Paul points out the various body types of people and animals.
- He says there are heavenly bodies and earthly ones.
- There is different glory for the earth, the sun, the moon, and the stars.
- What is sown is perishable but what is raised is eternal.
- Dishonor is sown to reap glory
- Weakness is sown and power is reaped.
- A natural body is sown and a spiritual one is raised.
- Paul quotes Genesis 2:7 - the natural body comes first, then the spiritual
- Adam was from dust, Jesus was sent from heaven.
- We are in Adam's image here, but will be in Christ's image in heaven.
- At the last trumpet we shall be changed
- This mortal body will put on immortality.
- Paul quotes Isaiah 25:8 where death loses its sting
- Sin is death's sting and power of sin is the law.
- God gives us victory over death through Christ.
- Paul encourages them in light of these truths to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in works of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord they aren't laboring in vain.

2 John 1
- The letter is written to the elect lady and her children
- All those in the truth love them.
- Grace, mercy, peace will be with us in truth and love.
- Some of her children are walking in the truth.
- John reminds her to love one another.
- Love = walking according to His commandments.
- Many deceivers are now in the world who do not believe that Christ is coming.
- John tells her to beware of the Antichrist so she doesn't lose the reward she has.
- Those who do not follow Christ's teachings do not have God
John tells her not to let anyone enter her house who doesn't believe the teaching of God and Son.
- Greeting them would be allowing his wicked words to enter her house.
- John says he doesn't want to write her, but will soon meet and talk with her.
- Who are her children?
- Who is the elect sister?

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Numbers 33 - Isaiah 15 – 1 Corinthians 14 – 1 John 5

Numbers 33
- Moses now recounts how the Israelites left Egypt (because most who are alive were too young to remember)
- God commanded Moses to write the starting places down place by place.
- Left Rameses - First Month (15th day) (This was the day after Passover)
- During their departure the Egyptians were still burying their first born sons.
- They went to Succoth, then Etham (edge of wilderness), turned back to PI-hahiroth, then to Migdol, then from Hahiroth through the sea, into the wilderness, paseed Etham, to Marah, then to Elim (place of 12 springs and 70 palms), then camped by the Red Sea, then to the Wilderness of Sin, to Dophkah, then to Alush, then to Rephidim (place with no water to drink), then to Sinai, Kibroth-hattaavah, then to Hazeroth, then to Rithmah, then to Rimmon -perez, then to Libnah, then to Rissah, then to Kethathath, then to Mount Shepher, then to Haradah, then to Makheloth, then to Tahath, then to Terah, thento Mithkah, then to Hashmonah, then to Moseroth, then to Bene-jaakan, then to Horhaggidgad, then to Jotbathah, then to Abronah, then to Ezion-geber, then to Zin (Kadesh), then to Mount Hor (edge of Edom)(Aaron died here at age 123 on the first day of the 15th month), then to Zalmonah, then to Punon, then to Oboth, then to Iye-abarium, then to Dibon-gad, then to Almondiblathaim, then to the mountains of Abraim, then to Nebo, then to the plains of Moab by the Jordan near Jericho, then to Beth-jeshimoth.
- The Lord spoke to them by the Jordan at Jericho and told them to drive out the people in the land of Canaan destroying all their carved gods.
- They shall then possess the land for themselves.
- The inheritance shall be divided by lot by clan.
- Large tribe + large inheritance etc...
- God warns that if they don't drive out ALL the inhabitants, they shall be thorns in the Israelites' sides.
- He ends by saying he will do to the Israelites what He was going to do to the Canaanites.

Isaiah 15
- Oracle about Moab
- Ar and Kir of Moab will be laid to waste.
- Moab will weep over Nebo and Medeba
- Every head shaved and beard cut off (in mourning)
- Heshbon and Elealeh cry out too and their souls tremble.
- His heart cries out for Moab.
- The waters of Nimrim are desolated.
- There is no more greenery.
- The abundance that the people of Moab stored up is carried away over the Brook of Willows
- The water of Dibon are full of blood.
- God will send a lion to kill the Moabites who escape.

1 Corinthians 14
- Pursue love and seek spiritual gifts
- Speak in tongues to God, not men for man cannot understand tongues but God can
- The one who prophecies should speak to people to builds the church up and encourages them.
- Paul says he wants them all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy.
- Prophecy is greater than tongues unless there is an interpreter.
- Tongues, like an instrument, must be understood and clear
- If a trumpet isn't heard, the people will not know to get ready for battle.
- Tongues = no one knowing what you said. You are a "foreigner" to your hearers.
- Their goal with gifts should be building up the church.
- We should pray with spirit and mind.
- People cannot agree with what is said in a tongue and is useless.
- Paul says he speaks in tongues more than any of them, but he'd rather say 5 clear words that build others up than 10,000 words in tongues.
- Be infants in evil but mature in thinking.
- Paul quotes a verse from Isaiah 28:11-12 about speaking in tongues to prove his point.
- Tongues are a sign to unbelievers and prophecy a sign for believers.
- Outsiders will think tongue speaking believers are crazy.
- But prophecy will convict an unbelieving hearer.
- This conviction will lead the unbeliever to worship God and be added to them.
- Hymns, Lessons, Revelations, Tongues or Interpretation should all be done to build others up.
- Paul tell them to limit those speaking in tongues to 2 or 3 and to take turns sharing.
- If there is no interpreter tongues shouldn't be spoken.
- Prophecies should be shared in turn because God is a God of peace not a God of Confusion
- Women should keep silent in church, they should be submissive and are not permitted to speak as the Law says.
- What does this section mean exactly?
- Women should ask their husbands later if they have a question.
- Paul reminds them that his instructions are from the Lord.
- Paul ends by repeating that they should greatly desire to prophecy and tongues may be spoken but it should all be done orderly.

1 John 5
- Believers believe Jesus was born of God.
- We know we are saved because we know God and keep His commandments.
- His commandments should not be burdensome.
- Our faith is victory over the world.
- Only those who trust in Jesus have overcome the world.
- Jesus came of water and blood and the Spirit is of truth.
- The Spirit, the water, and the blood all testify
- God's testimony is greater than that of men.
- Not believing God = calling God a liar.
- The testimony = God gave us eternal life through His Son.
- John write them to remind them that they have eternal life.
- Our confidence is believing that He hears us when we ask Him.
- What are defined as "sins that do not lead to death"?
- All wrongdoing is sin but there is sin that does not lead to death.
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- God protects those born of Him and the evil one will not touch him.
- The whole world is under the evil one.
- The Son of God came to give us understanding and to know what is true, that we have eternal life in Him.
- John ends with a random though to keep oneself from idols.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Numbers 32 - Isaiah 14 – 1 Corinthians 13 – 1 John 4

Numbers 32
- People of Reuben and Gad had a lot of livestock.
- They went to Moses, Eleazar, and the chiefs (Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon) and said if they found favor with them, could they possess the land of Gilead and NOT cross the Jordan with them.
- Moses asked how they could stay there while their brothers went to war.
- Moses said this would discourage the people like the incident of Valley of Eshcol
- That incident is when God became angry and said no one over 20 (except Caleb and Joshua) would see the promised land.
- That incident was also the reason God kept the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years.
- Moses accuses them of taken their fathers' sinful place and trying to bring God's anger on them again.
- The people of Reuben and Gad said they'd keep their livestock and children there, but that they would go fight with their brothers until they too had their inheritance.
- They said they wouldn't return home until the fighting was over.
- They said their inheritance was on the east side of the Jordan.
- Moses said that if they fought, then that land would be theirs and they would be free of their obligation to the Lord.
- If they don't do what they say they will be punished because they have sinned against the Lord.
- How long did it take them to build pens for their livestock and fortified cities for their kids? Wouldn't that take a long time and prolong the battle Israel was facing?
- They repeated the agreement and the armed men would go and fight.
- Moses talked to Eleazar and Joshua about the agreement.
- If they break the agreement, they lose the land on the east of the Jordan and get an inheritance in Canaan.
- The land east of the Jordan had belonged to Sihon the Amorite and Og of Bashan.
- The people of Gad built Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah, Beth-nimrah and Beth-haran.
- The people of Reuben built Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim, Nebo, and Baal-meon (their names were changed), and Sibmah.
- After they had claimed the land, THEN they went and won the land from the Amorites.
- Nobah captured Kenath and named it Nobah.

Isaiah 14
- God will have compassion on Jacob and again choose Israel.
- They will get their land back and sojourners will join them.
- Their captors will then be their captives, slaves.
- God will give them rest for their pain and turmoil under the King of Babylon.
- The Lord will break the rule of the wicked.
- He will strike down the nations who ruled in anger and persecution.
- The whole earth will be at rest and quiet.
- Sheol will come to meet the wicked the kings and rulers.
- Their pomp, arrogance, has brought them down to Sheol (death)
- Their fall will be great.
- It refers to the Babylonians as the Day Star.
- The Babylonians said their throne will be higher than heaven.
- That is why God has brought them low.
- Others will question the fall of the mighty Babylon.
- They won't even be buried but scattered when they are slain.
- They have destroyed their land and their people.
- Their sons will be destroyed so they can not repeat the work of their fathers and rise up again.
- The Lord will cut off their name, remnant, descendants, and posterity and give their land to the hedgehog (porcupine/owl)
- God will sweep them away with "the broom of destruction"
- God also promises to break the Assyrians in His land.
- God will remove the yoke from His people there.
- He asked who can turn back His hand. (The answer is no one)
- In the year King Ahaz died Isaiah received the oracle concerning Philistia
- It tells them not to rejoice when the rod that struck them is broken (Babylon or Assyria?)
- There will be another serpent to take the place of the first.
- The poor and needy will be safe (Who is this referring to?)
- God will kill their root with famine.
- Philistia should be afraid of the "smoke from the north"
- The afflicted of Israel will find refuge in Zion.

1 Corinthians 13
- This is known as the love chapter and most often used in weddings
- This is the "more excellent way" Paul ended Chapter 12 on spiritual gifts.
- Paul says if he speaks in tongues of angels but doesn't have love he is a loud sound.
- Having all knowledge and faith that can move mountains without love is nothing.
- Giving away everything and being burned for your faith without love gains you nothing.
- Love is:
1) Patient
2) Kind
3) Doesn't envy or boast
4) Not arrogant
5) Not rude
6) Doesn't insist on its own way
7) Not irritable
8) Not resentful
9) Doesn't rejoice at doing wrong
10) Rejoices in truth
11) Bears all things
12) Believes all things
13) Hopes all things
14) Endures all things
15) Never ends
(Paul shows that gifts without love are nothing) (also shows what true love looks like)
- prophecies, tongues, and knowledge (the things the Corinthians found most important) will pass away.
- We know and prophesy in part
- When the perfect (Christ) comes the partial will pass away.
- Paul says he acted like a child when he was a child, but as a man he has given up "childish ways"
- What we see now is a dim view of what is to come.
- Faith, hope, and love are important, but the greatest thing is love.

1 John 4
- John tells the to test the spirits to see if they are from God.
- There are many false prophets.
- Every spirit that confesses God is from God.
- Those that do not confess God are from the antichrist.
- God is greater than the antichrist who is in the world.
- The antichrist is from the world and speaks to the world and the world listens.
- Those from God listen to them.
- Through testing they will know the Spirit of truth from the spirit of error (first "spirit" is capitalized)
- John again tells the to love one another because God IS love.
- God's love was made manifest when he sent His only Son into the world so that we might live through Him (The Gospel)
- Love isn't that we love God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to die for our sins as a propitiation.
- If God loved us this much, shouldn't we love others?
- God's love is perfected through us when we love others.
- God has given us the Spirit to love others.
- John says they have seen and testify the God the Father sent His Son as Savior of the world.
- Those who confess Jesus as the Son of God abide in God.
- Those who abide in love abide in God and He in them.
- Because of this fact we have confidence for the day of judgment.
- Perfect love casts out fear.
- Fear comes from punishment, but God has perfected us in love and knowledge of Him through the Gospel.
- We love because He first loved us.
- You can't say you love God and hate your brother.
- You can't love God whom you can't see and hate your brother whom you have seen.
- "We" (John and whoever is writing the letter with him) have given a commandment that "whoever loves God must also love his brother".