West Side Church of Christ

A Study of Peter
Our Wednesday Night Class

Cursed Be the Man, part 2 continued from "Our Sunday Morning Class" article

At that time Joshua pronounced this solemn oath: "Cursed before the LORD is the man who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho: "At the cost of his firstborn son will he lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest will he set up its gates." Joshua, filled with the Holy Spirit uttered this oath and curse. This was God's way of saying that if Israel ever goes the way of the people of Jericho, full of idolatry and sin, and forsakes God and not heeding his warnings, they would be cursed and accursed. It took five-hundred years for this to happen, and the word of God stands forever. We see in 1 Kings 16:30-31, "Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the LORD than any of those before him. He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him." So because of evil kings, the people turned their backs on God and forgot his word. As the head goes, so goes the body, we read in 1 Kings 16:34, "In Ahab's time, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. He laid its foundations at the cost of his firstborn son Abiram, and he set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, in accordance with the word of the LORD spoken by Joshua son of Nun." The people no longer feared God and didn't take him at his word. This man Hiel rebuilt Jericho in spite of the well known curse of Joshua to the peril of his oldest and youngest sons. It is possible to get to the point where sin blinds you from the truth of God's word. God is patient with us, but if we are no longer walking with him and are unrepentant of sin, we too will be cursed. To God be true!

— Jim

Cursed and Accursed, continued from "Our Sunday Morning Class" article

A while back in our Wednesday Bible class we went over when Jesus passed through Jericho,and healed some people there as he was making his way to Jerusalem. At the time we also looked at a brief history of Jericho's past.

Jericho was the first city in the Promised land to be conquered by Joshua and Israel. The land of Canaan and Jericho in particular represented everything that can go wrong with a nation that turns its back on God. Jericho worshipped false gods, and that form of worship enticed the people by incorporating sexual activity in their corrupt worship. They had temple priests and priestesses who were known as temple prostitutes, and both men and women would have to pay their dues by visiting them for their services in order to have them bless their land and their crops and their harvests.

God tells us that the false gods they worshipped were actually demons, and being of Satan, who was called a murderer from the beginning, required the people of Jericho to offer their children by fire, which they willingly did. They were a people in a constant downward spiral of ever-degrading sin, getting worse and worse over time so that they reached a point of no return, they saw no need of repentance and what started out as a prophecy and curse from Noah on his son Ham and his son Canaan after the flood due to their evil heart, their evil attitude that was unrepented of over the span of 1,000+ years turned into an entire nation being so corrupt that God told Israel to devote them to destruction. God told Israel not to even spare anyone. Young and old, men, women and children along with all of their animals were to be put to the edge of the sword. They were punished for unrepented evil behavior, sexual immorality and idolatry to name a few.

That behavior is enough to make God curse. We need to examine our lives to see if we have any unrepented of sin and change.

— Jim

Two Confessions, continued from "Our Sunday Morning Class" article

This is the first of two great confessions that Peter himself will make about our Lord. Peter's confession told Jesus, and us posteriorly, that he believed there was no one else to turn to that could possibly fit the mold that he has made to be the Messiah. There was nobody else that could do the miracles he did. Peter knew he was from King David's lineage, he knew scripture very well for an "uneducated Galilean" so he recognized him, having been a disciple of John the Baptist along with Andrew, James and John, he was waiting for him to come upon the scene. When he arrived John the Baptist pointed him out to the disciples and made witness and confession of his own concerning Jesus. John said to them and all who were in attendance that day in the Jordan river saying, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said a man who comes after me has surpassed me because he existed before me. I did not recognize him but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit,' I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."

After hearing John's confession, they leave him and followed Jesus because he had the words of eternal life. From being with him for a little more than a year and a half and experiencing everything Jesus did and said, they came to not just believe, but know he was the Son of God.

— Jim

Jesus, The Bread of Life
The Hard Lesson

Our Wednesday evening bible class is in the middle of Jesus' lesson on the bread of life in John chapter six. In it he says, "For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." Of course Jesus is speaking in figurative words which are about spiritual matters of belief in him. This statement horrified many who were listening to Jesus in the synagogue in Capernaum. Not every heart that hears the word is willing to accept it, for various reasons. But having faith is all about the heart that is willing to listen and accept the word of God, for they recognize that only God can fill that empty hole in their life. So they are the ones who open the door to their heart when they hear Jesus knock, and they invite him in. And they are taught of God, and the word is in their mouth and in their heart as Isaiah prophesied about. As for many of the Lord's disciples that day, they turned their backs on Jesus and stopped believing. It was a difficult teaching that many of the disciples couldn't accept. But those who were truly seeking God, those who were truly seeking the Messiah, those who sought after the Savior were patient in their judgment of the matter. They stayed with Jesus because they could tell that he was filling that empty place in their hearts that belongs exclusively to God.

Inside of us there is what is called the "Eternity Gene", and Solomon tells us about it, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can't find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end." We have a natural desire to seek out God. Jesus tells us in Matthew that it should be ourfirst priority in life, "But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well." Also a chapter later, "Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened." For Peter, he searched for the Messiah along with his brother and friends, and when they found him, they stuck with him, even after this difficult teaching. When asked by the Lord if they wanted to leave too, Peter gives the greatest confession of the Lord in the bible. "Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Peter understood the spiritual aspect of what Jesus was trying to teach. That makes him a true believer and worshipper.

Jim

Jesus, The Bread of Life
How Hungry Are You?

News about Jesus spread far and wide in the Holy Land including in the regions of the Gentiles, such as Samaria, Galilee and Phoenicia. After Jesus taught in the synagogue in Capernaum where many of his disciples turned away after hearing his teaching on the "Bread of Life," he and his disciples withdrew north along the seacoast to the region of Phoenicia. Other than to get away from the crowds and in particular, the Pharisees and scribes who questioned him as to why his disciples broke the traditions of the elders, he had no apparent reason to be way up there...or did he?

Though the Son of Man was sent to save the lost sheep of Israel, under the right circumstances Jesus would have mercy on gentiles who showed true faith. Jesus was met by a Canaanite woman who had that kind of faith. In Matthew 15:21-28, the story reads,

How did this gentile woman hear of Jesus? How did she know how to properly address him as "Lord, and Son of David?" We are not told in the story, but someone witnessed to her about Jesus being the Christ. How this woman came to know about the Lord is really quite simple. In our Wednesday bible class we learned that Jesus quoted from Isaiah to describe to the crowd in the synagogue that nobody can come to him unless they are called first by the Father and that they would be taught by Him. (Is. 54:13, Jn. 6:37-46)

The Father, through his blessed word taught this woman, she heard the gospel somewhere and she believed it! She threw herself at Jesus feet and pleaded her case for her daughter and worshipped him. She wouldn't take "no" for an answer, and in humility, she lowered herself to the level as a dog who would eat the bread crumbs of the Living Bread of Jesus that fell off the table and onto the floor, she loved God and needed the Messiah's help so badly, she showed Jesus her true belief in him and he rewarded that faith by healing her daughter. Just from eating the crumbs on the floor of the bread of life she showed great faith. God's word, the true bread from heaven saves!

How hungry are you? Jim

Jesus, The Bread of Life

Since the beginnng when God created mankind, he made them vegetarians. He gave them all fruit bearing trees to eat from (except one) and the seeds from the grasses of the field, which they would harvest and make bread from. So bread has always been in man's diet. For most of man's history they lived under agricultural societies and its main product was bread. Bread would sustain them through good times and bad times, through times of plenty and times of famine. You have to admit that just the thought of homemade bread can get your mouth watering as you imagine its smell and taste, it is the original comfort food. Bread sustained their lives, and they were dependent on it. When Moses led Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness, God provided them with a special, never before seen bread, a bread from heaven. This bread was a test to them to see if they would be obedient to him.

The people gathered it and said, "What is it." Which in Hebrew is "manna," so that's what they called it. So for forty years they ate manna from heaven. But by Numbers 11:6, they were complaining about it saying,

The people started loathing the bread from heaven. In Dt. 8:2-3 Moses had to explain to the people why they had to eat this bread for so long.

While fasting for forty days in the desert, going without bread and being very hungry, Jesus quoted part of this verse when Satan tempted him to turn stones into bread to eat, he said,

In our Wednesday bible study we are about to go over one of the "I Am" statements that Jesus uses for himself to describe part of his role and nature in God's scheme of redemption.

In the gospel of John, 6:35 Jesus says, "I am the bread of life." He tells his people that he is the bread that comes down from heaven and that they needed to eat this bread to have eternal life. So we have our daily bread sustaining the physical body for life in this life on earth, and God's word through Jesus sustaining our souls for daily life in this life and for the next life in heaven as well.

Don't you think that mankind today is being tested the same way Israel was tested in the desert, to see if we would follow his instructions in regard to the bread he gives us. Brothers and sisters, there is a difference as to how much of the bread we can eat that Jesus gives us than what the Israelis were aloud to eat. Jesus didn't set a limit as to how much of the bread he offers that we can gather, in fact, dare I say, that we've been invited to an unlimited buffet! So savor God's word daily and share it with others, and enjoy the bread; the body of the Lord weekly with the saints. Isn't it fitting that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the house of bread?

Jim

Focus of Faith

Often in my quiet times with the Lord as I reflect on the lessons I've learned from his word, I will muse about how first century Christians had an advantage over us by being in his presence and hearing him speak and teach God's truth and work spectacular miracles. I can't help but think what a rock solid faith we would have, even to the point where it would no longer be faith, but fact, unquestionable and undeniable...reality, how could it not? But as I climb back up out of the rabbit hole of deep thought, and add up all the facts, I realize that we are really not disadvantaged at all.

When I evaluate my own faith, I know that there is nothing anyone can say to me that would make me change my mind about my belief in God, his word and 'what is unseen'. When we consider all the first hand eye witnesses that did see Jesus perform miracles and teach God's word and no detractor could refute anything Jesus said or did, and gave no proofs against them, the only conclusion you can honestly make is that those things are true and are then to believed, which we have.

When each subsequent generation of believers taught the next generation after the first century, Christians spread the blessed gospel to them, obeying Christ's command to teach all men what he taught them, you see the splendid endless cycle of 'teaching and belief' that has gone on over the centuries right up to us. One generation teaching the next, so that even the miracles that we didn't see first hand we can believe with all certainty because those who were first hand eye-witnesses wrote it all down for us; and by God's powerful word he preserves the integrity and reliability of it for us.

There-in lies the reason I have stopped thinking that we are disadvantaged being so far removed from the beginnings of Christianity; we have a reliable chain of witnesses and God's powerful word protecting all that we have come to believe in. Plus this, Peter, even though he was a firsthand eye-witness of miracle after miracle still had at times a weak faith and doubted. When he asked the Lord to command him to come out on the water, he had the faith to get out of the boat, but because of the ferocious wind and waves, after his first few steps, he took his attention and focus off of the Lord and focused on what scared him, and he started sinking, and he did the only thing a person can do when they're about to be swallowed up by 'life's problems', he cried out, "Lord save me!"

The aposle Paul encourages us with these words, 'walk by faith, not by sight.' Peter was walking by sight and not by faith. As we all have to do, we sometimes have to learn the hard way, and sometimes we need to repeat a mistake several times before we 'get it'. For us who have never 'seen', we have to "Fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen, is eternal. Let's not lose our focus, the Lord and his mission work. That is the only way to please God, we must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. We have an advantage over those who did 'see', Jesus said to Thomas, when he finally believed that Jesus rose from the dead, "Blessed are those who believe and have not seen."

Friends- be focused and BELIEVE! Jim

All in the Family

Jesus' first disciples became his very close friends, and confidants. Simon Peter, James and John, and on occasion Andrew were witness to events and explanations that the others were not.

The "Three", Peter, James and John were selected by the Lord to see the raising of Jairus' daughter from the dead (Mk. 5:21-24, 35-43), and they got to witness the Lord transfigure into his Glorious state on the mountain (Mk. 9:2-13),and were trusted to stand watch while Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before he was betrayed by Judas (Mk. 14:32-42). Jesus spoke privately to the three along with Andrew and explained to them the signs of his coming and destruction of Jerusalem and final judgment (Mk. Chapter 13).

The Lord was particularly close to James and John because he knew them well and they were his first cousins. John was referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved", and their mother Salome, Zebedee's wife was Jesus' mother, Mary's, sister. We know this from comparing the same event as written by Matthew and Mark.

Mar 15:40-41, 'There were also women watching from afar, among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; who, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and served him; and many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.'

Mat 27:55-56 'Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.'

So, Salome was one of the women who would support the Lord's work financially and see to their needs. We now can understand perhaps why James and John put their mother up to asking Jesus for a very special request of letting her sons sit on Jesus left and right side of his throne in heaven, seeing there was a need to oblige this request because of family ties of closeness and financial support. Though it wasn't within the Lord's purview to grant such a request, he asked the men if they were willing to drink the cup that I drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? To which they answered, "We are able." Jesus said they would indeed go through the same trials and those words rang true nearly fifteen years later when king Herod Agrippa had James killed with the sword. So sadly, Salome experienced the same grief over the loss of a son as her sister Mary had. It must have been comforting and amusing for Jesus to have family so close that such a request could be asked.

So close were John and Jesus that Jesus committed the care of his own mother to the apostle John while he hung on the cross to redeem mankind. And what love was shown to his mother in that while he was in such pain and agony, he still had the presence of mind to make final care arrangements for his mom. Mary lost and gained a son that day. We can confidently say that Mary and her sister Salome and all the other women who attended to Jesus needs, along with Jesus brothers who were now believers because of the resurrection, were with the eleven apostles and disciples totaling 120 believers in that upper room on the day of Pentecost.

And from all of those they won the world for Christ, whom now we are part of that family too! —Jim

Rejoice in the Lord Always!
Again, Rejoice!

Life in the first century for Christians was full of ups and downs; they had periods of fear and uncertainty, and times of joy and exultation. There was continually a fear of persecution, imprisonment and death, but it was balanced by the blessings from God and his unconditional love for his children and their hope of heaven.

Paul experienced all of those ups and downs, and from prison he wrote some of his most powerful letters. The brothers and sisters of the early church could have walked around with long faces with all the turmoil they had in the world at that time, but they did not.

Paul issued an apostolic command while jailed, that was based on a moral obligation that every Christian is under, then and now. That moral obligation is to rejoice! Paul in his Philippian letter in 4:4 said, "Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again rejoice!" Twelve times Paul uses the word; 'rejoice' in his letter, as he encouraged the bretheren to be at peace and of good cheer despite the suffering they were going through. By choosing to be happy and rejoice, in spite of the afliction they were experiencing shows the inner peace and hope of salvation they have in the life to come.

Jesus too told his followers, "Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven."

In light of all the turmoil in our present lives, and in this crazy world in which we live, these words ring just as true for us.

So, Rejoice! Jim

Year AD 2020...
Reflections of 2020

As the year 2020 draws to an end and we reflect back on all that has happened, what a year 2020 has been. We have never experienced anything like it. The elephant in the room of course that can't help but be noticed was COVID-19. Never in our lifetime has anything changed every aspect of our life like this pandemic.

Sadly it looks as though we will continue to be "plagued" by this pandemic into 2021. Look at the hysteria it has caused the people in the world that have no hope or trust in God. Because of this malevolent virus and the negative effect it has on hopeless people, we have seen; the worst and the best of leadership throughout our land, political strife, civil unrest, and disobedience and violence. Christians have faith in the Holy Living God of Heaven and Earth and we know that he is in control, nothing that has been happening on earth has escaped his attention, and yes, he has been caring for and has been protecting us all the way. Most of the good decisions being made in this country are being made by leaders who acknowledge and believe in God, and so we thank God for them. We see that it is the Godless who are causing all the strife and division in our country, so this behavior doesn't come as a surprise to us, after-all, hasn't one of their leaders said, "Never let a good crisis go to waste"? In view of all that is happening around us do not let it change our focus on what is important in this life; our love of God and love for our fellow man.

So as we head into 2021, keep your chin up, mask on and march forward, though maintaining six feet apart and try to keep your sense of humor. Keep in mind Proverbs 17:22 which says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up your bones." Do not let what is happening all around us crush your spirits, follow Paul's advice to the Philippians, "Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again, REJOICE!!!" My sister Laura sent me an email that had the year 2020 in review. I found it amusing, so I'm passing on to you.

Jim

2020 in Reflection

1. The dumbest thing I ever bought was a 2020 planner.
2. 2019: Stay away from negative people. 2020: Stay away from positive people.
3. The world has turned upside down. Old folks are sneaking out of the house & their kids are yelling at them to stay indoors!
4. This morning I saw a neighbor talking to her dog. It was obvious she thought her dog understood her. I came into my house & told my cat, we thought it was hilarious.
5. Every few days try your jeans on just to make sure they fit. Pajamas will have you believe all is well in the kingdom.
6. Does anyone know if we can take showers yet or should we just keep washing our hands?
7. This virus has done what no woman has been able to do. Cancel sports, shut down all bars & keep men at home!
8. I never thought the comment, "I wouldn't touch him/her with a 6-foot pole" would become a national policy, but here we are!
9. I need to practice social-distancing from the refrigerator.
10. I hope the weather is good tomorrow for my trip to the backyard. I'm getting tired of the Living Room.
11. Appropriate analogy. "The curve is flattening so we can start lifting restrictions now" is like saying "The parachute has slowed our rate of descent, so we can take it off now."
12. Never in a million years could I have imagined I would go up to a bank teller wearing a mask & asking for money.
13. The spread of COVID-19 is based on 2 things:
1. How dense the population is.
2. And how dense the population is.

A Character Study of Peter
Our Wednesday Night Class

Jesus' Compassion

Just ten days before the crucifixion, Jesus and His disciples set out for Jerusalem, they had been in Jericho where Jesus gave them specifics about what was going to happen there.

He told them that the Son of Man would be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they would condemn Him to death, and would hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day, He would be raised up.

With the weight of the world on His shoulders, and knowing in full detail what would soon happen, Jesus still had the wonderful and loving attitude He always had. His love for mankind didn't waiver.

Many of us, if we were in His circumstance, would be terrified, angry, so consumed with "trying to get out of it," we would unlikely notice or care about someone else who had problems.

But not Jesus. He stuck to the mission to seek and save the lost, He still put others first. He left us with such good examples of grace under fire. In the face of meeting His own death, observe Jesus' love for the unfortunate.

Mat. 20:29-34, "As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!"

Jim

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Witnesses for the King

To establish truth or guilt God required that a matter be established by eyewitnesses who could give testimony.

Moses writes in Dt. 19:15,
"One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established."

Jesus likewise used this standard for his church. Mat. 18:16,
"But if he hear thee not, take with thee one or two more, that at the mouth of two witnesses or three every word may be established."

And Paul also used it in his second letter to the Corinthians 13:1,
"This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word be established."

So God himself provided to Mary and Joseph people who would give eyewitness testimony to establish as truth the words spoken by the angel Gabriel. First are the shepherds who came and saw the baby Messiah in the manger and told Mary and Joseph all that happened to them and what they heard. Then came the Maji from the east and worshipped the King of the Jews that was born. When the mother and father of our Lord took him to the temple to present him to God, we had both Simeon and Anna take the child and prophesy about him and bless them and praise God for getting to see the consolation of Israel.

God himself also gave eyewitness testimony concerning his Son. At Jesus baptism, at the transfiguration and at the market place when the Greek men were seeking audience with Jesus, God thundered from heaven,
"This is my Son whom I love, with him I am well pleased.",
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased-listen to him!" and,
"I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."

Brothers and sisters it is a well established fact that Jesus is the Christ, the King of kings and the son of the Living God of heaven.

Jim

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A Grand Announcement

The proclamation of great news is often made into a special event. When a young couple decides to tie the knot and get married, careful consideration is given to what kind of announcement cards are used. Often the available cards to pick from are just not good enough and they end up designing their own special announcement card. The same is true in announcing the birth of a child, a lot of thought goes into how that will be done.

My daughter Amy, told Ruth and I, that she was going to have another child and came up with a rather fun and unique way to tell us what the sex of the child would be. She brought over a black balloon filled with either pink or blue paint and a bow and arrow and attached it to a tree and had me pop the balloon with the arrow... yes, it did put a lot of pressure on me to show off my bow skills, but much to my amazement I popped the balloon and pink paint exploded all over, announcing to us that Amy and David were going to have a baby girl. To me, that was better than an announcement handed to me on a silver platter!

God, no doubt, had the most elaborate announcement of all time concerning the birth of his son. God sent first, an angel to proclaim the birth of the Christ child to some shepherds who were tending their flock at night.

Such great news needed a great announcement and God gave exactly that. Though Joseph and Mary were very poor, God our father provided the most glorious birth announcement anyone could ever want.

Jim

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A New Dispensation

As we enter our study of Peter, it is important to point out that we are entering a new "era" or "dispensation" in the bible known as the Christian era or Christian dispensation. An era is a period of time characterized by a notable historical event that has occurred. Such eras include the pre-flood and post- flood eras where the great global flood of Noah's time is the historical event that marks the period of time on earth before and after the flood. In our dispensation, the birth of our Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth is the single most significant event the world has ever known; God being born as a man and living among his creation. It was an event even more significant than the flood itself which destroyed the world's sinful inhabitants at that time. It is more important because the birth of the Christ Child will bring everlasting life to all of mankind who believe in him. The words era and dispensation vary slightly in that dispensation is a more descriptive word to illustrate important aspects in the moments of God's dealings with man.

Daniel Webster describes the word dispensation this way:

You know what? They talked funny in the Puritan Era so; a dispensation is a significant moment in time marked by a historical event in which a method or scheme of the unfolding of God's love,mercy, and grace that God uses to carry out his will for the redemption of mankind. Synonyms for dispensation are; administration, stewardship, management and economy. There are three major dispensations throughout the bible. The Patriarchal, the Mosaic and the Christian dispensations. As a biblical excersize, see if you can determine times, places and events that mark the various dispensations in the bible. Examine also these bible passages that use these words for dispensation. 1 Cor.9:17; Eph.1:10; 3:2,9; Col.1:25; 1 Tim. 1:4

Jim

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The Holy Family

As we establish the main characters in our study of Peter, God first shows us in the gospels of Matthew and Luke the family of Joseph and Mary, and Zacharias and Elizabeth. They are related through the maternal side; Mary and Elizabeth share the same blood. When the angel Gabriel announces God's plan of salvation to Mary and that she would carry God's Son, the Messiah, he gives her a sign of proof that her relative (kinswoman, possibly a cousin or second cousin) who is old and barren is in her sixth month of pregnancy. So this family has two miracle babies! Nothing is impossible with God. And that also makes Jesus and John related. These two children would grow up to be so vitally important to not just Israel, but to the whole world. John would be the harbinger, ushering in and making the people ready for the Messiah who was to follow.

Peter may have been one of John's disciples along with Andrew his brother and their fishing partners James and John. So these four men were keeping a watchful eye out for the messiah. James and John we can trace through Matthew, Mark and John's account of the crucifixion, and of who were there of the women that followed Jesus and witnessed his death are the sons of Mary's sister Salome, making them first cousions of Jesus. Mary and Joseph had children themselves and they are: James, Joseph, Simon and Judas and daughters though not mentioned by name, making them half brothers and sisters. So if we were to see a gathering of this holy family, they would be: Zacharias, Elizabeth, John, Joseph, Mary, Jesus, James, Joseph, Simon, Judas, Jesus' sisters, Zebedee, Salome, James and John. Look at all the names in this family and you see many of them contributed greatly for the cause of Christ.

Amen! JL

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The Angel Announces God's Plans

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Zachariah in the temple, he announced God's plan for he and his son in the scheme of redemption. The angel made seven points to him that we can see become fulfilled as we read the gospel story.

The points are:

1. God answers his prayer- Elizabeth would bear him a son
2. His son is to be called John (God has shown favor)
3. The son would bring joy to them and many will rejoice
4. His son would be great in the sight of God
5. He is to take no alcohol (the Nazarite vow? Num.6 e.g. Sampson & Samuel)
6. The son would be filled by the spirit from the womb
7. He will bring back many to the Lord and he will go before the Lord in the "spirit" of Elijah, making the people ready for the Lord, fulfilling Malachi's prophecy

Likewise the angel told the details of God's plan of salvation as revealed to Mary and Joseph with these points:

• Mary was favored by God and God was with her
• She'll have a son and will call him Yeshua (Jehoshua/Jesus)
• He will be Son of the Most High conceived by Holy Spirit fulfilling Is. 7:14 God with us, Immanuel
• He'll sit on his father David's throne fulfilling Micah 5:2
• His kingdom will have no end fulfilling Daniels prophecy
• Nothing is impossible for God

As we go through our study, look for these points and make note of them; this will show you God's invisible hand at work, exercising his providence and will to fulfill his word.

— Jim

A Study of Peter, The Gospel Period

As we enter the gospel period of time in our Wednesday study, we are introduced to two families; Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth and Mary and her betrothed Joseph. It is a very wonderful time to say the least because we read of supernatural events taking place which causes great excitement in these families and their communities. God sends an angel; Gabriel, to Zachariah and to Mary, to announce to them that God would bless them with a child. To Zachariah, his wife who was barren would be blessed with a child that would be the 'Elijah' that was to come and make straight paths for the Messiah and to Mary he told her that she would bear the Son of the Most High and that God would give him the throne of his father David and that his kingdom would have no end. It may have even been the angel Gabriel who came to Joseph in a dream after he had contemplated divorcing his wife quietly and explained to him that the baby conceived in her was from the Holy Spirit and that the child would save his people from their sins. The lives of these four people would be changed forever as well as the lives of the people of the whole world. I would highly encourage you to read these particular stories from the gospel because they are an excellent revealing of our Christian history, they can be found in; Luke 1:5-56 and Mat.1:18-25. They aren't only just a lesson in history for us but there are lessons we too can apply in our lives. One such lesson is about belief. In Zachariah's case he doubted when Gabriel told him God's plan, he said to Gabriel, "How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years." He was immediately punished for his disbelief by being struck mute. Mary had an attitude that should be emulated by all believers, her response was, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And Joseph too was faithful in his due dilligence and took Mary as his wife. Let's have good and positive attitudes in our lives and service to our Lord as we seek to serve him too. For his glory! Jim

Beyond Remedy

God's people in the Old Testament went through many trials that tested their faith and allegiance to God. Exodus 20:20 (NASB) Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin." God knows that man is prone to sin. God loves us and knows that sin can enslave us and be our 'master'. He is a jealous God and wants all of our devotional focus on him, not idols. We are to have no other gods except him, today we may not bow before an image made of wood or stone, but we create idols of other types in our lives that are sinful. Paul tells the Philippians, 3:18-19,"For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things." The phrase "whose god is their belly" means; our carnal appetites can become our gods or idols in this life and that makes us enemies of Jesus. If unrepented of, our idol worship can cause us to be eternally lost.

Sin can so consume us it literally can deceive us and blind us to the lost spiritual state we are in. Israel found that out the hard way, they rejected all the prophets who warned them to repent and their sin got so bad that the Assyrian kings killed many of them and carried the rest of them away. Judah too soon found itself in the same predicament years later. 2 Chr.36:16 "but they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and scoffed at his prophets, until Yahweh's wrath arose against his people, until there was no remedy." No remedy; nothing could fix or heal them, they were in spiritual hospice waiting to die. God had to destroy them to get their attention, most of them were slaughtered and a remnant were exiled to Babylon for 70 years. John tells us that there is sin that leads to death, I believe it is sin that is unrepented of that has become an idol in our life, John then concludes his letter by saying, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

— Jim L

Setting Our Minds for Our Study on Peter

As we have stated in our Wednesday evening bible study: The Apostle Peter, we are "setting the table," so to speak, to set up the mood of the day.

I ask you to read 2nd Chronicles 36 and if you have the gumption, the book of Daniel also. These verses from the bible have some rich history we can go over to better help us understand what Israel and Judah in particular just went through that shapes their thinking and attitudes during Peter's day.

If you read the book of Daniel, pay particular attention to the dreams of both the king of Babylon and Daniel himself because they both cover the world empires that will be of interest to us.

Happy reading and I can't wait to discuss these topics in class with you.

See you then. Jim

Yes, Jesus Did That

It may be difficult for some of us to imagine that an all powerful eternal God has walked with mankind on earth through all the ages; but it's not difficult for us to imagine one who reigns from heaven and directs the affairs of man from there. But we do have a God who is a "hands on God", and has interacted with his creation on an intimate level, face to face even.

The apostle John tells us in John 1:18 (NRSV)

So it took the Son of God to actually reveal the Father to us through his life and teachings.

John further tells us, John 14:6-11 (NRSV)

So the oneness of the Godhead is shown to us in Jesus' statement. When we see Jesus, we see the Father, for they are one in purpose and mind. Jesus has interacted with his creation in many different forms.

In the Garden of Eden we see it is in the form of the eternal being, "Jehovah Elohim", which is "LORD God." He was the first law giver, and gave Adam the Law of Sin and Death to follow, yes — Jesus did that. — Jim

Good Lord's Day to everyone! (For Sunday, 9/13)
We are starting a new class at West Side on Wednesday

Having completed a study in the elementary teachings of Christ, we will be examining the life of Simon the son of John whom the Lord gives the nick-name Peter.

Peter is one of my favorite characters in the bible because he is an average working class guy who has many flaws and many wonderful traits. Jesus saw great potential in Peter and mentors him to become the 'Rock' which he saw him as.

This class will be for young teenagers who want a deeper understanding of our faith so that they may have a faith of their own and become a Christian one day, so the 'milk' of God's word will be taught; plus there will be plenty of 'meat' to chew on in this class for the mature audience as well.

My expectaion for this class is that upon its conclusion, we can all be of the same mind that if God can use a person like Peter in his ministry, he can use me too! I hope to see you all this Wednesday.

In his service — Jim

Why Are Types & Antitypes Important?
The Holy Spirit Expressing Spiritual Ideas with Spiritual Words – 1 Corinthians 2:10-16

Lately, in preparation for our future class on the book of Hebrews, we have been exploring the concept of types & antitypes. The idea came as a result of looking at Adam (referred to by Paul as a "type of" Christ) & Jesus in Romans 5:12-21, baptism and the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, in Romans 6:1-11, and Peter, when talking about the flood, mentions that the "antitype" (of the flood), namely baptism, now saves us, 1 Peter 3:20,21. We learned that types & antitypes are for making comparisons. You can hold the type up closely against the antitype for contrasting effect (juxtapose). This is what the Bible does in Romans 5, 6 and 1 Peter 3, as mentioned above.

Last Sunday night, in the PM sermon, we looked at Ephesians 5:21-33, where Paul makes the comparison between the husband, wife relationship and the relationship Christ has with His church. Paul used this comparison to instruct us on how we ought to behave in our marriage relationships, emphasizing that this contrast was intended for us to make the comparison. In fact, he says, "Therefore," and states the law of marriage. Then says, "This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church." (i.e. because God wanted to show man the importance of His relationship with His church, He designed marriage.)

In other words, the marriage relationship AS a type of Christ and His church IS THE reason marriage exists!

Marriage is the ONLY authorized relationship for sexual union because God designed it (marriage) to show the relationship of Christ and His church. That is why all other sexual unions are wrong (because they don't show the relationship Christ has with His church). Not because of some "phobia" we may be accused of having.

Further, Jesus connects the dots for us when He was asked what was proper behavior regarding marriage. He says, "Have you not read that He who created them FROM THE BEGINNING (predating Moses) made them male and female, and said, 'THEREFORE, '" and He states the law of marriage, (i.e. because I made them male & female, they are to be married), Matthew 19:3-6.

Simply stated:
THE REASON why God made us male and female is to be married and our marriage was DESIGNED to show the relationship of Christ and His church. And that IS WHY marriage between a man and a woman is the ONLY relationship that is RIGHT for sexual union and ALL OTHER relationships are NOT. See 1 Corinthians 6:13b-20.

— Scott R (The power of the type and antitype)

Hebrews — Beyond the Basics
There's a Reason for Mature Instruction

One of the things Hebrews reveals is a series of comparisons between Angels and Jesus, Moses and Jesus, Jesus and Melchizedek, and the Levitical High Priest and Jesus our High Priest, all showing the superiority of Jesus. Not to mention comparisons between the Tabernacle and Heaven, the old and new covenants, and between animal sacrifices and Jesus' sacrifice.

But, there are other things mentioned too. In the passage of Hebrews that identifies and contrasts the elementary teachings to teachings for the mature Christian we find a context that is the book of Hebrews in miniature. The Hebrew writer is in the middle of a deep discussion when he stops to give a criticism, a list of elementary teachings, and a warning to his audience. After the warning he returns to his discussion right where he left off. We see this cycle of instructing & warning repeated over several times.

The instruction is aimed to address the warnings the writer presents to his audience to help them maintain their walk with Christ. Some warnings are listed.

Take time to read Hebrews and see for yourself how the writer tailors his instruction to the warnings he presents. Give careful thought to his message. It is as pertinent today as it was 2,000 years ago.

— Scott R

The Elementary Teachings Class Concluded

Thanks to Jim Lokenbauer for an excellent study on “the elementary teachings about Christ” from Hebrews 6:1,2.

Jim plans on taking us through a study on the Apostle Peter next. We’re looking forward to his class.

Following that, I would like to present a class on the book of Hebrews. It is in the context of discussing difficult Biblical ideas that the Hebrew writer tells us what the elementary teachings about Christ are. This Biblical definition of what constitutes the basic/elementary principles/doctrine that are foundational to the Gospel appears almost incidentally. Without this list we would be left to our own opinion/understanding of what forms the basics of the oracles of God (Hebrews 5:12).

The book of Hebrews is a case study of the “meat” of the gospel. In our Hebrews class we will take a look at the arguments the author makes with a mind of trying to understand what he is saying and for what purpose.

While Jim is on vacation, I plan on presenting, over the next Wednesday or two, a brief overview of the book of Hebrews. We will identify the structure, outline, and some arguments of the book and look for clues to what was motivating the writer to pen the book. Hopefully this will stimulate interest for everyone to read & study the book of Hebrews in preparation for the future class.

See you Wednesday Evening —Scott R

Time is Drawing Near — Are You Ready?

By the power of Jesus' word he created the heavens and the earth and holds everything together by it (Ps.33:6, Heb.1:3) Creation was the start of time, year zero. In that same year, he established his law to Adam and Eve, the law of sin and death. Through the twisting of God's word Satan deceived the first couple and got them to break that law. Mankind chose to listen to Satan and therefore has been under his influence ever since. God has a plan to redeem mankind and save them from the power of Satan and his fate.

Two thousand years later, God Jesus established a people who would be God's chosen people. He appeared to Abraham and gave him three great promises; a family, a land, and a Savior Messiah from his bloodline that would bless the world.

Two thousand years after that, the Savior was born in Bethlehem through the lineage of King David, the fulfillment of the third promise to Abraham. He taught the people the gospel of the kingdom of God; repentance and obedience and love and peace are the core of those teachings.

These are some of the reasons as to why Jesus came down from heaven.

• "I must preach the good news of God's kingdom." (Luke 4:43)

• Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. (Mat.5:17)

• Jesus was born King of the Jews and came to testify to the truth. (John 18:37)

• Jesus came to die on the cross to redeem mankind. (John 3:16, 12:27-33)

John tells us in his first letter 1 Jn.3:8,

• "He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil."

It has been nearly two thousand years since Jesus died on the cross and rose again to redeem mankind back to himself and destroy the works of Satan. It seems like these two thousand year periods are marked with significant religious events, the only promise yet to be fulfilled is Jesus second coming which will bring about the destruction of creation and the end of time. It's also when the resurrection and Judgment Day occurs and the unbelievers and Satan and his army of demons will be thrown into the lake of fire, and the redeemed will enter heaven for eternity.

And you know what? Two thousand years passing is upon us, are you ready? —Jim

What Manner of Spirit are You?

Jesus our master and savior knows how to mold and shape each of his disciples into his image.

In Paul, James and John, and Peter we have men who had the spirit of the sons of thunder. Their thought processes were worldly and carnal and not on the things of God. Saul (Paul) delivered on his murderous threats, James and John seriously wanted to rain down fire on the Samaritans and incinerate them and were jealous over others calling on the name of the Lord besides them and Peter forcefully took Jesus aside and rebuked the Son of God for revealing that he was going to Jerusalem to be killed by the gentiles.

In each of these events, the Lord showed his wisdom in dealing with each of them, whether it was a sharp rebuke or blinding light he knew how to get through to them to redirect their thoughts and actions to do his will.

Examine their attitudes in these verses. Act 9:1, Mar 9:38, Mat 16:23, Luke 9:53-55. Their manner of spirit was worldly, thinking only from the human viewpoint, they could've easily been influenced by the evil one while walking according to the flesh (Eph 2:1-3; 6:10-13). That should make us stand up and take notice, they were with the Lord and were still carnal minded and/or influenced by the evil one.

Thankfully the one whom they called "Lord" is stronger than he who is in the world. Unfortunately, Judas Iscariot, who was very carnal minded, never changed spiritually and his faith and life was influenced and destroyed by Satan. We as humans have so many obstacles to overcome to be faithful to Jesus and be led by the Spirit, but God is faithful!

The greatest challenge to our faith is what baggage we carry around with us from our lives prior to becoming Christians. Also our own frailties and weaknesses and lack of biblical knowledge are hindrances too. It is only through prayer, reading and studying God's word, being a part of a body of believers, and keeping God's word at the forefront of our thoughts that can remedy this. We need to carry our cross daily as we go through our lives so as to influence our decisions and actions that we can be the clay that's set apart for noble purpose for the Master Potter to transform us into something special. If we will believe we'll be set free by his words and if we reject him we'll be judged by Jesus' words.

Let us be ready. —Jim

Matthew 25 and the Judgment

Matthew chapter 25 has three parables that depict the Savior being away on a long journey, as He is right now. Upon His return, which will be His second coming, it shows how He deals with His followers, not those who don't believe and reject Him in this life, but His followers.

The first is the Ten Virgins. It shows two types of believers, wise and foolish.

• The wise show their faith by being prepared and waiting.
• The foolish...not.

The second parable is the Talents, three are given talents acording to their abilities.

• The first two immediately get busy and vigorously use their talents for their master.
• The third buried his talent, not using it and did nothing for his master the entire time he was gone.
• Upon the master's return he settles accounts with each servant, the first two he congratualates them for being fruitful with their talents and welcomes them in to his joy.

  (John 15:8 "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.")

• The third servant made ad hominem excuses and returned the talent back to his master. The master pronounced judgment on him and called him a wicked and lazy servant, he did not enter his masters joy.

The final parable which we will go over in detail this coming Wednesday bible study, is called the Final Judgment, or the Sheep and the goats, and it may surprise you just who exactly are the goats.

—Jim

The Tree of Life

After God created the heavens and the earth and all that was in them, He planted a garden in Eden and placed man there to tend to it. In the middle of the garden God planted two special trees, the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He told man that he was free to eat from any of the trees except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they were commanded not to eat from that tree or the punishment of death would come upon them.

Presented to mankind was a choice,

• obedience to the command and free access to the tree of life, or
• disobedience to the command earning them condemnation and death.

After time, the two innocent souls were confronted by that age old protagonist Satan, who through trickery and twisting the word of God beguiled Eve and the woman and the man ate of the forbidden fruit, breaking the only command they were given.

After God meted out judgment and punishment on them all, deferring man's death sentence till a latter time at the end of all time, a final judgment day, He instituted temporary systems of atonement using animal sacrifices. He also removed their access to the tree of life.

Because of the original couple's sin and condemnation, a death sentence was presented to all mankind, because all have sinned, all will die. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the only man to have led a sinless life which meant He was righteous in the sight of the law and by Him being willing to be crucified illegally made Him the perfect atoning sacrifice to take away man's sin. By having faith in Jesus Christ, believing that He is the Son of the Holy Living God of Heaven, and that God raised Him from the dead, we receive mercy and grace from that loving God and we have peace with Him.

Since Jesus death burial and resurrection, mankind is now faced with a new choice, believe in Jesus Christ as your personal savior and have future access to the tree of life, or reject the Savior and face eternal condemnation in the lake of fire.

—Jim L

After the resurrection comes judgment

Soon we'll be studying the sixth and final elementary teaching; eternal judgment.

Immediately following the resurrection, judgment on mankind happens and the destruction of creation takes place. According to Peter's account, the heavens and the earth and everything in them will be burned up. The gospel gives us so many warnings of the judgment to come. Even as Jesus was casting out evil spirits, they knew who Jesus was, the Messiah, the Son of God! They actually gave testimony as to who He was! Listen to these testimonials.

Those demons knew Jesus was the Son of God, that salvation was through Him, that there was coming a day of judgment and that they would be tormented for all eternity.

Brothers and sisters! With the belief and knowledge the bible gives us, let us not be out-evangelized by demons! Time may be short and hell is an awful horrible place, we need to tell others about Jesus, God is being patient with us, He doesn't want anyone to suffer this fate, and wants all to repent!

As the hymn goes,

—Jim