The guys from our Thursday Night Bible Study met for the first time to begin discussing a Kyle Idleman book, gods at war.  The goal of this study is to help us recognize all the specific struggles we deal with each day are really symptoms of a much larger issue – idolatry.  We may be dealing with addictions, overeating, pornography, working too much, being consumed with possessions, or a host of other things.  However, working on those things won’t make everything better.  We may improve for a while, but the real issue is we want something more than we want God.

Most of us don’t want to think about our struggles as idols.  We know everyone has issues, so it makes us feel much better about ourselves, but when we consider that we constantly put idols above the one true God, we aren’t as ready to talk about it.  Kyle talks about a series of questions for us help determine if we have idols in our lives.

1. What disappoints you?
2. What do you complain about the most?
3. Where do you make financial sacrifices?
4. What worries you?
5. Where do you feel safe and secure?
6. What makes you mad?
7. What are your dreams and passions?

The answers to these questions will point you to potential idols in your life.  I’m very excited about our discussions to come.

WG

We began a new Bible Study series last night.  We are going to talk about the lies that ruin our relationships over the next few weeks.

Night 1 was our introduction to the 5 lies:

Lie #1 – Sensual Pleasure Will Satisfy My Inner Longings For Happiness
Lie # 2 – If Other People Would Shape Up, My Life Would Work Out
Lie # 3 – Upwardly Mobile Work Opportunities are Automatically the Will of God
Lie # 4 – My Significance and Value are Measured By the Quality and Quantity of the Things I Possess
Lie #5 – The Grass is Greener on the Other Side of the Fence

We began working through lie #1 also.  This idea, that pleasure is the key to happiness, is the single biggest lie our society tells us.

Join us next week for lie #2!

I really hope this finds everyone well and having a great week!  Jenny and I had the unique privilege of spending 8 days traveling with a group of 34 in Honduras.  The experience is much too extensive to relate in a blog, but I would like to leave you with a few simple thoughts.

I won’t pull at your heart strings through stories of  impoverished children or generations of a family living under the same roof in conditions unimaginable to us.  The conditions are amazingly bad, but the thing we came home with was the relationships formed.  We learned people’s names, hugged them over and over, and left them with the promise of seeing them again.

The relationships we form or grow each day are the foundation for who we are and who we become.  The primary relationship on which we feed is the one with Jesus Christ.  A trip like this reminds me in a glaring way that He truly is enough!  My daily needs are important, my family is important, my relationships are important, but the MOST IMPORTANT “need” in my life is Him.  A trip like this impacts everyone in different places in their life, but everyone sees clearly the “needs” we have each day aren’t really needs at all.  He really is all that matters.

We love you all and can’t wait until Bible Study next Tuesday, June 14th!

WG

353 Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus Christ1. Gen. 3:15 Seed of a woman (virgin birth) Galatians 4:4-5, Matthew 1:18

2. Gen. 3:15 He will bruise Satan’s head Hebrews 2:14, 1John 3:8

3. Gen. 3:15 Christ’s heel would be bruised with nails on the cross Matthew 27:35, Luke 24:39-40

4. Gen. 5:24 The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated Mark 16:19, Rev. 12:5

5. Gen. 9:26, 27 The God of Shem will be the Son of Shem Luke 3:23-36

6. Gen. 12:3 Seed of Abraham will bless all nations Galatians 3:8, Acts 3:25, 26

7. Gen. 12:7 The Promise made to Abraham’s Seed Galatians 3:16

8. Gen. 14:18 A priest after the order of Melchizedek Hebrews 6:20

9. Gen. 14:18 King of Peace and Righteousness Hebrews 7:2

10. Gen. 14:18 The Last Supper foreshadowed Matthew 26:26-29

11. Gen. 17:19 Seed of Isaac (Gen. 21:12) Romans 9:7

12. Gen. 22:8 The Lamb of God promised John 1:29

13. Gen. 22:18 As Isaac’s seed, will bless all nations Galatians 3:16

14. Gen. 26:2-5 The Seed of Isaac promised as the Redeemer Hebrews 11:18

15. Gen. 28:12 The Bridge to heaven John 1:51

16. Gen. 28:14 The Seed of Jacob Luke 3:34

17. Gen. 49:10 The time of His coming Luke 2:1-7; Galatians 4:4

18. Gen. 49:10 The Seed of Judah Luke 3:33

19. Gen. 49:10 Called Shiloh or One Sent John 17:3

20. Gen. 49:10 Messiah to come before Judah lost identity John 11:47-52

21. Gen. 49:10 Unto Him shall the obedience of the people be John 10:16

22. Ex. 3:13-15 The Great “I AM” John 4:26, 8:58

23. Ex. 12:3-6 The Lamb presented to Israel 4 days before Passover Mark 11:7-11

24. Ex. 12:5 A Lamb without blemish Hebrews 9:14; 1Peter 1:19

25. Ex. 12:13 The blood of the Lamb saves from wrath Romans 5:8

26. Ex. 12:21-27 Christ is our Passover 1Corinthians 5:7

27. Ex. 12:46 Not a bone of the Lamb to be broken John 19:31-36

28. Ex. 15:2 His exaltation predicted as Yeshua Acts 7:55, 56

29. Ex. 15:11 His Character-Holiness Luke 1:35; Acts 4:27

30. Ex. 17:6 The Spiritual Rock of Israel 1Corinthians 10:4

31. Ex. 33:19 His Character-Merciful Luke 1:72

32. Lev. 1:2-9 His sacrifice a sweet smelling savor unto God Ephesians 5:2

33. Lev. 14:11 The leper cleansed-Sign to priesthood Luke 5:12-14; Acts 6:7

34. Lev. 16:15-17 Prefigures Christ’s once-for-all death Hebrews 9:7-14

35. Lev. 16:27 Suffering outside the Camp Matthew 27:33; Heb. 13:11, 12

36. Lev. 17:11 The Blood-the life of the flesh Matthew 26:28; Mark 10:45

37. Lev. 17:11 It is the blood that makes atonement Rom. 3:23-24; 1John 1:7

38. Lev. 23:36-37 The Drink-offering: “If any man thirst” John 7:37

39. Num. 9:12 Not a bone of Him broken John 19:31-36

40. Num. 21:9 The serpent on a pole-Christ lifted up John 3:14-18, 12:32

41. Num. 24:17 Time: “I shall see him, but not now.” John 1:14; Galatians 4:4

42. Deut. 18:15 “This is of a truth that prophet.” John 6:14

43. Deut. 18:15-16 “Had ye believed Moses, ye would believe me.” John 5:45-47

44. Deut. 18:18 Sent by the Father to speak His word John 8:28, 29

45. Deut. 18:19 Whoever will not hear must bear his sin Acts 3:22-23

46. Deut. 21:23 Cursed is he that hangs on a tree Galatians 3:10-13

47. Joshua 5:14-15 The Captain of our salvation Hebrews 2:10

48. Ruth 4:4-10 Christ, our kinsman, has redeemed us Ephesians 1:3-7

49. 1 Sam. 2:35 A Faithful Priest Heb. 2:17, 3:1-3, 6, 7:24-25

50. 1 Sam. 2:10 Shall be an anointed King to the Lord Mt. 28:18, John 12:15

51. 2 Sam. 7:12 David’s Seed Matthew 1:1

52. 2 Sam. 7:13 His Kingdom is everlasting 2Peter 1:11

53. 2 Sam. 7:14a The Son of God Luke 1:32, Romans 1:3-4

54. 2 Sam. 7:16 David’s house established forever Luke 3:31; Rev. 22:16

55. 2 Ki. 2:11 The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated Luke 24:51

56. 1 Chr. 17:11 David’s Seed Matthew 1:1, 9:27

57. 1 Chr. 17:12-13 To reign on David’s throne forever Luke 1:32, 33

58. 1 Chr. 17:13 “I will be His Father, He…my Son.” Hebrews 1:5

59. Job 9:32-33 Mediator between man and God 1 Timothy 2:5

60. Job 19:23-27 The Resurrection predicted John 5:24-29

61. Psa. 2:1-3 The enmity of kings foreordained Acts 4:25-28

62. Psa. 2:2 To own the title, Anointed (Christ) John 1:41, Acts 2:36

63. Psa. 2:6 His Character-Holiness John 8:46; Revelation 3:7

64. Psa. 2:6 To own the title King Matthew 2:2

65. Psa. 2:7 Declared the Beloved Son Matthew 3:17, Romans 1:4

66. Psa. 2:7, 8 The Crucifixion and Resurrection intimated Acts 13:29-33

67. Psa. 2:8, 9 Rule the nations with a rod of iron Rev. 2:27, 12:5, 19:15

68. Psa. 2:12 Life comes through faith in Him John 20:31

69. Psa. 8:2 The mouths of babes perfect His praise Matthew 21:16

70. Psa. 8:5, 6 His humiliation and exaltation Hebrews 2:5-9

71. Psa. 9:7-10 Judge the world in righteousness Acts 17:31

72. Psa. 16:10 Was not to see corruption Acts 2:31, 13:35

73. Psa. 16:9-11 Was to arise from the dead John 20:9

74. Psa. 17:15 The resurrection predicted Luke 24:6

75. Psa. 18:2-3 The horn of salvation Luke 1:69-71

76. Psa. 22:1 Forsaken because of sins of others 2 Corinthians 5:21

77. Psa. 22:1 “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46

78. Psa. 22:2 Darkness upon Calvary for three hours Matthew 27:45

79. Psa. 22:7 They shoot out the lip and shake the head Matthew 27:39-44

80. Psa. 22:8 “He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him” Matthew 27:43

81. Psa. 22:9-10 Born the Saviour Luke 2:7

82. Psa. 22:12-13 They seek His death John 19:6

83. Psa. 22:14 His blood poured out when they pierced His side John 19:34

84. Psa. 22:14, 15 Suffered agony on Calvary Mark 15:34-37

85. Psa. 22:15 He thirsted John 19:28

86. Psa. 22:16 They pierced His hands and His feet John 19:34, 37; 20:27

87. Psa. 22:17, 18 Stripped Him before the stares of men Luke 23:34, 35

88. Psa. 22:18 They parted His garments John 19:23, 24

89. Psa. 22:20, 21 He committed Himself to God Luke 23:46

90. Psa. 22:20, 21 Satanic power bruising the Redeemer’s heel Hebrews 2:14

91. Psa. 22:22 His Resurrection declared John 20:17

92. Psa. 22:27-28 He shall be the governor of the nations Colossians 1:16

93. Psa. 22:31 “It is finished” John 19:30, Heb. 10:10, 12, 14, 18

94. Psa. 23:1 “I am the Good Shepherd” John 10:11, 1Peter 2:25

95. Psa. 24:3 His exaltation predicted Acts 1:11; Philippians 2:9

96. Psa. 30:3 His resurrection predicted Acts 2:32

97. Psa. 31:5 “Into thy hands I commit my spirit” Luke 23:46

98. Psa. 31:11 His acquaintances fled from Him Mark 14:50

99. Psa. 31:13 They took counsel to put Him to death Mt. 27:1, John 11:53

100. Psa. 31:14, 15 “He trusted in God, let Him deliver him” Matthew 27:43

101. Psa. 34:20 Not a bone of Him broken John 19:31-36

102. Psa. 35:11 False witnesses rose up against Him Matthew 26:59

103. Psa. 35:19 He was hated without a cause John 15:25

104. Psa. 38:11 His friends stood afar off Luke 23:49

105. Psa. 38:12 Enemies try to entangle Him by craft Mark 14:1, Mt. 22:15

106. Psa. 38:12-13 Silent before His accusers Matthew 27:12-14

107. Psa. 38:20 He went about doing good Acts 10:38

108. Psa. 40:2-5 The joy of His resurrection predicted John 20:20

109. Psa. 40:6-8 His delight-the will of the Father John 4:34, Heb. 10:5-10

110. Psa. 40:9 He was to preach the Righteousness in Israel Matthew 4:17

111. Psa. 40:14 Confronted by adversaries in the Garden John 18:4-6

112. Psa. 41:9 Betrayed by a familiar friend John 13:18

113. Psa. 45:2 Words of Grace come from His lips John 1:17, Luke 4:22

114. Psa. 45:6 To own the title, God or Elohim Hebrews 1:8

115. Psa. 45:7 A special anointing by the Holy Spirit Mt. 3:16; Heb. 1:9

116. Psa. 45:7, 8 Called the Christ (Messiah or Anointed) Luke 2:11

117. Psa. 45:17 His name remembered forever Ephesians 1:20-21, Heb. 1:8

118. Psa. 55:12-14 Betrayed by a friend, not an enemy John 13:18

119. Psa. 55:15 Unrepentant death of the Betrayer Matthew 27:3-5; Acts 1:16-19

120. Psa. 68:18 To give gifts to men Ephesians 4:7-16

121. Psa. 68:18 Ascended into Heaven Luke 24:51

122. Psa. 69:4 Hated without a cause John 15:25

123. Psa. 69:8 A stranger to own brethren John 1:11, 7:5

124. Psa. 69:9 Zealous for the Lord’s House John 2:17

125. Psa. 69:14-20 Messiah’s anguish of soul before crucifixion Matthew 26:36-45

126. Psa. 69:20 “My soul is exceeding sorrowful.” Matthew 26:38

127. Psa. 69:21 Given vinegar in thirst Matthew 27:34

128. Psa. 69:26 The Saviour given and smitten by God John 17:4; 18:11

129. Psa. 72:10, 11 Great persons were to visit Him Matthew 2:1-11

130. Psa. 72:16 The corn of wheat to fall into the Ground John 12:24-25

131. Psa. 72:17 Belief on His name will produce offspring John 1:12, 13

132. Psa. 72:17 All nations shall be blessed by Him Galatians 3:8

133. Psa. 72:17 All nations shall call Him blessed John 12:13, Rev. 5:8-12

134. Psa. 78:1-2 He would teach in parables Matthew 13:34-35

135. Psa. 78:2b To speak the Wisdom of God with authority Matthew 7:29

136. Psa. 80:17 The Man of God’s right hand Mark 14:61-62

137. Psa. 88 The Suffering and Reproach of Calvary Matthew 27:26-50

138. Psa. 88:8 They stood afar off and watched Luke 23:49

139. Psa. 89:27 Firstborn Colossians 1:15, 18

140. Psa. 89:27 Emmanuel to be higher than earthly kings Luke 1:32, 33

141. Psa. 89:35-37 David’s Seed, throne, kingdom endure forever Luke 1:32, 33

142. Psa. 89:36-37 His character-Faithfulness Revelation 1:5, 19:11

143. Psa. 90:2 He is from everlasting (Micah 5:2) John 1:1

144. Psa. 91:11, 12 Identified as Messianic; used to tempt Christ Luke 4:10, 11

145. Psa. 97:9 His exaltation predicted Acts 1:11; Ephesians 1:20

146. Psa. 100:5 His character-Goodness Matthew 19:16, 17

147. Psa. 102:1-11 The Suffering and Reproach of Calvary John 19:16-30

148. Psa. 102:25-27 Messiah is the Preexistent Son Hebrews 1:10-12

149. Psa. 109:25 Ridiculed Matthew 27:39

150. Psa. 110:1 Son of David Matthew 22:42-43

151. Psa. 110:1 To ascend to the right-hand of the Father Mark 16:19

152. Psa. 110:1 David’s son called Lord Matthew 22:44, 45

153. Psa. 110:4 A priest after Melchizedek’s order Hebrews 6:20

154. Psa. 112:4 His character-Compassionate, Gracious, et al Matthew 9:36

155. Psa. 118:17, 18 Messiah’s Resurrection assured Luke 24:5-7; 1Cor. 15:20

156. Psa. 118:22, 23 The rejected stone is Head of the corner Matthew 21:42, 43

157. Psa. 118:26a The Blessed One presented to Israel Matthew 21:9

158. Psa. 118:26b To come while Temple standing Matthew 21:12-15

159. Psa. 132:11 The Seed of David (the fruit of His Body) Luke 1:32, Act 2:30

160. Psa. 129:3 He was scourged Matthew 27:26

161. Psa. 138:1-6 The supremacy of David’s Seed amazes kings Matthew 2:2-6

162. Psa. 147:3, 6 The earthly ministry of Christ described Luke 4:18

163. Prov. 1:23 He will send the Spirit of God John 16:7

164. Prov. 8:23 Foreordained from everlasting Rev. 13:8, 1Peter 1:19-20

165. Song. 5:16 The altogether lovely One John 1:17

166. Isa. 2:3 He shall teach all nations John 4:25

167. Isa. 2:4 He shall judge among the nations John 5:22

168. Isa. 6:1 When Isaiah saw His glory John 12:40-41

169. Isa. 6:8 The One Sent by God John 12:38-45

170. Isa. 6:9-10 Parables fall on deaf ears Matthew 13:13-15

171. Isa. 6:9-12 Blinded to Christ and deaf to His words Acts 28:23-29

172. Isa. 7:14 To be born of a virgin Luke 1:35

173. Isa. 7:14 To be Emmanuel-God with us Matthew 1:18-23, 1Tim. 3:16

174. Isa. 8:8 Called Emmanuel Matthew 28:20

175. Isa. 8:14 A stone of stumbling, a Rock of offense 1Peter 2:8

176. Isa. 9:1, 2 His ministry to begin in Galilee Matthew 4:12-17

177. Isa. 9:6 A child born-Humanity Luke 1:31

178. Isa. 9:6 A Son given-Deity Luke 1:32, John 1:14, 1Tim. 3:16

179. Isa. 9:6 Declared to be the Son of God with power Romans 1:3, 4

180. Isa. 9:6 The Wonderful One, Peleh Luke 4:22

181. Isa. 9:6 The Counsellor, Yaatz Matthew 13:54

182. Isa. 9:6 The Mighty God, El Gibor 1Cor. 1:24, Titus 2:3

183. Isa. 9:6 The Everlasting Father, Avi Adth John 8:58, 10:30

184. Isa. 9:6 The Prince of Peace, Sar Shalom John 16:33

185. Isa. 9:7 To establish an everlasting kingdom Luke 1:32-33

186. Isa. 9:7 His Character-Just John 5:30

187. Isa. 9:7 No end to his Government, Throne, and Peace Luke 1:32-33

188. Isa. 11:1 Called a Nazarene-the Branch, Netzer Matthew 2:23

189. Isa. 11:1 A rod out of Jesse-Son of Jesse Luke 3:23, 32

190. Isa. 11:2 Anointed One by the Spirit Matthew 3:16, 17, Acts 10:38

191. Isa. 11:2 His Character-Wisdom, Knowledge, et al Colossians 2:3

192. Isa. 11:3 He would know their thoughts Luke 6:8, John 2:25

193. Isa. 11:4 Judge in righteousness Acts 17:31

194. Isa. 11:4 Judges with the sword of His mouth Rev. 2:16, 19:11, 15

195. Isa. 11:5 Character: Righteous & Faithful Rev. 19:11

196. Isa. 11:10 The Gentiles seek Him John 12:18-21

197. Isa. 12:2 Called Jesus-Yeshua Matthew 1:21

198. Isa. 22:22 The One given all authority to govern Revelation 3:7

199. Isa. 25:8 The Resurrection predicted 1Corinthians 15:54

200. Isa. 26:19 His power of Resurrection predicted Matthew 27:50-54

201. Isa. 28:16 The Messiah is the precious corner stone Acts 4:11, 12

202. Isa. 28:16 The Sure Foundation 1Corinthians 3:11, Mt. 16:18

203. Isa. 29:13 He indicated hypocritical obedience to His Word Matthew 15:7-9

204. Isa. 29:14 The wise are confounded by the Word 1Corinthians 1:18-31

205. Isa. 32:2 A Refuge-A man shall be a hiding place Matthew 23:37

206. Isa. 35:4 He will come and save you Matthew 1:21

207. Isa. 35:5-6 To have a ministry of miracles Matthew 11:2-6

208. Isa. 40:3, 4 Preceded by forerunner John 1:23

209. Isa. 40:9 “Behold your God.” John 1:36; 19:14

210. Isa. 40:10. He will come to reward Revelation 22:12

211. Isa. 40:11 A shepherd-compassionate life-giver John 10:10-18

212. Isa. 42:1-4 The Servant-as a faithful, patient redeemer Matthew 12:18-21

213. Isa. 42:2 Meek and lowly Matthew 11:28-30

214. Isa. 42:3 He brings hope for the hopeless John 4

215. Isa. 42:4 The nations shall wait on His teachings John 12:20-26

216. Isa. 42:6 The Light (salvation) of the Gentiles Luke 2:32

217. Isa. 42:1, 6 His is a worldwide compassion Matthew 28:19, 20

218. Isa. 42:7 Blind eyes opened. John 9:25-38

219. Isa. 43:11 He is the only Saviour. Acts 4:12

220. Isa. 44:3 He will send the Spirit of God John 16:7, 13

221. Isa. 45:21-25 He is Lord and Saviour Philippians 3:20, Titus 2:13

222. Isa. 45:23 He will be the Judge John 5:22; Romans 14:11

223. Isa. 46:9, 10 Declares things not yet done John 13:19

224. Isa. 48:12 The First and the Last John 1:30, Revelation 1:8, 17

225. Isa. 48:16, 17 He came as a Teacher John 3:2

226. Isa. 49:1 Called from the womb-His humanity Matthew 1:18

227. Isa. 49:5 A Servant from the womb. Luke 1:31, Philippians 2:7

228. Isa. 49:6 He will restore Israel Acts 3:19-21, 15:16-17

229. Isa. 49:6 He is Salvation for Israel Luke 2:29-32

230. Isa. 49:6 He is the Light of the Gentiles John 8:12, Acts 13:47

231. Isa. 49:6 He is Salvation unto the ends of the earth Acts 15:7-18

232. Isa. 49:7 He is despised of the Nation John 1:11, 8:48-49, 19:14-15

233. Isa. 50:3 Heaven is clothed in black at His humiliation Luke 23:44, 45

234. Isa. 50:4 He is a learned counselor for the weary Matthew 7:29, 11:28, 29

235. Isa. 50:5 The Servant bound willingly to obedience Matthew 26:39

236. Isa. 50:6a “I gave my back to the smiters.” Matthew 27:26

237. Isa. 50:6b He was smitten on the cheeks Matthew 26:67

238. Isa. 50:6c He was spat upon Matthew 27:30

239. Isa. 52:7 Published good tidings upon mountains Matthew 5:12,15:29,28:16

240. Isa. 52:13 The Servant exalted Acts 1:8-11; Eph. 1:19-22, Php. 2:5-9

241. Isa. 52:14 The Servant shockingly abused Luke 18:31-34; Mt. 26:67, 68

242. Isa. 52:15 Nations startled by message of the Servant Luke 18:31-34; Mt. 26:67, 68

243. Isa. 52:15 His blood shed sprinkles nations Hebrews 9:13-14, Rev. 1:5

244. Isa. 53:1 His people would not believe Him John 12:37-38

245. Isa. 53:2 Appearance of an ordinary man Philippians 2:6-8

246. Isa. 53:3a Despised Luke 4:28-29

247. Isa. 53:3b Rejected Matthew 27:21-23

248. Isa. 53:3c Great sorrow and grief Matthew 26:37-38, Luke 19:41, Heb. 4:15

249. Isa. 53:3d Men hide from being associated with Him Mark 14:50-52

250. Isa. 53:4a He would have a healing ministry Matthew 8:16-17

251. Isa. 53:4b Thought to be cursed by God Matthew 26:66, 27:41-43

252. Isa. 53:5a Bears penalty for mankind’s iniquities 2Cor. 5:21, Heb. 2:9

253. Isa. 53:5b His sacrifice provides peace between man and God Colossians 1:20

254. Isa. 53:5c His sacrifice would heal man of sin 1Peter 2:24

255. Isa. 53:6a He would be the sin-bearer for all mankind 1John 2:2, 4:10

256. Isa. 53:6b God’s will that He bear sin for all mankind Galatians 1:4

257. Isa. 53:7a Oppressed and afflicted Matthew 27:27-31

258. Isa. 53:7b Silent before his accusers Matthew 27:12-14

259. Isa. 53:7c Sacrificial lamb John 1:29, 1Peter 1:18-19

260. Isa. 53:8a Confined and persecuted Matthew 26:47-27:31

261. Isa. 53:8b He would be judged John 18:13-22

262. Isa. 53:8c Killed Matthew 27:35

263. Isa. 53:8d Dies for the sins of the world 1John 2:2

264. Isa. 53:9a Buried in a rich man’s grave Matthew 27:57

265. Isa. 53:9b Innocent and had done no violence Luke 23:41, John 18:38

266. Isa. 53:9c No deceit in his mouth 1Peter 2:22

267. Isa. 53:10a God’s will that He die for mankind John 18:11

268. Isa. 53:10b An offering for sin Matthew 20:28, Galatians 3:13

269. Isa. 53:10c Resurrected and live forever Romans 6:9

270. Isa. 53:10d He would prosper John 17:1-5

271. Isa. 53:11a God fully satisfied with His suffering John 12:27

272. Isa. 53:11b God’s servant would justify man Romans 5:8-9, 18-19

273. Isa. 53:11c The sin-bearer for all mankind Hebrews 9:28

274. Isa. 53:12a Exalted by God because of his sacrifice Matthew 28:18

275. Isa. 53:12b He would give up his life to save mankind Luke 23:46

276. Isa. 53:12c Numbered with the transgressors Mark 15:27-28

277. Isa. 53:12d Sin-bearer for all mankind 1Peter 2:24

278. Isa. 53:12e Intercede to God in behalf of mankind Luke 23:34, Rom. 8:34

279. Isa. 55:3 Resurrected by God Acts 13:34

280. Isa. 55:4a A witness John 18:37

281. Isa. 55:4b He is a leader and commander Hebrews 2:10

282. Isa. 55:5 God would glorify Him Acts 3:13

283. Isa. 59:16a Intercessor between man and God Matthew 10:32

284. Isa. 59:16b He would come to provide salvation John 6:40

285. Isa. 59:20 He would come to Zion as their Redeemer Luke 2:38

286. Isa. 60:1-3 He would shew light to the Gentiles Acts 26:23

287. Isa. 61:1a The Spirit of God upon him Matthew 3:16-17

288. Isa. 61:1b The Messiah would preach the good news Luke 4:16-21

289. Isa. 61:1c Provide freedom from the bondage of sin John 8:31-36

290. Isa. 61:1-2a Proclaim a period of grace Galatians 4:4-5

291. Jer. 11:21 Conspiracy to kill Jesus John 7:1, Matthew 21:28

292. Jer. 23:5-6 Descendant of David Luke 3:23-31

293. Jer. 23:5-6 The Messiah would be both God and Man John 13:13, 1Ti 3:16

294. Jer. 31:22 Born of a virgin Matthew 1:18-20

295. Jer. 31:31 The Messiah would be the new covenant Matthew 26:28

296. Jer. 33:14-15 Descendant of David Luke 3:23-31

297. Eze.34:23-24 Descendant of David Matthew 1:1

298. Eze.37:24-25 Descendant of David Luke 1:31-33

299. Dan. 2:44-45 The Stone that shall break the kingdoms Matthew 21:44

300. Dan. 7:13-14a He would ascend into heaven Acts 1:9-11

301. Dan. 7:13-14b Highly exalted Ephesians 1:20-22

302. Dan. 7:13-14c His dominion would be everlasting Luke 1:31-33

303. Dan. 9:24a To make an end to sins Galatians 1:3-5

304. Dan. 9:24a To make reconciliation for iniquity Romans 5:10, 2Cor. 5:18-21

305. Dan. 9:24b He would be holy Luke 1:35

306. Dan. 9:25 His announcement John 12:12-13

307. Dan. 9:26a Cut off Matthew 16:21, 21:38-39

308. Dan. 9:26b Die for the sins of the world Hebrews 2:9

309. Dan. 9:26c Killed before the destruction of the temple Matthew 27:50-51

310. Dan. 10:5-6 Messiah in a glorified state Revelation 1:13-16

311. Hos. 11:1 He would be called out of Egypt Matthew 2:15

312. Hos. 13:14 He would defeat death 1Corinthians 15:55-57

313. Joel 2:32 Offer salvation to all mankind Romans 10:9-13

314. Jonah 1:17 Death and resurrection of Christ Matthew 12:40, 16:4

315. Mic. 5:2a Born in Bethlehem Matthew 2:1-6

316. Mic. 5:2b Ruler in Israel Luke 1:33

317. Mic. 5:2c From everlasting John 8:58

318. Hag. 2:6-9 He would visit the second Temple Luke 2:27-32

319. Hag. 2:23 Descendant of Zerubbabel Luke 2:27-32

320. Zech. 3:8 God’s servant John 17:4

321. Zech. 6:12-13 Priest and King Hebrews 8:1

322. Zech. 9:9a Greeted with rejoicing in Jerusalem Matthew 21:8-10

323. Zech. 9:9b Beheld as King John 12:12-13

324. Zech. 9:9c The Messiah would be just John 5:30

325. Zech. 9:9d The Messiah would bring salvation Luke 19:10

326. Zech. 9:9e The Messiah would be humble Matthew 11:29

327. Zech. 9:9f Presented to Jerusalem riding on a donkey Matthew 21:6-9

328. Zech. 10:4 The cornerstone Ephesians 2:20

329. Zech. 11:4-6a At His coming, Israel to have unfit leaders Matthew 23:1-4

330. Zech. 11:4-6b Rejection causes God to remove His protection Luke 19:41-44

331. Zech. 11:4-6c Rejected in favor of another king John 19:13-15

332. Zech. 11:7 Ministry to “poor,” the believing remnant Matthew 9:35-36

333. Zech. 11:8a Unbelief forces Messiah to reject them Matthew 23:33

334. Zech. 11:8b Despised Matthew 27:20

335. Zech. 11:9 Stops ministering to those who rejected Him Matthew 13:10-11

336. Zech. 11:10-11a Rejection causes God to remove protection Luke 19:41-44

337. Zech. 11:10-11b The Messiah would be God John 14:7

338. Zech. 11:12-13a Betrayed for thirty pieces of silver Matthew 26:14-15

339. Zech. 11:12-13b Rejected Matthew 26:14-15

340. Zech. 11:12-13c Thirty pieces of silver cast in the house of the Lord Matthew 27:3-5

341. Zech. 11:12-13d The Messiah would be God John 12:45

342. Zech. 12:10a The Messiah’s body would be pierced John 19:34-37

343. Zech. 12:10b The Messiah would be both God and man John 10:30

344. Zech. 12:10c The Messiah would be rejected John 1:11

345. Zech. 13:7a God’s will He die for mankind John 18:11

346. Zech. 13:7b A violent death Mark 14:27

347. Zech. 13:7c Both God and man John 14:9

348. Zech. 13:7d Israel scattered as a result of rejecting Him Matthew 26:31-56

349. Zech. 14:4 He would return to the Mt. of Olives Acts 1:11-12

350. Mal. 3:1a Messenger to prepare the way for Messiah Mark 1:1-8

351. Mal. 3:1b Sudden appearance at the temple Mark 11:15-16

352. Mal. 3:1c Messenger of the new covenant Luke 4:43

353. Mal. 3:6 The God who changes not Hebrews 13:8

354. Mal. 4:5 Forerunner in spirit of Elijah Mt. 3:1-3, 11:10-14, 17:11-13

355. Mal. 4:6 Forerunner would turn many to righteousness Luke 1:16-17

Let’s continue with our thoughts about Creation and what the belief in or lack of belief in biblical creation means.

Questions:

What Does Biblical Creation Have To Do With Theology?

1. If biblical creation isn’t true then how do we believe anything else in scripture?
2. If God didn’t create you, then what is your purpose for living? If you were just another accident of evolution, then what meaning does your life have? We worship the creation instead of the Creator!
3. If the theory of evolution is true, then how did it start? Where did the components to make it begin come from? If they just “existed” in space, then they had to have an origin.
4. If the theory of evolution is true, then where are the in-between species (animals changing from one species to another, species in between primates and human, etc)

Where do you stand on these quesitons?  If you clearly believe one way or the other, why do you hold that belief?  Are you so sure about your belief that you are willing to stand and fight for it, knowing you have the evidence to support it.  I firmly stand on the side of biblical creation and I believe the evidence supports my belief.

Read these quotes by some folks on the front lines of this battle:

Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who sets the planets in motion.” ― Isaac Newton

By irreducibly complex I mean a single system composed of several well-matched, interacting parts that contribute to the basic function, wherein the removal of any one of the parts causes the system to effectively cease functioning. – Michael Behe

Scientists are slowly waking up to an inconvenient truth – the universe looks suspiciously like a fix. The issue concerns the very laws of nature themselves. For 40 years, physicists and cosmologists have been quietly collecting examples of all too convenient “coincidences” and special features in the underlying laws of the universe that seem to be necessary in order for life, and hence conscious beings, to exist. Change any one of them and the consequences would be lethal. – Fred Hoyle

The controversy between Darwinism and intelligent design has the characteristics of major scientific revolutions in the past. Darwinists are losing power because they treat with contempt the very people on whom they depend the most: American taxpayers. The outcome of this scientific revolution will be decided by young people who have the courage to question dogmatism and follow the evidence wherever it leads. ― Jonathan Wells

Molecular biology has shown that even the simplest of all living systems on the earth today, bacterial cells, are exceedingly complex objects. Although the tiniest bacterial cells are incredibly small, weighing less than 10-12 gms, each is in effect a veritable micro-miniaturized factory containing thousands of exquisitely designed pieces of intricate molecular machinery, made up altogether of one hundred thousand million atoms, far more complicated than any machine built by man and absolutely without parallel in the nonliving world. ― Michael Denton

I look forward to your thoughts about creation and the questions is brings to the total discussion of theology.

WG

We started a Sunday School series on July 5th.  Honestly, I struggle with exactly what to do during our Sunday School time.  I have taught series through the years on all kinds of topic.  I have gone through entire books of the Bible, and I’ve done one shot lessons on Holidays, first day of school, how to treat others, and many more.  I’ve taught something like 800 lessons in Sunday School and I’m still unsure every time I begin something new.

This series is something I’ve never done as a cohesive unit.  The goal is to have some basic answers for the question, “Why do I believe what I believe about God?”  

Our first section is Creation and The Fall of Man.  We started today going through the days of creation according to the Bible and why it’s important for us.  We went through days 1, 2, and 3.  

• Genesis 1:1 – This verse contains so many important pieces of theology.  “In the beginning, God” – He existed before anyting else.  Everything that was created was created by Him.  He is the only answer for creation because He was all that existed before creation.  
• Day one:  God created light.  Soemthing that had existed in Him only, He let out to the universe.  Darkness is not created – it is the absence of light.  When light arrives on the scene, all darkness in it’s presence is overruled.  God separated the light and darkness.  Our heart was dark and lost in sin with no hope of being redeemed, but God gave us the light!
• Day two: God separated the water and the heavens.  He put physical principles into place.  Gravity decieded what would float, and what would come down.  This very basic stage of formation gives us a picture of us.  Salvation doesn’t make us complete in who God wants to make us – it’s just the beginning – He has more to work in us.
• Day three:  God moved the water together and moved the land together.  He took the work from day 2 and continued it.  He formed oceans, lakes and rivers.  He made huge land masses and small ones.  He made mountains, valleys, beaches, plains, plateaus, rain forrests, desserts, polar regions, and more.  His creativity is evident in the varied eco-systems on this earth.  He then took the water and land, and added plants of all types and varieties.  He was moving in a specific order and He had a clear plan in the movement.

I love you all and pray you spend some time this week thinking about God’s hand in creation.

WG

Our study of leadership has led us to the 26 characteristics of a True Leader.  We’ve moved from studying Joshua to the life of Gideon.  Gideon was one of Israel’s judges.  His story begins in Judges 6.  God saw things in Gideon he didn’t see in himself. Now that sounds familiar!  It seems like Paul called many of his fellow believers in the churches he wrote to “Saints”.  It took me a while to work through the idea of Paul using this terminology for the same people he was encouraging, scolding, teaching, etc.  The “ah ha” moment for me came when I read this word enough to understand it’s meaning was not based on the people and their actions, but on the God who gave His Son as payment for their sin.  Their faith to salvation in Jesus made them Saints – nothing else.

I struggle seeing myself the way God sees me too.  Gideon isn’t the only one who doesn’t see a leader when he looks at himself.  God used Gideon to lead the entire nation of Israel out of Midianite control, but Gideon had to ultimately believe God to provide whatever he needed.  God promises me the same things he promised Gideon.  To walk with me every single step of the way as long as I trust Him.  The leadership qualities Gideon showed are great in number and quality.

The qualities we have discussed so far are:

1. Trustworthy
2. Initiative
3. Good Judgement
4. Speak with Authority

Just based on these 4 characteristics, how are you doing so far?  Are you at the top of the leader food chain, or are you struggling if someone is following you?

Whatever your answer – there is more to come.  The truth is, we all struggle believing God.  So let’s keep working to believe Him more, and follow Him more completely so we can really lead others.

Pastor Warren

I have to start this post by apologizing for the length of time between posts.  Life gets in the way sometimes, but that’s no excuse.

Our class has been going GREAT!  We consistently have new folks join us, and we have seen God strengthen so many  in our group.  When He changes people’s lives, they stay changed.  The latest topic we have tackled as a group is Leadership.  Leadership impacts every single area of our lives.  I’m convinced every person has the ability to lead others.  Most of us have people following us, even if we don’t know it so where we are headed is very important.  As others follow us, it becomes more and more critical that our lives must follow The One True God.

If that last statement is true – and it is – then we can make a concise statement.  To be the leaders we are created to be, we must follow The Creator!

Leadership is on display all throughout scripture, but we settled in on one primary character – Joshua.  Joshua spent over 40 years as Moses’ number two guy.  He did a lot of the dirty work.  Can you imagine being the assistant to the guy in charge of over 2 million people?  He was busy from dawn to dusk handling issues, solving problems, encouraging Moses, and following the Lord himself.  I’m sure there were days he thought “what’s the point?”, but God noticed.  As Joshua is given the reigns to the children of Israel, God has some things to tell him.  Joshua 1 lets us see Joshua at the very beginning of his time to lead.

As we begin a series of posts about leadership, let me ask you a few questions.

1. Who do you follow?  Why do you follow them?
2. Who is following you?
3. Do you think you’re a good leader?  Why or why not?

We’ll be back – really, we will!

WG

Our current Bible Study series on Thursday nights is asking one general question about several topics.  The question is “How do we live our christianity day to day lives?”  We realize living God’s version of the Christian life if different than what most of us would do if we didn’t chase after Him.   If left all to our own, we are greedy, selfish, angry, consumed with getting what we want, and a host of other fairly unpleasant character traits.  The world is filled with people who have these traits on full display every day.  It is looking for something different.  The world has had enough of people who live only for themselves.

Our study has taken us through several interesting topics so far.  Things like “righteous living”, God’s view of alcohol in the Christian’s life, and this week we tackled the topic of homosexuality.  I would love to discuss any of these topics with anyone reading the blog, but for now I want to recap some of our discussion about homosexuality.

The first point I want to make is a very simple one.  According to scripture, homosexuality is a sin.  It is listed in several places among other sexual sins as being against God’s law and plan for us.  It is not worse than any other sin, but according to the Bible it is clearly a sin.  This brings up some very interesting questions.

If homosexuality is listed in scripture among other sexual sins, then why has our society seemingly separated it from among other sexual sins into a category all it’s own?  The church has definitely contributed to this problem.  We can forgive someone who cheats on their spouse (adultery), has sex before marriage (fornication), and is addicted to pornography (lust and covetousness).  However, when we hear the word “homosexual”  we automatically think it is unforgivable and unchangeable.  Our current culture has also contributed to this issue.  The popular stance has become “I was born that way”.

I fully agree that everyone is has certain temptations that impact them personally.  My temptations may not be the same as yours.  In fact, it is a fact that I am tempted every single day with my own personal set of things.  Some of them, I have made stronger because of how I’ve given in to them over the years.  Others seem to come very naturally to me.  They bring me great pleasure when I indulge in them, but then I’m riddled with guilt and shame because I wasn’t strong enough to stand up against the pressure and I know I’ve let down my God who loved me and gave himself for me.  All that being said, here’s my thought:  If I’m someone who is born with the inclination to be attracted to people of the same sex, then why is it ok to eventually give into this temptation.  If I have an inclination to be drink excessively and I decide I’m tired of fighting it, no one applauds me for “being myself” or “allowing the real me” to come through.  It’s wrong to give in to any temptation at any time.  The very nature of our human condition causes this daily, constant struggle between right and wrong.  It’s not freeing or some improvement for me to give in to these things in my life.  Homosexuality does not need it’s own category.  It is a sin, like any other sin (especially sexual sins).  Someone may struggle with attraction to the same sex, but they must fight that temptation just like anyone fights any other temptation they face.  It is never ok to just give in.

I welcome your input and discussion.

Here are the scriptures we looked at this week.

Romans 1:26-28, Mark 10:6-9, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, Galatians 5:16-21

WG