Salvation 6

The Aim of this devotional Bible study is to grow in appreciation and understanding of God’s gift of salvation.

Scriptures

Numbers 21:4-9

4  From Mount Hor [the Israelites] set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way.  5  And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.”

6  Then the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died.  7  And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you. Pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.   8  And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.”

9  So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.

John 3:14-18

14  And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,  5  that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Observations

1. Let’s summarize Numbers 21 by linking the verse reference on the left with the best one-word description on the right:

V4                    confession

V5                    salvation

V6                    discontent

V7a                  rebellion

V7b                  intercession

V8                    judgment

2. In John 3 Jesus uses the allegory of Numbers 21 to refer to his own salvation. In essence, every person is “bitten by a serpent” and must look at “the fiery serpent on a pole, lifted up” to live.  Answer the following questions about this allegory shortly:

• what does “being bitten by the serpent” refer to?
• what does the “death” of those bitten by the serpents refer to?
• what does this “fiery serpent on a pole” refer to?
• what is the significance of Jesus being identified as a “fiery serpent on a pole”? (hint: Galatians 3:13 and 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Application

1. We know that on the cross Jesus became a substitution for the wrath of God, carrying the punishment of our sin and dying on our behalf. In which way can you see this both Numbers 21 and John 3 above?
2. Memorize John 3:14-18 (do one verse at a time if it is intimidating). The Bible School group will be asked to repeat it at our meetings this week.

Prayer

Respond in prayer – thanksgiving for your salvation and intercession for a friend or family member who must still respond to God’s gift of salvation.

Knowing Jesus 10

The Aim of the devotional study is to grow in understanding of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Scripture

Revelation 19:11-21

11  Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12  His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself.

13  He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.  14  And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.  15  From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.

16  On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

17  Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18  to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.”

19  And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20  And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21  And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.

Observations

1. List the names and titles attributed to Jesus in this passage of Scripture.
2. What do you understand under the title “King of kings, Lord of Lords”? Rephrase this title of Jesus in your own, contemporary words.
3. In this section we see Jesus as the Commander of heavens’ Armies. List the characteristics and actions of Jesus as Commander of Armies of Heaven.
4. What do you understand with the imagery of Jesus slaying the enemies of God with the sharp sword from his mouth? Can you guess what future event does this hint to, and what is Jesus’ role in this event?

Application

1. How do you feel about Jesus warring against and judging the enemies of God? How does that influence your view of him?

Prayer

Spend some time in prayer, reflecting on what you have read in Scripture over the past two weeks as we have grown in the knowledge of Jesus

Knowing Jesus 2

The Aim of this devotional study is to know Jesus and his ministry on earth, as well as his relationship with God the Father and Holy Spirit.

Scripture:

[The context: It’s a while after Pentecost, and Peter is presenting the gospel to non-Jews in Cornelius’ house for the first time after the Lord Jesus gave him a vision to not prevent them from the gift of salvation]

Acts 10:36-42

36  “As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37  you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38  how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

39  And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40  but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41  not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42  And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.”

Observation:

(Note: use a pen and paper today – it won’t take longer but you will learn so much more!)

1. What did Peter tell the Cornelius’ household of the life and ministry of Jesus? (what Jesus did and will do).
2. From this preaching, what would Cornelius’ household learn about the names, titles and offices of Jesus? (who Jesus is)
3. In this sermon of Peter we learn quite a bit about the God being three-in-one. What does Peter reveal to the non-Jewish hearers about the relationship between God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

Application

1. Have you experienced Jesus as the Healer and Deliverer yet? How and when?
2. How do you relate to Jesus as “Lord of all” (10v36)
3. Peter preached that Jesus will be your “judge”? How do you feel and how do you reason about that?
4. Peter said “Jesus commanded us to preach and testify…” – who is the first person that comes to mind that need to hear Jesus saving gospel?

Prayer

1. Do you need healing or deliverance? Pray to the Healer and Deliverer!
2. Pray a prayer of submission (your whole life or one specific aspect) to Jesus, the Lord of All.

Pray with David to Jesus, the Judge of All the verses below, then respond to what the Lord shows you in prayer.

Psalms 139:23-24   “Search me, [Lord[, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

God bless you with confidence today!

Knowing God 4

The Aim of this devotional study is to learn how Paul revealed God to the secular, pagan Greek society in Athens, and evaluate our understanding of the One True God.

A few ruins of the pagan temples Paul saw in Athens.

Scripture

Acts 17:22-34

22  So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23  For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.

The “Areopagus” is a big rock overlooking ancient Athens, used by the elders to judge civil disputes (as a modern court).

24  The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25  nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.

26  And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27  that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28  for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ 29  Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.

30  The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31  because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

32  Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”  33  So Paul went out from their midst. 34  But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.

Observations

1. Paul was appalled by the senseless idolatry in Athens and started preaching, but was soon brought to the Areopagus, the local rock of judgment before the city’s elders for preaching a new religion. Take notes of his concise preaching of this “Unknown God”.  How does he present God to them? What are the attributes he chose to describe God with?

Application

1. Paul preaches God as the creator of the world and all in it, of heavens and earth (v24), of life (v25) and all mankind (v26). How does that challenge prejudice in our racially diverse nation?
2. Paul preaches God as being self-sufficient needing no temple (v24), no idols (v25, 29), not even service or worship (v25). How does that challenge your motive for service and worship?
3. Paul preaches God as sovereign being Lord of all mankind (v24), determining physical borders and periods of dominion of nations (v26). How does that challenge your view of international currency fluctuation and ilitary power in the world? Even of wars?
4. Paul preaches God as immanent (Afr = toereikend) being close to us (v27) even giving us identity (v28). How does that influence your prayer life now?
5. Paul praches God as gracious, overlooking the past sins in ignorance (v30) and commanding repentance from all to avoid judgment (v30). How does that challenge your attitude towards openly immoral people and people from other religions? And the way you approach to God considering your repeated weaknesses and sins?
6. Paul preaches God as judge who determines the judgment day and has appointed teh judge (v31). How does that influence your view of God?

Through the day, think about this: If you went on mission to India and were dragged before the local elders by religious fanatics, how will you describe God to them, with the aim to challenge their faith and life?

Prayer

Pray through the major attributes of God mentioned in this sermon of Paul, and ask God to reveal Himself to you.  Ask boldness and grace to rightly reveal God rightly to others.

Knowing God 2

The Aim of this devotional study is to grow in the knowledge and of God leading to a more intimate relationship with Him.

Scripture

Isaiah 40:9-31

9  Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!”

10  Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.  11  He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

12  Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? 13  Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel?  14  Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?  15  Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.  16  Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.  17  All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness.

18  To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him?  19  An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains. 20  He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move.

21  Do you not know? Do you not hear? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?  22  It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;  23  who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.  24  Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble.

25  To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One.  26  Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.

27  Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”?

28  Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.  29  He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.  30  Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;  31  but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Observation

1. Write down all the names of God that are attributed to Him in this text.
2. Read through the passage again and give one-word descriptions for God from every verse, i.e. v9 “Comforter”, v10 “Judge”, v11 “Shepherd”, etc.
3. List the descriptions from this section that relates to God’s transcendence (bigness, otherness).
4. List the descriptions from this section that relates to God’s immanence (nearness, closeness to us).
5. Look again to verses 18-26. The phrase “To whom then will you liken/compare God” is repeated deliberately (v18 and 25) to compare the two following statements. What ironic comparison does the author highlight?  What is the lesson?

Application and prayer

1. What is a god? Why do people worship gods? What are the benefits of worshiping gods? Name at least five motives/ benefits. (Look at the passage if you do not know).
2. Look at your list of motives for value and trusting a god above. Reflect in your own life – do you trust or value something other than God for the above?  For instance: do you trust in money for security, regard your possessions as prize, someone as first option for help or wisdom, or your work for identity? Pray through that and declare God as primary in all things: wisdom and direction, strength and security, identity and value, etc.
3. Take a while and prayerfully think and memories verse 28-29

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. “

Spend time in prayerful worship to our great, transcendent God who knows and relates and lavishes his goodness on his creatures whom he loves.  Tell him how great he is!