John 1

• In the beginning was the Word . . .
• John the Baptist testifies that he is making the way ready for Christ.
• John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the promised One, the Son of God.
• The Apostles Andrew, John, Peter, Philip and Nathanael decide to follow Jesus.
• Nathanael believes because Jesus accurately describes what he had been doing before hearing about him, but Jesus promises that he will soon see many more things that will give him even more reasons to believe.

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John 2

• The Wedding in Cana, water into wine, the first miracle performed for his mother.
• Jesus beats up and throws out the merchants from the temple.
• Then he claims to be able to rebuild "this temple" in three days if it were destroyed.

What's with the "cleansing the temple" thing where he throws the merchants out of the temple doing at the beginning? Wasn't that during Holy Week? Is John playing goofy with the timeline? Did he just remember it that way? Did some of these things happen more than once? Maybe John is writing about who Jesus was and just isn't interested in writing a proper narrative with an orderly timeline?
Hmm. Well, this and Mathew is as close as we can get to a first hand account, so . . .

More on the timeline Sunday.

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John 3

• Jesus explains to Nicodemus that people must be born again of the Spirit.
• He goes on to say that he came from heaven and must be "lifted up" like the snake Moses put on a poll in the desert.
• John 3:16-17. Learn it. Love it. Live it.
• John the Baptist teaches his followers that Jesus is Christ, the one whom he was sent to prepare the way for.

John 4

• The Pharisees start to grow concerned about Jesus gaining followers, so he leaves the region near Jerusalem and returned to Galilee where he had grown up.
• On the way, he stops in Samaria where he meets the famous woman at the well. She has been married five times and currently living with a boyfriend, plus Jews saw Samaritans as second class citizens anyways. Jesus responds with love, accepting a drink from her and offering her the "living water" which leads to eternal life. "living water" is understood as a paraphrase for his teachings about God and salvation.
• Furthermore, Jesus explains to her that he is The Messiah, and she wonders if that might be true. She brings other people to listen to him and many believe.
• Jesus explains to his disciples that they are being sent out as harvesters to work with people others have prepared to believe.
• After arriving back in Galilee a royal official begs him to heal his son in Capernaum who is healed as soon as Jesus says that he will be.

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Devozine this week on the importance of the gift of rest, and the way people sometimes over-load or otherwise lose track of that gift.

We turned our attention to the Letter to the Hebrews this week. An unusual letter. It seems to be missing the usual greeting and jumps right into the philosophical arguments.

Hebrews 1

• God sent prophets in the old days, but now has sent His Son to speak to us directly.
• It was through His Son that the universe was made.
• After providing for mankind's salvation, Jesus went to sit at God's right hand.
• Jesus was then as much superior to angels as His name is superior to theirs (what does that mean?).
• It then vamps on the theme for a few bars (versus 5-14)

Hebrews 2

• Pay attention lest we drift away!
• Christ is above the entire world, even though the world doesn't currently act like it is subject to him.
• Jesus became lower than the angels for a little while so that he could die for us all, and now is crowned in glory because of what he did.
• Jesus considers us to be family--as brothers or children.
• Jesus had to become human like us, and to experience suffering and temptation like us in order to be a merciful and faithful priest. Dying as a human he destroyed the power of death over us.

Note what we can learn about the Hebrews from the themes of the letter. Apparently there was active discussion about how the heavenly hierarchy worked. There must have been discussion about whether Jesus should be regarded as a prophet, an angel, or someone more important. What resounds clearly through these verses is that Jesus is the one overall pinnacle figure.

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John 5

• This chapter apparently tells about a second trip to Jerusalem for a feast, possibly Passover.
• Jesus heals a paralyzed man: "Get up! Take up your mat and walk!"
• The Jewish temple leaders were upset to see the guy carrying his mat on the Sabath.
• Jesus explains that His Father is always at work, even on the Sabbath.
• Furthermore, he promises resurrection (which some leaders at the time didn't believe in) and that he himself will judge whether each person is to get eternal life or condemnation.
• He states that it is the testimony of John the Baptist and the testimony of the work his Father has sent him to do that proclaims who he is more than what he claims to be.
• Finally, Jesus explains that if they actually believed what Moses wrote then they would believe in him as well.

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Devozine this week focused on patience both with life and in serving God, which allowed for some discussion about ways in which we can be a witness for God where He has already put us.

Back to Hebrews:

Hebrews 4 - 5

• Salvation is described in terms of the Sabbath day of rest, with an admonition not to fall short of it.
  This is a many-layered metaphor which begins in chapter 3 with comparing Heaven to the promised land, and continues here. Probably better contemplated than explained!
• "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword . . ."
• Nothing is hidden from God.
• Jesus is the great high priest because he can sympathize with our weaknesses, so he will be forgiving when we stand before his throne.
• High priests can deal gently with those who are ignorant or going astray because they are people too.
• Jesus can also deal gently with us because he too was like us, and suffered for us.
• Through his suffering he was "made perfect" and became the source of our salvation.
• The passage closes with an admonition to the church in Jerusalem. They have believed for a long time, but instead of being ready to be teachers they "need milk, not solid food!"
• People who are mature in their faith can distinguish good from evil.

Milk? Solid food? Where is your faith journey at? Just starting? Ready to lead? Somewhere in-between? In what ways does our church provide spiritual milk and in what ways does our church provide spiritual meat & potatoes? What do we need to do better? What sorts of things should we be doing to grow spiritually the way the passage describes?

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Devozine this week had thoughts on friendship.

Hebrews 6

• These things are the elementary teachings of Christianity:
  • Repentance from sin
  • Faith in God
  • Baptism
  • Laying on of hands
  • The resurrection of the dead
  • Eternal Judgment
• If someone once comes to know Christ and "falls away" they cannot be saved again (it would make a mockery of his crucifixion).

  Do you agree? This is similar to the idea of the unpardonable sin (cursing the Holy Spirit), and is the line of thinking that would lead some to explain that once someone is "saved" they are always saved, or a Catholic to teach that salvation is guaranteed through baptism unless the parishioner is excommunicated. A Methodist would usually say that salvation is by Grace alone and His Grace is always, always sufficient. None of these points directly conflict with each other (why?), but each reflects an understanding of salvation by grace. What do you think?

• God is not unjust, He will remember your good work.
• Work hard to the end, imitating people who show faith and patience following God.
• Just like Abraham received what God had promised after waiting patiently, we can trust in the hope of salvation through Christ who went before us.

I found this chapter profound in theme and confusing in details. What do you think?

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Devozine this week was on that popular subject of cliques. Interesting observations about how much a "clique" a group becomes has a lot to do with how open to outsiders a group is, which generally boils down to how accepting the leaders are. Keep in mind that each of us is more of a leader than we realize.

John 6:1-24

• feeding of the 5000
• walking on the Sea of Galilee
• crowds pursue Jesus around the sea to Capernaum

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First Sunday of Advent. Hope and prophesy are often the themes for this Sunday. Accordingly, we read from Isaiah 7 the prophesy that the coming Messiah would be born of a virgin.

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Second Sunday of Advent. Peace is often the theme for this Sunday of Advent, but other traditions use this Sunday to discuss John the Baptist.

John 6:25-40

• crowds catch up with Jesus in Capernaum
• Jesus is critical of their persistence, telling them that they have only followed him because he fed them when they should be following him seeking eternal life.
• Comparing himself to the manna God sent to Moses in the desert, Jesus explains that in him God has now sent true bread from heaven to give life to the world.
• People who come to Christ will never be hungry, those who believe will never thirst.
• The will of God is that: "I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day."

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Third Sunday of Advent. The Sunday of Joy, but in our discussions this year we focussed on the roll of Joseph. Mary's husband, the fellow who protected, cared for and raised Jesus as a boy. One of the greatest people who's ever lived, and someone we know next to nothing about.

John 6:41-70

• Many get upset when they hear Jesus claim to be bread from heaven: "Isn't this Joseph's kid?"
• Jesus again says he is the bread of life, and explains that only those who have been drawn to him by the Father will receive his message.
• "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood will have eternal life."
• As people begin to turn away from this challenging idea, Jesus asks if they would believe if they could see him ascend back to his place in heaven.
• As many leave, Jesus asks the Twelve if they will leave him also. Peter replies: 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life . . ."
• Jesus observes that even though he chose the 12, one is against him.

Note how explicitly John recalls Jesus teaching about his roll in man's salvation. Before Easter, how do think a person would react to these ideas? I mean sure, he can work miracles, but "eat my flesh"??? What about "eternal life"? How about ". . .see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!" or ". . . one of you is a devil!" ???

Now we have perspective and understanding on what he was trying to say, but what must it have been like at the time?

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In our abbreviated class time this week we concluded our Advent discussions by talking about Christmas, and specifically looking at Mary’s experiences. See Luke for further details!
Merry Christmas!!!!!

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End of one year, beginning of a new. Much discussion this week on our perceptions of our place in history. What is a year after all? History is before we were born, recent events is things we can remember, so how does that affect the way we see the world around us at different ages? When we see bad news on TV, how can we put it in historical context when the future seems uncertain? Do some events (like the inauguration of Barak Obama as president) seem more or less surprising to older or younger people because of this difference in perspective? 2009 or so years since that first Christmas, and again a Happy New Year to you.

John 7:1-24

• Jesus returns to Galilee and stays away from Judea (around Jerusalem) because the Jewish leaders were already talking about killing him
• At the Feast of Tabernacles (feast of Booths or First Fruits), Jesus' brothers ask him to go up to Jerusalem with them. Encouraging him to make a public display.
• The author (John) indicates that this was because they did not completely believe in him.
• Jesus declines saying his time has not yet come, but then goes to Jerusalem privately.
• He was famous enough at this time that people were looking for him and there was a lot of debate about who he was and what he was doing.
• Half-way into the feast Jesus goes to the Temple and begins to teach.
• When confronted, Jesus explains that his teaching comes from God and demands to know why they want to kill him.
• The crowd ridicules the idea that anyone wants to kill him.
• Jesus again defends his healing a man on the Sabbath.

Hebrews 7

• Jesus is our high priest forever.
• Even though priests are traditionally men from the tribe of Levi, Jesus (tribe of Judah) can also be a priest just like ancient Melchizedek who blessed Abraham Jesus is called to be our priest by God.
• Jesus is far superior to all former high priests.
• He needs not offer sacrifices daily for us because he gave himself once and for all.

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Devozine this week focused on disagreements, betrayals of trust, listening issues, basically all of the little things that make relationships so hard to maintain.

John 7:25-52

• The crowd is surprised that Jesus is speaking publicly and not being arrested.
• They are also questioning if Jesus can really be the Messiah because they expect that ". . . when the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from." A good question was raised here in class: Why do they think this?
• Jesus explains that God has sent him. No, I don't know how this answers their question, any more than I really understand their question.
• There are at least two attempts to arrest him, but none of the guards is willing to actually take him in.
• Jesus explains that he is only here for a short time and going to a place where they can not follow him.
• He is speaking of Easter, but some listening almost prophetically wonder if he is going to teach the Greeks.
• Some believe, some do not, such is life.
• The Pharisees are angry that the guards did not arrest him.
• Nicodemus, whom Jesus had taught about being born again , defends him.
• Other Pharisees explain that no prophet will come out of Galilee. REALLY?

Hebrews 8

• Our high priest sits at the right hand of God, not in a place made by men.
• The ministry of Jesus is superior to that of Moses just as the new covenant is superior to the old.
• The author quotes from Jeremiah whom God gave the promise of the new covenant to come. This covenant was not to be like the old one which people did not keep, because: "I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more"

This is a good one to read a couple of times. Think about how radical this promise of a new covenant must have seemed when it was given to Jeremiah. God writing his laws on our hearts? Remembering sins no more? All will know me from the least to the greatest? In the old covenant only the priests served God directly, and even they would not claim to know God in such an intimate way. Jesus coming into the world was a game-changing, history-splitting event, but for those who would hear the way had been prepared.

And: What a privilege to live in a time when we can know God!

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Devozine this week focused on reading the BIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!

Some people like to read it through from cover to cover like an epic novel. Some people have found better success following a plan that covers all of the text over time in a well thought-out pattern. Still others like to read about a theme or subject by comparing and contrasting what several different parts of the Bible say about it. Many like to spend time on specific stories or books of the Bible using commentaries and other resources to try to dig for deeper meaning.

Many who love reading the Bible one way get frustrated when they try to follow a different path of study. There is no one way to study scripture. Faith is knowing that however you read it, the Bible is the divinely inspired word of God. Time spent with God is time well spent. Believe it.

John 8:1-11

• Jesus went to the Mount of Olives that evening maybe to pray?, but returned to the Temple in the morning.
• The Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus into speaking against the law by confronting him with a woman caught "red handed" in an act of adultery. Why would this be a 'no win' trap in their minds?
• In one of the most powerful demonstrations of the love and forgiveness of God in all of history, Jesus responds with the famous "He who is without sin may cast the first stone." and begins to write in the ground. What do you think he wrote?
• Starting with the eldest, one by one all of the scribes & Pharisees leave.
• Jesus helps the woman up, and tells her that as there is no one left to condemn her he won't either.
• Then he lets her go her way, but tells her this one hard thing: "Go, and sin no more."

A good point was brought up in class. Often that "He who is without sin may cast the stone" bit is used as a defense. Basically: "So what if I'm a sinner, you are too!" That seems to come up a lot when talking about sex or politics, or sex and politics. How is this use of the phrase different from what Christ was saying to each of us? What about the "Go and sin no more" part? Does that really mean that Jesus wants us to live accountable to an "old-fashioned" notion like sin? Hmm. Forgiveness and consequences for actions all wrapped up together. Be at peace, God loves you.

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This week we will be attempting to launch an independent - online Bible Study. I always sound like I'm hedging my bets when I talk about this, but that is because I sincerely mean for the ball to be in your court. It's up to you! I'll go with you, even blaze the trail, but I'm not going to drag you there. Not my style.

John 8:12-20

• "I am the light of the world"
• The Pharisees argue that since Jesus is testifying about himself he isn't credible because nobody else can verify what he says.
• Jesus explains that they doubt him because they don't know where he came from or where he is going.
• He also claims that The Father who sent him is his second witness.
• The Pharisees as him who his father is.
• Jesus explains that if they knew him they would also know his father.
• No one arrested him because "his time had not yet come."

Hebrews 9

This passage centers on comparing and contrasting the old covenant made with Moses on Mt. Sinai to the new covenant of Christ. This continues from the previous description of Jesus as the high priest forever, and discusses how his sacrifice stands in place of the old ways of worship and atoning for sin practiced originally in the Tabernacle described in Exodus and later in the Temple. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with this model of The Tabernacle to better understand the passage.

• The first covenant required worship and sacrifices in an earthly sanctuary on an ongoing basis, indicating that each act was always inadequate by itself.
• The most holy place could only be entered once a year by a priest, all others were cut off from the presence of God.
• Christ came once and for all and offered his own blood to open the way to the very presence of God forever.
• The promise of this new covenant is everlasting life.
• Christ's sanctuary is heaven itself.

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Slow start this week, but completed the discourse between Jesus and leading Priests & Pharisees in John 8.
We also talked about Dorothea Dix in the Devozine. A nineteenth century reformer and advocate for the mentally ill.

John 8:21-59

• Jesus again explains that where he is going away to they cannot follow him.
• Furthermore, if people don't believe in him they will die in their sins.
• Finally, he tells them that once they have lifted him up they will know that he is who he claims to be and doing God's work.
• Many listening believed in him.
• Jesus continues by teaching that regardless of who you are you are still a slave to your sins, and only he can set you free. What does the metaphor of "slavery" suggest about the nature of sin?
• Those who do not accept what he is saying Jesus calls children of the Devil.not very nice?
• Some accuse Jesus of being demon possessed because he thinks he is greater than Abraham, but he responds that it is his father who glorifies him, and that Abraham looked forward to his coming. ("Before Abraham was, I AM.")
• Upon hearing this many were so enraged that they picked up rocks to kill him with, but he somehow slipped away before they could.

Wow!
Who is this guy? Arguing so strongly that his opponents try to kill him? Boldly speaking out to the most powerful people in the land? Calling those people "children of the devil"????
Was he nuts? What happened to that gentle shepherd?

Or maybe this is good. Hey, it's 2009. I need a savior with some attitude.

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Found out that there will be a youth Bible study starting (thanks Erin!) soon, so look into that if you haven't. Also consider posting on the study of David on this page from time to time. Bible study can seem like a burden, but if you make the time I expect that you'll find the time rewarding.

John 11

• First let me establish that Lazarus was dead. Dead as a doornail. Four days past due. Let there be no mistake, the guy was dead.
• Now Bethany was a village near the Mount of Olives, just a couple of miles from Jerusalem, so it was thought to be a dangerous place for Jesus to go.
• When Jesus arrives, Martha comes running out to greet Jesus outside of town.
• Jesus comforts her, explaining that he is the "resurrection and the life"
• She goes to get her sister Mary who comes out to greet him followed by those who'd come to mourn with her.
• Jesus wept.
• Asking to be taken to where they buried him, Jesus demands that they remove the stone from the grave.
• Jesus prays to the Father and asks that the people watching might believe.
• Then he himself commands Lazarus to come out of the grave.
• Some believe, some run off to report to the Pharisees.
• Led by Caiaphas the High Priest, the priests now begin to plot openly to kill Jesus.
• Jesus withdraws to a village called Ephraim to await the Passover feast.

Devozine this week about boys & girls appreciating and wondering about each other.

John 12

• Jesus returns to Bethany six days before the Passover.
• Mary, in a hard to imagine act of love, washes Jesus' feet with her hair and expensive perfume.
• Judas Iscariot, whom John tells us was a thief (!) objected to the expense, but Jesus defends her.
• Lazarus was almost as famous as Jesus now.
• Palm Sunday
• Jesus speaks frankly about his coming death, and seems troubled.
• The Father speaks from heaven, but some only hear thunder.
• Some believe, but most Pharisees do not.
• Jesus warns that there is a coming judgment where those who hear and keep his words will be separated from those who don't.

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The Devozine this week was on breathing of all things. Breath of God, craving God, the need for God's mercy.

John 13-14:14

• Passover meal, on Thursday, the day before Good Friday.
• To end debate on who is the greatest, Jesus washes some feet.
• Since he, as our master, washes feet, so we should strive to serve each other.
• Jesus explains that Judas will betray him and sends him on his way, but the other apostles don't seem to grasp what is happening.
• Jesus explains that he will be leaving them, and encourages them to love each other.
• Peter boasts that he would die for Jesus, but Jesus tells him that before dawn Peter will deny knowing him three times.
• I am going to prepare a place for you.
• Thomas asks the way, Jesus explains that he is the way.
• Philip asks to see the Father, Jesus explains that they see the Father in him.
• Anyone who has faith in Jesus can do what Jesus has been doing and even greater things. huh? really?
• Jesus is going to the Father, so: "You may ask for anything in my name, and I will do it." what is Jesus telling us by this statement?

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John 14:15-31

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John 15-16

• I have overcome the world!

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Palm Sunday, stuffing eggs!!!

John 17

• Jesus prays for Himself
• Jesus prays for the twelve
• Jesus prays for all believers

This is John's recollection of the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Poignant, to the point, passionate. The closing words of Jesus's ministry.

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HAPPY EASTER!!!!

John 18-20:9

• The single greatest event in the entire history of creation.

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John 20-21

• Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb Sunday morning then goes to get others.
• Peter and John find the tomb empty, but don't completely understand yet.
• Jesus appears to Mary
• Jesus appears to 10
• Jesus appears to 10 + Thomas
• Jesus does "many other miraculous signs"
• Jesus appears to 7 fishing "Do you love me? . . . Feed my lambs"
• "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written."

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The Devozine this week included a sobering tale of "whistleblowers" in Congo.

Hebrews 10:1-31

• The law and sacrifices only provide a reminder of our sins, by themselves they can not set us free from the consequences of sin.
• Jesus has offered himself to set us free from sin, and because of this now sits at God's right hand.
• This sets up the "second covenant" where God promises to accept us as clean who are washed by the sacrifice of Jesus.
• Therefore: Let us hold fast to our faith, encourage each other, do good, meet together, not forget that the day of Christ's return is approaching.
• The penalty for rejecting the law of Moses was death, be aware that rejecting Jesus who is much greater than the law must surely have a much greater consequence.

The importance of this chapter is how it shows that the second covenant is not a complete break or change from past teachings, but rather the foretold fulfillment of the first covenant. This is why it quotes extensively from the old testament, including words of David and of Jeremiah. Recall that this letter was written to Jewish believers who understood and tried to live by the old covenant.

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Almost the end of the year, jumped ahead a bit this week.

Hebrews 11

• "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
• By faith:
  • Abel
  • Enoch
  • Noah
  • Abraham & Sarah
  • Isaac
  • Jacob
  • Joseph
  • Moses
  • Red Sea
  • Jericho
  • Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah , David, Samuel and the prophets
  • and many more
  • All lived and died in faith and expectations as "Aliens and Strangers" in this land, waiting on the promise to come.

  None of these heroes of faith had easy lives, none of them had the promise of resurrection in Jesus, but each and every one stands out for their incredible faith in God.

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Took a break from scripture this week for some extended discussion about both the song "The Finish Line" by Steve Taylor (video) and the essay "Sleeping with your Girlfriend" by Frank Turek. This led to some discussion about the nature of some people's objections to faith in God.

Hebrews 10:32-39

• Remember that when you first believed you were willing to accept all sorts of terrible unfair persecution for your faith.
• Then you didn't get upset when your possessions were confiscated because you were focused on heaven.
• Persevere to the end! Don't shrink back! You will be richly rewarded!

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Final lesson of the year brings us to the gentle, encouraging thoughts at the end of Hebrews. Next week starts the summer session!!!

Hebrews 13

• Love one another!
• Be kind to strangers and prisoners!
• Marriage should be held in high honor by everyone! (God will judge the sexually immoral.)
• Stay free of the love of money, God will provide!
• Remember your teachers and follow in their example (God never changes)!
• Beware of "strange" teachings!
• This life does not endure, we live for the one that is to come!
• (the letter (epistle) closes with personal blessings, greetings, and requests for prayer)

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Prophesy: Who, what, where, when, why, and does anyone understand these things?

Revelation 1

Worth reading, worth learning. Jesus in his resurrected glory visits his beloved apostle with one final (scriptural) message for the church. Glad I wasn't there. Wish I'd been there.

Daniel 7

I selected this to begin to illustrate the connections between Old Testament prophesy and the ones in Revelations.

• Belshazzar king of Babylon was the last king of the Babylonian empire, or rather regent in his father's name, who was still alive. The Babylonian empire was lasted from 606-536 BC, the same years as the captivity of Israel.
• Four beasts:
  1. A lion with the wings of an eagle and the heart of a man (The Babylonian Empire, soon to fall).
  2. A bear, raised up on one side and eating flesh (The Persian Empire)
  3. A leopard with four (bird) wings and four heads. (This is Greece, after Alexander The Great the kingdom split into four).
  4. A BEAST with iron teeth and ten horns. (This is the Roman Empire, with the ten horns being the kingdoms that followed afterwards (ten would then be an approximation, as exact kingdoms were and are difficult to identify in some areas during the dark ages).
• A little horn comes along and three of the ten horns are uprooted before it. (This might refer to The Antichrist, who may conqueror or be dominant in three countries, other suggestions could be America (defeated European powers) or even the Papacy, both of which would seem uncomfortable do to the negative description of this horn. Mohammed is another possibility, with some of ancient Rome eventually falling to his heretical teachings.)
• The Saints (here could mean Israel or the Church) will be given over to this horn for a time, times and half a time. Other passages in the Bible tell us that this should be read as three and a half years, although the meaning (or meanings) of the three and a half years is ambiguous to say the least.
  
  This could be taken as three and a half years (about 1260 days), or each day could be taken as a year, thus about 1260 years. Confused yet?????
  
  Possibilities:
  • Desecration of the Temple by Antiochus 3.5 years (168-165 BC)
  • Roman war with Jerusalem 3.5 years (67-70 AD)
  • Papal domination about 1260 years (6th to 18th centuries)
  • Muslim control of Palestine about 1260 years (637 - 1917 AD)
  • something yet to come?
• The Ancient of Days (God the Father) sits in judgment at the end, with the River of Life, the Book of Life and attended by thousands and ten thousands. (see you there)
• The BEAST is cast into hell
• The Son of Man (Jesus, the Messiah) is given authority and power and is worshipped by all.
• Daniel was "troubled" by the whole thing.

Welcome to Bible Prophesy 101!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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This week we look to see what Jesus said about the end:

Mark 13 ( or Mathew 24 or Luke 21)

• The temple will be torn down. (this came to be in less than 40 years)
• Many will come claiming to be from Jesus, or claiming to be Jesus
• wars, rumors of war, famine, earthquakes--but this is only the beginning
• Christians will suffer
• The gospel will be preached to government leaders and to all nations
• Do not worry about what to say, trust the Holy Spirit
• "abomination that causes desolation" (?) (if the Lord does not cut the days short, no one would survive. . . yikes)
• at that time false christs and false prophets will appear -- be on your guard
• after this sun, moon, stars dark
• Jesus will return such that EVERYONE knows
• you will know the time the same way you know summer is coming when the trees turn green
• "this generation" will not pass away before the end
• the word of God is forever
• nobody knows when but the Father, so WATCH!!!!!!!

I can't imagine what you might think of this, but let me suggest to you that these are words of greatest comfort. Yes, child, bad things will happen; but yes, child, I will be there in the end; and no, child, you will not miss my return.

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This week we begin looking at The Revelation to John in earnest:

Revelation 4-5

John's vision turns to prophesy. To gain the knowledge of the future he first encounters the throne of The Living God in all of its awesome majesty. The prophesy is first seen as a scroll in the hand of God, which nobody seems worthy to open. When John is at the point of despair, he is told that The Lion of Judah, The Root of David is worthy. The Lamb that has been slain, that is to say Jesus Christ our Lord, enters, takes the scroll and is worshipped by all the same as God the Father sitting on the throne.

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We began with some Devozine readings about how we can serve others by providing for spiritual needs as well as physical needs. Less to show in the end, but everlasting implications, how about that?

The Lamb starts opening those seals:

Revelation 6:1-6

• The first seal is a royal conqueror on a white horse.
• The second seal is a fiery red horse bringing conflict and war.
• The third seal is a rider with scales and a black horse that seems to bring famine.

So, what are these seals? Do they represent Rome? What happened as a result of Jesus coming into the world? The history of the church itself? Are these things yet to come in the future? Or do they represent two or more of these things? Stay tuned!

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We talked abou the new school year, then some Devozine readings which got us thinking about life in the internet age.

The Lamb continues opening those seals:

Revelation 6:7-17

• The fourth seal is death on a pale horse.
• The fifth seal breaks the pattern and is the souls of the martyrs crying out for judgment and vengeance.
• The sixth seal cataclysm, the "wrath of the Lamb."

Death always follows famine as famine follows war, so it goes. The image of the souls of the martyrs always troubled me as a kid, but have come to realize that "under the altar" is intended to convey a place of high esteem and great honor. Still struggle with their cries for vengeance.

The imagery associated with the sixth seal sounds like the end of time, and is basically identical to the way Jesus described the end of the world, so it may be a nod towards that. We will see, however, that the story does not end here, and similar language was used by old testament prophets to foretell the end of empires, so many scholars see this as a reference to the end of the eastern part of the Roman empire, which did follow on the heals of, in order, conquest, internal wars and conflicts, famine, death of a large percentage of its citizens and widespread persecution of Christians. Still, John describes the people as being aware that it is the Lamb's wrath they are experiencing which doesn't fit neatly with the Rome theory, so feel free to consider other meanings.

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