For this reason shall a man leave his father and mother and be joined with his wife and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24
The serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness. II Corinthians 11:3
Big, Big House
Yahweh made a beautiful garden in the East and named it Eden. The garden rested between four rivers and had all kinds of trees and vegetation growing throughout it. Yahweh made all kinds of animals and placed them in the garden as well. Then Yahweh stood on the ground and picked up some soil, making it into a man and Yahweh breathed life into him. Yahweh put the man into Eden and told him to care for it and rule it.
“Eat whatever you want out of the garden,” Yahweh told him, “Any tree and fruit you want. All except one. Promise me that you will never eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” The man promised. Yahweh explained, “You see, if you eat of that tree, you are seeking to have knowledge of good and evil within yourself. I am your knowledge of good and evil—you need no tree. And if you eat of that tree, on that day I will have to hand you over to the power of death. I don’t want that. I want you to live with me. So don’t eat it.” The man listened and obeyed.
Man Gave Names To All The Animals
The man set himself to the task of naming all the animals, so he could rule them better. He looked at every one, and named each one. But in the end, he realized, he was alone. There was no one to rule with him, no one to help him, no one for him to help. Yahweh looked at the man and said, “The man shouldn’t be alone. I will make a partner for him.” Yahweh put the man asleep and took out a bone, and from that bone he made a woman. The man awoke and said, “This is bone of my bone—this is one just like me! I will name her woman, for she came out of the man.” And they were together without clothes and they didn’t care.
Lies and Consequences
However, in the garden dwelt Leviathan, the dragon. Although defeated, he still sought to rebel against Yahweh and defeat the new appointed rulers, the humans. As the woman was near the tree of knowledge of good and evil, the evil one said, “Did God really tell you that you couldn’t eat any fruit off of this tree?” The woman said, “That’s right. We can eat all of the fruit in the garden, but this tree we can’t eat off of or touch it—or else we’re dead.” The liar said, “You won’t die! God knows that if you eat this tree, you yourself will be a god. You will have the knowledge of good and evil within yourself. You will never have to depend on God again!”
The woman thought to herself, “Actually, that fruit doesn’t look dangerous. And I bet it would make me smart—as smart as God himself, maybe! And really, it looks quite good. And I am so hungry…” so she convinced herself to eat the fruit. Then she handed it to the man. He saw the fruit and knew where it was from. The woman wasn’t harmed by it. And he wanted to be as smart as God. So he ate the fruit as well. Then they looked at each other and said, “Why are you naked? That is horrible! You ought to be ashamed of yourself!” So they ran off and hid.
Here Comes the Judge
That evening, Yahweh was walking in the garden to spend time with the man. However, he couldn’t find him. “Man, where are you?” he called. The man responded, “Over here.” Yahweh said, “Why are you hiding?” The man said, “I’m naked—please don’t look at me!” Yahweh said, “Who told you that you were naked?… Did you eat the fruit I forbade you?” The man blamed the woman. The woman blamed the dragon. And Yahweh was angry.
“Leviathan, I’ve had it with you. You shall not walk—you will crawl from now on and eat dirt. And do you see this woman? She will have babies soon. One of those babies will grow. While you may bite the child’s heel, he will crush you and you will be destroyed forever.”
Then Yahweh looked at the humans. “I am very sorry. I never wanted this to happen.” He sighed. “Woman, because you listened to this liar, with every baby you have you will also have great suffering. And you will always desire your husband—but he will just be your ruler.” Then he turned to the man. “Man, because you did what the woman told you, with your work will come great suffering. Your food will only be gained with weeds and thorns. You will suffer all the days of your life and then you will die and become soil again.” He turned away from them, but still spoke. “Because you have rebelled against me, you will have to leave the land I prepared for you. You are exiled. Live under the rule of death. I will never see you face to face again.”
Then the humans were given clothes and cast out of Eden. Two cherubim stood by the entrance of the garden with flaming swords to be sure that no human entered it.
Questions:
Where is Eden?
The garden of Eden doesn’t exist today. It was a place of the earth, and in the Biblical story, it was destroyed in the flood. Originally, Eden was huge, taking up space from modern Iraq to modern Ethiopia.
Who is the man?
In most translations, he is called “Adam”—but adam is simply the Hebrew word for “human”. In other words, adam is the first and the prototypical human, and we are all examples of him, as humans. “Adam” is not the name for a male human specifically, but male and female in general.
Why did the man name animals?
To name something shows one’s rulership over it and care for it. You don’t name something you have no interest in speaking about again.
Why are there two sexes?
God made humanity in two sexes in order to provide companionship, love and to have more complete authority. In other words, to be more like God. It is not the male human who was made in God’s image, but both men and women. It is only humanity in two sexes that has the potential of naturally displaying the love and authority that reflects God. One kind of human is incomplete. This does not mean that an unmarried person cannot reflect God’s image—far from it. But whether married or unmarried, only a union with the Holy Spirit in Jesus can any person be whole enough to be in God’s true, complete image.
What is the tree of knowledge?
The tree of knowledge has nothing to do with sexuality or with simply knowing information. It is having the source of morality within oneself. In other words, it is the ability to discern personally what is right and wrong—ethical discernment. While this sounds like a good thing on the surface, God forbade them that tree because He wanted to reserve the right of determining good and evil himself. This continues to this day. So what the man and woman did is to say that they wanted to determine what was right and wrong themselves, without having to depend on God to make such decisions. Essentially, this is rebellion against the authority of God.
Why did God test them?
In a sense, God’s command wasn’t a test. He was looking out for their best interests, like a mother telling her toddler not to touch the hot stove. Also, God told them not to touch only one tree out of a hundred thousand acres of trees. It wasn’t as if there weren’t other choices. On the other hand, God gave this command to see if humans would continue under his authority. If they ever touched that particular tree, it was the major indicator that they were rejecting God’s rule. Thus, God would have to treat them accordingly.
Why does the story say it was Leviathan? I thought it was Satan.
Yes, it is Satan. Satan, according to Revelation 12 is the “dragon in the garden”. Yahweh had to defeat the dragon, Leviathan, for his rebellion, and now that same dragon, AKA Satan, appears again, trying to get humanity to rebel against God the way he did.
Why did the people take the fruit?
Because they were tired of living under God’s rule. They wanted to make their own decisions about their own lives. They also found the fruit to be good to eat—so they focused on the one thing they couldn’t have, rather than the millions of things they could have. And they did it because they thought that they would be equal with the Most High.
How did they know they were naked?
This was not a standard God placed on them—that nakedness was shameful, but being clothed was good. This is a standard they made up themselves, given their new status as people who make their own decisions of right and wrong. And so they were ashamed, not because of anything God told them, but because of their own personal ethics.
What is death?
In the Genesis story, death is not simply the cessation of life. Death is an angelic power that has ultimate rulership over everything that dies. So when God told the humans that they would “die”, it didn’t mean that they would stop living on that day, but that He would hand them over to be under the authority of the power of Death, and they would no longer have the opportunity to live eternally. Also, it just so happens that the power of Death is under the authority of Satan—so humans become subject to Satan through Death. (see Hebrews 2:14).
Why did God punish them so severely just for eating a fruit?
He didn’t punish them for eating food. God, first of all, was speaking of the natural consequences of their action. He was telling them about the life they would have to live because of their decision. They could no longer live in the garden, because God had to separate them from eternal life. God could not have frail, stupid humans, who think they can decide right and wrong themselves, living forever. If that was so, they would turn the universe upside-down. But if they couldn’t live in the garden, they would not be able to live the high life anymore. They would have to work for their food, not just pluck it from trees. They would have pain in childbirth and raising children because their children would have their own ideas of how to live and rebel against their parents. As far as Satan—the serpent—he did receive a punishment for his part in the rebellion (no more legs—ouch!). But there is also a natural consequence. Although Satan succeeded in gaining authority over mankind, humanity would eventually rise up and destroy him.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Loving God
We are to love God with everything we are and have.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. Mark 12:30
We love God because he loved us.
In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. I John 4:10
To love God is to obey God.
Whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. I John 2:5
To love God is to fear, serve and obey Him.
So now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? Only to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 10:12
To love God is to worship Him.
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Psalm 100:1-2
To love God is to love those whom God loves.
Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. I John 4:20
God tests us to see if we will love Him.
The LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you indeed love the LORD your God with all your heart and soul. Deuteronomy 13:3
If we love God, God will do good to us.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
God will give the kingdom to those who love him.
God promised the kingdom to those who loved him. James 2:5
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. Mark 12:30
We love God because he loved us.
In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. I John 4:10
To love God is to obey God.
Whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. I John 2:5
To love God is to fear, serve and obey Him.
So now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? Only to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 10:12
To love God is to worship Him.
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Psalm 100:1-2
To love God is to love those whom God loves.
Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. I John 4:20
God tests us to see if we will love Him.
The LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you indeed love the LORD your God with all your heart and soul. Deuteronomy 13:3
If we love God, God will do good to us.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
God will give the kingdom to those who love him.
God promised the kingdom to those who loved him. James 2:5
Ya Gotta Serve Somebody
Without Jesus, we are enslaved to sin.
Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” John 8:34
Whatever we focus on, that is what we are enslaved to.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
Even the Commands of the Bible encourages our enslavement by telling us what sin is.
I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died, and the very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. Romans 7:7-8
Without the Spirit, we cannot control ourselves.
I am of the flesh, sold into slavery under sin. I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Romans 7:14-15
Anything we worship or serve outside of God is fundamentally controlled by demons.
I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. I Corinthians 10:20
Satan is the god and master of those outside of Christ.
If our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. II Corinthians 4:3-4
We cannot have both God and another master.
No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. Matthew 6:24
God will judge anyone who is rebellious to him.
And they shall go out and look at the dead bodies of the people who have rebelled against me; for their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh. Isaiah 66:24
Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” John 8:34
Whatever we focus on, that is what we are enslaved to.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
Even the Commands of the Bible encourages our enslavement by telling us what sin is.
I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died, and the very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. Romans 7:7-8
Without the Spirit, we cannot control ourselves.
I am of the flesh, sold into slavery under sin. I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Romans 7:14-15
Anything we worship or serve outside of God is fundamentally controlled by demons.
I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. I Corinthians 10:20
Satan is the god and master of those outside of Christ.
If our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. II Corinthians 4:3-4
We cannot have both God and another master.
No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. Matthew 6:24
God will judge anyone who is rebellious to him.
And they shall go out and look at the dead bodies of the people who have rebelled against me; for their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh. Isaiah 66:24
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The Relationship Blocker
Sin is rebellion against God, which inevitably hurts others.
I Samuel 12:14—“If you will not listen to the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the command of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you, as he was against your fathers.”
We all suffer because of bondage to sin
John 8:34—“Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.”
Sin keeps us from the perfect life God has in store for us
Now the deeds of humanity are clearly seen, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, occultism, creating enemies, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, creating sects, envying, drunkenness, extreme partying, and things like these, of which I forewarn you that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
Jesus died to deliver us from bondage to sin
Romans 6:23—“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
If we commit ourselves to Jesus, we are free from the punishment of sin
Hebrews 2:14-15—“Through his death He rendered powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and he freed those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.”
We can commit ourselves to Jesus if we have faith in his resurrection and confess him as Lord.
Romans 10:9—“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
In order to commit to Jesus, we need to be baptized and to repent from our sins—then we receive God’s Spirit
Acts 2:38—“Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
It is never too late to repent of our sins through God’s Spirit“Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts against God.’ “
If we commit ourselves to Jesus, we love God and are obedient
to him
Romans 6:17-18—“But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”
Our Lord Jesus commands us to love others by power of the Spirit.
James 2:8—“If you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.”
In that love, we will do good to everyone—especially to those in need, especially to those who are committed to Jesus.
Galatians 6:10—“We are to do good to everyone, especially to those of the household of faith.”
Be a part of God’s community, who will assist you in living out the love of God
Hebrews 10:24-25—“Let us consider how to stimulate each other to love and good deeds, not forsaking the gathering of yourselves together, but encouraging one another.
“In Christ Jesus, nothing matters except faith working itself out through love.” Galatians 5:6
I Samuel 12:14—“If you will not listen to the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the command of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you, as he was against your fathers.”
We all suffer because of bondage to sin
John 8:34—“Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.”
Sin keeps us from the perfect life God has in store for us
Now the deeds of humanity are clearly seen, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, occultism, creating enemies, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, creating sects, envying, drunkenness, extreme partying, and things like these, of which I forewarn you that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
Jesus died to deliver us from bondage to sin
Romans 6:23—“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
If we commit ourselves to Jesus, we are free from the punishment of sin
Hebrews 2:14-15—“Through his death He rendered powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and he freed those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.”
We can commit ourselves to Jesus if we have faith in his resurrection and confess him as Lord.
Romans 10:9—“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
In order to commit to Jesus, we need to be baptized and to repent from our sins—then we receive God’s Spirit
Acts 2:38—“Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
It is never too late to repent of our sins through God’s Spirit“Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts against God.’ “
If we commit ourselves to Jesus, we love God and are obedient
to him
Romans 6:17-18—“But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”
Our Lord Jesus commands us to love others by power of the Spirit.
James 2:8—“If you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.”
In that love, we will do good to everyone—especially to those in need, especially to those who are committed to Jesus.
Galatians 6:10—“We are to do good to everyone, especially to those of the household of faith.”
Be a part of God’s community, who will assist you in living out the love of God
Hebrews 10:24-25—“Let us consider how to stimulate each other to love and good deeds, not forsaking the gathering of yourselves together, but encouraging one another.
“In Christ Jesus, nothing matters except faith working itself out through love.” Galatians 5:6
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Yahweh Re-Orders Creation
Genesis 1; Psalm 8; Psalm 74:12-17
Yahweh, our Lord—your name is ruling throughout the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens!
Even from toddlers and infants you have established strength,
Due to your enemies— for in this way you silence the Enemy who desires to take revenge.
I give thought to the heavens—your handiwork; and the sun and moon—your creation.
How little humans are—why do you pay attention to them?
Yet you placed humans just under the gods and gave him your glory and ruling power!
You established humans to rule over your creatures and everything is under their feet—
The living creatures, the animals, the swimming things and the flying things.
Yahweh, our Lord—Your name is ruling throughout the earth!
Psalm 8
The King of Rock
Yahweh God is the creator of all things. Before anything else existed, Yahweh God created the heavens, where he lived, and the earth. He created powerful beings to live and rule in heaven—dragons and cherebim and angels—and they ruled heaven and earth with Yahweh God. He ruled over everything in heaven and his powers ruled over the sea and over the air. We don’t know how they ruled or what they ruled, but long before mankind the earth existed with water over all the surface.
The Emperor Strikes Back
Among the powers that ruled over the earth was Leviathan, the dragon. But this dragon was wicked and decided to rebel against Yahweh. He called up his whole realm—the waters and seas—to lift themselves up against Yahweh and to take his place as ruler of the universe. The waters covered the earth and destroyed everything that existed, making everything Chaos. And Leviathan roared in heaven and claimed his authority to rule over all, taking out all the light in the air and bringing darkness. Thus the powers were called darkness. Yahweh was angry that these upstarts that he himself created would try to take his place as ruler and so he fought against them. In great power, Yahweh fought Leviathan and conquered him—although he was not killed.
The Light Stuff
Yahweh then determined to punish the powers that he had established over the earth and he replaced them. First of all, he determined to judge Leviathan and the powers of Darkness. So Yahweh spoke with the word, “Light—be!” and Light separated the powers of darkness. God looked at the expanse and spoke with the word, “Lights—be!” and the heavenly powers of the sun and the moon lived in the expanse. Now, instead of just the kingdom of darkness that ruled over the earth, there was a time of light, ruled by the power of the sun and a time of darkness, ruled by the moon—day and night. No longer was Leviathan in power over the lower heavens.
Separation of Water and State
Yahweh then punished the waters. Yahweh spoke with the word, “Expanse—be!” and an expanse appeared above the waters. He spoke with the word “Divide—be!” and the waters were divided—some on the earth and some in Heaven. Yahweh then spoke with the word “Gather” and the waters were gathered together. Yahweh spoke the word “Dry-land—be!” and dry land appeared where the waters were not. Yahweh spoke with the word, “Sprout” and vegetation came out all over the land. Thus the earth was divided into two kingdoms—the kingdom of land and the kingdom of water.
Filling Up
Then Yahweh spoke with the word, “Waters, swim with swimming things.” And various kinds of creatures appeared in the water, so the waters were no longer free to rise up. Then Yahweh spoke with the word, “Expanse, be flown in with flying things.” And various kinds of flying creatures appeared in the lower heaven. Yahweh spoke with the word to the swimming and flying things, “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the waters and fill the air.” Then Yahweh spoke with the word, “Land, live with living creatures,” and various kinds of animals appeared on the land.
“Fish are food, not friends”
Then Yahweh spoke with the word to all the powers, “Humans are made in our image, so they will rule as a power over the air, over the water and over the land.” And so Yahweh created Humans in the image of the gods in the higher heavens in two forms—male and female. And Yahweh said with the word to the humans, “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the land and keep it in line. You are in charge over all the flying creatures, all the swimming creatures and all the living creatures on the land. Rule well.”
The End of the Beginning
In this way, Yahweh conquered his enemies and established Humans as rulers over the earth.
What is “Yahweh”?“Yahweh” is God’s name in the Bible. His name is not “God” or “Lord”—those are just descriptions of who he is. God’s name is his personal identity, and it differentiates him from any other god or lord on earth or in heaven. Yahweh is the God over all other gods—angels, demons or whatever.
What is a “cherebim”?
These are angels that are closest to God. They have six wings and Yahweh symbolically sits on their back as his throne. They fly wherever Yahweh wants them to and everywhere they go, they call “holy, holy, holy” which in Hebrew means “The Holiest”.
Dragons? What kind of dragons?
We know in Scripture that God made a number of dragons. One is called Leviathan—who is a sea-dragon—, another Rahab, and Satan himself is a dragon. They are powerful spiritual beings, giving Yahweh counsel when he asks for it. They may not be literal dragons, but metaphorical ones that indicate powerful beings who live in heaven.
Why does Yahweh rule the earth?
Two reasons: He made it, and he conquered it. It is a basic principle that the creator owns the creation and can do with it whatever he wants. But the creation was stolen by God’s underlings—Leviathan and other spiritual powers. And so God had to get it back. He did this by using great powers, showing that he is the most powerful warrior that has ever existed. Other ancient stories have this tale backwards—the Father God was conquered by his underling
Why have I never heard about this war between God and Leviathan before?
It isn’t clearly spoken of in the Bible. In Genesis 1, there are only hints that it took place. But it is articulated in Psalm 74, right in the middle of the psalm. All throughout the Psalm the writer is begging God to get rid of Israel’s enemies. In the midst, he is reminding Yahweh that Yahweh already conquered much greater enemies than pesky human armies. And so he describes Yahweh’s battle with Leviathan and than describes God’s re-creation of the world in language that is supposed to remind us of Genesis 1. Not many Sunday School teachers have found this text, and some scholars want to make it say something else to fit their theology. But the clearest way to understand Psalm 74 is that the Psalmist is reminded of a battle that takes place before creation.
Did Yahweh make the earth in six days?
Yes and no. First of all, the earth already existed before the six days. We see this in the Genesis account, where the “earth is formless” with “water covering” the earth, before the first day begins. Thus there is already earth and ocean. Also, God lives in heaven. But the six day event is a re-creation of the earth and heavens. Instead of one heaven, there is now three—where God lives, the water where Leviathan lives and the expanse where the stars dwell. Instead of a water-covered earth, there is an earth of both water and land, and everything is full of life everywhere.
Does this account go against science?Some parts do, some parts don’t. Certainly, the timing of everything is different than the fossil record indicates. Having vegetation on the world before there is a sun doesn’t make any sense to science. It is possible that the particular order of creation isn’t important to the writer of Genesis, since Genesis 2:4 indicates that vegetation wasn’t created until after humanity. But the idea that there was a devastating event that destroyed almost all large life on earth and then a quick resurgence of life afterwards certainly agrees with what science has found in the fossil record. The only question science cannot answer: how did life spring up so quickly? Genesis does answer it.
Why did God make so much life in all three realms (water, land, air)?
We don’t really know. Perhaps he wanted to fill the earth with so much life that the spiritual powers would have difficulty taking over the earth again. Perhaps he created life so the humans would have something to rule. Perhaps he just likes lots of life.
Why are humans so important?
Because God gave them authority over the earth. All other creatures—even spiritual ones—are under human control on the earth, unless they give that authority to someone else (More about that next time)
Yahweh, our Lord—your name is ruling throughout the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens!
Even from toddlers and infants you have established strength,
Due to your enemies— for in this way you silence the Enemy who desires to take revenge.
I give thought to the heavens—your handiwork; and the sun and moon—your creation.
How little humans are—why do you pay attention to them?
Yet you placed humans just under the gods and gave him your glory and ruling power!
You established humans to rule over your creatures and everything is under their feet—
The living creatures, the animals, the swimming things and the flying things.
Yahweh, our Lord—Your name is ruling throughout the earth!
Psalm 8
The King of Rock
Yahweh God is the creator of all things. Before anything else existed, Yahweh God created the heavens, where he lived, and the earth. He created powerful beings to live and rule in heaven—dragons and cherebim and angels—and they ruled heaven and earth with Yahweh God. He ruled over everything in heaven and his powers ruled over the sea and over the air. We don’t know how they ruled or what they ruled, but long before mankind the earth existed with water over all the surface.
The Emperor Strikes Back
Among the powers that ruled over the earth was Leviathan, the dragon. But this dragon was wicked and decided to rebel against Yahweh. He called up his whole realm—the waters and seas—to lift themselves up against Yahweh and to take his place as ruler of the universe. The waters covered the earth and destroyed everything that existed, making everything Chaos. And Leviathan roared in heaven and claimed his authority to rule over all, taking out all the light in the air and bringing darkness. Thus the powers were called darkness. Yahweh was angry that these upstarts that he himself created would try to take his place as ruler and so he fought against them. In great power, Yahweh fought Leviathan and conquered him—although he was not killed.
The Light Stuff
Yahweh then determined to punish the powers that he had established over the earth and he replaced them. First of all, he determined to judge Leviathan and the powers of Darkness. So Yahweh spoke with the word, “Light—be!” and Light separated the powers of darkness. God looked at the expanse and spoke with the word, “Lights—be!” and the heavenly powers of the sun and the moon lived in the expanse. Now, instead of just the kingdom of darkness that ruled over the earth, there was a time of light, ruled by the power of the sun and a time of darkness, ruled by the moon—day and night. No longer was Leviathan in power over the lower heavens.
Separation of Water and State
Yahweh then punished the waters. Yahweh spoke with the word, “Expanse—be!” and an expanse appeared above the waters. He spoke with the word “Divide—be!” and the waters were divided—some on the earth and some in Heaven. Yahweh then spoke with the word “Gather” and the waters were gathered together. Yahweh spoke the word “Dry-land—be!” and dry land appeared where the waters were not. Yahweh spoke with the word, “Sprout” and vegetation came out all over the land. Thus the earth was divided into two kingdoms—the kingdom of land and the kingdom of water.
Filling Up
Then Yahweh spoke with the word, “Waters, swim with swimming things.” And various kinds of creatures appeared in the water, so the waters were no longer free to rise up. Then Yahweh spoke with the word, “Expanse, be flown in with flying things.” And various kinds of flying creatures appeared in the lower heaven. Yahweh spoke with the word to the swimming and flying things, “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the waters and fill the air.” Then Yahweh spoke with the word, “Land, live with living creatures,” and various kinds of animals appeared on the land.
“Fish are food, not friends”
Then Yahweh spoke with the word to all the powers, “Humans are made in our image, so they will rule as a power over the air, over the water and over the land.” And so Yahweh created Humans in the image of the gods in the higher heavens in two forms—male and female. And Yahweh said with the word to the humans, “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the land and keep it in line. You are in charge over all the flying creatures, all the swimming creatures and all the living creatures on the land. Rule well.”
The End of the Beginning
In this way, Yahweh conquered his enemies and established Humans as rulers over the earth.
What is “Yahweh”?“Yahweh” is God’s name in the Bible. His name is not “God” or “Lord”—those are just descriptions of who he is. God’s name is his personal identity, and it differentiates him from any other god or lord on earth or in heaven. Yahweh is the God over all other gods—angels, demons or whatever.
What is a “cherebim”?
These are angels that are closest to God. They have six wings and Yahweh symbolically sits on their back as his throne. They fly wherever Yahweh wants them to and everywhere they go, they call “holy, holy, holy” which in Hebrew means “The Holiest”.
Dragons? What kind of dragons?
We know in Scripture that God made a number of dragons. One is called Leviathan—who is a sea-dragon—, another Rahab, and Satan himself is a dragon. They are powerful spiritual beings, giving Yahweh counsel when he asks for it. They may not be literal dragons, but metaphorical ones that indicate powerful beings who live in heaven.
Why does Yahweh rule the earth?
Two reasons: He made it, and he conquered it. It is a basic principle that the creator owns the creation and can do with it whatever he wants. But the creation was stolen by God’s underlings—Leviathan and other spiritual powers. And so God had to get it back. He did this by using great powers, showing that he is the most powerful warrior that has ever existed. Other ancient stories have this tale backwards—the Father God was conquered by his underling
Why have I never heard about this war between God and Leviathan before?
It isn’t clearly spoken of in the Bible. In Genesis 1, there are only hints that it took place. But it is articulated in Psalm 74, right in the middle of the psalm. All throughout the Psalm the writer is begging God to get rid of Israel’s enemies. In the midst, he is reminding Yahweh that Yahweh already conquered much greater enemies than pesky human armies. And so he describes Yahweh’s battle with Leviathan and than describes God’s re-creation of the world in language that is supposed to remind us of Genesis 1. Not many Sunday School teachers have found this text, and some scholars want to make it say something else to fit their theology. But the clearest way to understand Psalm 74 is that the Psalmist is reminded of a battle that takes place before creation.
Did Yahweh make the earth in six days?
Yes and no. First of all, the earth already existed before the six days. We see this in the Genesis account, where the “earth is formless” with “water covering” the earth, before the first day begins. Thus there is already earth and ocean. Also, God lives in heaven. But the six day event is a re-creation of the earth and heavens. Instead of one heaven, there is now three—where God lives, the water where Leviathan lives and the expanse where the stars dwell. Instead of a water-covered earth, there is an earth of both water and land, and everything is full of life everywhere.
Does this account go against science?Some parts do, some parts don’t. Certainly, the timing of everything is different than the fossil record indicates. Having vegetation on the world before there is a sun doesn’t make any sense to science. It is possible that the particular order of creation isn’t important to the writer of Genesis, since Genesis 2:4 indicates that vegetation wasn’t created until after humanity. But the idea that there was a devastating event that destroyed almost all large life on earth and then a quick resurgence of life afterwards certainly agrees with what science has found in the fossil record. The only question science cannot answer: how did life spring up so quickly? Genesis does answer it.
Why did God make so much life in all three realms (water, land, air)?
We don’t really know. Perhaps he wanted to fill the earth with so much life that the spiritual powers would have difficulty taking over the earth again. Perhaps he created life so the humans would have something to rule. Perhaps he just likes lots of life.
Why are humans so important?
Because God gave them authority over the earth. All other creatures—even spiritual ones—are under human control on the earth, unless they give that authority to someone else (More about that next time)
A Guide to Reading the Old Testament
A sh**ton of screwed up people listening to God
Genesis
Beginnings—Latin. Beginnings of humanity and the people of God— Adam through Joseph.
When you ask people if they've read the Bible, this is actually the part they read. Well, at least a few chapters.
Exodus
Going out—Greek. The deliverance of God’s people from slavery in Egypt, the first commands and the building of the Tabernacle.
Great story... until you get past the ten commandments. The second half of the book is all laws and a detailed description of the tabernacle. Really? Really?
Leviticus
Book of the Levites—Latin. Commands of the temple cult: sacrifices, priests, basic laws for all ethnic groups in God’s people.
It begins with butchering animals. It's only downhill from there. Wait till you get to chapter 18.
Numbers
Census—English. Stories of the wanderings of the children of Israel in the wilderness for 40 years and sundry laws.
Look, just skip the counting of the tribes, unless you like reading lists of names that mean nothing to you. The good stuff begins at chapter 11. Start there.
Deuteronomy
Second law—Greek. The lectures of Moses to the children of Israel before they entered the promised land.
Moses whines like a old guy at McDonalds.
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| Moses in the book of Deuteronomy |
Joshua
Yahweh is salvation—Hebrew. Stories of the conquering of the promised land.
Gotta just love that genocide.
Judges
God’s chosen leaders—English. Stories of the rebellion of God’s people and God’s salvation of his people through heroes.
I can't wait until someone does a movie on this book. NC-17 for sure.
Ruth
Friend—Hebrew. A story woman’s obstinate choice of Israel and Yahweh, an ancestor of David.
You really want to win your man? Sleep with him. He'll get the hint.
I Samuel
Listen to God—Hebrew. Stories of God’s choices of Samuel, Saul and David to lead his people, to the death of Saul.
This book wants to be treated like it's own thing. But it's really just the first half of the book of Samuel-- who dies a quarter through this book! Who is naming these books, anyway?
II Samuel
Listen to God—Hebrew. Stories of the reign of David over God’s people.
David was awesome in the first half of the story-- you know, I Samuel. Now he screws up. Don't you love happy endings?
I Kings
English. Stories of God’s call to his kings over his people, from Solomon to Elijah and the death of Ahab.
It's a bunch of sucky leaders until Elijah. Elijah is the best, though. He even gets suicidal. Elijah rocks.
II Kings
English. Stories of God’s call to his kings over his people, from the death of Elijah to the exile of Judah.
Elisha, the sequel to Elijah. You know he won't be as good.
I Chronicles
English. A summary of God’s history, from Adam and focusing on the rule of David.
Wait.... Eleven chapters of names and then a story we already read? What is this book even doing here?
II Chronicles
English. A summary of God’s history, from the death of David to the end of Judah’s exile.
This book seems really familiar... oh yeah! We already read it in Kings.
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| "Have you heard of this before?" "Seems familiar" |
Ezra
Helper—Hebrew. Stories of the return from exile: rebuilding of the temple and the re-establishment of the Law.
Nothing like a Bible scholar to break up marriages.
Nehemiah
Sorrow of Yahweh—Hebrew. Stories of the Emperor’s cup-bearer building the walls of Jerusalem through turmoil.
The emperor's right hand man goes to his hometown to take over.
Esther
Star—Persian. The story of the salvation of the Jews in exile.
She sleeps to the top and then topples a corrupt government. Gotta love Jewish heroines.
Job
Enemy—Hebrew. An epic poem of a man in severe trial learning to trust in God’s justice.
The most depressed man in the Bible arguing with his stupid friends in Shakespearian.
Psalms
Songs of praise—Greek. Songs to God.
Wow, that's long. I mean, really long. Do we have to read it all? Like reading the lyrics of Dylan.
I've only got thirty years to go...
Proverbs
English. Wise epigrams, mostly by Solomon.
I think Solomon would be wiser with a few guitar riffs thrown in there.
Ecclesiastes
Sermons—Latin. Essays of wisdom, on the worthlessness of the world and of confidence in God.
Whenever I start feeling hopeful or happy about the state of the world, I go here. Straightens me out immediately. Like, by the first word.
Song of Solomon
or, Song of Songs—English. A love poem.
The Bible to watch porn by.
Isaiah
Yahweh will deliver—Hebrew. Prophecies, sermons and stories about the salvation of God, in two parts: a. God’s salvation during the time of Hezekiah (ch 1-39). B. God’s salvation after the time of exile (ch. 40-66)
Hey, I think I know a few of these! I really got a Handel on Isaiah!
Jeremiah
Yahweh is on high—Hebrew. Prophecies and sermons and stories about God’s judgement of God’s people during the war and fall of Jerusalem and the restoration of God’s people.
Gotta appreciate a guy who stands face to face with God and says, "You're just wrong."
Lamentations
Statements of lament—English. Jeremiah’s poems of sorrow at the fall of Jerusalem.
Okay, so you lost your hometown. Saw it burn in front of you. Watched women eat babies. First world problems.
Ezekiel
God is strong—Hebrew. Visions of a wild prophet among the captives of Babylon during the siege of Jerusalem.
Whatever this guy is on, give me some so I can throw it in the toilet.
Daniel
God is my judge—Hebrew. Stories and visions of faith and the judgment of the nations by Daniel, a man in exile.
Chapters 1-6:Whoa, some really excellent stories.
Chapters 7-12: WTF?????
Hosea
Deliverance—Hebrew. Prophecies about God’s betrayal by his wife, Israel, and his plans to restore her.
And I thought Ezekiel had it bad. God is never naming my kids.
Joel
Yahweh is his God—Hebrew. Prophecies about the events of the Day of the Lord.
General gloom and doom. Just another day for a prophet.
Amos
A burden—Hebrew. Prophecies about injustice in the land of Judah.
Gotta appreciate a guy who stands before a king, talks about how all the enemy nations suck-- "But you know what? You suck worse and let me tell you how."
Obadiah
Servant of Yahweh—Hebrew. A prophecy about God’s judgment of Edom.
I love this book. It's shorter than Danny DeVito.
Jonah
Dove—Hebrew. A story about a prophet rebelling against the mercy of God against evil nations.
The only minor prophet anyone really reads.
Micah
Who is like Yahweh?—Hebrew. Prophecies about the salvation of God.
The cliff notes of Isaiah.
Nahum
Consolation—Hebrew. A prophecy about the judgment of Nineveh.
Another book about Nineveh? I'm never visiting that town. All punishment and repentance.
Habakkuk
Embrace—Hebrew. Prophecies and a poem about the judgment of Israel and the judgment of Babylon and the faith of the prophet.
"God, your people suck!" "Yeah, well, I'm going to punish them with Babylon." "God, wait! Babylon sucks worse!"
Zephaniah
Yahweh of darkness—Hebrew. Prophecies about the judgment of God on Judah for idolatry.
I know I read this book, like, five times, but I can't remember a thing about it.
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| I'm afflicted with CRS: Can't Remember Sh** |
Haggai
Festive—Hebrew. Prophecies about the rebuilding the temple after exile.
Haggai, you're boring. Just dull. Please, talk to your friend Zechariah. He'll give you a few tips.
Zechariah
Yahweh is remembered—Hebrew. Prophecies and visions of the present and future after the return from exile.
Zechariah, you are effed up in the head. You need to chill. Take a few tips from Haggai.
Malachi
Messenger—Hebrew. Prophecies about the restoration of God’s justice through the Law.
A prophet who actually makes sense and says it like it is! No poetry, no mysticism, just "I hate divorce! Where's my money!" I get it.
The Great Commands
The Ten Words of Yahweh
1. Worship Yahweh only.
2. Do not worship or serve any images.
3. Do not use Yahweh’s name uselessly.
4. Keep the seventh day holy by not doing your job on that day.
5. Respect your father and mother.
6. Do not murder.
7. Do not commit adultery.
8. Do not steal.
9. Do not bear false witness.
10. Do not desire anything that belongs to your neighbor.
The two greatest commands
1. You shall love the Yahweh your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all of your mind and with all of your strength.
2. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
1. Worship Yahweh only.
2. Do not worship or serve any images.
3. Do not use Yahweh’s name uselessly.
4. Keep the seventh day holy by not doing your job on that day.
5. Respect your father and mother.
6. Do not murder.
7. Do not commit adultery.
8. Do not steal.
9. Do not bear false witness.
10. Do not desire anything that belongs to your neighbor.
The two greatest commands
1. You shall love the Yahweh your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all of your mind and with all of your strength.
2. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Reconciliation
If we do not love another follower of Jesus, God’s love in not in us.
Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. I John 4:20
If we do evil against another follower of Jesus, we are children of the devil.
The children of God and the children of the devil are revealed in this way: all who do not do what is right are not from God, nor are those who do not love their brothers and sisters. I John 3:10
Anyone who does evil against others will not enter the kingdom of God.
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication… enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-20
If we have caused a problem between us and another follower of Jesus, it is not right between us and God.
So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24
If we have wronged another follower of Jesus, we must make it right
Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Matthew 5:25
If we owe anyone anything, we should pay it off.
Pay to all what is due them… Owe no one anything, except to love one another. Romans 13:7,8
We need to forgive others of their debts and sins against us.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15
Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. I John 4:20
If we do evil against another follower of Jesus, we are children of the devil.
The children of God and the children of the devil are revealed in this way: all who do not do what is right are not from God, nor are those who do not love their brothers and sisters. I John 3:10
Anyone who does evil against others will not enter the kingdom of God.
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication… enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-20
If we have caused a problem between us and another follower of Jesus, it is not right between us and God.
So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24
If we have wronged another follower of Jesus, we must make it right
Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Matthew 5:25
If we owe anyone anything, we should pay it off.
Pay to all what is due them… Owe no one anything, except to love one another. Romans 13:7,8
We need to forgive others of their debts and sins against us.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15
Judging Others
To judge someone is to separate yourself from or condemn one who has done wrong.
"I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral persons…" I Corinthians 5:9
If we judge others, we will be judged in the same way.
"With the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get." Matthew 7:2
Before we confront another with their sin, we must be clean before God.
"First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye." Matthew 7:5
We only determine that someone has done something wrong if there are witnesses
"All things must be determined by two or three witnesses." Matthew 18:16
We do not judge people unless they have sinned before God—little stuff doesn’t count.
"Why do you judge your brother? Why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God." Romans 14:10
Unless we are certain that someone has done something, we do not spread rumors about them.
"You shall not go about as a slanderer among your people." Leviticus 19:16
We always judge mercifully, giving as many chances as necessary.
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged" Luke 6:36, 37
We are never to judge those who do not claim to be God’s children.
"I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral persons-- not at all meaning the immoral of this world, or the greedy and robbers, or idolaters, since you would then need to go out of the world." I Corinthians 5:9-10
We must restore the relationship with those who have repented.
"If the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, 'I repent,' you must forgive." Luke 17:4
We must leave any vengeance up to God.
"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ " Romans 12:19
We must separate ourselves from those who are believers but persist in sin.
"I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother or sister who is sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber. Do not even eat with such a one." I Corinthians 5:11
However we judge others, in that way we will be judged by God.
"I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral persons…" I Corinthians 5:9
If we judge others, we will be judged in the same way.
"With the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get." Matthew 7:2
Before we confront another with their sin, we must be clean before God.
"First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye." Matthew 7:5
We only determine that someone has done something wrong if there are witnesses
"All things must be determined by two or three witnesses." Matthew 18:16
We do not judge people unless they have sinned before God—little stuff doesn’t count.
"Why do you judge your brother? Why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God." Romans 14:10
Unless we are certain that someone has done something, we do not spread rumors about them.
"You shall not go about as a slanderer among your people." Leviticus 19:16
We always judge mercifully, giving as many chances as necessary.
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged" Luke 6:36, 37
We are never to judge those who do not claim to be God’s children.
"I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral persons-- not at all meaning the immoral of this world, or the greedy and robbers, or idolaters, since you would then need to go out of the world." I Corinthians 5:9-10
We must restore the relationship with those who have repented.
"If the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, 'I repent,' you must forgive." Luke 17:4
We must leave any vengeance up to God.
"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ " Romans 12:19
We must separate ourselves from those who are believers but persist in sin.
"I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother or sister who is sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber. Do not even eat with such a one." I Corinthians 5:11
However we judge others, in that way we will be judged by God.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Why Repent?
If we repent, then we will be forgiven of our sins.
Ezekiel 18:30-32—God judges everyone according to what they do. Therefore repent and turn away from your sin and God will forgive, for he takes no pleasure in the death of anyone.
Jonah 3:1-10—Nineveh was not destroyed because they repented
Matthew 3:4-8—The people came to John, confessed their sins and was baptized by him.
Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3—John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Mark 1:15—Jesus’ basic message was to repent and to believe in the gospel.
Luke 15:1-10—The Lord rejoices at the repentance of sinners.
Luke 17:3-4—A brother is to forgive a repentant brother.
Luke 24:47—Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached to all nations.
Acts 2:38—Repent and be baptized and you will be saved.
Acts 3:19—Repent so your sins will be wiped away.
Acts 5:31—Jesus grants repentance to Israel and the forgiveness of sins.
Acts 8:22—Repent that your intention might be forgiven you.
Acts 11:18—God granted to the gentiles the repentance that leads to life.
Acts 20:21—Paul taught repentance and faith in Jesus.
Acts 26:20—Paul taught repentance, turning to God and doing acts in accordance with repentance
II Tim 2:25—God might grant repentance to them leading to the knowledge of the truth
II Pet 3:9—God does not desire anyone to be punished but that all would come to repentance.
I Cor 6:11—Some of you were evildoers, but now you are justified and sanctified.
If we don’t repent, we will be sent to hell.
Luke 10:13—Woe to cities of Israel because they did not repent—they will be judged on the last day.
Luke 11:32—Nineveh will condemn the generation of Jesus on the judgment day because Jesus’ generation did not repent
Luke 13:1-5—Unless you repent, great punishment will come upon you
Rev. 2:5—Repent or else Jesus will come and take the lamp stand out of its place
If we repent, we can have a good relationship with God.
I John 1:5-10—This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
If we repent, we can be restored to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Luke 17:3-4—If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' forgive him."
If we don’t repent, we will be separated from God’s people.
Matthew 18:15-17—If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
I Corinthians 5:11—Do not associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler-- not even to eat with such a one.
We repent because we want to be a part of God and His people.
Ezekiel 18:30-32—God judges everyone according to what they do. Therefore repent and turn away from your sin and God will forgive, for he takes no pleasure in the death of anyone.
Jonah 3:1-10—Nineveh was not destroyed because they repented
Matthew 3:4-8—The people came to John, confessed their sins and was baptized by him.
Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3—John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Mark 1:15—Jesus’ basic message was to repent and to believe in the gospel.
Luke 15:1-10—The Lord rejoices at the repentance of sinners.
Luke 17:3-4—A brother is to forgive a repentant brother.
Luke 24:47—Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached to all nations.
Acts 2:38—Repent and be baptized and you will be saved.
Acts 3:19—Repent so your sins will be wiped away.
Acts 5:31—Jesus grants repentance to Israel and the forgiveness of sins.
Acts 8:22—Repent that your intention might be forgiven you.
Acts 11:18—God granted to the gentiles the repentance that leads to life.
Acts 20:21—Paul taught repentance and faith in Jesus.
Acts 26:20—Paul taught repentance, turning to God and doing acts in accordance with repentance
II Tim 2:25—God might grant repentance to them leading to the knowledge of the truth
II Pet 3:9—God does not desire anyone to be punished but that all would come to repentance.
I Cor 6:11—Some of you were evildoers, but now you are justified and sanctified.
If we don’t repent, we will be sent to hell.
Luke 10:13—Woe to cities of Israel because they did not repent—they will be judged on the last day.
Luke 11:32—Nineveh will condemn the generation of Jesus on the judgment day because Jesus’ generation did not repent
Luke 13:1-5—Unless you repent, great punishment will come upon you
Rev. 2:5—Repent or else Jesus will come and take the lamp stand out of its place
If we repent, we can have a good relationship with God.
I John 1:5-10—This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
If we repent, we can be restored to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Luke 17:3-4—If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' forgive him."
If we don’t repent, we will be separated from God’s people.
Matthew 18:15-17—If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
I Corinthians 5:11—Do not associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler-- not even to eat with such a one.
We repent because we want to be a part of God and His people.
Recieving Forgivness
God is forgiving, but he punishes those who rebel against him.
The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, yet by no means clearing the guilty. Exodus 34:6-7
We have sinned against God, and so owe him a debt.
Father, forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12
Unless we reconcile with God, we will be thrown into prison for our debt and punished eternally.
Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:25-26
Because of our debt, Satan has a contract out on us to kill us.
The wages of sin is death… Romans 6:23
Through his death, Jesus delivered us from the satanic contract of death.
You were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of flesh. He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14
We gain forgiveness by becoming unified with Christ.
You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. I Corinthians 6:11
We maintain forgiveness by confessing our sins.
If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9
We show that we have received forgiveness by loving God greatly.
I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little. Luke 7:47
We keep our forgiveness by forgiving others
For if you do not forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will not forgive you. Matthew 6:14
The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, yet by no means clearing the guilty. Exodus 34:6-7
We have sinned against God, and so owe him a debt.
Father, forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12
Unless we reconcile with God, we will be thrown into prison for our debt and punished eternally.
Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:25-26
Because of our debt, Satan has a contract out on us to kill us.
The wages of sin is death… Romans 6:23
Through his death, Jesus delivered us from the satanic contract of death.
You were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of flesh. He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14
We gain forgiveness by becoming unified with Christ.
You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. I Corinthians 6:11
We maintain forgiveness by confessing our sins.
If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9
We show that we have received forgiveness by loving God greatly.
I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little. Luke 7:47
We keep our forgiveness by forgiving others
For if you do not forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will not forgive you. Matthew 6:14
What is Sin?
Sin is lawlessness
"Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness." I John 3:4
Sin is not doing what God tells you to
"Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:17
Sin is what is done outside of faith.
"He who doubts is condemned if he does what he is doubtful of, because that action is not of faith. Whatever is not of faith is sin." Romans 14:23
Sin is rebellion.
"The children rebelled against me; they did not walk in My statutes, nor were they careful to observe my ordinances." Ezekiel 20:21
Sin is denying Jesus’ lordship—in word or deed.
"Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you?" Luke 6:46
Sin is acting like Satan.
"The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning." I John 3:8
Sin is opposed to love and righteousness.
"If you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scriptures, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well. But if you break that law, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law and stumbles at one point, he has become guilty of all." James 2:8-10
Sin is separation from God.
"The one who says, ‘I have come to know him,’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him." I John 2:4
Sin keeps us from God.
"Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness." I John 3:4
Sin is not doing what God tells you to
"Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:17
Sin is what is done outside of faith.
"He who doubts is condemned if he does what he is doubtful of, because that action is not of faith. Whatever is not of faith is sin." Romans 14:23
Sin is rebellion.
"The children rebelled against me; they did not walk in My statutes, nor were they careful to observe my ordinances." Ezekiel 20:21
Sin is denying Jesus’ lordship—in word or deed.
"Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you?" Luke 6:46
Sin is acting like Satan.
"The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning." I John 3:8
Sin is opposed to love and righteousness.
"If you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scriptures, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well. But if you break that law, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law and stumbles at one point, he has become guilty of all." James 2:8-10
Sin is separation from God.
"The one who says, ‘I have come to know him,’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him." I John 2:4
Sin keeps us from God.
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