Introduction
A. See 1st Peter 1:1-12 and Isaiah 53:5.
B. Peter says about the Old Testament prophets as a whole spoke of “the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them.”
C. The whole course of the book is plotted out in 1:1-20.
Verse 4 the problem: sin.
Verses 5-6 the result of sin: groaning.
Verses 16-20 the remedy: repentance and salvation.
D. Key word in Isaiah: salvation. See 12:1-2; 17:10-11; 25:9; 26:1; 33:1-6; 45:8 &17; 46:12-13; 49:6; 51:5-8; 52:7-53:12; etc.
I. Isaiah identifies the ___________.
Isaiah specifically says that it is “…by His – by the servant’s – by His stripes that we are healed.” The act of healing – presupposes a disease.
A. Isaiah uses 2 words here to describe the disease.
1. Transgression refers to a revolt; a rebellion; or a trespass.
2. Iniquity refers to perversion or pollution or immorality; corruption; depravity – the moral nature made crooked.
3. See 6:5; 53:6 and Romans 3:23.
B. Question: what happens to a disease of the body if we neglect it or refuse medical attention?
1. A disease untreated leads to a disease that spreads.
2. If certain diseases are not attended to they become a menace to others – contagious or infectious. Romans 5:12: “By one man sin . . . passed upon all men.”
3. A neglected disease can lead to death and the disease of sin is a killer: “the wages of sin is death” – Romans 6:23.
C. What we have seen over and over in the Old Testament is that no man likes looking at the picture, because according to Isaiah the disease of sin has made us all proud and self-sufficient. See 2:12; 13:11; 16:6; etc.
II. Isaiah identifies the ___________.
A. The term “stripes” in the original Hebrew means “welts,” or “angry scars,” or “the mark of strokes on the skin” – sometimes it referred to “black-and- blue bruises.”
1. Significant: Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 is one of the many proofs of the divine inspiration of God’s Word. Centuries before a Roman crucifixion had been witnessed it is described in detail.
2. Significant: the remedy was a remedy of substitution.
3. Significant: the remedy is a universal remedy.
4. Significant: the remedy is efficacious. It has never failed to bring healing. It is a 100% cure.
Conclusion
The message of Isaiah: the _________ and the __________ of the glorious Redeemer.
Introduction
A. See Ephesians 4:11-16.
B. The danger of being tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine – especially when it comes to understanding prophecy.
III. What are the main views of the end times?
A. Amillennialism: no literal 1,000-year (millennium) rule of Jesus Christ on the earth.
Much of amillennialism is symbolic.
The millennium symbolizes Christ’s reign in the lives of His people from the beginning of the church until His second coming.
Persecution of Christians (tribulation) will occur until Jesus comes again, as will the expansion of God’s kingdom (the millennium).
The Great Tribulation when the Anti-Christ will rise to world power and set himself up as God in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem referred to in Matthew 24 is symbolic of disasters, wars, and persecutions that have occurred throughout church history.
Most references to “Israel” in Revelation are symbolic references to the people of God on earth.
Many references to numbers in the Bible are also symbolic – especially in what is referred to as the apocalyptic books: Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation – and we could go on.
B. A second major eschatological position: _______________________
Amillennialism – no millennium. Postmillennialism Jesus Christ will return after a millennium – but again not a literal 1,000 year period of history.
1. In postmillennialism Jesus returns after a symbolic period in human history, but only after society has been “Christianized” by the church. Jesus comes again after the church gets the world ready for Him – a kingdom is established on earth that prepares the world for the return of Christ.
Whereas amillennialism looks at the millennium being fulfilled symbolically right now – during the church age – postmillennialism looks at the millennium being fulfilled symbolically after the church creates a kind of Utopia on earth – a kingdom of God on the earth.
Post-millennialists suggest that during the “millennium” Christ will rule the earth through His Spirit and through His Church – but He will not, He will not be physically present on the earth.
2. During the 1800’s, as the industrial revolution gained momentum and people’s lives improved for the better – at least in Europe and the United States – postmillennialism increased in popularity.
3. However, after the two (2) world wars, the Great Depression and other catastrophic events – along with very real evidence that the church was decreasing not increasing – the church shrinking, moving towards worldliness, liberalism and so on – and as world conditions overall were deteriorating and it became obvious that the church and world was in fact not becoming a better place – and postmillennialism then began to diminish in popularity.
4. One of the ________________ of postmillennialism. Remember Christopher Columbus.
Dominionism, Dominion Theology, Theocratic Dominionism, “Kingdom Now” theology, and Theonomy – all of these are interrelated Christian belief systems that are followed today by professing Christians and that are on the rise.
They find a voice under the generic umbrella of “Christian Reconstructionism” which is a political movement to convert the United States and eventually the entire earth into a theocracy.
Conclusion
Introduction
“…prophecy takes us out of the limitations of seeing only what our immediate circumstances allow and helps us to see the big picture. And the result should be that we become better stewards of the time and resources we now have and be more motivated and compelled to live our life on eternal values.”
Why? God gave us the prophets to also comfort us; to warn us; in Old Testament times God used the prophets to call His people to obedience; and when they were disobedience to repentance; and prophecy also predicts – it foretells the future.
I. What is prophecy?
II. What are the key terms used when reading or studying prophecy?
A. Eschatology.
B. The First Coming of Christ.
C. The Second Coming of Christ.
D. The rapture.
E. The millennium. Isaiah 2:1-5, 11:1-16, 32:1-20, 35:1-10, 60:1-22; Jeremiah 31:1-40, 33:1-26; Ezekiel 37:14-28; Amos 9:11-15; Zechariah 14:6-21 and Revelation 20.
F. The Great Tribulation.
G. The Last Days.
H. The Antichrist.
I. Preterism.
III. What are the main views regarding the end times?
See 2nd Peter 3:1-13.
A. ___________________________. See Revelation 20:1-10.
1. Amillennialism in a nutshell: no literal 1,000-year rule.
a. Amillennialism is the belief that Jesus will come again some day, but there is no literal thousand-year rule by Jesus Christ on earth as indicated here in Revelation 20 and in other passages.
b. Instead of the 1,000 years being literal the 1,000 years in Revelation 20 and indicated in other passages ________________ Christ’s reign in the lives of His people from the beginning of the church until His second coming.
c. In amillennialism there will be tribulation, but not a “Great Tribulation” that lasts 7 literal years (Matt. 24; etc.) Persecution of Christians (tribulation) will occur until Jesus comes again.
d. God is essentially finished with national _______________. See Galatians 6:16. Our view: would God break covenants He Himself initiates? Our view: what about passages like Romans 1:16 & 2:4-11 and so many others related to the Jewish people?
e. In general numbers in Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation represent concepts, not literal standards. Examples: 6 symbolizes incompleteness; 7 represents completeness; 1,000 symbolizes a great amount or long period of time; etc.
2. Amillennialism became popular in the 5th century AD and has remained widespread throughout church history up to this very day. Preterism in many respects is basically amillennialism.
B. ________________________.
Postmillennialism in a nutshell: Jesus will return after the millennium.
Conclusion
A. Why prophecy? See 2nd Timothy 1:8-15 and 3:1-4:18.
B. Revelation chapters 2-3 seven churches are mentioned by name – all of them in Asia. Revelation was written just 30 years or so after 2nd Timothy. Jesus Christ had things again 5 of the 7 churches and warned them if they did not repent, if they did not go back to the pattern of sound words given to them – He would remove their lamp stand. And basically today, there is little or no gospel witness in those cities.
As the Lord said to the 7 churches: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Introduction
Why prophecy? The reasons are myriad – numberless – countless.
Why prophecy? “…prophecy takes us out of the limitations of seeing only what our immediate circumstances allow and helps us to see the big picture.”
And the result should be that we become better ______________ of the time and resources that we now have and be more motivated and compelled to live our life on ____________________ values.
I. What is prophecy?
The word “prophecy” as it is found in the Bible generally refers to either forth-telling or fore- telling the Word of God.
The prophets communicated in 4 ways: through prophetic theater; through sermon; through oracles; or through visions.
II. What are some of the key terms that are used when reading or studying Biblical prophecy?
A. Eschatology
B. First Coming of Christ
C. Second Coming of Christ.
D. The rapture.
Some of the Scriptural support for the rapture:
1. Enoch in Genesis 5:21-24 and Heb. 11:5.
2. Elijah in 2nd Kings 2:9-12.
3. Jesus in Acts 1:6-11.
4. Believers in 1st Corinthians 15:51-57.
5. Christians who have died (those who sleep) and Christians who are alive at the time of Christ’s coming in the air in 1st Thessalonians 4:16-17.
E. The ____________________. See 20:1-10.
Comes from the Latin, mille, meaning “thousand.” Refers to a literal 1,000 year reign of Jesus Christ on the earth. It is the eschatological event that comes before what is commonly referred to as “the new heavens and the new earth.”
F. The ___________________________. See Matthew 24
Refers to the time after the Rapture to describe a time on the earth when disasters happen and people who are faithful to Jesus suffer intense persecution, possibly lasting 7 years.
G. The _____________________. See Acts 2:17; 2nd Timothy 3:1ff; Hebrews 1:2; James 5:3 and 2nd Peter 3:3.
Refers to the time period from the beginning of the church (about AD 33) until Jesus Christ returns for everyone who has trusted in Him.
H. The Antichrist.
In brief: the Bible talks about many anti-christ’s; the “spirit of anti-christ;” and the “Anti-Christ.” The term literally means: “against Christ, or an opposition Christ, a rival Christ.” The word is used only by the apostle John. Referring to false teachers, he says (1st John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2nd John 1:7), “Even now are there many antichrists.”
As far as the “Anti-Christ” that deceives the world we find him in Daniel as the “little horn” of the “king of fierce countenance” (Dan. 7:24, 25; 8:23-25); the “man of sin” described by Paul (2nd Thess. 2:3, 4, 8-10); and the “beast from the sea” (Rev. 13:1; 16:13; 17:1-18).
I. Preterism
Preterism is gaining popularity and comes in different forms – different degrees. It is essentially “amillennialism” repackaged. It the eschatological viewpoint that suggests some, if not all, biblical prophecies about the end times refer to specific events that happened in the 1st century. The word comes from the Latin word praeter meaning “past.”
Conclusion
Why prophecy?
Beloved: are you truly ready for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you know for sure that you are saved…that you have been Biblically born-again? Are you living your life for Jesus Christ and walking in obedience to His Word?
Introduction
A. See the Table of Contents in your Bibles.
B. Why prophecy?
Why is roughly half of the Old Testament prophecy – either one of God’s prophets preaching events that will occur in the future or one of God’s prophets declaring or restating the Word of God at a given moment?
C. See 2nd Peter 3:1ff. Why prophecy?
Because a Biblical understanding of prophecy can motivate us to live in __________________________ and __________________.
D. 2 important points about this “mini-prophecy” seminar.
1. Remember that this study is more or less an introduction to prophecy – that’s all. Our goal is to acquire a basic working knowledge of prophecy.
2 Remember that our focus will primarily be what’s referred to as the “end times” – what’s going to be happening next in terms of human history.
I. What is prophecy?
A. Prophecy can refer to declaring or __________________ the Word of God. In the Old Testament and in the New Testament prophets sometimes simply spoke forth the Word of God.
B. Prophecy can refer to _________________ the future.
C. Prophets communicated God’s Word in 4 primary ways:
1. …by means of _____________________. Examples: Isaiah 20:1ff and Ezekiel 3:24-4:8.
2. …by means of a _______________ – by preaching. See Jonah 3:1-4.
3. …by means of a prophetic ________________.
2 kinds: oracles of “woe” and oracles of “healing – or restoration.”
4. …by means of ___________________.
Conclusion
Why prophecy? See 1st Thessalonians
To ___________________ God’s children.
Introduction
A. See 1st Corinthians 11:23ff.
B. What are some reasons for celebrating the Lord’s Table?
1. The Lord’s Table reminds us of our Lord’s death on Calvary – the sacrifice He made to pay the penalty for our sin.
2. The Lord’s table provides a purposeful time to __________________ ourselves.
3. Celebrating the Lord’s Table is prophecy in action: it proclaims or declares the Lord’s death until He comes again!
C. Why prophecy? Because roughly half – 50% – of the Old Testament is prophetic!
D. Attention: the goal of this study is not to be exhaustive – it’s to prepare us for our study of the prophets.
I. ____________ is prophecy?
When people hear the word “prophecy” one thing normally comes to mind – the future – foretelling the future. But prophecy in the Bible isn’t limited to foretelling the future. See Rom. 12:3-8; 1st Cor. 12:4-11 and 12:27-21.
A. Prophecy can refer to declaring or ________________ the Word of God.
B. Prophecy can refer to _____________________ the future.
Conclusion
Why prophecy?
It foretold the world that the Messiah – Jesus Christ the Son of God would come to earth as the humble servant king.
It foretells His coming again! Prophecy forth-tells the necessity to trust in Jesus Christ and in Him alone for our salvation, and it foretells His soon return.
The Book of Job:
Where’s God when we hurt?
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sun Oak Baptist Church
Introduction
A. See Romans 8:28. Do you really believe and trust this verse? See also Philippians 4:6-7 and James 1:2-3 – same question.
B. 2 possible messages for the Bible:
1. The Bible is the wonderful presentation of salvation.
2. The Bible is the revelation of God’s plan and purpose for the universe.
C. Old Testament (the Drama of Redemption) divided into 5 sections:
1. The Pentateuch or Law (5 books): Genesis – Deuteronomy
2. The Historical Books (12 books): Joshua – Esther
3. The Wisdom Books (5): Job – Song of Solomon
4. The Major Prophets (5): Isaiah – Daniel
5. The Minor Prophets (12): Hosea – Malachi
D. Introduction to the “wisdom books.”
E. Introduction to the Book of Job.
3 key themes in the book:
1. The relation of man to the spirit world.
2. The inadequacy of human philosophy to account for human suffering.
3. The graciousness of God’s purposes.
The graciousness of God’s purposes.
1. Prologue (Chapters 1-2)
2. Dialogue (3:1-42:6)
3. Job’s Concluding Monologue (29-31)
4. Job and Elihu (32-37)
5. Job and Jehovah (38:1-42:6)
6. Epilogue (42:7-17)
Conclusion.
Job reveals at least 5 explanations or reasons why God allows suffering.
1. Suffering is the result of spiritual warfare.
2. Suffering serves to produce positive character qualities. See Rom. 8:28 and James 1:2-4.
3. Suffering is the result of the laws of sowing and reaping – meaning that in one way or another God blesses the righteous and punishes the wicked.
4. Suffering can be discipline for sin.
5. Finally, God allows suffering to ultimately bring Him glory. See John 9:1-3.
How to Love One Another – Part 4
1st Corinthians 13:3-13
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sun Oak Baptist Church
Introduction
A. See Eph. 4:11-5:2.
B. Notice how many of the 16 attributes of love found in 1st Cor. 13 are directly related to our words – what we say to one another – how we speak to one another. In Matthew 12:34 Jesus said: “out of the abundance of the mouth the heart speaks.”
C. How are Christians supposed to love one another? What does it mean in practical terms? How do we live out agape – Biblical love – in our homes, on our jobs, in our neighborhoods, and most importantly for this series, what we’re trying to focus on – in our church?
VI. Agape does not behave rudely.
A. Meaning: to behave in an unbecoming manner – in an unseemly manner.
When someone is rude to us what are they communicating – what are they saying?
B. The opposite: being polite.
See 1st Cor. 11:17-22. Notice how the Corinthian Christians treated one another.
VII. Agape does not seek its own.
A. Meaning: love is not selfish.
This characteristic of love was epitomized in the life of Christ: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” See also Philippians 2:4.
B. The opposite: being unselfish.
C. A snap-shot of the doctrine of Christian liberty viewed through the lens of agape love. See 1st Corinthians 8; 10:14-11:1; Romans 13; Galatians; etc.
Some people use “Christian liberty” as a license to sin, while others use it as a restriction to sin.
VIII. Agape is not provoked.
Conclusion
How to Love One Another – Part 3
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sun Oak Baptist Church
Introduction
A. See Proverbs 3:34; 6:12-19; 8:13; 11:2a; 13:10a; 16:18; and 29:23a.
B. How do we agape one another? God gives us 16 ways – 16 action items to put into practice so that we can learn to love one another the way that Christ loves us.
I. Agape means we suffer long (are patient) towards one another.
II. Agape means we are kind to one another.
III. Agape does not envy.
IV. Agape does not parade itself.
A. Meaning: parading is outward….it’s the Rose Bowl Parade or Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade – these are something people see.
B. Opposite: covering up. Prov. 27:2: “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.”
V. Agape is not puffed up.
A. Meaning: literally means “blowing.” It describes someone full of themselves; arrogant; conceited; prideful. See 1st Corinthians 4:6-21; 5:2; 8:1-2 and Colossian 2:16-19.
B. Opposite: humility – being deflated.
Conclusion.
August 23, 2009
Guest Speaker: Dan Phillips
Sun Oak Baptist Church
Introduction Cur Deus homo?
I. Old Testament
A. Law (Leviticus 17:11)
1. Background
2. Principles
3. Promise
B. Poetry (Psalm 110:4)
C. Prophecy
1. Of the event (Daniel 9:25-26)
2. Of its meaning (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)
II. The Words of Christ
A. In Prediction
1. Of the event (Matthew 16:20-23)
2. Of its meaning
B. In Apprehension (Matthew 26:38-44)
C. In Satisfaction (John 19:30)