Notes for Bible Study, 12/4/24, “Who Is Jesus?”

A. J

What Child Is This?

(Who Is Jesus?)

The Apostles’ Creed, dating back to the early centuries of the Church, says this about Christ:

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
      who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
      and born of the virgin Mary.
      He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, died, and was buried;
      he descended to hell.
      The third day he rose again from the dead.
      He ascended to heaven
      and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
      From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

 

OUTLINE

– A. Jesus Christ, God’s only Son

  – 1. God’s son, only begotten (monogenes)

    – Core of Christian faith is a person, not abstract ideas

    – Difference between Jesus and other religious figures

  – 2. Explanation of the name “Jesus Christ”

    – Meaning of “Jesus” (God saves)

    – “Christ” as a title (Messiah)

    – Historical evidence for Jesus’ existence

  – 3. Son of God

    – Usage in Old and New Testament

    – Unique relationship between Jesus and God

    – Importance of Jesus being God’s Son

      – Necessary for salvation

      – Justification for worship

– B. Our Lord

   1. Meaning of “Lord” in Old Testament

    – Used to refer to God

    – YHWH and translations

  – 2. Jesus as “Lord” in New Testament

    – Transfer of title from God to Jesus

    – Significance of calling Jesus “Lord”

  – 3. Examples of Old Testament “Lord” references applied to Jesus

    – Acts 2:21 (Joel quotation)

    – Philippians 2:10-11 (Isaiah reference)

  – 4. Implications of Jesus as Lord

    – Statement about Jesus’ divinity

    – Statement about Jesus’ authority over believers’ lives
 
 
5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the Sermon “The Poison of Pride,” part of the Spiritual Detox series.
 
 
 
Day 1: The Root of Sin Reading: Isaiah 14:12-15, Genesis 3:1-5
 
Pride, the first sin in the universe, began with Lucifer’s desire to be like God. This same temptation led to humanity’s fall in the Garden of Eden. As we reflect on these passages, let’s consider how pride manifests in our own lives. Do we sometimes place our desires above God’s will? Are there areas where we’re trying to be our own god? Today, let’s pray for humility and a renewed understanding of our place in God’s creation. Remember, true fulfillment comes not from exalting ourselves, but from submitting to God’s loving authority.
 
 
Day 2: The Destructive Nature of Pride Reading: Proverbs 16:18, James 4:1-6
 
Pride often leads to destruction in our lives and relationships. It can cause conflicts, prevent genuine community, and provoke God’s opposition. As we meditate on these verses, let’s examine our hearts. Are there relationships in our lives strained by pride? Are we quick to argue or slow to listen? Today, let’s ask God to reveal areas of pride in our lives and give us the strength to choose humility instead. Remember, God gives grace to the humble.
 
Day 3: The Example of Christ Reading: Philippians 2:1-11
 
Jesus, though divine, humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. This supreme act of humility is our model for Christian living. As we reflect on Christ’s example, let’s consider how we can “value others above ourselves” in practical ways. Can we serve someone without expecting recognition? Can we put others’ needs before our own comfort? Today, let’s pray for Christ’s mindset to permeate our thoughts and actions, transforming our relationships and witness to the world.
 
Day 4: The Path to Exaltation Reading: James 4:7-10, 1 Peter 5:5-7
 
God’s economy often seems paradoxical: the way up is down. These passages remind us that when we humble ourselves, God lifts us up. This isn’t about false modesty or self-deprecation, but about honest self-assessment before God. Today, let’s practice “clothing ourselves with humility.” This might mean admitting when we’re wrong, being open to correction, or deferring to others. As we do, let’s trust God to exalt us in His time and way.
 
Day 5: Freedom Through Humility Reading: Galatians 5:13-15, Colossians 3:12-14
 
Pride builds a prison around us, but humility sets us free. When we’re no longer slaves to our ego, we’re liberated to love and serve others as Christ did. As we meditate on these verses, let’s consider how humility might bring freedom to our lives. Are there relationships that could be healed through a humble approach? Are there burdens we could release by admitting our limitations? Today, let’s pray for the courage to choose the path of humility, trusting that it leads to true freedom and joy in Christ.
 
 
 

Notes for 4/17/2024 Bible Study

Posted on Apr 17, 2024 in Bible Study, Devotions |

B. Our Conduct, vs. 6-7
1. What it is not to be.
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. (1:6).


2. What it is to be v. 7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
 
John 14:9
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
 
II. The Reality of Sin v. 8
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
 
III. The Remedy for Sin. 1:9–2:2
A. On earth 1:9-10
Verse 9:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
 
Proverbs 28:13
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
  but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
 
Hebrews 10:17 (quoting Jeremiah)
Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts
 I will remember no more.”
 
Verse 10:
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
 
 

Notes for 4/10/2024 Bible Study

Posted on Apr 10, 2024 in Bible Study, Devotions |

LIFE IN THE SON
Lesson One, continued (1:1-4)
 
Last week:
 
THE FOUNDATION AND CORNERSTONE OF THE LIFE
 
The Cornerstone = “That which was from the beginning…”
 
The Foundation of eyewitnesses = which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim…
 
I. The Person, v. 1
 
A. His Pre-existent Reality.
B. His Earthly Reality.
C. His Post-resurrection Reality.
 
II. The Proclaimers, v. 2
 
This week:
 
III. The Plan, v. 3
 
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
 
Eph.1:9-10:
 
…he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

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Notes for 4/3/2024 Bible Study

Posted on Apr 3, 2024 in Bible Study, Devotions |

Outline of John’s introductory remarks:

I. The Person, v. 1

A. His Pre-existent Reality.
B. His Earthly Reality.
C. His Post-resurrection Reality.

II. The Proclaimers, v. 2

III. The Plan, v. 3

IV. The Purpose, v. 4
 
ORIENTING DATA FOR I JOHN

From “How to Read the Bible Book by Book, Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart, Zondervan, 2002
 
Content: A treatise that offers assurance to some specific believers, encouraging their loyalty to Christian faith and practice in response to some false prophets who have left the community ” Author: the same author who wrote 2 and 3 John, who there calls himself “the elder”; a solid historical tradition equated him with the apostle John.

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A (Mercifully) Short History of Lent

Posted on Feb 21, 2024 in Devotions |

From The Good of Giving Up, by Aaron Damiani, 2017, Moody Publishers
 
Where did Lent come from? How did it become recognized as the forty-day period of prayer, fasting, and generosity leading up to Easter? And when we say, “Lent began as a practice of the ancient church,” what does that even mean?

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Notes for 2/24/2021 Bible Study

Posted on Feb 25, 2021 in Bible Study, Devotions |

Below are there documents referenced in this Bible Study

 
The outline that we worked from for 2/24/21.
 

Parable Presentation Notes

A print out of the Powerpoint (Keynote) presentation concerning the interpretation of parables.
 

Parable Summary (DJG)

This is an academic paper I wrote some years ago as a synopsis of the article on parables in the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. It’s a bit technical in the first paragraphs, but the latter part offers some helpful information.
 
 

Notes for 6/24/2020 Bible Study

Posted on Jun 25, 2020 in Devotions |

Letter to the Ephesians
Grace Chapel Bible Study
We Are the Body of Christ
June 24, 2020
Ephesians 1:22-23

Ephesians 1:22 and 23:

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Paul has just said he prays for his readers that the eyes of their hearts would be enlightened, in order that they might come to comprehend the hope to which he has called them, the riches of God’s glorious inheritance in the Saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

This power is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, and we see it not only raised Jesus but exalted him, took him all the way to the right hand of the Father.

The same power that raised Jesus is for us, and now Christ is exalted. Vs. 21 says Jesus has been exalted:*

…far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

We, you and me, that is to say the church, are central to God’s program in the world. vs. 23a (The Message):
The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church, the body of Christ, matters to God and should matter to us.

What becomes clear in vs. 23 is this:

The church is Christ’s complement. (With an “e.”)
Complement: Something that fills up, completes, or makes perfect.* John Calvin:

This is the highest honor of the church, that, until he is united to us, the Son of God reckons himself in some measure imperfect. What consolation it is for us to learn that, not until we are in his presence, does he possess all his parts, or does he wish to be regarded as complete.

William Hendriksen:

As to his divine essence Christ is in no sense whatever dependent on or capable of being completed by the church. But as bridegroom he is incomplete without the bride; as the vine he cannot be thought of without the branches; as shepherd he is not seen without his sheep; and so also as head he finds his full expression in his body, the church.

Colossians 1:24:

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

Here he notes that he church, in essence, completes Christ’s suffering.

vs. 23b (The Message):

The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.

St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582):

Christ has no body now but yours.

No hands, no feet on earth but yours.

Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world.

Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.

Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world.

Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

Kenneth Wuest (in his exposition of Ephesians):

The relation between Christ and the Church, therefore, is not an external relation, or one simply of Superior and inferior, sovereign and subject, but one of life and incorporation. The Church is not merely and institution ruled by Him as President, a Kingdom in which He is the Supreme Authority, or a vast company of men in moral sympathy with Him, but a Society which is in vital connection with Him, having the source of its life in Him, sustained and directed by His power, the instrument also by which He works.

The Church is central to God’s plan, and we become the “crew” that makes the ship sail.
 
Pat Damiani:
 
• The church matters to God because it is made up of people that matter to God.
• The church matters to God because it is the earthly manifestation of His presence.
• The church matters to God because it is a crucial part of His plan for this world.
• The church matters to God because it is His place for us to grow and mature in our faith.
• The church matters to God because He has a passion for His church.

The church matters to God, and should matter to me as well!

 


The Prayer We Need Right Now

Posted on Jun 14, 2020 in Devotions |

Here are the notes from the 6/14/20 sermon, “The Prayer We Need Right Now.”
 

The Prayer We Need Right Now (Notes)

Matthew 6:5-13

Verses 9-13

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”


Would you personally like to experience life change, both spiritually and physically?

Five key dimensions of learning to pray:
 

1. Worship and ADORATION of God. Vs 9-10

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’”

True prayer starts with worshipping God.

Hebrews 12:28

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe…

Proper adoration and worship causes our attitudes to change.

Revelation 15:4 

Who will not fear you, Lord,

    and bring glory to your name?

For you alone are holy.

All nations will come

    and worship before you,

for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

Psalm 96:9 

Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.

Someone wrote this:

When we rely upon organization, we get what organization can do; 

When we rely upon education, we get what education can do; 

When we rely upon eloquence, we get what eloquence can do, and so on. 

When we rely upon prayer, we get what God can do. 
 

2. A personal SUBMISSION. V 10

…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Luke 18:14b 

…all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Isaiah 66:2b

“These are the ones I look on with favor:

    those who are humble and contrite in spirit,

    and who tremble at my word.”

Come before the Lord with worship and adoration, with humility and submission.
 

3. Honest REQUESTS in faith. V11

Give us today our daily bread.

Food, shelter, clothing, health and healing, wisdom, safety, understanding, praying God’s Word.

Mark 11:24

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

John 14:13-14

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Come before God in worship and adoration, a personal humility and submission, and with honest requests.

What is your daily bread? Ask God to supply whatever it is you need.
 

4. Giving and seeking FORGIVENESS. V12

And forgive us our debts,

    as we also have forgiven our debtors.

This means forgiving others who have wronged we as you seek personal forgiveness of sin.

As we’re praying to God, we ask Him to search our hearts, and to reveal sin in our hearts.

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, God, and know my heart;

    test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

    and lead me in the way everlasting.

1 John 1:9 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 66:18-20 

If I had cherished sin in my heart,

    the Lord would not have listened;

but God has surely listened

    and has heard my prayer.

Praise be to God,

    who has not rejected my prayer

    or withheld his love from me!

Prayer is a time for self-evaluation, an examination that uncovers the true condition of our hearts.
 

5. PROTECTION from ALL enemies. V 13a

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Ephesians 6:1

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” 

Ephesians 6:12 

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Ephesians 6:18 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 

 

Conclusion

James 5:16

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

The prayer we need right now is powerful and effective.

The prayer we need right now is prayer in the manner Jesus teachers us to pray, characterized by these five dimensions:

  • Grounded in worship
  • Prayed in Submission
  • Consisting of honest Requests—asking for what you need
  • Accompanied by asking for and extending Forgiveness
  • Seeking God’s Protection from the evil one.

The prayer we need right now is that prayer that cries out to God in the day of trouble…

Psalm 86:7 In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.

The prayer we need right now is bold and confident.

Hebrews 4:16 

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 

The prayer we need right now consists of these five dimensions:

Worship, Submission, Requests, Forgiveness, Protection …

1 John 5:14 

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 

Response to this message:

  1. To prioritize prayer. Look at your schedule, your use of your time, and make a place, carve out some time to spend talking to your heavenly Father.
  1. Along with prioritizing, practice prayer; once you’ve created the space, then make sure that you occupy that space with intentional practice…pull out your bible, follow along with Jesus in Matthew 6:5-13, and use that as a template. 

Awake, O Sleeper!

Posted on Apr 15, 2017 in Devotions, Uncategorized |

Looking forward to getting up early tomorrow morning for Sunrise Service. The sermon for that service will be entitled, “Wake Up Call,” and will, in addition to Mark’s resurrection narrative, include Ephesians 5:14. As a kind of addendum, I thought I’d share this video by The Brothers Bright. The lyrics are below.
 
 

https://youtu.be/F1xvoD-sP3k

 
“Oh Abraham would raise his hands;
and mourn this very day;
for his children left the promised land;
in search of their own way.
They kick and scream like wayward sons;
And always wanting to sleep;
and dream away these evil days;
in hopes that God can’t see.
 
There are chains upon your children Lord;
Chains upon your children.
There are chains upon your children;
We’re in chains.
 
Do you hear the lion roar?
(Awake O Sleeper)
Stand with me we’ll fight the war.
(Awake O Sleeper)
 
Your suffering will come again;
and never fall away.
For we trade our many comforts;
Like the one who bled for grace.
There will come a day my God will come;
and put me in my place.
My God I pray;
You’ll call my name;
instead of turn away.
 
There are chains upon your children Lord;
Chains upon your children.
There are chains upon your children;
We’re in chains.
 
Do you hear the lion roar?
(Awake O Sleeper)
Stand with me we’ll fight the war.
(Awake O Sleeper)
 
Let no man bring me harm;
I bear the marks of Jesus.
Let no man bring me harm;
I bear the marks of the Lord.
I said, Let no man bring me harm;
I bear the marks of Jesus.
Let no man bring me harm;
‘Cause I bear the marks of God.
 
Do you hear the lion roar?
(Awake O Sleeper)
Stand with me we’ll fight the war.
(Awake O Sleeper)
I said, Do you hear the lion roar?
(Awake O Sleeper)
Come on and stand with me we’ll fight the war.
(Awake O Sleeper)
 
(Let no man bring me harm;
I bear the marks of Jesus;
Let no man bring me harm;
I bear the marks of the Lord.)” 
 
 
 

 


#hosanna

Posted on Apr 15, 2017 in Devotions |

Ok, for the benefit of those of you who wanted the quote, which I don’t have a source for, but I used as the climax of last Sunday’s sermon, “#hosanna,” here’s the material:
 

Somebody put it like this:

He is Abel’s sacrifice

Noah’s rainbow

Abraham’s ram

Isaac’s wealth

Jacob’s  Scepter

Moses’ rod that divided the Red Sea in two and

made it a super highway for the children of Israel

Joshua’s Sun, and the Moon that stood still

Elijah’s mantle

Elisha’s staff

Samuel’s horn of oil

David’s sling shot

And Malachi’s Son of Righteousness;

He’s Peter’s shadow that healed the sick

Stephen’s signs and wonders

Paul’s apron and handkerchief;

He is the father of the orphan

A husband to the widow

A bright morning star for the traveler by night

The Lily of the Valley

The Rose of Sharon

The Rock of Ages

The express image of God’s person

The King of glory

A rock in a weary land, 

And the beauty of ten thousand;

He is the Cup that runneth over

The rod and staff that comforts me

The Lion of the tribe of Judah

That breaks every chain and sets man free

The Government of our lives is upon His shoulders;

In mathematics He multiplied five loaves of bread

To feed five thousand peoples

In Zoology He is the Lamb slain for our Salvation

In Botany He is the flower that fades not

In Biology He is the life everlasting

In History He is the Alpha and the Omega

In Physics He is the One that disproved the law of gravity by ascending on high

In Chemistry, he changes ordinary water into sweet wine;

To the artist He is the altogether lovely,

To the architect, He is the Chief Cornerstone

To the baker, He is the bread of life

To the banker He is the hidden treasure

Oh to the Carpenter He is the door

To the farmer He is the sower and the Lord of the Harvest

To the horticulturist, he is the true Vine

To the Philosopher, He is the wisdom of God

To the Philanthropist, He is the unspeakable gift

To the Journalist, He is the great news of glad tidings

To the student, He is the Incarnate One

To the servant, He is the Good Master

To the statesman, He is the Desire of all Nations

To the sinner, He is the Lamb of God

That takes away the sins of the world

To the weary,  He is the Giver of Rest

To the theologian He is the Author and the Finisher of our faith

But who is this man?

He came to die for our sins

The just for the unjust

That He might bring us to the Father

Believe in Him and you will be saved

He is Jesus of Nazareth

A man approved by God with Signs and wonders

And miracles which God did by Him through Him

His name is J E S U S!  JESUS!!!

The name that deposes sin

Disperses demons

Dispels darkness

Depreciates fear

Disintegrates impossibilities

Dissolves difficulties

And dislocates mountains

He’s more than the latest thing; he’s the ancient of days.

he’s the Lord of all.

Amen.

Voice on the Mount of Transfiguration: this is my beloved son; hear him!

Mary, at Cana: Whatever he tells you, do it!


Green Crayon Christians

Posted on May 1, 2016 in Devotions | Tags: 

52mega0012_green

In the message, “Eating Words,” I’ve suggested that we need to pursue a holistic relationship with the Word of God, the Bible, that would move us beyond recreational and occasional use of the scriptures to filling our “spiritual stomachs” with the content of the Word to build and shape our lives. We’ve coined the descriptor, “Green Crayon Christian,” in reference to my friend Darryl Woolfolk’s green crayon he uses to highlight questions that arise as he reads the Bible.

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