The session has ended, and so has this blog. I pray that some have received help and encouragement from the questions and thoughts that have been journaled here. The page will remain posted for those who want to look later. However, new entries will not be made.
You are welcome to read my other blogs:
www.myjesuslife.blogspot.com
www.disciplekids.blogspot.com
www.godstoriesfromkids.blogspot.com
In closing, please know that their really is a Living God who loves you and wants to clear the confusion so that you can trust Him and commit your life to Him!
God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son. Anyone who believes in Him will not die but will have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world. He sent His Son to save the world through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not judged. But anyone who does not believe is judged already. He has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God. Trust in Me also. There are many rooms in My Father's house. If this were not true, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. If I go and do that, I will come back. And I will take you to be with Me. Then you will also be where I am.” John 14:1-3
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even if he dies. And those who live and believe in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
"Transfiguration" of Jesus
“After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him. He led them up a high mountain. They were all alone. There in front of them his appearance was changed. His clothes became so white they shone. They were whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. Elijah and Moses appeared in front of Jesus and his disciples. The two of them were talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters. One will be for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ Peter didn't really know what to say, because they were so afraid.
Then a cloud appeared and surrounded them. A voice came from the cloud. It said, ‘This is my Son, and I love him. Listen to him!’
They looked around. Suddenly they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
They came down the mountain. On the way down, Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen. He told them to wait until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.”
Mark 9:2-9 (This story is also found in Matthew 17:1-9 and Luke 9:28-36.)
This event in the Bible is called The Transfiguration. It was intended to prove that Jesus is the Son of God and that Jesus is God. The glory of God in Jesus was clearly seen by human eyes, although covered with a human body during Jesus’ life.
When Jesus went up the mountain, He took three disciples with Him (Peter, James, & John). As Jesus was changed (or transfigured), Moses and Elijah appeared and the voice of God was heard. We can observe that there were three witnesses on earth and three witnesses in heaven to give credibility to Whom Jesus was. “Therefore, the Old Testament law of three witnesses required to attest to any fact (Deuteronomy 19:15) was satisfied both in earth and in heaven.” (2)
(Moses was significant to the Jews as representing the Law. Elijah represented the Prophets and was also important to the Jews. Some would say that because Moses and Elijah disappeard that Jesus is the only One to hear. However, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So I believe that there is value in the Old Testament, and Life through Jesus in the New Testament of the Bible.)
The disciples then would not doubt Jesus’ divinity or that His Words came from God. Peter later wrote about what they had seen, “We told you about the time our Lord Jesus Christ came with power. But we didn't make up stories when we told you about it. With our own eyes we saw him in all his majesty. God the Father gave him honor and glory. The voice of the Majestic Glory came to him. It said, ‘This is my Son, and I love him. I am very pleased with him.’ We ourselves heard the voice that came from heaven. We were with him on the sacred mountain.” 2 Peter 1:16-18
“The disciples, who had only known Him in His human body, now had a greater realization of the deity of Christ, though they could not fully comprehend it. That gave them the reassurance they needed after hearing the shocking news of His coming death.” (1).
Sources:
1. http://www.gotquestions.org/transfiguration.html
2. http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/transfiguration-of-jesus-christ-faq.htm
3. http://www.gospelway.com/topics/bible/transfiguration.php
Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters. One will be for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ Peter didn't really know what to say, because they were so afraid.
Then a cloud appeared and surrounded them. A voice came from the cloud. It said, ‘This is my Son, and I love him. Listen to him!’
They looked around. Suddenly they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
They came down the mountain. On the way down, Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen. He told them to wait until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.”
Mark 9:2-9 (This story is also found in Matthew 17:1-9 and Luke 9:28-36.)
This event in the Bible is called The Transfiguration. It was intended to prove that Jesus is the Son of God and that Jesus is God. The glory of God in Jesus was clearly seen by human eyes, although covered with a human body during Jesus’ life.
When Jesus went up the mountain, He took three disciples with Him (Peter, James, & John). As Jesus was changed (or transfigured), Moses and Elijah appeared and the voice of God was heard. We can observe that there were three witnesses on earth and three witnesses in heaven to give credibility to Whom Jesus was. “Therefore, the Old Testament law of three witnesses required to attest to any fact (Deuteronomy 19:15) was satisfied both in earth and in heaven.” (2)
(Moses was significant to the Jews as representing the Law. Elijah represented the Prophets and was also important to the Jews. Some would say that because Moses and Elijah disappeard that Jesus is the only One to hear. However, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So I believe that there is value in the Old Testament, and Life through Jesus in the New Testament of the Bible.)
The disciples then would not doubt Jesus’ divinity or that His Words came from God. Peter later wrote about what they had seen, “We told you about the time our Lord Jesus Christ came with power. But we didn't make up stories when we told you about it. With our own eyes we saw him in all his majesty. God the Father gave him honor and glory. The voice of the Majestic Glory came to him. It said, ‘This is my Son, and I love him. I am very pleased with him.’ We ourselves heard the voice that came from heaven. We were with him on the sacred mountain.” 2 Peter 1:16-18
“The disciples, who had only known Him in His human body, now had a greater realization of the deity of Christ, though they could not fully comprehend it. That gave them the reassurance they needed after hearing the shocking news of His coming death.” (1).
Sources:
1. http://www.gotquestions.org/transfiguration.html
2. http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/transfiguration-of-jesus-christ-faq.htm
3. http://www.gospelway.com/topics/bible/transfiguration.php
Monday, April 14, 2008
Forgiveness & Faith
Forgiveness
Jesus can forgive sins as we see in this verse. "I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Mark 2:10. Do we have "authority" to forgive sins?
This was an interesting discussion. I am thankful for the person who said, "yes, we do forgive sins." It is true, we should forgive people when they offend us. The forgiveness we give is important. However, the forgiveness in Mark 2:10 is different that forgiving offenses.
A good illustration that we discussed is this: A man commits a crime against a person and is arrested. The victims of the crime forgive him of the wrong done to them. When the man comes to the judge, will the judge remove the consequence based on the victims' forgiveness?
For this illustration, our answer would be "no." When we forgive people who have done wrong to us, it gives peace to our hearts. But, it does not remove the ultimate consequence of sin--which is eternal death. Only Jesus has the authority to forgive sins, and remove the penalty.
Faith
We are struggling with the concept that Jesus is God, and that there are three unique "personalities" of God--God, the Father; God, the Son; and God, the Holy Spirit. How can it be true? How can we understand what is impossible?
It is only by faith.
"Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see. That is what the people of long ago were praised for. We have faith. So we understand that everything was made when God commanded it. That's why we believe that what we see was not made out of what could be seen. . . . Without faith it isn't possible to please God. Those who come to God must believe that He exists. And they must believe that He rewards those who look to Him." Hebrews 11:1-3, 6
By faith, we believe--even if it doesn't make sense and we can not understand.
Jesus can forgive sins as we see in this verse. "I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Mark 2:10. Do we have "authority" to forgive sins?
This was an interesting discussion. I am thankful for the person who said, "yes, we do forgive sins." It is true, we should forgive people when they offend us. The forgiveness we give is important. However, the forgiveness in Mark 2:10 is different that forgiving offenses.
A good illustration that we discussed is this: A man commits a crime against a person and is arrested. The victims of the crime forgive him of the wrong done to them. When the man comes to the judge, will the judge remove the consequence based on the victims' forgiveness?
For this illustration, our answer would be "no." When we forgive people who have done wrong to us, it gives peace to our hearts. But, it does not remove the ultimate consequence of sin--which is eternal death. Only Jesus has the authority to forgive sins, and remove the penalty.
Faith
We are struggling with the concept that Jesus is God, and that there are three unique "personalities" of God--God, the Father; God, the Son; and God, the Holy Spirit. How can it be true? How can we understand what is impossible?
It is only by faith.
"Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see. That is what the people of long ago were praised for. We have faith. So we understand that everything was made when God commanded it. That's why we believe that what we see was not made out of what could be seen. . . . Without faith it isn't possible to please God. Those who come to God must believe that He exists. And they must believe that He rewards those who look to Him." Hebrews 11:1-3, 6
By faith, we believe--even if it doesn't make sense and we can not understand.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Heaven & Hell
Why did Jesus have to come?
At The Fall, Adam and Eve (the first created man and woman) chose to disobey God’s instructions. Sin entered the world and resulted in a broken relationship between God and humans. Jesus came as a way to repair the broken relationship. We no longer have to be separated from God. In accepting Jesus as God’s Son, Savior, and Lord, we can be reunited with God. We don’t have to suffer from that broken relationship anymore, but instead accept His peace and life!
What is the difference between the Old Testament relationship with God (before Jesus) and after Jesus came?
The God of the Bible is the same from before Creation throughout the Old Testament, New Testament and now. His plan originated at Creation, then was seen as an introduction through the Old Testament (before Jesus), and moved to the next level when Jesus came in the New Testament. It will then be finalized at the end of time in Heaven.
People’s relationship with God has changed from being in the full presence of God in perfection at Creation to then suffering the consequences of sin throughout the rest of humanity. God was pleased with the faith of people that chose to worship Him, and gave them laws to help them live a holy life as well as a system of sacrifices that cleansed the people from sin. This worship introduced the reality of Jesus and His role that moved people to a higher level of relationship with God. Now Jesus had made the Sacrifice once for all people for all time, and the Holy Spirit was available to empower a person to live a holy life.
Without faith it isn't possible to please God. Those who come to God must believe that he exists. And they must believe that he rewards those who look to him. Hebrews 11:6
How does a person go to heaven or to hell?
Each person has a choice in their spiritual journey. For example, when buying a plane ticket, a person chooses their destination. Once that person is on the plane, he/she can not change the journey. He/she made the choice when the ticket was purchased.
In a similar way, we have a choice of which road to take in our spiritual journey.
“Enter God's kingdom through the narrow gate. The gate is large and the road is wide that lead to death and hell. Many people go that way. But the gate is small and the road is narrow that lead to life. Only a few people find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
There is one road that leads to Life, Jesus, and Eternity with God (heaven). The other road leads to death, torment, and eternal isolation (hell).
“The Son of Man will send out his angels. They will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin. They will also get rid of all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace. There people will sob and grind their teeth.” Matthew 13:41-42
“Anyone whose name was not written in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15
The difference between the plane and life is that a person can stop at any time and choose the road that leads to Life. You do not have to be destined for hell. God waits for you.
“Tell them, 'When sinful people die, it does not give me any joy. But when they turn away from their sins and live, that makes me very happy. And that is just as sure as I am alive,' announces the Lord and King. 'So turn away from your sins! Change your evil ways! Why should you die, people of Israel?'” Ezekiel 33:11
“The Lord is not slow to keep his promise. He is not slow in the way some people understand it. He is patient with you. He doesn't want anyone to be destroyed. Instead, he wants all people to turn away from their sins.” 2 Peter 3:9
You can accept Jesus now, just by . . .
A-Admitting that you are a sinner, that you have done wrong things.
B-Believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for you and now is alive!
C-Confess that Jesus is your Lord.
"Say with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord.' Believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead. Then you will be saved." Romans 10:9
"And what is eternal life? It is knowing you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:3
At The Fall, Adam and Eve (the first created man and woman) chose to disobey God’s instructions. Sin entered the world and resulted in a broken relationship between God and humans. Jesus came as a way to repair the broken relationship. We no longer have to be separated from God. In accepting Jesus as God’s Son, Savior, and Lord, we can be reunited with God. We don’t have to suffer from that broken relationship anymore, but instead accept His peace and life!
What is the difference between the Old Testament relationship with God (before Jesus) and after Jesus came?
The God of the Bible is the same from before Creation throughout the Old Testament, New Testament and now. His plan originated at Creation, then was seen as an introduction through the Old Testament (before Jesus), and moved to the next level when Jesus came in the New Testament. It will then be finalized at the end of time in Heaven.
People’s relationship with God has changed from being in the full presence of God in perfection at Creation to then suffering the consequences of sin throughout the rest of humanity. God was pleased with the faith of people that chose to worship Him, and gave them laws to help them live a holy life as well as a system of sacrifices that cleansed the people from sin. This worship introduced the reality of Jesus and His role that moved people to a higher level of relationship with God. Now Jesus had made the Sacrifice once for all people for all time, and the Holy Spirit was available to empower a person to live a holy life.
Without faith it isn't possible to please God. Those who come to God must believe that he exists. And they must believe that he rewards those who look to him. Hebrews 11:6
How does a person go to heaven or to hell?
Each person has a choice in their spiritual journey. For example, when buying a plane ticket, a person chooses their destination. Once that person is on the plane, he/she can not change the journey. He/she made the choice when the ticket was purchased.
In a similar way, we have a choice of which road to take in our spiritual journey.
“Enter God's kingdom through the narrow gate. The gate is large and the road is wide that lead to death and hell. Many people go that way. But the gate is small and the road is narrow that lead to life. Only a few people find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
There is one road that leads to Life, Jesus, and Eternity with God (heaven). The other road leads to death, torment, and eternal isolation (hell).
“The Son of Man will send out his angels. They will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin. They will also get rid of all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace. There people will sob and grind their teeth.” Matthew 13:41-42
“Anyone whose name was not written in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15
The difference between the plane and life is that a person can stop at any time and choose the road that leads to Life. You do not have to be destined for hell. God waits for you.
“Tell them, 'When sinful people die, it does not give me any joy. But when they turn away from their sins and live, that makes me very happy. And that is just as sure as I am alive,' announces the Lord and King. 'So turn away from your sins! Change your evil ways! Why should you die, people of Israel?'” Ezekiel 33:11
“The Lord is not slow to keep his promise. He is not slow in the way some people understand it. He is patient with you. He doesn't want anyone to be destroyed. Instead, he wants all people to turn away from their sins.” 2 Peter 3:9
You can accept Jesus now, just by . . .
A-Admitting that you are a sinner, that you have done wrong things.
B-Believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for you and now is alive!
C-Confess that Jesus is your Lord.
"Say with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord.' Believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead. Then you will be saved." Romans 10:9
"And what is eternal life? It is knowing you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:3
Coming . . .
We have taken several weeks off from our group meeting because of Easter and Spring Break. We are meeting again, and a blog from this past Saturday will be coming soon!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Response: Why Doesn't God Do Something?
1. What do people do in heaven?
"I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth were completely gone. . . . I heard a loud voice from the throne. It said, 'Now God makes his home with human beings He will live with them. They will be His people. And God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or sadness. There will be no more crying or pain. Things are no longer the way they used to be." Revelations 21:1, 3-5
2. Jesus never sinned, did He suffer?
Suffering is external, sin is internal. Sin causes suffering. But suffering is not necessarily caused by sin. Even though Jesus was sinless, He suffered because He was in a sinful world.
"I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth were completely gone. . . . I heard a loud voice from the throne. It said, 'Now God makes his home with human beings He will live with them. They will be His people. And God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or sadness. There will be no more crying or pain. Things are no longer the way they used to be." Revelations 21:1, 3-5
2. Jesus never sinned, did He suffer?
Suffering is external, sin is internal. Sin causes suffering. But suffering is not necessarily caused by sin. Even though Jesus was sinless, He suffered because He was in a sinful world.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Response: Where Did Evil Come From ?
The Bible teaches about sin entering the world shortly after creation. As a result, this sin impacted humanity for the rest of time. I believe that this sin also impacted the physical earth. You can read the story from the Bible here:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%202-3;&version=76;
But, let me try to illustrate what I believe happened.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At one time, a very long time ago, there was nothing. There was no shape, no life, no light, nothing. Only God. He began to create the world; earth and sea and sky, moon and stars and sun, fish and birds and animals, plants and trees and grass. He saw that everything He had made was good.
God wanted more than just an art project. He wanted interaction, a relationship. With a special plan in mind, He made humankind (male and female) made in the image of God, Himself! The Bible names them, Adam and Eve. What a wonderful place, a perfect creation, a perfect relationship between God and His creation!
Adam and Eve enjoyed their special Garden. They talked with God and with each other. They enjoyed the animals and the fruits. It was paradise!
Unseen, an intruder slipped in and climbed a tree, watching for an opportunity to ruin this perfect paradise. This serpent was so evil and so jealous. You see, he really wanted to be God. He used to be a leader of God's angels. But all that praise and glory just by-passed him. Lucifer spat as he remembered the beauty that he could never receive, the admiration that he enviously desired, and the devotion that should be his! God had seen his heart that day, and banished him. There were many others that had agreed with Lucifer, and were thrown out of heaven also. But now he had seen a chance to get revenge! If he had calculated correctly, all he had to do was whisper a few words . . . here she comes!
Eve enjoyed these walks with Adam. She loved the fresh air and the peace that emanated from this place. With thanks, she remembered all the great things that God had given them. She remembered that God had told them to eat any fruit they wanted (except for the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, of course). But that was only 1 tree out of so many from which to choose! What a magnificent God to bless them so much!
What was that? Never before had she heard that sound. Where was it coming from? As she looked around, she saw a strange shape in that tree over there--the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. She walked over to look closer. As she did, the serpent (Lucifer) tricked her into eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. She hadn't died like God said, it must be OK after all. Here Adam take a bite, we must have misunderstood God's directions.
But with that one bite--they had disobeyed God's commands. . . Sin entered the world . . . Lucifer laughed as he watched the ripples and realized his success. He had done it! He had destroyed God's perfect creation!
He watched as Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden, separated from God. Lucifer knew that God could not look at sin, and now they had to leave. He called to his demons, Disease and Death. Follow them! He called to his armies of Moral Evil--Go!
He had built these troops for a long time. Now he finally had the victory!
He called to the demons of Storms and Earthquakes--Take your place in the earth and wait! He called to the demons of Fire and Wind--Move! There were so many others ready and waiting. Lucifer called them out to stake his claim on the earth. This precious creation of God's--but now it was his!
Or rather, that's what Lucifer thought . . .
For at the same time that God had seen the sin, He also looked to His Son. . . And They had a plan. . . .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bible tells about Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12-21. You can read it here,
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2014:12-21;&version=50;
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%202-3;&version=76;
But, let me try to illustrate what I believe happened.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At one time, a very long time ago, there was nothing. There was no shape, no life, no light, nothing. Only God. He began to create the world; earth and sea and sky, moon and stars and sun, fish and birds and animals, plants and trees and grass. He saw that everything He had made was good.
God wanted more than just an art project. He wanted interaction, a relationship. With a special plan in mind, He made humankind (male and female) made in the image of God, Himself! The Bible names them, Adam and Eve. What a wonderful place, a perfect creation, a perfect relationship between God and His creation!
Adam and Eve enjoyed their special Garden. They talked with God and with each other. They enjoyed the animals and the fruits. It was paradise!
Unseen, an intruder slipped in and climbed a tree, watching for an opportunity to ruin this perfect paradise. This serpent was so evil and so jealous. You see, he really wanted to be God. He used to be a leader of God's angels. But all that praise and glory just by-passed him. Lucifer spat as he remembered the beauty that he could never receive, the admiration that he enviously desired, and the devotion that should be his! God had seen his heart that day, and banished him. There were many others that had agreed with Lucifer, and were thrown out of heaven also. But now he had seen a chance to get revenge! If he had calculated correctly, all he had to do was whisper a few words . . . here she comes!
Eve enjoyed these walks with Adam. She loved the fresh air and the peace that emanated from this place. With thanks, she remembered all the great things that God had given them. She remembered that God had told them to eat any fruit they wanted (except for the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, of course). But that was only 1 tree out of so many from which to choose! What a magnificent God to bless them so much!
What was that? Never before had she heard that sound. Where was it coming from? As she looked around, she saw a strange shape in that tree over there--the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. She walked over to look closer. As she did, the serpent (Lucifer) tricked her into eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. She hadn't died like God said, it must be OK after all. Here Adam take a bite, we must have misunderstood God's directions.
But with that one bite--they had disobeyed God's commands. . . Sin entered the world . . . Lucifer laughed as he watched the ripples and realized his success. He had done it! He had destroyed God's perfect creation!
He watched as Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden, separated from God. Lucifer knew that God could not look at sin, and now they had to leave. He called to his demons, Disease and Death. Follow them! He called to his armies of Moral Evil--Go!
He had built these troops for a long time. Now he finally had the victory!
He called to the demons of Storms and Earthquakes--Take your place in the earth and wait! He called to the demons of Fire and Wind--Move! There were so many others ready and waiting. Lucifer called them out to stake his claim on the earth. This precious creation of God's--but now it was his!
Or rather, that's what Lucifer thought . . .
For at the same time that God had seen the sin, He also looked to His Son. . . And They had a plan. . . .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bible tells about Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12-21. You can read it here,
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2014:12-21;&version=50;
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