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Understanding Scripture and the role of the Church in the 21st Century. We will wrestle with the Kingdom of God, the mission of God’s people, and how this applies to the Church in the 21st Century
Episodes
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Rob and Vinnie continue an introduction to the Gospel of John and explore John's uniqueness as compared to Matt, Mark, and Luke, and John's use of the New Creation motif--Jesus' resurrection was on the "first day of the week" (John 20:1, 19).
Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.
Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!
NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.
Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load.
If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.
If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.
Tuesday May 10, 2022
Tuesday May 10, 2022
In this episode, Rob and Vinnie begin a look at the Gospel of John. They explore some of the keys to understanding John's Gospel and what makes it unique from the Synoptics (Matt-Luke).
Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.
Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!
NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.
Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load.
If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.
If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.
Tuesday May 03, 2022
Tuesday May 03, 2022
In this episode, Rob and Vinnie interview a prominent NT and ancient Roman scholar Warren Carter and discuss the Bible and Empire and how to read Jesus and His proclamation of God's empire in the midst of the Roman empire (spoiler alert: they crucified Him: but He rose so it worked out for Him!)
Warren is the author of numerous books on empire and the NT: including, The Roman Empire and the NT and
Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.
Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!
NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.
Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load.
If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.
If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Rob and Vinnie continue to wrestle with the Gospel of Luke and Jesus' call to love the poor and the marginalized even if it doesn't benefit us in the now. In this episode, they interview Lisa Sharon Harper of Freedom Road and wrestle with the questions of Jesus, race, gender, and justice.
https://lisasharonharper.com/ (see Bio below)
Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.
Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!
NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.
Lisa is a prolific speaker, writer, and activist. She is the author of several books, including Evangelical Does Not Equal Republican... or Democrat (The New Press, 2008); Left Right and Christ: Evangelical Faith in Politics (Elevate, 2011); Forgive Us: Confessions of a Compromised Faith (Zondervan, 2014); and the critically acclaimed, The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong can be Made Right: Which was recognized as the “2016 Book of the Year” by Englewood Review of Books. Her newest book Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and the World - and How to Repair It All
Lisa has appeared on TVOne, FoxNews Online, NPR, and Al Jazeera America.
She writes extensively on shalom and governance, immigration reform, health care reform, poverty, racial and gender justice, climate change, and transformational civic engagement. Her writing has been featured in CNN Belief Blog, The National Civic Review, Sojourners, The Huffington Post, Relevant Magazine, and Essence Magazine.
Lisa earned her Master’s degree in Human Rights from Columbia University
In 2015, The Huffington Post named Lisa one of 50 powerful women religious leaders
In 2019, The Religion Communicators Council named Lisa’s monthly Freedom Road Podcast “Best Podcast Series of The Year”.
And in 2020 Lisa received The Bridge Award from The Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth and Reconciliation in recognition of her dedication to bridging divides and building the beloved community.
During the episode, Lisa notes that many inner city schools do not have textbooks. Here is a link to a NY Times articles.
The use of prison labor is noted in this report on Whole Foods and their statement that they will no longer sell such products:
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
Rob and Vinnie look at the central chapters in the Gospel of Luke (9-22) and show how the Gospel of Luke must be understood in light of Jesus' teaching on bringing good news to the poor and justice for the oppressed. We promise that you will gain new insights and come to understand Jesus and the Gospel in fresh new, and exciting, way.
Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.
Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!
NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Rob and Vinnie walk through the Gospels and discuss the events of Jesus' last night from the time they head to the garden to the crucifixion of Jesus. (See notes below)
NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.
Jesus predicts Peter’s denial Matt 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:31-34; John 13:36-38
Jesus and the disciples leave the upper room and travel to Gethsemane 9:00pm?
Arrive at the Garden of Gethsemane Matt 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46
- Asks the disciples to wait Matt 26:36
- Takes Peter, James and John to a separate place Matt 26:37
- Prays his High Priestly prayer: John 17
- Tells the disciples that He is filled with sorrow Matt 26:38
- Jesus goes a little farther Matt 26:39: Prays, “may this cup be taken from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will”
- Returns to find the disciples sleeping Matt 26:40, 41
- Again He goes and prays: “If it is not possible . . . may your will be done” Matt 26:42
- Returns to find the disciples sleeping again: “Their eyes were heavy” Matt 26:43; “Exhausted from sorrow” Luke 22:45
- Again Jesus goes off to pray Matt 26:44: Again He returns and they are sleeping Matt 26:45-46
Jesus is Arrested 12:00am?
- Judas with Jewish and Roman authorities John 18:2, 3
- Jesus asks, “who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth” they reply John 18:4, 5
- Judas identifies Jesus with a kiss Matt 26:48
- Peter cuts off Malchus’ ear (servant of the High Priest) John 18:10
- Disciples flee Mark 14:50
Friday
Jesus appears before the Jewish leaders 1:00am?
- Informal hearing before Annas (ex-High Priest and father-in-law of current High Priest Caiaphas) John 18:12-14, 19-23
- Jesus is struck in the face John 18:22
- More formal trial before Caiaphas Matt 26:57-68; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:54; John 18:24, 28
- Peter followed at a distance and was able to enter the courtyard because John knew the servant girl at the door John 18:15, 16
- Authorities cannot agree on any legitimate charge Mark 14:56; Many false witnesses; but none are in agreement Matt 26:59, 60
- Closest they could come was that Jesus had said that he would destroy the Temple Matt 26:61;
- Jesus remains silent Matt 26:63
- Caiaphas questions him directly, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God” Matt 26:63
- Jesus replies; “You said it” or “You say that I am” Matt 26:64
- Then He adds; “you will see the Son of Man . . . coming on the clouds of Heaven” Matt 26:64 (Dan 7:13; Ps 110:1)
- High Priest tore his clothes and says, “He has spoken blasphemy” Matt 26:65
- Charged with blasphemy, spit on and struck in the face: “Prophesy to us, Christ, who hit you?” Matt 26:66-68 (cf . Isaiah 11:2)
Jesus appears before the Sanhedrin for a more formal trial 6:00am? Matt 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71
- They question Jesus again: “are you the Christ?” Luke 22:67
- Jesus replies, “If I tell you, you will not believe me”
- They ask Him again: “Are you then the Son of God” Luke 22:70
- Jesus obliges anyway and responds; “You are right in saying that I am”
Jesus appears before the Romans 7:00am?
- Jesus brought into the Palace (Jews could not enter because they would be defiled for the duration of the day; and thus, would be unable to eat the noontime meal “chagigah” John 18:28) and is questioned by Pilate
- Pilate wants to know what the charges are against Him John 18:29
- Jews appear to be alarmed that Pilate would even ask; and they exclaim “if he were not a criminal we would not have handed him over to you” John 18:30
- “Take him yourselves” John 18:31
- “But we have no right to execute anyone”
- Pilate enters and begins to question Jesus
- “Are you the King of the Jews” John 18:33
- Jesus replies that His kingdom is not of this world John 18:36
- “You are a king then?” queries Pilate John 18:37
- “You say that I am” John 18:37; Luke 23:3
- Pilate goes out to the Jews and explains that he finds no basis for a charge John 18:38; Luke 23:4
- Jews are not content with this and bring up charges against Jesus Luke 23:5
- Pilate learns that Jesus is from Galilee and sends Him over to Herod Luke 23:6, 7
- Jesus is question by Herod (who wanted to see a miracle) Luke 23:8
- Jesus gave no answer Luke 23:9
- Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him and dressed Him in a white robe Luke 23:11
- Jesus sent back to Pilate
- Jews accuse Jesus of many things; but Jesus refuses to reply Matt 27:12-14
- Pilate offers the Jews a release of a prisoner of choice: Matt 27:15-18
- Barabbas (Jesus Barabbas? means: ‘a son of a father’ ) an insurrectionist and a murderer Mark 15:7 or;
- Jesus: (The Son of the Father)
- Pilate’s wife warns him not to have anything to do with Him Matt 27:19
- Pilate asks what he is to do with Jesus Matt 27:22
- “Crucify, Crucify” Luke 23:21
- Pilate asks, “why? What crime has He committed?” Luke 23:22
VII . Pilate goes into the palace
- Pilate has Jesus flogged; given a crown of thorns; a purple robe; they “hail” Him as “King of the Jews”; they struck Him on the face; spit on Him; hit Him with their staff; and paid homage to Him John 19:1-3; Mark 15:17-20
- Pilate comes out to the Jews with a despicable looking Christ
- “Here is the man” John 19:5
- “Crucify, Crucify” John 19:6
- Pilate responds, “I find no basis for a charge” John 19:6
- Jews insist Jesus must die according to their law John 19:7
- Pilate and Jesus go back into the palace
- Pilate asks Jesus some questions John 19:9
- Jesus refuses to answer John 19:10
- “Don’t you realize that I have power either to free you or to crucify you” John 19:10
- Jesus explains, “you would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above” John 19:11
- Pilate again goes out to the Jews
- Pilate tries to get Jesus freed John 19:12
- Jews refuse to compromise Luke 23:23; John 19:12
- Pilate washes his hands and claims, “I am innocent of this man’s blood” Matt 27:24
- Jesus brought outside to the Stone Pavement (Gabbatha): almost 12:00p.m. John 19:13,14
- Pilate proclaims, “Here is your King” John 19:14
- “Crucify Him” John 19:15
- “Shall I crucify your King?” John 19:15
- Chief Priest responds, “We have no king but Caesar” John 19:15
Jesus handed over to be crucified c.12:00pm
- Jesus is flogged Matt 27:26; Mark 15:15
- Flogging: Roman Flagrum: whip of braided leather tongs with metal balls and bone woven in: Balls: deep bruises and contusions: Bones: severely cut flesh
- Jesus begins journey to Golgotha Matt 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26; John 19:17
- Unable to carry cross: Simon of Cyrene
- Women followed Luke 23:27-31
- Hurled insults Matt 27:39-44 (Ps 22:7)
- Place of Crucifixion is Golgotha (Aramaic for ‘place of the Skull’; Latin: Calvary) Matt 27:32-56; Mark 15:21-41; Luke 23:32-49; John 19:17-37
- Sign above Christ’s head: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” John 19:19
- 2 Criminals; one on each side
- Nailed to the crossbar (Ps 22:16)
- Nails- 5 to 7 in. with a sharp point
- Through the wrist: inch below the palm
- Through the feet
- Arms stretched approximately 6 in.: dislocate the shoulders (Ps 22:14)
- Jesus is offered a mild sedative (wine and myrrh) which he refuses Mark 15:23
- Cast lots for his garments Mark 15:24 (Ps 22:18)
- 7 Last Words of Christ
- Luke 23:34: “Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing”
- Luke 23:43: “Today you will be with me in Paradise” Luke 23:39-43
- John 19:27: “Woman, behold your son.” “Behold, your mother”
- Mark 15:34 “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Ps 22:1)
- John 19:28: “I am Thirsty” (Ps 69:21)
- John 19:30: “It is finished”
- Luke 23:46: Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit” (Ps 31:5)
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Rob and Vinnie examine the four Gospels and discuss the events of Jesus' last night. This is episode 1 of their discussion of the Passion of Christ.
Notes:
Thursday Night:
Events in the Upper Room 6:00 pm
Jesus washes the Disciples' feet: John 13:1-20
Jesus identifies betrayer: John 13:21-30; Mark 14:18-21; Matt 26:20-25; Luke 22:22-23
Jesus inaugurates Communion: Matt 26:26-29; Mark 15:22-25; Luke 22:19-20
Jesus speaks on servant leadership Luke 22:24-30
Jesus employs a new Commandment: Love one Another John 13:31-35
Please "follow" this podcast, give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!
NB: our goal is to keep these episdoes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
In this episode, Rob leads a study of Gen 3 and the judgment on the Serpent, the woman, and the man. Rob notes that as a consequence of their sin Adam and Eve will not rule as one but will each try to usurp authority over the other. Genesis, of course, is not prescribing that the man should be in authority over the woman but is describing the way it is going to be. The study finishes by looking at the NT where Jesus says that we have authority to trample on serpents (Luke 10) and where Paul says that the crushing of the serpent's head happens under the feet of the Church (Rom 16).
Here are some links to Rob's blog posts on women in the Church
Gen 3:11-13
- God asks of Adam: Who told you that you were naked? (11):
- Woman, whom you gave me, she gave me the fruit (12)
- God asks of Eve (13): What is this that you have done? (13)
- The Serpent deceived me
3:14-19 Judgment on the Serpent, the Woman, the Man
God’s words are more __________________ than ______________________
- This is the way it is going to be: it is not a punishment but a declaration of fact
Focus now is on the ________________ of the woman vs the ______________ of the serpent
God does not curse Adam and Eve: God curses ________________________ and ____________________
- Serpent: Eat dust; in accord with his sin of forcing them to eat (14; Ezek 28:17; Is 14:11-12, 15)
- Enmity between serpent and the woman (15): the ‘Protoevangelium’: the first announcement of future redemption
- Enmity between your seed and her seed
- ‘Seed’ most often refers to an immediate descendant (Gen 4:25: Seth)
- ‘Seed’ can refer to a distant offspring or even a group of descendants (as a collective)
- He will bruise your head; you bruise his heal
- To the woman (16)
- “I will multiply” your pain: in childrearing/child conceiving
- Word here refers to _______________________: the circumstances in which children are conceived will be fraught with painful and complicated relationships that cause emotional and physical toil
- 3:16: ‘Your desire will be for your husband . . .’: (Heb teshuqah appears only in 4:7 and Song of Sol 7:10)
- He shall ‘rule’ over you: He will rule as a tyrant (See NLT)
- To the Man (17)
- Cursed is the ground: in toil you shall eat of it
3:20-21
- Adam names “Eve” (20)
- God makes clothes for them (21)
3:22-24 Expulsion from the Garden
- God says: ‘Man has become like one of us’ (22)
- Expelled (driven out) from the garden (23)
- Salah: Language of exile and being driven out like Canaanites: cp Exod 33:1-3; Lev 18:24; 20:23
- Garas: (24): same word for expulsion of Canaanites (Ex 23:28-31; 33:2; Deut 33:27; Josh 24:12, 18; Judg 2:3; 1 Chr 17:21; Ps 78:55; 80:8)
- East of the garden Cherubim are placed (24)
- Cherubim guard the presence of God: embroidered on the curtains of the temple (Exod 26:1; 36:8; 26:31-33; 1 Kings 6:32)
- 2 Cherubim have outstretched wings to cover and protect the Ark! (Exod 26:18-22; 37:7-9; Num 7:89; 1Kings 6:23-28)
- Samar: to guard or keep watch: the very thing Adam was to do (cf Gen 2:15)
Gen 3 and the rest of Scripture
Entrance into the Garden!
- Jesus: “I am the door” (John 10:7); “an open door” (Rev 3:8; 4:1)
- Rev 22:14: enter by gates into the city
Enmity between the woman and the serpent
- Authority to tread on serpents (Luke 10:17-20)
- Paul identifies Satan with the Serpent; Agent of destruction is the Church (Rom 16:20)
- Satan is the ancient serpent (Rev 12:1-17)
- Seed is Christ (Gal 3:16)
- Christ must reign until all His enemies under His feet (1 Cor 15:25)
- destroy the work of the Devil (1 John 3:8-12)
Conflict between male and female
- Reversed (Col 3:18-19)
Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.
Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!
NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.
Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load.
If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.
If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.
Monday Apr 11, 2022
Monday Apr 11, 2022
In this episode, Rob leads a study of the book of Genesis. This week we look at Adam and Eve eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Bad. The problem was that they did so of their own accord and not by listening to the Lord. That is, they did not "fear the Lord" which is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 1:7). Instead, Eve, "saw" she "took" and she "gave" it to Adam who "listened to the voice of His wife."
Then we look at Abraham and Sarah in Gen 16. They too decide to make their own rules and Sarah "took" and "gave" to Abraham her slave Hagar. And Abraham "listened to the voice of His wife."
Finally, we look at the Solomon story in 1 Kings 3-4. Finally, so it appears, someone chooses to receive God's wisdom!
Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.
Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!
NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.
Week 7
Genesis 3:1-7 Tempted
- Serpent was craftier than any beast (1; Is. 27:1; Amos 9:3; Job 26:13).
- Crafty: arum always positive in Wisdom lit Pro 14:15; 27:12: Serpent is ‘shrewd’; a term associated with wisdom in Proverbs in contrast to the fool
- Serpent is created by God
- Serpent speaks to the woman
- _______________ in 3:2-5: plural
- Eve changes the wording in 3 places (2-3)
- We may eat: you may eat freely (2:16): minimizes privileges
- You will die: you will surely die (2:17): minimizes penalty
- Shall not eat or touch it: shall not eat (2:17): exaggerates the prohibition
- Serpent challenges God’s word and His motives (4-5)
- 3:5 “For God (Elohim) knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God (Elohim), knowing good and evil” (NAS)
- Gen 3:5: ForGod knows that when you eat from it your eyes will open and you will be like divine beings who know good and evil.
- Gen 3:22. . . . the man has become as one of us, to know good and evil.”
- Psalm 82:1
- You will be like God (5)
- Knowing good and evil (5)
- Eve __________ that that the fruit has 3 virtues (6):
- Good for food
- Delight to her eyes
- Good for attaining wisdom (covetousness)
- She _________________ and ________________ it (6; cf 6:2—they also “saw”)
- Gave some to Adam who was with her, and he ate
- Both ‘knew’ that they were naked (7)
3:8-10 God meets them in the Garden
- God walking in the garden (8)
- ‘Where are you?’ (9)
- I was afraid (10)
What does all this mean?
Humans go after the __________________ in ____________________________ instead of receiving the ___________________________ from _________________________
Now we are looking for a human seed of Abraham to live by the fear of the lord and do what is wise and bring the blessings of Eden
Gen 16:2
Abraham and Sarah are re-enacting the story of Adam and Eve
They do what is wise in their own eyes
He listened to the voice of his wife Gen 16:2 (3:17)
Sarah ____________________ and _______________ and she _______________ Gen 16:3 (Gen 3:6)
He said, “do what is good in your eyes” Gen 16:6
Word to Hagar, “I will multiply your descendants Gen 16:10
Where is Sarah your wife? Gen 18:9
2 Sam 7:10-16
- I will plant them (10)
- Give you great name (like what he said to Abraham)
- Raise up your seed (12) Will come from your loins
1 Kings 3:1-5
- Goes to a high place (3:4)
- Wants to discern good and evil
- He needs to get it from God
- In a dream (3:5)
1 Kings 3:6-9 I am a little child and do not know . . . give me understanding
1 Kings 3:10 pleasing in the Lord’s sight
Solomon asks for wisdom and does what _____________________________ failed to do
2 Kings 4:20-34
Solomon knew about trees, animals, beasts, and birds
Deut 17:14-17 Solomon was doing what was ___________________ in the book of Deut
Sunday Apr 10, 2022
Sunday Apr 10, 2022
In this study of the early chapters of Genesis, Rob leads a discussion of the beasts. In Genesis, humanity was called to rule over the beasts. Instead, humanity chose to decide right and wrong for themselves. As a result, instead of ruling the beasts, humanity becomes a beast (Dan 4). And instead of ruling the beasts, humanity is ruled by the beast--that is, human governments are viewed as beasts.
We have seen that Genesis 1-3 establishes that the covenant God of Israel, the God who called Abraham, the God who appeared to Moses on Sinai, the God who revealed Himself as the Lord God (Yahweh Elohim) is the God who created all things (Gen 2:4).
We have also noted that God planted a garden in Eden where He would dwell within His creation. Thus, Eden was a temple. In addition, later biblical writers affirm that the garden was on a mountain (Ezek 28:14, 16; Exod 15:17; Ezek 40:2; 43:12; Rev 21:10) and it was a place full of precious stones (Gen 2:12; Ezek 28:13). In the “middle” of the Garden was the Tree of Life (2:9). Finally, from the Garden, the river of life flowed and watered the earth (2:10).
We have also seen that Adam and Eve were created to “subdue” the earth and to “rule” over the animals (Gen 1:26-28). They are called to rule well. As they subdue the earth, they are reminded that the plants are given as food to the animals as well (1:30). Thus, they are not to rule for themselves alone.
The creation narrative of Gen 2 describes Adam and Eve not simply as gardeners, but also as priests. As priests they are to “cultivate” and “keep” the Garden (2:15)—when these two words occur together they refer either to Israelites ‘serving’ God and ‘guarding’ God’s word or to priests who ‘keep’ the ‘service’ of the tabernacle (Num 3:7-8; 8:25-26; 18:5-6; 1 Chr 23:32; Ezek 44:14).
Adam and Eve are to be one, and as such, they are to Image God—who is One (John 17:21). Adam’s naming of the animals (Gen 2:19-20) was his first effort to rule. The problem is that Adam was not made to rule alone. He needed a “helper”—i.e., someone to come alongside and join him as an equal in the task of ruling and subduing.
To rule well Adam and Eve will also need the “knowledge of God and bad” (Gen 2:16-17). The question will be whether or not they trust God to give them such knowledge, or if they will decide to determine good and bad for themselves.
This means that we may understand the biblical conflict in terms of kingdoms. Is God the king, or will we attempt to rule ourselves? We know what happens. Humanity chooses to make its own rules. They determine to become god themselves. The Bible then follows the narrative of human history by turning this on its head. Instead, of humanity ruling over the beasts, the beasts rule humanity. Humanity becomes beasts.
Kingdom of God is like a tree Mark 4:30-32
- Birds rest in its shade
Understanding the Beasts
Daniel: Goal: to encourage the Israelites that God is sovereign over the earthly kingdoms
A simple look at Daniel suggests it has 2 distinct parts
Chs 1-6 ____________________ of Daniel and his friends
- Simple stories of faith in a hostile foreign setting
- Others have visions and Daniel interprets them
Chs 7-12 ___________________ of Daniel
- Daniel has visions and are interpreted for him
- Obscure apocalyptic visions
Yet, Daniel is more complicated than this
Chs 1:1-2:3, 8:1-12:13 written in Hebrew
Chs 2:4-7:28 written in Aramaic
Daniel as a _____________________
Dream about four earthly kingdoms and God’s kingdom (ch 2)
Story of Jews being faithful in the face of death (ch 3)
Story of royal arrogance, which is humbled (ch 4)
Story of royal arrogance, which is humbled (ch 5)
Story of a Jew who is faithful in the face of death (ch 6)
Vision of four earthly kingdoms and God’s kingdom (ch 7)
Daniel 4
Themes: God’s sovereignty: “That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And bestows it on whom He wishes” (4:17)
- Most High is the sovereign/ruler (17, 25, 32)
- Kingship of God v Nebuchadnezzar (17, 18, 22, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 37)
- God is: “Most High God” (2); Most High (17, 24, 25, 32, 34)
- He humbles those who walk in pride (37)
Nebuchadnezzar becomes _____________________ (4:31-32)
Daniel 7:1-27
Theme: God will defeat the seemingly unconquerable powers that oppress His people
Four great beasts arise from the sea (7:3)
Represent _________________________________ that will arise on the earth (7:17)
Beasts are _________________________________ with the saints and overpowering them (21)
Revelation 13:1-8
The Beast
Rev 13 is a composite of the 4 beasts of Dan 7
- 10 horns, 7 heads
- Like a leopard; feet like a bear, mouth like a lion (Dan 7:4-6)
- Comes up out of the sea (Dan 7:3)
- Speaks blasphemies (little horn; Dan 7:8, 11, 20)
- God is the object of the blasphemies (Dan 7:25)
Wages war against the saints (13:7; Dan 7:21)
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