Bread from Heaven

Prelude

Do I want MY religion or the religion of Jesus? Purpose: Let’s look at the religion that came from heaven. Plan: Let’s discuss the events of John 6:24-35.

The Throng

John 6:24 when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?”

This occurred immediately after feeding the 5,000. A throng, mob or crowd in a flotilla of small boats descended on Capernaum searching for Jesus. They asked Him when He got there, because He did not leave with the disciples. Did Jesus answer the question?

John 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

News reporters would be angry. Jesus ignored the question, not explaining His walking on the sea to get there, but spoke about motives. Are our motives for physical food or spiritual signs, for that which perishes or that which lasts forever? Do we lust for fleeting pursuits or hunger for eternal relevance?

There are two marks on offer in this world which men carry in their foreheads (thinking) and their hands (deeds). The mark of the beast is a seal that reveals a person’s trust in the kingdoms of this world, which from Daniel to Revelation are described as beasts. The other mark is the seal of God, the law written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit, a stamp of heavenly approval. Jesus said plainly that His kingdom is not of this world.

A crowd of people were looking for Jesus in Capernaum, but why? Why do we look for Jesus? The crowd had wanted to make Him a king of this world, but Jesus eluded them. They wanted a leader who would fulfill all their worldly expectations, but Jesus was not going to operate according to this world’s ways.

The Work

John 6:28 Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”

They got the point, and asked how to be involved in God’s eternal work. This is a question that every church should ask itself, when any proposals are brought up. What is God’s work?

John 6:29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

What a shocking answer! God’s work is, in the original Greek, “to have faith”? Is this a direct challenge to Protestant Reformation theology? Does Jesus actually call faith a work? Is this a work that only God does or do we join Him “that we may work the works of God?” What happened to the Protestant idea of separating faith from work? Maybe the truth is deeper than we thought.

Do we make idols of the perishable things, ignoring the important spiritual food that Jesus brings? Are we control freaks demanding our own way or letting Christ lead? The crowd asks how they too could have the power to do God’s works. But power in the wrong hands is dangerous, causing more harm than good. Instead, Jesus urged them to believe in him instead of their own ideas. Instead of simply listening they argued back, asking what sign he was going to give them. Even though they had already seen many signs such as healing the sick and feeding a large crowd and some had even admitted that he was the prophet who was to come (6:14), they were a demanding and argumentative crowd. Jesus challenges their motives as seeking perishable things when they should be seeking eternal life.

The Bread

John 6:30 Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ”

What? They had just witnessed many signs, but now ask for another?

The crowd politely called Jesus “rabbi” because they did not understand any more about him than that. They seem to be a little demanding of him, asking when he got there, obviously unaware that he walked on water to get there. Like so many reporters seeking to control an interview, they may have expected an answer to the question. Jesus often did not answer a question, but addressed the deeper issues. He chided them for seeking only physical bread and not the more important spiritual food that he brought.

John 6:32 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

The Manna that temporarily nourished ancient Israel after the Exodus was only a foretaste of the true Manna from heaven, which gives eternal life. Even the unleavened bread of Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread, was also only a foretaste of that Bread from heaven. Leaven symbolized the “doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6-12) and “hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1).

John 6:34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.”

Does God care only about the temporary hunger of our bellies or is there a more permanent hunger that He can satisfy?

The crowd asked for manna like in the days of Moses. They were living in the past, fixed in past events not the living God who lives to bless us today. Do we live in the past? Are we still focused on old time religion or long past miracles? Did our Christian experience stop with an event long ago? What is God doing in our lives now? Are we blinded to how God wants to operate today or stuck on past ways? Do we look to heroes of the faith such as Moses or a favorite preacher instead of Jesus to provide bread from heaven? Is any minister or tradition or building more important than God and what he is God doing now? Every communion the bread from heaven is again freely given to us? Will we accept God’s gift?

John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Should we be a consumer church? Should the church’s agenda be set by what the crowd wants, to attract new members? Self-centeredness is the agenda of the day. We want a church that satisfies our selfish desires for power or prestige or excitement or music or miracles or friendship, but not a church that teaches us to sacrifice like Jesus did. Since when should the church allow the unchurched to set the agenda? Ought not Jesus be in charge? Are we in the church more like the world than true Christians? Are we just consumers out for what we can get out of church instead of what we can give in service to others? Are we interested in the bread from heaven or the bread from here below? Did Jesus teach us to take up our cross and deny ourselves?

Whose work are we doing?

What is God’s work? Is it to preach the Gospel into all the world, feed the hungry and keep ourselves unspoiled by the corruption of the world? It certainly is, but is there another way of speaking about God’s work that puts perspective on it? Jesus says that the work of God is to believe in the One that God has sent. He said this along with working for food that does not perish and seeking eternal life. They asked, what should we do, but Jesus’ bread is not something that we do anything for. Why turn the gift of God into something that we work for? Why not just receive it? Why do we keep trying to control God’s work? What does Jesus mean by believe in the one sent? In this context it refers to trusting in Jesus.

Outro

Let’s not be control freaks, wanting our religion, the religion of our memories, or our own creation, but the religion of Jesus. Let us allow him to feed us not with bread that perishes, the bread of this world, but with the true manna from heaven.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Killing the Prophets

Prelude

Elijah’s persecution has been echoed by many ancient prophets and modern preachers. Purpose: What can we learn from this faithful messenger’s recovery from a bitter experience? Plan: Let’s look at his story in 1 Kings 19:1-21.

 
He Arose and Ran

After his powerful confrontation with the false prophets of Ba’al, God’s remarkable intervention, and the subsequent capital punishment of these men who betrayed Israel’s God and were probably complicit in the massacre of His prophets, a time of severe depression seems to have taken hold on Elijah.

1 Kings 19:1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

Even in the church age, a Jezebel is pictured, “who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.” So serious is this sin that, even in the church age, capital punishment is called for her children (Revelation 2:18-29).

Faithful preachers today still teach God’s truth and fight modern false prophets, heresy and apostasy. Like the ancient Jezebel, modern church leaders seek to protect those who promote the worship of contemporary versions of Ba’al. The battle against idolatry occurs across the spectrum of Christian teaching, and preachers who are faithful to the Word of God are always going to be a target. What happened to Elijah is a familiar story in Christian history as well.

Arise and Eat

1 Kings 19:5 Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” 8 So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.

When we are in the midst of persecution, sometimes a good meal and a long journey to the mountain of God is best. Whether our message is to hill tribes somewhere in Asia, or a western church that has lost its way, we will face opposition. Whether the threat is to life and limb or status and membership in a local church, we will be hated if we preach the truth and not water it down. Whether the menace is from the progressive left, the legalistic right, or the wishy-washy middle, it will come, angrily in your face at times, and covertly behind your back at other times.

What are You Doing Here

1 Kings 19:9 And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 So he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”

In the midst of depression and a desire to escape for our lives, God may also come to us and ask what we are doing here. Like Elijah, we too may state that we have worked passionately in God’s service, and that God’s word has been ignored and we are being mistreated. There is nothing new under the sun.

The Lord Passed By

1 Kings 19:11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

There is a place for hellfire and brimstone preaching, where the preacher stomps up and down the stage shouting a warning to a wayward church. It is not, by Jesus’ own example, something that is necessary every week. However, Jesus did speak about hell more often than anyone else in the Bible. But, He also comforted people quite often. Good preaching covers both ends of the emotional continuum between warning about hell and encouragement about heaven.

One misapprehension that hellfire and brimstone preaching might leave us with is the thought that God is always like a tornado, earthquake or wildfire. Here we see that God can also be a still small voice, a gentle whisper, especially to faithful servants who are disheartened by the ugly side of church life.

What are You Doing Here

1 Kings 19:13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”

This was not a strong rebuke coming crashing down upon Elijah, but an admonition nonetheless, given in a gentle, quiet manner. There was still work to do. A pastor who has had difficulties with an evil attack has two choices, either to stay and lose his life (Luke 17:33) or to shake the dust off his feet (Matthew 10:14) and move on. For the sake of peace, moving on may often be the better option. Every faithful pastor will face times like this and feel like saying, “I alone am left.” The future work will often be unknown at first, but after some rest and recovery, God will eventually give a new direction. The wounded soldier of the cross still has a valuable place in God’s army.

Return, 7000 Have not Bowed

1 Kings 19:15 Then the Lord said to him: “Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. 16 Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. 17 It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. 18 Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

An old saying is, when you fall off a horse, get back on. The Lord told Elijah to return to the ministry. There was work to do. He also said something that we should never forget. When we are at our loneliest, feeling like nobody else is facing the false accusations of the devil with us, let’s remember the seven thousand in Israel, who also had not bowed the knee to Ba’al.

There are many faithful Christians in horrible persecution in North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia and Libya who are facing imminent death, loss of income and starvation for their faith. There are many faithful Christians in America and Europe who face ostracism from family and demotion on the job because they refuse to compromise their faith or engage in dishonest practices. Spiritually, we stand shoulder to shoulder with brothers and sisters around the world, who love God like we do.

Elisha Followed Elijah

1 Kings 19:19 So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 So Elisha turned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them and boiled their flesh, using the oxen’s equipment, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant.

So Elisha cooked up two steers for his family and friends. That’s quite a large farewell party. What a blessing to find someone teachable that we can mentor. Many in churches have talents and abilities that could fit well within God’s service, but their attitude prevents them from being used. They may be arrogant, self-willed or know-it-alls, who like Paul are persecuting Jesus and need a Damascus Road experience (Acts 9:1–9; 22:6–11; 26:9–20). Humility is such a wonderful attitude to find, and Elijah found it in Elisha. The simple words tell the whole story, “he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant.” When we find a true servant, who just wants to help, without a hidden agenda, we are so blessed.

Postlude

Persecution of ancient prophets and modern preachers is part of life. We must be ready for it, and look to God for help. It doesn’t end with one bad experience. Take time to rest, even wipe the dust off our feet. Then listen to God‘s quiet whisper. May He give us strength to continue on to the next divine appointment.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

God Will Take Care of You

Prelude

Will God take care of us? What about cancer, catastrophe or death? Purpose: Let’s learn the truth about God’s control over life’s trials. Plan: Let’s look at John’s version of the feeding the 5000 and Jesus walking on water in John 6:1-21.

1 The Setting

John 6:1 After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. 4 Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near.

It was about Passover time, a spring festival in the Northern Hemisphere, a week-long according to the Jewish liturgical calendar in Leviticus 23. It starts as the sun sets beginning the 15th of the first month. That first night is celebrated with the Passover meal and no leavened bread is eaten for the remainder of the week. Holy assemblies begin and end the week. It was near this time that Jesus crossed the sea of Galilee and sat on a hill with his disciples. A huge expectant crowd kept following him. Why were they following him? It was because they saw his miraculous signs. Weak in faith, many were later offended and left. Faithful ones stumbled, as did all twelve of the apostles, but eventually stayed to the very end.

Church membership is not like a club where we go to be fed or have our needs met. Church membership is a calling from God. We should ask God whether or not He is calling us to a particular church, not whether or not all our needs are being met. The disciples were not the crowd. They were called to serve, not be served. Those sitting on the grassy slopes were not yet believers. Like Israel at the Exodus Passover, many of them later complained. There are always complainers. Even seeing the miracle of the Exodus and the Manna, they complained. God did not let that complaining generation into the promised land.

2 Miracle Food

John 6:5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. 7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”

Jesus asks a significant question. Where would they buy bread to feed all these people? He knew the answer, but as a master teacher He was testing his student Philip, preparing for the lesson. Jesus often referred to where He, or the miracle wine, or the Spirit, or the living water, or His other miracles came from. Where does our ultimate help come from? Is Jesus prompting us with the same question today? Philip, the adult, says it would take months of income to pay for enough food.

John 6:8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”

But, a young boy offers five loaves of bread made from barley and two fish. Can we also learn from the naive faith of our children? Do we say, we can’t afford it and do nothing, or do we say, we have scarce resources, let’s pray and ask what God has in mind? Wheat bread was common. Barley was a poor man’s bread and the fish may have been dried or preserved. The boy’s food may have been mum’s generous lunch for one.

John 6:10 Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted.

Jesus gave thanks. Eucharist means to give thanks. Jesus’ miracle of turning water into wine ties into Holy Communion, the greatest meal of all, the meal that represents His sacrifice for us. Breaking bread is another term for the Eucharist. Like the Manna in the wilderness, God had again provided.

John 6:12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” 13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15 Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.

They attempted to make Jesus fit their political idea of the prophet that they had been expecting, so He left. When the people vote you in, the people rule you. Does God walk away if we try to use Him the way we use politicians?

3 Walking on Water

John 6:16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. 18 Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. 19 So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. 20 But He said to them, “It is I [lit. I am]; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

The key to this passage may be what Jesus says in verse 20, literally, “I am, fear not.” The divine name “I am” is a well-known name for God, also called Yahweh and usually translated as the LORD in the Old Testament, where He also tells people not to fear (Genesis 15:1; Isaiah 43:1; 44:2, 8). This is why Jesus is called Lord in the New Testament, the translation of YHWH in the Greek Old Testament called the Septuagint. Why were the disciples afraid of Jesus walking on water? Why are many people afraid of God, or afraid of going to church? Is it lack of faith or feelings of guilt or a lack of willingness to accept God as He is? We like to make God over in our image, as Savior but not Lord. As with ancient Israel, Jesus made a way through the sea.

Postlude

If we belong to God, He will take care of us? He looks after us in this life and even if He should allow us to die, God has a home in eternity prepared for us.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Genesis 1-2 Part 1

Prelude

בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית בָּרָ֣א אֱלֹהִ֑ים אֵ֥ת הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם וְאֵ֥ת הָאָֽרֶץ

Beresheet bara Elohim et ha-shamayim ve'et ha-aretz

In (the) beginning God created the heavens and the earth. What are the secrets behind the creation stories in Genesis? Is Genesis literal, allegory, or majestic prose? What are the forgotten purposes of the creation stories? Purpose: Let’s discuss creation. Plan: We’ll look at Genesis 1-2, pros and cons of some creation theories and more importantly, some secret purposes.

A Few Notes

Beginning

The Hebrew literally says “in beginning” or “in (a) beginning.” Some scholars believe that “In the beginning” should be better translated “in a beginning”. The traditional translation has been followed by most scholars. (Kass, Leon R. The Beginning of Wisdom, University Of Chicago Press. 2006. 27.)

Created

This singular masculine verb “bara” (created) is used with a plural noun, “Elohim” (God). It is a verb that is used only of God. When we human beings fashion anything, we are using pre-existing materials that God already created.

Elohim

A plural intensive word for God is used. The ending “im” is a plural word-ending in Hebrew. We may be familiar with cherubim and seraphim, groups of angels from two distinct classes. A singular verb with a plural noun. This idea of God in the plural is possibly repeated in verse 26 with the word “us.” This is often seen by Christians as the first hint of the Trinity.

The Heavens and the Earth

This is a Hebrew expression meaning the equivalent of the universe, or everything.

Let Us make Mankind

Who are the “us”? Some popular theories are that this represents God and the angels, that this is a leftover from earlier polytheistic accounts, or that God uses the royal plural as in the famous expression “we” are not amused, said by a king or queen. These are all speculation. However, the use of a singular verb with a plural noun is grammatically unique to describing God. For Christians there is another very real possibility, that the word “us” adumbrates (indicates faintly) the Trinity.

The Earliest Account

Hasty thinking has led some to dogmatically and gleefully state that the two complementary creation accounts in Genesis 1-2 are not the earliest. This feeds into a popular desire to prove the Bible as myth. Even if Moses personally wrote all of Genesis including the two creation stories under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, then we too must admit that creation accounts from Babylon and Sumeria were earlier. This does not necessarily mean that Moses borrowed mythological stories. It could simply mean that these were memories passed down through many generations, even as a version of the flood story exists in hundreds of cultures.

However, if Moses was one of several editors or redactors of Genesis and not the sole author, that leaves room for the inclusion of very early creation documents and writings handed down by the Patriarchs. If so, we don’t know how ancient these creation stories may have been. Recent archaeology proves that writing came along much earlier in human history than previously speculated, and so old arguments about the patriarchs being illiterate are now seen as irrelevant prejudice.

Creation Theories

Let’s now examine a few of the many, many creation theories and some of their strengths and weaknesses:

Godless Evolution

A popular theory today is evolution without God. It has roots in ancient eastern and western philosophies often called naturalism and materialism. A strength is that it attempts to be honest with popular interpretation of the geological record. This paradigm also exposes science’s greatest weakness, ignoring divinity.

Theistic Evolution

A popular theory is God-directed evolution. This is one of several “old earth” theories. A strength of this theory is that it also tries to be honest with the prevailing paradigm interpreting the geological record. A weakness is that it elevates potentially dishonest and fallible human testimony and demotes God’s Word. Also microevolution within a kind is observable, as dog breeding shows, but proof of macroevolution, into another family entirely, has never been observed and remains elusive.

The Day-Age Theory

Another popular “old earth” theory is that the days of Genesis 1 are not literal days but ages, possibly millions of years. A strength of this theory is that it acknowledges popular interpretation of the geological record. A weakness is ignoring the context where the length of a creation day is defined as being evening and morning.

The Gap Theory

Yet another “old earth” theory is that the devil ruined things after Genesis 1:1. This is also called the ruin-restoration or restoration theory, and postulates a gap of perhaps millions of years followed by a re-creation in verse 2. A strength is attempting to harmonize popular paradigms of the geological record with the Bible, with some limited scriptural backing: the Holy Spirit “renewed” the face of the waters (Psalms 104:30) and angels were a previous creation (Job 38:4-7). Some weaknesses are that Romans 5:14 says that death reigned from Adam to Moses, and geologists have difficulty with a worldwide cataclysm 6,000 years ago. The gap is pure speculation.

The 6 Day Theory

This is the most literal interpretation and often referred to as a “young earth” theory. Some strengths are that a creation “day” is clearly defined by the context as evening and morning, not an allegorical day. Some creation scientists claim that carbon dating is grossly distorted and that the geological record can be interpreted in a manner consistent with a young earth.

One scientific weakness of a literal understanding is how to explain light coming from distant stars millions of light years away. Various theories by creation scientists attempt a clarification but are in the realm of pure speculation. We simply don’t know enough. A linguistic weakness is explaining the creation of light before the sun’s creation. The common explanation is that they were covered by clouds until the fourth day. But this seems to be contradicted by the words, “And God made two great lights” (KJV). Another weakness is that popular paradigms of the geological record and carbon dating point to a much older world, though that is disputed and not all scientists agree.

Though use of the word expanse has clearly two different meanings, the atmosphere and the universe, this seeming contradiction is clarified by the understanding of context. Like the word day, “expanse” can also have different meanings in different contexts.

A Polemic Theory

A polemic is a hostile attack. Was Genesis 1 an attack upon nature worship showing that God created what people worshipped as gods? A strength of this theory is that ancients did worship nature as many gods. A weakness of this theory is that if this is a polemic, the genre is not obviously so.

Augustine’s Allegory Theory

Augustine and others taught that Genesis was a creation allegory. A strength of that idea is that it could explain some of the internal puzzles. A weakness of that argument could be Jesus’ acknowledgement that from the beginning God made them male and female (Mark 10:6). Many Christians have also interpreted Genesis as history.

Majestic Prose

Another theory is that Genesis is stylized history (the original meaning of the word myth), majestic prose, elevated prose, or a festive overture. Some strengths of this view are rhythmic parts in days 1,2,3 parallel to days 4,5,6 and its stylistic use of the number 7. A weakness is that if it was only stylized prose, then many people throughout history have missed that point.

Intelligent Design (The Teleological Argument)

Intelligent design challenges science as deliberately ignoring God. Scientists ignore their own forensic scientific methods when it comes to the existence of God. One strength of this teleological argument (evidence of design in nature) is that it is older than Socrates’ term “nous” (νοῦς, divine “intelligence”) and Plato’s “creationist manifesto”. A fine-tuned universe demands a tuner. Natural selection has great difficulty explaining irreducible complexity without a designer. Even specified complexity such as in DNA is hard to explain without a designer.

There are some weaknesses in the intelligent design movement. Some Christians believe that intelligent design reduces God to a mere engineer. Many intelligent design proponents avoid including the Bible in their arguments. Many scientists reject intelligent design as not able to be tested empirically. Scientists who are Christians complain of discrimination which excludes opinions of those who believe in intelligent design.

Postlude

This is the beginning of a lifelong journey, as we begin our study of the words that God breathed into ancient texts, still relevant today. Some have called the Bible the instruction book from our Maker. Let's enjoy learning about the blessings He has in store for us.

Sheep without a Shepherd

Prelude

As we look around our community, do we see sheep without a shepherd who need to hear the good news? Purpose: Let’s focus on our mission. Plan: Let’s look at Jesus’ instructions and example in Mark 6:30-34, 53-56.

1 Tell & Rest

Mark 6:30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

The apostles returned from a mission with testimonials about all that they had done and taught. Should we do likewise at times? In church gatherings and quiet times we rest a while. God’s work is overwhelming. Rest and worship are Sabbath principles (Hebrews 3-4; Matthew 11:28; Hebrews 10:25). Statistics prove that those who regularly go to church live longer, happier lives. We meet, rest and take a message with us.

2 Compassion & Teach

Mark 6:33 But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.

The church has a mission (Matthew 28:19-20) to other cultures. Foreigners are a blessing. Some will become missionaries to their own peoples. Some bring Christianity back to our own sinful nation. God’s kingdom includes other cultures. The common ingredient is Jesus. Are we willing to take risks for Jesus?

3 Touch

Mark 6:53 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there. 54 And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, 55 ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was. 56 Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.

God loves every people group. People interrupted Jesus’ time off, but He looked upon them with pity. They were like sheep without a shepherd. Do we see sheep without a shepherd around us? We go to church to touch the hem of His clothing, to be healed from our mortality. We leave to tell others that they too can be healed.

Postlude

Do we look with compassion upon those who are like sheep without a shepherd? Our weekly assignment is to rest, then ask God to guide us to someone who is ready to hear the good news.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Collections (1 Corinthians 16)

Should Christians be involved in charity?

1 Corinthians 16:1-4 Collections

1 Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

This is a collection for poor Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30, 24:17, Romans 15: 26, 2 Corinthians 8:13, 9:9-12).

1 Corinthians 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Meeting on a Sunday was common practice, commemorating the resurrection. It was no substitute for the Sabbath, because they were working, gathering the donated goods. Though this was a special offering for the poor, some see it as a precedent for the weekly church offering.

1 Corinthians 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. 4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

Paul asked them to choose, and those delegates would be responsible for any goods and/or money, so that he was not involved at all with church finances. Most pastors continue to use this wisdom today, keeping a distance from the church treasury, so as to be above suspicion.

Sometimes the congregation chooses a team. Sometimes God chooses a David through a prophet like Nathan. And sometimes a Timothy chooses and appoints elders. Church polity is not set in stone, but adaptable.

1 Corinthians 16:5-12 Travels

1 Corinthians 16:5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. 6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. 7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

It is good to plan, but wiser to allow God to change our plans. It is also good to remind others that we are at God’s disposal for a “divine appointment” by using phrases similar to “if the Lord permits” or “if God wills.”

1 Corinthians 16:8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

Sometimes God opens a great door for the Gospel. Having adversaries is not an indicator that we are heading down the wrong path, but often a sign that we are on the right track, because the Gospel will frequently face opposition, even within the church.

1 Corinthians 16:10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

Timothy was young and easily disrespected. Immature congregations will often not give a young leader a chance, but wise Christians know that God can do wonderful things, even through an inexperienced and awkward pastor.

1 Corinthians 16:12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

Apollos was a significant leader in the church, who carried on watering after Paul planted.

1 Corinthians 16:13-24 Conclusion

1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 14 Let all your things be done with charity.

Great wisdom for every congregation is this. If only we could find such virtues in every church!

1 Corinthians 16:15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

Churches that have faithful households, who all get involved in service to others, are indeed blessed.

1 Corinthians 16:17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

Fortunatus was possibly mentioned by Clement as the bearer of his epistle to the Corinthians. Both Fortunatus [Fortunate, Lucky] and Achaicus [someone from Achaia] were apparently common names given to freed slaves.

1 Corinthians 16:18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

These three people were united to just bless and encourage the visiting Paul. Many churches are blessed to have such a team of encouragers. There is a group of similar such friends in many churches across the world.

1 Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

The “holy kiss” on the cheek or lips was a common greeting among both men and women and is still practiced in some cultures. Humorously, several early church fathers advised that it is only a holy kiss if one does not linger and there were some abuses. Many western cultures practice a holy hand shake, or a holy hug.

1 Corinthians 16:21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

Paul obviously did not use a stenographer for this part of the letter, but wrote it directly.

1 Corinthians 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

The NLT renders this, “If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Our Lord, come!” Paul is not presumptuously cursing anyone himself, but merely stating the obvious, that because salvation is only available in Jesus, those who do not love Jesus have chosen the ultimate curse for themselves, that is hell. Many are familiar with the word maranatha, which simply means, Lord come!

1 Corinthians 16:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

This is often called a benediction, meaning a concluding blessing. The original benediction was the priestly blessing which God commanded Aaron and his sons to say, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 NIV)

Benedictions at the end of the New Testament epistles are also commonly quoted to conclude a Christian service. A popular one is Paul’s trinitarian benediction, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)

1 Corinthians 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

This personal ending reveals Paul’s great affection towards the people here.

Kill the Messenger

Prelude

Are we offended when repentance is preached? Purpose: Do we want to kill the messenger? Let’s Plan: Let’s look at the murder of John the Baptist in Mark 6:14-29.

Who is Jesus

Mark 6:14 Now King Herod heard of Him [Jesus], for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.”

This is Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great. Jesus also appeared before Herod, who wanted a miracle and mocked him, but Jesus had nothing to say to him (Luke 23:6-12).

The opinions of who Jesus is or was are many even today. Was He just a man, Michael the archangel, two persons (one divine, the other human), or only one of three modes in which God appears? As God did He really die, or did He only appear to be human? All of these are considered to be heresies. Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant Christianity is more logical because it includes the whole testimony of Scripture, that Jesus was God with us, a member of the Trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, but willingly subordinate in authority to the Father.

John’s Criticism

Mark 6:16 But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!” 17 For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. 18 Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Jesus also denounced Herod as a fox (Luke 13:32), perhaps for his cunning and cowardly attacks behind Jesus’ back. God’s message of repentance is not always popular. John and Jesus were crucified for similar reasons. The church’s message is “good news” (Matthew 4:23; Mark 1:1; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 6:15; Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 11:5; Luke 4:18; 7:22) but bad news for those who profit from this dog-eat-dog Babylon (Revelation 18). Just as then, the church has a message: repent (Matthew 3:2).

John was right about adultery, but we pretend it is not. Jesus told a woman caught in adultery to sin no more. Elijah criticized Ahab for marrying Jezebel (1 Kings 21) and his life was threatened. Nathan criticized David for his affair with Bathsheba, but David repented. Calling for repentance can be a dangerous thing.

Herod’s Indecision

Mark 6:19 Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

Rather than repent, Herodias wanted to kill John. Many have paid dearly for preaching repentance. Do we hate being told to repent? Do we also seek vengeance on those who dare?

Herod’s Oath

Mark 6:21 Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. 22 And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 23 He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

Flavius Josephus named her as Salome. One possible implication is that Salome danced lewdly, and that Herod had drunk way too much.

Salome’s Request

Mark 6:24 So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!” 25 Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

John the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, was a relative of Jesus. He prepared for Jesus, preaching repentance in the wilderness, and followed by multitudes. He lived an ascetic lifestyle. He called Jesus the Lord, the Lamb of God, the Son of God. He challenged King Herod who put him in prison. Would we begin a protest march? Jesus did not. John had a crisis of faith and was executed. Jesus said that none was greater than John yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

John’s Death

Mark 6:26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.

Postlude

John's imprisonment and execution occurred because his message of repentance got personal. Jesus and the other prophets also got personal at times. Let’s not be offended when the message seems too personal. Let’s not be offended that some who testify about Jesus are quite different, like John. That's not important. Our preparation for Jesus is repentance.

“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Rejection

Prelude

A rule of polite society is don’t discuss religion. Jesus ignored that rule and was rejected in His hometown. Purpose: Rejection is a true Christian experience. Plan: Let’s look at facing rejection in Mark 6:1-13.

Rejection (Mark 6:1-6)

Mark 6:1 Then He went out from there and came to His own country [fatherland], and His disciples followed Him.

This was His “hometown” (NIV, NLT, ESV, NASB).

Mark 6:2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him [this man], that such mighty works [miracles] are performed by His hands!

This was possibly His childhood synagogue. As the incarnate Word of God, Jesus had divine wisdom and performed remarkable miracles. The word “this man” (τούτῳ) is repeated twice in Greek, revealing a tone of contempt. “Where did this man get these things?” If Jesus was rejected, what ought we expect?

Mark 6:3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.

Do prejudices prevent people from hearing the Gospel? Do people dishonor us because they don’t honor God? When we honor each other, it’s not because we are perfect, but because we honor God.

Mark 6:4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.”

When people lack faith in God in us, do we just give up? The world seeks to belittle others. Let’s be among the few who believe that Jesus uses ordinary people!

Mark 6:5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.

What a shame to miss out by rejecting anyone through whom God is working. Yet, a few will have the faith to see God in us.

Mark 6:6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.

Are we scandalized or embarrassed by Jesus? Is such rejection new?

Many Left Jesus (John 6)

On another occasion, ‘The Jews then complained about Him, because He said, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.” … From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” ’ (John 6:41-69)

Further Scriptures on Rejection

Let’s look at a few biblical passages that describe rejection.

And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” (1 Samuel 8:7)

He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. (Isaiah 53:3)

Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. (Mark 12:10)

“The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” (Luke 9:22)

He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.” (Luke 10:16)

But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. (Luke 17:25)

He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him— the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. (John 12:48)

“This Moses whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one God sent to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush. (Acts 7:35)

Mission (Mark 6:7-13)

Did Jesus continue to preach or did He just decide to give up because of rejection? Do we give up and just keep silent, knowing that we too will be rejected?

Mark 6:7 And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send [apostled] them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.

Why two by two? In the Old Testament, witnesses were to be at least two. This sending is ongoing. Going head on with the demonic is ongoing.

Mark 6:8 He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts—

Mark 6:9 but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.

Mark 6:10 Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place.

Mark 6:11 And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”

This has precedent, “Then I shook out the fold of my garment and said, ‘So may God shake out each man from his house, and from his property, who does not perform this promise. Even thus may he be shaken out and emptied.’ ” (Nehemiah 5:13) How ought we to face rejection? Shake it off. A “no” means don’t waste time, move on, don’t be shamed by rejection. There is no better message than the Gospel. Those who refuse Christ’s messengers face a judgment worse than that of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Mark 6:12 So they went out and preached that people should repent.

Jesus also preached repentance (Mark 1:15), an offensive message that few want to preach or listen to, like ancient Israel. God spoke to Isaiah, That this is a rebellious people, Lying children, Children who will not hear the law of the Lord; Who say to the seers, “Do not see,” And to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us right things; Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits. (Isaiah 30:9-10) What can happen when people listen to God’s messengers?

Mark 6:13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with [olive] oil many who were sick, and healed them.

Anointing the sick is a normal practice in the church (James 5:14). When we accept Jesus, then He sends us on mission, to preach repentance. Those who accept our message are blessed and those who reject us and our message are cursed.

Expect Rejection (Romans 1)

Many people “suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” (Romans 1:18) Is there no proof of God? “His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (vs 20) So why deny the obvious and reject the existence of God? “... because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (vs. 21) The rest of the chapter details the tragic sins that people who reject God fall into.

Postlude

We are not called to be “polite company,” but to spread the good news. That means some rejection, or are we ashamed of Jesus? We must toughen up, and continue telling the good news. When, not if, but when we are rejected, shake it off and move on. Our task is too important to quit!

Readings

2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 and Psalm 48

Ezekiel 2:1-5 and Psalm 123

2 Corinthians 12:2-10