Luke 23 Giving & Forgiving

Two great laws would solve many of humanity’s problems. In His hour of greatest trial, Jesus exemplified giving and forgiving. Let’s look at these two great legacies in Luke 23:33-43.

Forgiveness

Luke 23:33-34 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And they divided His garments and cast lots.”

While giving His life for all, Jesus says something remarkable, “Father forgive them.” Do we forgive others only after an apology or repentance? Jesus teaches us a new level of forgiveness, before repentance, because of a deed done in ignorance.

Sneered, Mocked, Blasphemed

Luke 23:35-39 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”

Human leaders, in and out of the church will disappoint us. We do not know what we are doing. We say of the suffering Jesus, “Let him save himself.” Human governments are devouring beasts.

The Manner of a King

World leaders are usually oriented towards taking instead of giving. Jesus is the opposite, a giver. What will a king, symbolic of all worldly leadership, do?

“He will take your sons … take your daughters … take the best… take a tenth… take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys… take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants [or slaves].” (1 Samuel 8:10-17)

Only the worst tax systems take assets as well as profit. And that’s just highlighting the word “take.” Read the same passage highlighting the word “his.” Obviously, world leaders tend to be selfish, not giving. Luke’s Gospel describes Christ’s government, giving and forgiving. He gave his life and forgave our sins.

Remember Me

At the cross, many failed: Romans, Jews, and even the Disciples. One criminal did better than they all. He spoke out in faith.

Luke 23:40-43 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

That day, the thief on the cross would be received into Paradise, the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). He was received there without baptism, communion, church rites, or good works, only the work of faith exhibited in his prayer.

Paradise literally means a garden, symbolic of the garden of Eden and heavenly joy. He was probably surprised that he would be in Paradise that very day. That is the sense that all ancient manuscripts give and contradicts the theory of our souls being asleep until the resurrection.

We are the Romans, Jews, and even the Disciples who sneered, mocked, blasphemed and failed Jesus. We are the thief on the cross. He knew his guilt, but in faith prayed, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom”? Unlike the thief, we have lives yet to live. Let’s live to give and forgive? You decide!

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

Bible E-Course 21a - What is Sin?

What is sin? How did sin originate? Did we inherit sin? What happens when Christians sin? Does God have a solution to sin?

Our English word sin is a translation of many different words. The original meanings have much to teach us.

Missing the Mark

A common Greek word for sin ἁμαρτία (hamartia) means to miss the mark. Thus the study of sin is called hamartiology. How did sin enter the world?

“When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” (Romans 5:12 NLT)

One Hebrew word חָטָא (chata) also means to miss the mark or miss the way, like missing the bull’s eye on a target or taking the wrong road. We miss an ideal life because of bad decisions. Like a healthy fear of heights can prevent us falling, a healthy fear of God will keep us from going the wrong way.

“Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.’ " (Exodus 20:20 NASB)

Abject Moral Evil

Another Hebrew word רַע (ra) is much more serious, meaning evil, wicked or ruin.

“But Er was a wicked man in the LORD's sight, so the LORD took his life.” (Genesis 38:7 NLT)

Some human actions are just plain evil, like murder and theft. That is not judgmentalism, but a simple fact of life. Some things are just plain wrong. Another Greek word πονηρός (poneros) also refers to the more serious side of sin, moral evil.

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12 NIV)

Morality keeps a society civilized. When moral evil prevails, anarchy results and offers little to no individual protection.

Going Astray

Another Hebrew word translated as sin שָׁגָה (shag’ah) means going astray. Can we go astray by ignorance?

“But if you sin unintentionally, and do not observe all these commandments that the LORD has spoken to Moses…” (Numbers 15:22 ESV)

Lawlessness

Another Greek word describing sin is ἀνομία (anomia), meaning lawlessness. Do Christians believe in anarchy?

“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4 NIV)

All free societies must balance the twin sides of “freedom to” and “freedom from”. Freedom to do what we want must be balanced by everyone’s need to be free from harm. Can we be saved and continue to sin?

“What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” (Romans 6:15 KJV)

Who sets us free?

“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” (Galatians 5:1 NLT)

Sinners

Why do some Christians say they are no longer sinners while others say they are? The word sinner has two meanings, depending on context. It can mean those still devoted to sin who are 1) pre-eminently sinful, especially wicked. In this sense, we are either categorized as saint or sinner.

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” (1 Peter 4:18 NIV)

The word sinner can also mean 2) not free from sin. In this sense, all of us are sinners. Notice that Paul, even after conversion, says I am, not was, a sinner.

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV)

Sin covers a spectrum of wrongs from merely missing the mark to abject moral evil. It was chosen by Adam and Eve. It is inherited from a sinful environment. Only Jesus can set us free. Be set free and stay free. You decide!

Luke 21 Don't be Terrified

Jesus said the gates of hell will not destroy His Church (Matthew 16:18). He was not talking about a building. People are the Church. Let’s look at deception and endurance in Luke 21:5-19.

Not One Stone

Luke 21:5-6 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

Jesus predicted the Temple would be destroyed. It lasted over 500 years. God closes spiritually worthless buildings. Jesus’ prediction came right after he had praised a widow for her very generous contribution to the temple fund, the proverbial widow’s mite. Church buildings are not the "forever" part of church life.

The majesty of a large church service and the intimacy of a small church are unsurpassed. Large churches are not the norm and not always lasting. A few ancient churches were large. Usually, they were small and scattered. Jesus is more impressed with the grandeur of a faithful heart.

God may destroy what we have built for our own good. The Temple once served a good purpose but it became a distraction. The Gospels help us realize how we often miss God’s perspective. To gain perspective we sit at the feet of the Master.

A tour guide once remarked that St Peter's Basilica in Rome cost most of northern Europe. Built by financial corruption, indulgences, it is a monument to sin and arrogant pride in the Church. Our traditions and structures can become monuments to our own sin and conceited arrogance which God must eventually destroy.

Jesus spoke of a permanent Temple. Christians are that house of God (Ephesians 2:18-20), the living stones (1 Peter 2:4-6) in a spiritual temple. Our hope is in a permanent structure being built by Jesus Christ. If we build with him we will not be disappointed.

Don’t be Deceived

Luke 21:7-9 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” 8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”

Let’s not be deceived by wild claims about the end times. Let’s not be frightened. In the midst of calamity and destruction, let’s stand firm on God’s foundation: Jesus, the prophets and apostles, the whole Bible. End-time theories make us lazy. Real Christianity involves steadfastness in the midst of uncertainty.

An Occasion for Testimony

Luke 21:10-13 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.

Many Christians already live in GREAT tribulation. In Afghanistan, North Korea, Somalia, Libya, Yemen, Eritrea, Nigeria, Pakistan and many other countries Christians face labor camps, imprisonment, kidnapping, deportation, home burning, torture and death. Let us pray for those who face persecution in dozens of countries today.

Every generation since the cross has thought that theirs was the last generation and none of them was right. Jesus encouraged us not to be fearful but to put our faith in him. Worry and doubt distract us from the important job of spreading the gospel message.

Patient Endurance

Luke 21:14-19 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.

By patient endurance, we will gain our lives. Martyr means testimony, a witness. 50 countries persecute Christians according to Open Doors and Voice of the Martyrs. Fake gospels abound in free countries. Jesus encouraged us to stand firm.

There are 4 main schools of prophecy: preterists (ancient fulfillment), historicists (fulfilled through history), futurists (to be fulfilled) and idealists (symbolic or spiritual fulfillment). The symbolic view can include all other views and fits the genre of apocalyptic literature. Elements of this prophecy were fulfilled in 70 AD and some will be fulfilled at Christ’s return.

Someday there will be a new heaven and a new earth. Our church buildings will be gone. To God, the only important things are you and me. Are we trusting God with patient endurance, to gain that blessed life in the eternal kingdom of God? You decide!

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

Bible E-Course 20 - Humanity

Who are we? What are we? Why do we exist? The Greek word for mankind is ἄνθρωπος (anthropos) and studying what the Bible teaches about humanity is called biblical anthropology.

“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” (Psalm 8:3-4 NLT)

Who are We?

The first man, Adam was named for his origin, the ground.

“Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7 NASB)

Is there something greater than our earthly stature?

“The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven… And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” (1 Corinthians 15:47-49 KJV)

Whose image do we bear now?

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness… So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.’ “ (Genesis 1:26-27 NIV)

Because both male and female resemble God, does it mean something more than the bodily shape or gender? Is God limited to a particular outward form?

“Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:24 KJV)

Because we have a similar but limited ability to reason and rule like God, was Adam called the son of God?

“Kenan was the son of Enosh. Enosh was the son of Seth. Seth was the son of Adam. Adam was the son of God.” (Luke 3:38 NLT)

Yet does the story end there? Is there something new?

“… and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24 NKJV)

“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” (Colossians 3:10 NLT)

Apart from rare and unfortunate genetic abnormalities, we are also male and female, different but equal in intellect and status before God.

“ ‘At last!’ the man exclaimed. ‘This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called “woman,” because she was taken from “man.” ’ This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” (Genesis 2:23-24 NLT)

What is the Soul?

The word soul has various meanings depending on context. It can mean the whole person, as a being.

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7 KJV)

The word soul can refer to the human spirit.

“Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 NLT)

The word soul can refer to the mind.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB)

The word soul can refer to the psyche or seat of our desires.

“He answered, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " (Luke 10:27 NIV)

Why are We?

What is our purpose? Let’s begin by asking, what caused the breakdown in trust between God and humanity?

“Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Genesis 2:15-17 KJV)

Can one bad decision bring lifelong consequences?

“The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, ‘Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?’ ‘Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,’ the woman replied. ‘It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, “You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.” ’ ‘You won’t die!’ the serpent replied to the woman. ‘God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.’ The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.” (Genesis 3:1-6 NLT)

What did the man and woman then do?

“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” (Genesis 3:7-8 NIV)

How did God question the man?

“Where are you?”... “Who told you that you were naked?”... “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” (Genesis 3:9-11 NLT)

How did He question the woman?

“What have you done?” (Genesis 3:13 NLT)

How did He judge the serpent?

“Because you have done this, you are cursed…” (Genesis 3:14-15 NLT)

How did He judge the couple?

“By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:16-19 NLT)

Did God provide for them even in their punishment?

“And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife… So the Lord God banished them from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made.” (Genesis 3:21-23 NLT)

Did God still bless them in other ways?

“... As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it.” (Genesis 9:6-7 NIV)

Was God well aware of the possibility that our first parents would sin? Does He have a plan? Why do we exist?

“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:29 NLT)

Does that plan include us bearing the image of the heavenly? Can we bear the image of God in an even higher sense, reborn?

“Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.” (1 Corinthians 15:49 NASB)

How will being reborn eventually affect our bodies?

“It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” (1 Corinthians 15:44-45 NKJV)

We were born earthly with the potential to be born again and bear the image of the heavenly. God loves His children and has a plan to save us from the consequences of humanity’s ongoing sins inherited from our first parents. Do you want to hear more about that plan? You decide!

Bible E-Course 19b - Revelation 18-22

Revelation reveals a righteous king and kingdom to come. But first, will this world’s Babylonian system end?

“He cried with a mighty voice, saying, ‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great…” (Revelation 18:2a WEB)

Are kings and merchants alike corrupt?

“Babylon's evil and immoral wine has made all nations drunk. Every king on earth has slept with her, and every merchant on earth is rich because of her evil desires.” (Revelation 18:3 CEV)

Should God’s people leave Babylon?

“Then I heard another voice from heaven say, “Come out of her, my people, so that you don’t take part in her sins and don’t receive any of her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4 CEB)

Will this debauched realm collapse quickly?

“Her sufferings will frighten them, and they will stand at a distance and say, ‘Pity that great and powerful city! Pity Babylon! In a single hour her judgment has come.’ ” (Revelation 18:10 CEV)

Will merchants mourn?

“The merchants of the earth will also weep and mourn over her, because no one buys their merchandise any longer” (Revelation 18:11 HCSB)

Will she engage in human trafficking?

“cinnamon, spice, incense, perfume, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, and cargo of horses, carriages, slaves, and human lives.” (Revelation 18:13 NASB)

Is righteous capitalism very different to unethical Babylonian capitalism? Will there be joy when its corrupt reign ends?

“After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.’ ” (Revelation 19:1-2 ESV)

Will Jesus finally marry His Bride the Church?

“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready” (Revelation 19:7 ESV)

What will the Bride wear?

“And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” (Revelation 19:8 KJV)

No longer on a donkey (Matthew 21:1-7), what will Jesus ride?

“Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and He judges and makes war in righteousness.” (Revelation 19:11 HCSB)

Will the arch deceiver be bound?

“He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:2 NIV)

If we are saved by faith, what relevance do good works have?

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” (Revelation 20:12 NKJV)

What else will be new?

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone.” (Revelation 21:1 NLT)

Was this also foretold by Old Testament prophets (Isaiah 65:17; Ezekiel 40-48; Matthew 19:28)? How does Revelation describe it?

“I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.’ ” (Revelation 21:2-3 WEB)

Will there be any more reason for sorrow?

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4 CEB)

How will overcomers be blessed?

“All who are victorious [overcome, conquer] will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.” (Revelation 21:7 NLT)

What is the joyful conclusion of all things?

“The angel showed me a river that was crystal clear, and its waters gave life. The river came from the throne where God and the Lamb were seated. Then it flowed down the middle of the city's main street. On each side of the river are trees that grow a different kind of fruit each month of the year. The fruit gives life, and the leaves are used as medicine to heal the nations.” (Revelation 22:1-2 CEV)

Will there come a time when we will no longer even try to bring men to repentance?

“Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” (Revelation 22:11 ESV)

We are saved by faith, but how is our reward determined?

“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to reward each one as his work deserves.” (Revelation 22:12 NASB)

Who will not be there?

“Outside are the dogs, the drug users and spell-casters, those who commit sexual immorality, the murderers, the idolaters, and all who love and practice deception.” (Revelation 22:15 CEB)

Is explaining technical details important (Nehemiah 8:7-8) being careful not to add anything not supported by the text? Should we take anything away from these prophecies or take them out of our lectionaries?

“Here is my warning for everyone who hears the prophecies in this book: If you add anything to them, God will make you suffer all the terrible troubles written in this book. If you take anything away from these prophecies, God will not let you have part in the life-giving tree and in the holy city described in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19 CEV)

We have seen the mysteries of Christ revealed in symbolism, the end of all evil and the dawning of a new era of supreme joy. May our Lord and Savior come quickly! Do we choose the lake of fire or the blessed eternity revealed in these prophecies? You decide!