John 1:35-51

Interesting verses, 35 and 36 -- ...the next day John stood and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!"

What I find interesting here is the mention of John the Baptist's two disciples. One is Andrew (see verse 40) and from the earliest of times, the second disciple of the Baptist has been considered to be John, the writer of this gospel.

I say interesting because I don't usually think of John the Baptist as having disciples, do you? And yet, in this chapter, we see that Jesus starts to draw his group of disciples together.

Do you recall that when John opened his gospel, he said that In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.

Well, because so many of you have written that you enjoyed the musical pieces from the Bible Study in the last week or so regarding doxologies, I have found a most interesting piece entitled Praise to the Lord, the Almighty played on a carillon. But not just any carillon. This one is played with ropes. You have to see is to believe it. Naturally, it predates keyboards for those years long ago when there was no electricity.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TNy8UOvdyNM

Here'e a beautiful version of this timeless hymn with some restful, peaceful photography: http://youtube.com/watch?v=c9zHn4QSH-8&feature=related

Matthew Henry brings us a deep understanding of what John the Baptist meant when he said that he baptized with water, but one who comes after him will baptize with the Holy Spirit (verse 33): ...Our corrupt hearts cannot be made to produce good fruit, unless the regenerating Spirit of Christ graft the good word of God upon them.

And every tree, however high in gifts and honors, however green in outward professions and performances, if it bring not forth good fruit, the fruits meet for repentance, is hewn down and cast into the fire of God's wrath, the fittest place for barren trees: what else are they good for? If not fit for fruit, they are fit for fuel.

John shows the design and intention of Christ's appearing, which they were now speedily to expect.

No outward forms can make us clean. No ordinances, by whomsoever administered, or after whatever mode, can supply the want of the baptism of the Holy Ghost and of fire. The purifying and cleansing power of the Holy Spirit alone can product that purity of heart, and those holy affections, which accompany salvation. It is Christ who baptizes with the Holy Ghost.
read more: http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=48&source=2&seq=i.47.3.2

Jesus then begins to call his disciples to follow him:

1 and 2. So Peter was the first disciple called by Jesus. We also learn that his brother Andrew was called at the same time from our reading of Matthew 4:18-19 -- As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

3. In John 1:45, as Jesus was going into Galilee, he found Philip and said, "Follow me."

4. Then Philip saw Nathaniel and very excitedly said that he had found the Messiah that Moses had talked about, Jesus of Nazareth. Nathaniel apparently was not impressed because he asked, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" (see verse 46) Philip was not about to be put off all that easily so he said, "Come and see."

Then, when Jesus met Nathaniel, he said to him, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile." Nathaniel wanted to know how Jesus knew him. Jesus told him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." (see verse 48)   

Nathaniel was convinced. He acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and said, "Thou art the King of Israel." (see verse 49)

It was as if Jesus said, "You just wait," when he answered Nathaniel in verses 50-51: Jesus answered and said unto him, "Because I said unto thee, 'I saw thee under the fig tree?' believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these." And he said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, 'Hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

5 and 6. Again, from Matthew 4:21, we learn that Jesus calls James the son of Zebedee and his brother John (who is the writer of this gospel).

The full list of the disciples can be found in Matthew 10:2-4: These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Discussion:

As we close this first chapter, what have you learned about John the Baptist and his ministry on earth? How did it differ from Jesus' ministry?

Question for you to think about and talk about if you are using these Bible Studies for your groups: Can you imagine Jesus walking up to these disciples and telling them he wanted them to walk away from their jobs and come along with him as he walked through the villages and countryside?

Would you go with him? In retrospect, all of us certainly would. But what if you were alive back then -- before Jesus' preaching, before you saw any of the miracles (especially his raising people from death), and his crucifixion and then the resurrection. Sure, we'd all do it now. But what about in the beginning of Jesus' ministry? Would you?

A beautiful hymn to close our study for today is performed by the Celtic Women, "You Raise Me Up." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-17NWRddUk&feature=related

Keep this hymn in mind as you go through the next day or so and remember that God does not call the equipped -- rather, he equips the called. He will put people in your path that he wants to be there for some purpose. He will raise you up with strength for the tasks he brings to you.

Listen to the incredible Josh Groban deliver this song wih his powerful voice alongside The African Children's Choir: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OOhd6R2EiY&feature=related

Keep in mind that whenever you are doing the Lord's work, he will let you stand on his shoulders. He will keep you strong. He will guide you. He loves you. He prays for you before his father in heaven.

We pray: Oh Lord, our heavenly father, as we close this chapter of our study, I pray that you will send your Holy Spirit to be with me in those moments of peaceful quiet with you. I pray that you would restore me, make my faith stronger, and dictate the order of all my days so that I will serve you better with my whole heart. 

I pray that you would protect me from Satan and all that is evil. Amen.

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John 1:19-34

John the Baptist was baptizing new converts in the River Jordan. Word got back to the synagogue that there was a new teacher baptizing people so some priests and Levites were sent from the temple to check out this baptizer.

The Levites would have been more than just a little curious since spiritual instruction was within their purview. In 2 Chronicles 35:3, we read -- He said to the Levites, who instructed all Israel and who had been consecrated to the Lord ...

This entourage approached John and asked him who he was. Right away, John said he wasn't the Christ.

Well, okay then. But was he Elijah? The Levites knew about Elijah and the fact that he hadn't died. So if this man who was giving instructions of faith and baptizing people was really Elijah, then they could surmise that Elijah had come back to issue in the end of the age. Right? Well, John said he wasn't Elijah. So that was that.

Well, then, was he a prophet? Nope. Not one of those either.

Well, just exactly who are you, they wanted to know. And why was he baptizing people if he wasn't the Christ, or Elijah, or even a prophet?

And here comes the big difference. We heard Paul's sermons and letters peppered with this difference that John makes. He says, in verse 26: I baptize with water; but there standeth one among you, whom you know not. He it is, who cometh after me...whose shoe laces I am not worthy to untie."

That was a humbling expression of servanthood on John's part. Since men walked everywhere they went, their feet got tired and dusty. So when they arrived at whatever place they were visiting, it was not unusual at all for a foot washer to refresh them with a foot bath. This would, most likely, have been a job delegated to servants.

The next day John saw Jesus walking toward him and said, in verse 29b, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

This is the man John had been talking about when he said someone would come after him who would be the preferred person. Then in verse 31, John says that he didn't know Jesus.

But they were cousins. John's mother was Elizabeth, remember? Elizabeth was Jesus' mother's aunt, so that would make John and Jesus second cousins. However, John had been out in the desert all this time with his own ministry of getting people to convert and be ready for the coming of the Messiah. He lived out there until he appeared publicly to Israel (Luke 1:80). So it's possible that he didn't recognize Jesus if they hadn't been in proximity to each other.

More likely, says my Concordia Study Bible on page 1604, ...the words probably mean only that he did not know that Jesus was the Messiah until he saw the sign mentioned in verses 32-33.

This sign, John says: I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.

John continued, And I knew him not; but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Then John says, in verse 34: ...this is the Son of God.

John is with two men who are his disciples. Tomorrow, we'll pick up at this point.

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John 1:1-18 (adapted from KJV--in public domain)

If we want to learn why John penned this gospel message, we have only to look at his own words in 20:13 -- But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. NIV

So John says, in verses 1-2: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. KJV

Similar words at a later date come to us like this -- Revelation 19:13 -- He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. ESV

And in Hebrews 4:12, we read: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ESV

Pheme Perkins puts it this way: Jesus is the Word of God sent into the world to summon people to faith and salvation. Jesus' death expresses God's love for the world in sending the Son. But even though Jesus represents God the mystery of human freedom remains....John 20:30-31 says that the point of the gospel is to bring its reader to faith in Jesus as messiah, Son of God. (Reading the New Testament, p. 253)

Matthew Henry has this to say: ...Christ executed one part of his priesthood on earth, in dying for us; the other he executes in heaven, pleading the cause, and presenting the offerings of his people. In the sight of Infinite Wisdom, it was needful that the Saviour of men should be one who has the fellow-feeling which no being but a fellow-creature could possible have; and therefore it was necessary he should actually experience of all the effects of sin that could be separated from its actual guilt.

God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, Romans 8:3, but the more holy and pure he was, the more he must have been unwilling in his nature to sin, and must have had deeper impression of its evil; consequently the more must he be concerned to deliver his people from its guilt and power.

We should encourage ourselves by the excellence of our High Priest, to come boldly to the throne of grace. Mercy and grace are the things we want; mercy to pardon all our sins, and grace to purify our souls. Besides our daily dependence upon God for present supplies, there are seasons for which we should provide in our prayers; times of temptation, either by adversity or prosperity, and especially our dying time. We are to come with reverence and godly fear, yet not as if dragged to the seat of justice, but as kindly invited to the mercy-seat, where grace reigns.

We have boldness to enter into the holiest only by the blood of Jesus; he is our Advocate, and has purchased all our souls want or can desire.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=66&source=2&seq=i.65.4.2

In verse 6, John introduces us to the forerunner of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist.

This man, John says in verses 6-7, came to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. KJV

John cautions the reader, in verses 7-8 that this forerunner was not the messiah: The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. KJV

John the Baptist's ministry fulfilled the Scripture according to the prophet Isaiah's message of 40:3 -- A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God..."

Henry says this: ...When way is made for the gospel into the heart, by taking down high thoughts, and bringing them into obedience to Christ, by leveling the soul, and removing all that hinders us in the way of Christ and his grace, then preparation is made to welcome the salvation of God.

Here are general warnings and exhortations which John gave. The guilty, corrupted race of mankind is become a generation of vipers; hateful to God, and hating one another.

There is no way of fleeing from the wrath to come, but by repentance; and by the change of our way the change of our mind must be shown.

...John the Baptist gave instructions to several sorts of persons. Those that profess and promise repentance, must show it by reformation, according to their places and conditions.

The gospel requires mercy, not sacrifice; and its design is to engage us to do all the good we can, and to be just to all men. And the same principle which leads men to forego unjust gain, leads to restore that which is gained by wrong.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=50&source=2&seq=i.49.3.1

John the Baptist makes an interesting note in verse 15 about Jesus: This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me; for he was before me. Ordinarily older people are ranked ahead of younger people and John the Baptist was older than Jesus. However, he says in this verse that Jesus is preferred -- that Jesus outranks John the Baptist because Jesus is older since he existed since the beginning.

Then in verse 18, John the Baptist reminds the reader that no one has ever seen God and lived. They may have seen God in a burning bush, as Moses did. But here is God, incarnate in Jesus Christ, walking among human beings in the flesh:No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

Well, it didn't take very long before the people over at the synagogue wanted to talk to this John the Baptist and find out what he was all about. 

So we'll pick up here tomorrow. 

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Who is John, the disciple whom Jesus loved?

John wrote several books of the New Testament: his Gospel, three epistles -- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd; and Revelation.

His is the only one of the twelve disciples of Jesus who was not martyred. In fact, he lived to be in his late eighties, according to most Biblical biographers.

I'd like for us to get acquainted with him before we read his works.

He was the son of Zebedee, and the brother of James the Great. They were fishermen, and with their father, fished in the Lake of Genesareth. Tradition says that John's mother's name was Salome, the daughter of a priest.

At first he was a disciple of John the Baptist and later became a disciple of Jesus.

John was one of the three disciples who were members of Jesus' inner circle. For some reason, Jesus had these three with him at Mt. Tabor for the Transfiguration.
Matthew 17:1 -- After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. NIV

Peter, James and John were the only witnesses of the raising of Jairus' daughter: Mark 5:37-41 -- He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him...."Little girl, I say to you, get up!" Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). NIV

And again, in the Garden of Gethsemane, it was Peter, James and John. Matthew 26:37 -- Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. NIV

And at the Last Supper, it was John who was leaning against Jesus: John 13:23-25 -- One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him which one he means." Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?" NIV

And it was John who was at the foot of the cross when Jesus made sure that his mother was to be cared for: John 19:25-27 -- Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. NIV

The reference as to John being the disciple whom Jesus loved is found in the Gospel of John. It appears to be a reference that John takes for himself.

John and Peter were together in the temple when Peter healed the man who had been lame from birth: Acts 3:1-8 -- One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer -- at three in the afternoon. Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. ... Then Peter said, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. NIV

He and Peter were missionary companions too. They traveled to Samaria (Acts 8:14) and were also arrested together (Acts 3:1)

And from what we read in John's letters and his Gospel, as well as the Revelation, we can see that John was an eyewitness to the many things that Jesus did in his ministry.

One source has this interesting note about John (from Wikipedia source): John was banished (presumably to Patmos) after being plunged into boiling oil in Rome and suffering nothing from it. It is said that the entire colosseum were converted to Christianity upon witnessing this miracle.

Some say this fulfills the words of Christ in Matthew 16:28-- "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

And there is a similar reference in John 21:20-23 -- Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"

Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" NIV

So you see, when John was imprisoned on Patmos, he was entrusted with a vision which he reported in the Revelation. In Revelation 1:1-2 -- The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw -- that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

In one of the references, I believe Wikipedia, John is said to have trained Polycarp, who was later the Bishop of Smyrna. "This was important because Polycarp was able to carry John's message to another age." Polycarp was martyred. He was run through with a sword after burning at the stake didn't work.

As far as Mary, the mother of Jesus is concerned, we don't have Biblical references to her death or any details of her life after the crucifixion. However, Roman Catholic tradition says that she and John moved to Ephesus and that she died about ten years after the death of Jesus. However, there is some dispute among Christians who hold that she died in Jerusalem. Some say she died in Gethsemane.

Others say she died in Jerusalem and is buried at Gethsemane.

The truth is, we don't have any Biblical references to Mary the mother of Jesus after the meeting in Jerusalem when Matthias was elected to fill the vacancy of Judas Iscariot: Acts 1:12-14 -- Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. NIV

So her last days reflect what is traditionally believed. Some traditions hold that she was taken to heaven. Some say the reference to a heavenly woman in Revelation 12:1 is a reference to Mary.

We don't know. Traditional beliefs of various religions and suppositions are the stuff of which doctoral theses are made. Surely someone will search for clues that will settle some of these mysteries.

For tomorrow, we begin our study of the writings of John with his Gospel. His Gospel text is different from Matthew, Mark and Luke -- also known as the Synoptic Gospels. We'll conclude our New Testament studies with the Synoptic Gospels.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Apostle

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08279b.htm

http://members.tripod.com/~shtyetz_john/life-of-st-john-evangelist.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus)

New Testament Doxologies (KJV - public domain)

A doxology is a short hymn of praise. Before you begin reading the doxologies that are in the New Testament, I'd like you to capture the praise mood by watching these videos. Perhaps the most easily recognized doxology that you may be familiar with is "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..." This first video is beautifully illustrated and sung in Hawaiian.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uec-x1OSAc0


These next videos are also exquisitely illustrated; the first is beautifully sung. It will help deepen your mood as we get ready to go through the doxologies in the Word of God. I pray that as you listen and watch the videos, you will feel the quiet going into places deep in your soul. "Be still and know that I am Lord..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gbrqW0eJmE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KsaaZsFtkE&feature=related

So the doxologies, then:

1. Matthew 6:13 -- And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

2. Luke 2:14 -- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

3. Romans 11:36 -- For of him, and through him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

4. Romans 16:27 -- To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

5. Galatians 1:5 -- To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

6. Ephesians 3:21 -- Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

7. Philippians 4:20 -- Now unto God and our Father by glory for ever and ever. Amen.

8. 1 Timothy 1:17 -- Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

9. 2 Timothy 4:18 -- And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

10. Hebrews 13:21 -- Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

11. 1 Peter 4:11 -- If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12. 1 Peter 5:11 -- To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

13. 2 Peter 3:18 -- But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

14. Jude 24, 25 -- Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.

15. Revelation 1:6 -- And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

16. Revelation 4:8 -- And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

17. Revelation 5:13 -- And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

18. Revelation 7:12 -- Saying Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.


These next two hymns are apt in light of the praise offered in the doxologies listed above. I pray that each will bring you to a quiet, reverent place within you. And I pray that you will have a safe and happy holiday. We, here in the United States, celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 26. Please remember to pray for all our soldiers and sailors in the armed services and also gratefully remember the service in years past of all our esteemed veterans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F0SKbRZvWc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q8ESzK5pCw&feature=related

I will return on Tuesday, May 27 after a weekend of refreshment and digging in the dirt.

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Jude (is one chapter long) adapted from KJV -- public domain

Jude is a shortened version of the Hebrew name "Judah," or the Greek name "Judas." There are not too many men thus named in the New Testament, so when it comes to identifying which Jude is this reference, Judas Iscariot is quickly ruled out by Biblical scholars.

There are five men named Jude or Judas in the New Testament: Mark 6:3; Luke 6:16; John 14:22, Acts 9:11; 15:22, 27 and 32). (Serendipity New Testament for Groups -- NIV, note on p. 489)

We don't know much about Jude. He is one of four brothers (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3). And it was only after the Resurrection that Jude became a believer (Acts 1:14).

Jude identifies himself as the brother of James in verse 1. Most footnotes to this reference find this curious since, in the ordinary course, it is more common to identify yourself as the "son of..." Jude may have pointed to his being the brother of James because of James' high position in the high position at the synagogue.

So here is the book of Jude, one chapter long, and historically dated to have been written about 65 A.D. And recall, please, that I noted earlier that 2 Peter 2 is quite similar to Jude except for a couple of major differences.

One of those differences, if Jude is an earlier writing that 2nd Peter, is that Peter removed references to apocryphal writings and references to Enoch. Of the twenty-five verses in Jude, fifteen verses appear in 2 Peter.

Without getting too far afield here, the apocryphal writings are not canonical. In fact, owing to negative connotations in the 16th century, apocryphal writings have had authenticity questioned. You can read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocryphal#New_Testament_apocryphal_literature

Jude came to be accepted in the canon. And whether it was written prior to 2nd Peter and served as reference points for Peter, or the other way around, does not matter. Both Jude and 2nd Peter are divinely inspired and that's the end of what I know about that. That doesn't mean there isn't more material on the matter; rather, I just haven't read other materials or studied them.

The point of this letter is similar to that of Peter. False teachers were infiltrating the early churches. These false teachers were heretical and were stirring up troubles.

But notice that Jude doesn't counter their arguments. He does not engage them in any form of debate and then threatens them with punishments if they don't change their ways.

And Jude especially warns his readers to be wary of them, lest these false teachers lead the new Christians down a path that will lead to their destruction. So let's see what Jude says about these false teachers. It certainly is not a new problem among early churches, though.

Jude reminds the readers in verse 5 that God had rescued the children of Israel from Egypt. But then, the Israelites started their grumbling campaign out there in the desert. They didn't really believe God was going to give them the vast lands of Canaan. Because of their unbelief, all the unbelieving adults died out there in the desert. They were not allowed to go into the promised land.

So Jude is saying to his readers, "Do you remember that? If not, then let me remind you."

Then Jude reminds his readers about the angels who had abandoned their posts (from Daniel 10:20-21). They weren't destroyed but instead, are being kept in chains in the dark until Judgment Day! (verse 6)

A third example of the need to stay true to the word of God is Jude's reference to what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah. Pure and total destruction. God does have a permanent way of dealing with unbelievers. (see verse 7)

Jude brings in a reference to a dispute between the archangel Michael and the devil about what happened to Moses' body when he died. Michael would not engage the devil in an argument. Instead, he told the devil that the Lord would set him straight.

So even if there are false teachers spreading their lies among the new churches, Jude says "Woe be to them!" (see verse 11) That's a very serious warning for all of us to stay on the path that leads to God. Jude didn't just nonchalantly pick these Old Testament stories to scare people. He was, instead, trying to keep the Christians in a safe spiritual place. Besides, it was God who was inspiring these written words that came from Jude's pen.

It was God who was issuing the warning.

Interesting, too, that Jude quotes Enoch, a man referenced in Genesis 5. This quote says that the Lord would come with ten thousands of his saints to execute judgment because of their ungodly deeds.

Jude then says to the believers that they should keep themselves in the love of God and look to Jesus Christ for eternal life.

And Jude closes with his beautiful doxology in verses 24-25: Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Discussion:

Jude packs a one-chapter book that has only 25 verses in it full of profound statements and warnings.

What do you make of his reference to Enoch?

And to the reference to Daniel's reference to Michael?

Certainly these Old Testament writings were available to Jude, as they were to the other disciples and apostles so there was a familiarity to those books that were in the synagogue.

And Jude closes with a beautiful doxology. We will take a look at the other 18 doxologies from the New Testament in tomorrow's lesson.

We pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for making your Word so accessible in this day and age. I pray that because of missionaries who are spreading the truth of the gospel message that more and more unchurched people will find your message of salvation. I pray that you would keep all believers safe from Satan and all that is evil. Amen.

##

2 Peter 3:1-18

This letter sounds like a farewell letter from Peter. It has been called parenesis, a Greek word for advice or exhortation. This chapter also concludes with a doxology in verse 18b: To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

There are at least nineteen doxologies in the New Testament. We'll take a look at them on Thursday -- tomorrow we'll study Jude, which is a one-chapter book and has been compared strongly to 2 Peter 2.

A doxology is a short hymn of praise. It's usually part of a Christian worship service, or liturgy. For instance, Praise God from whom all blessings flow... is a doxology.

Doxologies spring out of dedicated hearts. Here's another one from Paul in Romans 11:36 -- To him be the glory forever. Amen.

And yes, doxologies frequently are kind of sealed at the end with the word "Amen."

Peter starts this chapter with the note that it's a reminder for his friends, the readers, to be vigilant against the heretics roaming about. Peter wants these readers to take to heart the words of the Old Testament prophets. (see verses 1-3)

Keep in mind that Peter is writing to whom? The Jews who are part of the dispersion. And there's a likelihood that by this time, there is at least part of the Old Testament canon that's been pulled together. Many of these writings were available to Peter. Perhaps not as part of his personal library but certainly in synagogues. I don't remember where I recall that from.

Perhaps some of you will also have notes to this effect from theologies classes and can share them with us.

One of Peter's exhortations is to beware of those who would make fun of the apostles' preaching that believers should live their lives so that they would always be ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Peter warned that this scoffers would say that nothing has changed. Life is the same for them as it had been for their fathers, and their father's father before them.

The scoffers would make it look like God doesn't keep his promises.

But Peter wants the believers to remember that the scoffers kind of forgot that the whole of the earth came into being in the first place simply by the power of the word of God.

"Let there be..." it says in Genesis. And there was. God made it so.

Peter also wants the believers to remember the story of the flood. Again, water is the key element. In this case, there was lots of water. Destructive, powerful water that came in a deluge and destroyed the wicked earth. By the power of the word of God these things happened.

So if these ungodly men say that God forgot about the people here on earth or if God isn't really coming back anytime soon, Peter reminds the readers that a day with God is like 1,000 man-years on earth.

Kind of like figuring out how old your dog is in human years. All of a sudden your dog, a teenager, is now equivalent in age to an 87 year old man.

So the Lord isn't slow. His sense of time is vastly different from man's. And besides, Peter says in verse 9 that God isn't being poky slow -- but rather, he wants to make sure everybody has enough time to come to repentance.

I have a cross reference to Ezekiel 18:32 -- For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn and live. ESV

And also in 1 Timothy 2:4 -- [God, our Savior] who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ESV

Peter then takes an apocalyptic tone in verses 10-12 when he talks about the destruction of the earth and the heavenly bodies. Going to be a big fire. The heavenly bodies will melt away in the big heat.

That's the way apocalyptic writings go, ordinarily exaggerated in predicting disasters.

Well, okay, so Bible scholars say this is apocalyptic in tone. Was Peter was just trying to get the readers' attention so they'd continue to live their lives in full readiness of the Lord's return?

But wait. The Bible is the Word of God. The Bible is not a storybook that the apostles had created and were sending off to a vantage publisher in Jerusalem. They didn't have any book-signings scheduled for when their writings came roaring off the presses.

These were God's words and if God says the earth is going to be destroyed in a fire -- and the heavens along with it -- I'm a believer. God means what God says.

Remember that he promised that he'd never destroy the world with another flood. That's the promise of the rainbow. It signifies a covenant between God and man. But God didn't say anything about destroying the earth with fire.

Until 2 Peter 3. Read the verses 10-12 again and tell me whether you believe God was just kidding. I don't know about you but the God I believe in keeps his promises and if he says he's going to do something, he'll do it. He'll do it in his own time too. Not your time. Not my time. And if I get impatient and I don't think he's working fast enough, that's just too bad.

This is God's world. It's God's clock. And we'd all better get used to it. He watches us. He knows what we're thinking. And he most certainly hears us praying.

Then Peter makes an unusual reference to Paul's letters. It's possible, even likely, that Paul's letters were circulating through the regions at that time. It's possible that Paul and Peter crisscrossed many areas in their journeys.

So Peter says that Paul's writings may be a bit difficult to understand (in verse 16b) but believers need to be wary because these same false teachers will take advantage of this difficulty and try to distort what Paul was writing about.

Then Peter closes with his doxology that I mentioned at the top of this study.

Discussion:

Peter gives several examples of a good offense against the false teachers in this chapter -- in football, we'd say "the best defense is a good offense."

What would you offer as strength in the offensive of a Christian life?

Much has been said that the end of the earth is upon us in 2012. What do you think of this? Is it because the Mayans just ran "out of ink" or did they know something? The year 2012 has also been cited as the end of times in other cultures. Have you heard about this and if so, what are your thoughts?

We pray: Oh Lord, when I read these writings I am drawn closer and closer to the apostles and disciples who devoted their lives to bringing your voice to the people they walked among. And yet, their lives were fraught with dangers at every turn. I thank you, Lord, for bringing your message to mankind through these missionaries.

I pray also that you would keep your missionaries safe in these present days. They too are going into places of danger as they build your kingdom. Amen.

##

2 Peter 2:10-22

There seems to me that there is a warfare going on here that goes beyond mere heresies. Of the human form, that is.

We don't talk too much about the angels and the hierarchy of angels in our organized churches. And yet there are people who have made exhaustive studies about angels and the different levels and the different authorities that different angels have.

We do know that angels are heavenly beings. They were created by God to carry out his instructions, deliver his messages, and minister to faithful believers. Having said that, it seems improper, then, to say that if people are very good, they become angels.

I can't find any Biblical text to support that. Nor can I find any Biblical text to support the notion that if we are very very good, we can become like little gods and even get our own planet.

What the Bible does say is that we are all sinners and because we are sinners, God sent his Son to die on the cross. Because of that act of grace, we are gifted with eternal life in heaven to live with God, his son Jesus, and God's Holy Spirit.

We don't need to know that there might be seven levels of angelic hierarchy, although that might be an interesting study.

And oh for sure, there are big pieces of time gaps in the Bible. But then, nowhere is a claim made that the Bible is a chronological history book. This used to bother me and I asked a theology professor about this. His succinct answer was that the Bible is the revealed Word of God and in the Bible, God gives us everything we need to know in order to lead a life pleasing to God.

And so I share my thoughts with you as I read and study the Bible. But I am just a reader, albeit a studying one at that. I have not been given some deep ability or manifestation. The truth of the matter is that I truly love to read and study the Bible. And no, I do not have hundreds of verses committed to memory along with their cites. But I do have the heart of the Bible in my heart. 

I thank you for joining me in my study journeys. 

Peter continues his strong message about the false prophets in verse 10. Recall that in verse 9, Peter assures us that Jesus Christ knows how to rescue people who have slipped away and gone the way of their temptations.

Remember the story of the shepherd going to look for one lost sheep? Peter wants Christians to know that Jesus Christ is able to come to our rescue when we need him to find us in whatever quagmire we may have fallen into. He's that powerful and all-knowing. The fact that he does find us and rescues us is a testament to his omniscience, not his ability to be a good guesser.

God doesn't guess about anything. Since he already knows everything, there's no need for him to guess.

But then, if he comes looking for you in whatever dilemma you may find yourself, you'd better be ready for the righteous one to take you back into his Godly embrace. Otherwise, we learned in verse 9 that he will put you someplace where you'll have to stay until judgment day and then you'll be sorry for your unrighteous attitude.

So if you've fallen into a sin that's bigger than you are, you'd better not say to Jesus, "Oh, not today, Lord. I'm just having too much fun. I know I shouldn't be here doing this, but since you know everything, you know I'm going to be sorry tomorrow, don't you?"

Oh my dear friends, what a foolish web of deceit we weave with that thought. That leads you down the path of destruction. Instead, here's what you ought to say and know and believe: "Oh Lord, I know that what I'm doing is wrong. But I don't have the strength to resist the temptation. I pray -- I beg you to strengthen me and guide me back to you. I cannot do it by myself. But with your help and the help of the Holy Spirit, I know I can be in a safe place again in your loving embrace."

Two very simple little paragraphs of thoughts. But one leads you to your destruction in its arrogant playing around with Jesus and putting him off until you find a more convenience time to get back to a life of righteousness.

The second paragraph is humble, not filled with yourself so much. It recognizes that sin is a very big deal, nothing to trifle with. And in the second paragraph there is a sincere plea for help to overcome a sin more powerful than you are. I have set the second prayer in bold face type because it's our prayer for today. Clip it out and put it in your wallet so you'll have it handy when you need it. And yes, you may need it several times during the day. Whenever you feel temptation tugging at you.

So, back to Peter's message. There were these heretics. And they told lies to the Christians and about the Christians. I like the NIV version of verses 11-12: ...yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand.

My Concordia Study Bible has this footnote about this on page 1920: A specific example of despising authority -- this could refer to the slander of earthly dignitaries such as church leaders, which might well be expected from such shameless peddlers of error. On the other hand, it could refer to the blaspheming of angels, as the NIV text suggests. ... Even good angels, who might have more right to do so because of their greater power, do not bring such accusations against inferior angels.

Do you remember a couple of lessons ago when Peter was quoting Jesus from the time of the Last Supper about John, and Jesus so much as told Peter to mind his own business. "What is it to you?" I think were the words of Jesus.

It seems clear to me that God -- and Jesus -- and the Holy Spirit all want us to tend to our own affairs and make sure we don't fall into a pig sty of ugly, stinking sin.

Even the angels didn't tattle.

So the blasphemers wander about, lying their way through life with tales about things they know nothing of. Peter says in verse 17 that the mist of blackness if reserved for them forever. It isn't that they are lost, for Christ came looking for them at one time to rescue them. Rather, they refused to be rescued by Christ.

These people who have gone astray hope to coax others to join them in their lies and delusions. They promise freedom but they cannot give something they don't have for they are slaves to their own depravity.

Peter says that a person is a slave to whatever has mastered him (verse 19).

And finally, in verses 21-22, Peter says this: For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb. The dog is turned to his own vomit again, and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Matthew Henry has a cross reference from these verses to Hebrews 6:4-6 -- For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

Henry offers this commentary about these verses: Every part of the truth and will of God should be set before all who profess the gospel, and be urged on their hearts and consciences. We should not be always speaking about outward things; these have their places and use, but often take up too much attention and time, which might be better employed.

The humbled sinner who pleads guilty, and cries for mercy, can have no ground from this passage to be discouraged, whatever his conscience may accuse him of. Nor does it prove that anyone who is made a new creature in Christ, ever becomes a final apostate from him.

The apostle is not speaking of the falling away of mere professors, never convinced or influenced by the gospel. Such have nothing to fall away from, but an empty name, or hypocritical profession. Neither is he speaking of partial declinings or backslidings. Nor are such sins meant, as Christians fall into the strength of temptations, or the power of some worldly or fleshly lust.

But the falling away here mentioned is an open and avowed renouncing of Christ, from enmity of heart against him, his cause, and people, by men approving in their minds the deeds of his murderers, and all this after they have received the knowledge of the truth, and tasted some of its comforts. Of these it is said that it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance. Not because the blood of Christ is not sufficient to obtain pardon for this sin; but this sin, in its very nature, is opposite to repentance and everything that leads to it.

...we should keep close to the word of God, and be careful not to wound and terrify the weak, or discourage the fallen and penitent. Believers not only taste of the word of God, but they drink it in. And this fruitful field or garden receives the blessing. But the merely nominal Christian, continuing unfruitful under the means of grace, or producing nothing but deceit and selfishness, was near the awful state above described; and everlasting misery was the end reserved for him. Let us watch with humble caution and prayer.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=66&source=2&seq=i.65.6.1

Discussion: Reflect on verses 20-22 and the message of salvation. How does someone lose salvation? Do people truly lose salvation or were they never converted in the first place?

Prayer for today: Pray the prayer that is boldfaced above. I urge you to copy this prayer and place it in several places that you frequent throughout the day.

I know that there are a few who have shared their trials with me and who are going through great moments of weakness. I pray that this prayer will be a comfort for you as you reach out for the strength you need to overcome all your temptations.

I would urge you to take this prayer and go to a quiet place where you have much privacy and get down on your knees as your approach the Lord with this prayer. I pray for the strength of your soul and for the blessings of a forgiving Christ who is the shepherd looking for you as hard as you are seeking him. 

Amen.

##
 

2 Peter 2:1-9

Peter's second letter brings a valuable lesson to Christians -- as much so today as back in the old days when Peter took up pen and wrote the verses down.

True, there has been some controversy about this book of the Bible. Some even say that Peter may not even had written it because it differs in its writing style. But this could be owing to the fact that Peter may have had a different scribe to help him out.

Whether scholars agree or not does not seem as important as the richness of the message that Peter brings. This letter hits head-on the very issues that face Christian churches in our present time.

Remember the freedom loving hippies in the last part of the last century? They wanted freedom, not rules for living. Their morals were wrapped around sensual excesses. It was their time to declare, "If it feels good, do it."

This is exactly the problem that Peter encounters as he writes his second letter. We're going to find out here in a minute just exactly what Peter thought about this matter. And when Peter roars, you might just as well call him Captain Thunder, for there is no mistaking where his opinions lie.

Christianity is not a speculating sport. Hedonism is not for our fun and games through the week, then go to church on Sunday mornings as if you were living two different lives.

Christianity is a lifestyle. We have heard that reference time and again in this notion that "good trees bear good fruit." We are to walk the path of truth and honesty and moral integrity that Jesus walked. Granted, we are born into sin and the best we can do is strive to be perfect, always getting close but never quite making it. But we are to be as good as we can be, nonetheless.

One day, when Christ returns, the world will end. Are you ready? You're supposed to live your life as if you were ready to stand up and be recognized by Jesus Christ at that moment. There won't be any time to drink a strong cup of coffee if you've had too much to drink. There won't be time to get dressed and hurry on home if you're in a place where you're not supposed to be, with someone who's not your spouse. There won't be time to put the money back if you've stolen it. There won't be time to undo any number of transgressions you may be in the middle of. You just need to live your life as if you expect Christ any minute of any day.

Peter, like the other disciples of Christ, was very concerned about the false teachers who were infiltrating the Christian churches.

Peter says that there were false prophets roaming about among the people, and false teachers who bring their heresies. The false teachers even denied that the Lord had bought them by shedding his blood on the cross. By denying this truth of salvation, the false teachers brought destruction to themselves. And if, somehow, they were able to worm their way into the heart and soul of believers, then the Christians who follow them have a problem too. (see verses 1-2)

Peter wanted the Christians to know that these false prophets were making stuff up as they were going along. Their words were filled with lies. And even through Christ died on the cross for the sins of mankind, that salvation is not an automatic thing. Christians have to claim salvation and they do this by accepting that Jesus Christ died for them. At this moment of truth, the Christian is reborn into Christ and grace is gifted to the Christian.

Luke says in Acts 20:30 "...from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples among them." ESV

Matthew Henry explains it this way: If the Holy Ghost has made ministers overseers of the flock, that is, shepherds, they must be true to their trust. Let them consider their Master's concern for the flock committed to their charge. It is the church he has purchased with his own blood. The blood was his as man; yet so close is the union between the Divine and human nature, that it is there called the blood of God, for it was the blood of Him who is God.

This put such dignity and worth into it, as to ransom believers from all evil, and purchase all good.

...The most advanced Christians are capable of growing, and will find the word of grace help their growth. As those cannot be welcome guests to the holy God who are unsanctified; so heaven would be no heaven to them; but to all who are born again, and on whom the image of God is renewed, it is sure, as almighty power and eternal truth make it so....
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=52&source=2&seq=i.51.20.5

And what's to happen of these false teachers?

Well, for one thing, Peter says in no uncertain terms that they are doomed to destruction! (see verse 4)

Verse 4 also brings a curious reference to God's punishment of angels. Peter says that these false teachers cannot expect to be spared, because God didn't even spare angels who fell away to sin.

Verse 4 also says that God did not spare the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, an delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment;

Now what do you make of that?

My Concordia Study Bible, on page 1919, offers this footnote to verse 4: Some claim that this sin was the one referred to in Gen. 6:2, where the sons of God are said to have intermarried with the daughters of men, meaning (according to this view) that angels married human women. The offspring of those marriages are said to have been the Nephilim (Gent. 6:4). But since it appears impossible for angels, who are spirits, to have sexual relations with women, the sin referred to in this verse probably occurred before the fall of Adam and Eve. The angels who fell became the devil and the evil angels (probably the demons and evil spirits referred to in the New Testament). ...Why some evil angels are imprisoned and others are free to serve Satan as demons is not explained in Scripture.

Discussion:

What does Peter have to say about other instances when God did not spare sinners, in great numbers:

Noah and seven other faithful people

Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah -- Lot was delivered

Talk about angels who come up against the wrath of God and compare that to men and women who are led away from Christ and the truth of salvation by these false prophets.

In your discussion, involve verse 9 that says: The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.

And we have more to learn about the angels when we pick up with verse 10 in the next lesson.

We pray:

Oh Lord, I pray that you will protect me from Satan and all that is evil -- all the demons and evil beings who do Satan's bidding. I pray that you will keep me safe so that I can worship you and do your work here on earth.

I pray for the spiritual safety of this present world we live in. Too much hedonism and not enough soul-searching. Bring us back to quiet times of reverence for you.

I pray for the safety of all who suffer through the enormous tragedies going on right now in Burma and China. I especially pray for the children who are hungry and starving in Burma. I pray that the food will get to them in time.

I pray that you would bless all the workers who are growing your kingdom here on earth. I pray that you would bless the missionaries who bring your truth to all who are eager to learn more about you. Make their work productive. Amen.

##

2 Peter 1:12-21 (KJV public domain)

This second half of this chapter is most powerful. If I were any good at all at memorizing, it would be the verses I would commit to memory.

In fact, Peter tells the readers that he wants them to remember a host of things and even though they do know them, Peter says he's going to remind them about what he wants them to remember as long as he's alive. (see verses 12-13)

And then, sadly, Peter says he knows that his end is near. He told his readers that Jesus Christ had made it clear to him about Peter's end. (in verse 14)

I have a cross reference of this verse 14 to John 21:20-25 and I want to go back to the NIV. I believe that "fair use" allows me to quote some five verses or so: Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you? When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him"

Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"

This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

The disciple whom Jesus loved is generally thought to be John, the writer of the gospel that bears his name.

Matthew Henry offers this: Sufferings, pains, and death will appear formidable even to the experienced Christian; but in the hope to glorify God, to leave a sinful world and to be present with his Lord, he become ready to obey the Redeemer's call, and to follow him through death to glory.

It is the will of Christ that his disciples should mind their own duty and not be curious about future events, either as to themselves or others. Many things we are apt to be anxious about, which are nothing to us.

Other people's affairs are nothing to us, to intermeddle in; we must quietly work, and mind our own business. Many curious questions are put about the counsels of God, and the state of the unseen world. as to which we may say, What is this to us?

And if we attend to the duty of following Christ, we shall find neither heart nor time to meddle with that which does not belong to us. How little are any unwritten traditions to be relied upon! Let the Scripture be its own interpreter, and explain itself; as it is, in a great measure, its own evidence and proves itself, for it is light.

.... Scripture language is the safest channel for Scripture truth; the words which the Holy Ghost teaches, 1 Co. 2:13. Those who cannot agree in the same terms of art, and the application of them, may yet agree in the same Scripture terms, and to love one another.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=51&source=2&seq=i.50.21.3

Another powerful point that Peter makes is that these stories that he's telling the readers are not just fables that he's making up just to be cunning. No indeed. When Peter talks of things that Jesus had done, it was because he witnessed the events first hand.

In this chapter, he specifically remembers the transfiguration and Jesus Christ and Peter says he actually heard the voice of the Lord say, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."

These are not prophecies that men make up, Peter asserts. No. These written words from the disciples are the voice of God speaking through the disciples.

When you read the Bible, keep in mind that God is sending these words to you. Granted, he used the hands of men to capture the words onto paper, but it is, to the believer, as Peter says in verse 19: We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the day star arises in your hearts.

Discussion:

Sometimes I think students of the Bible get too far away from the very real truth that the Bible is the Word of God that is dictated or breathed into men's psyches so that they could write the words down.

And I guarantee you that as you read and re-read the Bible you will grasp verses that you may have missed in other read throughs.

For instance, when I read this half of Peter's letter, I realize that he actually heard the voice of God. Oh, I knew that he was present at the transfiguration but that he actually had heard God say that Jesus Christ was his son amazes me. I don't think I got that before. Maybe I thought God had put the disciples in a kind of trance so that they wouldn't hear or see anything.

Don't remember what I was thinking when I've read this chapter on prior occasions.

What do you think your reaction would be if you actually heard God's voice? Oh, we hear that still small voice inside us when our soul gets tapped by the Holy Spirit to give us a message. But to hear God out loud -- to hear his voice!

I'd love to be with you to hear your discussions that relate to this chapter.

We pray: Oh Lord, our Heavenly Father, I thank you for every day that you bring me to a new dawn when the day star rises.

But in my zest for living, I forget that this life on earth is just a sojourn. The real life begins when I come home to be with you. I thank you for the loved ones you have blessed my life with for you have shown me love through so many wonderful people. I pray that you would be with all the victims of tragedies around the world, from Burma to China. So many people hurting with the grief of death touching their lives. I pray that your might embrace would encircle them and bring them some semblance of comfort. Amen.

##

2 Peter 1:1-11 (KJV private domain)

Peter writes his second letter toward the end of his life. And since he died during Nero's reign, his death would have occurred before 68 AD. The date of somewhere between 65 and 68 AD is generally held by Biblical scholars.

There is a strong similarity between 2nd Peter and the Book of Jude. We will go from 2nd Peter immediately to Jude so that we can see these comparisons in our study.

1st Peter made a lot of offerings to those who shepherd the flock outside a congregation. In 2nd Peter, we'll see the writings directed toward concerns about the "wolf" having gotten inside the door. Great warnings come from Peter about the evildoers who get inside a church's heart to do their evil work.

Peter wants the members of the churches to know that they have all they need for their spiritual welfare. There are not, in fact, any secret bits of information that are withheld, as the Gnostics would have them believe.

Instead, Peter is adamant that this message of salvation through the gospel of Jesus Christ gives us the strength to grow in faith.

In verses 5 through 7, Peter instructs these growth opportunities:
 
-- add to our faith, virtue

-- and to virtue, knowledge

-- and to knowledge, temperance

-- and to temperance, patience

-- and to patience, godliness

-- and to godliness, brotherly kindness

-- and to brotherly kindness, charity

Matthew Henry offers this commentary: Christianity teaches men to be joyful under troubles; such exercises are sent from God's love, and trials in the way of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last.

Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience, and not passion, is set to work in us. Whatever is said or done, let patience have the saying and doing of it. When the work of patience is complete, it will furnish all that is necessary for our Christian race and warfare.

We should not pray so much for the removal of affliction, as for wisdom to make a right use of it. And who does not want wisdom to guide him under trials, both in regulating his own spirit, and in managing his affairs.

Here is something in answer to every discouraging turn of the mind, when we go to God under a sense of our own weakness and folly. If, after all, any should say, "This may be the case with some, but I fear I shall not succeed," -- the promise is, "To any that asketh, it shall be given."

A mind that has single and prevailing regard to its spiritual and eternal interest, and that keeps steady in its purposes for God, will grow wise by afflictions, will continue fervent in devotion, and rises above trials and oppositions.

When our faith and spirits rise and fall with second causes, there will be unsteadiness in our words and actions. This may not always expose men to contempt in the world, but such ways cannot please God.

No condition of life is such as to hinder rejoicing in God. Those of low degree may rejoice, if they are exalted to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of God; and the rich may rejoice in humbling providences, that lead to a humble and lowly disposition of mind. Worldly wealth is a withering thing. Then, let him that is rich rejoice in the grace of God, which makes and keeps him humble; and in the trials and exercises which teach him to seek happiness in and from God, not from perishing enjoyments.
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getCommentaryText&cid=67&source=2&seq=i.66.1.1

So the Gnostics were still around and had to be dealt with. Peter wants the church members to realize that they have to be on guard. And he wants the shepherds in the churches to know they need to be wary for the heretics have come inside the door and are working to pull the faithful believers away from the grace of God.

Peter warns them that if they forget their salvation, they've become blind to the remembrance of what it means to have their sins cleansed out of them through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Most assuredly, Peter wants them all to grow their faith. That's why he outlines the list of how to do this in verses 5 through 7 above.

Discussion:

Talk about the roadmap that Peter gives us for growing our faith -- from virtue all the way to charity. Talk about each stop (or step) in this route toward charity, or Christian love, for others.

We pray: Oh Lord, our Heavenly Father, how the frightened victims of the earthquake in China must have cried out in anguish. I pray that you would comfort them in their distress and for the lost souls, that they will come home to you.

I thank you, Lord, for all the blessings that you have given to Quint and me. I thank you for the blessings of health. But most of all, I thank you for the blessings of salvation which you have gifted to us. I pray that we can bring your message to others here on earth. Amen.

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