Characters Class

Lesson 1 -

Text: Acts 18:24-28

I) Origin: Apollos is a Jew, born in Alexandria, …in northern Africa.

II) Some personal traits:

A) Apollos is described as eloquent. The primary meaning of this is “learned” or very educated; possessing a storehouse of words and a powerful mind.

B) He was mighty in the Scriptures. This would seem to imply that Apollos was skilled at using the Old Testament to make arguments religiously. He was capable of convincing people that is the (see verse 28).

C) Apollos was fervent in spirit (v.25). He is said to have been boldly preaching and mightily or vigorously refuting jews (vs. 26 & 28).

III) Apollos’ Error For the most part, he knew accurately the way of truth as revealed in the of Jesus; except he was wrong concerning the baptism of still being valid. — Two everyday Christians (not an or evangelist) but tentmakers, Aquila & Priscilla, took him aside privately when they learned of his error and instructed him the way of Christ more perfectly.

Was it much ado about nothing? Were Aquila and Priscilla a couple legalists? Majoring in minors?

If you were Aquila and Priscilla, common tentmakers, upon hearing a highly educated preacher being off track on just one item, would you have approached him to correct him?

If you were Apollos, and taken aside and corrected by some “lesser” folks, how would you have taken it?

IV) Apollos goes to Achaia (Corinth) Acts 18:27 - 19:1a Paul has planted the church in Corinth and now Apollos goes there and waters it. See I Corinthians 3:6. Truly these two men were co-workers in the vineyard or field.

Two other references to Apollos: In I Cor. 16:12 Paul encouraged Apollos to return to Corinth, but he was unwilling or able at the time he was asked.

In Titus 3:13, probably late in Paul’s life, Apollos is still faithful and encouraged by Paul.

Your Comments & Questions Lesson 2 -

Introduction: A legendary hero of - appears with & Jesus on the mount of transfiguration (:1-3). Elicits question: Why do the scribes say Elijah must come first? (17:10) The O.T. had closed telling of him coming ( 4:5-6). Jesus says John the Baptist fulfilled the promise (Mt. 17:11-13).

Background: Lived about 900 years before Jesus; a prophet of God shortly after of Israel divided. Dealt mainly with the northern kingdom called Israel. The king was Ahab, but his queen Jezebel, a ruthless Sidonian woman, bent on not only introducing Baal idol worship, but eliminating the worship of Jehovah, ran the country behind the scenes. Elijah was a country man from the eastern side of the , of the area of Gilead, and called a Tishbite (I Kings 17:1). He was a hairy man and wore a leather belt (II Kgs. 1:8).

His Story 1. Proclaims a many years long drought to the king until his word (I Kgs. 17:1). He then hides near brook Cherith and fed twice daily by ravens. Brook eventually dries up and sent to a woman in Zarapheth, Sidon (17:8-24) Drought lasted 3 years and 6 months (Lk. 4:25; James 5:17).

2. Jezebel massacres many of God’s prophets. Elijah returns and met by chief-steward of Ahab, . He had helped hide some of God’s prophets. Told to tell Ahab of Elijah’s presence. Notice the greeting (18:17). Issues challenge to people and prophets (18:20-21). Mount Carmel test and victory (18:22-40). The prayer for rain (18:41-46) 3. Flees the wrath of Jezebel to the extreme south, eventually as far as Mt. Horeb (19:1-10). God reveals Himself, not in a tremendous display, but a still small voice (11-18). God has work for him to do and there are 7000 still faithful.

4. Next Elijah appears to Ahab after having murdered Naboth to acquire his vineyard (21:17-29) Dogs will lick up his blood and eat the flesh of Jezebel by the wall. Ahab humbles himself. Prophecy fulfilled when after he died, blood washed out of chariot (22:37-38).

5. Ahaziah, the next king, injures himself and seeks to enquire of Baal the outcome. Elijah meets messengers and sends word of death. King pleads by sending captain and fifty messengers for Elijah to come. Messengers killed by fire from heaven. Happens again. Third time spared. (II Kgs. 1)

6. Elijah taken up in a whirlwind and a chariot of fire and mantle falls to Elisha (II Kgs. 2)

Lessons: 1. Righteous often accused of being troublemakers 2. Sometimes God seen in small ways, not solely the grand 3. Dismay can quickly follow great successes 4. Solitude and withdrawal not often the answer to fears 5. Man’s impressions of a matter limited and therefore often wrong 6. Prayer is powerful - James 5 7. The ways of are not the ways of man - Lk. 4:24-27 8. Even the greatest of men of faith are subject to discouragement 9. A good remedy for despair is a new task 10. The zeal for God of Elijah is worthy of imitation

Your Comments & Questions

Lesson 3 - John the Baptist

Introduction: John the Baptist is called that because he baptized people, not because he was a Baptist denominationalist. The Baptist church was not begun until over 1500 years later.

Early Years: :5-25; 57-80 - Two individuals, Zacharias and Elisabeth are praying for a child, though much older now. One day, Zacharias, who is a priest, is in , burning incense, when an named appears and this of course troubles him. He is informed he will be having a son, and he is to be named John, and he is to drink no wine or strong drink, but will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and will come in the spirit of Elijah, to help prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. Zacharias struggles to believe this and as a result will be mute for the term of the pregnancy.

His ministry: :1-6 - Just prior to Jesus coming out as the Messiah publicly, John begins preaching and baptizing folks. We do not know how he got his marching orders, but we do know he is doing God’s business, for Jesus once asks, “Is the baptism of John from God or man?” Jesus knows it is not from man. John’s preaching is two fold…people need to repent and get ready to receive the kingdom of heaven.

John’s preaching: :7-10 - His preaching was pointed and fearless…”brood of vipers”…Herod and , you are sinning. — John’s preaching was humble and unassuming. He truly is the doorkeeper to the kingdom Matthew 3:11-12. He tells Jesus, I need to be baptized of you. — Read :22-36 (esp. 29). He is so happy to hear the voice of Jesus. He says Jesus must increase, and I need to decrease.

John’s baptism: It may have not been absolutely new. The Jews had the purification rites and washings. And it was applied to to the Jewish faith. But, what may be brand new, is that all Israel needs to be immersed in water…and it is not in the temple.

Three things involved in John’s baptism… 1. …unto a changed life 2. Forgiveness of sins…in prospect of the forgiveness by the cross 3. Promise of loyalty to the kingdom that is near.

Acts 19 says that people baptized by John’s baptism were to believe on Jesus when he came.

John’s imprisonment & death: :14-29 - John had told Herod that he had no lawful right to be married to Herodias…she was Herod’s brother Philip’s wife. It has been estimated that he spent 10 months in jail. :1-12…the story of how John is put to death.

Your Comments & Questions

Lesson 4 - Samson

Introductions: Sometimes it is good to advise others contrary to our own experiences if for good. Samson is just such a story. A lot of things he did were not at all exemplary, but good to know and warn others to avoid.

Read Judges 13-16

Background: The period of the Judges in early Israelite history is one in which God was ruling and from time to time raised up judges, usually to deliver the Israelites from the mess they often got themselves into. The people slipped back over and over into wickedness and captivity to the Canaanites around them that they had failed to completely destroy or root out of the land. The story of Samson is set in this sort of time and environment. The Israelites are captive to Philistines, who are ruling over them. Chapter 13 overview: There was an Israelite named Manoah, a Danite from a place named Zorah. He and his wife had no children. One day an angel (unawares to her) speaks to the wife that she is going to have a son. She is to have no wine or eat unclean animals, and her son likewise, no wine and also, no razor is to used on his head or hair. He will be a Nazarite from the womb.

Chapter 14 overview: Samson goes down to Timnah…sees a woman of the Philistines…and wants her. His parents advise against it, but Samson does not listen and says, “She pleases me well.” God providentially is working in this though. — On Samson’s way to Timnah later, a lion attacks him, but he tears apart, as a man could a young goat, with his bare hands. He does not tell his parents. On yet another journey back to Timnah, he goes by where the carcass is and he sees bees have made honey there. He eats the honey and gives to his parents, but does not tell them where he got the honey from.

Chapter 15 overview: Later Samson returns to his wife, but the woman’s father will not let him have her back. So, he catches 300 foxes, turns them tail to tail…puts fire torch between pairs and sets them loose in the harvest fields and vineyards where they burn things up. — Others hear of it and come and burn the father and daughter…Samson then turns on them attacking them “hip and thigh with a great slaughter.” The Philistines then go to Judah wanting Samson (he is in another place) and 3000 men of Judah go searching for him. 3000! He agrees to go with them if they agree not to kill him. They agree. They bind him with two new ropes. As they approach the Philistines, he breaks free with the power of God upon him, and he gets a jawbone of a donkey and kills a 1000 men with it. Afterwards, he is thirsty, cries to God and God makes water come forth from a hollow. He judges Israel for 20 years.

Chapter 16 overview: Later, on an occasion, Samson carries the doors of the gates of a city, and its two gateposts, pulling them up bar and all, and puts them on his shoulders and carries them up to a hilltop and so we come to the most famous Samson story…his love for Delilah. — One day, she is asked if she can find out the secret to his strength? If so, each of Samson’s enemies will give her 1100 pieces of silver. She tries, but Samson toys with her. 1) Seven fresh bowstrings, not yet dried will make him like a normal man. They try it. And the cry goes out, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson.” He breaks them off, of course. 2) Bind with new ropes…to no avail. That one has failed before. 3) Weave 7 locks with my hair with a loom. But, no, that is not it.

Delilah pesters him and pesters him so much that he is troubled to death and finally caves. 4) No razor has ever been brought on his head, and if shaven, he will become weak like every man. As he is asleep on her lap one day, a man comes in and shaves off the seven locks and the cry goes out “The Philistines are upon you!” And Samson rises not realizing his strength is gone. So his enemies pluck his eyes out and bind him with bronze fetters.

But, his hair begins to grow out later and one day the Philistines are having a big gathering including idol worship and people are saying, “Our god has delivered Samson to us.” They bring Samson into the hall to make fun of him and entertain themselves. A young lad guiding him is asked by Samson to place me between the pillars that support the temple…and he does. There are many people inside and 3000 on the roof. And he begs God, let me die with them, and he pushes the columns and they fall and the whole place collapses, with the fall killing more Philistines in this, that Samson had killed in his while life.

Some lessons:

Chap 13 Remember to entertain strangers ( unawares) Hebrews 13:2 Worship only God.

Chap. 14 Choose marriage partners carefully Beware of oaths and unforeseen consequences

Chapter 15 BIG is not required in serving the Lord. A jawbone…or as with Moses: What is in your hand, Moses? A staff or rod.

Chapter 16 Don’t play with sin.

Your Comments & Questions Lesson 5 - Philip and the

Introduction: We are privileged to consider the conversion of an Ethiopian eunuch and his evangelist helper, Philip. Within it we can find 5 elements of conversion. I call these the 5 P’s of conversion.

Text: Acts 8:26-40

I) Prospect - The Ethiopian treasurer is a good prospect because he is wanting to learn and do the will of God.

II) Preacher - Philip is one of the seven, along with Stephen, selected to be “deacons” in Acts 6. At the persecution of Saul, he goes to preaching...and later is called an evangelist...a “gospelizer”.

III) Procedure - Philip used a question to open the conversation…that will work sometimes. Philip began where the prospect was...at the same opening in and preached unto him Jesus.

IV) Providence - This is the divine element...GOD saw a man desirous of the truth and going down the road toward Gaza...BTW, if Philip was on foot...he had to leave before the eunuch did...to be there when he passed by!

Providence is God seeing just one solitary man, traveling, but searching, and making provision for him to find. — Providence is God seeing the man reading about Jesus in prophecy at just the time Philip appears. — Providence is the Holy Spirit inspiring Isaiah to write what he did hundreds of years before, so this man could be favorably led to salvation. — Providence is God telling Philip to join the chariot. V) Performance - Opportunity to demonstrate faith happens. The Eunuch could have said “Next year when I return to Jerusalem, I will get in touch with you.”....Or “I’ll talk to my rabbi when I get down to Ethiopia”...Or “What you say is not going to work well for me in the Queen’s court.”....or “There are no other Christians in Ethiopia..I would be the only person believing this way.” BUT HE DID NOT!

Your Comments & Questions

Lesson 6 - Balaam

Text: Numbers 22:5-6; Jude 11

Introduction: The story takes place while the Israelites are wandering in the wilderness after being led out of Egypt. Balak, king of Moab has witnessed the defeat of the Amorites and now seeks a way to avoid the same thing happening to him and his people. Attempts are made to buy the services of a prophet of God, Balaam. If he can get Balaam to curse the people of Israel, he will stand a chance.

The First Request and God’s Response (8-13) Balak then decides to send more distinguished representatives to try and persuade him. Balaam’s initial response is “NO” , but then he asks them to stay and I will ask God again.

Verses 20-22 It seems contradictory, but maybe Balaam is so bent on doing what he wants rather than what God wants that God permits him. Romans 1, teaches that when some become so determined to live life their way, God eventually gives them over to a debased mind to do the things they want.

The Donkey Speaks (23-35) Balaam was angry at the donkey for he had determined to do wrong and could not see the danger ahead. He does not pause to consider his actions, but simply lashes out in disgust at anyone stopping him. Balaam didn’t even pause to consider why his usually faithful donkey was behaving so skittishly. He didn’t even seem to remember that donkey’s don’t talk! “If”(??) it is displeasing to you, I will turn back.” (vs. 34)

Verse 38 Balaam is still not thrilled he can only speak what God tells him to say. Three times in the next 2-3 chapters he accompanies Balak to hilltops overlooking Israelites, but each time blesses them. Balak is displeased, but Balaam continues to say, “I can only say what God tells me to say.” So why does Balaam keep going with him? Is he hoping for pay.? Likely.

Numbers 24:14 Balaam advises or counsels Balak. What advice? Not specifically revealed, but immediately we see Israelites sinning with women of Moab (25:1-9) and 24,000 die. Later in 31:16 it is confirmed. Also Rev. 2:14. The idea seems to be, if you seduce them into sinning, God will curse them.

Your Comments & Questions

Lesson 7 - Mary Magdalene

I) Some Facts About Mary Magdalene - Read :1-3

Fact 1 - Her name Magdalene meant she was from , a city on the Sea of between and Tiberias. I have read that Magdala was quite a wealthy city, so we might venture to guess that Mary could have had money. But in fact, it is more than a guess that she was a woman of sufficient means to provide financial support for Jesus and His (more on this later).

Fact 2 - She was one of several women traveling with Jesus and the 12 apostles through cities and villages in Galilee. This is extraordinary. An itinerant preacher traveling with a woman not under the care of her father or husband may have been viewed scandalously in first century Jewish society. :27 says that Jesus’ apostles marveled that He spoke with a woman...not simply a Samaritan, but a woman at the well. Now take that to the next level...traveling about with Him.

Fact 3 - She had been at one time possessed of seven demons, but they had been removed, we assume by the power of Jesus. The only other place I know of where someone was possessed of many demons was the man in the region of the Gadarenes, who was possessed by demons named , for they were many. That was the case wherein Jesus permitted them to enter the swine and 2000 pigs ran headlong over the cliff into the lake and drowned. How awful life may have been for Mary, too.

Fact 4 - The remainder of what we know about Mary, centers around the cross. Mary Magdalene is an eyewitness to the death of Jesus on the cross...one of the women who returns to the tomb on the morning of the first day of the week to better prepare the body for burial...and she is the first to see the resurrected Lord.

II) What We Love About Mary Magdalene

1. She had great devotion and love for Jesus - She seems to have been more loyal and faithful than many of the others...especially is this seen in His last hours. Why this great devotion? How was it developed and nourished? No one knows. But, a safe guess is that the demon might have contributed to it. We see others from whom Jesus casts out unclean spirits or heals of some disease or handicap, following after Him.

2. She cared for the physical needs of Christ - Her sponsorship and support of Christ’s ministry was likely a big one. Some translations say “them” meaning she contributed to all the 12 apostles needs, too. And this was daily needs...for weeks, maybe months and on the road! 3. She provided comfort by simply being at the cross - Paul said at his defense before Caesar...”no one stood with me”... said, “I looked on my right hand and on my left and behold no man cares for my soul” ...Even Jesus said, “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?!!” But there she is...there is Mary Magdalene...not caring who saw her, lending moral support if nothing else. Except for John, no other supportive males are there...Only females. Let’s read it...:55-56.

4. She was as close as His family - Read :25. When the hour of His execution came, His mother and His aunt are gathered around the cross. They are family...relatives. But, there is one other...not a relative...Mary Magdalene. The Bible says there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Mary was a loyal friend. She would not abandon Him. She is at the cursed cross.

5. She stayed the whole time - witnessing the torture, the abuse, the mockery. Waiting…waiting…hours…then witnessing the piercing to verify his death...then and taking His body down...and following to see exactly where it is buried. Go back to Matthew 27:57-61.

6. She came back to bring spices to the tomb - Very early Sunday morning - :1-2. John’s account says it was still dark. She is not waiting around...to do what? Go see if He is resurrected? No. To provide more physical help to her dead master’s body. Now that goes back to the devotion. It has continued beyond the grave. This is follow up... hands on service...contacting a dead corpse required a period of uncleanness. But, that is Mary! Getting her hands dirty for Christ.

And last, but definitely not least...we love Mary Magdalene because of what happened in the garden after the earthquake, the angel rolling away the large stone, the perplexing discovery of the missing body, the appearance and conversation with two men in bright shining garments, the running to tell Peter and the other apostles, and then return to the grave. Let’s read :11-18.

7. Mary Magdalene was chosen by Jesus Christ to be FIRST to see Him resurrected - Mark 16:9 - It’s easy to weep with her as you listen to her speak to the one she thinks is a gardener, but is really Jesus. “Please sir, where is he?” Her loyalty is about to be greatly rewarded. And it takes place in such a wonderful way...Jesus simply says, "Mary!" To which she responds, "Rabboni" -- which means "my teacher!" What a moment! There was something about the way He said, “Mary.” Were her eyes somehow made not to recognize Him until that moment? Was the resurrected body altered in some way? Was there some lingering early morning mist still making it difficult to see? No one knows. But, unlike Thomas who recognized Him after seeing the wounds of His , Mary recognizes Him from His voice… the speaking of her name...”Mary”. -- It is also worthy of note that our Lord first appeared to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection. Why did Jesus appear to her first? Verse 17 depicts her hanging all over him. Was it maybe due to her devoted faith? After telling them, the men disbelieved. Even after seeing the for themselves they struggled with unbelief. Was Mary Magdalene being rewarded with this first place due to her greater faith, love and devotion?

Review all 7 admirable qualities of Mary and apply to us today

1. She had great devotion and love for Jesus

2. She cared for the physical needs of Christ 3. She provided comfort by simply being at the cross

4. She was as close as His family

5. She stayed the whole time

6. She came back to bring spices to the tomb

7. Mary Magdalene was chosen by Jesus Christ to be FIRST to see Him resurrected

Your Comments & Questions

Lesson 8 -

I) Survey Of The Book

Chapters (1-2) - Introduction to Job's dilemma - Here is the righteous man going about doing good...then loses wealth, family and health overnight. (3-31) - Job and three friends debate his situation...there is a monotony and repetition of the friends arguments...but they can be summed up as: Job, your problems are a result of unresolved sin in your life.

(32-37) - A young man named Elihu comes to give advice....He is closer to the truth than the old men...”Job, your faith is being tried and purified... and you are not as humble as you ought to be.”

(38-41) - God speaks to Job out of a whirlwind...Job and God converse...God does NOT explain the suffering, but displays His supreme greatness and sovereignty....and Job’s lowly humble estate by comparison.

(42) - Job confesses lack of understanding and repents.

II) Lessons From The Book Of Job

1. There is always room for spiritual growth - 1:1-5

2. We are not above suffering because we are righteous - 1:6-12

3. Suffering can come "overnight" - 1:13-19

4. Suffering can be devastating - 2:1-8

5. Friends and family cannot be relied upon in the end - 2:9-13

6. Faith is perfected in obeying God always, even while suffering-1:20-22; 2:3,9 7. Suffering is not always a result of sin in your life

8. Man must be slow to question God's motives - 38:1-7; 40:1, 2, 6-14

9. Learn to answer the question: "Will a man serve God for nothing?" - 1:9

10. The latter end can be better than before - 42:10-17

Your Questions & Comments

Lesson 9 -

Introduction: This story is as factual as every other thing said in Scripture. Jesus knew it to be a true event, for He said, For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Matt. 12:40)

Background: The setting is Israel (northern kingdom)...Jonah is born in a town near . -- Nineveh is the great city of the world on the banks of the Tigris River about 500 miles NE of Israel..present day Iraq. Walls around it were purported to be 380 feet high and 80 feet thick! -- The time is during the world empire of the Assyrians... approx. 760 BC...during the reign of Jereboam II as king of Israel. This is prior to the fall of Israel to the Assyrians. -- The book is unlike some of the other prophetic books of the OT...completely narrative with little or no prophecy of future events. But, prophets were not all about predicting the future...they were spokesmen for God to often preach to people the need to repent.

Chapter 1

Jonah is commissioned to go preach AGAINST the wickedness of the city. These were Gentiles and therefore it shows the accountability of Gentiles in those days. He boards a ship going in the opposite direction...instead of NE he goes due west. Tarshish is modern day Spain and Portugal. A great storm is caused by God to come upon them out in the Mediterranean. Jonah is asleep in the lower decks of the ship. The crew is afraid and cast lots to discover superstitiously who is the blame for this...it is JONAH! After casting cargo overboard they wake Jonah up and protest...wasn’t it YOU who said you were fleeing your God? Jonah says it is his fault…and throwing him overboard will make things well. Eventually they pray to the true God for mercy and cast him over the side...whereupon he is swallowed wholly alive by a great fish prepared by the Lord...either prepared to be there to swallow him at just the moment he is thrown overboard..or miraculously prepared to swallow him whole and kept alive in inside him for three days. Just imagine it...three days and nights inside this fish…conscious...going down to the bottom of the Sea...to the moorings of the mountains.

Chapter 2

In the belly of this great fish, at the bottom of the sea...what’s he doing? Praying. This prayer is a tremendous study. The confidence he continues to show in the deliverance of God and the need to be faithful to God, no matter what. Then, God tells the fish to vomit Jonah out on dry land.

Read Chapter 3

Jonah is commissioned AGAIN to go preach to Nineveh. This great city takes 3 days to walk around or across. He begins to cry out 1 day into the city...40 days and this place will be overthrown unless you repent. The whole city is given over the wickedness...think of it...you are responsible to preach to these wicked people. We begin to see that this story is as much about Jonah as it is the sinful Assyrians. Jonah has some problems...deep seated problems. He may be in the right in some things but he is in the wrong in others...and the Lord is not pleased. — The people repented! They believed Jonah...they believed God. With sackcloth and fasting. Amazing! The king leads the way in repentance...maybe God will relent...spare us yet. God sees their works and does not overthrow them...at least not yet.

Read Chapter 4

Jonah is upset with the results. This is why he had refused to go the first time he was told...he lacks concern, love and compassion for lost souls. He despised the person, along with the wickedness. He hated the sinner, along with the sin. — Jonah goes up and sits in a makeshift shelter overlooking the city. God causes a plant to grow up and shade him. Jonah loves it. Next morning, God prepares a worm to damage the plant and it withers...then God prepares a strong east wind and the sun is hot...and Jonah grows faint. Wishes to die. He is so miserable. “Is it right for you to be angry about a plant?” Jonah says, yes…pities a plant he had no labor on and lived so briefly...but NOT NINEVEH?! 120,000 people that don’t know there left hand from their right (little children?) or maybe people of any age that are so ignorant...and cattle, too? Some Practical Thoughts From The Book Of Jonah

1. God desires that all be saved

2. You cannot hide from God.

3. God is providentially involved in bringing people to repentance.

4. God’s kindness and compassion far exceeds that of man.

5. Man must learn to care as much for others as he does for those things that directly affect him.

6. Hate the sin, not the sinner.

Your Comments & Questions

Lesson 10 - Lot & His Wife

Introduction: The story of Lot is one of the detrimental influence of a spiritual environment.

I) Lot’s Background Genesis 11:31 - Lot as a young man...Abram’s nephew...his brother’s son. 12:4-5 - Abram’s godly influence is obvious (II Peter 2:7-8 calls Lot a “righteous man”) and note his hospitality to strangers (19:1 w/ Hebrews 13:2)

13:5-6 - He is a wealthy man

II) The Choice Read 13:7-13 Previously had accompanied Abram to Egypt (12:10-13:1) maybe had become attracted to the luxury and civilization of the city - unlike tents of own nomadic lifestyle...the beauty of the terrain factored in - 13:10.

But, Sodom was a wicked place...and he knew they were wicked (exceedingly) - v.13. Maybe he felt he could rub off positively on them. Initially he moved to “suburbs” (v.12) later right in the city (14:12) then civic leader in community (19:1)...and they did not like it...19:9. The leaders often sat in the gate in those days as a place to find them and resolve differences.

III) Consequences Read 18:20-32 Sodom gets so bad that God decides to destroy it. He tells - he intercedes - he has relatives there!

There are not even 10 righteous souls there. Not enough redemptive souls to save the environment. — 19:1 - Two angels visit Lot to warn him to depart. All the men of the city surround the house and want them brought out so they may carnally “know” them. Homosexuals try to break down the door so as to have sex...to sodomize them. Lot says, don’t do so wickedly! - v. 7. “Who made you a judge!” they say in verse 9...you are not even a local. God steps in to help and strikes with blindness - v.11

II Peter 2:7-8 - Lot was troubled, oppressed, vexed. His soul was tormented by constant exposure to it - it really bothered him....but not to the point of leaving. He even lowered his own moral standards - 19:8...He offers a bargain of “lesser” evil? Maybe. But, two wrongs don’t make a right. Do we do evil that good may come? Never. But, this is the hole Lot has found himself in.

Lot lost some of family - vs. 12-14 (sons-in-law, other daughters, maybe grandchildren?) He lost everything materially - immediately had to leave. vs. 31-38 - other two daughters are so ruined morally in mind to where they commit abomination of incest. His wife - v.26...Jesus knew it to be true when he says in :32...”Remember Lot’s wife.” That’s all. Just remember what happened to Lot’s wife. She turns to a pillar of salt for disobeying the command to not look back.

Lessons: Be careful of the spiritually damaging effect of the environment you live in.

When avoidable, stay away from evil circumstances that could lead to compromising situations later. When you have made up your mind to follow Jesus, don’t look back longingly at the world.

Your Comments & Questions

Lesson 11 - Mary, Jesus’ Earthly Mother

Introduction: Mary: Blessed among women, chosen of God, mother of Jesus, noble example. Would you have been chosen? Luke 1:26ff

I) Bible Concept of Mary

1. Faithful, Trusting and Humble (26-38)

2. Spiritual Woman (46-55)

3. Deep Thinker (Lk. 2:19)

4. Lover of Children (Lk. 2:48-52)

5. Content and Obedient

6. Committed to Christ (Jn. 19:25-27 & :14)

II) False Concepts Of Mary

1. Perpetual Virginity (:55-56) 2. Mediation of Mary (I Timothy 2:5)

3. Assumption Into Heaven (?????)

4. Mother of God (Lk. 1:35)

5. Most Exalted of God's Creatures (Mt. 11:11; Lk. 11:27,28)

6. Mary Conceived Supernaturally (????)

Your Comments & Questions

Lesson 12 - David

Introduction: One of the more complex characters of the Bible is David...the poet, psalmist...the sweet singer of Israel, who played a harp so well...that it would dramatically soothe the depression of King Saul. At the same time, David, the man who killed tens of thousands, compared to Saul’s thousands, was so much a bloody man that it prevented God permitting him to build the temple. But, David is the man who we almost envy for his bosom friendship of Jonathon and so admire for his benevolent ways to Mephibosheth, a crippled son of Jonathan’s, who David had sit at his table like one of his sons all the rest of his life. And there is the deep respect he has for King Saul, that even with him trying to kill him and David having opportunity to put an end to it, refuses to raise his hand against God’s anointed. And later when Saul is killed in battle and word gets to him from a young man, he has the man the killed. David: a most complex character.

I) David & Goliath The Philistines and Israel are at a 40 days stalemate fighting. The Philistines champion each morning and evening challenges Israel to send out someone to fight him. He is a giant of a man...Goliath at 9+ feet tall. Read I 17:5-7. Along about this time David is sent by Jesse to check on his brothers and take some food to them and witnesses what is going on. He enquires and is told the king’s daughter and riches and no taxes are the reward if willing to fight him. Not even Saul, who was a big man himself was willing. -- David says, I’ll fight him. He may be 9 feet tall, but David with God is 10 feet! -- Saul intervenes, “oh no, you can’t do this.” But, David insists and then Saul says well, take my armor then…”nope, can’t use it. I’ve killed a bear and a lion...I’ll just take my sling and 5 stones.” And so out to face Goliath he goes. -- “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” he says. Read 17:45-51.

II) The Legend Grows David plays music for Saul - comforts and soothes him. He develops a dear friendship with Saul’s son Jonathan. He marries Saul’s daughter, Michal. He wins many victories in battle for Saul - 29:5. King Saul becomes envious - seeks to kill David. David flees - has occasions to kill Saul, but refuses to raise hand against God’s anointed. Finally, he is crowned king at about 30 years of age.

III) David & Bathsheba (II Sam. 11:1) Maybe mid-forties now…He has already married 6 other wives, and has six sons (3:2-5)...and more wives and concubines and children (5:13-16) - 19 children eventually?...My point? This man is not sexually deprived...not that would be a justifiable excuse for what he did, but just saying...Now let’s read 11:2-5. Why? What are you doing? Suggestions: 1. Loss of focus - change of practice...not out in battle as was custom...vs. 1. 2. Bathsheba was willing?...no rape here that I can see. Men are not let off the hook, but women being willing doesn’t at all help. 3. Forgot who he was...a man of God! At least for a moment. He should have acted like Joseph when entertaining the same thing with Potiphar’s wife, “How can I do this terrible thing and sin against God!”

IV) The Consequences says in Proverbs 4:3-4...that he learned from his father, David a lot of wise things...one of which may have been what he passes on to his son...in Proverbs 6:25-35. Solomon’s words so true of his father, David. -- What else came of that one night of sin?...Agonizing conscience of guilt - Read Psalm 6:1-7; 32:3-4...Initially David tries cover it up...tries to get her husband to have sexual relations with her...then has him killed. --- David will not come clean...but after Nathan the prophet gets him to see what a shameful thing he is doing, he confesses and God forgives him - II Sam. 12:13; Psalm 51:1-4.

But more consequences follow…1. Death of the child - 12:14...at seven days old...and 2. Sword shall never to depart from your family - 12:10-11...and it doesn’t...Amnon rapes his half sister; Absalom kills Amnon; Absalom tries to overthrow his own father; David has to flee; Joab kills Absalom; Adonijah tries to wrest the throne; Solomon kills him; then Solomon, after all of this, goes on to marry 700 wives and 300 concubines! -- One night lead to all this! Your Comments & Questions

Lesson 13 - The Whom Jesus Loved

Text: :23; 19:26

I) Who Is It? (:20-24) It is John, the apostle, the brother of James, the son of , the fisherman, the writer of the gospel according to John, I,II, & III John, and Revelation.

II) Characteristics Of . Affectionate John 20:2 uses Greek word for affectionate love Leaned on Savior’s breast or bosom

2. Willing to take permanent responsibility of Jesus’ mother John 19:27

3. Risked association with Jesus after arrest :15-16

4. Not overly bold, but definitely not cowardly John 20:1-8 III -10; :17; :54; :35-41

5. Apostle of love Look at many times the word appears in I John Supposedly late in his life he would repeat over and over, “Love one another.”

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Lesson 14 - Peter

Introduction: Graph the recorded life of Peter and you will see peaks and valleys, ups and downs. Jesus is perfect without flaw, Paul is near super- human after his conversion, but, Peter reflects the majority of us in a way that we relate and are comforted to know.

Survey of Peter

1. John 1:40-42 Andrews fetches his brother Simon named Cephas, Peter, Rock, Rocky Jesus sees potential

2. :3-11 In Capernaum fishing Glimpses Diety

3. Matthew 14:26-33 Spirit of adventurism or pride maybe...also his undoing

4. :66-69 People’s misunderstandings, popular weakness, not affected him

5. :13-19 Peter praised by the Lord

6. Matthew 16:21-23 Immediately followed: Peter rebuked by the Lord

7. Matthew 17:3-5 Transfiguration scene Another rebuke Mark says he said what he did for he did not know what to say.

8. John 13:5-11 Pride not allowing service

9. John 13:37-38; :29-31 Rebuked for boasting 10. Mark 14:33-38 Means well, but so much of him still weak

11. John 18:10-11 Bold defense, but wrong.

12. John 18:25-27 Three denials John’s access gained for him contributes to his downfall

13. John 21:15-19 Peter’s lack of boast Lord, YOU know.

14. Acts 2 Peter’s unlocking the door to the kingdom He is truly now a rock

Lessons: 1. Lives of good people have ups and downs 2. Downs are the result of weak faith, although sometimes temporarily 3. Greatest strength may follow most humiliating failure 4. Vive versa - He that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall. 5. The Lord does not abandon us when down - Jesus prayed that his faith not fail? Did it? Absolutely not!

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