Bible Study

Wednesday - 10:00 a.m.

Check here for Part 2 of the Sunday studies.

The Legacy Standard Bible

Beginning on Sunday, December 8, 2024, our Pastor began using the LSB version of the Bible in all of his teaching and preaching. This is the newly updated version of the NASB, which he has been using for a number of years. Here is some information on the LSB for those who would like to learn more. It also explains why Pastor Alan is now using this version of the English Bible.

The Legacy Standard Bible has been produced with the conviction that the words of Scripture as originally penned in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek are the eternal Word of God. The Holy Scriptures speak with authority to each generation, giving wisdom that leads to salvation, that people may serve Christ to the glory of God. Because it is God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16), every word of it is inspired, every word is true, and every word must be conveyed to every nation, tribe, people, and tongue (Rev. 7:9), so that every word can be taught and obeyed (Josh. 23:14; Mt. 28:20; Jn. 17:17).

THE FOURFOLD AIM OF THE LOCKMAN FOUNDATION

1. These publications shall be true to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

2. They shall be grammatically correct.

3. They shall be understandable.

4. They shall give the Lord Jesus Christ His proper place, the place which the Word gives Him; therefore, no work will ever be personalized.

PREFACE TO THE LEGACY STANDARD BIBLE
In the history of the English Bible translations, the King James Version is the most well-known. This time-honored version of 1611, itself a revision of the Bishops’ Bible of 1568, became the basis for the English Revised Version, which appeared in 1881 (New Testament) and 1885 (Old Testament). Its American counterpart, a product of both British and American scholarship, was published in 1901. Recognizing the values of the American Standard Version, The Lockman Foundation felt an urgency to preserve the ASV while incorporating recent discoveries of Hebrew and Greek textual sources and rendering it into more current English. This resulted in the New American Standard Bible, a translation based upon the time-honored principles of translation of the ASV and KJV, along with other linguistic tools and biblical scholarship.

The Legacy Standard Bible reflects another iteration of such preservation and refinement. Worked on by a core translation team in conjunction with pastors and educators from different countries, it is designed to honor, maintain, and advance the tradition represented by the NASB.

PRINCIPLES OF TRANSLATION
Key Principles: The Legacy Standard Bible has worked to uphold the style and translational choices of the NASB as much as possible. Even more, it has endeavored to follow through on the NASB’s stated intent to be true to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. While the interpreter, teacher, and pastor have the goal of understanding what the text means, the translator is to provide them with what the text says. Consistently, the goal of this translation is to be a window into the original text. Within that goal, this revision has focused upon accuracy and consistency. It has checked that words and grammar have been carried over properly. It also established rules for the consistent translation of terms within their various nuances. This allows the reader to more easily reconstruct what the original texts said. It also helps the reader more easily trace the flow of argument within a text, identify when the same word is used in another passage, and make connections between texts.

There are limits to the application of this philosophy. In this edition, a word might not be translated consistently in order to maintain a highly familiar rendering of a text or to preserve a wordplay in the text that advances the inspired author’s message. Moreover, because Scripture is a literary masterpiece, some linguistic features could not be transferred to this translation, not even by a note. Nevertheless, ensuring that the original languages are precisely rendered paves the way for careful readers to discover these insights for themselves.

In this way, the LSB upholds the philosophy that a translation does not replace pastors or teachers but rather depends upon faithful believers and the church to study and live out what has been written (Acts 8:30-31). Translation is a tool for the church and must be done in that context so that each word of Scripture may be taught and lived.

Modern English Usage: The attempt has been made to render the grammar and terminology in contemporary English. When word-for-word literalness was determined unacceptable to the modern reader; a change was made in the direction of a more current English idiom. In the instances where this has been done, the more literal rendering has been indicated in the notes. There are a few exceptions to this procedure. Of note, while an effort has been made to incorporate conjunctions as much as possible, the conjunction “and” is occasionally not translated at the beginning of sentences because of differences in style between ancient and modern writing. Punctuation is a relatively modern invention, and ancient writers often linked most of their sentences with “and” or other connectives.

Alternate Readings: In addition to the more literal renderings, notations have been made to include readings of variant manuscripts, explanatory equivalents of the text, and alternate translations that may bring out a play on words difficult to maintain in the text. These notations have been used specifically to assist the reader in comprehending the terms used by the original author.

THE COMMITMENTS OF THE LEGACY STANDARD BIBLE

The Legacy Standard Bible aspires to be a legacy preserved – to uphold the work and tradition that is found in translations from the KJV, ASV, to NASB.

The Legacy Standard Bible aspires to be a legacy performed – to advance the commitments of past translations by bringing forth features of the original text relative to accuracy and consistency.

The Legacy Standard Bible aspires to be a legacy passed on – to equip generations to study Scripture and continue the philosophy of being a window.
~ The Lockman Foundation

For additional information we recommend you contact The Lockman Foundation -- https://www.lockman.org/legacy-standard-bible-l

LAST THINGS ABOUT THE LAST DAYS

Text: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

Introduction: There are a few things I want share as we prepare to close this chronological study of the Bible, and especially as we wrap up our survey study of the end times over these last couple of lessons. We’ve actually come full-circle back to where we began about three and a half years ago. We started by looking at creation, and ended by considering re-creation. The Bible starts with a new beginning and ends with a new beginning.

There are basically two topics I want us to look into this morning, one comes from our study two-weeks ago – “Jesus Will Return,” the other from this past Sunday’s message on “Waiting for the Consummation.”

I. ESCHATOLOGICAL CERTAINTY

The church has been waiting for Jesus’ return for over 2,000 years. Unfortunately, some, in eager anticipation of that day, have tried to predict the date of Christ’s return. Whether by applying complicated mathematical formulas to numbers in the book of Daniel, search the secret “Bible codes,” or by supposed direct revelation, hundreds over the years have predicted the date of Christ’s return. Here are just a few of them within the recent past.

William Miller, a Baptist preacher from New York, stated in 1842, “My principles in brief, are, that Jesus Christ will come again to this earth, cleanse, purify, and take possession of the same, with all the saints, sometime between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844.” When this did not happen, he then recalculated and determined the correct date to be October 22, 1844. This date became known as “The Great Disappointment” by the Millerites (his followers) after Jesus failed to return. Thousands of them had sold their possessions and were awaiting the coming of Christ.

The Watchtower Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses) have predicted that Christ would come in 1914, 1918, 1920, 1925, 1941, 1975, and 1994. When He failed to return each time, they reinterpreted these dates to refer to “spiritual” events in heaven.

Hal Lindsey, author of the book The Late, Great Planet Earth, predicted no less than four times a date for the return of Christ: 1981, 1988, 2007, and 2040.

Edgar Whisenant wrote a book entitled 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Is in 1988. When that prediction failed, he “recalculated” and come out with revised predictions of 1989 and then 1993. The year 1988 was a popular choice because it was 40 years, or one “generation,” after the founding of the modern state of Israel in 1948.

Harold Camping, an American Christian radio broadcaster, wrote a book called “1994,” in which he predicted Christ’s return – that date came and went. Then famously, a few years later, he predicted that Jesus would return on May 21, 2011. Camping’s followers donated millions of dollars to purchase radio ads and billboards to warn people of the coming apocalypse. When the day passed without the predicted return, Mr. Camping “recalculated” the date to be October 21, 2011, again a failed prediction.

In an interview in 2012, World Bible Society President F. Kenton Beshore stated that Christ’s return will occur sometime between 2018 and 2028.

As you can see, there have been many attempts to set a timetable for Jesus’ coming, and they’ve all been wrong. To some people, the failed predictions are proof that they don’t need to take Jesus’ return seriously – kind of like the boy who cried wolf. I think we should look at what Jesus Himself clearly stated about His return.

[READ Mt. 24:36]

36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”

We can be sure that Jesus will return, but He has not revealed to us the time when this will happen. So, when you hear people set dates for Jesus’ return, don’t believe them. The only way anyone could correctly predict the exact date of the second coming is if Jesus Himself was wrong.

This is just one of many areas of disagreement among Christians about the end times. But there are areas where all believers agree when it comes to eschatology. Like we were learning week before last, there are some things that all of the different positions can agree on, even if they disagree on the timing. So, let’s examine some Scriptures and try to identify the points of agreement.

Group 1:

[READ Mt. 24:44]
44 For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

[READ Mt. 25:13]
13 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

[READ 2 Pet. 3:10]
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be found out.

[READ Rev. 22:20]
20 He who bears witness to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

These verses inform us that no one knows the time of Christ’s return.

Group 2:

[READ Acts 1:11]
11 They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

[READ 1 Thes. 4:16]
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

[READ 1 Jn. 3:2]
2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not been manifested as yet what we will be. We know that when He is manifested, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.

[READ Rev. 1:7 (DAN. 7:13; ZECH. 12:10)]
7 BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, AND EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM, EVEN THOSE WHO PIERCED HIM; and all the tribes of the earth will MOURN OVER HIM. Yes, amen.

Jesus will return in bodily form just as He left at the ascension.

Group 3:

[READ Dan. 12:1-3]
1 “Now at that time, Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will stand. And there will be a time of distress such as never happened since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to reproach and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

[READ Acts 24:15]
15 … Having a hope in God, for which these men are waiting, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.
Both believers and unbelievers will experience bodily resurrection.

Group 4:

[READ 2 Cor. 5:9-10]
9 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

[READ Rev. 21:1-4]
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, 4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain. The first things passed away.”

Believers will appear before Christ for judgment and be rewarded with eternal life, living with God for eternity in the new heavens and earth.

Group 5:

[READ Rev. 20:14-15]
14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

[READ Rev. 21:8]
8 But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Unbelievers will face eternal punishment in the lake of fire.

So, regardless of which view you hold, you can find agreement with other Christians that Christ will return in bodily form at a time we do not know (but should be ready for) to judge the living and the dead who will be resurrected in bodily form. Those who are in Christ will inherit eternal life, but unbelievers will be consigned to eternal torment in the lake of fire. The differences in views are really a difference in timing, not substance.

II. CONFUSION ABOUT HEAVEN

There have been many books written by those who supposedly went to heaven and returned to tell us about it. Their stories are full of specific details about what heaven is like, who is there, and what is happening in the celestial realm. But when we compare their claims with Scripture, it becomes clear that they are merely figments of the human imagination, not true visions of heaven as it is described in God’s Word.

There is simply no reason to believe anyone who claims to have gone to heaven and returned.

[READ Jn. 3:13]
13 And no one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.

[READ Jn. 1:18]
18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

Four biblical authors had visions of heaven – Isaiah, Ezekiel, Paul, and John. Three of these men later wrote about what they saw – and the details they gave were comparatively sparse (Isa. 6:1-4; Ezek. 1, 10; Rev. 4-6). They all focused properly on God’s glory. They also mentioned their own fear and shame in the presence of such glory. They had nothing to say about the mundane features that are so prominent in modern tales about heaven (things like picnics, games, juvenile attractions, familiar faces, odd conversations, and so on). Paul gave no actual description of heaven but simply said what he saw would be unlawful to utter.

We need to accept the boundaries that God Himself has put on what He has revealed. It is dangerous to listen to anyone who claims to know more about God, heaven, angels, or the afterlife than God Himself has revealed to us in Scripture.

It is, however, right and beneficial for Christians to fix their hearts on heaven.

[READ Col. 3:1-2]
1 Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

[READ 2 Cor. 4:18]
18 … While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

[READ Phil. 3:20-21]
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by His working through which He is able to even subject all things to Himself.

Such a perspective is the essence of true faith, according to Hebrews 11. Those with an authentic, biblical faith acknowledge that they are strangers and exiles on this earth (v. 13), seeking a heavenly homeland (v. 14) and desiring the city God has prepared for them (v. 16), the heavenly Jerusalem.

No matter how much they might obsess over what heaven is like, people who fill their heads with fantastic or delusional ideas from others’ near-death experiences have not truly set their minds on things above. Since the inerrant biblical truth God has given us is the only reliable knowledge about heaven we have access to, it is what should grip our hearts and minds, not the dreams and speculation of human minds.

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE WORD

We are called in Scripture to set our minds on things above (Col. 3:1-4), and the saints in Hebrews 11 are commended for looking forward to the heavenly city rather than valuing the things here on earth. Knowing what Scripture teaches about eternal life should motivate us to serve and love others here on the earth, and encourage us to share the gospel so that there will be a new earth filled with people worshiping and serving the Lamb who is worthy to be praised forever and ever.

LAST THINGS ABOUT THE LAST DAYS - Study Guide

LAST THINGS ABOUT THE LAST DAYS
Answers (Lesson 180) - Sept. 3, 2025 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: There are basically two topics I want us to look into this morning, one comes from our study two-weeks ago – “Jesus Will Return,” the other from this past Sunday’s message on “Waiting for the Consummation.”

I. ESCHATOLOGICAL CERTAINTY

The Watchtower Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses) have predicted that Christ would come in 1914, 1918, 1920, 1925, 1941, 1975, and 1994. When He failed to return each time, the reinterpreted these dates to refer to “spiritual” events in heaven.

Hal Lindsey, author of the book The Late, Great Planet Earth, predicted no less than four times a date for the return of Christ: 1981, 1988, 2007, and 2040.

In an interview in 2012, World Bible Society President F. Kenton Beshore stated that Christ’s return will occur sometime between 2018 and 2028.

Matthew 24:36

The only way anyone could correctly predict the exact date of the second coming is if Jesus Himself was wrong.

Matthew 24:44, 25:13; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 22:20

Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 1:7

Daniel 12:1-3; Acts 24:15

2 Corinthians 5:9-10; Revelation 21:1-4

Revelation 20:14-15, 21:8

II. CONFUSION ABOUT HEAVEN

There have been many books written by those who supposedly went to heaven and returned to tell us about it. Their stories are full of specific details about what heaven is
like, who is there, and what is happening in the celestial realm. But when we compare their claims with Scripture, it becomes clear that they are merely figments of the human imagination, not true visions of heaven as it is described in God’s Word.

There is simply no reason to believe anyone who claims to have gone to heaven and returned.

John 3:13, 1:18

It is, however, right and beneficial for Christians to fix their hearts on heaven.

Colossians 3:1-2; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Philippians 3:30-21

Such a perspective is the essence of true faith, according to
We can be sure that Jesus will return, but He has not revealed to us the time when this will happen. So, when you hear people set dates for Jesus’ return, don’t believe them.

Hebrews 11. Those with an authentic, biblical faith acknowledge that they are strangers and exiles on this earth (v. 13), seeking a heavenly homeland (v. 14) and desiring the city God has prepared for them (v. 16), the heavenly Jerusalem.

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE WORD

PRESCRIPTION FOR PRAYER (The Posture of Prayer)

PRESCRIPTION FOR PRAYER
(The Posture of Prayer)

Text: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

Introduction: It is a privilege as a child of God to approach His throne of grace with our requests. God expects and desires us to come to Him honestly. Praying about everything reveals our dependence on His sovereignty and will for our lives. We can trust that as our Father, He knows all things. He knows our hearts better than we know them ourselves, and He will always answer our prayers in ways that are best for us – according to His perfect will.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

As believers, we can present our prayers before God and have confidence that He hears us.
[READ 1 Jn. 5:14-15]

14 And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

But does God hear and answer the prayers of unbelievers? Of course, God can do whatever He wants that is in accordance with His will and His nature. So, He could answer any prayer if He chooses to do so. But Scripture clearly indicates that God does not listen to or answer every prayer. A number of verses from both the OT and NT indicate that God does not attend to the prayers of unbelievers, and in some cases, even the prayers of believers.

According to these verses, there are several reasons why God may not listen to or answer prayer. Let’s look at some examples. God will not answer the prayers of those who are idolaters.

[READ Isa. 1:12-15]

12 When you come to appear before Me,
Who requires of you this trampling of My courts?
13 Bring your worthless offerings no longer,
Incense is an abomination to Me.
New moon and sabbath, the calling of convocation—
I cannot endure wickedness and the solemn assembly.
14 My soul hates your new moon festivals and your appointed times,
They have become a burden to Me;
I am weary of bearing them.
15 So when you spread out your hands in prayer,
I will hide My eyes from you;
Indeed, even though you multiply prayers,
I will not listen.
Your hands are full of blood.

He will not answer the prayers of those whose iniquity separates them from God.

[READ Isa. 59:1-2]

1 Behold, the hand of Yahweh is not so short
That it cannot save;
Nor is His ear so dull
That it cannot hear.
2 But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God,
And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

Nor will He hear those who swear deceitfully.

[READ Ps. 24:3-4]

3 Who may ascend into the mountain of Yahweh?
And who may rise in His holy place?
4 He who has innocent hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to worthlessness
And has not sworn deceitfully.

Nor will He hear those who do evil.

[READ Ps. 34:15-16]

15 The eyes of Yahweh are toward the righteous
And His ears are open to their cry for help.
16 The face of Yahweh is against evildoers,
To cut off the memory of them from the earth.

Nor those who cherish iniquity in their hearts.

[READ Ps. 66:18]

18 If I see wickedness in my heart,
The Lord will not hear;

Nor those who are wicked.

[READ Prov. 15:8]

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
But the prayer of the upright is His delight.

Nor those who turn away from hearing God’s law.

[READ Prov. 28:9]

9 He who turns away his ear from listening to the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.

Nor those who don’t ask in faith.

[READ Jas. 1:5-7]

5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith, doubting nothing, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Nor the prayers of those who ask for their own pleasures, and who are friends of the world.

[READ Jas. 4:3-4]

3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity toward God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world sets himself as an enemy of God.

Scripture tells us that all who have not humbly repented of their sin and submitted to the Lordship of Christ are enemies of God.

[READ Rom. 5:10]

10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

They are dead in trespasses and sins and are slaves to sin.

[READ Eph. 2:1-3]

1 And you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom we all also formerly conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

[READ Rom. 6:17-18]

17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were given over, 18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

They do not have faith and thus are unable to please God.

[READ Heb. 11:6]

6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who draws near to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

They are idolaters and have substituted the worship of the one true God with the worship of created things.

[READ Rom. 1:22-23]

22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the likeness of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

And because they do not worship the true God, His ears are closed to their prayers.

This may surprise you, but Satan loves “religion” and false hope in prayer. He wants people to think that being “spiritual” by praying and being religious are good things in themselves. He is happy with people who think that because they meditate or pray or go to religious services, they are on the right side with God. Satan does not want people to correctly understand the love of God as seen in Scripture through Jesus Christ. Nor does he want them to contemplate and fear the wrath of God promised at the last judgment when God will condemn all who have rejected Jesus Christ.

The truth is, the only prayer of a non-believer that God will hear and answer with all surety is the prayer of humble repentance for sins followed by the declaration of sincere faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior. This is the prayer of submission to God’s will that will bring salvation to the lost soul through the gospel. And for believers, we can be confident in the one true God and know that the only mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ, is at the right hand of God the Father making intercession for us (see 1 Tim. 2:5; Rom. 8:34).

II. POSTURE OF PRAYER

There are no commands in the Bible to wash our feet, face a certain direction, or wear certain clothing. Keep in mind that we need to understand the difference between Scripture passages that are descriptive and those that are prescriptive. For example, there is no command to pray with our hands in a certain position even though certain postures are descried. However, there are clear commands of the spiritual posture with which we should approach God.

Physical Posture:

[READ 1 Kgs. 8:54]

54 Now it happened that when Solomon had finished praying this entire prayer and supplication to Yahweh, he arose from before the altar of Yahweh, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread toward heaven.
Solomon knelt with his hands outstretched toward heaven.

[READ Ezra 10:1]

1 Now while Ezra was praying and making confession, weeping and prostrating himself before the house of God, a very large assembly, men, women, and children, gathered to him from Israel; for the people wept bitterly.

Ezra was bowing down before the temple.

[READ Jn. 17:1-2]

1 Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, 2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.

Jesus prayed with His eyes lifted to heaven.

[READ Acts 12:12]

12 And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.

Men and women were gathered together to pray.

[READ Eph. 3:14]

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father ….

Paul knelt on his knees in prayer.

[READ 1 Tim. 2:8]

8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

Men prayed with their hands lifted. This is probably the most common posture of the hands in prayer described in the Bible.

Spiritual Posture:

[READ Ps. 66:16-20]

16 Come and hear, all who fear God,
And I will recount what He has done for my soul.
17 I called out to Him with my mouth,
And He was exalted with my tongue.
18 If I see wickedness in my heart,
The Lord will not hear;
19 But certainly God has heard;
He has given heed to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God,
Who has not turned away my prayer
Nor His lovingkindness from me.

We are to pray while praising God and not cherishing iniquity in our hearts.

[READ Prov. 28:9]

9 He who turns away his ear from listening to the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.

We are to listen to God’s law and obey it.

[READ Mt. 6:5-7]

5 “And when you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.

We are not supposed to pray as a show before others, nor with empty phrases or meaningless repetition.

[READ Phil. 4:6]

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

We are to pray with a heart of thanksgiving and trust in God.

[READ Col. 4:2]

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving ….

We should pray often and steadfastly with a thankful heart.

[READ Heb. 4:16 & Eph. 3:11-12]

16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.

We are to pray boldly and confidently, knowing that God will hear us as we are in Christ.

[READ Jas. 1:6-8]

6 But he must ask in faith, doubting nothing, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

We are to pray with faith, not doubting God.

[READ Jas. 4:3-4]

We are not to pray with a selfish attitude.

* How do these physical postures compare to your typical prayer posture?

* How do these spiritual postures compare to your typical prayer posture?

* In light of these ideas from Scripture (and there are many more that could be examined), what needs to change in your prayer life?

* With these truths in mind, does God hear the prayers of unbelievers?

Based on the spiritual postures we looked at, those who are not in Christ present prayers that are not acceptable to God. They do not have access to His throne of grace because they do not have Christ as their Mediator. Ultimately, the only prayer of an unbeliever that God responds to is the prayer of repentance unto salvation.

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE WORD

As we consider what the Bible has to say about our physical and spiritual posture in prayer, we have to remember that there is nothing wrong with bowing our heads in reverence or closing our eyes to limit distractions, but that those are probably not appropriate if we pray while we are driving.

As we go about our day in an attitude of prayer, we will find ourselves praying in many postures.

It may be appropriate in a specific moment of sincere repentance to lie on the floor with our faces buried as we cry out to God, but we should soon move to a posture of praise with hands lifted to God who is gracious and merciful to forgive us our sins in Christ.

But regardless, we must approach God in prayer with a sincere heart, seeking to pray for what we know is consistent with His will. As Jesus demonstrated for us, we bring our prayers to the Father so that His will is done and not our own. We can trust in God to bless those kinds of prayers.

PRESCRIPTION FOR PRAYER - Study Guide

PRESCRIPTION FOR PRAYER

Answers (Lesson 178) - Aug. 20, 2025 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: It is a privilege as a child of God to approach His throne of grace with our requests. God expects and desires us to come to Him honestly. Praying about everything reveals our dependence on His sovereignty and will for our lives. We can trust that as our Father, He knows all things. He knows our hearts better than we know them ourselves, and He will always answer our prayers in ways that are best for us – according to His perfect will.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

As believers, we can present our prayers before God and have confidence that He hears us.

1 John 5:14-15

But does God hear and answer the prayers of unbelievers? Of course, God can do whatever He wants that is in accordance with His will and His nature. So He could answer any prayer if He chooses to do so. But Scripture clearly indicates that God does not listen to or answer every prayer. A number of verses from both the OT and NT indicate that God does not attend to the prayers of unbelievers, and in some cases, even the prayers of believers. According to these verses, there are several reasons why God may not listen to or answer prayer. Let’s look at some examples.

* God will not answer the prayers of those who are idolaters (Isa. 1:12-15).

* God will not answer the prayers of those whose iniquity separates them from God (Isa. 59:1-2).

* God will not answer the prayers of those who swear deceitfully (IPs. 24:3-4).

* God will not answer the prayers of those who do evil (Ps. 34:15-16).

* God will not answer the prayers of those cherish iniquity in their hearts (Ps. 66:18).

* God will not answer the prayers of those who are wicked (Prov. 15:8).

* God will not answer the prayers of those who turn away from hearing His law (Prov. 28:9).

* God will not answer the prayers of those who don’t ask in faith (Jas. 1:5-7).

* God will not answer the prayers of those who ask for their own pleasures, and who are friends of the world (Jas. 4:3-4).

Scripture tells us that all who have not humbly repented on their sin and submitted to the Lordship of Christ are enemies of God.

Romans 5:10

* They are dead in trespasses and sins and are slaves to sin (Eph. 2:1-3 & Rom. 6:17-18).

* They do not have faith and thus are unable to please God (Heb. 11:6).

* They are idolaters and have substituted the worship of the one true God with the worship of created things (Rom. 1:22-23).

Because they do not worship the true God, His ears are closed to their prayers.

Satan loves “religion” and false hope in prayer. He wants people to think that being “spiritual” by praying and being religious are good things in themselves. He is happy with people who think that because they meditate or pray or go to religious services, they are on the right side with God. Satan does not want people to correctly understand the love of God as seen in Scripture through Jesus Christ. Nor does he want them to contemplate and fear the wrath of God promised at the last judgment when God will condemn all who have rejected Jesus Christ.

II. POSTURE OF PRAYER

When we think about prayer, the first thing that comes to our minds is some formal time we devote to communion with God. But that is only one aspect of our prayer life since, as we learned on Sunday, we are to be in a continual state of prayer and communion with God. However, we should set apart times of prayer focused on relating to God. But unlike many religious traditions, there is no specific formula that we have to follow. There are no commands in the Bible to wash our feet, face a certain direction, or wear certain clothing. Keep in mind that we need to understand the difference between Scripture passages that are descriptive and those that are prescriptive. For example, there is no command to pray with our hands in a certain position even though certain postures are descried. However, there are clear commands of the spiritual posture with which we should approach God.

Physical Posture:

1 Kings 8:54

Solomon knelt with his hands outstretched toward heaven.

Ezra 10:1

Ezra was bowing down before the Temple.

John 17:1-2

Jesus prayed with His eyes lifted to heaven.

Acts 12:12

Men and women were gathered together to pray.

Ephesians 3:14

Paul knelt on his knees in prayer.

1 Timothy 2:8

Men prayed with their hands lifted. This is probably the most common posture of the hands in prayer described in the Bible.

Spiritual Posture:

Psalm 66:16-20

We are to pray while praising God and not cherishing iniquity in our hearts.

Proverbs 28:9

We are to listen to God’.

Matthew 6:5-7

We are not supposed to pray as a show before others, nor with empty phrases or meaningless repetition.

Philippians 4:6

We are to pray with a heart of thanksgiving and trust in God.

Colossians 4:2

We should pray often and steadfastly with a thankful heart.

Hebrews 4:16 & Ephesians 3:11-12

We are to pray boldly and confidently, knowing that God will hear us as we are in Christ.

James 1:6-8

We are to pray with faith, not doubting God.

James 4:3-4

We are not to pray with a selfish attitude.

* How do these physical postures compare to your typical prayer posture?

* How do these spiritual postures compare to your typical prayer posture?

* In light of these ideas from Scripture (and there are many more that could be examined), what needs to change in your prayer life?

* With these truths in mind, does God hear the prayers of unbelievers?

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE WORD

As we go about our day in an attitude of prayer, we will find ourselves praying in many postures.

JOHN TEACHES ON LOVE (Marks of the Believer)

JOHN TEACHES ON LOVE
(Marks of the Believer)

Text: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

Introduction: John wrote his first epistle to believers whose faith had wavered in response to false teachers who had denied the full divinity and humanity of Jesus (1 Jn. 2:18-27). The apostle wrote to reaffirm the core tenets of Christianity and to encourage the believers to stand firmly and confidently in the faith. He assured his readers that they could know they had eternal life in Jesus Christ (1 Jn. 5:13).

Given this truth, I want us to spend most of our time this morning looking at the marks of the believer, which give us assurance of our salvation.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

John emphasized love as the main mark of a true believer. Those who abide in God, who is love, will reflect His love. Christians love God by keeping His commandments and love others through self-sacrificing service to one another. But love can be a difficult concept to understand because our modern culture has so diluted its meaning. Today, most people think of love as an emotion, attraction, desire, or admiration. It is generally something that is felt and often dependent on the object. But that is not at all the biblical definition of love. Biblical love is a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional service that is intrinsically connected to action. Biblical love is entirely independent of the object’s value or acceptance. Jesus demonstrated love by sacrificing His life for His enemies.

[READ Rom. 5:6-10]

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man, though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

In Greek, there are four different words that would translate into love in English. Eros, which could be defined as sexual or romantic love, does not occur in the New Testament, even in describing marriage (Eph. 5:25). Storge was used to refer to the natural affection between those who were related and appears occasionally in compound words. Philos was used to mean spontaneous natural affection with an emphasis on feeling. Agape is by far the most frequent NT word for love, and it refers to goodwill that proceeds from duty or principle rather than attraction. The use of these two words (philos & agape) overlaps to such a degree that a distinction is not always clear. But  the general idea is that agape is an unconditional, sacrificial love and philos is affection born of friendship. Peter made a distinction between the two when he wrote to supplement brotherly affection with love (2 Pet. 1:7).

[READ 2 Pet. 1:7]

7 … and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

Also, John commended Gaius for showing love to believers who were strangers (3 Jn. 5-6) as we discussed on Sunday.

Although we should be careful of making distinctions in the original language where none exist, it is clear that Christian love as described in the Bible goes beyond brother affection and is distinct from the emotion-based definition commonly used today. We are called to love each other as Christ loved us and laid down His life for us. We had done nothing to earn His admiration or esteem. We were weak and hostile to God. We did not love God, but He loved us first.

[READ 1 Jn. 4:19]

19 We love, because He first loved us.

John called us to love God by keeping His commandments and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ by laying down our lives for them.

[READ 1 Jn. 3:16]

16 By this we have known love, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

Just as Jesus chose to sacrifice Himself for our benefit, we should choose to demonstrate sacrificial love toward one another, even those who have not earned our affection or esteem. By this we can know that we are children of God.

[READ 1 Jn. 5:2]

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and do His commandments.

II. MARKS OF THE BELIEVER

As we’ve seen, John is known for the theme of love that he emphasized in his teaching. His first epistle is also known for its value in identifying the marks of a believer and evaluating genuine salvation. Many point to 1 John as a salvation test. So, let’s talk about these traits which identify a genuine believer.

[READ 1 Jn. 2:3]

3 And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.

We know that we are His if we keep His commandments.

[READ 1 Jn. 2:5-6]

5 … But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

If we abide in Him, we will imitate Jesus.

[READ 1 Jn. 2:9]

9 The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now.

If someone hates his brothers and sisters in the Lord, they are not of God.

[READ 1 Jn. 2:15]

15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

We do not love the world. If we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us.

[READ 1 Jn. 3:9]

9 Everyone who has been born of God does not sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

If we are born of God, we will not make a practice of sinning.

[READ 1 Jn. 3:14]

14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. The one who does not love abides in death.

We know we are of God because we love other believers.

[READ 1 Jn. 3:24]

24 And the one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He gave us.

We know that He abides in us if we keep His commandments. We also know He abides in us by the Holy Spirit He has given us.

[READ 1 Jn. 4:13]

13 By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

We know we abide in Him because He has given us His Spirit.

[READ 1 Jn. 5:2]

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and do His commandments.

We know we are children of God when we love God and obey His commandments.

* How would you summarize the marks of a believer, based on these verses? According to John, we can know that we are children of God by our love for one another, by our obedience to the commands of God, but our pursuit of righteousness rather than sin, and by the Holy Spirit He has given to dwell in us and to work in our lives to help us accomplish the other marks. In short, we obey God’s commandments to love God and to love others (Mt. 22:37-40).

John wrote to his audience as the last remaining apostle, an elder with great love and concern for the believers. He wanted them to know that they were children of God. His intention was not to scare the believers or make them doubt their salvation, but rather to encourage them. They could be confident that they were children of God because of the love and fellowship they shared. But he also wanted to equip them to identify false believers who were apparently leaving and denying the faith and teaching false doctrine. He wanted to reassure the genuine believers that those who were leaving the faith were never actually children of God. Those who are of God will confess Christ, love the brothers, practice righteousness, and obey God’s commandments.

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE WORD

John did not merely intend to give his readers a test to make sure their faith was genuine. He meant to undergird their confidence and point to the fruit that was already evident in their lives as children of God. Although John recognized that we would sometimes fail and need forgiveness, he confidently believed that love and obedience would be evident in the lives of genuine believers. If we are children of God, we will love one another. He did, however, encourage believers to seek an active demonstration of this love. We are to serve one another, just as Christ laid down his life for us.

JOHN TEACHES ON LOVE - Study Guide

JOHN TEACHES ON LOVE

Answers (Lesson 177) - Aug. 13, 2025 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: John wrote his first epistle to believers whose faith had wavered in response to false teachers who had denied the full divinity and humanity of Jesus (1 Jn. 2:18-27). He assured his readers that they could know they had eternal life in Jesus Christ (1 Jn. 5:13). I want us to spend most of our time this morning looking at the marks of the believer, which give us assurance of our salvation.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

Romans 5:6-10

In Greek, there are four different words that would translate into love in English. Eros, which could be defined as sexual or romantic love, does not occur in the New Testament, even in describing marriage (Eph. 5:25). Storge was used to refer to the natural affection between those who were related and appears occasionally in compound words. Philos was used to mean spontaneous natural affection with an emphasis on feeling. Agape is by far the most frequent NT word for love, and it refers to goodwill that proceeds from duty or principle rather than attraction. The use of these two words (philos & agape) overlaps to such a degree that a distinction is not always clear. But the general idea is that agape is an unconditional, sacrificial love and philos is affection born of friendship. Peter made a distinction between the two when he wrote to supplement brotherly affection with love (2 Pet. 1:7).

2 Peter 1:7

Also, John commended Gaius for showing love to believers who were strangers (3 Jn. 5-6) as we discussed on Sunday.

1 John 4:19

John called us to love God by keeping His commandments and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ by laying down our lives for them.

1 John 3:16

1 John 5:2

II. MARKS OF THE BELIEVER

1 John 2:3

We know that we are His if we keep His commandments.

1 John 2:5-6

If we abide in Him, we will imitate Jesus.

1 John 2:9

If someone hates his brothers and sisters in the Lord, they are not of God.

1 John 2:15

We do not love the world. If we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us.

1 John 3:9

If we are born of God, we will not make a practice of sinning.

1 John 3:14

We know we are of God because we love other believers.

1 John 3:24

We know that He abides in us if we keep His commandments. We also know He abides in us by the Holy Spirit He has given us.

1 John 4:13

We know we abide in Him because He has given us His Spirit.

1 John 5:2

We know we are children of God when we love God and obey His commandments.

How would you summarize the marks of a believer based on these verses?

III. WHAT WE’VE HEARD FROM THE WORD

EXAMPLES OF FAITH (Hebrews Survey)

EXAMPLES OF FAITH
(Hebrews Survey)

Text: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

Introduction: The writer of Hebrews wrote to encourage Christians in a time of trial and persecution. The book focuses on the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, in contrast to the imperfect system that the people could never perfectly fulfill. Jesus ushered in a new covenant, a new order of priesthood that was better in every way. Because of this incredible salvation, the writer of Hebrews encouraged and exhorted believers to live in faith, imitating the example given to us by Christ and those whose faith is recorded for us in the OT.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

As we learned on Sunday, the letter to the Hebrews is truly an anonymous letter. The writer did not identify himself or address his letter to a clear audience. Due to early tradition and the content of the letter, most scholars agree that the letter was written to Jewish Christians. Scholars disagree, nevertheless, on authorship. They have suggested Paul, Apollos, Luke, Barnabas, Silas, Philip, Priscilla, Aquila, and Clement of Rome as possible authors. However, the vocabulary, style, and literary characteristics are not sufficient to support any one claim. Many have denied Pauline authorship since the author seemed to have included himself as a secondhand witness to the gospel.

[READ Heb. 2:3]

3 … That salvation, first spoken by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard ….

The author was very familiar with Jewish history, though he tended to quote from the Septuagint rather than the Hebrew text. Even the early church expressed varying opinions regarding authorship. It seems this is a puzzle that will not be solved, so the book remains anonymous.

Due to the present tense used in referring to the Levitical priesthood, it seems that this system was still active at the time the book was penned. This would place it before AD 70, when the temple was destroyed by Roman general Titus.

Additionally, the writer of Hebrews acknowledged that Timothy had just been released from prison …

[READ Heb. 13:23]

23 Know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you.
He also alludes to severe persecutions …

[READ Heb. 10:32-35]

32 But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and afflictions, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34 For you also showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted with joy the seizure of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better and lasting possession. 35 Therefore, do not throw away that confidence of yours, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.

This suggests that the book was written in the late 60s.

Most difficulties in interpreting Hebrews are resolved when the text is read in light of the historical context of the OT. The Levitical system is a shadow of Christ’s new priestly system, and Melchizedek is a type of Christ’s priesthood. A type is an OT element that prefigures a NT element. Though Melchizedek was just a man, his record survived without allusion to lineage or death. In this way, he represented a priest who was appointed based on merit and was never eliminated from office by death.

Understanding the OT is key to understanding the redemptive purposes of God. What the Levitical system could never accomplish has been accomplished by the sacrifice of Jesus. Since the NT writers pointed to the OT to explain the principles of the new covenant, we should never ignore or dismiss the OT in our study of Scripture.

There is much more we can glean from the in-depth discussion throughout the book of Hebrews. In short, Jesus is the better priest of the better covenant and serves in a more perfect temple.

II. EXAMPLES OF FAITH

As we wrap up our survey of Hebrews, let’s turn our attention to a familiar passage – Hebrews 11. When we talk about Jesus establishing a new covenant and replacing the law and Levitical systems, we must be careful not to dismiss the faith of those living under that system.

[READ Heb. 11:1-40]

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the men of old gained approval.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he was approved as being righteous -- God approving his gifts -- and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for prior to being taken up, he was approved as being pleasing to God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who draws near to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise, 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she regarded Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore there were born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many as the stars of heaven in number, and innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15 And indeed if they had been remembering that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now, they aspire to a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He prepared a city for them.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only son, 18 to whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” 19 He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he also received him back. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave commands concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 regarding the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the rage of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land, and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after welcoming the spies in peace.
32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I recount Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, as well as David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, performed righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong from weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; 36 and others experienced mockings and floggings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword. They went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, mistreated 38 (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in desolate places and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

* Were any of these examples of faith unfamiliar to you? Most of the examples in verses 1-31 are main characters in the history recorded in Genesis. The Hebrews would have been very familiar with these ancestors.

* Are you surprised to find any of these examples included in this list? Although most of these examples are expected, there may be some surprise over Jephthah (who made a foolish vow), Gideon (who needed many signs of God’s favor), or Samson (who was not very faithful to God’s call). Also surprising may be the fact that Moses is described as considering the reproach of Christ greater than the wealth of Egypt.

* Can you think of any additional accounts that provide an example of faith? The Bible is full of people demonstrating great faith. The writer of Hebrews was focusing on those who lived before the time of Christ, but we also find great examples of faith in the NT.

* How many allusions in verses 33-38 can you identify? Some of the items are general and hard to identify as referring to a specific individual, but some are clear. Joshua conquered kingdoms, David and the faithful kings of Judah enforced justice, Daniel stopped the mouths of lions, Daniel’s three friends quenched the power of fire in Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace, Gideon was made strong out of weakness, Elijah and Elisha both raised children from the dead, Zechariah was stoned for speaking the Lord’ message to Joash, Jeremiah was imprisoned, Isaiah is traditionally believed to have been sawn in two, Uriah and others were killed by the sword.

* In all of these examples, what was the object of their faith? These faithful men and women believed that God would fulfill His promises of redemption and reconciliation. They had faith that God had a better home in mind for them; they sought a heavenly country (vv. 13-16). Although their faith was placed in a different direction (in a future hope rather than an accomplished event), they still placed their faith in the redemptive work of the Messiah.

Conclusion: When we are reminded of the many men and women who endured so much for the sake of Christ – for the hope of a Messiah who had not yet come – we should be greatly encouraged and strongly challenged. They trusted in the promises of God with no guarantee but the trustworthiness of God. They had faith that God would fulfill His promises. Through 4,000 years, they lived and died in the faith and hope of a coming Messiah, of reconciliation, and consummation. They trusted God to restore His kingdom. And one after another, they died without seeing the fulfillment of God’s promises.

How much stronger should our faith be? We have seen the coming of the Messiah. We have the more complete revelation of God’s redemptive plan. We have a new and better covenant. The writer of Hebrews made this same connection in chapter 12.

[READ Heb. 12:1-2]

1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

EXAMPLES OF FAITH - Study Guide

EXAMPLES OF FAITH

Answers (Lesson 176) - Aug. 6, 2025 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: The writer of Hebrews wrote to encourage Christians in a time of trial and persecution. The book focuses on the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, in contrast to the imperfect system that the people could never perfectly fulfill, Jesus ushered in a new covenant, a new order of priesthood that was better in every way. Because of this incredible salvation, the writer of Hebrews encouraged and exhorted believers to live in faith, imitating the example given to us by Christ and those whose faith is recorded for us in the OT.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND

Due to early tradition and the content of Hebrews, most scholars agree that the letter was written to Jewish Christians. Scholars disagree, nevertheless, on authorship.

On one side is Satan and his demonic forces. Satan was originally one of the chiefs of God’s heavenly beings; he was a creature of beauty and gave praise to God. However, Satan became jealous, desired to become God, and rebelled, along with other angels, against the Almighty. Let’s check out a couple of Scriptures that describe this rebellion. The vocabulary, style, and literary characteristics are not sufficient to support a definite author. Many have denied Pauline authorship since the author seemed to have included himself as a secondhand witness to the gospel.

Hebrews 2:3

The author was very familiar with Jewish history, though he
tended to quote from the Septuagint rather than the Hebrew text.

Additionally, the writer of Hebrews acknowledged that Timothy had just been released from prison.

Hebrews 13:23

He also alludes to severe persecutions, which suggests that the book was written in the late AD 60s.

Hebrews 10:32-35

Most difficulties in interpreting Hebrews are resolved when the text is read in light of the historical context of the OT. The Levitical system is a shadow of Christ’s new priestly system, and Melchizedek is a type of Christ’s priesthood. Though Melchizedek was just a man, his record survived without allusion to lineage or death. In this way, he represented a priest who was appointed based on merit and was never eliminated from office by death.

There is much more we can glean from the in-depth discussion throughout the book of Hebrews. In short, Jesus is the better priest of the better covenant and serves in a more perfect temple.

II. EXAMPLES OF FAITH

* Were any of these examples of faith unfamiliar to you?

* Are you surprised to find any of these examples included in this list?

* Can you think of any additional accounts that provide an example of faith?

* How many allusions in verses 33-38 can you identify?

* In all of these examples, what was the object of their faith?

These faithful men and women believed that God would fulfill His promises of redemption and reconciliation. They had faith that God had a better home in mind for them; they sought a heavenly country (vv. 13-16). Although their faith was placed in a different direction (in a future hope rather than an accomplished event), they still placed their faith in the redemptive work of the Messiah.

CONCLUSION: When we are reminded of the many men and women who endured so much for the sake of Christ – for the hope of a Messiah who had not yet come – we should be greatly encouraged and strongly challenged. They trusted in the promises of God with no guarantee but the trustworthiness of God. They had faith that God would fulfill His promises. Through 4,000 years, they lived and died in the faith and hope of a coming Messiah, of reconciliation, and consummation. They trusted God to restore His kingdom. And one after another, they died without seeing the fulfillment of God’s promises.
How much stronger should our faith be? We have seen the coming of the Messiah. We have the more complete revelation of God’s redemptive plan. We have a new and better covenant. The writer of Hebrews made this same connection in chapter 12.

Hebrews 12:1-2

CALLED TO HOLINESS (to be like Jesus)

CALLED TO HOLINESS
(to be like Jesus)

Text: Selected Scriptures (LSB)

Introduction: As we were learning on Sunday, Peter contrasts holiness with being conformed to former passions (1 Pet. 1:14). Peter gives us several examples of holy conduct – submission to authority, honorable relationships, unity among believers, faithfulness in suffering so that others might glorify God (1 Pet. 1:12). We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mt. 22:36-40).

The pursuit of holiness is a process that requires us to be prepared for action at all times (1 Pet. 1:13) since we are in a battle against the devil himself (Eph. 6:11-13). But God equips us with spiritual armor to withstand in the evil day.

I. HISTORICAL & APOLOGETICS BACKGROUND
The Bible tells us that there is an unseen world in which we live. There are spiritual forces that affect our world and wage constant battle in and around human society.

[READ Ezek. 28:12-15]

12 “Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre and say to him, ‘Thus says Lord Yahweh,
“You had the seal of perfection,
Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
13 You were in Eden, the garden of God;
Every precious stone was your covering:
The ruby, the topaz, and the diamond;
The beryl, the onyx, and the jasper;
The lapis lazuli, the turquoise, and the emerald;
And the gold, the workmanship of your settings
And sockets, was in you.
On the day that you were created
They were prepared.
14 You were the anointed cherub who covers,
And I placed you there.
You were on the holy mountain of God;
You walked in the midst of the stones of fire.
15 You were blameless in your ways
From the day you were created
Until unrighteousness was found in you.

[READ Isa. 14:12-15]

12 How you have fallen from heaven,
O star of the morning, son of the dawn!
You have been cut down to the earth,
You who have weakened the nations!
13 But you said in your heart,
‘I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne above the stars of God,
And I will sit on the mount of assembly
In the recesses of the north.
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.’
15 Nevertheless you will be brought down to Sheol,
To the recesses of the pit.

To this day these demonic forces – the fallen angels – long to prevent people from seeing the light of the gospel and to harass, attack, and corrupt Christians.

On the other side of this eternal conflict is God and His holy angels. The angels are perfect, sinless, powerful creations of God. They are ministering spirits that carry out God’s plan, and they work for the benefit of God’s people. Their goal is to serve and glorify God. The people of God (born again believers in Christ) are included as part of this angelic army, while also being protected by its hosts.

In the church today, there seem to be two extreme views on this cosmic conflict with a minority taking the middle ground. Some ignore the spiritual conflict altogether. Others see a demon under every bush, equating sins with specific demons (such as “a demon of lust”) and “binding Satan” on a regular basis. I believe the biblical truth about spiritual warfare lies between these two extremes.

[READ Dan. 10:12-14]

12 Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you gave your heart to understand this and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was standing against me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me. Now I had been left there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the last days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.”

While most of these spiritual battles are fought out of our sight, Christians still have a part in them. Our Responsibility in SW Scripture commands us to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil (Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9); we are to destroy strongholds in the minds and hearts of people and take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:4-6); we are to take the Word of God to all the world and make disciples (Mt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Thes. 1:8), delivering people from the dominion of Satan to God (Acts 26:18); we are to continually study to show ourselves approved by God (2 Tim. 2:15). This is how Christians war – we fight with the gospel!

In Ephesians 3, Paul wrote about the mystery of the gospel that was accomplished in Christ Jesus. And that plan is being made known to the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” (Eph. 3:9-10) through the church. The existence, growth, preservation, and work of the church are the evidence to the heavenly enemies of God that God has won the victory through Jesus Christ. When Paul calls us to spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6, and to put on the armor of God, he is calling us to faithfulness in the Christian life. As we carefully fasten on this armor, we enter the battle and participate with God’s holy angels in the warfare that will rage until Christ returns in glory.

II. TO BE LIKE JESUS

Since the Bible calls us to be holy just like God is holy, we need to know what that looks like. We cannot strive to reach a standard if we don’t know what that standard is.

As believers in the new covenant, we are not bound to the broad set of laws given to the Israelites under the old covenant. So, how do we know what the standard of obedience to God in holiness looks like? As we look at the following references, I think it will become evident to you.

[READ Rom. 8:28-30]

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. 29 Because those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers; 30 and those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.

Though we are called by God and seek to love God, the trials in our lives are working to conform us into the image of Jesus. Jesus is the standard to which we are to look as we grow in holiness.

[READ 2 Cor. 3:14-18]

14 But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is brought to an end in Christ. 15 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart, 16 but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are being transformed into the image of the Lord Jesus.

[READ Eph. 4:11-16]

11 And He Himself gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the full knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming, 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being joined and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the properly measured working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

The saints are being taught by those appointed by Christ (through gifts of the Holy Spirit) to be conformed through the knowledge of the Son of God into the “measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” growing up in all things to be like Christ.

[READ 1 Jn. 3:2-10]

2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not been manifested as yet what we will be. We know that when He is manifested, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
4 Everyone who does sin also does lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested in order to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or has come to know Him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. The one who does righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 The one who does sin is of the devil, because the devil sins from the beginning. The Son of God was manifested for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 Everyone who has been born of God does not sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifested: everyone who does not do righteousness is not of God, as well as the one who does not love his brother.

Children of God hope in the promise of being made like Christ when He appears. This leads us to purify ourselves as He is pure, putting away the practice of sinning, practicing righteousness, and loving the brethren.

[READ Titus 3:3-8]

3 For we ourselves also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and affection of God our Savior appeared, 5 He saved us, not by works which we did in righteousness, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be intent to lead in good works. These things are good and profitable for men.

Because of the mercy Christ has shown, those who have believed God should be careful to devote themselves to good works, things that are excellent and profitable. These good works are contrasted with the former ways and divisiveness.

But when we stumble and fall in those valleys, we must remember that we do not make the climb in our own strength – we do it knowing that Christ has already made the journey for us and that His Spirit is in us. Knowing what Jesus has done for us gives us motivation to continue to strive to put away our own desires while we rest in the work He has done for us. As we walk up the mountain, we must keep the truths of the gospel in mind lest we become discouraged in our own efforts.

CALLED TO HOLINESS - Study Guide

CALLED TO HOLINESS
Answers (Lesson 173) -- July 9, 2025 - Supplemental Study

TEXT: Selected Scriptures (NASB)

INTRODUCTION: Peter contrasts holiness with being conformed to former passions (1 Pet. 1:14). Peter gives us several examples of holy conduct – submission to authority, honorable relationships, unity among believers, faithfulness in suffering – so that others might glorify God (1 Pet. 1:12). We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mt. 22:36-40).

I. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND & REVIEW

The Bible tells us that there is an unseen world in which we live. There are spiritual forces that affect our world and wage constant battle in and around human society.

Ezekiel 28:12-15 & Isaiah 14:12-15

To this day these demonic forces – the fallen angels – long to prevent people from seeing the light of the gospel and to harass, attack, and corrupt Christians.

Daniel 10:12-14

While most of these spiritual battles are fought out of our sight, Christians still have a part in them. Scripture commands us to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil (Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9); we are to destroy strongholds in the minds and hearts of people and take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:4-6); we are to take the Word of God to all the world and make disciples (Mt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Thes. 1:8), delivering people from the dominion of Satan to God (Acts 26:18); we are to continually study to show ourselves approved by God (2 Tim. 2:15). This is how Christians war – we fight with the gospel!

the victory through Jesus Christ. When Paull calls us to spiritual warfare, he is calling us to faithfulness in the Christian life. As we carefully fasten on this armor, we enter the battle and participate with God’s holy angels in the warfare that will rage until Christ returns in glory.

II. TO BE LIKE JESUS

Since the Bible calls us to be holy just like God is holy, we need to know what that looks like. We cannot strive to reach a standard if we don’t know what that standard is. As believers in the new covenant, we are not bound to the broad set of laws given to the Israelites under the old covenant. So, how do we know what the standard of obedience to God in holiness looks like? As we look at the following references, I think it will become evident to you.

Romans 8:28-30

Though we are called by God and seek to love God, the trials in our lives are working to conform us into the image of Jesus. Jesus is the standard to which we are to look as we grow in holiness.

2 Corinthians 3:14-18

By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are being transformed into the image of the Lord Jesus.

Ephesians 4:11-16

1 John 3:2-10

Children of God hope in the promise of being made like Christ when He appears. This leads us to purify ourselves as
He is pure, putting away the practice of sinning, practicing righteousness, and loving the brethren.

Titus 3:3-8

Therefore, rather than a what, as the standard for our obedience, we have a who. As believers, we are called to follow and imitate Jesus Christ. He is the only person who has lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father’s commands and God’s will. While we walk as Christians, we can think of it as a climb to the top of a hill resulting in holiness and conformity to the character of Jesus. We can see that peak in the distance as we walk. There may be some dips and valleys we pass through, but our goal should be to grow in holiness and to be like Christ in all we do. As we look back, we can see our former ignorant conduct below us and the progress that we have made toward being like Christ. As we look forward, we can see that we still have a long way to go before we are like Him. Ultimately, that will only be fulfilled when we are glorified with Him in eternity. But when we stumble and fall in those valleys, we must remember that we do not make the climb in our own strength – we do it knowing that Christ has already made the journey for us and that His Spirit is in us. Knowing what Jesus has done for us gives us motivation to continue to strive to put away our own desires while we rest in the work He has done for us. As we walk up the mountain, we must keep the truths of the gospel in mind lest we become discouraged in our efforts.