Introduction-

Church as a body, Eph. 4:14-21, Jn. 17

I. Jesus attracted people, and still does

A. Multitudes everywhere He went

B. He has attracted people ever since. (2.2 billion Christians in the world today. (third of world population) Around five billion in history) (Even non-Christians respect)

II. How He treated people

A. Not ambitious

1. Didn’t try to build a following (Luke 8:38-39- demoniac sent home)

2. Told people not to tell what He did, and who He was.

3. Not competitive- Mk. 9:38-41 (Not against us, on our side)

B. Not engaging in debate

1. Usual theological and political arena in their culture

2. Deflected debate- Mt. 21:23-27 (answered question with a question)

C. Treated people with respect

1. John 3- Jewish ruler (cf. Mk. 3:1-6)

2. John 4- Samaritan divorcee

3. John 8- woman caught in adultery

D. Cared about people

1. Looked on lost with compassion Mt. 9:35-36- sheep without shepherd

2. Touched people, including lepers and dead people

3. Needs of people more important than His own. Mark 6:30-44

E. Had a heart to save and forgive

1. Wanted to save, not destroy, Samaritan village. Lk. 9:51-56

2. Spent time with notorious sinners. Lk. 5:27-32

3. Sinful woman who anointed Him. Lk. 7:36-50

F. Patient

1. Doubting Thomas- Jn. 20:24-29

2. Restoration of Peter- Jn. 21:15-23

3. Parables explained privately- Mk. 4:33-34

G. Kept His cool- Lk. 8:22-25 (asleep in the boat)

H. He was all about love

1. New commandment- Jn. 13:31-35

2. Loved those who rejected Him. Mk. 10:17-22

III. Ultimately about grace.

“Favor with men” means “Grace with men”

IV. Self Assessment Questions

A. Are your arguments worth what they cost you?

B. Do people who encounter you know you care?

C. How many friends do you have, not counting relatives?

D. Do you have any non-Christian friends who aren’t your relatives?

E. Do you care about people getting saved? (Jesus never met a Christian)

F. Are you known for your love?

Conclusion- Summary on balance

Jesus grew in an amazing integration of mental, physical, spiritual and social health, balanced in each area, and between the four areas. If we are growing to be more like Him, His Word will bring the same balanced health into our lives and our church.

Balance hinges on choices.
(Lk. 5:15-16- Multitudes followed SO He often withdrew to wilderness)

I. Some preliminary questions-

A. What does “favor” mean? (Greek word “charis”)

B. How could Jesus possibly increase in favor with God? (Experiential, relational)

C. How did Jesus describe His relationship with God? (Father/Son)

1. Mt. 3:17, Mt. 17:5 (Bookends of ministry)
2. Jn. 3:16- heart of the Gospel

D. Challenges to seeing God as our Father (Father issues)

II. What does Jesus want us to know about the Father?

A. He is perfect. Mt. 5:48 “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

B. He forgives. Mt. 6:14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

C. He gives good gifts. Mt. 7:11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

D. He is merciful. Lk. 6:36 “Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”

E. He doesn’t want anyone to perish. Mt. 18:14 “Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”

F. Everything is possible with Him. Mark 14:36 “And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”

G. He knows what you need before you ask. Mt. 6:8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

H. He sees in secret and rewards openly. Mt. 6:4 “that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”

I. He takes care of birds, and you. Mt. 6:26 “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

J. He is compassionate to lost children. Lk. 15:20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”

K. He raises the dead. Jn. 5:21 “For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”

L. He loves you. Jn. 14:21 “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

M. He gives bread from heaven. Jn. 6:32 “Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven.”

N. He wants to live with you. Jn. 14:23 “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”

O. He won’t leave you alone. Jn. 8:29 “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”

P. He draws you to Jesus. Jn. 6:44 “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Q. He answers prayers. Jn. 16:23 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.”

R. You are safe in His hand. Jn. 10:29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”

S. He is a teacher. Jn. 8:28 “Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.”

T. He is a vinedresser. Jn. 15:1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.”

U. He qualifies us for an inheritance. Colossians 1:12 “giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.”

V. Gives everlasting hope and comfort. 2 Thes. 2:16 “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace,”

W. Gives grace, mercy and peace. 2 Timothy 1:2 “To Timothy, a beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

X. He makes us His children. 1 John 3:1 “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!* Therefore the world does not know us,* because it did not know Him.”

Y. He is the Father of mercies and God of comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,”

Z. He doesn’t change. James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

III. How did Jesus grow in closeness to God?
P

A. Obedience- Jn. 8:29 “I always do those things that please Him.”

B. Submission- Lk. 22:42 “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Lk. 23:46 “And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ”

C. Spent time with Him. (Like any relationship.)

Mt. 14:23 “And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.”

Mt. 26:36 “Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.”

Mark 6:46 “And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.”

Mark 14:32 “Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”

Luke 6:12 “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”

Luke 9:28 “Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.”

Luke 11:1 “Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

Turn to Mark 1:35- Read.

IV. Jesus desires for us to grow in favor with God.

A. Don’t settle for distance with God just because you are used to distance.

B. The Father wants to be your daddy. Galatians 4:6 “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

C. Requires obedience, submission and time.

V. Self assessment questions.

A. How have your “father issues” affected your closeness to God?

B. Do you really want to be close to God?

C. Is there anything in the way that keeps you from being closer to God?

D. Are you spending quality time with God?

I. Physical vs. Spiritual

A. Gnosticism- physical bad, spiritual good

B. Biblical emphasis on physical

1. Majority of Law was about the body.
2. Care for body after death (Jacob, Joseph, Saul, Moses, Jesus)
3. Genealogies, promises “from your own body”

C. Integration of physical and spiritual

1. Mt. 26:26 “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed* and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”
2. Romans 8:23 “Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”
3. 2 Cor 4:10 “always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.”
4. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

II. Body as Temple of HS- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

A. Not brought under power of anything. V. 12

B. Body for Lord, Lord for body. V. 13-18

C. Body is temple of HS. Not yours. V. 19

D. Glorify God in body and spirit. They are His. V. 20

III. Balanced Physical Life Implications

A. Not vanity- Don’t worry about what you eat, drink or wear. Mt. 6

B. Godliness is the priority- 1 Tim. 4:8- bodily exercise cf Godliness

C. Body is valuable, and must be treated as such

1. Discipline my body- 1 Cor. 9:27*
2. Eat balanced diet- Prov. 23:1-3*
3. Don’t neglect the body- Col. 2:23
4. Present your body- Rom. 12:1-2

IV. How did Jesus increase physically?

A. Hard work (carpentry)

B. His diet

1. Simple (fish, fruit, vegetables) Like Daniel and friends Dan. 1
2. Fasted (40 days)

C. Exercise program (Walked)

1. Estimated 3,125 miles in last three years
2. 200 muscles used to take a step (1/4 of bones are in the foot)

D. Results- most incredible feat of endurance ever (for us)

IV. Self Assessment Questions

A. Why do I eat the way I eat?

B. How far do I walk in a week?

C. Am I abusing my body in any way? (sin, neglect, lack of sleep, overweight)

D. How can I more effectively glorify God in my body?

Introduction-

I. Wisdom defined- Applied knowledge, creative decision making, knowing how to put things together, seeing the big picture

II. Wisdom Exemplified

A. God in creation- Proverbs 3:19

B. Artisans- Exodus

C. Solomon- 1 Kings 3, 10 (Sheba)

D. Jesus- Mt. 12- Sabbath, John 8- adulterous woman

III. What wisdom looks like-James 3

A. Negatively described- selfishness crushes wisdom

B. Positively described

IV. How to become wise

A. Fear God- Proverbs 9:10

B. Pray- James 1:5

C. Study the Bible carefully and freshly. Jesus with Satan- Mt. 4, Lk. 4

D. Look at the big picture

1. Be patient- no quick answers
2. Eliminate selfishness
3. Listen and observe (don’t stop learning)

V. Wisdom and balance- Self Assessment Questions
A. How many people ask for my advice? (Not how many people do I voluntarily give advice to)
B. How have my recent choices, and my major life choices, worked out?
C. Do I think before I act or answer?
D. Am I happy? Proverbs 3:13ff

Mark 16 (prophesied)
Acts 2 (Day of Pentecost), Acts 10 (Cornelius’ house), Acts 19 (Ephesus)
1 Corinthians 12-14 (14 times in 12 verses)

We will focus our attention on Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians concerning Tongues

Not everyone has the gift of tongues. (ch. 12:30)
Tongues without love are worthless. (ch. 13:1) (side note- ch. 13:1 does not teach that tongues are an angelic language.)
Tongues will cease, when the perfect comes. (ch. 13:8-10)
One speaking in tongues speaks to God. (ch. 14:2)
Tongues is self-edifying, whereas prophecy edifies the church. (ch. 14:4)
Tongues with interpretation is roughly equivalent to prophecy. (ch. 14:5,13)
Paul wished they all could speak in tongues. (ch. 14:5)
Prophecy is better for the church than tongues. (ch. 14:5ff.)
Speaking in tongues doesn’t benefit the body, because it makes no sense. (ch. 14:6-17)
It is not either/or. It is both/and. (ch. 14:15)
Paul wouldn’t speak in tongues in church. (ch. 14:19)
People who misuse tongues need to grow up. (ch. 14:20-21)
Tongues are a sign for unbelievers, not believers. (ch. 14:22) (Implies hearing their native tongue.)
Consider the effect of tongues and prophecy on unbelievers. (ch. 14:23-25)
Every use of all gifts in the church, including tongues, is for edification. (ch. 14:26)
When tongues are used in church, only two or three, in turn, and only with interpretation. (ch. 14:27-28)
The gift is under the control and discipline of the person using it. (ch. 14:30-33)
Women should keep silent in the church. (Context of prophecy and tongues.) (ch. 14:34-35)
Don’t forbid to speak with tongues. (ch. 14:39)

Summary- Three distinct uses of the gift of tongues. 1) Speaking a foreign language so an unbeliever hears it in his native tongue. 2) Speaking in tongues, then interpreting, as a substitute for prophecy. 3) Praying in tongues in private, to communicate with God, and edify yourself. The first use was only seen once, in Acts 2, but was perhaps used in the early evangelistic efforts, and any modern usage would be very rare, if real. The second use could perhaps be useful, if Biblical guidelines are adhered to, in cases where there are not people with the gift of prophecy. Obviously these uses are also rare, if they exist at all today. The third use is how Paul used the gift of tongues, and he did it more than anyone. As long as we have the need to communicate with God, and to be edified personally by Him, this should be a consideration for us. But we shouldn’t forget everything else he tells us about the gifts, and the need for humility and diversity.

Preliminary Observations-

Gifts are varied, ministries are different, activities vary. But God is One. (1 Cor 12:4-6)
Gifts are given to individuals, to profit the body. (1 Cor. 12:7)
The Spirit distributes gifts individually, according to His will. (1 Cor. 12:11)
Every member of the body needs every other member of the body. (1 Cor, 12:14-26)
No gift is universal. (1 Cor. 12:29-30)
Love is way more important than gifts. (1 Cor. 13)
Being gifted and being spiritual are two different things. (1 Cor. 12-14)

Lists of the gifts-

1 Corinthians 12

Word of Wisdom- Wisdom is application of knowledge. What to do.
Word of Knowledge- Information. Knowing things.
Faith- Believing what you can’t see. Being consistent/dependable.
Gifts of Healing- Supernatural physical and/or emotional healing.
Working of Miracles- Doing the apparently impossible.
Prophecy- Speaking forth God’s Word. Either fore-telling or forth-telling. (Edification, exhortation and comfort. 1 Cor. 14: 3)
Discerning of spirits- Either special ability to sense spiritual activity, or just general discernment and judgement.
Tongues- at least three distinct uses (will discuss next week)
Interpretation of Tongues- ability to translate what is said in a tongue.
Apostle- One who is sent out. In a technical sense, one who had authority and founding leadership in the early church. In a more general sense, a missionary or church planter.
Teaching- Ability to communicate and explain God’s Word.
Helps- The ability to assist others. (anti- opposite + lambano- take)
Administration- The ability to pilot or direct.

Romans 12

Prophecy- see above
Ministry- Service (diakonia) Literally one who runs errands.
Teaching- see above
Exhortation- Called alongside to help. (parakaleo)
Giving- Generous sharing.
Leading- To stand before. (pro-istayme)
Mercy- To have compassion

Ephesians 4

Apostles- see above
Prophets- see above
Evangelists- Sharing the Gospel.
Pastor/Teacher- Shepherd/Teachers

Conclusion- You are uniquely gifted to make a contribution in the church. If you are not using your gifts, you are missing out, and so are others. You only discover your abilities through experience. Get busy!

The Holy Spirit is a personal being just as the Father and the Son. The Spirit is not an impersonal “it” or simply an influence.

A. The Spirit has personal characteristics.

1. (1 Cor. 2:10-11) Various personal actions seen.

2. He has emotions (Eph.4:30 – “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit”).

B. The Spirit acts in personal ways.

1. He teaches us (John 14:26).

2. He commands (Acts 8:29). Tells Phillip to overtake chariot.

3. He intercedes for us in prayer (Rom.8:26).

C. The Spirit is described in personal terms grammatically. The Greek word for Spirit (pneuma) is neuter in gender, yet the Bible uses masculine pronouns (“He,” “Him”) to refer to the Spirit (John 16:13-14; 15:26; 16:7-8. To be grammatically correct, personal neuter pronouns (“it”) would be expected.

II. The Holy Spirit is God.

A. He has the names and titles of deity.

1. Yahweh – What the Lord (Yahweh) said in Is.6:8-13 is ascribed to the Holy Spirit in Acts 28:25-27

2. Spirit of God (Rom.8:9,14; 1 Cor.2:11; 12:3; Eph.4:30)

C. He performs incommunicable works (no one but God can do them).

1. Creation (Gen.1:2)

2. Resurrection (Rom.8:11)

3. Omnipresence Ps. 139

D. He is equated with deity.

1. Acts 5:3,4 – a lie to Spirit equals lie to God

2. 2 Cor.3:17,18 – “The Lord is the Spirit”

III. The Holy Spirit’s role in the OT.

A. He took part in creation (Gen.1:2; Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30).

B. He guided and protected Israel (Isaiah 63:10-14).

C. He spoke through prophets to produce Scripture (1 Peter 1:11: 2 Peter 1:20,21).

D. He selectively and conditionally indwelt certain people in the Old Testament (Joseph – Gen.41:38; Joshua – Num.27:18; Saul – 1 Sam.10:9,10; David – 1 Sam.16:13 etc.). The Spirit’s indwelling was specifically related to enabling someone to do a particular task. The Holy Spirit could cease to indwell a person because of their disobedience. The Spirit left Saul (1 Sam.16:14). When David sinned he pled that the Spirit not be taken from him (Psalm 51:11).

IV. The Holy Spirit’s role in the New Testament

A. He was the empowering Agent in Christ’s earthly life.

1. He was the Agent of Christ’s virgin birth (Luke 1:35).

2. He empowered Christ’s ministry (Matt.12:28; Luke 4:1,18).

3. He was the Agent of Christ’s resurrection (Rom.1:4; 8:11).

B. He is central in salvation (How people are saved).

1. He directs and enables evangelistic efforts (Philip/Ethiopian – Acts 8:26,29; Great Commission – Acts 1:8).

2. He convicts the unbeliever of sin (John 16:8-11).

3. He regenerates (saves) the person.

a. He cleanses the person from sin and gives them the new nature (Titus 3:5).

b. As He performs this spiritual “new birth,” the person enters “the kingdom of God” (eternal life – John 3:3-7,16).

4. He seals the person. The presence of the Holy Spirit is the “seal” or guarantee that a person is saved and will remain saved (Eph.1:13).

C. He is central in sanctification (How saved people grow).

1. He indwells believers.

a. The Spirit indwells all believers in this age (Rom.5:5; 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19). (unlike the Old Testament where the Spirit indwelt some)

b. The Spirit indwells believers permanently in this age (John 14:16). (unlike the Old Testament where the Spirit could depart)

c. The Spirit’s indwelling is the basis for His other ministries in believer’s lives. (He teaches/illumines us about scripture – John 16:13; He aids in prayer – Rom.8:26; He assures us of our salvation – Rom.8:16; He enables us to grow – see “filling” below – Eph.5:18).

2. He gives gifts to believers. Ephesians 4:8, 1. Corinthians 12:11

3. He fills believers. Eph. 5:18

D. He glorifies Jesus (Jn. 16:14)

Introduction-
1. This is a difficult area of discussion, and has been throughout history.
2. It’s a family discussion, between brothers and sisters. There are no bad guys.
3. This is a study that DEMANDS humility. We are intruding into the mind and character of the God Who is Almighty, and incomprehensible in His essence.

I. Total Depravity- “Man is unable to do anything to save himself, or to prepare himself for salvation.”
A. The case for Total Depravity, in a nutshell- 1. Corinthians 2:14 says the natural man can’t receive the things of the Spirit. Ephesians 2:1,9 say that before regeneration we were spiritually dead. Dead people can’t respond, cooperate, or do anything. (Other Scriptures include John 14:17 and Romans 3:10-12.)
B. The case against Total Depravity, in a nutshell- There are verses that surround the verses cited that contradict or qualify Total Depravity. The references to people being “dead” are metaphorical. But to go with it as literal would beg the question, “Can dead people sin, or be found guilty?” Can people be justly held responsible for something to which it is impossible for them to respond to? (Arminians also often teach that the death of Jesus removed Original Sin from everyone, and gave all the ability to respond to God’s call.) (Pelagians believe that God and man cooperate in salvation, and that man makes the first move. Semi-Pelagians believe that man and God cooperate in salvation, but that God makes the first move, to everyone. Both positions have been considered to be heretical throughout church history.)
C. Conclusions- Both sides believe that people are unable to save themselves. That is obviously the critical point. The argument as to “how unable are they?” would seem to be more academic than practical and meaningful. Whatever man may or may not be able to do, salvation is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9) and if man had a part in his own salvation he would brag about it. However, as man is held responsible for rejecting Jesus, I’d hesitate in framing my Soteriology in such a way that a response would be impossible.

II. Unconditional Election- “God chose individuals for salvation, without having any criteria outside His own will.”
A. The case for Unconditional Election, in a nutshell- Ephesians 1:4,5 says that we were chosen before the foundation of the world. Thus, nothing that happens in creation, or by created beings, could have influenced that choice. Also, Jesus said in John 15:16, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.” Romans 8:30 says that “Whom He predestined, these He also called; Whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”
B. The case against Unconditional Election, in a nutshell- In general, the passages that refer to predestination or election are, in context, speaking more of fruitfulness than salvation. And those that do refer to salvation, such as Romans 8:29-30 and 1Peter 1:2 put foreknowledge at the beginning. This makes the Arminian argument (and even the Semi-Pelagian argument) that He based His election on what He knew the people would decide for themselves. Other Arminians, such as N.T. Wright, have suggested, based on the Old Testament usage of “election” that only groups and categories of people are elect, and that individuals are not individually chosen.
C. Conclusions- The precise definition of foreknowledge is critical here. Does it mean, as Arminians state, that God knew what people would do, or does it mean, as Calvinists interpret, that God knew what HE would do? Unfortunately, the Bible doesn’t define the term. The Arminian understanding of election, that God chose based on what we would decide, seems to destroy the meaningfulness of election. Why would I be blessed at being chosen by God, if I was actually the one that made it happen? That would seem to be no choice at all. On the other hand, my response to Him would seem to be meaningless if I have no legitimate choice in the matter. God sovereignly chose us, and we should take great comfort in that. However, for us to put limits and qualifications on the criteria God used in making His elective decision would seem to go beyond our pay grade. Thus, it might be wiser to say, “God chose us for reasons known only to Himself.” Since He can do whatever He chooses, He perhaps could have considered individual human responses in His decision, but the Bible doesn’t state that, or deny that.

III. Limited Atonement (Particular Redemption)- “Jesus died for those who would be saved, thus only for the elect.”
A. The case for Limited Atonement, in a nutshell- If Jesus died for you, your sins were paid for, and you are saved. How could He take the sins of someone on Himself, on the cross, and have them still be guilty of those sins? John 3:16 states that His gift was only given for those who believe in Him. Isaiah 53:8 states that He was stricken for “my people.” John 1:13 says those who are regenerated were not born of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. An Unlimited Atonement would necessitate Universalism, where everyone gets saved.
B. The case against Limited Atonement, in a nutshell- Jesus died for the sins of the world. John 3:16 says God so loved the world that He gave His Son. Isaiah 53:6 says “the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (The “all” referred to is the same “all” in the beginning of the verse: the ones who went astray.) John 1:12 says that as many as received Him became His children. 2 Peter 2:1 refers to heretics who “denied the Lord who bought them.” Powerful problem for advocates of Limited Atonement.
C. Conclusions- Everyone except Universalists has to limit the atonement somewhere, and Universalists are clearly wrong, based on Scripture. All Calvinists and Arminians believe that Jesus’ death was sufficient for all. His life and death were of infinite worth. We also all believe that His death was only efficient for some. It only saved those who accepted Him. Beyond that, it might be wise to leave the details to the One who didn’t choose to reveal them.

IV. Irresistible Grace- “When God chooses someone for salvation, they will always respond.”
A. The case for Irresistable Grace, in a nutshell- God is sovereign, and does whatever He wants. Romans 9:14-20 makes it clear that God does what He wills. John 5:21 says that the Son raises whom He wills.
B. The case against Irresistable Grace, in a nutshell- The Bible is full of examples of people resisting God’s grace. When Jesus was weeping over Jerusalem, in Matthew 23:37 and Luke 17:34, He says, “I longed to gather you, but you would not.” That is a clear indication that God’s desires can be frustrated by man’s will. Additionally, 2 Peter 3:9 states that God isn’t willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance.
C. Conclusions- In our experience, God’s grace sometimes seems irresistible. C.S. Lewis said he was “dragged, kicking and screaming, into the kingdom of God.” If God desires, He can certainly exert His will in a way that no one can resist. But it would seem that God could also sovereignly choose to give man an amount of autonomy and will, within the constraints of His chosen limitations. God had reasons for permitting man the opportunity to sin and fail. Human will seems to be really valuable to God. We don’t want to put limits on God, but we also don’t want to fall into a determinism, that ultimately renders God responsible for sin, as in “double predestination.”

V. Perseverance of the Saints- “If someone is truly saved, they will remain saved. If someone leaves the faith it shows that they were never really of the faith.”
A. The case for Perseverance of the Saints, in a nutshell- Salvation is something that you can presently know you have. That is one of the stated purposes for writing 1 John, according to 1 John 5:13. Then John 5:24 refers to presently having eternal life. In John 6:35-37 Jesus says that He won’t cast out anyone who comes to Him. In John 10:27-29, He says His sheep hear His voice, follow Him, and will never perish because they are safe in the hand of the Father. Several scriptures, such as Ephesians 4:30, refer to being sealed by the Holy Spirit. Anyone who seems to be a Christian, but falls away, would be one of those described in 1 John 2:19, who went out from us in order to prove they weren’t really one of us.
B. The case against Perseverance of the Saints, in a nutshell- There are passages, including several in Hebrews, that seem to warn against falling away. In John 15 Jesus warned repeatedly about abiding in Jesus. Why would He do that if not abiding is impossible for true believers. Revelation 3:5 seems to refer to the possibility of having your name blotted out of the Book of Life. It is unfair to broadbrush everyone who leaves the faith, no matter what their level of involvement was, as just never really getting it.
C. Conclusions- The controversy is largely semantical. If you don’t have faith in Jesus when you die, it really doesn’t matter what you call what you used to have. If it didn’t last forever, it wasn’t eternal life.

VI. Final appeals
A. To my Calvinist brothers- Be careful, in defining your Soteriology, to not sacrifice any Scriptures in the interest of systematizing your theology. Leave room for God to be bigger than your present understanding of Him. Make it very clear that God is not responsible for sin. Uphold the responsibility of each individual to answer to God for their sins. People who spend an eternity in hell will do so because of their own sins. Care about everyone. Maintain humility. Speak kindly concerning those who don’t share your views.
B. To my Arminian brothers- Be careful, in defining your Soteriology, to not sacrifice any Scriptures in the interest of systematizing your theology. Leave room for God to be bigger than your present understanding of Him. Make it clear that God can do whatever He wants to do. Don’t present God as a victim. Find a way to glory in the fact that God chose you. Don’t sit in judgement against God. Maintain salvation as a gift from God. Maintain humility. Speak kindly concerning those who don’t share your views.

C. To all my brothers and sisters- Don’t be reduced to anyone’s “ism.” The church didn’t begin with the Reformation. It also didn’t begin with the Charismatic renewal or the Fundamentalist movement or the Welsh revival or the Wesleys or in a tent in Costa Mesa. It began on the Day of Pentecost, and the gates of hell haven’t prevailed against it still. Our family goes back almost two thousand years. Embrace all those, from whatever tradition, and from our entire family history, who uphold the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Be Jesus People.

I have really enjoyed the last eight weeks we’ve spent in Revelation 2 and 3. These seven letters are as relevant today as they were when Jesus wrote them. The letters preach themselves. I just went along for the ride.

My lasting impression is how passionately Jesus desires to be close to us, and how consistently we find different ways of avoiding that closeness. Intimacy is so risky, so threatening, so positively dangerous and reckless. And yet it is what we desperately need, and even want. And the One most worthy of our trust and vulnerability, the One who died for us, beckons us, through the years, to come close. Yet we still find ourselves chasing after any alternative. How we need to repent (change our way of thinking) and just come home and relax in His grace. Be still…and know.

Christ’s View of Scripture-

Constantly quoted from OT, treating it as historical fact.

Mt. 12:41- Jonah and Nineveh

Spoke of veracity of Scripture.

Mt. 5:17-20- every detail will be fulfilled

Jn. 10:35- can’t be broken

Quoted Scripture when being tempted (Mt. 4:4ff)

Taught from OT after resurrection (Luke 24:25-47) Emmaus Road

Credited to God numerous times (Mt 22:41-46) David spoke by Spirit

Apostles’ View of Scripture

Constantly quoted from OT

Attested to Inspiration (2 Tim. 3:13-17) (2 Peter 1:19-21)

Minute details mattered (Gal. 3:16) seed

Claimed inspiration for themselves (1 Cor. 2:13, 14:37)

Mixed OT and NT- (1 Tim. 5:18- from Dt. 25:4 and Lk. 10:7)

Referred to each other’s writing as Scripture (2 Peter 3:14-18)

What Inerrancy means- When all the facts are known, the Scriptures, in their original autographs, when properly interpreted, will be shown to be true in everything they affirm.

Original autographs

Not dictation. God working through man.

Doesn’t demand strict adherence to rules of grammar.

Doesn’t mean no use of figures of speech or literary genre.

Doesn’t insist on current standards of precision.

Doesn’t demand technical language of modern science.

Doesn’t require verbal exactness when citing OT in NT.

Doesn’t require verbal exactness in citing quotes of Jesus.

Doesn’t guarantee exhaustive comprehensiveness of any single account.

Practical Inerrancy, and why inerrancy matters.

In order to have a defensible epistemology (or a useful basis for truth) we have to start somewhere. If we begin with a Bible that is only partly from God, then who decides which parts have authority? Whoever decides will control the effect the Bible has on us. Given to our own devices, we will reject anything that tells us we are wrong, and our greatest need is to have God tell us where we are wrong. I would then ultimately be my own savior, and ultimately my voice would be god’s voice. If the man who represents himself in court has a fool for an attorney, as Ben Franklin contended, then how pathetic is the man who has himself for a god?