New Testament Survey II - Wendell Parr - Charis Bible College IN

Test Review/Class Recap

Lesson 1 - 1 & 2 Thessalonians (author Paul)

1 Thessalonians Theme: 2nd Coming of the Lord (strengthen the church at Thessalonica & believers everywhere in our faith and give assurance of Christ's return).

(Note: Paul deals with the truth of 2nd Coming more practical than doctrinal)

Specifically, Paul deals with the 2nd Coming of the Lord in relation to the believer's 1) encouragement, 2) comfort, 3) watchfulness, and 4) sanctification

One reason or occasion that Paul wrote to the Thessalonians was some in expectation of the Lord's soon return thought it not necessary to work; they had fallen into error.

2 Thessalonians Theme: Paul sets forth the 2nd Coming of the Lord in relation to the 1)persecuted believers, 2) unrepentant sinners, and 3) the apostate (or abandonment of the faith)church. (i.e. to clear up the confusion about the 2nd Coming of Christ).

In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Paul deals with the "Day of the Lord" to correct false teaching that the day of the Lord had already come. "The Day of the Lord" will be a period of great tribulation on the earth (reference Joel 1:15, 2:1, 3:14; and Isaiah 2:10-22).


Lesson 2 - 1 & 2 Timothy (author Paul)

1 Timothy was Paul's first pastoral epistle.

1 Timothy Theme: Paul's first pastoral epistle address to ministers for the purpose of instructing them in NT church government (it's a biblical blueprint for NT church to function). In summary, qualifications and duties of Christian minister and his relationship to the church, home and world.


2 Timothy Theme: Loyalty to the the Lord and His Truth (The Word) in view of present and future persecutions and apostasy. The Word of God will strengthen against upcoming persecutions.


Lesson 3 - Titus & Philemon (author Paul)

Titus Theme: 1) The organization of a true Church of Christ
and 2) an appeal to the church to be a true Church of Christ.

Occasion or purpose: To advise Titus, a Greek convert, in the organization of the church/churches on the island of Crete.

Key verse: Titus 3:9-10 Mark those that cause division and avoid them.


Philemon Theme: the power of gospel in the solution of social problems. Specifically, to convince Philemon to forgive his runaway slave Onesimus, and accept him as a brother in the faith.

Note Philemon was probably a wealth member of the Colossian church (hint: God doesn't mind you being wealthy, he had Paul write a whole letter to one.

Wendell's insight/revelation: This book shadows our salvation

1) Onesimus (slave) forsaking his master (sinners)
2) Paul (type of Christ) finding Onesimus
3) Paul interceding for him (Jesus makes intercession for us)
4) Paul identifies with him (Our Elder Brother, Jesus is a great high priest who can be touch because He was tempted at all points)
5) Paul offering to pay his debt (Jesus died on the cross for you and me).
6) Philemon receiving Onesimus on Paul's account (God receives us on the account of Jesus' sacrifice).
7) Onesimus, the slave's restoration to the master's Philemon's favor. We have been redeemed


Lesson 4 - Hebrews (author Paul, Barnabas, Luke, Clement, or Apollos)

The author of Hebrews had a great deal of Paul's influence, probably one of his disciples and is NOT important in the scope of eternity.

Hebrews Theme: 1) ???
and 2) Sets for the superiority of Jesus Christ's New Covenant over the Judaic shadows of the Old Covenant.

Occasion or purpose: To check the apostasy of Jewish Christians who tempted to return to Judaism. Modern day to check NT saints who want to return to the Old Testament law or NT grace covenant.

Key verse/word: Hebrews 10:1/better. The religion of Jesus Christ is superior to Judaism for it has a better covenant, High Priest, sacrifice, and tabernacle. (reference: Colossians 2:16-17)


Lesson 5 - James (author James, Jesus' half-brother, a leader in the Jerusalem church)

James Theme: practical Christianity: James insists that a believer's relationship with God should have an effective balance between deep faith and practical action. Neither stands alone.

Key verse: James 1:22 - Be ye doers of the word & not just hearers only deceiving yourselves.

Key verse: James 2:20 - Faith without works is dead!

Those who profess great confidence in God's grace, but do NOT recognize the necessity of corresponding purity of life.


Lesson 6 - 1st & 2nd Peter (author Peter)

1 Peter Theme: 1) sufficiency of divine grace, 2) to offer encouragement to suffering Crhristians who had been driven out of Jerusalem, scattered thoughout Asia minor and all believers everywhere. (encouragement)

Purpose or occasion: to encourage believers to hold fast during suffering and exhort them to holiness.

Holiness or grace/liberty: either truth taken to an extreme is hearsay!

2 Peter Theme: 1) to warn of the danger of false teacher/doctrine within the Church and for Christians to grow in their faith and experiential knowledge of Christ. In summary, experiential knowledge of Christ is a stronghold against a false teaching an an unholy life. (warning)

Lesson 7 - 1, 2, 3 John (author John) & Jude (author Jude, Jesus' half-brother)

1 John Theme: To reassure Christians in their faith through fellowship with the Father.

2 John Theme: To emphasize Christians the basics of following Christ, obeying the truth and avoiding fellowship with false teachers (or enemies of the truth).

Key verse: 2 John 10-11 warns a hospital Christian lady against entertaining false teachers. Christians must not entertain false teachers.

3 John Theme: To commend Gaius for his hospitality and encourage him in his Christian walk against the danger of domineering leadership.

Jude Theme: To remind the church of the need for constant vigilance (keep themselves spotless and contend (keep strong) their faith defending it against heresy.

Purpose or occasion: The book of Jude warns against apostates within the Church who denied the faith and still retained the membership.

Lesson 8 – Revelation (author John)

Revelation Theme: To reveal the full identity/glory of Christ and to give warning and hope to the believer for this age or dispensation.

Purpose or occasion: The book of Revelation is a prophecy (a prophetic word) for our dispensation (church age).

GENESIS -> REVELATION

  • Paradise lost -> Paradise regained and restored
  • First city/community a failure -> City/community of the redeemed
  • Beginning of the curse -> No more curse
  • Marriage of the first Adam -> Marriage of the Second Adam (Jesus & His bride, the church)
  • First Tears -> Tears wiped away
  • Satan’s entrance -> Satan’s doom
  • Old creation -> New Creation
  • Communion broken -> Communion restored

Thanksgiving: A Lifestyle, Not Just a Holiday

TODAY IN THE WORD
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Read: Psalm 100

Note #1: The Goodness of Jesus: Praise is heart health insurance

Note #2: A biblical understanding of thanksgiving means intentionally cultivating a grateful heart!

unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus


Today in the Word

Sunday, October 18, 2009
Read: Romans 15:5-13




Romans 15:5 (NIV) May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,

Listen Now!

Got a question? Ask the wise king.

Read: 1 Kings 10:1-29

v 10:3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her.

King Solomon wisdom foreshadowed that of King Jesus. Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 12:42 “Now one greater than Solomon is here.” So if you have a question, don't hesitate to ask God, "nothing is too hard for Him."

v 10:23 King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.

Again as a foreshadow of Christ, King Solomon was richer & wiser than all other kings. Christ is richer & wiser than all other kings/kingdoms (namely, the prince of the air). The devil don't have the most riches, nor is he wiser than our Messiah. Stick with Christ for riches and wisdom beyond comparison!

Solomon is only a shadow of the splendor of God's kingdom. ~ TITW

Who among us will build in the house of the Lord?

Read: 1 Kings 5:1-18

Today in the Word

First, Solomon's project was wisely grounded in the peace of God (vv. 4-5). He did not claim credit for himself, but recognized that building success was only possible in the context of peace from God.

Second, Solomon's idea for a temple was founded on God's promise to David. Solomon's construction project wasn't grounded in his own vision.

Additionally, Gentiles were an integral part of the building of God's house, foreshadowing the words of Jesus: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Mark 11:17; cf. Isa. 56:7). Though starting with Israel, God's kingdom would eventually include non-Jews as well. Today's passage hints at the expansive purpose of God for His people.

v. 14 He sent them off to Lebanon in shifts of ten thousand a month, so that they spent one month in Lebanon and two months at home...

Solomon wisely had set up work life balance to keep men happy during construction of God's house.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

5:1-9 There is no adversary of Satan to oppose or to hinder temple work. ... Tyre supplies Israel with craftsmen, Israel will supply Tyre with corn, ... Thus, by the wise disposal of Providence, one country has need of another, and is benefitted by another, that there may be dependence on one another, to the glory of God.

5:10-18 The temple was chiefly built by the riches and labour of Gentiles, which typified their being called into the church. Solomon commanded, and they brought costly stones for the foundation. Christ, who is laid for a Foundation, is a chosen and precious Stone...

1 Kings 3:2

3:2 The people, however, were still sacrificing at the high places, because a temple had not yet been built for the Name of the Lord.

An intriguing scripture! Lord I pray for your revelation.

HIGH PLACES BEING IN USE HIS SACRIFICES AT GIBEON.
high places were altars erected on natural or artificial eminences, probably from the idea that men were brought nearer to the Deity. They had been used by the patriarchs, and had become so universal among the heathen that they were almost identified with idolatry. They were prohibited in the law (Leviticus 17:3,4,Deuteronomy 12:13,14, Jeremiah 7:31, Ezekiel 6:3,4, Hosea 10:8). But, so long as the tabernacle was migratory and the means for the national worship were merely provisional, the worship on those high places was tolerated. Hence, as accounting for their continuance, it is expressly stated (1 Kings 3:2) that God had not yet chosen a permanent and exclusive place for his worship. ~ Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatoryon the Whole Bible

Give back everything that belonged to her

God will restore everything that the devil will try to steal!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Because you have seen me, you have believed. - John 20:29
TODAY IN THE WORD



2 Kings 8:6b "...Then he [the King] assigned an official to her case and said to him, "Give back everything that belonged to her, including all the income from her land from the day she left the country until now."

and he let none of his words fall to the ground

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-21

v3.19 The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground.

Prayer: Lord, as I preach for You, please let me hear from You! and as you did for Samuel let none of my words fall to the ground. Lord, as my wife prophesy in Your Name, please let her hear from You! and as you did for Samuel let none of her words fall to the ground.

conceited or confident? What's the difference?

Read: 1 Samuel 17:17-58

in the passage above, Eliab, David's oldest brother, accused him of being conceited (v. 28)

to which David simply turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter (v.30)

Was David conceited or confident? Conceit or confidence depends on whom you place your trust in.

Based upon David's testimony (v. 34-37) and his conversation with Goliath (v.45), David knew the battle is the LORD's! (v. 47) "David revealed the source of his confidence—it was not in experience or the king's armor or his brother's approval. It was in the Lord."

The difference between conceit and confidence is the source of the trust. All believers should have confident in their Lord's ability to deliver them. This may appear as conceit to the world!

"No one took David seriously, not Eliab or Saul or Goliath. But David's confidence wasn't based on the approval of others. Where do we find our confidence? Do we trust our own resources, or our shining resume, or our bank account? Do we seek approval from others, or rest secure in our knowledge of God? We will all face challenges in life, moments when we are asked to stand for what is right. To the world, we might appear insignificant. But God can use even one person willing to be courageous for Him. "




Sunday 8/16 Sermon Notes


Go,

depression is a decision to yield to circumstances ~ Bishop Odell Townsend, Sr

Where you are today is because of where your previous thoughts have brought you, too. ~ Bishop Townsend

You will be tomorrow where your thoughts today take you. Bishop Townsend

nothing will ever be accomplished if all the obstacles have to be removed before you go! ~ Bishop Townsend



King Josiah - repairer of the breach

Read: 2 Chronicles 34:1-33

King Joshiah: Is the Ultimate Repairer:

At age 26, he not only launched repairs of the temple, but more importantly upon learning what God's book says: He repented and led the nation in renewing their covenant with the Lord.

My prayer: Lord, help me to lead nations (people) in renewing their covenant with you, whether it's with covenant with you in marriage, covenant with you in church attending, covenant with you in giving or especially covenant with you in bring them to you!


While he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David. - 2 Chronicles 34:3

this is a sermon in itself! A spiritually sensitive and perceptive heart can be nurtured even in young people. Youth Leaders: let's be mindful of this

A call to persevere

Jude 1:17-25 (New International Version)

21Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

"...the maintenance of our faith and the laying hold of eternal life is a constant fight.” ~ John Piper (hear devotional)

Jude concludes his letter with a doxology or short song of praise to God (vv. 24-25).

no occassion to stumble loving ones brother

1 John 2:10Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.(New International Version)

the newness of the “old” (love) command

Read: 1 John 2:7-11

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. - John 13:34

1 John 2:7-8 (New International Version)
7Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning... 8Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, ...

"In Jesus, God is doing a new thing. The newness of the command is not the command itself, but that in Jesus, through His Spirit, God transforms our hearts to be able to obey the command (see John 3:5; Ezek. 36:25-27). Our hearts are new." ~ Today in the Word, Moody Bible Institute

Mahatma Gandhi said, “Live like Jesus did, and the world will listen.”

Read: 1 John 2:3-6

1 John 2:6Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (New International Version)

Are u walking with God?

Take the test. Read: 1 John 1:5-7

v. 7a – But it we walk in the light as He is in the light, we will have fellowship with one another.

Apostle John pleads that if we claim to have fellowship with God (walking in the light) we will be reconciled to one another.

What’s your score? If not great, take heart. He has given us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). Repent and pray along these lines.

I need you to survive.

Is it better to serve the world or die in God's plan?

Overtaken by Fear Exodus 14:10-14

v.12b "For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness."

When godly situations look tough, don't look for a worldly answer.The Lord will fight for you; you
need only be still. v.14

Psalms 46:10a Be still, and know that I am God

The Long Road to Freedom

Led to Freedom by God Exod. 13:17-22

Crossing the Sea Exod. 13:17-22
17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.

Note 1 v.17 - God does NOT necessarily lead His people to freedom through the shortest road for if He did (when they faced a battle) they might change their minds and return to their enslavement. A long road ensures commitment to freedom.

What victory/freedom are you allowing God to work out in your life right now? It may be that He has you on the longer path to ensure the sustained victory. In your patience, ye possess your souls.

21 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

Note 2 v.21-22 God promises never to leave or forsake His people.

Trust God!

A lie gets around the world, while the truth is tying up its shoes

A lie gets around the world, while the truth is tying up its shoes
~ Bishop Charley Blackwell.

The Lord led me to the scriptural reference that validates Bishop Blackwell's claim: Habakkuk 2:3 (New International Version) says "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."

Dictionary: rev·e·la·tion (rĕv'ə-lā'shən) pronunciation
n.
    1. The act of revealing or disclosing.
    2. Something revealed, especially a dramatic disclosure of something not previously known or realized.
  1. Theology. A manifestation of divine will or truth.
According to scripture, revelation (or truth) waits for the (1) appointed time (but is certainly coming, (2) speaks of the end, and (3) will NOT prove false. While nonsense and falsehoods (lies) speeds across the nations, the truth is tying its shoes.

Thanks Bishop Blackwell for your insight!

Is Moses pulling our leg?

In this week's Sunday school lesson "Accepting Responsibility," Moses responds to the Lord that he is not eloquent in speech (Ex. 4.10) therefore the Lord should consider someone else to deliver Israel from the Egyptians.

Is Moses pulling our leg since Acts 7:22 says that Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words...? Hmmm?

Or could it be that Moses was modest since Numbers 12:3 tells us that the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth?

Anyway this week Sunday School Lesson is going to be good.

Let me know what you think?

Read Exodus: 4:1-31

How does the two become one?

duh...it's through God

check out Ephesians 2:14-15

Paraphrasing: For He himself has made the two one (unity) and has destroyed the barriers (family ideologies) and the dividing wall of hostility (who has what, keeping up with the Joneses) by abolishing in his flesh - disharmony of any kind (marriage, body of Christ, racial, politics) is grounded in the flesh.

I know this main intent of the aforementioned scripture is primarily for the division between Jews and Gentiles, circumcised & uncircumcised (or those that are in the covenant and those out of covenant), but this is exactly what marriage is: entering into a covenant.

Ecclesiastes 4:12b says "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." He, God, is the 3rd strand who makes two opposites into one.

How does the two become one? Allow the Master more in your heart and accept the finished work of Calvary (beginning with He has made the two one).

Have a great day!

Bishop Odell Townsend's 4/5/09 Sermon Notes

Power of darkness rides a bad attitude.

You cannot stay mad too long before it turns into bitterness. Don't let the sun go down on wrath. Colossians 3:8 put off (rid yourself of) all of these: anger, wrath, ...

long-term anger = bitterness

biblical perfection = motive + commitment

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Worry & Fear will ride you to the wave of Mr. Unbelief.
Worry & Fear will take you to the arms of Mr. Unbelief.

Power - Proof of winning every round

WORD - Way Of Rebuking Devil

1 Peter 5:8b The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour

Do NOT fear the lion's roar; Fearing a lion's roar will move you from God's protection to unbelief (the devil's place of destruction).

Do NOT attempt to fight the devil when you're in HALT - Hungered, Angered, Lonely, Tired.

sin defined

sin - a failure to meet the divine standard

sin - the intrusion of self-will into the sphere of divine authority

sin - unbelief - or an insult to the divine veracity

sin - a violation to the revealed will of God

sin - absense of righteousness; enmity toward God

Scofield.