"The Flow of His-story" - Bible in a Year #04

There is a certain flow to history. The scriptures show how Jesus lived on earth during the "fullness of time" (Gal 4.4) and 2,000 years later His life still defines the ages, whether you use BC or BCE. The time from Abraham to Jesus Christ is one of the most provocative times in history. This period of approximately 2,000 years shows the remarkable beginnings of a remarkable nation. Mr. Halley made an interesting point: Old Testament shows how a man was chosen in order to bring forth a nation, Israel. And the New Testament shows how a nation was formed in order to bring forth a unique man, the Messiah.

The thread that was given to Abraham, the thread of God’s Word, existed long before Abraham. You can follow that thread all the way back to the creation account in Genesis chapter one. The world was created by the Word of God and the Spirit of God, as described in the first few verses. But you can’t neglect the love and grace of God. These aspects of the Creator’s character have also been continuous. Jeremiah 31.3 affirms “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”

Ultimately, history is “His-story,” a description of God’s intervention to bring about the ultimate purpose for the world He created. If you could use one word to describe history from God’s perspective what would it be? I believe “redemption” would be a good choice.

I met a guy once, Paul Toohey, who liked to speed read through the entire book of Revelation regularly. He said it gave him fresh perspectives on the book. I've found this to be true as we study together through the Bible in a year at a quick pace. We have a rare opportunity to look at the big picture of what God’s word would say to us. In our study today, we’ll focus on the three patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We’ll also look at the amazing life of Joseph. We’ll see how each person shows a unique aspect of God’s plan of redemption. We’ll also see the history of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Abraham - Simply Saved

Abraham is a great example of salvation by grace and faith. Eph 2.8, 9 says: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” God spoke to Abraham as the first patriarch, and revealed his Word to him (12.1-3). He was called by God to leave his own flesh and blood, his family, and to begin a new family, a spiritual family. Jesus said “…I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother…” (Mat. 10.34). Following God isn’t always an easy choice, but it’s the best choice. Abraham didn’t know exactly where God would lead him but he trusted God would show him. Abraham’s promised son was miraculously born by the Spirit in old age. Though he made many mistakes, Abraham was saved by faith in God’s word. "…Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” (Gen 15.6, Gal 3.6). I hope that you also have taken that first step of faith by believing God’s word and surrendering your life to God.

"The Road Home" - Bible Study in a Year #3

(For audio in English with Russian translation follow this link to my Xanga audio blog) Today there is a cease-fire in the Gaza strip. But a temporary cease-fire isn’t real peace. Two different people groups are claiming it’s their “homeland.” But does either group really have an exclusive “right” to the land? In Crimea, we have three different people claiming it is their homeland, but that is another story…All people seem to want a homeland. It seems to be an inert need that we were born with. But is the home we long for merely land and what is the real reason for the extreme hatred and fighting in Gaza? Is there another reason for the violence between the Arabs and Jews? And what is the answer that will bring peace? Today we’ll look at the amazing answers the Bible gives for all these questions.

Urgent Abortion News

This week I received an "urgent" email regarding the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), which is set to be reviewed by the US Congress Jan 21-22, 2009. The letter itself can be seen at the “Snopes” site at this link. Snopes downplays the urgencey but is ambiguous regarding actual ramifications. At best, it seems to imply that most of the outcome of the law will be determined in the aftermath. Another site, National Right to Life, states this is quite a serious bill, more far reaching than the Roe V. Wade decision. In any event, the act was proposed by pro abortionists, who apparently believe the present laws are too restrictive.

Deeper Questions

In the recent US presidential debates, the president elect was asked, “When do you believe human life begins?” The president elect wryly answered “That question is above my pay grade.” To some, the abortion issue is no big deal, while to others the issue always seems to be an urgent priority. I believe the reason it is such a controversial issue is because it cuts to the heart of what we believe as human beings about the meaning of life in general. The “abortion on demand" issue asks the question “Should a woman have the right to terminate a life simply because she wants to?” This begs the question “Does the fetus itself have any rights?” which begs a further question "When does life begin?” To me these questions, though seemingly complex, all come down to more basic and fundamental questions, which all rest in a person’s worldview. The reason there is great polarity, I believe, is because the issue is seen through the lens of the two main contrasting worldviews.

"Heritage" - Bible in a year #02

Our church fellowship is studying through the Bible in a year based on the daily Bible readings at this link. The weekly audio teaching is in English with Russian translation at this link.

Last week in Genesis we left off with the unique promise of God’s victory through a unique man, as shown in Genesis 3.15. Genesis 3.21 then shows how God used “coats of skins” to cover the shame of Adam and Eve after their sin and “the fall.” This event foreshadows how Jesus would be slain as “the Lamb of God” for our sins. Hebrews 9:22 tells us that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. At this point they also needed clothing to keep warm. It has been said about Eve who first ate the forbidden fruit, that “Eve ate them both out of house and home.” This was just the beginning of their problems.

"Origins" Bible in a Year #1, Intro

This year, 2009, our church fellowship is embarking on one of the most exciting journeys one may embark on – a journey through the entire Bible – in one year. We will be using the “Daily Bible – in the “New King James” version by Nelson Publishers. You can use the same plan using your own Bible with the reading schedule at this link which has the exact same reading selections. If you'd like to hear the recorded lesson from January 4th, it's at my Xanga audio page in English with Russian translation. Ukrainians or Russians studying English may find it helpful to listen to the audio while reading this outline.