Romans 11:28-32: God’s Gifts: Part Three
Outline NT interpreting the OT Eschatology interpreting protology Fulfilment interpreting prophecy Introduction Is Israel the Holy Land today? Is there an unconditional promise to Abraham that must see its fulfilment in blood descendants of Abraham, living in the literal land of Israel and enjoying political, agricultural and social blessings under a revived worship system? Can we justify any atrocities committed by the Israeli armed forces as part and parcel of holy war and justified as Joshua and Caleb were in the OT? The land of Israel has a special place in the heart of every Christian because it is...
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1 Samuel 3:1-21: Samuel the Prophet
Outline The judgement of no prophet The call of a prophet The ministry of a prophet Introduction What is the worst thing that could happen to you? If we ask this question of God and of an unbeliever we would get two different answers. The unbeliever would answer, ‘The worst things that could happen to me are my loss of freedom, restrictions on my speech, choices, desires.’ War, debilitating sickness, the death of a child, unfaithful spouses, poverty, these and other physical afflictions would likely rate highly on the list. But if you ask God what are the worst...
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1 Samuel 2:12-36: Eli
Outline Eli’s sons Eli’s rebuke Eli’s prophecy Introduction To the everyday worshipper in Israel the religious and political leadership of Israel looked hopelessly corrupt. Eli was a weak leader who had allowed his sons to pervert the worship of God and were next in line for succession. Things were looking bleak for the future. However, we have just had Hannah’s song, a song that speaks about God dealing with those who are sinful and exalt themselves, how He will cut off the proud and wicked. We would expect this chapter to open with a war against the Philistines, but...
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Ephesians 6:14a: The Reliability of the Bible
Outline The self-attestation of the Bible The unity of the Bible The prophecies of the Bible The archaeology of the Bible The transmission of the Bible The Spirit’s testimony to the Bible Introduction Do you believe the bible is the reliable Word of God? Do you believe that the Bible’s view of history, that God made all things out of nothing; its description of humanity as spiritual beings made to worship in God’s image who have fallen into sin; its teaching on the need for salvation in Jesus Christ as our only hope; its revealing of the spiritual forces...
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Revelation 1:1-5: An Overview
Introduction: I remember watching a documentary on condors, a species of American bird on the brink of extinction. I remember the scientists putting on a glove that had a beak to feed it, and it was in the shape of an adult condor’s head. The point was to help the baby bird feel at home and not threatened by those feeding it. Keeping things familiar would aid the baby bird when reintroducing it to the wild. Last week we made the point that God has put on the gloves of apocalyptic literature to speak to His people in familiar...
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Revelation: The Hermeneutics of Amillenialism: Part Four
Introduction: When Amillennialists point out to Premills that they base their view for a literal Millennium on a single reference from the most symbolic book in the bible, they agree that it would be foolish to make a doctrine on the basis of one verse, and point out that the main evidence for a literal earthly millennium, which consists in Christ ruling from Israel; with world peace; a rebuilt temple; reinstituted sacrifices; the Jewish calendar; circumcision, etc., is found primarily in the OT. They claim that Revelation 20 should be read in light of these OT texts, and any denial of...
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