John 4:27-30 - The Samaritan Woman Bears Witness to Jesus

John 4:27-30

And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He had been speaking with a woman: yet no one said, "What do You seek?" or "Why do You speak with her?" So the woman left her water pot, and went into the city, and said to the men, "Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done, this is not the Christ, is it?" They went out of the city, and were coming to Him. 

Message: The Samaritan Woman Bears Witness to Jesus

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: Immediately as I read this scripture, I am encouraged to tell others about my experience with Jesus that I have. I love to read God's word and love to be around people that He has crated. They are an encouragement to me. I need to be more about people. And loving and caring for them. It is hard times in my world because of the position I am in and I wonder if people view me like this. 

The woman expressed a lot of faith. The disciples showed up and once again were surprised at Jesus and how he was speaking to people. We look first to what is appropriate rather than looking first to people and who they are. I do it often as well. I wish I was not like this. 

Tabletalk reminds me something that I forget and that at this time of history, it was viewed a waste of time to even speak to women. It is kind of amazing to think about, but it's only been a little more than 100 years that a woman has been allowed to vote (1920) in this country. At this time, many Jewish men would not even speak to their wives and it was thought to be a waste of time to teach them the Bible and yet Jesus is not only speaking to the woman but offering theology to her. These may seem like small details to emphasize but they are actually big deals. 

And the woman was so eager that she left behind her water pot. And then people listened to her. So she not only went back and spoke but people didn't ignore her but listened. 

Summary: After the Samaritan woman has an encounter with Jesus, she goes back to tell others and they come out to see Jesus. 

Promise: The gospel is not only for the respectable and those who have their lives together. The gospel is also for the outcast, the dysfunctional, and those who have made shambles of their lives.

Prayer: Thank you for loving all and showing value to all people. You set a great example that I need to emulate and I haven't always done this nor continue to do this. Forgive me. Thank you for the reminder here to be vocal as well about what I believe. I need to be your biggest cheerleader. Forgive me for not being that. Thank you for loving me and accepting me anyway. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

TABLETALK - November 2017

I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am now working through 2017 devotionals. Each month of 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. 

• November - Vocations (March 8, 2023 - June 11, 2023)
• October - Sacraments (December 16, 2022 - March 7, 2023)
• September - The Reformation of Worship (July 20, 2022 - December 15, 2022)
• August - The Body of the Lord - the Church recovered in the Reformation (April 14, 2022 - July 19, 2022)
• July - The right use of God's Law (May 23, 2021 - April 13, 2022)
• June was justification by faith alone (February 14, 2021 - May 22, 2021)
• May, Christ Alone (September 3, 2020 - February 13, 2021)
• April, salvation by grace alone (March 6, 2019 - September 2, 2020)
• March, the sovereign providence of God (January 28, 2019 - March 5, 2019)  
• February, the doctrine of revelation, Scripture (January 8, 2019 - January 27, 2019)
• January, the doctrine of God (December 16, 2018 - January 7, 2019). 

The Doctrine of Vocation - As we see, the reformation is a return to scripture, and one area to recover was the idea of the priesthood of all believers and that we can offer spiritual service in every vocation. This is an idea that had been lost or obscured in the medieval church given the idea that spiritual service was restricted. Thus, this months lesson is focused on vocation and this priesthood of all believers. There is still a distinction between the clergy and laity. 

The Priesthood of All Believers

The Old Covenant Priesthood - God has always provided a substitute and a mediator between God and man to reconcile us (Priests, Jesus). Man sins. God provides the way for righteousness. Christ our Mediator - The priests of the old covenant provided a temporary atonement for sin. Christ, one time is the ransom for all. And now man is a mediator for people through prayer.  God's Royal Priesthood - There is no distinction among believers. We are all a chosen race and all set apart as priests to proclaim the excellence of Him. New Covenant Ordained Ministry - Elders and deacons are set apart for specific roles. But those who are not set apart for these roles still are essential members of the church. All are vital, equally. 

The Distinctive roles of Cleary and Laity

The Vocation of Elder - Elders/Bishops/Overseers has specific qualifications or requirements - they are men set apart from society for a specific role of shepherding the flock which may include preaching and teaching. The Vocation of Deacon - Deacons play a vital role in making sure people's basic needs are met. Lay Duties: Obedience - Submit to God-honoring leaders in a way that makes them glad to their jobs. Lay Duties: Teaching, Admonishment, and Thanks - Each person in the church puts on the new person in Christ to learn God's word, teaching, admonishing and giving thanks.  The Vocation of Husbands - Husbands have a nonordained vocation to love their wives, humbling themselves as Christ did towards His church, and serving their wives. The Vocation of Wives - Wives submit to their husbands, as they would submit to the Lord, and conversely the husband is to be the Godly leader. The Vocation of Parents and Children - Children are to obey parents and in the process their life will be better off. Parents are to not provoke their children to anger, setting reasonable expectations for them. Called From Every Vocation - Be it freeman or slave, it does not matter. I am called to do the will of the Father. Loving Neighbor Through Vocation - I am to labor diligently in my vocation as to have resources to share with those who cannot meet their own needs. The Mandate to Work - We have a mandate to work, if we are able, and not only work, but to do it to the best of our ability, not lazy, but striving to be the best worker possible. Equipped for Vocation - All good gifts are from God and our aptitudes and abilities to work are a gift from God as well.

Finding God's Will

Searching the Will of God - One thing is clear as we discern the will of God in our lives, we are to be about sanctification, always on the quest to grow in Christ and minister to others. Defining the Will of God - God has two wills in a way - a revealed will or what we can know for the path we walk on and his secret will, what He knows and we can trust Him.  God's Will and Internal Call - God's call on a person's life does not have to only be a call to full-time ministry, but it is also a call for their vocation and to be a full-time lay person. God's Will and the External Call - In determining God's will, in addition to a person identifying for themselves where to serve, leaders and others around them, such as the congregation, also are involved in confirming this call. Finding Your Vocation - God gifts us to work in a certain way, for our good and for the good of others in loving them. - God's Will and Your Spouse - We are to be guided by wisdom and the principles of Scripture in both choosing a vocation and a spouse.

This months articles of faith living

Faithful Servants - Buck Parsons (editor of Tabletalk magazine, copastor of Saint Andrew's chapel in Sanford, FL) -Good leaders no longer applauded, but instead self-appointed leaders with lack of integrity; those with courage and convictions despised and it has spread to the church. The role of leaders appointed by God. Leaders need to lead and those under need to submit and imitate them. As Christians we are not to question all authority as all leaders under authority of God and accountable to Him. Leaders are servants first and foremost. One is to be humble manifested by courage, compassion and conviction. Lead by love, not fear. Doesn't have to be liked by everyone. Knows how to delegate, trusts those he delegates, isn't concerned about who gets credit. Knows his shortcomings and sins. Is repentant and forgiving. Ultimately, a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus leads us with humility, sacrifice, and joy. 

The Eternal Love of God - RC Sproul (founder of Ligonier Ministries, founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., and first president of Reformation Bible College) - God's love is holy. It is eternal. He has no beginning and He is self-existent. He is not dependent on anything else. He didn't become loving, but has always been loving. God created the world. He created it good. Then the world was plunged into ruin through the fall of the human race. Then God redeems His people for the rest of history. None of this was a surprise. God knew this would happen. He always had a plan of redemption. God made a covenant of redemption by all 3 members of Godhead - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thus, the work of redemption is the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The Father covenanted to send the Son and the Son descended to earth to take on a human nature - subject to humiliation, and obedient unto death to redeem His people. The Holy Spirit covenants from Father and Son to apply the work of Christ to God's people. In creation, the Father creates the heaven and the earth through the eternal Son in the power of the Spirit. Thus, creation and redemption are accomplished by the Trinity. What motivates God? His love for the world. He loves His Son and sends His Son to be a propitiation for our sin. We are included because we belong to the Son. He chose us in the Son to be adopted as sons of the Father. Thus, eternal love is rooted and grounded in the Father's love for the Son. We are not by nature children of God, but become children through adoption. Romans is a good explanation of this. In first 7 chapters Paul lets us know we are in the flesh, hostile to God and under his wrath. To be redeemed the Spirit of God must be indwelt in us to become a child of God. "The Spirit bears witness with our spirit." So the Father has a love for Christ and then adopts us into the royal family, being joint heirs with Christ. We are beloved of the Father because Christ is beloved of the Father. We are adopted because of Love. 

Leading with Conviction - R. Albert Mohler Jr. (President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky) - Leaders need to be passionate people who seek truth and have convictions, versus leaders that stand for little and ebb and flow with whatever society deems important at any one time. For Christian’s, our convictions are our beliefs in the truth of the gospel, in Christ, that salvation changes us and everything about who we are. We do not waiver in our convictions based upon the mood or way of people around us. He mentions historical figures that led with a conviction resulting in their death - Justin Martyr and Sir Thomas More. Leadership today is often seen as merely managing. For us our convictions start with the power of God in us and being in Christ with the Holy Spirit guiding our way. I Thessalonians 1:5. for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

Leaders in the Church - Dr. Derek W. H. Thomas (Senior minister of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC) Those with spiritual gifts, deacons, deaconess, and elders are discussed. Cessationists believe certain gifts are for only true apostles and once deceased, a more normative situation resulted in deacons, elders and pastors. Later books of Timothy and Titus don’t mention these gifts. Deacons, first recognized as their ministry to widows are to be men of integrity. Deacon is not mentioned but the Greek word for serve is diakonesi similar to deacon. Thus their role involves money, food and basic care. Similar in qualification to elder. Deaconess: Phoebe is mentioned as a servant in leadership. Reformed recognize female deacons but not female elders. A difference for elders over deacons is the ability to teach. But that doesn’t mean all teach but it seems to mean that a pastor is one of the elders. Elders can also transcend the local church.

Leaders in the Home - Dr. Tim Witmer (Pastor of St. Stephen Reformed Church in New Holland, PA) - The Bible identifies leaders in the church, government and family. Misunderstandings exist regarding the woman and man’s role in marriage. For wives - primus inter pares means first among equals. Thus not an expression of inferiority. Just as Jesus submitted to the Father in the world. It is God’s plan of order. We are all one in Christ Jesus. Wife’s submission is voluntary. Needs to be the right man. Expression of submission to Christ. 40 words to wives. 115 words to husbands by Paul. Love as Christ loved - that’s our standard. Unconditional- does not change based upon circumstances or looks tomorrow - same each day. Sacrificial so it is selfless serving. And to sanctify his wife and children so they grow in Jesus. This is not natural because we are sinners.

Leading for the Glory of God - Chris Larson (President and CEO of Ligonier Ministries) - Leaders have followers which include future leaders. Our work is done in dependence on the Lord, building up of His church. Consider others more important. Don’t look over shoulders. Think true north. The Lord is our leader.

Following Leaders - Dr. Harry L. Reeder (Senior Pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, AL) - Good leaders need good followers. Leaders are under assault by Satan. Hebrews 13:7, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God…imitate their faith.” To remember is to hold in esteem and appropriate honor. We will not always be in full agreement but we can be in full support.

Hope-Shaped Living - Rev. Jason Helopoulos (senior pastor of Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan) - Much of the apathy and immaturity of Christians is from lack of hope. Do we really believe in our heavenly hope? Paul to Colossians stands secure in the Christians hope saying hope is "laid up for you in heaven" (Colossians 1:5). Christians struggle believing this applies to them. Paul does not say that faith and love cause hope, but rather hope causes faith and love. This hope has impact. Jesus said, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32). We need to contemplate this hope of heaven and the more we believe it the more the things of this world will not occupy our thoughts. Our hope is there. Don't go along with being caught up in today, focus on the hope of heaven. 

Hope-Filled Evangelism - Melissa Kruger (Women's ministry coordinator at Uptown Church in Charlotte, NC) - Encouraging devotion mentioning how her husband likes to fish and how she likes to garden and how Jesus used these images to talk about evangelism. And for us these are pastimes, First, evangelism is a hopeful endeavor. Placing a hook in the water or a seed in the soil is done with the hope that something will be caught or grow. If anyone has fished they know there is patience that is needed. But we do it with excitement as there is no greater privilege and joy to have people catch on. Second, evangelism is joy. My wife loves gardening and loves to show off what has grown. Even though she does it every year, it remains exciting every time something is produced. In fishing we take pictures often of a catch. Sharing our faith and seeing a soul come alive is no higher joy. The best harvest and Jesus allows us and wants us to be involved. Third, it is necessary. Fishing and gardening often for us in this country is optional or recreation. But in Jesus' day, these were activities that sustained our lives. Without them people did not survive. And so in that vein, it makes sense that Jesus would use these to describe how we interact with people in sharing our faith. How will people believe if no one sows seed or throws a net? How will they find life if no one shares the gospel? 

Spectacular Conversions - Robert Rothwell (Associate editor of Tabletalk magazine) - All conversions are spectacular works of God. We love to hear about radical stories because the exemplify the power of God but God's power is equally at work in ordinary circumstances. "Every conversion is a powerful work of the Spirit to give a heart of flesh to someone who had a heart of stone (Ezek. 36:26). 

The Need for Prayer - Dr. Jonathan Leeman (Editorial director of 9Marks and elder at Capital Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC) - Prayer, the encouragement to do it is what this article is about. I need that encouragement. I love to Study God's word but often always recognize regular praying is often missing from my life. What we pray or don't pray reveals what our hearts want. I like to think that as I mediate on God's word and study it that I am praying and asking God to mold me through the reading and study of His word. I interact with others and think about their situations, but I need to petition more for them. The Book of Acts mentions how the early church prayed together: "devoting themselves to prayer" (1:14, 24, 2:42), "earnest prayer by the church" (12:5), "gathering together" (12:12), commission people for service (13:3). Group prayer was important for this church but also individual prayer is mention by the Apostles (6:4-6), Peter (9:40, 10:9, 11:5), Cornelius (10:2,4), Paul and Silas (16:25, 28:8). And I need to remember that prayers do not need to be long. I can pray for people regularly and those prayers can be brief ("let your words be few" - Eccl. 5:1-2). How often do a go through the day without specifically praying. What foolish self-sufficiency. Yet, I do not depend on myself, but only always depend on Him. 

Becoming a Titus 2 Woman - Susan Hunt (mother and grandmother, author, speak and pastor's wife) - Remembering Titus 2:3-5 - Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. This ministry is to occur in the context of church life and oversight of church leadership. 1 - Submit to the Lord and ecclesiastical authority; 2 - have teachable spirit, feasting on Solid food of God's word to grow in salvation; 3 - Love the covenant family where God has called a woman; 4 - Have a gentle and quiet spirit, eager to share the gospel and our lives with one another; 5 - Invest in others; 6 - Be motivated by gratitude for salvation; 7 - Rest in the gospel to redeem and purify God's people. 

The Danger of Gossip - Rev. Jared C. Wilson (Director of content strategy for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) - "Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you" (Proverbs 4:24; ESV). Crooked speech is gossip. Gossip is saying anything about someone that you wouldn't say to them. Even as we pray or talk of prayer requests, our words of concern can border on insinuation or improper speculation. Malice is the desire to do evil. We must be careful in voicing criticism or accusation of another person; it is best to lovingly, gently confront the subject of our concern. Gossip works its way into a church to undermine the unity of the Spirit and Christ's call to love one another. In sharing sins, it often serves as entertainment and stirs up other critical spirits. Paul confronts this with I Timothy 5:13, to beware of "idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not." No self-oriented curiosity. Pride or envy is making oneself look better by comparison. We do this when we hear good things about people we are often in competition with. Peppered often with, "Yeah, but they are...." In conclusion, 1. Don't say anything negative about someone that you wouldn't say to them. 2. Redirect others' gossip with a gentle query about the intent (i.e. "Have you spoken to them about this concern you have?"). 3. Rebuke repeated gossip and discipline unrepentant gossips. - Don't give crooked speech an inch; it will take a mile. Shoot straight with all. 

Globalization and the Christian Mission - Albert Mohler (President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) - Missions may be erupting. It needs to be adapted to our world. Throughout history, most live in cultural and social isolation. Global reality became more prominent in the 19th century. World War I was a turning point as multiple Americans of Irish, Italian and German backgrounds were together fighting together for America. With technology, we can now communicate easily with one another from one side of the world to another. Globalization means we can travel anywhere on the globe within 24 hours. In the year of 1800, only 3 percent lived in cities. Now 75-80% live in cities. Cities is where you meet people different from you. 1.6 billion live in shantytowns or slums; Christians must go to them. America is looking more like a majority-minority nation. From Genesis 1:28 to multiple and fill the earth and subdue it, to Matt. 28:18-20 to go into all the world and make disciples, God commissioned us to have a global perspective long before technology and globalization was a matter of secular awareness. We are to proclaim the name of Jesus in all of the world and to see people of all tribes, tongues, and nations bow the knee to the King. 

William Chalmers Burns -  Dr. Sinclair Ferguson (teaching fellow for Ligonier and chancellor professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary) - William lived from 1815 to 1868, dying at the age of 53, for 2 decades serving as missionary to the Chinese people. He grew up wanting to be a farmer, though later train to be a layer in Edinburgh, growing up in Scotland, first in Dun near Montrose, then Kilsyth, outside Glasgow. Then a calling to ministry and had a special aptitude for language, mastering Hebrew and Greek and becoming fluent in French, Chinese, and Scottish Gaelic. He had a burden for the lost, prayer, and world missions. In 1839 (age 24), he started preaching in Dundee at St. Peter's Church, while the local minister, Robert M'Cheyne, was traveling throughout Europe. However, in between preaching, he spent long time in prayer. He then was present at a person's conversion and this ignited in him further a desire for the lost condition of people. And before you knew it, he was preaching more regularly and many were coming to hear him and come to faith. And this still at age 24. Yet, his ministry had much opposition. He was preacher from 1839 to 1844 before setting sail to Canada for a period of time and then to China for 2 decades. 

Ephesians 4:11 - Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers

Ephesians 4:11 - And He gave . . . some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers. 

Message: Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers

Time: Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians sometime in AD 60–61, around the same time he wrote Colossians and Philemon. Ephesians deals with topics at the core of being a Christian - faith and practice, no matter the situation.

What the Lord is Saying: 

I've allowed myself to get busy this past week and also sort of struggled taking time to get to the Word. Had some early morning meetings at 8 and sort of waking up late or busying myself with other things in the morning. So I came back to this series and these thoughts on church leadership. 

Last time I looked at the offices of prophets and apostles, the consensus from Ligonier ministries is these leadership positions are temporary while the offices of evangelists, shepherds (elders), and teachers (pastors) are addressed in places like I Timothy and I Peter and Titus, places in scripture that more thoroughly talk about the positions of people in the church.  

I Timothy 3:8-13 - 8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

I Peter 5:1-4 - 1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

What I found interesting is it seems just about every church out there agrees that a church has a position called pastor and yet pastor is really only mentioned in the New Testament as a church role in this verse of Ephesians 4:11. It makes me wonder if the practice that has resulted in churches is out of convenience. I think of the many churches in towns that are smaller. These churches have the paid pastor that is called and then there are the unpaid elders or deacons that are bi-vocational - working a job in society and then also in a leadership role at church. I think it is interesting because everywhere seems to be this paid position of pastor leading the church. And yet how did we get here? Why do we have these paid positions and non-paid positions. 

I worked as a treasurer at church for many years, taking care of the checkbook of the church, paying people, receiving tithes and offerings and depositing them and taking care of the monthly financial report to the church. I helped set up the budget and report on it. I was paid. I started out at $80 every two weeks and then when the church got larger, moved up to like $350 every 2 weeks. It was a good source of extra funds for me that helped our family. But, even though I received it I always wondered if it was correct that I was being paid for this work. Granted, this is the work I had been trained for in school. But, others were working and serving in the church and not being paid.   

My daughter attended a church recently I recommended. One of my close friends is one of the pastors at this church in the area of congregational care. I did not realize though that the church approves of women pastors, not lead pastors, but part of the staff. This is definitely something that has changed in churches in the last 10 years or so. It changed in a church we were attending. In many ways, it is different from how I have been trained growing up in the churches I've attended. At times, it says leaders are "the husband of one wife" while at other times it does not specify gender identity when speaking of spiritual gifts and this is often where it is inferred the roles of church leadership. 

My friend's church website says, "While we understand that there are differing views and interpretations of scripture around this subject, our practice at Crossings is to affirm and support both men and women who are called and empowered to ministry and leadership in the church." It says there are differing views, but our practice is to affirm and support both men and women. I think there is a recognition there that we are doing our best to define scripture the way we see it and yet also understand that we are fallible people. We are sinners. And though we walk forward in peace about what we believe God is telling us, we realize that there are differing views and interpretations. The reality is the body of Christ is big as I have discussed and talked about. It is visible to us, but invisible to Him. 

Often what I hear is people saying that the goal is the gospel of God and leading people to the Savior. And with that goal in hand, why would it matter if the person leading is a man or woman. 

Honestly, I am not sure what my conclusion of this is for now. I could keep analyzing it over and over. But I am not sure where I would end up. I do know that I do not have comfort in hearing a woman get up and preach a sermon. And yet in the last church we attended, there were times when a woman might share a short devotional. 

There are teachers and evangelists also mentioned in this lesson that I didn't even touch on. Again, I think our hope is to role all of these roles into one pastor system. 

Summary: God has clearly given us officers of leadership as evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. 

Promise: It is easy to be critical of these leaders, but we need to be thankful for them. 

Prayer: Lord, I do not know what to think right now about this subject. I do know what I am comfortable with but I do not know what is right or wrong on this issue of one pastor versus a plurality of leaders over a church and whether we should allow women to be in this role. It seems hard to reconcile at times what is right and wrong. Are we simply looking like the World or is it rather our tendency to uphold a single sex as the one leadership type model in our world today. I do not know God. I ask for your wisdom and your direction. I need your help. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am now working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of August is about the Body of the Lord - the Church recovered in the Reformation; July was the right use of God's Law; June was justification by faith alone; May, Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation, Scripture; January, the doctrine of God. 

Christ's Body

The Body of Christ - The Church is the Body of Christ and Christ loves the church. We are to imitate Christ and see that the Church is how Christ carries out His purposes in the world. The Head of the Church - Christ is Head of the church and he only has final authority and gives life to the church. Life is found only in Jesus Christ our Lord. - The Church We Can See - Belonging to a church is not optional, for anyone. We are meant to live in a community with other believers, to hear the Word of God preached, and to grow. The Church We Cannot See - What we see is the Visible church, the invisible church only God knows because He is omniscient and that is the Church we cannot see. 

Truths about the Church from the Apostles Creed

Church Unity - The church is bigger than our local assembly; there are core beliefs among the invisible church. One People Throughout History - God has only one people; throughout the world there are people that share doctrines and truths despite their being differences in where we attend or belong. God's Holy People - By being in Christ, though we still have a fallen nature, God has set us apart as holy, as his saints. True Catholocity - God's people includes men and women from every tribe and every tongue that hold to the biblical gospel. The Apostilic Church - we are fellow citizens with all people from all tribes and tongues throughout history, united by being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets teaching, thus apostolic, with Christ Jesus being our cornerstone.

What the Church Does and Believes

Preaching Christ and His Commandments - A church needs to be committed to faithfully preaching the Word of God. Administering Sacraments - Sacraments (The Lord's Supper and Baptism especially) need to be part of a church existing, but they also need to be rightly administered. The Discipline of the Church - We need to be a people that encourage repentance to keep the church pure and set apart.

Church Leadership Offices

Prophets and Apostles - There is a foundation of how the church begins and that foundation is the apostles and prophets.

Exodus 20:12 - Honoring Father and Mother

Exodus 20:12

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.

Message: Honoring Father and Mother

Time: Most likely this book was penned by Moses. The book covers a period of approximately eighty years, from shortly before Moses’s birth (c. 1526 BC) to the events that occurred at Mount Sinai in 1446 BC. The Bible's message of redemption appears in Exodus as well: though the children of Israel were enslaved in a foreign land, God miraculously and dramatically delivered them to freedom, provided the Law, established the system of sacrifice, and gave instructions on building of His tabernacle. God began to fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

What the Lord is Saying:

The promise in this verse is what for me has stood out -- that your days may be prolonged. I remember a friend saying that if we were to truly do this command, then the rest of the commands would not be necessary. And in some ways this lays the foundation for all the other commands. 

As all of us begin life, we see that God has established authority in our lives from the beginning. And our first step is to honor our father and mother. More authorities will come in life - in school, jobs, at church, our elected officials and leaders, law enforcement, but it all begins with the command to honor our father and mother and submit to them. 

This text from Romans 13:1-7 has been looked at a lot over the last few years as we think about this virus and our response to it. 

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

I think in these verses is a basic understanding that we are to be in subject to our authorities. Unless we are told to do something that is not in line with God's word. I think we as humans are struggling with this more and more. I have a person right now at work that ignores authority. He is asked to do something and he tells the person "no." It makes me wonder his home life and how he might have learned about authority growing up. 

As I think about this command I see that Paul repeats it in Ephesians 6:1-4 and also repeats that in following it we will live long on the earth. Maybe this phrase is meant to say that our lives will be better. I think I need to look at this as well in my life. Right, I am struggling with the authority in my life at times, not agreeing with my boss, who is about 15 or more years younger than me. I want to be autonomous because of my experience and I need to do a better job of deferring to her. I can tell as I get older and the thought that I am getting wiser that I begin to think that authority is not as important. I fall out of the shadow of my parents and think I am more on my own. 

The verse in Ephesians is also a verse for me as a parent, a parent that is a disciple of Christ and that I need to be teaching my children in the way of the Lord. I think we instilled this in our home. I am concerned that at times it was fear based but hopefully my kids through the Holy Spirit caught onto the importance of this, even now as they are living on their own. 

Summary: Parents are to rear their children in faith, teaching them to respect authority and children are to follow. God orders authority and establishes it. It begins with parents but continues in many other forms throughout our lives. 

Promise: As Tabletalk says, "Teaching children to honor their parents and other authorities is not only right according to God's law, but it is also good for society." 

Prayer: O God, you are a great God. I thank you for this new day, a new day to worship and serve you and walk with You. Lord, I thank you for the parents that you gave me and learning the importance of submission and respect. I pray that you would continue to teach me what this means and you would continue to instruct my children in this even as they are no longer under our roof. Help us all to remember that submitting to authority improves our life. Your commands are there to protect us but also to improve our lives and make life more satisfying and enjoyable. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of July is about the right use of God's Law; June was justification by faith alone; May about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January, the doctrine of God. 

Bringing me to Christ

The Restraint of the Law - the law is given for lawless, unholy, disobedient people, to restrain us from acting on our sinful thoughts. Restraint and Guilt - the law is meant to restrain Christians and non-Christians alike; so that others may see Christ. The Law's Revelation of Sin - The Law reveals sin, at times making it more desirable, and show the sin which people commit and the complete standard it expects. The Law and Our Powerlessness - We are powerless over the Law and Sin revealed. It is in Christ that we receive forgiveness and the power to resist sin. The Law our Guardian - The law is not a tool of justifying me, but rather it is an instrument to bring me to Christ and show me my need for Him. 

Guiding our Lives

The Guidance of the Law - The Law is a guide in our lives for what pleases God and what it looks like to walk in holiness. The Antinomian Error - We were slaves to sin, but now we are slaves to obedience and righteousness. Judaizing Legalism - The error of Judaizing Legalism is the idea that obedience brings about God's acceptance of us for salvation. The Deadliest Form of Legalism - This legalism is that one would get too focused on external practices instead of focusing on the heart.

The Law is our Guide

The Centrality of Love - Love and the law go hand in hand. We do not belong to God unless we love our neighbor, and we cannot love our neighbor without knowing and doing God‘s law and loving him. Finding Guidance in the Law - God's Word, all if it, is a guide to my life and I am to meditate on it continually. The One and Only God - I seek to trust and love God above all else today. Images and Idols - Pictures, statues, symbols, art, people are not bad; but be careful about placing too much emphasis on these things I see. Using God's Name Frivolously - Blasphemy or using God's name frivolously are examples of taking God's name in vain. Keeping the Lord's Day - It is vital that we are setting apart a day to gather for worship and fellowship, resting from our ordinary vocations.

Bible Study Fellowship - Lesson 1 - Matthew

Focus Verse

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21

FIRST DAY: See Introduction Lesson Notes.

1.   Use this space to record how you have seen God’s activity during the week. How has He provided, answered, comforted, restored, guided, etc.? [What Has God been teaching me lately?] [How am I learning to trust Him more?]

9/7 – God provides me insight as I read his word. It remains exciting to discover truths like being reminded recently of the curse from Deut 21:22-23 and how Jesus hanging on a tree met that. Reminded me of the words from the notes about the New Testament writers connected the words of the Old Testament to Jesus. Yesterday in His word I was encouraged to love him and love others. As I meet with others and talk about truth I am encouraged by that fellowship. Lately I’ve been learning to serve my dad without expecting anything in return. No payoff. My words aren’t valued, but I can still serve. Also learning to love my wife for who she is. I need to accept people as they are and not get in a rush to change them. 

9/14 - I was also encouraged as to how the BSF men have been impacted by this study time together. That God speaks to them and God has used this to awaken them to life change. Through the pandemic I notice the resiliency of kids. Out with friends after church and noticed this. Jesus said to be like the children and they simply wear the mask. I don’t see them fighting it off but simply going along.

2.   What from the notes, lecture, or personal study impacted you most in the past week?

• The apostles connected the teaching of the Old Testament to the person and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. P. 5 [Often why we see so many references of the Old Testament in the New Testament - showing us how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament teaching.]
• The Holy Spirit inspired the apostles as God's chosen instruments to uphold the truth. P.6 [Learning more and more that it is the Spirit that is speaking to us today and giving us understanding of God's word and teaching us. I've spent so much of my life, not really acknowledging the work of the Holy Spirit.]
• God wrote to us, using human language to express spiritual thoughts and concepts that cannot be fully captured by human words. P.6 inset [Does this mean we need to be careful that we don't become too confident in what God's word has to say to us?] 
• We read to hear God speak. P. 6
• I am always amazed by T’s excitement to be here each week and enjoy the fellowship with this men and the joy he has for teaching the men. Also reading about how the New Testament writers brought key verses from the Old Testament.

SECOND DAY: Read Matthew 1:1-17.

Matthew presents the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah.

3.   Matthew began his book with Jesus’ genealogy. Why might he have done so? What was the importance of including such names as Abraham, Jacob, and David?

9/8 – Matthew, as a Jew, writing to a predominant Jewish population probably wanted to show that Jesus had a direct connection with Old Testament patriarchs of David and Abraham. And wanted to show the perfect line that he was in.

9/14 - I’ve heard missionary stories that in some parts of the world just reading the genealogy has brought salvation to people. It seems to me that since he was speaking to a predominantly Jewish population it was important to show the linkage Jesus had to David and Abraham and the patriarchs. Abraham represents God blessing humanity through the Jewish people to all humanity. Son of David is mentioned 10 times in Matthew. And this brings us king David and Jesus as offspring of royalty.

The generations link us to the Old Testament and the premise that the entire OT is about Jesus. Reminds me of Daniel and how emphatic he is about Jesus and the New Testament.

The genealogy shows us how God uses all types of people. Canaanites - prostitutes - Moabite women.

4.   What pattern do you see in the way Matthew organized the names in his list?

9/14 - Letters in Hebrew are also used as numbers. David’s name is 14 total numbers assigned to David’s name. 4+6+4. He omits generations at times to get to the 14 number exactly. A common practice in other genealogies.

5.    a.    Give the background of each woman Matthew mentions in Jesus’ genealogy.

Tamar (Genesis 38) - Tamar, once wife of deceased Er (son of Judah) later disguises herself as a prostitute and Judah secures her services and Tamar gives birth to two sons - Perez and Zerah. Perez in Ruth is identified as ancestor of David. 

Rahab (Joshua 2, 6:17) - Rahab, a Harlot, and yet someone who knew the Lord's work and believed the messengers could help her. Yet, the bible does not mention anywhere else the relationship of Rahab and her son Boaz. Rahab is another Gentile. But God saved Rahab from judgment and her lifestyle of prostitution. 

Ruth (Ruth 1; 4:13-17) - After mentioning the mother of Boaz, we now have Boaz offspring with Ruth. She is also another Gentile and a Moabite that marries an Israelite. This puts Ruth as well as Rahab in the line of David. 

"Wife of Uriah" (2 Samuel 11; 12:15, 18, 24) - without mentioning her is the sin of David as apparent? So once again, it seems sin is brought to the forefront. Saul was the first king of Israel, but he failed and didn't achieve victory, but David did. Jesus is our second chance. Adam did not succeed, but Jesus has. 

Mary (Luke 1:26-56) - On one hand the genealogy as recorded ends with Joseph as though married to Mary, Joseph is never thought of as the father of Jesus, and yet perhaps Matthew saw it this way. He believed that Jesus is the heir of Joseph and therefore the proper heir of the Davidic throne. For Jesus to be the Christ he must be in the line of David and Abraham. 

b. Why might Matthew have chosen to include these particular women?

Perhaps his intention was simply to show that if these women could belong in the line of Jesus then anyone could be included. Like Jesus these women were not royalty and good things can come from meager heritage. Jesus also identifies with sinners. That is a big thing about Jesus that we need to remember and brings many to salvation for we are all sinners. And yet three of them are people of faith: Rehab, Ruth, and Mary. Maybe Matthew wanted to emphasize also that women would not be demeaned and that they would have a meaningful role in life and marriage and ministry.

6.    How have you experienced God’s grace – blessings you do not deserve?

As a mature in life, it seems all of live is a result of God's grace. Any blessing that comes my wife is a gift of God that I really don't deserve. I think of my wife and my children - each one is a special blessing. God's grace has shined on me to give me the mother I had and the father I still have. He has blessed with a job and the means to be involved in ministering to other people and understand His truth. I'm not the best at communicating it but I try to remain faithful to people and His ways.  

THIRD DAY: Read Matthew 1:18-25.

God reassured Joseph and declared the names of His Son.

7    a.    How did Joseph respond to Mary’s pregnancy?

First of all, Joseph was a man of faith and understood the tradition of being a Jew. For Mary to come to the relationship already pregnant he knew on one hand would risk her being stoned (Deuteronomy 22:21).  So naturally he did not want to press this law and the reason he spoke of sending  her away secretly, so this would not be a public thing. Joseph, at the time, unlike us, did not know the whole story of Mary's innocence. He was concerned about his household and the reproach he might bring upon his family. At the time, he assumed her condition was one born of sin, and yet wanting to keep her safe sough out the way to do this by then writing out a certificate of divorce, but secretly, so as not to bring her harm. Divorce was not sin and that I think needs to be emphasized. 

b.    What comfort and instructions did God give to Joseph?

 God spoke to Joseph in a dream. Dreams, as a side not are still very prominent in middle east and Africa and other countries as to a means of speaking to people. God told him to not be afraid but rather to trust in God. Despite the evidence that was present before him, God tells him to not stare at it, but instead listen to Him. And Joseph does and responds in faith. 

8.   a.    What two names did God give to Mary’s Son? What does each name mean?

Jesus - He Himself will save people from their sins; God is salvation; Yeshua means to deliver or rescue

Immanuel - God with us; appears 3x in Bible (other 2 in Isaiah)

b.    What do both of these aspects of Jesus’ character mean to you?

Jesus is fully man with the purpose of redeeming mankind. As Paul would say, the second Adam. Adam who brought sin into the world and Jesus would remove it's punishment through His life and sacrifice. God gave us his Son to rescues us. He came to save me. 

9.   Read John 3:17; Acts 4:12; and Romans 10:9. What does the word “saved” mean to you? 

Jesus came to this world to save people; to show them a better way, the only way. Saved means not perishing and having eternal life in Christ. Saved from wrath; saved from death and hell; redeemed from the law. 

10.   How did Joseph demonstrate his faith?

He took Mary to be his wife. Joseph was disciplined. Sexual purity was a big deal to him. He would exhibit self control until Jesus was born. No small feat. Even in divorcing her, his goal was to minimize her shame. Even in the church as Christians, how often have we given certain sins the scarlet letter. 

FOURTH DAY: Read Luke 1:26-38 to understand God’s plan for Mary.

While Matthew focuses on Joseph, Luke’s account records God’s revelation of His plan to Mary.

11.   a.    What facts did the angel Gabriel reveal to Mary?

First of all, it is interesting that Luke focuses on God's revelation to Mary, while Matthew focuses on God's revelation to Joseph. He chose her. She didn't ask for this. - 1. The Lord is with her. Jehovah God is with her. She will conceive and bear a Son as a virgin. Her son's name will be Jesus. He will be great and God will give him the throne, so he will be king. And He will rule and unlike anyone else His rule will not end. The holy child will be called the son of God. 

b.   Read Job 33:4; Matthew 1:20, 23;and Luke 1:35. Of whom was Jesus born, besides Mary? Why is this important?

The Spirit of God made Jesus, conceived Him. Jesus with the Holy Spirit coming upon Him could not have saved mankind. All the fullness of deity was manifested in Jesus. God sent Jesus and it was the Spirit who helped conceive Him. The triune God is present. 

12.   How did Mary express her faith?

She was faithful to the Word of God and because it was said by the Lord's servant she knew it must be so. She had done nothing to deserve this. It was unmerited favor. 

13.   How has God worked in your life to build your faith and lead you to surrender to His plan?

I and my life is on a roller coaster but he is my constant. His word is constant. And even as i see this world try to figure out the best way to live I am more sure of God's way being the only way. In reading scripture, you see the complete plan of God from beginning to end. Every reading and lesson and preaching causes me to be more convinced. He works through other people and allowing me to see their faith. My involvement in evangelism, especially over the last 15 years and being able to see God work in other people's lives confirms His truth and help me to surrender to Him. 

FIFTH DAY: Reread Matthew 1:1-25.

Jesus’ birth fulfilled prophecy and revealed God’s faithfulness.

14.   a.    In what ways did Matthew connect Jesus’ birth to Old Testament prophecy in this chapter?

Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah King promised from David's line (2 Samuel 7:12-16)

Jesus is the Son of Abraham of whom all nations will be blessed (Genesis 12:3)

The virgin shall be with child and they will call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14)

 b.    What does this reveal about God?

What it means to me is the entire Bible points to Jesus. It is a reminder that God never changes. He wants people to be saved, to be redeemed and his plan is consistent. I was talking to someone the other day about God's inspired words and what this actually means to us. The question came up about why we have so many religions, denominations even within Protestants and among people so many different interpretations. My thinking is God's word is true and has no contradictions. It was written by men but inspired by God and so its words are infallible. But man is a sinner and man's words are not God inspired always. I think the Holy Spirit is in us and speaks to us but the reason we might have so many difference is we are all trying to figure out exactly what this Word says and yet we are fallible and so we are simply doing the best we can. We must be careful to not make it out that we have a corner on truth. I have much trouble with people that think a church is the only church because none of us are perfect. But God is perfect and His word is true and so prophecies like this help confirm that he is true and never changes.

15.   In what ways would Joseph and Mary’s steps of faith and obedience have been costly?

Both had a lot to lose with the appearance that Mary had a child out of wedlock. Both risked not just themselves but their families. A reminder that rarely is an issue that we are having only reserved to one person. And yet was their a cost other than being a little humiliated. For Joseph and Mary they may have had a plan for their life or marriage. For Joseph he didn't get the physical sexual enjoyment of a woman while he was married, until Jesus was born.

16.   When has obeying God been costly for you? How has God met your needs and demonstrated His faithfulness?

Jesus said in Matthew 16:24 - "Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me." The cost I have is daily I must deny myself and what I want. For me this has been shifting my priorities and my desires. Often I fail and don't deny self and in return I ignore disobedience so that I can think that I'm taking care of myself and my needs. But actually I'm doing be harm. As I submit to Him and His ways he continually shows me the better way. There is no freedom in not loving my wife. When I do she is everything I need. But when I look around, thinking I can find or see something better, there may be temporary enjoyment but nothing lasting. Thus, with Christ I have a peace that surpasses all understanding. It is not my will, but thine be done.

SIXTH DAY: Review Matthew 1:1-25.

God became a man to enable sinners to live a new life.

17.   What truth about Jesus challenged or inspired you this week?

Reading and studying the Genealogy is what interested me. Matthew's version is different I know, but I've heard stories of people being saved because of it. In thinking about the women and why they are included, it opened my eyes once again about how inclusive Jesus is and I wish the culture saw this more.

Mark 15:40-41 - Faithful Women

Mark 15:40-41
40 There were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome. 41 When He was in Galilee, they used to follow Him and minister to Him; and there were many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.

Message: Faithful Women

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is on the cross, having been crucified. He has breathed his last after darkness covered the face of the earth from 12pm to 3pm in the afternoon. He felt the rejection of the Father in crying out to him and then cried out later to signify it was over. Mark doesn't record much details of Jesus' words, but instead focuses on the responses of the people around Jesus. Most notable has been their mocking of Him, from bystanders, priests, even the robbers.

There were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome. In the Bible times, women and children are often the ones that are not highly regarded in society, but rather it is men. Yet, Jesus continually calls attention to women. And they are shown often to be the ones that are most faithful to Him. At times we see this in today's society as well. All to often, women are the ones that are taking their children to church, and really leading their families while husbands are not engaged in life, but focused on their own self-interests. It is rather a sad state of affair of life.

It appears that after Jesus' initial arrest many people that were a part of His group and following Him fled. But afterwards, Peter and John seemed to go after Jesus to see what was going to happen to Him. And here we see the words that there were also women looking on from a distance. Obviously they were sad from what they had seen - the mocking, the belittling of Jesus. And yet even the Centurion yesterday who cried out that Jesus was the Son of God.

Peter calls attention to this in what is recorded in verse 42. When He was in Galilee, they used to follow Him and minister to Him; and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem. They were steadfast. Often this wasn't the work of the disciples, but the women were near.

Summary - This is a brief message by Mark to talk about women and how they continued to follow Jesus and would continue to minister to Him. They took him seriously and stayed faithful to Him and Jesus reached out to them as well. It is at this time that Jesus has breathed His last and is on the cross.

Promise: We are to follow Jesus at all times, even when it seems dangerous. We can stand faithful to Him, even from afar.

Prayer: O Lord, I want to be known as a faithful follower of yours. I want to be like these women, who even from afar followed You and thought of you. I turn to You and turn away from my selfishness.

Mark 7:24-26 - Jesus Visits Tyre and Sidon

Mark 7:24-26
24 Jesus got up and went away from there to the region of Tyre. And when He had entered a house, He wanted no one to know of it; yet He could not escape notice. 25 But after hearing of Him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately came and fell at His feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, of the Syrophoenician race. And she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter.

Message: Jesus Visits Tyre and Sidon

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface: Jesus speaks to all the people, going beyond just the scribes, and declares clearly that when speaking of being clean, the key is what comes out of a person, not what is taken in. If the people want to know what defiles, it is what comes out of a person that matters most. Jesus, in a way, concludes the utter defilement of the heart by naming a list of these sins and repeats the idea that evil comes from within. While we stare at the outward, it is what is on the inside that matters most. 

Jesus got up and went away from there to the region of Tyre. I am reminded in Scripture that lines like this denote considerable time. Jesus getting up from where he was an then going to the region of Tyre. The distance between Capernaum (Galilee region) and Tyre was 35 miles; between Capernaum and Sidon is closer to 50 miles. Thus, to walk this distances would most likely take about a week, unless the terrain was different or the route was different. But we don't know for sure that he went from one place to another or from one region to another. The regions of Tyre and Sidon had a history of being wicked cities, paganism and opposition to Jews. Yet, these places ended up being more friendly to Jesus.

And when He had entered a house, He wanted no one to know of it. This is description is unique to the Gospel of Mark, as it is told in Matthew's account. It seems to be an indication that Jesus wanted to avoid publicity. yet He could not escape notice. Christ's fame had spread from Galilee to this region. Perhaps Jesus went to this region for the sole purpose of wanting to get away from the crowds and retreat to a more heathen territory where he could achieve rest or perhaps engage in community with his disciples. I am not sure who was with him or what his motivation was in coming to the region of Tyre and Sidon, but it seems clear now that it wasn't necessarily to minister to any one specifically. Mark mentions that he went to a house (not sure who) and wanted no one to know of it. Although he knew someone, he hoped to be there anonymous, but word of him spread.

Therefore, after hearing of Him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately came and fell at His feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of the Syrophoenician race. And she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. As I read these words and for a moment pretend that I don't know the words of Matthew, who provides a different type of detail from Mark's account, I look at what Mark emphasizes. She fell at His feet. Perhaps she had the feeling that only Jesus could do the healing. And yet, there are no words spoken and the description offered is her daughter had an unclean spirit and the woman kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. This woman's knowledge of Jesus was word of mouth. And from this account it is not apparent what she knew of Jesus other than that he could help her daughter.

For me, personally, as I read Mark's gospel account I sense that there is a sort of tension with Jesus in that people want to be healed and yet Jesus has first and foremost a mission of preaching repentance and belief. And it seems at times that even the healing exercises can at times lose track of this mission. After Jesus was baptized and declared his mission, he calls his first disciples, enters Capernaum and begins to speak things in the synagogue to show his authority and it hear we read then of him rebuking a spirit. But, the rebuke comes after his words that are spoken. The teaching and the command over unclean spirits made news of him spread (1:27-28). And then Jesus heals many more as people come to him but in verse 38 he wants to go us elsewhere, to other towns nearby, in order that I may preach, for that is what I came out for. A leper is cleansed, a paralytic is healed but each of those acts is still couched in speaking of his authority and forgiveness of sins. And so what Mark seems to be wanting to emphasize is Jesus and what he taught and yet very often what people wanted or what he highlighted was Jesus commanding evil spirits to leave or Jesus healing people of their diseases or raising a girl from the dead. But, all the while Jesus is sharing his message, unveiling his truth. He wants the message to shine.

Summary - Jesus seems to retreat to Tyre and Sidon, perhaps in hops of getting away from the crowds. But news of him is there as well and a woman appears to him requesting that an unclean spirit (demon) be removed from her daughter.

Promise: Despite our intended missions, we must be prepared for events that may temporarily take us off our intended path and approach them with the same calling that we have.

Prayer: Lord, continue to teach me from your Word. Lord, I have enjoyed getting to know Mark and his approach to you and your message of salvation. He shows your authority and your power and your way of forgiveness. Lord, everywhere people need to turn from sin and go towards belief in You, trusting in You completely. I pray that this happens in others, in me. I want to know you. And want to make you known.

Proverbs 31:10-12 - The Excellent Wife

Proverbs 31:10-12
10 An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.

Message: The Excellent Wife

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: Well, I fortunately have an excellent wife. She is not someone I found but instead someone that God provided for me. She gets more wonderful every day. And yes, her worth is far above any jewel. It is far above anything.

I do trust her. But sometimes my feelings get in the way, but feelings are not facts. Overall, I do trust her, but I do get nervous sometimes and I start believing my feelings more than the facts. It is often the same way in my relationship with God. I focus not on His word, but at times on what I'm feeling.

Pamela does me good and not evil. She has always been careful to be the best toward me. This doesn't mean I always get what I want. Who does? And no one should. But, she is amazing as to how sensitive she is to me. She recognizes me as the leader of the home, but she also has her own will, and often a strong one at that. We are definitely co-heirs and work together well.

Promise: The excellent wife embodies the Lord’s wisdom in fulfilling her divinely appointed role and in bringing great blessing to her family and community.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of Pamela. Thank you for your handiwork in making her the way you have and then bringing her into my life. You knew exactly what I needed. And thank you for molding her into your image and the joy it is just having her by my side everyday. Help me to be a better husband and to continually love her, treating her as more important than myself. Train me to resist the temptation to ever look around for anyone else. The world is constantly throwing distractions my way, but help me to train myself always to making her the only woman in my life.

Great Bible Men and Women

MOSES

Mediator of the old covenant -- received the Law of God and took it to the people of Israel; brought the needs and sins of Israel to the Lord in prayer. God spent Moses' life preparing him for this calling. Moses came the poor means, but was spared from death and raised in the courts of the Pharaoh. But it was the weak and helpless he always came to the aid for: like the killing the Egyptian that had killed one Moses' own (Hebrew); saving the daughters of Jethro out shepherding their flock. And he was meek.

JOSHUA

Led newly formed nation of Israel into the Promised Land against a people more sophisticated militarily and greater manpower than Israel. God reminds Joshua to be strong and courageous. Joshua had confidence. He could conquer Canaan because he had experience and confidence, more importantly, in the Lord. Though he had experience, it was God's faithfulness to the Word of God by giving Joshua the ability to lead the people, seeing that Joshua was on the Lord's side. This is what is most important.

DEBORAH

God raised Deborah up to rescue His people from their enemies. The difference this time was he used a female. Her time was the time of the Judges when Israel was not united as a nation, but existed as a loose confederation of tribes. At times, the Lord would endow a leader or judge with His Holy Spirit, to rally the Israelites together to defeat a foe. Who was oppressing Israel at the time of Deborah? Jabin, king of Canaan, for 20 years. And so Deborah rallied the people against Jabin. The mightiest general in the region was defeated by an "ordinary" housewife. God uses the ordinary.

ESTHER

Esther, the Jewish queen of Persia, helped deliver her people during the reign of King Ahasuerus. Through this she had to overcome the fear of what may happen to her. The king of Persia needed a new queen after his queen, Vashti, refused to dance before his friends at his feast. Esther won the king's favor and became queen. The book of Esther does not mention the name of God. Esther's fear was whether to come to the rescue of her cousin Mordecai, who was refusing to bow to one of the king's advisors, Haman, and risk the Jews being wiped out. Initially Esther didn't get involved, but realizing she needed to do something to stay alive she went before the king.

INFLUENTIAL NEW TESTAMENT WOMEN

The Lord's mother gave birth to the Messiah and helped raise Jesus to honor the Father. Mary and Martha, two sisters, and friends of Jesus. Jesus always treated women with respect which was not the norm at this time. Women were the first witnesses to His resurrection.