All posts by Richard Harrell

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About Richard Harrell

Connecting life, art, and the power of story in ways that change my world. I am a disciple-maker and lover of Jesus living in a small town in Georgia. I am also on a spiritual journey, looking for points in life that point me to new and full life in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

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Acts 11:15-18, Romans 15:7-9

(PRT) Acts 11:15-18, Romans 15:7-9

Acts 11:15-18 (PRT)

v. 15 However, as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just like on us, also, when this first started. v. 16 Then I remembered how the Lord spoke to us and said: “John certainly baptized in water; you, however, will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.” v. 17 Since, then, God gave them the same gift as he gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way? v. 18 After the leaders in Jerusalem heard this account they dropped their criticism and gave God praise and said “Then it has happened: God has given to the nations the repentance that brings life.”

Romans 15:7-9 (PRT)

v. 7 Therefore, embrace and accept one another just like Christ embraced and accepted you for God’s glory. v. 8 For I assure you that Christ became the servant to the Jews by being among them for the sake of God’s truth; he did this so he could confirm the promises given to their forefather. V. 9 This also is for the nations for mercy to give glory to God, just like it is written: “Because of this, I will declare you to the nations; to your name I will sing.”

v. 15 However, as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just like on us, also, when this first started.

“in the beginning,” or when this first started, as in when the Holy Spirit came at the first of the birth of the church, when God started it all by pouring out His promised gift at Pentecost.

“fell” could mean “embraced” – that makes an interesting parallel to the Father’s love for us.

And here it begins – the nations are invited in.

v. 16 Then I remembered how the Lord spoke to us and said: “John certainly baptized in water; you, however, will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.”

“in, with, by” – but in the case of being immerse, it means in. He baptizes us in the full and present Spirit of God.

There are two words for immerse – bapto, and baptidzo – though Luke uses the the second word in both places. Baptidzo is a repeated action. We are immersed and we keep being immersed in the Holy Spirit. Imagine each day we choose to step into the vast ocean of God’s presence for another day of baptism.

Jesus expands Peter’s and now the apostles’ horizon. They heard Jesus say “water and Holy Spirit” and thought, God’s chosen people, the Jews; now they hear and see that God’s chosen people are from among both Jews and the nations around the globe.

v. 17 Since, then, God gave them the same gift as he gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?

When we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are given His Spirit. Shouldn’t we ask for the Spirit to come in the same power and demonstration as they experienced?

The Spirit is the gift, the promise of the Father. With Him comes His gifts to build up the body, to reach the lost, and to fellowship with Him.

We believe and receive God’s gift of the Spirit. They believe and receive the gift, too.

“Who was I to stand in God’s way?” where did Peter hear this before? When they were close to being condemned and Gamaliel spoke up and said the same. Peter was there.

v. 18 After the leaders in Jerusalem heard this account they dropped their criticism and gave God praise and said “Then it has happened: God has given to the nations the repentance that brings life.”

This is such a key verse since it encapsulates what those who first became Jesus-followers saw when the world was invited to the same experience in Jesus. At the first, they were critical and questioning. How dare Peter taint his life by fellowshipping with other nations? But after the account, after hearing that the Spirit fell and embraced the Gentiles, they were silent. They stopped their protests and replaced it with praise and glory.  “Apa” means therefore or so then with the meaning of a conclusion awaited, “it’s finally happened.” God’s Holy Spirit within reminded them that His plan all along was to win a world, to dethrone the usurper not just in Jerusalem but throughout the globe. If the offer is given, those who take it experience the life that comes through turning from sin and self-centeredness and turning to Jesus.

Romans 15:7-9 (PRT)

v. 7 Therefore, embrace and accept one another just like Christ embraced and accepted you for God’s glory.

Accept or receive with the goal of opening one’s life up to the other. There is a transparency factor to this word “accept.” Jesus demonstrated this when he accepted us, even while we were sinners and knowing that we would forever need his “embrace” of forgiveness.

We are embraced for and to God’s glory and praise and honor. Our willingness to forgive and embrace those who miss the mark should reflect Christ accepting us while we were yet sinners. And this is to point to God’s glory. This is radical in relationships.

v. 8 For I assure you that Christ became the servant to the Jews by being among them for the sake of God’s truth; he did this so he could confirm the promises given to their forefather.

Paul is speaking truth to help the church understand why Jesus did what He did. He came as a Jew, circumcised, and a part of the nation specifically to make certain what the Father promised in the Old Testament was true. They are invited in to the holy nation, the royal priesthood, the chosen people in Jesus. Let no one say God lies. He is fully truth and his promises are yes.

These promises are the message, the announcement, to the founders of Judaism. And because He chose this way, he fulfilled the law’s requirements for us, too.

V. 9 This also is for the nations for mercy to give glory to God, just like it is written: “Because of this, I will declare you to the nations; to your name I will sing.”

Because Jesus came and lived among the Jews to fulfill all the promises, we get in on the mercies of God so we can worship Him. Those who were without mercy and apart from the covenant relationship are now invited in.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

Pastor Rick's Study Notes, Study Notes - Old Testament, ,

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15, Romans 8:28

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

(PRT) Ecclesiastes 3:9-15, Romans 8:28

Eccl. 3:9-10 What profit does a person accomplish from laboring? I have seen the grind God has given to people as vocations.

In these two verses, Solomon uses four different words having to do with work. What does a man profit in the work he is working? The first is work as in create, craft, fashion, make. The second is the hard laboring, the toiling. And in v. 10, the work as in occupation or business, and the exercising is that humble embracing of the occupation presented. We are creative and we have hard days sometimes; but we continue to embrace the activity God places in front of us.

All we do to labor, to grind out our work, to seek gain in our vocation, apart from God being at the center – is empty. What is missing? The Eternal One on the throne. The “stuff of eternity” God has placed in our hearts focused in a personal walk with the Father.

In the midst of change, in the swirl of what often doesn’t make sense, when the cultural grid for what is right and wrong seems to flip upside down; we can center our lives on what is eternal.

v. 11 Yet, God has made everything beautiful in his time and he has set eternity in the hearts of people. Still, no one can discover everything God is about from beginning to end.

Here is the counterpoint to the four words for labor; but God has made it all beautiful in season; he has set hope/eternity in our hearts. Appropriate time, season, timeliness, each is beautiful in the time we face it. And in the midst of this beautiful season, we know there is more. A longing to know more, to experience more is a gift. We long for more. We get a glimpse as His kids.

In his time is the emphasis of the first half; in our hearts the second. His time comes together in a beautiful way when the stuff of eternity leads the way.

Romans 1:19 God has put inside us a knowledge that He is and He created, thus deserves our lives. Yet, we stay small in our minds and perspective and focus on horizon on ourselves.

This word for eternity is also used for “world” and is use 300 times in the OT for eternity, but this is the only place the writer puts “the” in front of it. Perhaps it could be translated “the stuff of eternity” or “things everlasting.” The meaning changes in perspective to mean not just eternal but all things that are valued eternally. The contrast is all we do “in time” and “all that matters for eternity.” How do we connect these two cries?

Psalm 1:3,

We don’t get it all; but who would want to worship a God who can fully be comprehended? We see through a clouded mirror when we look at God’s work.

vv. 12-13 I know fully that there is lasting treasure only in finding joy and doing good in this life; for everyone to eat, drink and enjoy the reward of their hard work; truly this is the gift of God.

Solomon, the narrator, searcher for truth, and teacher here, brings his own conclusion. It is the same: he cannot know everything about God’s plans either. So, he recommends; pursue joy where it is found, do good wherever you can, work hard and enjoy what comes. Make the most of each day and moment.

Joy, rejoicing, happiness. God has given us a gift. Our work brings joy.

Romans 8:28 And we know that, for those who love Him, for those who are invited into His plans, God works all things together for good.

It’s not just the bad or the hard things that God uses for our benefit; it’s the good and beautiful things, too. We are invited into his purposes in every season, in every trial, in every rejoicing, the bring a full and beautiful life.

“we know that…” It’s what the first century church knew. If you love and follow God, and have said yes to his plans for your life, God the Father will take what you go through for our benefit. All will work together for good.

The context of this verse is the suffering we go through and the protective covering of the Holy Spirit and His readiness to answer our cries, even more, to lead us in those prayers.

“invited into His plans” is the calling to His purposes, mainly the redemptive story.

This passage emphasizes the free action and choice of each of us but acknowledges that, threaded through it all is God’s design and purpose to bring us to Him, to deepen our love for Him, and to accomplish His good works.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

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Genesis 2:7, John 20:19-23, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

(PRT) Genesis 2:7, John 20:19-23, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Gen. 2:7 And the Lord God molded and created the first human out of the dust and dirt of the earth, and He breathed into his nostrils the spirit and breath of life; and the man became alive, a living being.

  • That the Father created you and me is unavoidable for the Christian.
  • That the Father created you and me uniquely with soul, consciousness, and a desire to know Him lays the foundation for our relationship with Him.
  • That we are created from the dry and dusty dirt of earth connects us to our purposes here.
  • That we have the very breath of the Father in our souls connects us to the purposes of the Kingdom.

John 20:19 Then, the evening came on that same first day of the week, and the doors where Jesus’ followers were staying were shut and locked out of fear of the Jews; and Jesus entered and stood among them and said to them: “Peace to you.” v. 20 And after saying this, he showed them his two hands and his side. The disciples were overjoyed because they had clearly seen the Lord. v. 21 Then Jesus quieted them and said again: “Peace to you. Just like the Father sent me on the mission, I also commission you and send you out on mission.” v. 22 And after he said this, he breathed on them, and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit. v. 23 What sins you forgive, they are forgiven; what you hold onto, they stay.

  • Jesus doesn’t stop for locked doors or chained gates; he shows up where his Kingdom belongs.
  • Jesus says to you and me when we are fearful, “peace. Focus on me and my nearness.
  • Jesus says to you and me when we experience the fulness and joy of His life in us, “peace.” Focus on me and my mission.
  • Jesus gives us His Spirit to empower us, to guide us, and to accomplish the Kingdom through us.
  • Jesus’ Spirit inside us gives us discernment on how to show others how to be forgiven.

2 Timothy 3: 16 All the Scripture is God-breathed and effective for instruction in doctrine, for persuasive conviction, for straightening our lives again, and for training us in God’s standard of what is right. v. 17 That way, the person devoted to God can be complete, fully equipped, and ready to face every good work.

  • The Spirit of God has given us His Word.
  • This God-breathed Scripture is given with a purpose and outcome.
  • He has breathed His Word so we can be full of His truth, grow up in His purposes, and do the good works He puts before us.
  • This Scripture teaches us, convicts us, straightens us out, and trains us to know right from wrong.
  • His Truth is meant to move from the page, to the mind, into our hearts, and out from our lives through words and actions.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

Gen. 2:7 And the Lord God molded and created the first human out of the dust and dirt of the earth, and He breathed into his nostrils the spirit and breath of life; and the man became alive, a living being.

The image is God the Father taking the dust and dirt, mixing it like clay with water, crafting a human, then coming face-to-face with his creation to give life through the Spirit. Add this to John 1 and how all things are created through Jesus the Son and the Trinity is deeply invested in this creative act of humanity.

When we read this verse and those around it, the “order” seems out of place in the events or actions. But the verbs do not indicate this is a chronological check list. This verse says God did it.

The dust and dirt are the finest of earth’s particles. He didn’t shovel up a load of clay but took the pure, dry dirt from the ground to form us. The earth doesn’t produce man’s body; God creates it. However, the dirt of earth is elevated as a gift from which people gain their sustenance and explore their creativity.

Then, the life-breath is given. The stuff of earth; the breath from heaven. Though the words themselves are mainly the breath of our lungs that maintains our lives, that He came to humans face-to-face to deliver this breath makes this unique. The human becomes animate and individual We don’t see the Father breathing into the nostrils of the armadillo, even though by His creative force, the armadillo breathes and is animated.

John 20:19 Then, the evening came on that same Sunday, and the doors where Jesus’ followers were staying were shut and locked out of fear of the Jews; and Jesus entered and stood among them and said to them: “Peace to you.”

The gates outside were locked and chained; the entryway to the room was shut and locked. He opens them miraculously. He goes through them. Jesus didn’t obey locks and chains. Where he belongs, he enters.

The disciples were hunkered down waiting for the intensity of the manhunt to blow over. They, at this point, had no answers for the Jewish authorities’ suspicions.  This is the point of hope. And hope based on faith in the truth of the Good News of God’s love for people through Jesus became their answer.

“that day” is something that each follower would look back on. And the evening of that day, Jesus shows up.

Peace to you is a common expression of greeting made more important when Jesus promises his supernatural peace to be ours. Here, it likely is also because of the fear prevalent in the room and the possible fear his sudden appearance made.

v. 20 And after saying this, he showed them his two hands and his side. The disciples were overjoyed because they had clearly seen the Lord.

Jesus knew their eyes needed a new image. Their last image was a brutal death and the finality of his dead body slumped over those removing Jesus from his instrument of execution. He held out his hands so they could see he really did hang on the cross and he survived. He uncovered his ribcage so they could see he really did get pierced by a Roman spear and lived. They knew he could not live through both cross and spear to the heart; he rose from the dead. He wasn’t resuscitated. He wasn’t in a swoon. He died. And he now lives and stands in the middle of their gathering. And they had clearly seen Him in His physical, recognizable body.

v. 21 Then Jesus quieted them and said again: “Peace to you. Just like the Father sent me on the mission, I also commission you and send you out on mission.”

Jesus says “peace” twice. The first time, because they were afraid; the second time because they were overjoyed.

Jesus uses two different words for “send” here. The Father sent Jesus to the mission of redemption. He came as a child, grew up and lived sinless, proclaimed and demonstrated the Kingdom of Heaven is near, was betrayed, tried, convicted, beaten, crucified, killed, buried, and rose again. He accomplished His mission. It was a specified mission to accomplish. Done. And now the hand off. Jesus now commissions his followers to the mission of taking the Good News of the Kingdom to those near and far. And the word John uses here is a more general term. We are sent to live our lives, to pursue good, to obey God, to raise our families, to worship in church, to be filled with the Spirit – so that, as we do these things, we will take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. We take His accomplished mission, the message of the Good News of the Kingdom, as our mission.

v. 22 And after he said this, he breathed on them, and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit.

This word for breathed is the same Greek that translates Gen 2:7. He breathed onto their lives a measure of the Holy Spirit; this prepared them for the full infilling and washing over by the Spirit on Pentecost. The image here is the Son gathering his followers near and, face-to-face breathing over them (one at a time, or all at once is not so important and not defined here.) And in this breathing, he imparts the Spirit to illumine them and strengthen them for the next 40 days. This was such a critical time. They could possibly scatter in fear and miss Pentecost (Peter has already renewed his occupation of fishing, it seems. Thomas was missing in action in this first visit Jesus makes.)

He breathed. It was not symbolic of the Spirit of God rising up inside the disciples; it was an impartation of the holy breath of God infilling his followers.

Some scholars say this was the “down payment” on Pentecost, and this makes sense. Jesus imparted all of the Spirit they would need to accomplish their mission for the next 40 days as they awaited the full “promise of the Father.”

Ezekiel 37:9 the prophet appeals to the winds to breathe on those dead, the bones in the valley, that they might come back to life.

v. 23 What sins you forgive, they are forgiven; what you hold onto, they stay.

This passage can be confusing. It can be who’s ever sins you forgive them, they are forgiven; but if you hold onto them or retain them, they will stay retained. In the context, it doesn’t seem to fit, and I can only wonder if this is one of those passages that John remembered in the middle of his account and inserted. I’m used to reading chronologically; that’s not always the way the accounts are written. My first choice is to read it in context with v. 22. That means their willingness to forgive is vitally connected with the work of the Holy Spirit inside His followers. This is confirmed by the example of Jesus’ proclamation, “Father forgive them.” And then Stephen saying the same thing. It’s an extension of grace and forgiveness in the face of harmful designs.

This is the formula for the Catholic practice of the confessional that developed through the early centuries of the church’s spread. Protestant and evangelicals take this passage and run as far away from this as possible. After all, only God can forgive sins. But we: 1) must forgive the sins others commit that harm us, and 2) we “pronounce” forgiveness when someone else extends forgiveness toward us. We don’t forgive on behalf of God, but our affirmation of someone’s announced change can strengthen the action as “done” and “under God’s grace.”

2 Timothy 3: 16 All the Scripture is God-breathed and effective for instruction in doctrine, for persuasive conviction, for straightening our lives again, and for training us in God’s standard of what is right.

The four areas God’s Word here is fruitful for: teaching truth, convicting us of the truth, correcting our lives to the truth, and training us to live measured by the plumbline of God’s view of righteousness. They are all different but help us align with a life that benefits from God’s blessing and keep us from the lies of the enemy.

The teaching is related to the doctrinal truth of theology as it relates to life.

The convicting of truth is a making plain what might be hidden, proving what is unclear.

The correcting is a putting down so it can be a standard in our lives.

The training has a meaning of discipline.

v. 17 That way, the person devoted to God can be complete, fully equipped, and ready to face every good work.

Literally, the man of God, hence the person devoted or belonging to God. Two different words having to do with complete. The first is the status of being fitted out completely; the second fully equipped in the face of what life might bring their way, so they can do good works.

Small Group Study Questions:

  1. What family member were you closest to when you were a child? What is you favorite memory with this person?
  2. How does God’s characteristics in Genesis 2:7 bring Him close to humanity? Which of God’s characteristics – creativity, compassion, or communications – shows up in your own life?
  3. Where does God need to breath His Spirit’s provision and power in your life today?
  4. What is God’s mission for Jesus’ followers in John 20:19-23? How does your understanding of God’s mission change how you live?
  5. How can we pray for you as you pursue His mission this week?

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

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1 John 1:1-10

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

(PRT) I John 1:1-10

v. 1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen and looked at up close and personally, what we have touched with our hands regarding the Word of Life, v. 2 For that life was made visible and knowable and we have seen it and corroborate and announce to you the life eternal that was with the Father was made known and visible to us. v.3 What we have seen and heard, we announce to you, too. That way you belong in community with us for our very community is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. v. 4 And we write these things so our joy might be full to overflowing. v. 5 For the message we have heard from him and we announce to you is this: God is radiant light and there is not one bit of darkness within him. v.6 If we say that we live in community with him, yet choose to live our lives in darkness we are being deceptive and do not live our lives in truth. v. 7 Since then we live in the light just as He is in the light, we live in community with one another, and the blood of God’s Son, Jesus, cleanses us from all sin. v. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we stray from the truth; that truth is no longer inside us. v. 9 If we agree with Him about our sin, he is faithful and just; and because of that, he can forgive our sins and can cleanse us  from all unrighteousness. v. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make Jesus out to be a liar and his word is no longer inside us.

v. 1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen and looked at up close and personally, what we have touched with our hands regarding the Word of Life,

John is reflecting back to the day when Jesus was near physically. They saw him every day, spoke with him, found themselves enraptured with his teaching and  miracles, and touch him.

Could he be reflecting on Thomas needing to place his fingers in the wounds?

v. 2 For that life was made visible and knowable and we have seen it and corroborate and announce to you the life eternal that was with the Father was made known and visible to us.

Made visible is revealed and seen with the eyes. They touched and saw and heard. He speaks to us, reveals Himself to us, brings His presence to be felt today.

v.3 What we have seen and heard, we announce to you, too. That way you belong in community with us for our very community is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

Jesus revealed himself in order to be revealed. What we see, we talk about.

v. 4 And we write these things so our joy might be full to overflowing.

And here is the reason for this chapter.

v. 5 For the message we have heard from him and we announce to you is this: God is radiant light and there is not one bit of darkness within him.

The word for light is what we get phosphorus from – it radiates from the point within and outward  by the source that creates light.

v.6 If we say that we live in community with him, yet choose to live our lives in darkness we are being deceptive and do not live our lives in truth.

Fellowship  means that we choose to stay in community with Jesus and with each other. We work through things and stay the course and our lives will reflect in a greater way the light and the truth.

v. 7 Since then we live in the light just as He is in the light, we live in community with one another, and the blood of God’s Son, Jesus, cleanses us from all sin.

John connects community and Jesus’ forgiveness. Community reminds us of our stubbornness and pride toward others and we then bring it to God for mercy. Without community, we can more readily stay in our pride and stubbornness.

v. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we stray from the truth; that truth is no longer inside us.

The word for “lie” is the same for straying or being led into a trap; sometimes we are complicit. This is a different word than v. 6 deception. The truth here is that one who has an honest relationship with Jesus, and He has poured His truth into us, we would never say “I’m good and righteous on my own.”

v. 9 If we agree with Him about our sin, he is faithful and just; and because of that, he can forgive our sins and can cleanse us  from all unrighteousness.

Confess here means we agree with the Father about what we have done, that it is wrong, and needs His mercy. And because he is faithful to His promises and he is just in the manner in which he handles our cry for forgiveness, he can forgive and he can cleanse. The “can” means that He is there in the moment of possibility we need forgiveness and in the moment of confession and agreement, can forgive.

v. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make Jesus out to be a liar and his word is no longer inside us.

Again, the truth here is, our choice to have a deepening and honest relationship with Jesus would never allow us to “not agree” with Him about our need for his mercy. Vv. 8 and 10 nudge us into an honest treatment of v. 9, the Restoration Promise. We are honest when we sin, and we are open to Him to show us where we still have shame and guilt, and we agree with Him. And because of the fact that He is faithful and just, we can be forgiven.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes: Hebrews 9:24-28.

Hebrews - Study Notes, Pastor Rick's Study Notes, Small Group Study Questions, , , , , ,

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

(PRT) Hebrews 9:24-28

v. 24 For Christ has not entered a holy place constructed by people copied from what is genuine; but right now he is in heaven appearing in the presence of God making our petition for us. v. 25 And neither did he offer himself up again and again, just like a high priest enters into the Holy of Holies each and every year with the blood from another sacrifice. v. 26 If that were the case, he would need to suffer again and again from the beginning of the whole universe until right now. Instead, Christ has been revealed through his own sacrifice for sin’s cancellation once for all until the very end of the ages. v. 27 For throughout time, it is determined therefore that each person dies once, then afterwards faces judgment. v. 28 Likewise, Christ has been offered once in order to bear away the sins of many and afterwards he will appear again to the ones freed from sin and waiting for salvation.

 v. 24 For Christ has not entered a holy place constructed by people copied from what is genuine; but right now he is in heaven appearing in the presence of God making our petition for us.

Jesus went to the temple, but though he was the only one qualified to enter the Holiest place and offer sacrifices, He never did.

He offered Himself in the place it mattered – the Holy Place of Heaven. He had to rise from the dead to make this happen.

In this verse, the word emphanistamai is appeared as in visibly present. Different from “appeared” in v. 26 and v.28. This is appeared as in disclosed or coming into to be seen for the purpose intended. Εμφανιζω. John 14 says that when we trust in Jesus, he shows up to show us the Father’s love, he reveals himself to us. He has come with a purpose. He is our advocate!

He is in the priestly role of intercession.

v. 25 And neither should he offer himself up again and again, just like a high priest enters into the temple each and every year with the blood from another sacrifice.

Every year, the same sacrifice has to be presented from a human context. But Jesus once for all who trust in Him handled the sacrifice once for all time.

Again and again is from the present active subjunctive.  The blood from another would be the cows and goats of the Day of Atonement.

The Day of Atonement is the sabbath of sabbaths; this is the day most ceremonial. What Jesus did to attain our forgiveness is so much higher than the highest day of Judaism.

On the Day of Atonement: 1) the enemy had no right to accuse, 2) sacrifice was made fully for all sins for all nations, 3) the day of perfect pardon from sin repented of. That day is now the norm for the Christian. The accuser is shut down, the nations are invited to take Jesus as Lord, and our forgiveness carries the strength of the name of the only one who could forgive.

v. 26 If that were the case, he would need to suffer again and again from the beginning of the whole universe until right now. Instead, Christ has been revealed through his own sacrifice for sin’s cancellation once for all until the very end of the ages.

This perpetual sacrifice would mean that Jesus never accomplished the sacrifice. Sin’s annulment or cancellation. Strong word. Since the beginning of creation is “from the foundations of the world.”

The work here for appeared is pephanirotai – manifested. To be revealed or appear. This word declares. It’s the same word in 2 Cor 3:3 Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. He’s come, he’s appeared to forgive and redeem. He saves!

v. 27 For throughout time, it is determined therefore that each person dies once, then afterwards faces judgment.

This is “a judgment” and not “the Judgment.” This is the first layer of judgment, that is either belonging or rejecting Christ. Matt 25 – goats and lamb passage, those who know him; that is know him in such a way that the rest of life is invested in those who need Him.

“Determined” is “laid up for” as in already in the plans of God.

v. 28 Likewise, Christ has been offered once in order to bear away the sins of many and afterwards he will appear again to the ones freed from sin and waiting for salvation.

His sacrifice is for eternity for all who trust in Him. Here the word for “appear” is a third one, ophtasetai, to be seen. Orao. To be physically seen or experienced. He’s coming back!

Bear the sins away may point to the moment sin was piled on the shoulders of the only man who had won the right to suffer in order to give peace, the be afflicted in order to heal, and to die in order to give life.

We die and face judgment; Jesus died for us so we could be freed from sin and enjoy salvation.

Waiting for salvation – Philippians 3, we are awaiting our entry into heaven since we are citizens awaiting salvation. Our passage today answers the big questions of life, like:

(1) Why Am I Here?

(1) Why Does My Life sometimes feel unimportant or insignificant?

(2) What causes me to be so restless?

(2) Where does the longing for more come from?

(3) What is the Meaning and Purpose of my Life?

(3)Where Do I go after this life?

Small Group Questions:

  1. What is your first memory of feeling like you were created for something special?
  2. In what ways does our passage contrast with the idea that we get to live again and again through ideas like reincarnation and karma?
  3. How does the fact that we live and die and then face judgment make you feel? What can you change in relation to this judgment?
  4. Would you like for our group to pray for you about anything related to these verses?
  5. How can we support and pray for you this week?