How do we differentiate between forgiveness of sin, in the context of salvation and the Cross, and the issue of a crime in the context of the criminal justice system? Why must we differentiate between them, or can we?
What we have to understand is that Jesus' main goal is to save our
souls. The reality is that we all will have to confront death.
Once we have given our lives over to Christ death no longer
is an issue because at the resurrection we will receive eternal
life.
A person who has committed a crime can be forgiven of their sins
but, they must still suffer the consequences of that crime. Jesus
died to save us from the eternal consequences of sin not the
temporal consequences of sin.
A perfect example is the thief on the cross, the thief on the cross
was a criminal. He was there with Jesus being put to death for the
crimes that he committed. That thief was forgiven, and granted
a place in God's kingdom yet he still died that day.
I would say the two are totally different,and that being pardoned
from a crime is not the same as being forgiven from your sins.
I you dont suffer for a crime that you committed its simply and
act of God's grace and mercy.
In class, discuss your answer to Tuesday’s question regarding the death penalty. What would you tell the family, and why? Also, is it right and fair to apply what was done in ancient Israel to our system of justice today? Discuss.
To be honest I would not really have any words for them. If they
directly asked me I would leave it up to them. I would possibly present
the options. But I will refuse to play the role of someones conscience.
I know what we are supposed to do , I know what I am supposed say.
In the reality of the emotions pain and hurt, I will have to defer
this one to Jesus.
Why is it so important to remember how the Lord has led us in the past, either as individuals or as a church? What dangers arise if we forget the past? At the same time, why is it important not to dwell too much on what already has been done and cannot be changed? How can we strike the right balance here?
The question of balance is the crux to finding resolution to many
problems. But the question is how does one actually obtain balance
and how will you actually know when you have obtained balance.
A knowledge of the past will keep us from making the same mistakes
of the past. Also a knowledge of the past will give us a foundation
of faith to understand that what God did in the past He still can do
today.
The danger is staying in the past and not living in the present.
The past is as good as it helps you with what you are dealing
with today. We must live in today , and not in the past. Now with
the question of balance.
For me the only way that we remain balanced in any issue is by
looking to Jesus the author and the finisher of our faith. Balance
is not found by meticulously weighing options but looking to Jesus.
By keeping our eyes directly head on the Jesus He will balance
us out in all areas.
If someone were to ask you, “What does it mean to take refuge in Christ?” what would you answer? How do we “take refuge” in the Lord? What does that mean? How should it change our lives?
I would tell then to take refuge in Christ is a to accept what
He has done for you on the cross. And to take refuge in Christ
means to put on Christ. In order to put on Christ you must be
baptized for the remission of your sins. And once you are baptized
you must continue to walk with Him to take refuge in Him.
I believe it is a simple as that. They must be baptized and then
devote their lives to Him. If they do these two things they will
have the refuge which is available in Christ.
How do we administer church discipline today? How do we deal with wayward members whose actions are a reproach to the Lord? Yet at the same time, how do we deal with them in a way that does not make us appear judgmental? Or can we?
The key to this issue is the spirit that motivates us. If we
approach a person with a spirit of love and meekness as is
stated in Gal 6:1 we can be successful at this task. But often
times people are motivated by many other things than the
salvation of that individual which causes many problems.
It takes prayer and it takes a devotion to that persons
salvation rather than desire to boost your ego because of their
sins.
Prayer: Father thank you for all the lessons that we have learned this week. Thank you your the refuge we find in Your Son. Thank you for sending your Son to die for our sins. Be with us today as we spend time with our families and loved ones. Thank you in Jesus name amen.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christ, Our Refuge
How does 2 Samuel 22:3 reflect, at least somewhat, what the cities of refuge provided?
This passage talks about how God is our refuge. David was speaking
on the occasion that the Lord delivered him from the hands
of his enemies.
For David God being his refuge means the one who protects him from
violence that may have been inflicted upon him. In the same way
the cities of refuge protected an individual from violence. The
city of refuge kept a person safe so their case could be properly
judged.
In what ways do we find the same kind of refuge and protection in Christ that those who fled to the cities of refuge found? See John 8:10, 11; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Heb. 6:18.
John 8:10, 11
In this passage we see the woman who was caught in adultery.According
to the law she was supposed to be stoned to death. Because of the
presence of Jesus she was granted protection. Jesus did not
condemn but commanded her to go and sin no more.
Eph. 1:7,Col 1:14
This passage talks about the redemption that we have through the blood
of Christ. His blood also provides us forgiveness of our trespasses.
The cities of refuge provided redemption and forgiveness as long
as your remained in them.
Heb. 6:18.
This passage talks about how we have taken refuge in God. In the
same way that the cities of refuge provided protection Christ also
provides us protection. We can be safe when we are in Christ.
Do you feel that you are not good enough to be saved? Do you feel that your sins are too great for you to be accepted by God? Do you feel that you are unworthy of forgiveness? If so, then why is it important to forget about how you feel and claim the promises of forgiveness, salvation, and acceptance offered to you by Jesus?
Because Christ is our refuge, in Him we have everything we need.
Prayer: Thank you Father for the refuge that we have in you. Help us to run
to you ,help us to abide with you. Thank you for your grace and mercy.
In Jesus name amen.
This passage talks about how God is our refuge. David was speaking
on the occasion that the Lord delivered him from the hands
of his enemies.
For David God being his refuge means the one who protects him from
violence that may have been inflicted upon him. In the same way
the cities of refuge protected an individual from violence. The
city of refuge kept a person safe so their case could be properly
judged.
In what ways do we find the same kind of refuge and protection in Christ that those who fled to the cities of refuge found? See John 8:10, 11; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Heb. 6:18.
John 8:10, 11
In this passage we see the woman who was caught in adultery.According
to the law she was supposed to be stoned to death. Because of the
presence of Jesus she was granted protection. Jesus did not
condemn but commanded her to go and sin no more.
Eph. 1:7,Col 1:14
This passage talks about the redemption that we have through the blood
of Christ. His blood also provides us forgiveness of our trespasses.
The cities of refuge provided redemption and forgiveness as long
as your remained in them.
Heb. 6:18.
This passage talks about how we have taken refuge in God. In the
same way that the cities of refuge provided protection Christ also
provides us protection. We can be safe when we are in Christ.
Do you feel that you are not good enough to be saved? Do you feel that your sins are too great for you to be accepted by God? Do you feel that you are unworthy of forgiveness? If so, then why is it important to forget about how you feel and claim the promises of forgiveness, salvation, and acceptance offered to you by Jesus?
Because Christ is our refuge, in Him we have everything we need.
Prayer: Thank you Father for the refuge that we have in you. Help us to run
to you ,help us to abide with you. Thank you for your grace and mercy.
In Jesus name amen.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Cities of Refuge, Continued
Read Numbers 35:22–34 and answer the following questions:
#How was the whole congregation involved in dealing with these situations? Why would it be important for them to be involved?
If someone killed someone else unintentionally then the whole
congregation was to judge the situation by the regulations
given in numbers 35. I believe that the whole congregation
was to be apart of the judgment in order to ensure that justice
is carried out for that individual.
Also by having the whole congregation involved ideas will not
form in their heads that murder was ok. When the congregation is
able to see that this death was actually unintentional it would keep
others confident in the judicial process.
#What distinction was made between premeditated murder and that of manslaughter?
A couple of the words used in this passage help us to understand
what the difference is. The passage uses the word suddenly and
the word unintentionally. Along with this it says that the person
was not his enemy and the person did not intend to harm him. From
these examples we can see the difference is motive,and what are their
intentions.
The person who murders is someone who had predetermined motives
to kill an individual. This person may also have had enmity against
an individual which would lead them to murder and someone.
#Even though the death might have been by accident, the perpetrator still had to remain in the city of refuge in order to be protected. Given the context, why do you think that was so?
The reality is that a life had been taken and the family according to
the law had the right to kill that individual. These types of deaths
were special cases but they still had to stay in the city for the
fact that a life had been taken.
Also it was necessary for the case to be properly examined. A truly
innocent individuals would gladly comply with the conditions so that
they may live. Mercy was provided for the individual but they had
to make a choice to receive it.
#All through the book of Numbers we have seen example after example of God’s supernatural intervention, especially in cases of apostasy, sin, and rebellion. That being the case, why do you think the Lord set up this system of justice, in which humans were responsible for determining guilt and innocence? Why didn’t He just supernaturally administer justice, as He did in other cases?
When we look at the ten commandment there are two types of laws.
There are laws that deal with man and God and there are laws that
deal with man and man. I believe that God allowed man to judge with
these laws because it was a crime against other men.
I believe that had men not been involved in the process then there
would be a greater harm done. Men would not fully understand the
way justice was carried out and it would leave room for doubt
and distention.
#Why do you think a murderer couldn’t be put to death on the testimony of just one witness? What does that say about how serious the issue regarding capital punishment was?
The testimony of one witness is something which can be falsified.
If two people agree on a particular account then it is more likely
that that account is true. The greater number of witnesses and the
greater number of corresponding testimonies increases the likeness of
their testimony to be true.
To take a life is something which is a serious thing whether a
result of punishment or someone killing another person in murder
our unintentionally. This requirement was instituted to
maintain the integrity of the ancient judicial process.
Prayer: Father we are thankful for your mercy and your grace. Father we all are guilty and we deserve to die. I pray that we may find our refuge in you.Thank you in Jesus name we pray amen.
#How was the whole congregation involved in dealing with these situations? Why would it be important for them to be involved?
If someone killed someone else unintentionally then the whole
congregation was to judge the situation by the regulations
given in numbers 35. I believe that the whole congregation
was to be apart of the judgment in order to ensure that justice
is carried out for that individual.
Also by having the whole congregation involved ideas will not
form in their heads that murder was ok. When the congregation is
able to see that this death was actually unintentional it would keep
others confident in the judicial process.
#What distinction was made between premeditated murder and that of manslaughter?
A couple of the words used in this passage help us to understand
what the difference is. The passage uses the word suddenly and
the word unintentionally. Along with this it says that the person
was not his enemy and the person did not intend to harm him. From
these examples we can see the difference is motive,and what are their
intentions.
The person who murders is someone who had predetermined motives
to kill an individual. This person may also have had enmity against
an individual which would lead them to murder and someone.
#Even though the death might have been by accident, the perpetrator still had to remain in the city of refuge in order to be protected. Given the context, why do you think that was so?
The reality is that a life had been taken and the family according to
the law had the right to kill that individual. These types of deaths
were special cases but they still had to stay in the city for the
fact that a life had been taken.
Also it was necessary for the case to be properly examined. A truly
innocent individuals would gladly comply with the conditions so that
they may live. Mercy was provided for the individual but they had
to make a choice to receive it.
#All through the book of Numbers we have seen example after example of God’s supernatural intervention, especially in cases of apostasy, sin, and rebellion. That being the case, why do you think the Lord set up this system of justice, in which humans were responsible for determining guilt and innocence? Why didn’t He just supernaturally administer justice, as He did in other cases?
When we look at the ten commandment there are two types of laws.
There are laws that deal with man and God and there are laws that
deal with man and man. I believe that God allowed man to judge with
these laws because it was a crime against other men.
I believe that had men not been involved in the process then there
would be a greater harm done. Men would not fully understand the
way justice was carried out and it would leave room for doubt
and distention.
#Why do you think a murderer couldn’t be put to death on the testimony of just one witness? What does that say about how serious the issue regarding capital punishment was?
The testimony of one witness is something which can be falsified.
If two people agree on a particular account then it is more likely
that that account is true. The greater number of witnesses and the
greater number of corresponding testimonies increases the likeness of
their testimony to be true.
To take a life is something which is a serious thing whether a
result of punishment or someone killing another person in murder
our unintentionally. This requirement was instituted to
maintain the integrity of the ancient judicial process.
Prayer: Father we are thankful for your mercy and your grace. Father we all are guilty and we deserve to die. I pray that we may find our refuge in you.Thank you in Jesus name we pray amen.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Cities of Refuge
Read Numbers 35:6, 9–12. What is being established here and why?
According to this passage the cities of refuge were cites which were
given to the Levities. The Levites were given forty eight cities
but six were to be set aside for a specific purpose. The purpose
of these six cities was a safe haven for anyone who had killed
someone unintentionally.
These six cities of refuge were where these supposed criminals could flee
to. Here these persons were safe from any person who may want to take
their life of account of their blood guiltiness. The person here safely
waited until a proper trial could be conducted.
Read Numbers 35:9–21. How do we understand this form of justice in light of the gospel?
I believe this is exactly what the law requires that a person be
punished for the crime they committed. And today if you kill
a person you will be punished. Today we can not take the life
of another in retaliation and not suffer the same punishment.
What Jesus teaches us is that we must not render evil for evil
and that vengeance ultimately belongs to Him. Today we can no
longer avenge the murder of a relative because our government is no
longer theocratic (controlled directly by God)this responsibility
is left to our judicial system.
Suppose you know someone whose family member has been murdered, and the accused, unquestionably guilty, is convicted. The family, who are Christians, can have a say in the sentence, either death or life in prison. What would you advise them and why? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath.
To be honest I would not really have any words for them. If they
directly asked me I would leave it up to them. I would possibly present
the options. But I will refuse to play the role of someones conscience.
I know what we are supposed to do , I know what I am supposed say.
In the reality of the emotions pain and hurt, I will have to defer
this one to Jesus.
Prayer: Father there are those who have caused us the deepest pain that we can imagine. Father I pray that you will release us from this hurt. Help us to forgive as you have forgiven us. Heal us oh God from our pain,teach us to love despite. Thank you Father in Jesus name amen.
According to this passage the cities of refuge were cites which were
given to the Levities. The Levites were given forty eight cities
but six were to be set aside for a specific purpose. The purpose
of these six cities was a safe haven for anyone who had killed
someone unintentionally.
These six cities of refuge were where these supposed criminals could flee
to. Here these persons were safe from any person who may want to take
their life of account of their blood guiltiness. The person here safely
waited until a proper trial could be conducted.
Read Numbers 35:9–21. How do we understand this form of justice in light of the gospel?
I believe this is exactly what the law requires that a person be
punished for the crime they committed. And today if you kill
a person you will be punished. Today we can not take the life
of another in retaliation and not suffer the same punishment.
What Jesus teaches us is that we must not render evil for evil
and that vengeance ultimately belongs to Him. Today we can no
longer avenge the murder of a relative because our government is no
longer theocratic (controlled directly by God)this responsibility
is left to our judicial system.
Suppose you know someone whose family member has been murdered, and the accused, unquestionably guilty, is convicted. The family, who are Christians, can have a say in the sentence, either death or life in prison. What would you advise them and why? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath.
To be honest I would not really have any words for them. If they
directly asked me I would leave it up to them. I would possibly present
the options. But I will refuse to play the role of someones conscience.
I know what we are supposed to do , I know what I am supposed say.
In the reality of the emotions pain and hurt, I will have to defer
this one to Jesus.
Prayer: Father there are those who have caused us the deepest pain that we can imagine. Father I pray that you will release us from this hurt. Help us to forgive as you have forgiven us. Heal us oh God from our pain,teach us to love despite. Thank you Father in Jesus name amen.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Cities of the Levites
What provision was made for the Levites? What does this teach us about how the Levites were to live? Num. 35:1–8
From this passage we understand that the Levites did not have
any land which they inherited. They are given portions of land
which were to be segmented from the land given to other tribes.
Previously the Levites were always about the tabernacle when they
where in the wilderness , but now it would be more suitable that they
have a physical place to dwell.
This teaches us that the Levites were to live in total dependence
upon God. There were given no inheritance and they did not have a
specific location they were to be scattered as Jacob declared before
he died Gen. 49:7. These cites would also give them opportunity
to detach from earthly cared to focus on the ministry of the law
of God.
Read Ephesians 2. What does this tell us about what it means to be part of a community of believers? How can we best fit into our community and fulfill whatever roles we are called to?
For all Christians the greatest unifying factor that we have is
Christ. Christ if the foundation of our community , and we
have to understand that we set all our differences aside at
the cross. Under the blood of Jesus we come together to
form a christian community unified by His sacrifice.
We must develop a relationship with Jesus Christ and we must
also develop a relationship with the church. As we become
closer to Christ we was desire to work for Him. As we work
for Christ , the christian community will help us to recognize
our specific roles , and callings for ministry to His body and
the world.
Prayer: Father we thank you for the sacrifice that you gave for us in bringing us all together by your precious blood. I pray that you will help us to recognize our roles in your body and to carry out those roles faithfully. Thank you in Jesus name amen.
From this passage we understand that the Levites did not have
any land which they inherited. They are given portions of land
which were to be segmented from the land given to other tribes.
Previously the Levites were always about the tabernacle when they
where in the wilderness , but now it would be more suitable that they
have a physical place to dwell.
This teaches us that the Levites were to live in total dependence
upon God. There were given no inheritance and they did not have a
specific location they were to be scattered as Jacob declared before
he died Gen. 49:7. These cites would also give them opportunity
to detach from earthly cared to focus on the ministry of the law
of God.
Read Ephesians 2. What does this tell us about what it means to be part of a community of believers? How can we best fit into our community and fulfill whatever roles we are called to?
For all Christians the greatest unifying factor that we have is
Christ. Christ if the foundation of our community , and we
have to understand that we set all our differences aside at
the cross. Under the blood of Jesus we come together to
form a christian community unified by His sacrifice.
We must develop a relationship with Jesus Christ and we must
also develop a relationship with the church. As we become
closer to Christ we was desire to work for Him. As we work
for Christ , the christian community will help us to recognize
our specific roles , and callings for ministry to His body and
the world.
Prayer: Father we thank you for the sacrifice that you gave for us in bringing us all together by your precious blood. I pray that you will help us to recognize our roles in your body and to carry out those roles faithfully. Thank you in Jesus name amen.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Land Division
Read Numbers 33. Why do you think the Lord had Moses write down their “starting points, stage by stage”? What purpose could that serve?
This list is more than a compilation of various name and places,
this list is a testimony. This list shows how God lead Israel
from the bondage of Egypt to the borders of the promised
land. By recounting their journey that can see the faithfulness
of God and His ability to lead them to where He wants them
to God.
This is also a very good to help future generations to understand
where God had brought them from. Also if they ever faced future
challenges they could look back at God's past faithfulness and
obtain hope and courage to press on.
Read Numbers 33:50–56. Putting aside the immediate historical context (and the inevitable difficult issues it raises for us today), what important spiritual principle is found in these texts? From what you know of the history of ancient Israel after they had settled the land, why was this commandment about dealing with these peoples so important?
From what I a can remember , as a result of Israel being disobedient
to this command they received difficulties. Often times the
may have spared a person or a king when they were not supposed to
which resulted in them being punished.
Well I believe it is important because God said to do it. God
possibly said this because He knew the corruption of the
nations. God understood that if these nations were not
utterly destroyed they would ultimately lead to the downfall
of Israel.
How can we protect ourselves from the negative influences that are always around us? What personal choices must you, and you alone, make for yourself to help limit the negative impact of these influences on you
When we are in this world we can not get around the fact that
their will be negativity around us. But we must not let that
negativity find place in our hearts. We must seek to be influencers
and not the influenced.
Prayer: Father we thank you that you are able to take us from where we are to where you want us to be. Help us to remember your faithfulness to us in the past that t we may find courage for the present. May we be change agents where you have placed us in the world, may we be shapers of society and no the ones shaped by society. Cover us in your precious blood. Thank you in Jesus name amen.
This list is more than a compilation of various name and places,
this list is a testimony. This list shows how God lead Israel
from the bondage of Egypt to the borders of the promised
land. By recounting their journey that can see the faithfulness
of God and His ability to lead them to where He wants them
to God.
This is also a very good to help future generations to understand
where God had brought them from. Also if they ever faced future
challenges they could look back at God's past faithfulness and
obtain hope and courage to press on.
Read Numbers 33:50–56. Putting aside the immediate historical context (and the inevitable difficult issues it raises for us today), what important spiritual principle is found in these texts? From what you know of the history of ancient Israel after they had settled the land, why was this commandment about dealing with these peoples so important?
From what I a can remember , as a result of Israel being disobedient
to this command they received difficulties. Often times the
may have spared a person or a king when they were not supposed to
which resulted in them being punished.
Well I believe it is important because God said to do it. God
possibly said this because He knew the corruption of the
nations. God understood that if these nations were not
utterly destroyed they would ultimately lead to the downfall
of Israel.
How can we protect ourselves from the negative influences that are always around us? What personal choices must you, and you alone, make for yourself to help limit the negative impact of these influences on you
When we are in this world we can not get around the fact that
their will be negativity around us. But we must not let that
negativity find place in our hearts. We must seek to be influencers
and not the influenced.
Prayer: Father we thank you that you are able to take us from where we are to where you want us to be. Help us to remember your faithfulness to us in the past that t we may find courage for the present. May we be change agents where you have placed us in the world, may we be shapers of society and no the ones shaped by society. Cover us in your precious blood. Thank you in Jesus name amen.
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