February 2024

The Good News According to John…

John the Apostle & John Bunyan

Join us this February 2024 on an adventurous journey exploring the Gospel according to John!

We plan to read and explore together the Good News of JESUS Messiah as declared by both John the Apostle & John Bunyan.

Get your copy or copies now, stay tuned for more details, and connect with us in our small groups and via our weekly zoom meetings to engage with us in this exciting journey!

25 When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?”

26 “From others,” Peter answered.

“Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus declared. 27 “But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

This is surprising. In 40+ years — and especially in the past 10 years in which we have all had easy access to the interlinear and all sorts of study resources — we have apparently never thought of and never come across a simple closer look at the NT currency terms. And it is not too complicated at all.

So, here is little key which if everyone had it would be a fairly simple way for a more accurate reading instead of these terms which no reader every really understands including mite, farthing, denarius, talent etc.

Thanks to our first century publican who recorded the greatest number of usages of these terms, this was fairly easy to compile and adds useful sense to our reading of Matthew this week.

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First Century Currency

¹⁄₆₄¢ – lepton – mite – as a fish scale (Lk 12:59)
⅒¢ – assarius – farthing (Mat 10:29)
¼¢ – kodrantes – quadrans – farthing (Mat 5:26)
1¢ – denarius – 1 day’s wage (Mat 20:2)
25¢ – drachma – 1 month’s wage (Mat 15:8)
50¢ – didrachma – yearly temple tax (Mt 17:24)
$1 – stater – tetradrachm – 1 shekel (Mat 17:27)

In the first century a shekel was equated with the Greek tetradrachm (equal to four drachms), which was a silver coin of the weight of nearly 14 grams. Half a shekel therefore would be in the value of nearly 7 grams of silver, and could be equated with the Greek didrachm (equal to two drachms).

Seven different types or denominations of coins are mentioned by name: denarius, drachma, didrachm, stater, assarion, kodrantes, and lepton. In addition, there are general references to money or sums of money, for example to argurion and talenton.

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Matthew 24:14

Excerpt from GQ summary of Matthew

Brief Summary: The Gospel of Matthew discusses the lineage, birth, and early life of Christ in the first two chapters. From there, the book discusses the ministry of Jesus. The descriptions of Christ’s teachings are arranged around “discourses” such as the Sermon on the Mount in chapters 5 through 7. Chapter 10 involves the mission and purpose of the disciples; chapter 13 is a collection of parables; chapter 18 discusses the church; chapter 23 begins a discourse about hypocrisy and the future. Chapters 21 through 27 discuss the arrest, torture, and execution of Jesus. The final chapter describes the Resurrection and the Great Commission.

https://www.gotquestions.org/Gospel-of-Matthew.html

An Excerpt from a Discussion with Students

So, let’s visualize this. We all fully understand each other and say all of us here are truly listening and being intentional, being truly objective, no intention of using arguments and polemics or gaslighting as was so appropriately mentioned yesterday.

For the sake of truly objective pursuit, say we are all in agreement about the great importance of both inner removal of sin and outward beauty, cleanliness and modesty.

We are all standing side by side on this path of life in full agreement about these two things.

On this path, there are those who will agree to these things verbally but some who approve of killing other people who do not keep the required way of life.

The others who agree to both inner and external holiness however hold the inner beauty in so much higher regard than any outward beauty that they cannot ever approve of killing anyone who does not agree because taking another human life always brings death to the inner man, to the spirit of the one who did so.

To keep focused on this primary distinction, this is one of the main issues in which these two views either separate or recognize the problem and being truly intentional and honest, those in agreement would actually keep this focus clear and address this issue in real life terms.

Giving one’s life to truly save others is the highest human value.

Using one’s life to take other human lives is the darkest and most unimaginable evil.

‭‭Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews‬ 10:22‬

In the new covenant, there is no condemnation in Christ. There is no legalism. There is no burden. There is no guilt in Christ.

In things that are sinful, there is great guilt and shame. God’s Holy Spirit conviction makes this clear as He reshapes and refurbishes our conscience to make it perfectly aligned.

In godly things however, there is no condemnation in Christ. That is why in godly fellowship, in Bible reading, in prayer, in fasting, in witnessing there is no condemnation when we are doing these things in Christ. And so, as we learn of Christ, we learn that we do these things for the good they are and never from obligation. For example, we are not to pray or fast or read purely from a sense of obligation.

Rather, we do so from a hunger and love for the LORD. And HE loves this, and showers grace upon grace on us. He does not give us any condemnation when we are serving Him and hungering after Him.

‭‭Even gentiles…show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.

Romans‬ 2:15‬

So, we can begin to learn when a thought or sense is from Him or not by examining it closely under this light from God’s WORD. If it is not sinful, in Christ, there is no condemnation, only strength from on High. If something is sinful with guilt and shame, that thing is not in Christ. It is none of His. He brings freedom from sin and guilt and shame and does not add condemnation to it.

Guilt and shame come from our sinful flesh. Condemnation comes from the evil one.

‭‭The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the LORD. Luke‬ 4:19

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‭‭The Acceptable Year of the LORD

Psalm 146:7-8
A judgment for the oppressed
B food to the hungry
³} looses the prisoners
D opens the eyes of the blind
E raises them that are bowed down

Isaiah 61:1-2
¹ preach good news to the meek
² bind up the brokenhearted
³ proclaim liberty to the captives
⁴ opening prison to them that are bound
⁵ proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD

Luke 4:18-19
¹ preach the gospel to the poor
² heal the brokenhearted
³ preach deliverance to the captives
D recovering of sight to the blind
E set at liberty them that are bruised
⁵ preach the acceptable year of the LORD

2 January 2024

We are reading Luke and Acts this week and next. There is at least one specific reason for this. We are being Revived & Renewed. You may already know that the disciple Luke the physician wrote both of these books to the enigmatic audience known only as Theophilus. There is more, much more to this story itself which we aim to share more about as we continue today and over the next week. There is also much more about the life and history of this combo book Luke-Acts itself.

The greatest aim this week and next is for us each to experience the power of God as those did who were living in those years, who were eyewitnesses to the life and times, to the living, teaching and powerful serving ministry of JESUS, IMMANUEL.

As we read Luke-Acts, may the persistent desire for all of us, even as we use whatever guides and plans, audio and video, digital and paper means and methods, tools and techniques are useful, still simply be to do this one thing, that is this…

Read Luke-Acts together.
Read Luke-Acts as the two part first hand biographical account that they are.
Read Luke-Acts as much as possible like a new, first time, hot off the shelf #1 best selling account of all time.
Pick it up, and don’t put it down.
Pick up a paper copy if you can.

This is a true history like you have never read before. This account of what happened in the first century changed history. Don’t miss this. This account of Luke-Acts in the first century is the reason why it is called the first century. This is where everything in this age in which we live started. This is the beginning of this age in which everyone around the world has lived these past 2000 years. This is the account that has marked all of history more than any other account.

This is

The Life & Times of JESUS IMMANUEL

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Here is a little insight about reading this combo book, this 2 part series Luke-Acts. Someone asked how long it takes to read Luke & Acts. There is a great little source linked to provide some insight in all our ongoing Bible reading too. In addition to our current reading of Luke-Acts, we are also continuing to keep the focus on Prayer & Fasting this entire week, and for some of our networks continuing for 3 weeks. As we focus on reading Luke & Acts this week and next, we will all do well to begin compiling any sources and tools we find useful. One of these linked in the comments is this handy site for present and future reference for any who want to save this site now too.

Here is the takeaway regarding Luke-Acts.

Reading Luke & Acts should take us each on average just about 5 hours total. Let’s read Luke-Acts like the fast paced action account that it is. This is part of our journey here which is going to play a part in us each being

—————–Revived & Renewed—————–

Let’s do this!

There are 24 chapters in Luke and 28 chapters in Acts. That is 52 chapters in Luke-Acts. That is about 10 chapters an hour. That is about 5 chapters in a half hour. Let us all aim to read at least 5 chapters in each sitting so our main read through here this week and next is not so much a study as a book reading group, reading the account to enter into the first century. Our aim is to enter first century Israel. Our aim is to walk the dusty pathways of the ancient towns and villages. Our aim is to see the sights, to hear the sounds, feel the life, smell the marketplaces and experience the fishing communities. Get to know the people, the language, the culture.

Let us get ready because we are now entering the first century

Life & Times of JESUS IMMANUEL

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THE LUKE-ACTS SERIES – JAN 2024
The Bible Project Spotify Series

https://bibleproject.com/podcast/series/luke-acts-series/

Here are listed just an initial sampling of some of the most frequently referenced key scriptures and passages we use in our accountability and discipleship groups. These are worth noting, saving, highlighting, studying, sharing and applying even further in order to multiply these truths diligently in our own lives and relationships and to others.

RMFJ KEY TRUTHS & APPLICATIONS

Hebrews 3:13 – daily exhortation

2 Corinthians 13:5 – faith examination

Proverbs 27:17 – iron sharpens iron

James 1:22-25 – obedient man in mirror

Galatians 6 – bearing burdens

Matthew 18 – dealing with sin & conflict

Proverbs 23:26 – My son, give Me your heart

Ecclesiastes 12:1 – wise youth

2 Timothy 2:2 – trustworthy men

2 Timothy 2:19 – the LORD knows His own

Titus 2:12 – how to say NO

1 Cor 8:2 – one who thinks he knows

1 Cor 10:12 – one who thinks he stands

Proverbs 28:26 – fool trusts himself

Jeremiah 17:5 – one who trusts in man

Jeremiah 17:9 – heart is deceitful

Proverbs 29:25 – fear of man

Luke 9:23 – daily cross

John 3:30 – Christ increase, I decrease

1 John 1:14 – Grace & Truth

1 John 1 – kingdoms of light & darkness

1 John 2 – lust of flesh, eyes & pride

1 John 3:3 – purifies himself

Matthew 5:48 – be perfect

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THE GIFT OF TODAY
The Present of the Present

Partner passages: dynamic duo
Lam 3:23-24 & Eph 4:26

No shame or regrets from yesterday
No fear or worry of tomorrow

In Christ alone, every new day is a gift
With a clean slate free from the past
And free from fear of the future

RECONCILIATION – A WORD STUDY

HEBREW words translated as reconcile
• kaphar – atone – atonement
• Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement

GREEK words translated as reconcile
• hilaskomsi – hilasmos – atonement
• hilastérion – hileós – mercy
• allássō – experience change

ENGLISH words related to reconcile
• atone – at-one-ment (to be at one, united)
• appease
• cover, cover over
• pacify
• propitiate
• restore
• mercy
• change

OT Atonement Passages
• Leviticus 6:29-32
• Leviticus 14:19
• Leviticus chapters 15-16 (Yom Kippur)
• Leviticus 16:33-34
• Numbers 28:28-30
• Numbers 29:5
• 2 Chronicles 29:24
• Ezekiel 43:20
• Ezekiel 45:20

NT Atonement Passages
• Matthew 16:22
• Luke 18:13
• Romans 3:25
• Hebrews 2:17
• Hebrews 8:12
• Hebrews 9:5
• 1 John 2:2
• 1 John 4:10

UNDERSTANDING REDEMPTION & RECONCILIATION

Redemption – redeem – ransom – reclaim

Reconciliation – reconcile – restore – reunite

Redemption is when JESUS paid our ransom price with His own life by offering Himself in our place on the cross.

Reconciliation is the further work that JESUS has done to restore us fully restored and complete back to God

UNDERSTANDING ATONEMENT & PROPITIATION

Atonement & Propitiation are God’s unique divine way of saving, redeeming, reconciling, restoring and reuniting. Man’s ways are to stay separated in broken relationships, sin and unforgiveness. God’s Way is to break through the humanly insurmountable barriers of sin, hurt, brokenness and unforgiveness.

He does this through His own Atonement, by Propitiation, and after having completed this, He sits down as the High Priest Who has completed ALL His priestly duties having opened the door, paved the only Way whereby reconciliation, restoration, redemption and salvation are already completed.

RECONCILE – CHANGE

(Greek katallássō)

• Matthew 5:24
• Romans 5:10
• 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

diallássō – thoroughly experience change
– properly, to reconcile (reach mutual concession), i.e. where people in conflict come together through meaningful change (used only in Mt 5:24).

katallássō – decisively experience change

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Note this root allássō is a different word than the other well known Greek word for change – metamorphosis as in transformation

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against. Luke 2:34

Simeon (Συμεών) declared prophetically that Emmanuel would be a ‘sēmeion antilegomenon’ which means a sign spoken against (σημεῖον ἀντιλεγόμενον).

Opposition is the constant and ever present circumstance everywhere this WORD goes. Emmanuel comes with peace on earth and good will toward men. Fallen man reacts and responds in revolt, railing against the WORD of Truth. Sinful man kicks against the goads, reviling, arguing, attacking, complaining, criticizing, verbally rallying against the Prince of Peace, against the LORD and His Messiah, the LORD. Men of corrupt mind filibuster and lambast the King of Heaven, and still the Son rises over the just and the unjust with healing in His wings.