What is our actual end-times obligation?

1. A look at the "end of the world" signs. PDF / JPEG

The signs are happening; but not necessarily to a greater degree than in past years. However, the way world events are occurring, all of this could change at any moment. (Whether or not such a change were to occur in our lifetimes, we still need to be ready!)

2. The need to get ready (1). PDF / JPEG

A look at what Scripture tells us to do, and the reason for it. (Part 1.)

3. The need to get ready (2). PDF / JPEG

A look at what Scripture tells us to do, and the reason for it. (Part 2.)

4. How to "speed up" Jesus' coming (1). PDF / JPEG

2 Peter 3:12 mentions "speeding up" the day of God - i.e., the day of Jesus' return. Here, we focus on the first two ways: (1) praying for it, and (2) living a holy and righteous life.

5. How to "speed up" Jesus' coming (2). PDF / JPEG

Here we finish what we started last time, with: (3) sharing the Good News. In doing so, we help others to prepare for Jesus' coming, as well as "speed it up."

"Church" issues.

6. Israel's blessings - inherited by the church. PDF / JPEG

We will be looking at a few issues related to Israel and the church. Today, our focus is on blessings we have (as followers of Jesus), which the Old Testament says belong to Israel.

7. The Bible's concept of "church." PDF / JPEG

To us, the word "church" has many meanings that it did not have in the New Testament era. Knowing this fact can help us to have a clearer understanding of what the Bible says.

8. Our identity in Christ - not the word "church." PDF / JPEG

Since the New Testament word for "church" could be used of anyone, even unsaved people, the early Christians did not use that word to "define" themselves (unless the context indicated that it was referring to saved people). They had other terms that identified them - such as "holy ones" or "brothers/sisters (in Christ)" - and these terms teach us a lot about how we should live.

Israel vs. the nations of the world.

9. Why Israel exists... and for how long? PDF / JPEG

God did not promise Israel that they would exist; rather, he promised Israel's ancestors. Because of that, nothing in Israel's conduct could change the promise - not even ongoing rebellion. Even when exiled from the land, because of their sin, there were promises of a future restoration. Why? Because the promise that they would always exist had been made to others... and it was unconditional.

10. The nature of "gifts." PDF / JPEG

(This was written during the time of year that most Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus - the ultimate gift to the world.) We look at various issues related to gifts - including our accountability to God for what we do with them. Then we point out that these principles apply to end-times issues and to Israel (since God "gave" them the land of Canaan).

11. God judges nations. PDF / JPEG

God owns the world and holds nations accountable for what they do. He destroys nations whose wickedness becomes totally intolerable. (He also blesses nations; but our focus here is on the issue that most people want to ignore or deny.)

12. Did Israel commit "genocide"? PDF / JPEG

In recent years, an increasing number of people have claimed that Old Testament Israel committed "genocide," when they took over the land of Canaan. When we look in Scripture, we discover that it would have been impossible for Israel to do this! For them to take over the land, God had to do most of the fighting!

Modern Israel.

13. Israel exists only by God's grace. PDF / JPEG

The fact that Israel came into existence is a display of God's grace. Without his grace, they had a ZERO percent chance of coming into existence as a nation in the land of Canaan. It's only the "God factor" that made it happen.

14. Modern Israel and prophecy (1). PDF / JPEG

Is modern Israel a fulfillment of prophecy? Here, we look at a number of Old Testament passages related to this issue. (To be completed next time.)

15. Modern Israel and prophecy (2). PDF / JPEG

Here, we finish answering the question we introduced last time, by looking at a few more Old Testament passages, and then some New Testament passages.

Covenants - Introduction, and the covenants before Abraham.

Our view: To be ready for the end-times requires an understanding of who we are, what God requires from us, and how we are to do it. Then, regardless of our end-times views, we will be ready. Much of this "getting ready" is related to the promises (covenants) that God has made with the human race and various entities within it. (These covenants are often linked to obligations on our part.) This section includes three things initiated by God, which are often called "covenants," even though Scripture doesn't describe them with that word.

16. Covenants - Introduction and some examples. PDF / JPEG

We saw that Israel's past, present and future have a direct connection to covenants. For that matter, Scripture connects covenants to how God interacts with all of us. So we are going to look at this issue - first learning what covenants are, and then seeing some examples of covenants between individuals.

17. Covenants made by Israel (with other nations). PDF / JPEG

Most of the covenants (treaties, alliances, etc.) made between Israel and other nations were not good. Sometimes their responses to covenants already made were not good. Either way, we (people and nations) should learn from their example - normally by doing the opposite of what they did.

18. Covenants made with God; God's eternal plan of redemption (which many call a "covenant"). PDF / JPEG

Our focus is now on covenants made with God. We look at two issues: (1) Covenants that people initiated with God, and what we can learn from them. (2) God's plan for our salvation - which he made before creation came into existence. (Many people view this as a "covenant" - though the Bible doesn't use that word to describe it. Either way, it is a wonderful plan!)

19. The "Creation Mandate" (which many call a "covenant"). PDF / JPEG

Here, we look at the original instructions that God gave to the human race. These instructions have never been cancelled - though our sin has destroyed our ability to completely obey them. [This is another action done by God, which many people call a "covenant," even though Scripture doesn't use that word to describe it.]

20. God's grace at the time of the "Fall" (which many call a "covenant"). PDF / JPEG

When our ancestors chose to sin, judgment had to come. This sin affected every aspect of the "Creation Mandate" (which we looked at last time). But in the midst of this judgment, God offered grace - hope for the future. [This is another action by God, which many people call a "covenant," even though Scripture doesn't use that word to describe it.]

21. The Flood and God's covenant with Noah. PDF / JPEG

A look at: (1) the Flood that occurred in the days of Noah, (2) why it was necessary (what the people were like - from two perspectives), and (3) the covenant that God made with people (and with the whole world) after the Flood was over. This covenant is still in effect today.

The Abrahamic Covenant.

22. The Abrahamic Covenant: Its context. PDF / JPEG

This covenant is related to every major covenant that followed it. Here, we look at the context in which it came into existence: the situation in the world, as well as the faith of Abraham (who was originally named "Abram").

23. The Abrahamic Covenant: Trusting God. PDF / JPEG

God made some "impossible" promises to Abraham. Abraham trusted God... God kept his promises. Abraham's trust in God is the foundation that made this covenant possible. It also provides an example for us to learn from.

24. The Abrahamic Covenant: Land issues. PDF / JPEG

God promised Abraham the land of Canaan. But the promise grew into something even greater than that. In the end, it includes the whole earth - and the New Jerusalem on the future new earth!

25. The Abrahamic Covenant: Offspring and blessings (1). PDF / JPEG

Here is our first look at the "people promises" - the parts of the covenant that involve people and blessings. As Abraham's trust in God grew stronger, the promises of the covenant kept growing greater... until they encompassed the entire world and all the people in it. (This final outcome is still future... yet guaranteed to happen.)

26. The Abrahamic Covenant: Offspring and blessings (2). PDF / JPEG

A continuation from last time. Here we look at the specific individuals or peoples who are associated with these blessings.

27. The Abrahamic Covenant blessings defined. PDF / JPEG

Scripture presents us with two concepts of "blessings" - one type made possible only by God, and another type that people and circumstances can influence. (Two different words are used, in both Old and New Testaments!) Only the first of these blessing types is used of the blessings that we receive under the Abrahamic covenant.

Misc. Covenants and issues.

28. Covenants that are "forever." PDF / JPEG

Many covenants in Scripture are described as remaining in effect "forever." The problem is: The Hebrew word translated as "forever" doesn't always refer to "unending time." Here, we look at this issue. We also look at the various covenants that are recognized as being "unending" in duration.

29. Covenants related to worship. PDF / JPEG

There are a group of covenants that relate to the worship of God and the leaders involved in that worship. These are described as lasting "forever." But the Hebrew word "forever" has a number of meanings (just like the English word does). So some people believe these covenants ended when the Old Covenant came to an end ... and others disagree. Here, we look at the conclusions we can reach, depending on which view we take.

30. Covenants and God's eternal plan. PDF / JPEG

We look at the long-term plan God has for creation, as well as a few issues related to the presence of evil in the world. Then we consider the way covenants fit into this long-term plan.

The Mosaic Covenant and its context.

31. The Mosaic Covenant: Its context. PDF / JPEG

The context goes all the way back to the scattering the nations around the globe. God "abandoned" the nations and started for himself a new nation (from Abraham). In the end, God planned to take back the other nations (through Christ). But first, he had to show his own nation how they should live. These instructions are called the Mosaic Covenant.

32. The Mosaic and New Covenants: A comparison. PDF / JPEG

Here, we look at the differences between the Mosaic ("Old") and New Covenants, as well as reasons why the New Covenant was necessary. (This doesn't mean the Mosaic Covenant lacks value. Rather, its purpose was different.)

33. God introduces the Ten Commandments. PDF / JPEG

The Ten Commandments are unique in many ways, including the way that God introduced them to the people. We also briefly look at their significance, and how they relate to the concept of "love."

34. God's physical presence in the world. PDF / JPEG

Last time, we saw that God was physically present when he introduced the Ten Commandments. Today, we look at other times that Scripture tells us he was physically present. In addition to this, God has also been present in some very special ways (which we will also mention).

35. The majestic glory of God in Old Testament Israel. PDF / JPEG

The majestic glory of God is a penetrating brightness that humans cannot look directly at. It is the fullest possible expression of God's being in creation. This majestic glory resided in Israel for approximately 9 centuries (normally - but not always - in the most holy room in the tabernacle or temple). It left before the nation went into exile, and won't return until they repent and turn back to God. (This has not yet happened.)

36. The testing of faith at Mount Sinai. PDF / JPEG

Both the people and Moses were tested, though in different ways. The people failed the test; Moses passed the test. But for us, the question is: What type of faith do we have? When our faith is tested, will we pass?

37. What was Moses doing on the mountain? PDF / JPEG

At first glance, it might seem that 40 days was a long time for what was accomplished (tablets on stone; other instructions probably written down on a scroll). Based on what we know about the event, and about Moses himself, we look at what was probably happening for much of those 40 days - the same types of things that should characterize our lives.

The Ten Commandments - Introduction.

It is our view that each of the commandments represents a collection of obligations, instructions and examples that can apply to all of life. They are "summary statements" - and the rest of Scripture teaches us how they apply.

38. Introduction to the Ten Commandments. PDF / JPEG

An introductory look at the Ten Commandments - including the reason for the "do not" format that most of them have. To understand this requires us to look back at the various commands and events that occurred when God first created people - back when only one command had to be in the "do not" format.

39. The Ten Commandments and blessings. PDF / JPEG

Scripture connects obedience to the moral law (= the Ten Commandments) with blessings from God. But blessing occurs in a variety of ways, and sometimes it doesn't seem to happen. Here we attempt to understand this issue.

40. The God of the Ten Commandments. PDF / JPEG

Here, we point out the contrast between the Creator God (the author of the Ten Commandments) and the gods of the nations. This also shows us the contrast between Israel and all other nations.

41. Understanding the Ten Commandments. PDF / JPEG

Some basic issues that help us to understand the nature and extent of these commands.

42. The Ten Commandments and freedom (1). PDF / JPEG

When it comes to decision-making, commandments are just one of the issues to take into consideration. God has given us a whole "world" of freedom! And even the commands themselves are designed to give us freedom! They offer us freedom in what we can do... as well as freedom from sin.

43. The Ten Commandments and freedom (2). PDF / JPEG

It's not just about Israel being freed from slavery in Egypt... it's about a freedom that all of us can experience: freedom from sin. This is a much worse slavery! When Israel foolishly chose to return to the slavery of sin, God opened the door of opportunity for people from all nations to experience the freedom that Israel walked-away from.

Commandment #1.

44. Introduction to Commandment #1. PDF / JPEG

First, a few final comments about the influence of the 10 Commandments on the rest of Scripture. Then we examine: (1) the scope of the first commandment, (2) the connection between "gods" and nations, and finally, (3) what is a "god."

45. Beware of God-substitutes! PDF / JPEG

The Creator God, who reveals himself in the Bible, is the only God we are to have. We must avoid all substitutes - not just physical objects that we might call "gods" (and the demonic forces they represent), but also the non-physical substitutes - attitudes and actions that might hinder us from 100% loyalty to the true God.

46. Security as a god. PDF / JPEG

It is very easy for us to put our trust in security - wealth, possessions, safety, happiness, etc. When we do this, we have taken our eyes off the true God. We have become idolaters, violating the First Commandment.

47. Trusting people instead of God. PDF / JPEG

When it comes to salvation and spiritual growth, people often tend to rely on human effort. They may think that they need to "earn" God's forgiveness, or somehow "help" God to save them. Or they may rely on religious activities and rituals as a means of attaining "spirituality."

48. Trust in demonic forces, the occult. PDF / JPEG

Here, we look at the temptation that many have, to look to the "unseen realm" for guidance, help, "physical wellness," etc. Also ways a person might be tricked into doing so.

49. Denying God's existence. PDF / JPEG

The moral fool closes his eyes to all the evidence of God's existence that God has given him. The devil has used the "deathstyle" of the atheist to accomplish his purposes in destroying much good. Yet at the same time, the God they deny is also using them to accomplish his purposes. In the end, they, like everyone else, will confess that Jesus is Lord.

50. Honoring God in all things. PDF / JPEG

Part of obeying the first commandment is a joyful willingness to glorify (or honor) God in all that we do. Here, we look at issues related to this. (Next time, we will look at some examples of how to do it.)

51. Honoring God in all things: Examples (1). PDF / JPEG

It's easy to say we must honor God in all things (1 Corinthians 10:31, etc); but to actually do it can be quite difficult, until we have learned how. Here, we look at some random examples that explore the issue of "how."

52. Honoring God in all things: Examples (2). PDF / JPEG

Here, we look at another example (two interrelated issues). We also show how the Ten Commandments represent categories of obligations, both "positive" and "negative." (Knowing this can help us to better understand how to honor God in all things.)

53. Honoring God in all things: Examples (3). PDF / JPEG

Here, we look at three final examples of how to apply Scripture to life. (Now it's time to try it yourself, if you aren't already doing it.)

54. Commandment #1: The obligations it represents. PDF / JPEG

Each of the commandments is like a category, representing a variety of commands, instructions, and examples - all of which have something to do with the main issue at hand. Here we look at some of the issues that relate to the true God (who we must worship), or the false gods (which we must abhor).

Commandment #2.

55. Commandment #2: The obligations it represents. PDF / JPEG

Here, we look at the some of the obligations that are related to the second commandment, with the main focus being on physical images.

56. Images in the church. PDF / JPEG

We can't make images of the Creator God - he is invisible! But what about Jesus, who is also human? Here, we look at the issue of images in the church, with a greater emphasis on images of Jesus.

57. How God "images" himself. PDF / JPEG

Words convey mental images. This is how the invisible God "images" himself. He reveals himself through his Word. Any other "image" of him - whether visible or by means of words - is a false image.

58. Commandment #2: Positive and negative aspects. PDF / JPEG

This command is about worship. It represents a category of teachings, commands and instructions related to that topic. Here, we look at examples of "positive" obligations (things we must do) and "negative" obligations (things we must avoid).

59. The "Jealous God." PDF / JPEG

The Second Commandment ends with a warning. This warning is introduced by a statement that God is "a jealous God." How can this be? Here, we find out, by looking at the concept of "jealousy," as seen in Scripture.

60. Love and punishment. PDF / JPEG

God warns us that those who hate him will be punished, and those who love him will receive his love. People often get offended by the "punishment" statement - especially since it tells us that the hater's offspring will also suffer. Here, we examine this issue.

Commandment #3.

61. Commandment #3: Introduction and Names of God. PDF / JPEG

This command focuses on how we use God's name. To understand it correctly, we need to first understand the Bible's concept of "name." We discover that God has many names (along with titles, symbolism, and other descriptions) - and there is a purpose for it.

62. Knowing God. PDF / JPEG

When we gave ourselves over to sin, we suppressed our knowledge of God. Now we know a little bit about God, but we don't know God. However, through what Christ has done on the cross, God offers to "reintroduce" himself to us - and the primary way he does this is through his names.

63. About names in Scripture. PDF / JPEG

People often have a difficult time understanding the concept of "name," as used in Scripture. Here, we look at the general concept, as well as some of the names that God has given to us, his people.

64. The importance of God's name. PDF / JPEG

God's name has so much meaning. Not only does it define him, but by it, God makes his presence and power available to us. By it, he saves us and enables us to enter into a relationship with him, the God who created us.

65. Calling on God's name. PDF / JPEG

When Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal, the event showed the significance of "calling on the name of one's God/god." It also showed the difference between the responses of the true God and the false god.

66. What "vain" means. PDF / JPEG

What does it mean to "not take God's name in vain"? We look at the three main Hebrew words that can be translated by the word "vain." In addition to learning how to not treat God's name, we learn some important things about life in general.

67. Commandment #3: The obligations it represents. PDF / JPEG

Like the other commandments, this one represents a category of commands, instructions and examples. Here, we look at some of the obligations and prohibitions that are related to this commandment.

Commandment #4 - Understanding the Concept.

68. Commandment #4: The obligations it represents. PDF / JPEG

This is perhaps the most controversial of all the commandments, because it mentions the "Sabbath." To the Jews, the weekly "Sabbath" meant Saturday. (There were also non-weekly "Sabbaths.") Yet most churches say that the "Christian Sabbath" is on Sunday. We will look at such issues in the future; but today, our focus is on observing how Christians have typically viewed this command and its application to Christianity.

69. Does Commandment #4 apply to us? PDF / JPEG

Some people claim that this commandment doesn't apply to us, because it isn't repeated in the New Testament. Here, we discover that none of the "love for God" commands are repeated in the New Testament! There are other reasons for us to claim that it does apply (along with the other commands). [This does not answer the question of "how" it applies - a question we will have to answer later.]

70. Where did the Sabbath come from? PDF / JPEG

We look at the development of the "Sabbath" concept, beginning with the event that brought it into existence. Then we contrast this Sabbath (which occurs weekly) with the various other "Sabbaths" that were a part of the Mosaic Covenant.

71. The nature of this obligation. PDF / JPEG

An in-depth look at the fundamental Fourth Commandment obligation, based on what we see in Genesis (a fact statement), Exodus (two passages that have commands) and Deuteronomy (a command).

72. Learning from Israel's response. PDF / JPEG

God gave Israel the blessing of the Fourth Commandment: a holy day of rest that belonged to God. They chose to defile that day (and the God of that day), and reaped the consequences. We can learn from them... and do the opposite.

73. Commandment #4 applied to individuals vs. nations. PDF / JPEG

The way this commandment applies to individuals is different from the way it applies to nations - especially in regards to enforcement. Here, we look at some of those differences.

74. God is faithful; Israel isn't. PDF / JPEG

In spite of Israel's ongoing apostasy (even before they left Egypt), God remained faithful. Most of the people continued to be spiritual slaves, and never received the fullness of rest that God had promised them. They needed to pay attention to what the Fourth Commandment taught... and what it would accomplish in those who obeyed it. [Note: Approximately 1/3 of this is repeated in #75.]

75. Being "brought out" of the world. PDF / JPEG

When God "brought out" Israel from the land of Egypt, he intended it to be more than just the moving of bodies from one location to another. It was to include a spiritual "bringing-out": They were to reject Egypt's gods, as well as the values and culture that those gods influenced. This parallels Jesus' call for us to reject the values of the world that we live in.

76. God redeems his people. PDF / JPEG

When God brought Israel out of Egypt, it involved redeeming them from the land - both physically and spiritually. There are two "redemption" words used to describe this event; and both tell us important things about what God did for them... and what he does for us. (There is also a third "redemption" word that has a special importance for both them and us - also mentioned here.)

77. Learning from manna (1). PDF / JPEG

The "manna event" teaches us about the Sabbath. But it also teaches us a whole lot more than that. Today, we look at the physical aspect of manna, and how genuine science can deal with things that cannot be explained by natural processes.

78. Learning from manna (2). PDF / JPEG

Some aspects of the "manna event" cannot be explained by natural processes. These aspects are the result of God's direct activity. This whole event demonstrated God's trustworthiness... yet many of the people continued to stubbornly rebel and not trust God!

79. Learning from manna (3). PDF / JPEG

How do people get from "relying on self (or on people)" to "relying on God"? It is not a natural process, but requires God's involvement. The people have to be tested. (Even then, many people stubbornly refuse to change.) Here, we see how God used the "manna event" to make this change possible. Our situations will be different; but there are lessons for us to learn, which will help us when we are being tested.

80. Learning from manna (4). PDF / JPEG

How does all this apply to us? Our focus today is on application. We show that, though there are differences in certain details (because we are under a different covenant), the New Testament has a similar emphasis. In fact, it tells us to learn from what happened to Israel.

Commandment #4 - Applying it today.

81. We need God! PDF / JPEG

The theme of the Fourth Commandment is: "We need God." People who believe this are willing to pursue whatever is necessary, in order to satisfy that need. God's sovereignty guarantees that they will do so.

82. The eternal Sabbath rest. PDF / JPEG

God invites us to join him in a rest that never ends. This concept has its roots in Genesis 2:2-3. As time progressed, God revealed more about it; and we find the fullest revelation about it in the New Testament (Hebrews 3-4).

83. On what day should we worship God? PDF / JPEG

In the Old Testament, Saturday was the day for worship. Most Christians worship God on Sunday. Here, we look at what the Bible says, and what it doesn't say.

84. Applying the Sabbath today. PDF / JPEG

Because we are under the New Covenant, some of the ways we apply the Fourth Commandment principles have changed. Here, we look at this issue, focusing on passages that use the word "Sabbath." (Next time, we look at passages that don't use that word.)

85. Without the word "Sabbath." PDF / JPEG

Some people shy away from the word "Sabbath" - often because of the association of that word with the Old Testament. But if we limit ourselves to the New Testament portions that don't use that word, we might not learn some of the background for the concept, but we will end up doing many of the same things (minus the specific rituals that were a part of the Old Covenant).

86. Psalm 92 - A song for the Sabbath. PDF / JPEG

The message of this psalm was apparently so important, that it was to be sung at the temple on each Sabbath. We discover that it's the same message that the New Testament has... and one that many church-goers don't want to hear.

87. Rituals and practices. PDF / JPEG

We've seen what God requires as a part of worship (= our "Sabbath day practices"). What about all those things that people have added to it? Much of modern-day "church" bears little resemblance to what we find in the New Testament. But does it matter if we don't do things the same way they did?

88. The basis for work. PDF / JPEG

This is the other "half" of the Fourth Commandment concept: What should we be doing on the other six days of the week? Today, our focus is on: (1) the origin of work, (2) the reason for its often-unpleasant nature, and (3) how God plans to restore work, so that it once again becomes a joyful endeavor (instead of burdensome toil).

89. Having a God-honoring work ethic. PDF / JPEG

Based on what Scripture says is the nature of work, how do we apply it to life - especially when those around us aren't willing to do so? We look at some basic principles that might lead our thinking (and decisions) in the right direction.

Commandment #5.

90. The Commandments are interrelated. PDF / JPEG

Though we can separate the Ten Commandments by the topics they focus on, when we sin, it's nearly impossible to break just one of them. Here, we look at how the commands are interrelated.

91. Introduction to Commandment #5. PDF / JPEG

We first look at the connection between the Ten Commandments and love. This is followed by an overview of the Fifth Commandment, with a strong focus on its connection to the Fourth Commandment.

92. The importance of honor (1). PDF / JPEG

Honor is a "weighty" matter. In modern society, the seriousness of this concept has been largely forgotten. In Scripture, the word really is related to "weightiness" - and we will see how that "heavy" concept developed into the concept of "honor"... which is often translated as "glory," when applied to God.

93. The importance of honor (2) and fear-respect (1). PDF / JPEG

We look at how the "honor" concept applies (having looked at its meaning last time). We introduce the "fear" (or "respect") concept.

94. The importance of fear-respect (2). PDF / JPEG

People often recoil at the idea that fear is sometimes good. So we examine Scripture to see how that concept is used... including the situations where Scripture commands us to fear people. (In the last 100 years, this word began to be translated as "respect," because of changing attitudes about what "fear" meant, and about authority itself.)

95. Commandment #5: The obligations it represents (1). PDF / JPEG

This command represents the category of human interactions that involves authorities, subordinates and equals - all of which are patterned after the types of relationships that exist within a family. Today we have a more general focus on the authority issue.

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