Monday, August 18, 2008

Teaching Notes

The Old Testament scriptures constantly told us of Jesus' coming and what would happen to him, years and years before he every came to earth.  Was this an accident?  Were all these writers simply having the same delusion?  Or could it be that the hand of God was at work in the lives of these individuals allowing them to see what had yet to happen?  I believe it was the hand of God working.

What Should I Know About The Bible?
Matthew 12:38-42 (The Message)

Later a few religion scholars and Pharisees got on him. "Teacher, we want to see your credentials. Give us some hard evidence that God is in this. How about a miracle?"



39-40Jesus said, "You're looking for proof, but you're looking for the wrong kind. All you want is something to titillate your curiosity, satisfy your lust for miracles. The only proof you're going to get is what looks like the absence of proof: Jonah-evidence. Like Jonah, three days and nights in the fish's belly, the Son of Man will be gone three days and nights in a deep grave.


41-42"On Judgment Day, the Ninevites will stand up and give evidence that will condemn this generation, because when Jonah preached to them they changed their lives. A far greater preacher than Jonah is here, and you squabble about 'proofs.' On Judgment Day, the Queen of Sheba will come forward and bring evidence that will condemn this generation, because she traveled from a far corner of the earth to listen to wise Solomon. Wisdom far greater than Solomon's is right in front of you, and you quibble over 'evidence.'

Notes: This week we turn to some of the wrong beliefs about the Bible.  In this scripture Jesus talks to the people about his words and their trustworthiness.

Question: What does this scripture reference in Old Testament scriptures?

Answer: Jesus answers the people by using an example from the book of Jonah when Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days.  Jesus uses that as an example to explain how he will be in the tomb for three days until he is raised again from the dead.  He also uses the example of the queen of Sheba that came to Solomon and asked about his wisdom.  If these were only stories, why would Jesus use them as examples of what he was doing and how that generation would be judged because of their disbelief?

The Bible as we know it consist of the scriptures that Jesus would know (what we call the Old Testament) and what we call the New Testament that gives us the account of what happened in Jesus life (the Gospels) and what happened to the early church after Jesus went to be with the Father.  These are the collection of writings that we call the Bible that God has protected for us so that you and I can know the heart of God for his people.  What do we know about the Bible?  It is more than a good book with filled with holes.  We will look more this week at how often Jesus uses Old Testament scripture to speak.  We will also look at how Old Testament scripture foretold the events that would take place in Jesus' life.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Word that helps us, that teaches us, that corrects us and gives us answers to your will.  God today help us to be more committed to reading your word and then give us the understanding so that we can live it out in our lives.

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