Essential Bible Studies

Forgiveness

Welcome to a new season of the Essential Bible Studies podcast. In this first episode of season six Steven Macfarlane and Tim Young talk about the vast subject of forgiveness in the Bible.
Why Forgive?
Part of who God is – Ex 34:6-7; Num 14:18 “God is forgiveness”
Part of the example of Jesus – 1 Pet 2:23
Ultimate Example – Forgive them, for they know not what they do – Lk 23:33-34
Condition of God’s forgiveness to us – Mt 6:14-15
Eph 4:30-32 – forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you
We all sin – Jn 8:7
So others will forgive us – golden rule James 2:8
Only response to God’s forgiveness – Col 3:12-15
Principles of Forgiveness:
Faith – Gal 3:6 (believe God forgives us) – Heb 11:6
Helps lift the burden of guilt/shame
Repent – Acts 2:38 (change)
Recognize sin, confess sin, change
Repent is changing…but not our ways, our thinking. That’s the definition of the word ‘the think differently or afterwards’ – from ‘meta’ – to transfer (metamorphosis) + ‘noieo’ – the mind
Conviction & Conduct (Islip Collyer) – ‘every deliberate act is the outcome of deliberate thought, and it therefore follows that control of thought must lie at the root of all reform’
Back to the garden – forgiveness didn’t mean there was no consequences for sin (Gen 3:16-19); Forgiveness is based on repentance (3:21)
Forgiving Attitude – Mk 11:26 (forgive others)
Why is Forgiveness so Difficult:
We’re hurt – solution: time, suffer ourselves to be defrauded (emotionally)
What we struggle with is harder to forgive in others – solution: God forgave our fault/struggle
Makes us vulnerable – solution…exactly. This is the solution!
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free, and discover the prisoner was you.” Colin Attridge (Fruit of the Spirit)
Mt 12:34 – forgiveness we think is outward, we say it, we show it…but out of the heart, the mouth speaks – forgiveness if really inward focused. We can say things and not mean them…then not truly forgiving someone.
How do we Forgive?
No discussion – unintentional offence, little consequence, minor
Two-Way communication – danger of repeating offence, affects our faith, sin through ignorance (Mt 18:15)
With witnesses – Mt 18:16 – if not responding to v15
Forgiveness is…
Being aware of what was wrong, and choosing to forgive
Not keeping a record of it (story of Moms little black book)
Not punishing, but being merciful (Lk 6:36)
Unlimited and immediate – Lk 17:3-4. Don’t demand anything back, don’t expect anything back, don’t hope for anything back (Lk 6:35) -- Keep forgiving…forever. Pray for them.
Additional Verses:
Col 3:12-13 – so you also must forgive
Matt 6:9-15 – as we also have forgiven our debtors – Christ spoke often of forgiveness
Rom 12:17-19 – vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord
Psa 103:11-12 – as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us
2 Cor 5:18-19 – Message of reconciliation…
1 Cor 13:4-5 – Love is not resentful…keeps no record of wrongs
 

Season 6 Trailer

The Essential Bible Studies podcast season SIX premiers on January 15th, 2024.
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Testimony and Reflections Season 5

Jacob and his wife Cayla had just bought a new house and it was moving day. There was so much to look forward to on a bright and beautiful summer morning... and then tragedy struck. Jacob recalls the accident, the need for faith to endure through trial and the powerful hand of God through it all.
Key verse: "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

The Work of the Angels

The Bible mentions angels at work from Genesis to Revelation. What are they doing? Turns out they're doing a lot. Jay joins Tim to summarize the important role that the angels fulfill to bring about God's will.
Theme Verse – Psalm 103:20
“Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.”
Re-cap from “Equal unto the Angels”
Why study angels? (Luke 20:35-36)
They represent and reveal God – “God manifestation”. They bear his name (Exodus 23:20-21)
We are made in the image of God/Elohim/angels (Genesis 1:26 cp. Heb. 2:7)
What they are called
Angels, ministers, eyes, watchers (2Ch. 16:9; Da. 4:17)
Destroyers (1Co. 10:10), flaming fire (Heb. 1:7)… burning bush (Ex. 4)
How they do it
Visibly – Abraham, Jacob, Exodus, Canaan, Daniel, birth and resurrection of Christ, book of Revelation
Invisibly – through most of history, even our day (Hebrews 13:2; Dan. 5)
What they are doing
Ministering to the heirs of salvation (Heb. 1:14)
Guardian angels (Matt. 18:10; Gen. 28:12; 48:15-16; Psa. 34:7)
Rejoice when men and women repent from their sins (Luke 15:10)
Obediently carry out the will of God (Psalm 103:20)
Strength is a notable characteristic: Elohim, inexhaustible energy, read thoughts, blind or destroy armies, reveal certain future events, help the faithful (ESV Psalm 103:20)
They are limited in knowledge (Mark 13:32, 1 Peter 1:11)
Evil angels are not morally evil, but bring about the judgments of God – ex. wilderness wanderings, Assyrian army (2 Kings 19:35; Psa. 78:49 “destroying angel”; Ex. 12:23)
Directing the affairs of the nations
Through their work, God exercises His dominion over the kingdoms of the earth (Psalm 103:19, Da. 4:17->Dan. 10)
Jesus Christ now has the authority to command all these beings (Mat. 28:18; 2 Thess. 1:7-8)
Lessons for Us Today
Today, the immortal heavenly angels follow the commands of Jesus Christ, working faithfully behind the scenes, invisibly preparing the earth for his return. They are involved in setting up and taking down governments, just as they were in the book of Daniel.
They also minister in more personal ways, working invisibly, but powerfully, to help the heirs of salvation.
We believe that great salvation is coming soon.

The Problem with Pride

A big part of what God's word warns us about is pride. There is a problem with pride especially if it goes unnoticed in our lives. Join Steve and Tim as they highlight some of the key passages in the Bible about this particular sin and how to overcome it.
Key Verse: "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite."Isaiah 57:15
Introduction
Words and terms – arrogance, presumptuous, haughty, lifted up, puffed up, conceited, boasting
Opposite – humility, modesty, abase, make low, lowliness, contrite, broken heart
God’s assessment of pride
He hates it (Prov. 6:16-17) therefore so should we (Prov. 8:13)
Judgment because of pride (Prov. 16:18; Mal. 4:1; Isa. 2:12,17)
Key aspect of the flesh (Mark 7:20-22; 1 John 2:16; 2 Tim. 3:1-2)
The problem with pride
Pride is prevalent when God is not (Psa. 10:4).
Blocks our relationship with God by making us forgetful (Hos. 13:4-6)
Considers self more than God or others (Ezek. 16:49; Psa. 10:2)
Creates contention (Prov. 13:10)
Opposite of faith (Hab. 2:4)
Recognizing pride in ourselves and our lives
Individually - The love of praise (John 12:43), self-righteousness (Luke 18:9,14), lofty self-sufficiency (James 4:16)
Collectively - Nationalism, patriotism, racism, human rights, sports
The antidotes – the frame of mind needed, humility
God is big, we are small (Gen. 18:27; Psa. 8:4; Ecc. 5:2)
The servant mind set (Luke 17:10), being thankful
Being Kingdom seekers, not of this world (1 Chr. 29:11-14ff)
God is the one who exalts
If we try to do it ourselves God will oppose us (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5-6)
The greatest example in Jesus (Phil. 2:5-9)
Final conclusion

In Remembrance (Part 2) - The Cup

During the last supper, Jesus gathered with his disciples and shared bread and wine with them in a very significant way. He declared that the bread represented his body and the cup of wine his blood. This meal was not just a one time event but something Jesus commanded his disciples to do often. Nick and Tim continue the study by looking closely at the symbology of the cup and the importance of the new covenant.
Study aids
Bread & Wine Parallel Records Handout
Bread & Wine Summary Handout
Key verse
"In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”"1 Corinthians 11:25
Cup of Wine
Cup symbolizes ones portion or lot in life (Psalm 16:5; Psalm 11:6)
The word “wine” is never used… cup or fruit of the vine.
New Covenant
Christ said, this cup is the new covenant in my blood.
The book of the law was the book of the covenant (Ex 24)
But there was a problem, with the old covenant it could not save.  Gal 3:11,21
The new covenant was then established in Faith and could offer salvation. Heb 8:7-13
This cup of wine therefore spoke of this new covenant that could save and provide forgiveness of sins.
How was it possible?
Christ said, new covenant “in my blood”
Blood in scripture represents life Lev. 17:11-14. Could not eat blood under the law.
Christ lived a perfect life of obedience 1 Peter 2:21-24 cp. 1 Peter 1:19 “precious blood of Jesus Christ.”
Thereby we have forgiveness of sins 1 John 1:7 for it cleanses or purifies the conscience.
However not available to all
Must be in Christ Gal. 3:14How? By baptism Gal. 3:27
Share in fellowship
1 Cor. 10:16
Fellowship with God Eph. 2:13

In Remembrance (Part 1) - The Bread

During the last supper, Jesus gathered with his disciples and shared bread and wine with them in a very significant way. He declared that the bread represented his body and the cup of wine his blood. This meal was not just a one time event but something Jesus commanded his disciples to do often. We welcome Nick to this episode to discuss his in-depth studies on the symbolism involved and what it means for our lives.
Study aids
Bread & Wine Parallel Records Handout
Bread & Wine Summary Handout
Key verse
"And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”"Luke 22:19
How did it begin?
Night before Jesus died, upper room Matt 26:26-30 (also recorded in Mark 14, and Luke 22)Why the bread and wine?
Luke 22:19, 1 Cor 11:24,25 “Do this in remembrance of me” and 1 Cor. 11:26 “to proclaim the Lord’s death.”
Jesus was known for this (Luke 24:35)
The believers continued in this Acts 2:42, when and how often? Acts 20:7
What does it mean?
Bread in scripture is a symbol of food, and is seen as the fundamentals for life. As such it became a symbol of man’s labour to produce food.  Gen 3:19; John 6:26-27         
Christ took this bread, he broke it and said this my body which is given for you, this do in remembrance of me. He wanted the disciples to remember how he lived his life in giving himself for others. Christ just demonstrated this literally as he washed their feet (still stuck in their minds John 13:15-17)
Symbol of body
Christ said “this is my body”
Represents a body of believers 1 Cor 10:16-17;  1 Cor 12 (beautiful analogy of a group of believers working together as one body) ends with v27
Taking of the bread we therefore examine ourselves (1 Cor. 11:28), how we are helping the body of Christ (1 Cor. 11:29)
Fellowship
Conclusion of self examination (1 Cor. 11:28) - we are all sinners
Thereby have fellowship as realizing the need to work together 1 Cor 10:16-17

Hell (Part 2) - The Unquenchable Fire

A discussion on hell would not be complete without talking about fire. Why are hell and fire connected? Josh and Tim continue the discussion from last week by talking about the word for hellfire Gehenna and why Jesus warned about this unquenchable fire.
Key Verse: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 ESV)
Part 1 - Not Abandoned to Hades
Introduction
Popular ideas of hell fire
Overview of the words for “hell” – Sheol, Hades and Gehenna
Definition and Location
Gehenna = Valley of Hinnom
Bible Dictionary entries
History in Old Testament
Valley SW of Jerusalem (Josh. 15:8)
Place where idolaters made their children pass through the fire (Ahaz 2 Chr. 28:3; Manasseh 2 Chron. 33:6). Defiled by King Josiah (2 Kings 23:10).
Becomes symbolic of place of judgment (Jer. 7:31-32; Isa. 30:30,33)
New Testament
Mark 9:47 - Place of final judgement.
Jesus quoting from Isa. 66:24, 15-16.
Is this literal? Cutting off the hands/feet, worms living forever.
Jude 7 - The unquenchable fire means nobody can put it out until it has completely destroyed (cp. Jer. 17:27; Mal. 4:1)
Matt. 18:8 – The everlasting fire means the effects will be forever (cp. 2 Thess. 1:9; Mal. 4:1)
Matt. 10:28 – Complete destruction
Rev. 20:14 – The lake of fire
Final conclusion

Hell (Part 1) - Not Abandoned to Hades

In this episode Josh and Tim tackle the subject of hell. There are a lot of misconceptions about hell that a simple study like this will dispel. While it might not seem like a very positive subject, in the end, there is a message of hope that is very powerful.
Key Verse: “Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption.” Act 2:26-27 
Study Help: Every passage with Hell as Sheol or Hades
Introduction
Confusion over the word “hell”
Reminder of past episodes that serve as a basis for this study
We Shall Not All Sleep
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
The Creation of Man … First Natural, Then Spiritual
Overview of the words for “hell” – Sheol, Hades and Gehenna
To translate or transliterate?
The OT Sheol
A place for all the dead
Gen. 37:35 – 1st occurrence. Jacob’s expectation to be there.
Psa. 89:47-48 (NET) – Everybody dies, the power of Sheol
1 Sam. 2:6 – Hannah’s hope in the resurrection
Descriptions of Sheol
Psa. 6:5 (Isa. 38:18) – No praise of God
Job 17:13-16 – place of darkness, corruption, worms and dust
Ecc. 9:10 – No work or thought
Isa. 14 / Ezek. 32 – Not to be taken literally
Transition to the NT
Acts 2:27,31 / Psa. 16:10 – The connection with Jesus
Rev. 1:18 (cp. Zech. 9:11) – How Jesus overcame and has the keys to overcome the power of the grave
Final conclusion

The Five Snares of Covetousness

In this episode we delve into some of the practical sides of recognizing sin in our lives and being able to deal with it. Covetousness is a great example of this. A sin that we might not know about unless God had told us not to covet. It's so important that it will exclude us from the kingdom of God. Frank joins Tim for interesting insights from his life on at least five areas to watch out for when it comes to covetousness.
Key verse: "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"" Hebrews 13:5-6
Introduction
The 10th commandment – Thou shalt not covet (Ex. 20:17). All other commandments seem to be external, but the 10th is obviously a commandment about how we think.
The battle against sin in the mind (Rom. 7:7,22-23)
The importance of recognizing and dealing with the sin of covetousness
Exclusion from the kingdom of God (Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Cor. 6:9-10)
The root of all evil (1 Tim. 6:9-11)
Defining Covetousness
English meaning
Hebrew meaning
Greek meaning
Five Snares of Covetousness
The snare of the credit card (Rom. 13:7-8)
Buying things we want but do not really need, on a credit account, because we do not have sufficient money to pay for it.
When we only pay the minimum balance instead of the whole balance on a credit account.
The lure of advertising and buying on impulse
Some stores are set up to encourage buying on impulse.
This includes buying more of a product than we really need.
Sometimes the store price is below their cost.
One needs to make a list and stick to it.
The deception of get rich quick schemes (lotteries, stock market)
Huge payouts sound good and we can justify it to ourselves
Actually winning would create more difficulties
Investing wisely is good but must be careful not to get caught up in it all
The enticement of entertainment and social media
Most entertainment is the idolization of man. Everybody wants to be like the star.
Social media is filled with people trying to be influencers
The pitfalls of keeping up with the Jones
We spend a lot of money just to keep up.
Sometimes it is purely a matter of pride.
Sometimes expectations are too high and we need to lower them. We don’t really need the latest and greatest.
We live in a very wasteful society.
The positives
The flesh can never be satisfied (Ecc. 5:10). We always live to our means.
Putting trust in God (Heb. 13:5-6)
Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Tim. 6:6)
Final conclusion

Enemies Reconciled to God

Key verse: “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” Romans 5:10 
Introduction
Enemies with God
Romans 5:8-10
What does it mean to be an enemy?
What causes the hostility – our sins.
James 4:4 – being a friend of the world causes enmity with God
Where is the separation?
Col. 1:21 – This takes place in our minds (cp. Gen. 6:5 vs. Isa. 26:3)
Romans 8:5-7 the carnal mind is enmity with God
Reconciliation with God brings peace
Col. 1:20
Eph. 2:13-17
Rom. 5:1, 10-11
Defining true peace with God
Final conclusion
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God is Just and the Justifier

Key Verse: “It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." Romans 3:26  
Introduction
The conundrum of how a just God can save sinners
Why did Jesus have to die?
A core teaching on this in Romans 3:9-28
Chapter 3:9-24
The terrible sinfulness of all men (v.9-20, 23). Our knowledge of sin brings a recognition of guilt (v. 19).
The righteousness of God (v. 21-22) and the meaning of justification.
“By his grace” (v. 24). This is his gift. It is a balance of grace & truth.
Chapter 3:25
The meaning of propitiation
Faith in his blood – How does Jesus fit in? A man of spotless character who condemned sin.
Chapter 3:26-28
God is just and the justifier of all who believe
Justified by faith
Final conclusion
Previous episodes that provide background to this subject:
Sin in Five Verses
Sin Entered the World
The Curse on the Serpent
The Virgin Birth
The Word was made Flesh
Quote by Robert Roberts:
“God’s method for the return of sinful man to favour required and appointed the putting to death of man’s condemned and evil nature in a representative man of spotless character, whom He should provide, to declare and uphold the righteousness of God, as the first condition of restoration, that He might be just while justifying the unjust, who should believingly approach through him in humility, confession and reformation” Robert Roberts, Diary of a Voyage, pg. 68