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Alive Day 9 The Groaning: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out The Groaning!

The Questions

1) What were the sufferings of the present time, and what future glory was Paul referencing? (verse 18)

2) How does the “groaning of creation” point to truth? (verses 19-20, 22)

3) Who are the firstfruits of the Spirit? (verse 23)

Romans 8:18-23

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility–not willingly, but because of him who subjected it–in the hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. 23 Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits–we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

Original Intent

1) What were the sufferings of the present time, and what future glory was Paul referencing? (verse 18)
Persecution of the church began as soon as it was birthed. Immediately in Acts we find the temple police and Sadducees putting apostles in prison (Acts 4) and stoning the Christians, including Stephen. (Acts 7) Some of this was under the leadership of Saul (later Paul). Paul suffered greatly after his salvation. Right from the start, he was blinded and needed to find his way to Ananias for prayer in order to be healed. Some think that poor eyesight was the suffering “thorn” he bore, or perhaps his health issues contributed to his poor eyesight. (Acts 9:15-16, 2 Corinthians 12:1-6) (Blue Letter Bible) He wrote to the Corinthians concerning his many trials throughout his ministry. (2 Corinthians 4:8-12) He was beaten, imprisoned, stoned, shipwrecked, weary, sleepless, poor, hungry and thirsty, cold and naked. Yet, through Christ, he prevailed. (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) (Bible Charts.org) He often shared, however, that these sufferings not only kept him humble, but also cultivated his faith. God used Paul’s sufferings to further God’s Kingdom and spread the Gospel to the Gentiles. These persecutions continued not only for Paul, but for all believers in the first century leading up to all the horrific acts of Nero and many others against Christians. Paul’s letters, which were already circulating by the time of Nero, would become a great source of encouragement to the early Church, reminding them of future glory with Christ. We often think of “future glory” as being “when we all get to heaven” where sorrows and tears are gone. But Paul shared with the Romans of the peace available now as well as the certainty of knowing that God was working through their afflictions to produce His character in them. (Romans 5:1-5)

2) How does the “groaning of creation” point to truth? (verses 19-20, 22)
“The heaven declares the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” (Psalm 19:1) God’s creation is so wonderful that it alone can draw us to God. Just from observing creation, all people can see that God is Truth; we are all without excuse of understanding a Creator exists. “Ever since the creation of the world His eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things He has made.” (Romans 1:20) Yet, creation has been groaning since the Fall of Man. (Genesis 3) The ground was “subjected to futility” (verse 20) because of sin and it began to decay even as our bodies decay; aching to be restored to its original state. Creation waits, just as we wait, to be fully redeemed. Isaiah shares how it once was in the Garden of Eden before sin entered the world, and how it will be again one day, ‘The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat. The calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf will be together, and a child will lead them.” (Read more in Isaiah 11:6-9!) The Psalmist wrote of the second coming of Jesus as well saying all creation would praise God and truth would be revealed,  “Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for He is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth.” (Psalm 96:11-13, NLT)

3) Who are the firstfruits of the Spirit? (verse 23)
When Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai, God gave instruction for building the tabernacle and how to celebrate the feasts. (Leviticus 23) The feasts were periods on the Jewish calendar to stop and worship the Lord, it was a time to remember what God had done. I found the study of the feasts very exciting as they each pointed to Jesus, even though they were instituted centuries before He was born. The Feast of Firstfruits directly followed Passover, which was a celebration of spring and new crops. Everyone offered up to God the very first of their crops during the Feast of Firstfruits. It was no coincidence that Jesus rose from the dead on the Feast of Firstfruits as the ultimate celebration of new life. He was the first to rise from the dead and live forever. (Matthew 28) All who trust Christ for forgiveness and salvation will experience this same resurrection from the dead! “For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at His coming, those who belong to Christ”. (1 Corinthians 15:22-23) (Finding Christ in the Feast of Firstfruits) Something I find interesting is that an earthquake (creation groaning) was the first to celebrate the resurrection. The earth groaned exceedingly during the crucifixion, (Matthew 27:45-54) but creation shook again, this time with anticipation, at His resurrection. (Matthew 28:2)

Everyday Application

1) What were the sufferings of the present time, and what future glory was Paul referencing? (verse 18)
Paul wrote of his sufferable “thorn in the flesh” to the church in Corinth saying, “…so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) We can’t identify exactly what Paul’s thorn was, but this unknown is for our advantage; we can relate his sufferings with our own regardless of their source. Christians from many generations have benefited by his reference to the thorn while applying it to their specific problems. (Dr. Thomas Constable) The thorn of which Paul speaks gives us an understanding of God’s perspective concerning physical infirmities and suffering. (Blue Letter Bible) Personally, I have suffered from chronic pain for over 10 years. At times the pain is excruciating, but I have found complete trust in God despite the intensity. Turning to God in my pain has resulted in a much deeper relationship with the Lord of Lords than I would have had before. At one point, I had the same conversation with God that Paul records. “Please, Lord, take this pain away from me. I have learned my lesson.” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10) But God reminded me that I, like Paul, needed this pain to keep me humble. So, we walk hand in hand, day-by-day as I learn to trust Him more. It’s a wonderful hope of glory! I look forward to the day when He will wipe away every tear from my eyes. (Revelation 21:4) Then I will leap with the lame, see with the blind, hear with the deaf, and shout with the mute! Oh! What a glorious day!

2) How does the “groaning of creation” point to truth? (verses 19-20, 22)
Today, we are seeing the teaching of Jesus on the Mount of Olives fulfilled. He said mankind would become increasingly evil, fighting brother against brother. “There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these events are the beginning of labor pains.” (Matthew 24:3-8, emphasis mine) We are certainly seeing those labor pains in our day through earthquakes, tsunamis, famines, mud slides, volcanoes, fires, and other “natural disasters”. We hardly recover from one tragedy before another comes. Earthquakes alone have been increasing over the 120 years they have been recorded. You may remember the deadly earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004. (World Vision) That year there were 1,672 earthquakes around the world. After that, numbers increased steadily through 2011 which topped at 2,481. We have had a slight drop since then, ranging between 1433 and 1808. But still, that is at least 4 earthquakes somewhere in the world every day. (Statista) All that without mentioning other “groanings of creation”! Obviously, the earth groans for the coming inheritance promised in Revelation by the Creator God Himself. The Apostle John wrote down what He saw as the new heaven and earth. (Revelation 1:1-2) Certainly, what we see in John’s book of revelations is only a glimpse of what we will experience in perfected Glory with God such as, clean water, the Tree of Life bearing all kinds of fruit, and the curse removed. Revelation 22:1-3 says, “Then he showed me the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the city’s main street. The tree of life was on each side of the river, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations, and there will no longer be any curse.

3) Who are the firstfruits of the Spirit? (verse 23)
When we accept Christ as Savior, we become a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17) His Holy Spirit works within us to remove our carnal spirit and to become new in Him. The things in our past are now gone! We are now alive in Christ. “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-6) Paul takes it one step further… “so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7) One day, all who trust Christ for forgiveness of sin and have repented (turned away from) of their sin will rise! We will be raptured into Heaven ever to be with the Lord. This is our very certain future hope! “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) And that time, our adoption in Christ will be finalized and our bodies will be gloriously changed. (1 Corinthians 15:50-58) So, in conclusion, dear sisters, I urge you, just as Paul did the Corinthians, “Be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with The Groaning!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Alive Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

The GT Weekend! ~ Alive Week 1

Leave a Comment

The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) God grants a wonderfully freeing, fully permanent declaration in the opening words of Romans 8. No more shame. No fear of condemnation. Both are radically erased because the One we have offended with our sin has freely forgiven us! The sticking point is two-fold. First, this gift of freedom remains entirely inaccessible if we have not recognized our own sin to the Holy God, repented of it, and chosen to trust Christ to rescue us from permanent death and separation from God. Second, if we have indeed been made free in Christ, the temptation to believe a lie seems to follow us like our shadow. The lie? That we aren’t really freed from shame, that we still, somehow, owe God and should therefore beat ourselves up for our past sin. Can you relate like I can?! Let’s refuse to let our enemy continue to have a foothold here! Name that place where you most often find yourself falling into the trap of shame and guilt from sins you’ve already been forgiven from and pray persistently over these. Lay hold of truth and carry it with you in place of shame! “If the Son sets you free, you really will be free!” (John 8:36)

2) Either we live according to flesh or according to Spirit. We cannot please both simultaneously; it is impossible. On Wednesday, Marietta helped us understand we must all make a personal decision to follow Jesus for ourselves. Our default position before God is not goodness, but an inherited sin nature that rejects God and rebels against Him. Thankfully, what is impossible for us and our natural sin nature, is possible with God when He puts His new nature inside of us! All believers, those who have been made new in Christ, have certain areas of life where we struggle more than others to surrender to God’s nature over our own. In the span of 3 verses in Romans 8, we find the phrase “mindset” used five times! The key to overcoming our areas of struggle is to surrender to the Spirit’s activity in us, and take up His mindset, which is entirely renewed and different from our sin-nature mindset. Think about the character of God, really pause to do this! Look up some passages to help like Philippians 4:8-9, Psalm 86:5, 15, and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. As you consider His heart, His “mindset”, turn your thoughts to your areas of struggle and your old mindset of approaching them. See the difference?! Ask the Lord to renew your mind! (Romans 12:1-2)

3) I once heard a story of an orphan child who had lived for most of his young life in severe poverty and food insecurity. This child was adopted into a loving and secure family, where there was no question about the source of the child’s next meal. He was fully provided for. However, he would often take food from the kitchen and hide it in his room, keeping it secure for himself. Even though his entire situation had changed, his attitudes and behaviors were still in accordance with his previous insecurity. For those of us who have come to the place of belief in Christ, repenting of our sins, and trusting in Him to give us new life, we are like that adopted orphan. We no longer need to worry about our security, but we often act like we are still in spiritual poverty. When we sin, we are living according to our old manner of life, but when we walk by the Spirit and set our minds on things above, we are operating in our new identity as children of God. Colossians 3:12-17 give us one picture of what our new life in Christ can look like. Write out these verses and post them somewhere you will see them frequently. Set your mind on things above by reading and contemplating these verses and by applying them to situations in your daily life.

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Romans 5:6-11 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. How much more then, since we have now been justified by His blood, will we be saved through
Him from wrath. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received this reconciliation.

Prayer Journal
Oh Lord, our God, thank You for the great work You have done by setting us free from our old ways of life. Once we were dead in our sins, without hope, striving to make ourselves better. But You, oh God, being rich in mercy, because of Your great love, made us alive together with Christ. (Ephesians 2:4-6) You weren’t forced to save us, but You did. And now, we can walk in freedom with no more shame, no more condemnation, and no more fear. Forgive me, Father, for the times I revert to my old way of living. I am acutely aware of my tendency to live as though I need to save myself or make myself better. But You are the one who transforms and makes me new. Enable me to be transformed by the renewing of my mind, shifting my mindset to focus on the truth of the new life that You have given me. (Romans 12:2) Help me live my life as one who has been changed by You, sharing the joy and freedom that comes with new life in Your family.

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

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Fruitful Day 7 Produce Or Consume?: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Produce Or Consume?!

The Questions

1) What do we learn in verses 8-9 about God’s relationship to time compared to our own experience?

2) What connection is made in verses 10-12 regarding how we should be living as we wait for the day of the Lord?

3) What does Peter mean when he writes in verse 13 about the “new heavens and a new earth”?

2 Peter 3:8-13

8 Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9 The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed. 11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness 12 as you wait for the day of God and hasten its coming. Because of that day, the heavens will be dissolved with fire and the elements will melt with heat. 13 But based on his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

Original Intent

1) What do we learn in verses 8-9 about God’s relationship to time compared to our own experience?
There is no underestimating the importance of context when studying Scripture. This is certainly true with this passage. When Peter compares a thousand years to one day, we must dig a little deeper to understand his purpose. The context of verses 8-9 is the return of the Lord to gather His Church, those who have placed their full trust in Him. Peter reminds the believers that scorners will come and mock the idea of the Lord’s coming return. (verse 4) Reading Peter’s letter gives us insight into what the Christians were facing as they waited for Jesus. The apostle Paul had also written letters to warn believers of those who would attempt to lead them away from trusting in Christ’s return. (verses 15-16) Peter cautions them to not be swayed by doubters and cynics. He reminds them that God’s timetable is not the same as our human timeline. Peter encouraged them to hold to faith and trust in God’s promises. Since we live in a physical world, we must be reminded that God works in another dimension beyond the perception of our physical senses. He is from the beginning and operates outside time. (Psalm 102:24-27) This in no way means God is not real, but it does mean He is unseen by human eyes because He is not limited by the physical realm as we are. (John 1:1-4) Because He is eternal, He sees eternity past and eternity future in a single view. From this timeless perspective, the time that passes on earth doesn’t limit Him as it does us. To God, writes Michael Houdmann, “A second is no different from an eon; a billion years pass like seconds to the eternal God.” (Questions about God page 20) Thankfully, in God’s patient and perfect “delay”, He is accomplishing His purpose of rescuing the perishing.

2) What connection is made in verses 10-12 regarding how we should be living as we wait for the day of the Lord?
God desires to live in close fellowship with His people. (Genesis 3:8, Exodus 29:45-46, Leviticus 26:11-13, Revelation 21:3) To understand the connection between His desire to be with us and our waiting for Him, we keep in mind the character of God. While there are passages of Scripture that are difficult to reconcile with Peter’s message that God wants “all to come to repentance” (verse 9), we must not fall prey to thinking God desires something other than salvation for all people. Since there is no easy way to tie everything together neatly that is taught in Scripture about God’s sovereignty, we simply must acknowledge the mystery. Therein lies the beauty of this passage. When humans contemplate patience, we think in human terms. Often in our waiting we begin to feel anxious and reactionary. Peter says God’s seeming delay is not “as some understand delay.” God-like patience helps us – beyond our own understanding – to have a sincere trust in God’s timing. (2 Peter 3:1-2) When God waits on something, it is rarely about how much time has passed or will pass. It is about His glory and our good. (2 Peter 3:15) This reality frustrated the prophet Jonah who knew God’s reputation for patience with sinful people. (Jonah 4:2) The mission of Christ’s followers is not to calculate the waiting time, nor is it to doubt or attempt to thwart God’s purposes. Our aim is to consistently live holy lives as we obediently follow Him (verse 11) with great expectation of the Lord’s coming. The specific Greek word (speudontas) in verse 12 for “hasten” occurs only once in Scripture. It indicates an urgency or earnest desire. (Strongs 4692) Based on Peter’s message, we understand that urgent does not constitute impatience.

3) What does Peter mean when he writes in verse 13 about the “new heavens and a new earth”?
If there was a theme for these verses, it would be, “The Promise of God: It’s Worth Waiting For.” Before John declared his vision regarding a “new heaven and a new earth” in Revelation 21:1, the apostle Peter reiterated Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 65-66) about the day our current heavens and earth will no longer exist as we know it.  In verse 13, Peter explains that after the destruction of our environment, a new place will be created in which “righteousness dwells.” From the context of the passage, we understand that our coming perfected holiness and godliness achieved through Christ will fit in perfectly in that newly created place of perfection. Our current waiting is painful because our righteousness as people of Christ looks and feels so different from those who live ungodly lives. (2 Peter 2:9-10) We long for the day we will live in uninterrupted harmony with all who love and worship Christ. “The history of this world has been almost entirely a history of sin – of its nature, developments, results. There have been no perfectly holy beings on the earth, except the Savior, and the angels who have occasionally visited. There has been no perfectly holy place – city, village, hamlet; no perfectly holy community. But the future world, in strong contrast with this, will be perfectly pure, and will be a fair illustration of what religion in its perfect form will do.” (Barnes)

Everyday Application

1) What do we learn in verses 8-9 about God’s relationship to time compared to our own experience?
You have likely heard the saying “only time will tell.” As I have grown older, this has become more obvious. Some of us (namely, me) are quick to respond to certain situations. Assuming too much, there have been times I’ve had to swallow my pride and admit that my initial reaction was unwarranted. These lessons taught me to wisely pause and zoom out of situations. Since humans operate on timetables, it’s often best to take a “wait and see” approach to many things we encounter. But God is not like us. He is timeless. He patiently waits because He knows His purposes are as good as done even when we have not seen them unfold yet. For humans, clocks mark change. Whenever there’s change of any kind we understand it indicates that time has passed. For God, there is no change and there is no passing time. Knowing God is eternal brings a profound sense of comfort to us mere mortals. Yet, though separated from time, God is not removed from our existence in this frail condition. Though He transcends time, He is with us now. He created a world that marks days and weeks and years to demonstrate to us that He does not ignore our daily cries or concerns. (Genesis 1:14-15) “Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here. Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear. He whose heart is kind beyond all measure gives unto each day what He deems best. Lovingly, it’s part of pain and pleasure, mingling toil with peace and rest.” (Day by Day by Karolina Sandell-Berg)

2) What connection is made in verses 10-12 regarding how we should be living as we wait for the day of the Lord?
Waiting patiently is not my favorite thing. I am an instant gratification kind of gal. But waiting for something that is almost certain to be wonderful is in a different category. In fact, waiting for Christmas has always been much more fun than having it come and go. The beauty of waiting for the Lord to return and make everything new is that we can enjoy hope now and then! Though there’s a tension we must hold, believers should watch for Christ to come today, while planning as though He may not come for a thousand years. As Christ followers, we play a mysterious role in His coming. Jesus said in Matthew 24:14 that the gospel would be preached throughout the whole world before Jesus returns. While I do not understand all this means, it should spur the Christian toward fervency and urgency in taking the gospel to the world, meaning every people group. We should have patience while we wait on our future glory, because we know God is bringing more people into His kingdom all the time. Our endurance is not in vain! (Revelation 7:9-10)

3) What does Peter mean when he writes in verse 13 about the “new heavens and a new earth”?
I am so thankful Peter took the time to write to the dismayed believers in the early church. He effectively dismantled the arguments of the false teachers striving to confuse and frighten them. It’s a wonderful truth for those of us who wait even now. 2020 was a difficult year for many. It was one of those years that seemed to go on forever. But, dear Sister, we know God is never delayed! There WILL be a day when we live in a new heaven and earth. For now, the followers of Christ should live as if we believe this completely! We can rest assured that our timeless God will not forget His promise!
“I know the journey seems so long.
You feel you’re walking on your own.
But there has never been a step where you’ve walked out all alone.
Troubled soul don’t lose your heart, ’cause joy and peace He brings.’
And the beauty that’s in store outweighs the hurt of life’s sting.
But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
that there will be a place with no more suffering.
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain and no more fears.
There will be a day when the burdens of this place will be no more.
But until that day, we’ll hold on to Him always.” (There Will Be A Day by Jeremy Camp)

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Produce Or Consume?!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Fruitful Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

The GT Weekend! ~ Terrain Week 3

Leave a Comment

The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) The region of Galilee was where Jesus spent a great deal of His time while on earth. He knew its roads and topography well. He was familiar with how to navigate the city and He knew the faces of those who lived there. Lori left us with a challenge in her Journey Study on Monday, “Go for a walk today and as you walk think about the terrain Jesus walked. From the calling of His disciples, to the road He traveled to his death. Where, or how, is Jesus calling you to walk? Who, or what, are you following? Jesus or something/someone less? Pray for open eyes and attentive ears. Invite Jesus, our Master Teacher, into your ordinary and allow Him to make it extraordinary!” Do this! Then, write down what you learned from God’s Spirit on your walk. Is the Lord calling you to introduce yourself to the new neighbors, or strike up a conversation with someone nearby who is different than you? Has He placed a desire in your heart to take a step of faith toward a big goal? What would it look like to trust Him and follow Him, even when you can’t see where this step might lead? Commit your way to the Lord and watch with an eager heart what He might do in you, through you, and for you!

2) On Wednesday we reflected on the exile of John to the island of Patmos. Exile is a theme throughout Scripture from Adam and Eve to Abraham to the nation of Israel and even to the early Church. The idea of exile (because our sin casts us out of God’s presence) reminds us of our need for redemption and to be “brought back into” God’s good design. Like Abraham living as a foreigner in the land (Hebrews 11:13-16), we too, if we have given our lives to Jesus, live as foreigners and strangers in our own land. (1 Peter 1:1-2) Like the exiles in Babylon, we are called to pray for the land we are dwelling in and pursuing its well-being. (Proverbs 11:10) Yes, we may meet opposition, but Jesus told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Furthermore, we must pray for our brothers and sisters in parts of the world where persecution poses a more physical and dangerous threat. Spend some time today praying for the well-being of your neighborhood, city, and country. Then check out this prayer guide from Voice of the Martyrs to help you pray for brothers and sisters around the world who are living with the very-present threat of persecution. Model your prayer after Paul’s prayer for persecuted Christians found in 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12.

3) We’ve spent three weeks studying the terrain of different scenes from Scripture. Maybe you’ve never considered the literal mountains, lakes, meadows, and rocky places where biblical history unfolded. Or maybe, you’ve traveled to the Holy Land and you already have these physical elements vividly pictured in your mind. In light of all we’ve learned, consider the physical terrain of your own life. Where do you see beauty? Where do you find the messes? What zones in your home or your life are safe? Which ones are sacred? Which ones feel beyond repair? What would it look like to surrender each of these to the Master of All Creation? What if we each trusted God as our own Master Builder to redeem and renew the terrain of our lives? Take a sheet of paper and draw out a blueprint of your life. Mark out the rooms and their sizes, then label them according to what is flourishing or struggling in your life. Search Scripture for verses of praise or truths you can claim over each “room”. Keep the blueprint sketch in your Bible as a reminder to pray continuously over the terrain around you, intentionally surrendering it to the Lord!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

In view of this, we always pray for you that our God will make you worthy of his calling, and by his power fulfill your every desire to do good and your work produced by faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer Journal
Oh Lord our God, You have created the heavens and the Earth. You have shown us Your greatness in the work of Your hands. And yet… We know this Earth, as it is today, is not our home. We are strangers in a foreign land, eagerly awaiting the new heavens and the new Earth where we will be fully at home in Your presence. Sustain us, oh Lord, with Your truth as we feel the pain of this life. Comfort those who suffer for Your Name’s sake. Strengthen and embolden those who live in places where worshiping You puts their lives and livelihoods in danger. Thank you for their example of steadfastness. Teach us all to worship You, setting You apart as Holy in our everyday worship, regardless of our civic religious freedom. As I walk through this life, help me to be eager to follow You, to do the good work You have created me for. Thank You for the growth You have already brought in my life. Please, help me to continue to grow in my delight in You. Thank You for the gift of salvation and for the many blessings You have lavished on my life. Help me to glorify You in all things!

Worship Through Community

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Terrain Day 15 Life’s Landscape

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Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Peter 3:8-18
Matthew 10:1-15
Luke 22:35-42
Psalm 23

Terrain, Day 15

Most of our “lasts” go unnoticed, slipping slowly from one season to the next like a gradually fading sunset. One day, we simply notice how the last has come and gone.

As a mama, l know there has been a singular finality for many precious things, whether I recognized it or not.
The last time I changed a diaper, danced with a toddler, had baby fingers in my hair, played hide ‘n seek, sat someone in “time out”, or firmly said, “One minute, please. Mama is talking.” As I send my oldest off to university, there are a few “lasts” that stand out.
Our last Saturday with all 9 of us living under one roof.
Our final family meal before a new season.
Her last night in her childhood bedroom, and many more.

But, I also know, there will be new terrain to explore.
I just don’t know what it looks like yet.

While a million unknowns tug at the corners of my heart, one steadfast constancy takes my hand and leads me beside still waters.

My Shepherd knows my terrain.
He always has, and He always will.

In this Journey Theme, we’ve walked beside Abraham as he left his idol worship, following God for decades until God led him to the perfect place to fulfill His promise.

We’ve stood shaking with wonder at Mount Sinai,
marched around Jericho’s walls,
been invited to wash in the Jordan River,
nearly missed the forgotten fork in the road of Bethlehem and Nazareth,
and scaled the Mount of Olives to hear Jesus teach and watch Him pray.
We’ve dipped toes in the Sea of Galilee and tied our sandals to match Jesus stride for stride down dusty roads, and we’ve explored the caverns and sunrises of Patmos.
All along the way, we’ve witnessed the Creator of Life enter Creation to shepherd His people. Every step was a new opportunity to see His heart with deeper brilliancy.

The same God who marked off pathways on the Mount of Olives, also summoned Abraham to follow Him and Moses to meet with Him. The same God who filled Joshua with divine courage, humbly walked the seashore of Galilee. The same God who came as a Babe in Bethlehem, gave up His Body as the Bread of Life on Calvary’s hill while the weight of our sin crushed Him. The God who conquered Sin and Death by rising victorious from His grave, filled John with visions of a coming Beautiful City where one day, God would dwell with His beloved people forever.

Because He is a God who has been present on every hill, valley, and sandy seashore from eternity past to eternity present, this is the God who can be trusted with my journey.

Early in Jesus’ ministry, He gave His disciples an opportunity to practice what He’d taught them. He gave them authority to heal disease, preach, and raise the dead. He sent them to their own people, the Jews, telling them they wouldn’t need anything extra for He would provide for them through His people.

“Don’t take the road that leads to the Gentiles, and don’t enter any Samaritan town. Instead, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Don’t acquire gold, silver, or copper for your money-belts. Don’t take a traveling bag for the road, or an extra shirt, sandals, or a staff, for the worker is worthy of his food. (Matthew 10:5-10)

Was it scary? Surely!
Was it exciting? Definitely!
But this was also a season; just another pathway on their journey.

On the night Jesus was betrayed, with His disciples gathered on the moonlit pathways of the Mount of Olives and the sound of soldier’s feet in the distance, the Lord reminded them of that initial opportunity to practice following Him.

“When I sent you out without money-bag, traveling bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Not a thing,” they said. (Luke 22:35)

Here they were, the ‘Eve of Last’ with Jesus, and He was reminding them of their journey.
Never had He left them alone. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
This time was no different. (John 14:16-17)

Though His body would soon be mutilated, and their time of walking the shores together was over, His Spirit would come and live within them.
Their journey would continue for a new season.

When that glorious moment came and the Spirit’s rushing wind whirled around them, His fire licking their souls, truth resonated afresh. This God was trustworthy to lead, love, and never abandon, for now He lived within them.

The Great I Am, the Timeless One (2 Peter 3:8), would now lead them to see with fresh eyes the Terrain around them as He breathed within them. They saw fields ripe for harvesting souls. They saw opportunities to heal. They knew they had been called to pray deeply for one another. They became His Body, His Bride, the Church.

And so we are, Sisters.
His Body living, walking, and breathing in our very own landscape of life.

Grip the Shepherd’s hand, dear friend, and choose to follow the God who, though existing outside of time and terrain, chose to dwell within it, that we may journey together into every unknown.

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

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Sketched IX Day 13 Costly Surrender

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Acts 5:22-42
Luke 5:1-11
Matthew 14:22-33
Luke 14:25-35
John 21:15-19

Sketched IX, Day 13

Suppose the world authority orders you, on threat of death, not to talk about Jesus; what would you do? Most believers in Jesus would answer, “I would rather obey God than men” (Acts 5:29) . . . while we’re in our comfort zone. But would our answer be the same when the reality of suffering dawns on us?

The Lord told us clearly we would be hated for His name’s sake; following Him may cost our lives. (Matthew 10:22) His words are becoming reality for us now as the Jewish authority (the Sanhedrin) does not want us to preach Jesus. Despite doing everything possible to stop the spread of the news of Jesus’ resurrection, they found us preaching and people responding with believing in Him. Every day, large numbers of believers are added to the Church. (Acts 2:47)

We have been arrested and strictly warned never to preach in His name again. Our lives are on the line because of the gospel of Christ. Amidst the Sanhedrin’s threats, I told them, without hesitation, we will not obey their command and thereby defy God’s own.

Does it sound risky?
Yes!
But my relationship with Jesus has gone beyond following my will.
My will no longer counts; His will be done.
I must live for Jesus and preach His gospel of salvation while I am in this body. My journey with Him has reached a point of no return; come what may.

I decided this after undergoing a process of life transformation during my walk with Christ. After encountering Him at Lake Gennesaret, I discovered life at its best is only found in Christ. I would rather go through any kind of storm with Him than a storm-free life without Him.

Perhaps you think being with Jesus physically made following easy for me. Not at all; I stumbled and faltered as I faced painful and challenging situations. Yet, I pressed on with His help.

Let me share some of my story, so you can be encouraged and persevere!

Initially, when I started the journey, I was excited seeing Jesus performing different miracles. Not only that, we (His disciples) also healed and cast out demons in His name. Another exciting moment was at the Mount of Transfiguration, where I saw His glory when Moses and Elijah appeared to Him. In addition, He told me He would give me the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 16:19) Wow, I thought I had become a giant of faith.

But one night my faith was tested, and I discovered I was not the giant I imagined. We were in a boat at midnight, tossed by a great wind; we saw Jesus walking on water. We thought it was a ghost, but He assured us not to be afraid, that it was He. So, I asked Him to command me to come to Him. He did. At once, I stepped out onto the water and started walking, thinking of myself as the giant of the faith, Peter. Suddenly the wind became furious; fear gripped me, and I started sinking. I cried to Jesus for help and He saved me. The Lord rebuked me for doubting. I saw myself as a failure, but was comforted because Jesus did not abandon me.

When we celebrated the Passover together, He told us He would be arrested and killed, and we would all desert Him. I declared I would NEVER desert Him; I would go with Him to the point of death.  But reality dawned on me when Jesus was arrested: I found myself denying knowing my Lord for fear of my peers.

When I realized the devastating choice I’d made, I wept bitterly for mercy. Following His resurrection, Jesus graciously restored me. In my sober moment, I recalled what the Lord told us one day, regarding following Him. He said,

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters–yes and even his own life–he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26-27)

“If anyone wants to follow after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24)

“Yes, I understand,” I told myself; I must let go of my life by surrendering it absolutely to Christ. And after His resurrection, at our final meeting with Him, I accepted wholeheartedly His mandate.

Hearing my story, do you understand my assertion?
It’s not enough to say we would obey God while in our comfort zones?
His will must be paramount to the cost of our lives, for true surrender is worth the cost.

Take courage, Believers!
The journey of following Jesus is not by our might nor by our power, but by the Spirit of the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)! Whatever you pass through, be assured He will be there with you (Isaiah 43:2). He promises to never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5).

Because He is worthy.
Our surrender, though costly, is worth it. 

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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally. We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
Enjoy!
And keep watching for Sketched Themes to pop up throughout the year!

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Sketched IX Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Sketched IX!

Sketched IX Day 9 Who Do You Say I Am?: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Who Do You Say I Am?!

The Questions

1) Why did people think Jesus might be Elijah, John the Baptist, or a former prophet? (verse 14)

2) Why did Jesus change Simon’s name to Peter? (verse 18)

3) What are the keys of the kingdom of Heaven that Jesus says He will give Peter?  (verse 19)

Matthew 16:13-20

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he gave the disciples orders to tell no one that he was the Messiah.

 

Original Intent

1) Why did people think Jesus might be Elijah, John the Baptist, or a former prophet? (verse 14)
The events recorded in Matthew 16 occur in Caesarea Philippi, which author David Guzik explains was “associated with idols and rival deities.”  Jesus knew this when He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (verse 13) Jesus probably expected the Gentiles to compare Him to their gods since His miracles proved He was more than just a wise teacher. By His Jewish followers, He was compared to John the Baptist or one of the Old Testament prophets. Author Adam Clarke explains that the Pharisees taught the “doctrine of the Metempsychosis, or transmigration of souls . . . that the soul of the Baptist, or of Elijah, Jeremiah, or some of the prophets, had come to a new life in the body of Jesus.” Jesus probably sounded like an Old Testament prophet to the Jews. His Words and actions fulfilled the Scriptures right in front of them! His miracles convinced them He must be an emissary of God like Elijah or Jeremiah had been hundreds of years prior. These comparisons to Old Testament characters probably also signaled the hope that Jesus was a messenger of the coming Messiah, or perhaps the Messiah Himself. David Guzik suggests, “perhaps in seeing Jesus in these roles, people hoped for a political messiah who would overthrow the corrupt powers oppressing Israel.” It was important that even though many accounts existed of who Jesus was, His disciples knew the Truth about Him. Peter’s answer to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am?”, was to proclaim, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!”. (verses 15-16) The disciples believed Jesus was divinely God’s Son, the promised Messiah. Because the disciples believed the truth that Jesus was God, Jesus could begin building His Church through their faith and their discipleship of His followers.

2) Why did Jesus change Simon’s name to Peter? (verse 18)
When Jesus first met a fisherman named Simon, he changed His name to Cephas, or Peter. (John 1:42) He elaborated on the name change in verses 17-18, when Peter acknowledged for Himself that Jesus was indeed the Son of God. Jesus said, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Peter got his name from the Greek word petros, “a masculine proper noun which means a ‘stone’ and generally a smaller stone than the feminine form petra which refers to a massive rock or a foundation boulder.” (Preceptaustin.org) Jesus renamed Simon, the emotional, unpredictable fisherman, to Peter, a rock-solid character on whom He could build His church. The name change represented a new phase in Peter’s life, who had just professed His faith in Jesus as the Son of God. His unshakeable faith in Jesus as the Messiah was the kind of faith required to act as the foundation for Christ’s Church. The name Peter represented rock-solid faith of the new Christ followers. Author, Gregg Allen, explains, “Using a play on words, Jesus renames his disciple Peter (Greek petros) and promises to found Messiah’s church on “this rock” (Greek petra.)”  Because Peter’s confession of faith in Jesus provided a foundation on which Christ could build His Church, Peter became instrumental in building a body of believers who would confess Christ and take His Good News to the world.  That body, Christ’s Church, continues to share the Gospel and stand firm in faith today!

3) What are the keys of the kingdom of Heaven that Jesus says He will give Peter?  (verse 19)
Jesus told Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound[ in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven.” (verses 18-19) Some interpret these keys as literal keys to Heaven, exemplified by many art depictions of Peter holding the keys to the pearly gates. Others view the keys as symbolic. Author, Thomas Constable, suggests, “Probably the keys stand for the judicial authority that chief stewards of monarchs exercised in the ancient world . . . They could permit people to enter the monarch’s presence or give them access to certain areas and privileges. As the Judge of all humanity, Jesus gave this authority to Peter. Of course, some of the other Apostles exercised it too.” In Matthew 18:18, Jesus uses similar wording when He tells His followers, “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven.”  This suggests that Peter, and others who believed Gods’ message, were entrusted with carrying out the work of Heaven here on earth. Rather than denoting Peter as Heaven’s gatekeeper, the keys to the kingdom of Heaven represent the authority Jesus gave Peter and other Christians to carry out His will and bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. Author, Louis Barbieri, explains that “Peter was told he would possess the keys and be able to bind and loose people. These were decisions Peter was to implement as he received instruction from heaven, for the binding and loosing occurred there first. Peter simply carried out God’s directions.” Using the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven includes doing God’s will and sharing His Word. What a privilege to be entrusted with taking God’s Word to the world!

Everyday Application

1) Why did people think Jesus might be Elijah, John the Baptist, or a former prophet? (verse 14)
My teenagers are Marvel fans, and they enjoy discussing theories about what the latest episodes set up for the future. Every scene is intensely scrutinized for its importance in upcoming installments. I get this sense of frenetic “fandom” when I read the theories about who Jesus is in Matthew 16. The disciples report how some think Jesus is “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” (verse 14) These theories come from people who didn’t know Jesus very well. His lifestyle probably reminded casual observers of John the Baptist. Even King Herod, when He heard about Jesus, said, “John, the one I beheaded, has been raised.” (Mark 6:16) None of the theories going around about Jesus’ identity were accurate. Jesus wanted to ensure His closest followers believed He was who He claimed to be, the divine Son of God. Although Jesus already knew the answer, He queried, “Who do you say I am?” (verse 15) so His disciples would be moved to profess their faith. Author, Thomas Constable, asserts, “This passage represents the climax of Jesus’ teaching ministry. It was, in effect, the apostles’ final examination, consisting of but one question, the ultimate question that every human being must face: Who is Jesus Christ?”  When Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (verse 16) he demonstrated their belief in Jesus as God’s Son, their Redeemer.” Today, confusion still surrounds people’s perception of Jesus’ identity. Some consider Him benevolent, though not divine; others consider Him just one entrée to sample on the smorgasbord of religions, but equal to all others. But those who truly know Him have come to understand and believe He is “the Way, the Truth and the Life,” the only bridge to reach God the Father. (John 14:6)  His desire is for everyone to trust Him, by relying on His sacrifice on the cross to bring us back in relationship with God. (1 Peter 2:24) Only His sacrifice is sufficient to pay the penalty we owe because of our sin, allowing us to deeply know God as our Rescuing Savior!

2) Why did Jesus change Simon’s name to Peter? (verse 18)
My friend was known by his middle name, John, well into his thirties when he decided to switch to his first name, Michael. He had recently gained some personal victories over self-destructive thinking patterns, and wanted to reflect those improvements by presenting himself in a healthier way to others. His name change reflected an important new mind-set. I always admired him for doing this, even though it took me months to remember the switch. It has always interested me how God changed peoples’ names in the Bible for similar reasons to Michael’s. God changed the name of a temperamental fisherman, Simon, to Peter, the rock, as seen in Matthew 16:18. He gave Simon a new name indicative of the strong foundation God would build in Peter. Author, Kenneth Ortiz, notes, “Many times in the Bible, God changed someone’s name because He was calling them to live out a new mission or identify with a new role God was giving them. This is exactly what Jesus did with Simon as He saw the greatness God could do in Peter’s life. Everyone else saw Simon, but Jesus saw Peter.” God may not call you to change your name to express what He is doing in your life but know that He is at work and He does see the good work He can do in you if you surrender to Him. (Ephesians 2:10) Others may not be able to see how God could use you, maybe not even you. Rejoice with me today that God has good plans for me and for you that will accomplish His good purposes! (Jeremiah 29:11)

3) What are the keys of the kingdom of Heaven that Jesus says He will give Peter?  (verse 19)
I drive an ancient mini-van with only one remaining key. I constantly fuss at my family not to lose my one and only key. On a recent mechanic’s visit, I separated the key from the fob in case he needed to lock the key inside the vehicle if I retrieved the van after hours. Of course, I promptly lost the key fob, and my family gloated over the irony. Being the keeper of the keys can be a lot of pressure! The Apostle Peter was entrusted with something even more important than car keys in Matthew 16:19 when he was given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. In giving Peter these keys, Jesus gave him authority to loose and bind things that had been loosed and bound in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus called on Peter to do His work and carry out His Word, and to lead others to do the same. Now this was the same Peter who was previously called Simon, the tempestuous fisherman with a big heart, and a big mouth, and a propensity for making big mistakes. Simon probably would not be my first choice for key-keeper in God’s Kingdom. But Jesus saw Simon’s strong faith and called him Peter, the rock, designating him to disciple others and spread His Word as the Holy Spirit led him. You might feel like you shouldn’t be trusted with keeping track of the car keys some days, let alone with showing others how to live out God’s great plan for their lives. When you feel this way, remember Peter and his rock-solid faith. God didn’t choose Peter because of Peter’s strength or ability. He chose him because Peter believed unswervingly in God and His Word and was willing to surrender to Him. When we trust in God, He strengthens us to do what He asks.

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

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This is Sketched IX Week Two!
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Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

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Sketched IX Day 8 Who Do You Say I Am?

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Acts 4:1-22
Luke 9:18-20
Luke 22:54-62
Matthew 16:13-20

Sketched IX, Day 8

The Sanhedrin thought they had me cornered. But this time would be different. I would set the record straight and tell of the Truth. (John 14:6)

My life has always been wrapped up in catching fish. I love it! Night after night, my brother, Andrew, and I would boat out to sea. We would cast our nets into the water, waiting for that ONE BIG CATCH.

I remember one night in particular, which should have been a great night for fishing, but as much as we tried, there was not a single fish to be caught. As the sun began to rise, we pulled to shore. Along the shore, crowds of people were coming closer. Nearby, Jesus told us to return the boat to sea. I was exhausted from fishing all night. But being Jesus’ disciple, I pushed the boat back out and hopped inside!

After teaching the people gathered on the shore for a bit, Jesus turned to us and told us to cast our nets on the other side of the boat. Of course, I had to reply, rather insistently, “Uh, Jesus, we have been out all night. We didn’t catch one single fish, and we are too tired to try again!” He just looked at us and said, “Throw out your nets!” So we did. And guess what? We pulled in so many fish there were too many to hold!

Jesus said, “Peter, today you will catch fish in your nets, but one day you will catch people for Me!” My mouth dropped open. I didn’t understand what He meant, but looking back, I see so clearly. (Luke 5:10-11, paraphrased)

See, I was an ordinary man, like you. Doubt came easy. Fear, even easier. Passion drove me. Let me explain. One night, the winds were fierce and the waters were overtaking the boat. I, with the others, noticed something out on the water. What is that? A ghost? But suddenly, I knew Who it was! “Jesus, My Lord, if it is you, bid me to come.”

As I stepped onto the treacherous waters, “Come” was the only word I heard. I kept my eyes focused on Him, until I was slipping onto the water. How is this possible? For one brief second, I was walking on water.

The next second, the wind howled and tore against me, the roar of the waves was deafening, and I took my eyes from Jesus . . . “Uh, Jesus help me!” Instantly beside me, Jesus lifted me out of the water and we climbed into the boat. The others began worshipping, “Truly You are the Son of God!” The other disciples knew Who He was. But, did I? (Matthew 14:28-33)

Another time?

“Come, follow Me” were the first words I heard Jesus speak to me. And, on that very day, I became His disciple. Each day, talking and walking with Jesus, I was developing a relationship like no other! I was quickly learning He was exactly Who He claimed! Day after day, I watched as He healed, loved, and shared with others about His Father.

One day, He asked the other disciples, “Who are others saying I am?”.
Without hesitation, everyone began speaking.
“Elijah.”
“A prophet.”
“John the Baptist.”

“But Who do you say I am?” He asked with quiet insistence.
I didn’t hold back for a minute. “Oh, Jesus, You are the Messiah.”

Another question?

“Aren’t you a disciple of the One they call the Messiah?”
I quickly hid beneath my cloak. “You must have mistaken me for someone else.”
Three times, I was asked. And three times, I denied My Lord.
I, who once walked on water, heard teachings to the multitudes, witnessed countless miracles, healings, and the-never-ending-catches-of-fish, I could not even speak His name.
I was one of three disciples to pray with Him in the garden. How could I have done this? Deny the Messiah?

This moment? 

So, I understood the confusion of my inquisitors at this moment. Upon acknowledging their accusations, I saw the elders, rulers, and scribes converse. They seemed to be bewildered as I faced them with the Spirit’s courage and spoke of the very One I denied so many years ago.

“You ask me, by what power? In what name? Until my last breath, I will proclaim Jesus as the One True God. With boldness, I say this man was healed by Jesus, and in His Name.” (Acts 4:7)

One of the Sanhedrin turned to face me. “Um, Peter, well, we do not understand how an uneducated man could say these things to us. We’re going to let you go, but we order you not to speak in His Name again.”

Me? Not speak in Jesus’ Name?
I, who after years spent by His side, knew Jesus as both a man and as my Savior, my Lord?
I, who quickly learned I was loved and forgiven by the One Who carried my sins to the cross?
I, who was called and chosen by The Messiah to carry the Good News across the nations? (Luke 9:20)
I should remain silent? Impossible.

I knew Who He was because I had been truly touched by Jesus! I will remain immovable and unshakeable, just like the name Jesus gave me, the rock upon whom He would build His church. (Matthew 16:18)

But, my sweet friends, how would you answer this question? If I, Peter, a disciple and follower of the Messiah, who also had a deep relationship with Jesus, could truthfully answer this question, can you? Without hesitation, who do you say He is?

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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally. We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
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Sketched IX Day 2 Who Is This?: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
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The Questions

1) What is significant about knowing the proximity of Lydda and Joppa? (verse 38)

2) What do we learn in verse 39 about Tabitha (Dorcas) that made this scene so poignant?

3) How did Peter’s private encounter with Tabitha in verse 40 impact so many people?

Acts 9:36-43

36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated Dorcas). She was always doing good works and acts of charity. 37 About that time she became sick and died. After washing her, they placed her in a room upstairs. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to him who urged him, “Don’t delay in coming with us.” 39 Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him to the room upstairs. And all the widows approached him, weeping and showing him the robes and clothes that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down, prayed, and turning toward the body said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her stand up. He called the saints and widows and presented her alive. 42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed for some time in Joppa with Simon, a leather tanner.

Original Intent

1) What is significant about knowing the proximity of Lydda and Joppa? (verse 38)
Bible commentaries and geographical maps reveal that Lydda was a city northwest of Jerusalem and was about 10.5 miles (16.9 km) from the city of Joppa. With recent news concerning the notorious persecutor, Paul, becoming a disciple of Christ, the apostle Peter had been able to travel in the area with less anxiety. Paul’s conversion story is found in Acts 9:10-31. Verse 31 sets the context for us, “So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.” Peter, having been called by God to Samaria, was now making his way back to Jerusalem with his traveling partner, John. (Acts 8:14-25) He had been staying in Lydda and had healed a man there. Upon hearing that Peter was nearby, some disciples from Joppa sent for him because a beloved woman in town had become very ill and died. We are not told if the people in Joppa had heard the story of the healing God had done through Peter while he was in Lydda, but we do know there was urgency in their plea for him to come. The Bible makes it clear in verse 38 that the proximity of the two towns was significant in several ways. 1) News of Peter’s presence had rapidly traveled from Lydda to Joppa because of the short distance. 2) Disciples could promptly be sent to find him, which strengthened the church through proximity.  3) Peter was able to swiftly arrive in Joppa from Lydda to fulfill the urgent request. The church was growing rapidly, and being free to move between locations greatly aided this spread of the gospel.

2) What do we learn in verse 39 about Tabitha (Dorcas) that made this scene so poignant?
Read verse 37! A serious and sorrowful situation had occurred. A woman named Tabitha (Dorcas is the Greek translation of the Aramaic name Tabitha, netbible.org) had died. Tabitha was well known for her acts of service and charity, as a result of her outpouring of love, her death was deeply felt by her community. We learn in verse 39 that the deep sorrow was a response to the life she had lived so well. As Peter approaches the place where they had laid Tabitha’s body, her weeping friends approached him first. They showed him gifts she had given them and expressed to him the ways she had cared for them. I wonder if, at that moment, Peter thought about another incident where someone beloved had died. Did his mind go back to the day his Lord Jesus had taken him to the family gathering on the occasion of Lazarus’ death? John 11 records the scene. As Jesus neared the place where the dead body of his friend lay, the sisters of Lazarus ran out to Jesus to tell Him what happened. Jesus was evidently so deeply moved by their sorrow that those standing around noticed and commented. I cannot help but believe that Peter’s heart was stirred by the memory as he was approached by the mourners on this day. Not only that, did Peter quickly rehearse in his mind the outcome of that day with Jesus? Did he reflect on the resurrection power of his Master? Whether he thought about it in that moment, we do not know. What is clear is that a community’s love for Tabitha moved Peter to action. In faith, Peter knelt by the body of the beloved woman, awakening her to life by God’s resurrection power. (verse 40)

3) How did Peter’s private encounter with Tabitha in verse 40 impact so many people?
It is not apparent in the passage that the disciples from Joppa came to Peter in Lydda with the hope he would raise their beloved Tabitha from the dead. It is possible they simply hoped for him to come back to serve and care for their grief-stricken community. But on this day, God chose to respond to Peter’s faith with a resurrection! Had Tabitha not been raised, we would probably not know what happened in the privacy of her room that day. I wonder if there would even be a record of the day as Peter simply followed some disciples to minister to a group of mourners. This was the common life for Peter as He followed the Holy Spirit leading him. Reading through Acts, we don’t find any indication that bringing back the dead was common practice. Though the New Testament records resurrections happening (Mark 5:35-43, Luke 7:11-16, John 11:1-44), this was a remarkable event among believers. Just as the sisters of Lazarus thought the death of their brother was final, these mourners were not expecting Tabitha to wake up that day. (John 11:38-39) But she did! As a result, her amazing story was shared throughout the community, leading many to believe the gospel and prompting Peter to remain in Joppa. (verses 42-43)

Everyday Application

1) What is significant about knowing the proximity of Lydda and Joppa? (verse 38)
You have likely heard, or used the phrase, “bad news travels fast”. With social media, this seems truer than ever! But I love to think about how good news also finds its way to people quickly. Lydda and Joppa were “near” enough to each other that news of Peter’s visit quickly passed to other believers in the area. Do you remember reading stories of Peter as a disciple when Jesus walked the earth? In today’s vernacular we would call him a “wild card” for his impetuous spirit! What Peter had witnessed in his years of following Jesus continued inspiring him to do bold things in Christ’s name. In Acts 8 and 9 we find Peter speaking the word of the Lord and preaching the gospel in many villages as he traveled from place to place. What a beautiful picture of God’s grace to know that the believers in Joppa called for Peter, the same disciple who had once fearfully denied even knowing Jesus. (Matthew 26:69-75) We don’t know what these grieving believers expected from Peter, but we do know they felt it necessary to have him come to them. God had placed Peter in Lydda to also do miraculous things through him in Joppa. Dear Sister, you may not understand why God has you where He does right now. Like Peter, maybe you have failed Him (we all have!) and wonder if He will still use you to do great things. Thankfully, we know our failures don’t thwart God’s purposes. Though we cannot always see all He is doing where we are, you never know what God is working out around the corner from you.

2) What do we learn in verse 39 about Tabitha (Dorcas) that made this scene so poignant?
Tabitha’s life gives us a picture of what it means to be a true friend, deeply invested in biblical community. If she was living in 2021, I imagine her to be one of those friends everyone considered to be their “bestie.” We all need those kinds of sisters and friends in our lives. If we follow Jesus, we should desire and strive to be a generous friend like this to others. Sincere and selfless deeds demonstrate we have been changed by Jesus’ life at work within us! The Bible tells us that on the night before He died, Jesus picked up a basin of water and a towel and washed the feet of His disciples. (John 13:3-15) He was modeling how all of His followers are to treat others. Tabitha lived this kind of life. The sorrow felt by so many in her community at her loss inspires us to find ways to be this same kind of woman; one who leaves a lasting impact on those around us. I am confident the traveling missionary, Peter, was inspired by Tabitha’s reputation. Though there are a variety of ways we can serve in our churches and communities, we all have gifts to share with others. All believers are to “to remember the poor”. (Galatians 2:10) Sincere religion, the kind God accepts, is “to look after orphans and widows in their distress”. (James 1:27) Peter witnessed the gospel in action by observing the effects of true religion practiced by Tabitha.

3) How did Peter’s private encounter with Tabitha in verse 40 impact so many people?
I doubt that bringing Tabitha back from the dead was done for her own sake. I believe Peter knew her death meant she was in the presence of God. (2 Corinthians 5:8) But maybe he considered those dear widows and others in need. Her presence in their lives brought them comfort and joy and pressed them closer to knowing God. It reminds me of how the apostle Paul came to view his life surrounded by those he loved, as well as longing for life with Christ through death. “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:20-22) If we have put our faith in Christ, and if we trust His work on the cross for our salvation, then while we live here on earth we are to live for Jesus. When our time on earth ends, we get to be with Jesus. But beyond that practical concern for her friends, this resurrection had a far-reaching impact. The miracle of Tabitha’s resurrection was spread among the community. Because of it, many people in Joppa came to believe in the God of miracles. This event opened the door for Peter to come to Joppa and stay a while, strengthening and teaching the local believers. And friends, I just can’t help but think that he did not waste a second of his time there sharing the story of Jesus! John Piper said, “the book of Acts is written to encourage us again and again that the Jesus who began to do and to teach on earth is now alive with omnipotent power and continues to do what he began to do and teach what he began to teach. He is turning things around all over the world—from huge political upheavals to personal periods of gloom and discouragement.” (John Piper)

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

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Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

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