Heaven

Sacrifice Day 11 The Price Of Forgiveness!

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Hebrews 9:6-28
Leviticus 16:11-19
Ephesians 2:11-18

Sacrifice, Day 11

Many years ago, an American missionary based in my state of Nigeria was shot by an armed robber as he traveled to the northern part of our country. Wounded in his chest, he knew he would die; in his final moments, he placed his hand on his bloody wound, showed the robber, and said, “This blood is for your repentance; I have forgiven you.”

What a great price for forgiveness! Who can forgive so great a wrong, if not motivated by God? The missionary remembered the great price God paid to forgive him, and he extended the same to the robber, even using similar wording.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” (Luke 23:34)

God’s forgiveness was not only extended to the missionary, but to all who are willing to embrace it. God sacrificed His one and only Son as atonement for the sin of humankind, for Scripture says, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22)

Since the fall of humankind, sin separated people from God, and the only way humans could approach God was through the sacrifice of animals.

God, speaking to Moses said,
“For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have appointed it to you to make atonement on the altar for your lives, since it is the lifeblood that makes atonement.” (Leviticus 17:11)

Romans 6:23 explains, “For the wages of sin is death,” and the sacrificial lifeblood protects the sinner from the consequences of sin, which are death and eternal separation from God.

But Hebrew 9:12-18 tells us an animals’ blood sacrifice was temporary, and the atonement was partial, since it had to be done repeatedly. Contrastingly, when Christ came as the high priest and entered the most holy place, He offered His own blood once and for all time, rendering future atonement unnecessary.

Jesus testified to this truth as He was dying on the cross, declaring, “It is finished.” (John 19:30)

Jesus’ death ended the sacrifice of the blood of bulls and goats, which is unable to cleanse humankind from their sins permanently. By His blood, we have been brought near to God. Hebrew 9:24 says, “For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands [. . .] but into heaven itself, so that He might now appear in the presence of God for us.”

Now, whoever believes in the atoning blood of Christ as the price for the forgiveness of his or her sins, they will be saved, rescued for eternity. Yet, I recall times of sharing the gospel when some people would respond they don’t need Jesus’ forgiveness because they had not sinned. This belief is a falsehood, because Scripture confirms, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God[.]” (Romans 3:23)

The prophet Isaiah testified,
“All of us have become like something unclean,
and all our righteous acts are like a polluted garment[.]” (Isaiah 64:6)

Colossians 1:21 agrees, “Once you were alien and hostile in your minds as expressed in your evil actions.”

These passages make clear that on our own merit, we are lost, drowning in our sin.

For those who reject the gift of forgiveness, “there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire about to consume the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10:26)

Only the atoning blood of Christ can usher us into the presence of God.
And oh, how God longs to welcome us into His presence and fellowship with us!

Ephesians 1:5-6 tells us, “He predestined us to be adopted as sons [and daughters] through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace lavished on us in the Beloved One.”

Jesus, while lamenting over Jerusalem, expressed God’s keen desire to gather His people as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. (Luke 13:34)

Using imagery of living and feasting together, He expresses His desire for us to dine with Him, and Him with us. (Revelation 3:20) We who have received the covering of Christ’s righteousness through His atoning blood can confidently testify how glorious it is to fellowship with the Master of the Universe.

The psalmist confirms this abundance of joy in God’s presence. (Psalm 16:11)

In Him, we have freedom from the kingdom of darkness (Colossians 1:13), because those the Son has set free are free indeed. (John 8:36)

Sisters, here is our hope, and the reason Jesus was willing to pay the excruciatingly high price of our forgiveness.
Our lives, once lost in sin, have been re-created in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), awaiting our acceptance of His forgiveness. ALL whose sins have been atoned for by His blood will be with Him forever when we surrender our lives back to Him.

He has gone to prepare a place for us, and one day, He will return to gather us to Himself in eternity. (John 14:3) Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

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Here’s a link to all past studies in Sacrifice!

Wilderness Day 14 Bitter Places: 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 Bitter Places!

The Questions

1) What is the new heaven and the new earth? (verse 1)

2) How is God dwelling with humanity? (verse 3)

3) Why is God making everything new? (verse 5)

Revelation 21:1-5

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

3 Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.

5 Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.”

Original Intent

1) What is the new heaven and the new earth? (verse 1)
The idea of a “new heaven and a new earth” sounds like a foreign concept to our ears. However, John’s readers would have had context for these words from Jesus. In 2 Peter 3:7-13, Peter presents a very clear description that the currently known world will someday come to an end. The Lord Jesus ascended to Heaven, returning to His place at the right hand of Father God, but He promised to return (Matthew 16:27, Acts 1:11) and Peter likens His return to a “thief in the night” telling his readers the return will be when least expected. John points to good news; when the earth as we know it ends, there is the promise of a new one! God has promised to deliver this perfection of things to come to His bride, the Church. (1 Corinthians 15:52-55) The letter of John’s Revelation provides details about this new heaven and new earth using the best words and imagery John could possibly use to convey what the Lord Jesus revealed to him in a vision of what would one day become reality.

2) How is God dwelling with humanity? (verse 3)
God created Adam and Eve in His image (Genesis 1:27), and ultimately, the rest of mankind are created as image bearers of the Almighty God. While we do not know the extent of Adam and Eve’s dwelling together in the Garden of Eden, we do know God came to them and they hid from Him in shame of their sin. (Genesis 3:8) Genesis also makes it clear that Adam and God spent time together in some fashion as Adam named all the animals and God told Adam He would make a “helper suitable for him” while on earth. (Genesis 2:15-23) The Bible is also clear that Jesus, the Son of God, came and dwelt on earth as God in the flesh. (John 1:14) The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) detail Jesus’ time dwelling with humanity as a human. John’s audience would have been familiar with Jesus’ dwelling on earth, some had likely even been a first-hand eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry. However, John now tells of a new kind of dwelling. John sees God physically dwelling with humanity for eternity. Up until this point, this has always been impossible due to sin. There are times in the Bible where God talks to His creation but doesn’t dwell with them. God is now able to live among His creation still as God, but now in a perfected relationship.

3) Why is God making everything new? (verse 5)
John is writing his Revelation letter to churches who were being persecuted for their faith. It wasn’t an easy time to be alive and follow Jesus; believers faced harsh penalties for believing in Jesus. However, these believers knew the promises of God and knew that someday all things would be made new. Jesus would return and establish a new heaven and a new earth and what they knew as reality would cease, even if they never saw the fruition of the promise while they lived earthly lives. Because of Jesus, their coming Hope of all things being made new, was incorruptible. God provided John with the exact words of hope and promise that Christ’s followers needed to hear in the midst of deadly persecution. Someday, all would be made new and the present sufferings wouldn’t even compare to the coming glory! (Romans 8:18) Just as when a person is in Christ, leaving their old way of sinful living behind, they become a new creation for the old has passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17), so God will do the same with all of creation when Jesus returns. God is providing a hope for these believers, and all believers, to hold on to in the midst of trial.

Everyday Application

1) What is the new heaven and the new earth? (verse 1)
This world can be difficult to live in with its brokenness and grief. If I have learned anything over the last two years of facing the pandemic of Covid, it’s that life isn’t perfect or easy and challenges will come. Sin runs rampant and we are faced with the consequences of it everywhere we turn. However, as believers in Jesus, we hold a promise that this is not how things will be forever. You and I live in a world that will someday end. One day, Jesus will return and we will all face judgment. (Matthew 25:31-46) For those who have trusted their lives and souls to Jesus, we are assured we will forever be safe with the Lord, welcomed home to be with Him. (1 Peter 1:3-4) We cling to the hope that God will fulfill His promise of newness, and when He does, He will establish a new heaven and a new earth. This newness will be more than we can imagine; its perfection guarantees God will dwell with us and nothing will remain in the former brokenness. God has proven Himself trustworthy over and over again throughout the Bible. (2 Timothy 2:13) We can rest assured that God will fulfill this promise right along with every other one. (2 Corinthians 1:20) Jesus will return, defeating sin and Satan once and for all and establishing a new earth without even a hint of sin’s destruction or our enemy, Satan. (1 Corinthians 15:54-56)

2) How is God dwelling with humanity? (verse 3)
Though we have a “down payment”, a mere inkling of what is to come, through the Holy Spirit living within us (Ephesians 1:14), God dwelling with His people is something we have only read about. We know Jesus walked on earth as a man with humanity and was God’s Son in the flesh. However, we have no concept of what the coming glory will be like to experience the full glory of the triune God dwelling with us. (1 Corinthians 2:9) We were born thousands of years after Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. However, Jesus came to rescue you and I from the consequences of our sin, which is death (Romans 6:23), just as He came to rescue those who physically walked beside him while He was on earth. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was as much for my sins and yours as they were for those who watched Him suffer. The best news is His resurrection and defeat of death is also mine to share when I accept His sacrifice. The good news doesn’t end! Jesus promised to return and defeat Satan once and for all, and when that happens, sin will be no more. Jesus’ blood has paid the penalty for sin and we will be able to dwell in the holy presence of God. What a joyful day that will be!

3) Why is God making everything new? (verse 5)
The earth is full of sin, death, pain, grief, and so much more. There are days when all hope seems lost and the pains of this world seem more than we can bear. We have all experienced some of this by living through a global pandemic, some of us bearing the toll in deeper ways than others. All true believers experience persecution for their faith in varying degrees, for many around the world this means their very lives and families are constantly threatened for their faith. This persecution we experience, like our brothers and sisters to whom John’s letter was written, is not unexpected, but this is not the experience God originally intended. The Garden of Eden was perfect before Adam and Eve chose sin and, just as the Bible starts with a perfect creation in Genesis, it ends with a perfect creation in Revelation. God absolutely will make all things new in ways that are beyond our wildest imaginings. (Isaiah 64:4) He will establish His perfect creation where we can dwell with Him and all the pains of this world will cease. (2 Corinthians 6:16) John closes these verses with a promise from God that His words are “faithful and true”. (verse 5) We don’t need to doubt or wonder in insecurity because we can KNOW God will do what He has promised and we have the promise of perfection in eternity with our perfect Creator. I don’t know about you, but that brings joy that can’t be stolen even in the midst of sorrow!

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

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 Wilderness Week Three!
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.

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.

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Who Do You Say I Am?!

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 Sketched IX 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.

Sola Day 9 Sola Fide: 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 Sola Fide!

The Questions

1) What part do I play in my salvation?

2) How can I be raised up and seated with Christ in Heaven?

3) How can I be alive in Christ and dead in trespasses?

Ephesians 2:1-10

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins 2 in which you previously lived according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. 3 We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us 5 made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! 6 He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.

Original Intent

1) What part do I play in my salvation?
Paul states in Ephesians 2:8-9 that we “are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast.” The word grace is “from the Latin gratia meaning favor, charm or thanks. Gratia, in turn, is derived from gratus meaning free, ready, quick, willing, prompt” (Preceptaustin.org.)  Author Kenneth Wuest tells us the pagan Greeks used the term grace to refer to “a favor done by one Greek to another out of the pure generosity of his heart, and with no hope of reward.”  God saves us by His grace, which is His free favor, unmerited by us. He uses our faith, but as author David Guzik explains, we can think of faith as a water hose and grace as the water: “The water is the important part, but it is communicated through the hose. The hose does not quench your thirst; the water does. But the hose brings water to the place you can benefit from it.”  We can do nothing to save ourselves; salvation is a free gift from God we didn’t earn and couldn’t deserve because of our sin. All we have to do is reach out in faith to accept God’s salvation by repenting of our sins and believing in Jesus (Mark 1:15) Through His grace, God built a bridge to bring us out of sin and into relationship with Him, and all we have to do is accept and believe, even this act of faith is a gift God gives to us. There is truly nothing no action we can take that is about us and our own strength. We must each choose to use the gift of faith appropriately trusting the Savior, and receive His gift of grace.

2) How can I be raised up and seated with Christ in Heaven?
Ephesians 2:6 tells us Christ “also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus.” The Greek word for “raised up with” is sungeiro, which literally means “raised up together” (Preceptaustin.org)  The suggestion here is that Christians experience a “spiritual resurrection that follows our crucifixion with Christ and our entombment with Christ” (Preceptaustin.org.)  Author Albert Barnes explains by saying, “We become dead to the world in virtue of His death; we become alive unto God in virtue of His resurrection. On earth, we are exalted to honor, peace, and hope, in virtue of his resurrection; in heaven we shall share His, glory and partake of His triumphs.”  When we accept Christ as our Savior, we become united to Him (I Corinthians 6:17), by which, our flesh dies in His death and our new life begins with His resurrection.  As one with Him, we are seated with Him in Christ in heavenly places.  Author Mark Dunagan suggests, “to live in the ‘heavenly places’, is to have your mind set on the spiritual realm (Colossians 3:1), and to live like an eternal reality exists.”  To be raised up and seated with Him in Christ, then, is to become united with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection because of the free gift of salvation He offers to everyone.

3) How can I be alive in Christ and dead in trespasses?
Paul writes in Ephesians 2:4-5, “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!” The word for trespasses comes from the Greek word Paraptoma, which basically means falling so as to lose one’s footing. It conveys the idea of a false step and often is translated a transgression, [from Latin trans– across + gradi = to step] which means we have crossed a line, challenging God’s boundaries” (Preceptaustin.org) The Greek word for “made us alive,” suzoopoieo, means “to cause to live with Christ or to give life with Christ. . . To an extent this verb could be seen as somewhat synonymous with ‘saved’, but it can also have the meaning of keeping alive or preserving life” (Preceptaustin.org) What Paul declares here is that even when we were spiritually dead in our sins, God loved us. He didn’t clean us up first or wait for us to change.  He loved us when we were dead in our trespasses.  Charles Spurgeon explains that God’s love “does not depend upon what we are; it flows from His own heart. It is not love of something good in us; it is love of us because of everything good in Him.”  We are richly blessed by God’s great mercy and love that we do not deserve and cannot earn.

Everyday Application

1) What part do I play in my salvation?
I gave my heart to Jesus as a little girl over 40 years ago.  At the time, I understood Jesus loved me and died on a cross to forgive me of my sins.  I didn’t confront the concept of God’s grace until I got older and needed God’s rescue from situation after situation.  I was never in big trouble, but I constantly found myself making mistakes, falling short, and feeling unworthy.  I finally figured out that God’s grace was there precisely because I couldn’t be perfect on my own.  J.I. Packer writes, “The grace of God is love freely shown towards guilty sinners, contrary to their merit and indeed in defiance of their demerit. It is God showing goodness to persons who deserve only severity and who had no reason to expect anything but severity.”  When I realized I couldn’t be good enough on my own, I clearly saw my need for the interjection of God’s grace. I am unable to please Him on my own, but in His grace, He offered a sacrifice to cover all of my “not enoughs”, and then gave me His Holy Spirit to powerfully live inside me, equipping me to love and follow Him. What was impossible before, was now possible because of God, His grace, and His Spirit! I could stop trying to follow Him in my own strength and instead rely on His Holy Spirit to power my everyday interactions. It is a lesson I am still learning, but one that makes my life less about my abilities, and more about His purposes.

2) How can I be raised up and seated with Christ in Heaven?
When I buy a new gadget or download a new app, I am just interested in the main function of the thing.  I want it to do what I bought it to do, and I don’t care much about the other aspects.  My husband or my kids might look it over and tell me about all the nifty extras, but I don’t pay much attention.  I just want the basics, plain and simple.  Sometimes I have this attitude about my salvation, strangely enough. I know God saved me and I am going to Heaven, which is amazing!  But I don’t think about everything this free gift of salvation entails.  It really is the gift that keeps on giving! Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:6-7 that Christ “also raised us up with Him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”  Paul is telling us we share in the death and resurrection of Jesus and all the benefits that represents.  Author, Heather Holleman, describes her realization of the fullness available to us through salvation and in being seated with Christ.  She writes that “no matter where I am or what I’m doing, I have full access to God’s love, power, peace, hope, and provision. . . Rather than search for a different seat or one that we think is better, when we’re walking with Christ, we can instead relax and enjoy the life we’re living.”  Life with Christ means we have constant access to the grace, power, love and provision of God! God graciously saves us and then lavishes His love on us by giving us the rights and privileges of children and heirs of the King.

3) How can I be alive in Christ and dead in trespasses?
Ephesians 2:4-5 tells us “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!” What does it mean to be dead in my trespasses? John Piper suggests, “we are not dead in the sense that we can’t sin. We are dead in the sense that we cannot see or feel the glory of Christ. We are spiritually dead. We are unresponsive to God and Christ and this word.”  It amazes me that God loved me in this state! It is so unlike the love I have for others, even my closest family. When my husband or kids are unresponsive to me, I don’t feel love for them, and I usually don’t choose to act in a loving way towards them.  But God, in His extreme mercy and unfathomable grace, chose to love me while I was still a sinner. He made me alive with Christ before I ever loved Him. David Guzik points out that God “did not wait until we were lovable. He loved us even when we were dead in trespasses, providing nothing lovable to Him.” God took our sins on Himself and became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) before we ever loved Him or even showed a sign of turning to Him.  We have life in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:22) through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  We are made alive, though dead in our sins, through His merciful love. We are saved by His amazing grace!

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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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Sketched V Day 15 Paul, The Legacy Leaver

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 1:18-30
1 Peter 5:6-11
Ephesians 3:14-21

Sketched V, Day 15

“Paul, Paul!”
The kind, prodding voice called a welcome down into the inky blackness.
“Brother, it’s Luke.”
Luke plunged his hand into the dank hole in the floor where he knew I sat below, locked inside the lower level of the Mamertine Prison under the fast-paced streets of Italy.

Nero’s iron fisted rule of Rome and his bloodthirsty hatred of Christians had finally landed me here. “Prison”, up until this point, had generally meant “house arrest”. Limited mobility, and chained almost constantly to a Roman guard, but still, the Lord had granted me freedom to write and continue teaching and encouraging churches.

But this prison cell was different.
Marked men like me were brought here short-term, for one purpose: execution.

There was that time Silas and I had been bound together in a cell.
I smiled at the warmth of the memory as I stretched my hand to reach Luke’s above me.
Brothers bound by the gospel.
A gospel that was free despite my chains!

Silas and I had sung together late into the night before the Lord had sent an earthquake to break our physical chains and free the jailer from his spiritual ones. Melodies of rich grace, the deity of Christ, and the unfathomable truth that God had come in the flesh to rescue us.
I grinned, grabbing Luke’s hand and began in a rambling, throaty voice, “He is the image of the invisible God…”
“The firstborn of all creation”, Luke finished the line for me in his lighter voice and back and forth we went.
“For by Him all things were created….”
“In heaven and on earth…”
“Visible and invisible..”
Onward through the glorious mysteries of Christ we sang until we reached the refrain.
Now singing lustily with tears streaming down both our faces at the wonder of it all, “and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.”

The cavernous, stout room amplified our voices making us feel as if we were only 1 voice among hundreds.
“Peace by the blood of His cross.”
The hush enveloped us as words ceased. We squeezed hands and let go, fingers nearly numb as we had stretched to reach the other.

We both knew the days were ending for my pilgrimage here.
My tent of a body would soon lay motionless aside Ostian Road outside of Rome. For a Roman citizen like myself, crucifixion was considered too inhumane, so beheading would take my final breath.
It would be a quick death.
I’d known much worse suffering in the years before now.

Finally, I was going Home.
Home to see again the face of Jesus who had appeared to me so long ago on that road to Damascus.
“I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My name”, Christ had told Ananias the day I became blinded.

And suffer I had, but now, now I was nearly Home!
I would have done it all again for “these light and momentary troubles were achieving for me a glory that was unfathomably rich.” The life I’d lived here in the body, I had lived for Christ as I’d sought to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. Dead to sin. Alive to Christ.

And now, here I was under the streets, awaiting my final new birth.
The thought of it bubbled up inside me as if I were a young man again and I couldn’t help the chortle of laughter from coming out and echoing around me.

“Paul? Are you… laughing?!” Luke’s incredulous voice belayed a teasing smirk.
He knew me well enough to know that of course I would be laughing.
Nero thought he had me, thought he had killed the Church, but what could possibly end what the Lord had determined would be?! It was as ludicrous as saying there would be an end to the love of the Father. Outlandish!
Nothing could separate us from the love of God, and I told Luke as such.
To which he responded, “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth…”
I chimed in victoriously, “nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the Love of God!”

The echoes hammered around us again before fading.
“I will miss you, brother,” said Luke, and I heard his voice catch in the darkness above me.
I reached my hand out again.
That sting of death.
Soon I would gaze upon the glory of the Lord, waking up to endless day, the fullness of God realized in a resurrected body and renewed purposes yet unknown to me, but Luke would still be here, journeying onward. Without me.

“For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ
this will turn out for my deliverance.”
Remember that line in the letter I penned to the Philippians, Luke?
How I love those brothers and sisters!
Their prayers buoyed me as the Spirit strengthened me through them.

“Yes, I remember,” mused Luke thoughtfully. “Deliverance….”, his voice trailing off and his thoughts drifting to a day when suffering would end.

“Brother! You must keep running! Your race is not over yet, but one day it will be.
With full courage now as always
Christ must be honored in our bodies,
whether by life or by death.
As Barnabas encouraged us often with the imagery of a ‘great cloud of witnesses’ cheering us on from glories above, be encouraged you are not alone.
Keep running, brother.
Christ is worth it.
Hold fast to the word of life, Luke, so that in the day of Christ you may be proud that you did not run in vain or labor in vain.”

I felt Luke’s sadness linger, but a steadfast determination filled us both.
We weren’t the first to face the temporary separation of death, or the grand welcome home awaiting us. Brother Peter had traveled Home just a few months before, spending his last days in this same cell. My heart shook for grief at the loss, but then revived nearly immediately with the knowledge I would soon see him whole and healthy as well. Home, I was almost there.

Peter’s words came to me through the Spirit and I lifted my face to speak truth firmly over Luke as an embrace, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

In His mysterious way, the gracious Lord raised our spirits beyond the walls of my confinement, binding us together, reminding us of His mission, strengthening us for the pilgrimage ahead. The unity of His Spirit is unspeakable!
We would each keep running on our journey toward Home, full of faith given by the Father.

Luke leaned his face down as close to the portal as possible, and with a voice full of jubilant victory declared, “To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
“And Amen!”

To live is Christ…
To die is gain.
Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
~
We don’t know for certain of Paul’s last days on earth, but historical tradition leaves us with a decent idea. Paul was likely released from house arrest for an undetermined time and then captured again by Nero and placed in the Mamertine prison for a handful of days before execution by beheading. We don’t know if Luke was with him, but his letters to Timothy give a good indication he was. We do know for certain, Paul died a free man on his way Home.
Free because who the Son sets free, is free indeed.
He lived his life for Christ and encourages us, the Church, you and me as sisters, to keep running the race marked out for us, until we too are finally Home!

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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!

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 V Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Here’s a link to all past studies in Sketched V

Worship IV, Day 4 Holding Us Together: 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 Holding Us Together!

The Questions

1) How are theses verses tied to the sections before and after it? 
 
2) Was Jesus both created and creator?  
 
3) On what specific facets of Christ does Paul focus his worship?

Colossians 1:15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, 
the firstborn over all creation. 
16 For everything was created by him, 
in heaven and on earth, 
the visible and the invisible, 
whether thrones or dominions 
or rulers or authorities— 
all things have been created through him and for him. 
17 He is before all things, 
and by him all things hold together. 
18 He is also the head of the body, the church; 
he is the beginning, 
the firstborn from the dead, 
so that he might come to have 
first place in everything. 
19 For God was pleased to have 
all his fullness dwell in him, 
20 and through him to reconcile 
everything to himself, 
whether things on earth or things in heaven, 
by making peace 
through his blood, shed on the cross. 

Original Intent

1) How are theses verses tied to the sections before and after it?
A critical component to studying Scripture is learning and re-learning again, and being reminded again, that Scripture was designed to tell one, grand cohesive story and it was originally written without chapters, verses, and the paragraph breaks we find in our copies. It’s easy to think that where we see a bolded heading in our Bibles, it has always been like that, but it hasn’t. This letter was originally written by Paul to deeply encourage and firmly anchor the church at Colossae in the rich knowledge and understanding of Christ that went farther and deeper than an elementary understanding of “Jesus died on the cross to save us.” (Colossians 1:9) We need to see all of it as one letter. Just before Paul begins expanding on the richness of Christ in verses 15-20, he first starts off with deep gratefulness to God as he describes the glorious grace of being given salvation through Jesus. Then Paul pens a beautiful, doctrine rich hymn of Christ as Supreme Being, finishing it out as if with a glorious bookend, describing again the excellencies of reconciliation and peace with God through the precious blood of Christ.

2) Was Jesus both created and creator? 
The wording in verses 15-16 can definitely twist up an English speaking, western culture reader. Which, again, is why understanding the original language and culture is utterly important to correctly understand and apply Scripture in our modern day. The Greek phrasing referencing Christ “the firstborn of all creation” is, get ready for it: “prototokos pases ktiseos”. Don’t you feel cool now (or dope or or lit or whatever kids say these days…)?! This means begotten before all creation, not created before all creation. It denotes all the rights and privileges of being firstborn without actually being ‘born’ first. (Think of Jacob in Genesis who was the second-born twin of Esau, but was given all the rights and privileges just as if he were born first. This is prototokos pases ktiseos). If you were created before creation, the sentence itself is meaningless because you would be created and therefore a part of creation. Rather, this type of phrasing of “before all” is found throughout Scripture to mean “eternity”. Specifically here, eternity before creation. This understanding fits perfectly with the following phrases and descriptions of “all things being created through Him and for Him”. (verses 16-17) Again, “all” really does mean “all”. Angels, dominions, powers, authorities, all created things were created through and for the Lord Jesus Christ. God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit, all equaling the sum total Beings of God, were never created.

3) On what specific facets of Christ does Paul focus his worship?
While there may indeed be more, each of these aspects are profoundly rich, being deep enough to study for a lifetime without ever plumbing their full depths, here are 7 specific facets of Christ Paul addresses:
1> His deity as a member of the triune godhead. 
Pastor Timothy says this about the Lord God, “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17) Paul, Timothy’s mentor pastor, says Jesus Christ is the exact image or precise representation of this invisible God. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were “created in the image of God”, but this Jesus who walked and talked and lived among humanity simply is the image of God.  

2> Christ as creator. 
All things were created by Him and for Him. (verse 16) There is nothing made that was not intentionally designed and allowed and held together through Christ.
3> Christ as sustainer. 
In Him all things hold together. (verse 17) Yes, nothing was created without Christ, but one step further, nothing continues to exist without Him holding and sustaining all things. 
4> His supreme authority. 
By being supreme creator of all things, all rulers, all authorities, and all dominions, there simply is no higher authority than that of the Lord Jesus Christ, an authority he shares co-equally with God the Father and God the Spirit. (Philippians 2:9-11)
5> His headship over the church
Being the “head” of the church, doesn’t just mean He holds all authority and we as believers follow only Him. Paul expounds in Ephesians 1:23 that as head of His Bride, the Church, it also means that Christ, who is the fullness of God (verse 19), fills the Church with that very fullness!
6> His authority over resurrection from the dead. 
Just as Christ holds pre-eminence over all of creation, the same is true for the resurrection. Paul isn’t saying Jesus was the first one to rise from the dead, rather He is the only One to rise from the dead by His own power. Because of this powerful resurrection, with victory over death firmly in hand, we have hope for our own resurrection just as He promised. He is the evidence for all who will be resurrected by placing their faith fully in Him. He is the “firstfruit” of the resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:20)
7> Christ as reconciler and redeemer. 
Verse 20 holds the climaxing purpose of Christ’s coming, which is made possible because of all the reasons Paul has clearly laid out previously. Jesus Christ, Lord of all, Creator of all, authority over all, came to rescue us, a sinful and rebellious people, through the shedding of His precious blood on the cross. (Colossians 1:20)

Everyday Application

1) How are theses verses tied to the sections before and after it? 
Paul takes great delight in detailing out the wonder of our salvation, but one can nearly hear him singing at the top of his lungs with tears running down his face as he declares with incredible awe of the majestic, eternal authority of the Lord Jesus Christ! Our salvation is tied absolutely and inextricably with precisely this description of Jesus. If He is not eternal, if He is not Lord of all, if He is not co-equal with God, if He did not have intentional purpose in creating and sustaining all of life, then He is not able to carry the weight of all sin for all mankind for all eternity. The 2 “bookend” descriptions of salvation that Paul eloquently describes are utterly impossible if they do not hang the entirety of their weight upon the fullness of God the Son, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. The fact that Paul began this section with thankfulness begs the question, “are we praising Him in the same way? For the same thing?” When was the last time you stood in absolute stunned awe at the glorious majesty of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit? How worthy He is! How stunning and beautiful our triune God is! Sit with Him, revel in Him, worship Him! Take a pen and paper right now and dwell on His glories! 
 
2) Was Jesus both created and creator?  
The idea of “eternally existing” is incredibly difficult for our minds to comprehend. But when we dig in a little deeper into the meaning and implications of the fullness of Jesus being absolutely eternal, we find solidity and safety, a safe harbor to anchor our souls. Our eternity after death is securely held in the everlasting arms of the Lord & Savior when we surrender to His free gift of grace. Our everyday existence is also seen and intimately known by the One who sees and knows all things. He Himself holds us up with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10), sustaining us for His own glory and delight. This is what it is to be cherished! This is what it is to be eternally loved by an endlessly everlasting God Almighty! As Moses said, “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27)  
 
3) On what specific facets of Christ does Paul focus his worship? 
1> His deity as a member of the triune godhead. 
Through Jesus, we see, touch, feel, sense, and relate to the God of the Universe exactly because He is the image of the Invisible God. Unfathomable! Yet, each day, in every moment, that opportunity exists for you and me through the Holy Spirit! (Hebrews 4:16)  
Our God is always available.  
2> Christ as creator. 
For me, this truth lets me hold fast to peace and lets fear drop effortlessly away. When Christ sees all, knows all, made all, there is nothing left to fear. (Romans 8:31) 
3> Christ as sustainer.  
This truth really puts my own self-proclaimed “authority” to shame. I can’t keep anything together! But Christ. Christ is the eternal sustainer of all things. Knowing He is a good and gracious God, sets my heart to rest in His character and reminds me to turn to Him for big things and the ridiculously small.  
4> His supreme authority.  
It can be easy for us to look around at the visible powers of our nation and our world that we forget Who the true and final Supreme Being is who holds all authority. Don’t let your hearts be troubled, He has overcome this world! (John 14:1) 
5> His headship over the church 
This filling headship translates to our everyday lives as the only source we need for life and godliness as we pursue Christ in the mighty and the mundane. (2 Peter 1:3) He is our fuel, He is our center, He is our divine strength.  
6> His authority over resurrection from the dead.  
With Christ as our Victor over death, we have eternal, incorruptible hope through our death and the deaths of those we love who have trusted Jesus for their own eternities. With Christ as Savior, we are eternally held secure. Not even death shall separate us from His love! (Romans 8:38-39) 
7> Christ as reconciler and redeemer. 
Yes, Christ came as Reconciler and Redeemer to “buy us back” from the grip of Sin and Death, but this gift is not ours simply because we read about it, have heard about it, or grew up in a good family. At birth, we inherit Death and Sin, but Christ offers to buy us back from these fatalities. His offer is extended to you, are you absolutely certain you’ve surrendered everything to Him and His authority? (Romans 6:22-23) 

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Holding Us Together!

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 Worship IV Week One!
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.

Worship IV, Day 2 Even When: 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 Even When!

The Questions

1) How are these verses connected? 
 
2) What is this “same love”? (verses 1-4)  
 
3) What is the “same attitude”? (verses 5-11) 
 
4) How can we have the same obedience? (verses 12-13)

Philippians 2:1-13

Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
6 who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
7 Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when he had come as a man,
8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.
9 For this reason God highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow—
in heaven and on earth
and under the earth—
11 and every tongue will confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Original Intent

1) How are these verses connected? 
Paul’s letter to the Philippian church was written while he was in prison, chained for preaching Christ. Yet, he continued ‘preaching’ through his letters. The letter is known most commonly for encouragement and Paul’s deep love for the Philippians is woven throughout, but tucked away here in the second chapter, some of the richest theology found in the entire Bible awaits us. Theologians often dig straight into the meaty description of Christ in verses 5-11, His equality with God, and how He humbly emptied Himself in order to redeem humanity. But taking a wider lens view from verses 1-13, we see how these verses come together in one beautiful 3-fold display of Christ’s love and His design for us as His children through the same love, same attitude, and the same obedience.  
 
2) What is this “same love”? (verses 1-4)  
Paul begins this section not with a description of Christ, but of His Body, His Church. It’s as if the Lord is saying, ‘Look at my beautiful Bride! Look how precious and priceless it is to enjoy the love and comfort and encouragement of my Church!’.  This affectionate fellowship, sweet tenderness, kind gentleness, and genuine caring for one another is God’s original design for us as His followers. His Church is intended to be characterized by these qualities because they have first existed eternally in the heart of God as He has existed in triune form of Father, Son, and Spirit. The model for Church was birthed from the community, the same love, that has eternally existed between Father, Son, and Spirit. Each of these precious, life-giving qualities were first lived out continuously and beautifully among the godhead, so it is only natural for these qualities to be intrinsic to the DNA of the global Church Body made up of every believer.  
 
3) What is the “same attitude”? (verses 5-11) 
Just as the Church is to mimic the same love found in God, so also are we to reflect His same attitude, specifically humility in this example. This goes beyond ‘generic humility’ as in letting others go first in line or smiling instead of snapping at them. This humility, modeled by God, is sacrificial at its core. It’s a humility that says, ‘I am God. I have all authority. But I will not allow my right as God to keep me from coming down in love to you.’ This humility carries a cost. For Jesus, it cost Him His throne, His community, and even His relationship with the Father as He bore our sin upon Himself, forcing the Father to turn away and forsake Him. But this humility was worth it. Jesus wasn’t constantly rolling His eyes annoyed at our humanity, frustrated that He was wrapped in flesh, or secretly exasperated at how dreadful it was to be tired, poor, or hungry. He was sacrificially humble as He gave Himself away for our redemption.  
 
4) How can we have the same obedience? (verses 12-13)  
When we come to a place of total surrender to living a sacrificially humble life because we want nothing more than to fully possess the same love and the same attitude of humility, then we are perfectly positioned walk into the same obedience. All of this, from beginning to end, is a work of the Holy Spirit in us as we submit to Him in ever increasing ways. It’s both Him and us, an intricate duo of our humble submission and His miraculous shaping. Paul passionately holds up Christ and His willingness to love and sacrifice for our good and then implores the church to obey Him because He is worth it! Prove your salvation, Paul says, put on display how Jesus is making you continuously new by having the same obedience Christ Himself displayed. Submit yourselves to Him, be disciplined, be sacrificially humble, and love well. In the same token, know that all of your work is only done because the Spirit of the Living God is alive and at work within you! He is making you new! He is bringing about your obedience as you submit to His lead!

Everyday Application

1) How are these verses connected? 
Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, ‘oneness does not mean same-ness’, encouraging differentiation between people as they work towards a common goal or in a marriage. Sameness in that sense isn’t what Paul is meaning here, rather he is encouraging all believers to follow after the same pattern for living life. As followers of Jesus, the pattern for living isn’t up for discussion or interpretation. As the Master does, so do we as His followers. The disciple is not above the Master. This is exactly what Paul was writing about and its precisely why studying Scripture is so critical for every Christ-follower. The more we study, the clearer our model becomes.  
 
2) What is this “same love”? (verses 1-4)  
This letter was written to the churches in Philippi and was likely circulated to other surrounding churches as well, but its timeless teachings are for all believers everywhere. When you think of your local church, how are you personally contributing to the overall characteristics described here? Keep in mind the all-inclusive language Paul uses like “everyone” looking out for others and “nothing” done in selfishness or vanity. As you pray through these verses, lean in to how the Spirit is leading you. Are there people you avoid or are more likely to gossip about? How do those actions reflect God’s heart? God’s design for His Church, for us as believers, is to have the same love that God shares among the triune godhead. We as a community are intended to beautifully reflect Himself! 
 
3) What is the “same attitude”? (verses 5-11) 
If I’m being honest (which is kind of a core value of Gracefully Truthful…), then I am much more likely to associate with eye-rolling-annoyed-exasperated ‘generic humility’ than I am likely to see a consistent pattern of sacrificial humility in my everyday life. I have my things to do, my standards by which to do them, this amount of time allotted, and even a casual interruption of that mindset will test my patience, much less my humility. Jesus isn’t calling us to be doormats, quite opposite! He’s calling us to firmly hold on to who we are as redeemed daughters of the King, but not to allow our knowledge of Him or our relationship status to keep us from engaging well by loving others with His same attitude of humility. Love well, Sisters. Practice sacrificial humility as you remember to keep the same attitude of our Lord.   
 
4) How can we have the same obedience? (verses 12-13) 
Doesn’t examining the model of Christ’s love and extreme humility and extravagant sacrifice encourage and embolden your desire to become more like Him? Believing Friend, obey Him! His Spirit is ready to lead and speak to you, taking you deeper as you submit to following Him. Don’t worry about the process or the how or the end result, that’s the work of the Lord, your job is to listen and obey! And to my friends who haven’t crossed the line of faith and asked Jesus to rescue them for eternity from their sin, the call is the same, obey Him! Come, explore, roam free in His unfathomably deep love for you. He has much for you, much to do in you, it all starts with a willingness to surrender and listen to His voice as He’s asking you to trust Him. Obey that voice, it’s worth it! Don’t worry about the process or the how or the end result, just listen and obey!

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

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 Worship IV Week One!
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.

Incorruptible Day 9 Redeemed From Emptiness: 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 Redeemed From Emptiness!

The Questions

1) Who is Peter writing to in these verses? 

2) Who is the adversary Peter is writing about and how does he attack? 

3) How do we resist our adversary?

1 Peter 5:8-14

8 Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 9 Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world. 

10 The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. 11 To him be dominion forever. Amen. 

12 Through Silvanus, a faithful brother (as I consider him), I have written to you briefly in order to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Original Intent

1) Who is Peter writing to in these verses?
Peter addresses this letter to believers living in exile in 1:1, but in 1 Peter 5:1-4, he specifically writes to the elders and 1 Peter 5:5 addresses young men. However, the second half of 1 Peter 5:5 and following is written to both groups. Who were these elders and young men? Elder is not simply a term to describe age. The Greek word Peter uses, “presbyteros”, refers to those in a position over others or an overseer within the church. They would have been strong believers who had been walking in the faith. The younger men mentioned in verse 5 refer to those who sit under the elders. They would have been men in the church who were not elders and would have probably been less spiritually mature than the elders. After giving them each specific instruction, Peter then turns his attention on both groups. He continues with words of advice and warning intended for both groups of people, which is what we find in these verses.  

2) Who is the adversary Peter is writing about and how does he attack?
These verses are very clear there is an adversary in the devil. Peter specifically describes this adversary as a roaring lion. In order to understand our enemy, we must look to other parts of the Bible to learn who he truly is. Both Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14 introduce the devil as a fallen angel cast from Heaven due to pride, thinking he could become god himself.  Job 1:7 informs us this adversary, Satan, roams the earth going to and fro. Another translation of the Hebrew, “accuser”, tells us he looks for those to accuse. This is precisely what he is doing in the book of Job, looking for one to accuse; this is still his aim! Peter paints a description of a lion ready to attack when he finds the weak, separated member of the pack. The devil will attack when he sees the greatest opening to do maximum damage. These attacks look different depending on each person, but John 8:44 reminds us our enemy is the father of lies. His attacks are not truth and should not be held as such.  

3) How do we resist our adversary?
After describing the adversary, Peter doesn’t leave his readers to wonder what to do. Instead, Peter gives them specific advice on how to deal with this adversary. These elders and young men are to resist him and stand firm. The beginning of verse 8 also reminds readers to be sober-minded and alert. Be on the lookout for the attack that is coming. It’s no secret the enemy is looking ready to attack at the opportune moment; believers must be ready. Peter also reminds them they are not alone in their suffering. Other believers are experiencing suffering alongside them. Matthew Henry writes, “It was the faith of these people that Satan aimed at; if he could overturn their faith, and draw them into apostasy, then he knew he should gain his point, and ruin their souls; therefore, to destroy their faith, he raises bitter persecutions, and sets the grand potentates of the world against them. This strong trial and temptation they must resist, by being well-grounded, resolute, and steadfast in the faith.” These believers must cling to the truth they know of the One True God who saved their souls. They must cling to their salvation in what Jesus has already done on their behalf and not give in to the lies their enemy is aiming at them. Lastly, they must never forget they are not alone. Believers throughout the world experience the similar attacks from their common enemy.

Everyday Application

1) Who is Peter writing to in these verses? 
While these verses are addressed in the original context to the elders and young men Peter was writing to, there is still an application for us. We may not be pastors or hold the specific office of elder within the Church, but Peter’s words are still a warning to us. These words can be applied to those who have been walking with Jesus for many years and those who are new to a relationship with Him. As believers, we are members of the global, timeless Church and we should heed the advice and warnings Peter gives. 

2) Who is the adversary Peter is writing about and how does he attack?
Our adversary is still alive and well just as he was when Peter wrote these verses. Matthew Henry’s Commentary explains that Peter describes the enemy by his character. First, he is our adversary, our enemy, who wants only to hurt and destroy us. Second, Peter calls him the devil or Satan whose role is to accuse believers. Third, he is a roaring lion on the prowl. Lions do not hunt the strong animals who can defend themselves. Instead, they look for the weak or hurt animal, separated from the pack. Satan is the same; he is on the hunt looking for the weak believer separated from community to attack. It’s easier to attack a weak believer without community as there is less chance of defense. The enemy will lie to believers in order to accomplish his goals. We must recognize our enemy for exactly who he is, and respond accordingly with truth!  

3) How do we resist our adversary?
We are to resist our adversary stand firm just as the believers Peter is writing to. The believers in 1 Peter are reminded of other believers suffering and we too must remember there are believers around the world experiencing similar sufferings to us.  Paul Marshall of Freedom House states that 80% of the world’s believers, those who are genuinely walking with Jesus and living out their faith, live in persecution. Just as a lion looks for the one separated from the pack, our adversary wants to separate us from other believers. He wants us to feel alone, not belonging to a larger community of believers. When he separates us from other believers, his attack becomes much easier. We need biblical community around us reminding us we are not in this battle alone. We must also remember that while we may be in the middle of a battle, the war has already been won. 1 Peter 5:2 reminds us we already share in the glory! No matter what lies the devil is telling us, we must cling to the truth and stand firm. Once we place our faith in Jesus, we are redeemed from all we have ever done and will ever do. Jesus did it all when He went to the Cross bearing all our sin and shame then rising from the grave, defeating death and the devil himself. We fight our battles, but we are never, ever alone and never without hope!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Redeemed From Emptiness!

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 Incorruptible 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.

Incorruptible Day 4 Worth It: 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 Worth It!

The Questions

1) What is “living hope?” 

2) Do all believers suffer trials? 

3) What is the “salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time?” Is it different than the salvation experienced at the acceptance of Christ’s death for one’s sins?

1 Peter 1:3-9

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials 7 so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Original Intent

1) What is “living hope?”
The first-century Jews and Gentiles to whom Peter wrote were no doubt hoping that Jesus would vindicate them. They suffered for their faith socially and economically, some were even tortured and killed, and they likely hoped that someone in a position of power would identify with them and stop the persecution. 
But they had an even greater hope. They hoped in Jesus for eternity in heaven. Jesus IS the living hope…He lives even though He died (Luke 24:1-7). Jesus is the Son of God; believers are sons and daughters of God. Since Jesus overcame death, so will those who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior. 

2) Do all believers suffer trials?
Verse 6 in this version of Scripture is somewhat confusing. It seems to imply that some Christians will go through life without any suffering if it isn’t necessary for them. But what is the object of the suffering and trials? Is it not patience, perseverance, and a greater faith in God? Therefore, isn’t suffering necessary for every follower of Jesus Christ? No one has perfected Christianity, so God continues to mold us by these means. Peter was here using a literary device, used elsewhere in Scripture by the apostle Paul. He understated something in order to make a very obvious point. In our language, a simple example could be, “You’ll only need to eat today if you get hungry.” Of course, you will be hungry if you go without food all day! It’s an obvious truth stated to make a specific point: you need food. In the same way, God uses suffering to produces “endurance, character, and hope” (Romans 5:3-5)  

3) What is the “salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time?” Is it different than the salvation experienced at the acceptance of Christ’s death for one’s sins?
There is only one salvation, that which is a gift freely given by God through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, on the cross. In the “last time,” at the return of Christ, believers will experience the full significance of salvation (as noted by The Bible Knowledge Commentary). When we come face-to-face with the One who died to save us, we will finally understand the price He paid and the genuine love He has for each of us. The full circle of salvation will be complete.

Everyday Application

1) What is “living hope?” 
In this earthly life we hope for a lot of things. Small things, like a good grade on a test, or all the lights on our commute to be green. And big things, like enough money to pay bills, or a loved one’s health to be restored.
This “living hope” is different. It’s often referred to as “a confident expectation.” Jesus said He would prepare a place for each of us in His Father’s house, which is heaven, and come back to take us there (John 14:2-3). He also said several times He would die on a cross and rise again, and He did! (Matthew 16:21; Luke 18:32-34; 1 Corinthians 15:3-5) If He can do that, then He can take us to Heaven! We don’t know when He’s coming, but dear sisters, we can expect with all confidence that He is coming!
“For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.” (I Thessalonians 5:9-10 (NLT)) 

2) Do all believers suffer trials?
I don’t personally know any Christians who haven’t suffered some trial in their life. Do you? We live in a fallen, sinful world…I guarantee that each person, believer or not, has suffered hardship. Christians are not exempt from this. The difference is, sweet sisters, that you and I have the teaching from Scripture to understand truth about suffering’s purpose, and we have the Holy Spirit constantly at work in our lives to redeem hardship, using it to develop our character and forming Christ within us. We can either pout about our circumstances or accept them as a tool in the hand of the Potter to craft us. (Admittedly, too often I pout. Prayers appreciated.)  

3) What is the “salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time?” Is it different than the salvation experienced at the acceptance of Christ’s death for one’s sins?
Do you ever think about how valuable you are to God? 
If you’ve experienced any type of mental or emotional abuse, like I have, it may be difficult to believe that anyone – even God – would possibly care. But dear one, He cares infinitely for you! Don’t allow the lies of the enemy to lead you to believe you are beneath the love of the Almighty. If you were the only person on earth, Jesus still would have gone to the cross for you! God loves you, and longs for you to know Him and love Him too. 
Take time this week to reflect on God’s love for you. If you are worth dying for, isn’t He worth living for?

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

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 Incorruptible Week One!
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.