Awake Us Now

Let's dig deeper into today's question by exploring five additional questions about Christ's upcoming return.

1. Will Christ actually return in the flesh? Yes, Jesus will actually return in the flesh. Here's some words from the angels. Acts 1:11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Coming back the same way He left. At the Mt of Olives, visibly, physically to reign. 2. How will every eye see Him? We live in a unique age where we can witness things around the world in real time. Revelation 1:7 "Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen." (See also - Daniel 7:13 and Zechariah 12:10) What seems impossible will be a reality, we all will see Him. 3. Why so many different interpretations of Christ's return will be like? There are basically 4 views of Christians of the Book of Revelation: ⁃ PRETERIST - everything in the book of Revelation was fulfilled for those 1st century believers. ⁃ HISTORICIST - What the book of Revelation does is it tracks Christian history until the very end of time when Christ returns. ⁃ FUTURIST - say what the book of Revelation portrays is the events that are yet to come and will happen in the last days of our planet's history. ⁃ IDEALIST - maintain that what the book of Revelation does is it gives us timeless truths and principles that have always been true and will be until Jesus returns. 4. Why all the different views. Who is right? Pastor posses a "what if": What if they are all right? What if God intentionally gave this so that people of every age would see what needs to be seen to stay close to Him. ⁃ PRETERIST - what if the book of Revelation really did have remarkable application to the 1st century believers ⁃ HISTORIST - What if the book of Revelation does track the Christian history til Christ returns ⁃ FUTURIST - What if the book of Revelation will be fulfilled in some future ways. ⁃ IDEALIST - What if the book of Revelation applies in every age because what it says is timeless and true. God is brilliant - He can and does brilliant things! Differing interpretations doesn't make the Bible unclear - it means that God is amazing!

Common Beliefs of each differing view: ⁃ Missionary Age - great commission ⁃ Great tribulation ⁃ Rapture ⁃ Millennium ⁃ Physical return of Christ ⁃ Resurrection of the dead ⁃ New heavens and New Earth

Early believers put together basic statements of the fundamentals of the Bible. Examples Nicene Creed says, "I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come." and the Apostle's Creed says, "I believe in… the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting." They chose short summations of basic agreed on biblical beliefs and leaving out the details, acknowledging the wide diversity of interpretation around what Jesus' return will look like and because we will find out the details when He returns.

The first advent Jesus came as a humble servant and laid down His life for us all. For His second advent Jesus comes in glory!

5. What are the sign of the times that indicate the eminent Second Coming of Jesus? Signs of the times: ⁃ Gospel to the entire world Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." ⁃ Persecution, apostasy & deception Matthew 24:9-11 "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many." ⁃ Warfare, earthquakes & famine - Mark 13:8 "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains." What we have observed since Jesus' first advent, these signs are closer together. ⁃ Israel's return Luke 21:24 "They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." About 40 years after Jesus spoke these words in 70AD they happened and now in 1967, after nearly 1900 years, the Jewish people have returned.

In Matthew 24:42 we are told by Jesus, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." How do we stay awake? We keep our eyes on Jesus! The Savior of the world. God is for us! He's coming back and the day is fast approaching!

May we trust the Lord Jesus with all our hearts and rejoice in the salvation He won for us at the cross as a gift by faith.

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Today's question, "How should I read the Bible?" is often asked by new believers, church going people who've never read the Bible and those questioning what they've heard about the Bible. It is often stated this way: ⁃ Which is the best Bible translation? ⁃ Where should I start as I begin reading? ⁃ What schedule should I follow? ⁃ Where can I find extra help and resources? And the often not asked question, but should be asked: ⁃ What are the essential things to remember?

The Bible is the Word of God and is self authenticating, speaking to every generation. There are difficult parts and very clear parts. The Scriptures speak the Truth from God, and they are practical and very beneficial.

Which translation? There is no perfect translation. Each translation works to capture what was originally written down to convey it's original meaning without translating word for word. 1. New International Version (NIV) - seeks to follow a literal translation 2. English Standard Version (ESV) - emphasizes word for word translation 3. King James Version (KJV) - a favorite for centuries - a language different than today's modern day language, and is easily memorized 4. New Living Translation (NLT) - seeks to convey the thoughts of Scripture versus a word for word translation - more easily understood 5. New King James Version (NKJV) - attempts to keep the text and rhythm of the King James Version but in more modern language

Pastor shares an example of each translation using Matthew 5:17.

Where to start? 1. Start with one of the Gospels (1 of the first 4 books of the New Testament) where we meet Jesus. Listen to what He says. 2. Matthew - written from a Hebrew perspective - Prophesied Messiah. 3. Mark - shortest of the 4 - speaks in dramatic terms and talks about the active Son of God - Mark offers lots of details. 4. Luke (and Acts) - Jesus as the Savior of the Nations - Luke has a heart for the desperate. 5. John - an insiders view of Jesus' ministry and teaching and covers what's not covered in the other gospels. John's focus is the Deity of Jesus Christ.

What Schedule? 1. Find a time that works for you 2. Consider your season of life - and don't let the enemy trip you up or discourage you 3. A place to meet with God - it is beneficial to have a place to sit down and reflect on what God is saying in His Word. 4. Read a section of Scripture - important to listen to God as He speaks to us in sections: chapter, book. 5. Select a plan that will work: • Chapter a day, one book at a time • Gospel chapter and a Psalm every day • Bible in a year - 3+ chapters a day • Foundational books: Genesis, Exodus, Luke, Acts, John, Romans, Ephesians • Read a section of scripture out loud • Listen to the Bible with various platforms

Where to find help? 1. Use a study Bible - each of the suggested Bible translations mentioned at the beginning have a study Bible available. 2. BibleGateway.com a great place to go to take a look at the Bible in a multitude of translations and also a great way to listen to the Bible - completely free. 3. AwakeUsNow.com we have everything available free of charge: Sunday services, Tuesday Bible class, Bible in a Year, TV and radio and podcasts.

What are the Essentials? ⁃ Purpose - Read the Scriptures with the purpose of allowing God's word to be transformative in your life, for the purpose of wanting to encounter the Lord Jesus, the Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit. ⁃ Approach the Scriptures with Prayer - talk to the Author, ask Him what He wants to say to you. Look at your time in God's Word not as a class assignment but a time to draw close and closer to Him. ⁃ Ponder what you are reading, think on what you are hearing God say to you in His Word. ⁃ Practice what you read and learn from the stories you read.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

God desires that we know Him, that we experience His goodness and forgiveness in Christ, that we experience the power of His Holy Spirit and that we be used by Him to be a blessing to others. He desires we share the news of the only One who can save. Jesus, our crucified, risen Lord who is coming back and coming soon. May we encounter Him daily in His Word.

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Today's question, "Why read the Old Testament" is often asked by church going people. It is often stated this way: ⁃ The Old Testament is so hard to understand. ⁃ I like the New Testament better than the Old. ⁃ God seems so angry and mean in the Old. ⁃ Hasn't the New Testament replaced the Old? ⁃ All those animal sacrifices are a huge turn off.

Why read the Old Testament? Here are four main themes which Pastor will use to answer today's question: ⁃ Revelation ⁃ Foundation ⁃ Confirmation ⁃ Salvation

Revelation: God reveals Himself, the past, the future, His plan, His character: ⁃ All Scripture is God-breathed. God breaths life. The Old Testament is God's Living word, it's Him speaking, His breath - a God-breathed book. ⁃ The Old Testament is for future generations - 1 Corinthians 10:11 tells us, "These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come." The Old Testament is for all generations. It's not out of date and aids us in understanding the time in which we live. ⁃ The Old Testament is for our instruction. Not just the story of people from long ago, it is for our instruction. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." ⁃ The Old Testament is revealing God's character. It shows us what God is like. It's a record of thousands of years and we see His patience with a goal of bringing people back to Himself. Exodus 34:6-7 "And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin." God's character is good.

Foundation: ⁃ The Old Testament shows God is our Creator. Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." ⁃ The Old Testament shows the Sin-Death connection. Death is not natural it is a result of rebellion against God. Genesis 2:16-17 - sin brings death. ⁃ The Old Testament shows the need for Sacrifice. Genesis 3:21. An innocent animal had to die to clothe Adam and Eve after they sinned. Salvation requires an innocent victim to die for sin. ⁃ The Old Testament shows Grace and Faith. What saves is God's grace and our response of faith. Genesis 15:6.

Confirmation: The Old Testament confirms what we read in the New Testament. ⁃ The Old Testament points to Christ. It carries a unified theme that points us to the One that was promised, the One who would defeat the devil. John 5:39-40. Luke 24:27 "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself." ⁃ The Old Testament points to the Son of Man. Jesus' favorite term for Himself. Daniel 7:13-14. The Old Testament reveals Jesus. ⁃ The Old Testament points to the cross. 1 Peter 1:10-11 "Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the suffering of the Messiah and the glories that would follow." ⁃ The Old Testament points to the resurrection of Jesus. Luke 24:46-47.

Salvation: ⁃ The Old Testament makes us wise for salvation. 2 Timothy 3:15 "…from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." ⁃ The Old Testament makes the New Covenant clear. The definition for the word "testament" has changed over the last several hundred years. Testament originally meant "a covenant." Jeremiah 31:31 "The days are coming," declares the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the People of Judah." ⁃ The Old Testament makes Messiah's death our's. Isaiah 53:4-5. ⁃ The Old Testament makes the world's future clear. Philippians 2:10-11 "…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Isiah 45:23 the Living God says, "By Myself I have sworn, My mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked; before Me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear."

Why should I read the Old Testament? Because God speaks in it! Let Him speak to you through ALL of His Word.

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We dig into Acts 6:9, where we read the opposition against the disciples arose, and members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen - Jews of Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia and Asia began to argue with Stephen.

The "freedmen" had formerly been slaves but were now freed and had also become Roman citizens. They were frustrated that Stephen was proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus and in verse 10 we read that they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave Stephen as he spoke. Then they hatched a conspiracy against Stephen.

Ultimately Stephen is stoned (chapter 7) and In Acts 8:1 we read that Saul approved of their killing Stephen.

• The question is:
• How did Saul get involved with the people of the Synagogue of the Freedman
• Why was he there when they orchestrated the attack on Stephen
• Why was he given the job of taking care of the coats as the others stoned Stephen

Going back to Acts 6:9 we see the province of Cilicia (southeastern Turkey) listed as one of the places that the Hellenistic Jews came from. We read in Acts 22:3-4 that Saul was brought up in the city of Tarsus in the province of Cilicia. Cilicia is where he grew up and he may have even been a member of the Synagogue of the Freedmen.

After Saul's conversion - after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus - About 20 years after Stephen's stoning, we read in Acts 9:29 that Saul moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. Saul talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him.

So is it possible that Saul went back to the Synagogue of the Freedmen to the very place he may have been one of those questioning Stephen. Did Saul go back to this very synagogue to preach to the Hellenistic Jews, many who may have been friends and relatives.

Saul's heart had been changed in his conversion and he knew the power of the risen Lord Jesus. As a result he went back to meet with the very people who had killed Stephen and who now were ready to kill him. Saul knew that without Christ they were lost and so he put his life on the line. He would continue to that in the years that follow.

What an example for each of us, what a powerful testimony to our Lord Jesus Christ.

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View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class

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Pastor opens by sharing that he is convinced the New Testament is genuine and true. Having read the Bible over 90 times in the last 15 years and having read original sources and the writings of scholars over the centuries, he is convinced the New Testament is trustworthy.

To answer today's question, Pastor takes us on a journey through other common questions regarding the New Testament: ⁃ Who wrote the New Testament and when? This is a controversial subject. Modern skepticism says it has late dating and anonymous authorship. But this view ignores the latest scholarship which shows in recent research that the New Testament books have early dating before 70A.D. and that it was written by eyewitness authors who knew Jesus and were willing to risk their lives to proclaim Jesus and His resurrection.

⁃ How do I know it wasn't tampered with? There is manuscript evidence with over 5,800 Greek manuscripts showing the accuracy of the transcripts plus there are over 20,000 Latin, Coptic, Syriac and other translations that are also accurate when compared to each other. The variants are textual having only minor variation in spelling and word order but all with no doctrinal deviations.

⁃ Is there any evidence supporting its claims? Non-Christian sources like references to persons in Acts and the local cultural peculiarities show that the Book of Acts matches up with what is said in the non-christian writings and sources from that time. Acts jives with what is written in the other non-christian sources. Archaeological discovers support the truth of the New Testament and Acts in particular. Excavations match the details found in Acts with some amazing artifacts showing that what we find buried in the ground bears new testimony to the very things we read in Acts. Pastor shares many of the recent artifacts and discoveries. What we see is that the New Testament is not just made up but the words of eyewitness who were there and saw what took place.

⁃ Isn't it just pious "feel good" religious fiction? Truthfully, the New Testament is not a "feel good" book. The New Testament is and has been culturally and morally unpopular - it says things people do not want to hear., things that make them uncomfortable. At the heart of the New Testament is a scandal - a crucified Messiah, humiliated before the eyes of all. Why write such a not "feel good" story…. Plus the New Testament calls people to radical discipleship with self denial as a lifestyle. It calls people to have love for their enemies. It is not feel good religious fiction - it is a powerful testimony to the very plan and character of God and the actions of God in history.

⁃ Is it too old to be relevant for modern times? In answer Pastor shares a personal story exemplifying the relevancy of the New Testament's effect on his life and he shares how the New Testament continues to impact his life and the lives of others because it is relevant for all. Pastor shares that there is nothing more important than surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ. Just because the New Testament is old doesn't mean it doesn't speak to our day. It is still valuable and essential. Old things are not worthless.

Pastor continues with a challenge to read the New Testament and to see for ourselves, because to ignore the New Testament is to make the most serious mistake we can make. He passionately encourages us to read the New Testament allowing God to speak into our hearts and to mold and shape our lives, destinies, families, communities and the culture.

Pastor closes with: ⁃ What do you think are the consequences of ignoring reading the New Testament if it is true? ⁃ Will you act on what you sense the Holy Spirit is telling you?

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Today's class looks at Opposition both then and now:

Internal + External Opposition

Complaints + Lies

Internal Opposition - Acts 6:1-7

Acts 6:1 tells us "In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food."

The backgrounds and cultures and languages of these two groups of Jews was different. Hellenistic Jews spoke Greek, Hebraic Jews spoke Hebrew and some of the Greek speaking jews' widows were not receiving the daily distribution of food and thus there is dissension.

Acts 6:2-6 The Twelve gathered all the disciples together to come up with a solution. They chose 7 men (all Hellenistic) who were filled with the Spirit and wisdom to be responsible for this issue, that was the 12 could continue to be devoted to prayer and preaching of the word. Stephen, and 6 others were chosen. The Twelve blessed them to carry out the work.

Acts 6:7 we read that the word of God spread and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly and that a large numbers of priests also became devote followers of Jesus.

Complaints Then + Now:

• Don't ignore complaints
• Don't get defensive
• Do address the issues
• Do act wisely

External Opposition - Acts 6:8-15

Acts 6:8 tells us that Stephen was a man full of God's grace and power and he performed great wonders and signs among the people. We see it is not just the disciples performing wonders and signs. We do not know what those wonders were, but we know they were "great."

Stephen becomes popular and with the popularity comes persecution. Acts 6:9 we read the opposition arose, and members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen - Jews of Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia and Asia began to argue with Stephen. The "freedmen" had formerly been slaves but were now freed and also Roman citizens. In verse 10 we read that they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave Stephen as he spoke.

Verse 11 tells us what they then did - they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen and to say they heard him speak blasphemously against Moses and God." It was not true, it was a lie. Acts 6:12 tells how they seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. The tension is growing and anger is ratcheting up.

Acts 6: 13-14 continues with the false witnesses against Stephen and their lies and in verse 15 we read that as they all looked at him in the trial with the Sanhedrin they saw that Stephen's face was like the face of an Angel.

Lies Then + Now:

• Don't be surprised when it happens
• Don't yield to the enemy
• Do trust the Lord Jesus even in the face of lies
• Do rely on the Holy Spirit

Next we will study the rest of Stephen's story.

This week's READING ASSIGNMENT:

Acts chapter 6-7 (read and reflect on these two chapters together) also read John 8:44 to see where lies originate.

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Did Jesus exist? Is Jesus a myth? Is there any evidence that Jesus actually lived? Is there any evidence outside the Bible?

The answer is absolutely, there's a great deal of evidence. Many are unaware of some of the very profound and powerful evidences for the existences of Jesus.

Today we will take a look at the evidence for Jesus' existence, coming at it from three different vantage points:

Ancient Hostile Witnesses: (Pastor goes into detail regarding each of the following hostile testifiers to Jesus and His followers) • Tacitus - Annals XV, 44 (ca 55-120A.D) • Suetonius - Claudius, 25 and Nero, 18 (ca 117-138 A.D.) • Pliny the Younger - Letter to Roman Emperor Trajan (ca 112 A.D.) • Sanhedrin 43a (part of the Talmud) • Josephus - "Testimonium Flavianum" Antiquities, 18:3 (ca 37-97 A.D.)

Earliest Witnesses • Doctor Luke and John Mark • Jesus' best friend, John • Saul of Tarsus (Apostle Paul)

Accepted historical Facts: Acknowledged by Scholars, Liberals, Conservatives, Christians, Jews and Agnostics: • Jesus died by Roman Crucifixion • His tomb was discovered to be empty • His disciples said they saw the risen Jesus • His disciples lives were radically changed • Resurrection proclaimed early in Jerusalem • James and Paul became believers

Pastor concludes the teaching time telling us that God changed his heart and the direction of his career.

Then Pastor changes the question to "Does Jesus really exist?" and continues with the following: "If Jesus is alive, if He has risen from the grave, that changes everything. It means that God has broken into our world. It means that there is life and forgiveness in Him, and that apart from Him, you have nothing. Today's question is not simply a question about the historical past, this is a question about eternal destiny!"

Jesus is alive! And we pray that He will be, if He's not already, the Lord of your life!

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This series looks for answers to some of the most common, pressing and most difficult questions that are heard today.

The question for this video: "Is Jesus the only way to God?" This question comes from supporters of Jesus, from seekers looking for truth, and from skeptics.

Pastor will approach this question with the desire to be: ⁃ Biblically Accurate: tell what the Bible actually says ⁃ Rationally Defensible: and why what the Bible says makes sense

Many times our question, "Is Jesus the only way to God? Starts with this question, "Didn't Christians invent the claim that Jesus is the only way to God?"

So let's address this first. No, we didn't invent this - Jesus did, He's the one that made the claim.

John 14:6 we read: "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one come to the Father except through me.'"

Luke 19:10 - He came to save the lost Matthew 20 - He came to give His life for us Mark 10 - He is the ransom payment

Biblical Narrative - Creation - The story of creation - God made all things by His Word and God gave man 1 choice…. - The Fall into sin - man broke the relationship with God, others, nature and self. - Promise of a deliverer, the Messiah, Jesus. - Provision through God's Grace - We are saved by the mercy of God not by our actions. God provided His Son as the Sacrifice for the sin, the shedding of blood and death on the cross - Fulfillment was found in the coming of Jesus into the world, who lived the perfect life, willingly went to the cross for the sins of all. For my sins and your sins, it's personal. See John 3:16.

Our sin has separated us from God and what we need is a sacrificial victim who lays down his life for all and Jesus, the Son of God, gives His life for all. He pays the price for our sin.

Acts 4:12 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

1 Timothy 2:5-6 "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people."

1 John 5:13 "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may now that you have eternal life."

Eternal life is a gift offered through the shed blood, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. That is the clear teaching of the Bible. It is biblical accurate and rationally defensible.

The final question: "Whom will YOU believe?"

When one looks at other religions outside Christianity, our to other leaders that people follow, they were and are mortal. There is only one who is immortal. Only one has conquered death through His resurrection. There's only one who is alive. And that is Jesus.

This is the fork in the road… Who will you listen to. The dead ones or The Living One?

Jesus is alive forever more and He will return. Without Him there is no hope. With Him we have everlasting life and that is the Gospel truth!

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Pastor focuses in on Gamaliel's Speech found in Acts 5:34-39.

We know about Gamliel from the Bible, the writings of Josephus and rabbinical writings:

• Grandson of the Jewish teacher Hillel
• Especially influential ca 25-50 A.D.
• President of the Sanhedrin
• A devout and respected Pharisee
• Teacher of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 22:3)

In comparing Josephus' writings with the Bible we find an issue with Acts 5:36-37 "Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered."

The Controversy is the dating of the two men as this is what we know about them from Josephus:

• Theudas - revolt at the time of the Roman procurator, Cuspius Faus (44-46 A.D.)
• Judas the Galilean - rebellion in 6 A.D.

According to the Acts verses written by Luke, he quotes Gamaliel as saying that Judas the Galilean's rebellion came AFTER Theudas' revolt, but what we know about these two men from Josephus, shows us that Judas the Galilean's rebellion came BEFORE Theudas' revolt.

The Alternatives we can consider:

• Josephus was correct, Luke was wrong
• Luke was correct, Josephus was wrong
• Both Luke and Josephus were correct.

Pastor leans toward "Both Luke and Josephus being correct."

In Josephus' writings we read of Judas the Galilean as having led a band of people in revolt in 6 A.D.

In Josephus' writings we also read that after the death of King Herod the Great (about 4 B.C.) many revolted. Josephus does not name them.but clearly these rebellions were BEFORE Judas' revolt. Consider this: Is it possible that one of those individuals was named Theudas? Then the writings of Josephus and the Bible align.

Additionally, Luke gives this insight, he tells us that Gamaliel said the following, "Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered." Note that Gamaliel said ALL Judas' followers were scattered." But history shows us that Gamaliel saw Judas' rebellion as having come to nothing. However, about 25-30 years after Gamaliel spoke these words, those followers of Judas the Galilean not only were around, but had grown in number and ultimately triggered the revolt against Rome in 66 A.D.

What we see is an accurate account by Luke of what took place on the day the Apostles were flogged for speaking the name of Jesus and rejoiced for being worthy to suffer for His name.

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class

For the full list of videos in this series, Dig Deeper, https://www.awakeusnow.com/dig-deeper

For more check out our Sunday series, God ACTS! https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now

Join us Sundays

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This is the final week in our study of 400 years of Kings and Prophets from Solomon to Jeremiah.

King Josiah • Young King seeks God • Spiritual cleansing of Jerusalem • Book of the Law discovered • Reform beyond Judah • Passover observance - King Josiah gives an order to all people to observe God's Passover. This had not been celebrated according to what was written, not even in the days of the judges, nor in the days of any of the kings of Israel and Judah. Josiah made sure the celebration was carried out according to what was written in the Book of the Covenant. He, like David, was a man after God's own heart. He reads the scriptures and applies them and a time of revival begins. We read in 2 Kings 23:25 "Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did - with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses." • Death at Megiddo - A prophetic word comes from Huldah telling Josiah of the judgment that is coming from God against the people, but that because Josiah's heart was repentant he would not see the judgment that would come. During this time there was great international upheaval between Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. 2 Kings 23:29 "While Josiah was king, Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt went up to the Euphrates River to help the king of Assyria. King Josiah marched out to meet him in battle, but Necho faced him and killed him at Megiddo." Jeremiah and the nation were devastated by the loss of king Josiah. Then Josiah's 3 sons reign. None were the king that their father was. They returned to the old ways for faithlessness to God.

Josiah's 3 Sons • Jehoahaz - 2 Kings 23:31-33; 2 Chronicles 36:1-3 - reigned 3 month doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. He was imprisoned by Pharaoh Necho of Egypt, who was the one who had killed his father. Jehoahaz dies in Egypt. • Jehoiakim - 2 Kings 23:34 - 24:7; 2 Chronicles 36:4-8 - reigned 11 years and did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He was an evil and inefficient ruler. Constructed a new palace and Jeremiah denounces him for ignoring the people and ignoring God. Jehoiakim rejects Jeremiah and even burns the first copy of the book of Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 36:23) The city of Jerusalem is overtaken in 605 BC by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and many of the people are deported to Babylon. (Daniel was one that was taken - Daniel 1:1-2). When Jehoiakim dies he is given the "burial of a donkey." Jeremiah 22:13-19. Johoiachin, his son reigns for 3 months doing evil like his father and was taken captive by Babylon - 2 Kings 24:8-16; 2 Chronicles 36:9-10 • Zedekiah - 2 Kings 24:17 - 25:21; 2 Chronicles 36:11-21; Jeremiah 39:1-10 - reigns for 11 years and he did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Zedekiah breaks the treaty with Babylon (Ezekiel 17:18). He looks to Egypt for deliverance but didn't receive any. The false prophets encouraged him in his evil ways. Jeremiah warns Zedekiah of coming suffering and prophecies. But Zedekiah does not change his way and Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians and Zedekiah dies in a tragic way. Jeremiah 39:6-7.

And so ends our study with the nation, the city of Jerusalem a the Temple destroyed in 586 B.C.

Interestingly enough the Temple would once again be destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. in the same month, on the same day. This was a day Jesus predicted because they did not recognize Him and had rejected Him.

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