LHIM Everything

LHIM Everything

By Living Hope International MinistriesSociety & CultureReligion & SpiritualityChristianityEducationSelf-ImprovementPhilosophy
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LHIM Everything episodes

  • I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life

    John 14.1-4

    variety of ways to understand this:

    1. Jesus is coming at your death to take you to heaven
    “my father’s house” = heaven
    “go to prepare a place” = build a room
    “I will come again” = when you die
    “take you to myself” = bring you to heaven

    2. talking about him coming through the spirit (on Pentecost)

    “my father’s house” = “my father’s household”
    “go to prepare a place” = his work on the cross atones for our sins so we can enter God’s household
    “I will come again” = coming of the spirit
    “take you to myself” = dwell in you
    cf. John 14.15-28

    3. age to come: he goes away and comes back to receive them unto himself (gathering together) so they will be where he is (on earth)

    “my father’s house” = temple => God’s presence
    “go to prepare a place” = position in the kingdom
    “I will come again” = 2nd coming of Jesus
    “take you to myself” = resurrection
    “that where I am you may be also” = Jesus’ destiny is to rule the world, so we will be with him

    “The only other time he’s used the expression it referred to the temple. The point about the temple, within the life of the people of Israel, was that it was the place where heaven and earth met. Now Jesus hints at a new city, a new world, a new ”˜house.’ Heaven and earth will meet again when God renews the whole world. At that time there will be room for everyone.”

    –N. T. Wright, John for Everyone: Part Two (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004), p. 58.

    Matthew 25.31-34 “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”

    John 14.4-11 Jesus claims he is God’s representative

    John 14.10 Jesus' works are the Father's works

    John 14.24 Jesus’ words are the Father’s words
    John 7.16 Jesus’ teaching is the Father’s
    John 4.34 Jesus’ food is to do the Father’s will
    John 5.19, 30 Jesus can do nothing on his own
    also see Jn 6.38; 8.26, 28, 42; 12.49-50

    Jesus is the clearest image of God you can get in a human being. Jesus did what God wanted done in a given situation. Jesus said what God wanted said in a given situation. When you looked at Jesus you saw through him to God himself. So, rejecting Jesus is rejecting God. You can’t have God and not Jesus.

    John 14.6 Jesus talks in an unusual manner. This one verse is like a bone caught in our society’s throat. Even so, these words are actually good news for our society.

    Objection 1: All religions say the same thing, basically

    Objection 2: All religions have a bit of the truth (piece of the pie)
    Objection 3: The only reason why you believe these facts is because of where you were born in America into a Christian family
    Objection 4: Evangelism is arrogant because it involves trying to convince other people that their views are at best inadequate and at worst wrong

    The truth is everyone is an “exclusivist.” We can’t help it. It’s how we’re wired. Everyone thinks their take on life is the best!

    Jesus is the way! Jesus is the truth! Jesus is the life!

    The post I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life first appeared on Living Hope.
    46 min
  • I Am the Resurrection and the Life

    John 11:1-3 Bethany was a village in the region of Judea, about two miles east of Jerusalem.
    John 11:4
    Jesus knew God’s plan. “This sickness will not end in death.” Jesus didn’t make this up. He always spoke as the Father worked in him (John 5:19; 8:28). Jesus was doing the things he did “for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”
    John 11:5-8
    Much of what is recorded in the Gospel of John in the region of Judea was during times when Jesus traveled to Jerusalem during the feasts (John 2:3; 5:5; 7:1-10; 10:22-23; 12:1). The Jewish leaders grew more and more frustrated, tried to capture Jesus, and in several instances attempted to stone him (John 5:16, 18a; 7:1, 25, 30; 8:59; 10:31, 39). The situation intensified with each trip to Jerusalem.
    John 11:9-10 Jesus is the light of the world. We stumble when we walk on our own and don’t remain in the light.
    John 11:11-16 Jesus refers to Lazarus’ state of being dead as being asleep. He will wake him up!
    John 11:17-19 Many of the Jews had come to Bethany to console Martha and Mary.
    John 11:20-27
    There is going to be a resurrection in the last days. Jesus spoke of this often. He preached that on last day, his sheep will hear his voice and be raised from the dead (John 5:25, 28; 6:40, 54).
    But Jesus “IS THE RESURRECTION!” He is the Son of God, the Christ, who comes into the world.
    John 11:28-37 The Jews were right there, again speaking words to mock Jesus.
    John 11:38-40 As Jesus said at the start, this would be for “the glory of God.”
    John 11:41-42 Jesus prayed this out loud so the people would know that God sent Jesus.
    John 11:43-45 Many believed in Jesus because of this miracle.
    John 11:46-47, 53 From this day on, the chief priests and Pharisees planned together to kill him.
    Acts 2:22-24
    About 50 days later on the day of Pentecost, again in Jerusalem at a feast of the Jews, Peter reminds everyone what happened after this event.
    1 Corinthians 15:3-6, 12-19 If there is no resurrection from the dead, then Christianity is false and your faith is worthless! And if there is no resurrection, there is no future hope for eternal life.
    1 Corinthians 15:20-23 BUT CHRIST HAS BEEN RAISED FROM THE DEAD!!! He is the first fruits from the dead, and in him is our hope for the future. He is “The Resurrection and the Life!”

    The post I Am the Resurrection and the Life first appeared on Living Hope.
    50 min
  • I Am the Good Shepherd

    John 10:1-6 Here we learn several differences between a shepherd and a thief.
    1. enters by the door instead of climbing
    2. gatekeeper opens to him
    3. sheep hear his voice
    4. he calls his sheep by name
    5. he leads his sheep
    6. they follow him and know his voice
    John 10:7-10 The shepherd slept at door to keep predators out and the sheep in.
    John 10:11-18 Now we see the differences between a good shepherd and a hired hand
    – good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep!
    – hired hand flees
    – hired hand doesn’t care about sheep
    – good shepherd knows his sheep
    – sheep know good shepherd
    John 10:19-21 The people couldn’t decide on Jesus–if he was crazy or christ
    John 10:22-26 They asked him if he was the messiah, but he had already told them. This could refer to how several prophets referred to the king of Israel as a shepherd (Micah 5:4; Jeremiah 23:4; Ezekiel 34:23; 37:24).
    John 10:27-28 This is everything! Do you hear his voice? Does Jesus know you? Do you follow him?
    John 10:28-30 Often v30 is quoted as evidence that Jesus is God, but this goes against the context. Jesus and the Father are one in protecting the sheep, not in substance.
    John 10:31-33 In the Gospel of John, the hostile listeners often misunderstands Jesus. We must be careful not to side with the unbelievers. They thought he was claiming to be God, but Jesus clears this up.
    John 10:34-39 Jesus quotes the bible to them (see Psalm 82) to show that someone can be called God when they are carrying out the God’s deeds. Other examples of representatives called God(s) include an angel (Exodus 3:3-6), Moses (Exodus 7:1), judges (Exodus 21:5-6), and the king of Israel (Psalm 45:1-7).

    The post I Am the Good Shepherd first appeared on Living Hope.
    50 min
  • I Am the Bread of Life and Light of the World

    John 6:1-71 I am the bread of life
    As manna was the provision for physical life, Jesus is the provision or substance for eternal life.
    John 8:12-9:59 I am the light of the world
    As the eyes are necessary for physical sight, Jesus is necessary for spiritual sight.
    John 10:1-21 I am the door
    As the door is the entrance to the sheepfold, Jesus is the door to salvation.
    John 10:1-21 I am the good shepherd
    As the shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, so Jesus lays down his life for us people.
    John 11:1-57 I am the resurrection and the life
    As Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he will raise his disciples to eternal life.
    John 14:1-31 I am the way, the truth and the life
    Jesus is the only way to the Father.
    John 15:1-27 I am the true vine
    As branches must stay connected to the vine to produce fruit, so must we stay connected to Jesus to produce spiritual fruit.

    The post I Am the Bread of Life and Light of the World first appeared on Living Hope.
    41 min
  • The Existing One

    Exodus 3:14-15; Revelation 4:8

    What should we think when we hear God’s proper name, Yahweh?

    What verse other than Exodus 3:14 and 15 captures the essence of His name? _________________ . Review Psalms 30:4; 102:12; 135:13

    Jeremiah 23:23-24; Psalm139:6-12

    Write what these verses mean to you ___________________________________

    Be still and know that I am God…Yahweh of hosts is with us. Psalm 46:10-11

    How did Jesus expand our understanding about Yahweh? He called Him ________

    Review: Matthew 5:16, 45, 48; 6:1, 4, 6 (2), 8, 9, 14, 15, 18 (2), 26, 32; 7:11, 21

    How does religious tradition subtly undermine the name of God?

    Psalm 16:11 You will make known to me the______of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand, there are__________ forever.
    John 4:20-24 Jesus taught today we worship not in a place but by spirit and ____.
    John 14:23 Jesus and God make their abode in those who believe.

    Colossians 3:16 and 17 Yahweh is present right here right now.

    The post The Existing One first appeared on Living Hope.
    42 min
  • God's Not Done with You Yet

    1 Kings 17:1 Elijah’s name means “Yahweh is my God.” He wants to attack Baal directly, by undermining his alleged weather powers. It will not rain until Yahweh’s prophet says so.
    1 Kings 18:5-18 After 3 1/2 years (James 5:17), Elijah meets Ahab again who hasn’t repented or turned away from supporting Baal worship in the land.
    1 Kings 18:19-22 Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal and Asherah to a contest. Whoever answers by fire is the true God. This occurs before an assembly of Israelites who stand as witnesses.
    1 Kings 18:27 Elijah mocks Baal publicly. He’s certainly not holding back here.
    1 Kings 18:36-39 Yahweh comes through, and the people say, “Yahweh, He is God; Yahweh, He is God.”
    1 Kings 18:46 Elijah ran before Ahab’s chariot for 17 miles while the rain storm approached. Upon arrival, Elijah’s heart must’ve thought, “This is it! Revival at last!”
    1 Kings 19:1-4 However, Jezebel, undaunted by her god’s obvious inferiority to Yahweh, vows to capture and execute Elijah. He’s ready to quit.
    1 Kings 19:9-18 Elijah speaks to God at Mount Horeb, where Israel first became a nation when they left Egypt. God asks him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He is worn out; he needs a word from the Lord.
    1 Kings 19:13-18 God doesn’t spend much time comforting Elijah, but gives him important work to do. He assures him that he’s not alone, but that 7,000 others are faithful as well. God’s not done with him yet.

    Is God done with you, or does He still have more work for you to do? What’s God calling you to do? Is it to volunteer here on Sundays, invite your neighbors over for dinner, invite your coworker to church, start teaching your kids the Bible, go to a foreign land as a missionary, serve the poor, feed the hungry, or clothe the naked? Whatever God’s calling you to do, it’s time to do it.

    The post God's Not Done with You Yet first appeared on Living Hope.
    54 min
  • Praising God

    Colossians 3:16
    The past month, we’ve been looking at the book of Colossians. Here in Colossians we are encouraged to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, to teach and admonish with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in our hearts to God.
    Acts 2:47
    On the day of Pentecost, after receiving the holy spirit, the disciples were “Praising God, and having favor with all the people.”

    What does it mean to praise God?

    Praise: the act of expressing approval or admiration; commendation; laudation; the offering of grateful homage in words or song

    Praising God is not simply saying, “Praise God,” “Praise You, Lord,” “Praise the Lord.” But rather, praising God is speaking well of God, talking or singing about things God has done.

    1 Chronicles 16:4
    When David brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, he appointed the Levites to minister in song. They were to celebrate, to thank, and praise Yahweh.

    This first psalm presented gives tremendous insight as what it means to praise God.

    1 Chronicles 16:7 Thank God for all He has done.
    Give thanks to God — thanking God for all He has done is a big part of praise.
    Psalm 30:1-4; Psalm 100:1-5
    1 Chronicles 16:8-9 Praise God for His works.
    Make known His deeds; speak of all His wonders. Speak about the wonderful things that God has done. Creation itself glorifies God — Psalm 33:6-9
    1 Chronicles 16:10 Praise God for His holy name.
    Glory in His holy name — speak of His name. Jesus prayed — “Hallowed be thy name” (Mt 6:9).
    (Deuteronomy 10:17; 1 Chronicles 29:11-13)
    1 Chronicles 16:11-14 Praise God for His judgments.
    The judgments of God (the flood; judgments on Egypt; last enemy, death, will be defeated)
    1 Chronicles 16:15-17 Praise God for His covenants (the covenant to Abraham, the covenant to David, the new covenant — eternal Life, the Kingdom to come)!
    1 Chronicles 16:18-36 Great is Yahweh and greatly to be praised! Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due His name! And the people said “Amen!” and praised Yahweh!

    The post Praising God first appeared on Living Hope.
    33 min
  • Fight the Good Fight of Faith

    1 Timothy 6:6-10 — From the fall, man lost the centrality of God in their hearts and since has endeavored to fill the void with something else. Things God created for God-centered humanity to enjoy are now pursued to replace Him.
    Luke 12:13-34 — Be on guard what occupies your thought life. Is God at the center of things?
    Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:4 — Possessions become our focus instead of God with the promise that they will provide for and fulfill us.
    Luke 14:26 and 27 — Family is not to be on the throne of your mind. Consider Abraham’s willingness to surrender his son.
    Luke 9:23-25 — The greatest occupant in our throne room is “self.” We are all plagued from birth with selfishness, self-absorption, and self-indulgence. Hence, the concept of “dying to self” is predominant throughout the New Testament and expresses the true essence of Christian life.
    1 Timothy 6:11 and 12 — Pursue — to follow or press hard after, with earnestness and diligence in order to obtain, to go after with the desire of obtaining.

    The great fight of faith is placing God on the throne instead of self.

    Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14 and 15 — Looking and believing are synonymous. Israel looked with external eyes; believing is done with the heart. Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God.
    Colossians 3:17, 22, and 23; Ephesians 6:5-8 — Our task (and joy) is constant mindfulness of the Lord.
    Colossians 3:24 — Whatever we do should be in light of the coming Kingdom.
    Ephesians 6:12

    The post Fight the Good Fight of Faith first appeared on Living Hope.
    44 min
  • Personal Family Connections (Colossians 4)

    4:7– Tychicus received glowing praise — beloved brother, faithful servant [diakonos], and fellow bond-slave [sundoulos]. Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Titus 3:12; 2 Timothy 4:12
    9 — Onesimus — the epistle of Philemon is about this man.
    10 — Aristarchus was taken during the riot at Ephesus (Acts 19:29). He was with Paul on his third outreach journey (Acts 20:4); he was a Macedonian from Thessalonica who was ship-wrecked with Paul; he was in prison with Paul in Rome (Colossians 4 and Philemon 1:24).

    Mark was Barnabas’ sister’s son. Paul and Barnabas had formerly disagreed regarding John Mark that Barnabas wished to take him, probably on account of relationship, with them in their travels; Paul was unwilling to take him because he had, on one occasion, departed from them. Acts 15:37-39

    2 Timothy 4:9-15 In time, Paul reconciled with Mark. He may be the writer of the Gospel of Mark.
    Colossians 4:11 — Apparently, John Mark and Justus were the only ones of Jewish background who were still standing with Paul.
    12 — Epaphras (1:7) was from Colossae and may have been one of the original believers there. Again, we see the heart connection and love shared among the believers. The love they had for each other stands out more than that among other people. The churches seemed small.
    13 — Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis were all cities near to each other.
    14 — Luke traveled with Paul extensively and is the writer of the Gospel and of Acts. Acts 16, one of the “we sections,” identifies Luke as being with Paul. According to 2 Timothy, Demas turned back to the world.
    16 — The Laodiceans did not heed Colossians. Revelation 3:14-22
    17 — Archippus had a fellowship in his home in Colossae.
    Colossians 3:17, 22, and 23 Our task and joy is constant mindfulness of the Lord.
    Ephesians 6:5-8
    Colossians 3:24 — Whatever we do should be in light of the coming Kingdom.
    25 — Deuteronomy 10:17 Everyone abides by the same rules.
    Romans 2:6-11; Galatians 6:7-9 What you give, you get; what you sow, you reap. With God there is always a just recompense. Matthew 16:27; Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12; Jeremiah 17:10; 32:19; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 1:17; Revelation 2:23; 20:12; and 22:12
    Colossians 4:2-4 Pray for doors of utterance.
    5 — The specific wisdom is to speak with grace, not to be harsh, judgmental, not threatening or deliberately frightening.
    6 — “Seasoned with salt” means that you mean what you say and say what you mean.

    The post Personal Family Connections (Colossians 4) first appeared on Living Hope.
    43 min
  • Set Your Mind on Things Above (Colossians 3)

    Colossians 3:1 Therefore…
    Ask yourself, “what’s the therefore there for?” This is usually used as an admonition to some action based on what was communicated previously. (Romans 12:1; Ephesians 4:1; 5:1; Philippians 2:1-3; 4:1)

    Some of the highlights from Chapters 1 &2

    • We have a hope laid up for us in heaven
    • He has qualified us to share in the inheritance
    • He has rescued us from the domain of darkness
    • He has transferred us to the kingdom
    • We have redemption and forgiveness of sins through Christ
    • Christ is image of the Invisible God
    • Christ is the Firstborn from the dead
    • All of the new creation — dominion, thrones, authorities, are created through Him
    • By Christ all things hold together
    • He is head over all things
    • Christ has reconciled us through death, to present us holy and blameless
    • It is Christ in you the hope of glory!
    • In God’s mystery, Christ himself, is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
    • We are not to be captive through philosophy and empty deception.
    • In Christ, all the fullness of Deity dwells.
    • In Christ, we have been made complete
    • Through the cross we have been forgiven all transgressions
    • Through the cross all rulers and authorities have been defeated.
    • Christ has set us free from all of the of these elementary principles of the world

      • Colossians 3:1-7
      Therefore… Seek things above; set your mind on things above; consider your earthly body dead to these fleshly things. This is mental! This is what to do with your mind. This is how we are to think.

      Put! Let! Do!

      Colossians 3:8-14
      Put off the old self and put on the new self. Christ is all and in all!
      Put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness
      Put on love!
      Colossians 3:15-16
      Let the peace of God rule
      Let the word of Christ richly dwell in you
      Colossians 3:17
      Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father

      Specific admonition for Wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves

      Colossians 3:18-25

      The post Set Your Mind on Things Above (Colossians 3) first appeared on Living Hope.
      41 min

    About LHIM Everything

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    A weekly podcast featuring the engaging and life-changing Bible teachings of Sean Finnegan and the team at Living Hope International Ministries.