Restoration is different than reconciliation.

Restoration has to do with restoring those who have fallen, but reconciliation has to do with repairing relationships between brothers or parties.

Restoration is not enablement, excusing the behavior, or simply being polite but avoiding the person, but resolving differences in a way that relationships are deepened in love and intimacy.

Reconciliation has to do with restoring relationships. How you reconcile with someone who has hurt you, or sinned against you, either knowingly or unknowingly?  You try to get them to see how their actions have harmed you. As in a marriage or in any relationship, reconciliation requires a willingness of others to want to reconcile. It doesn't always work. But Jesus told us how to hold each other accountable, and even though it may be confrontational, it is still an act of love, because the goal is a restored relationship.

The Jewish sages said love is a commitment, not an emotion. Love is being committed to the welfare of another regardless of what it costs you.

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "God did not call us to like our enemies, for that would be impossible; He called us to love them."   By confronting the government and authorities with their racism, the non-violent marches exposed the evil, so that people could see what was really at stake and might repent. Loving your enemies in this case was an act of confrontation.

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:5–6, ESV)

If you think you can always reconcile without entering into conflict, you are being unrealistic. Like marriage, intimacy in fellowships require us to WORK out our differences, not just ignore them until they fester into bitterness, or rejection, or indifference and avoidance.

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:15–20, ESV)

Hebrew View of Time Powerpoint Download

THE JEWISH CONCEPT OF TIME

REPEATING PATTERNS -CYCLES & TYPES: THE STUDY OF TYPOLOGY

THE WESTERN CONCEPT OF TIME IS LINEAR

Modern historical chronology sees time as a linear progress from beginning to end; from Big Bang to the End of the Universe; from Genesis to Revelation. This idea from western rationalism, evolutionary theory, and scientific measurement has let to some non-biblical ideas such as the inevitability of human progress and enlightenment.... Forgetting that sinful human nature does not change through time, only individuals are changed when the human heart is renewed by Jesus Christ. In the early 1900’s they called this the Social Gospel Movement: theologians believed we could fix the human condition with social programs and government actions. WWI put an end to that theology, but today, we see an atheistic version of this belief in the perfectibility of mankind through laws and government programs. But we also see how this attempt to fix human nature with government programs and laws has failed.

The root of the error here is believing that people are basically good, instead of what the bible says: we are basically selfish and sinful, unless redeemed by Jesus Christ through faith in His Name.

• In Jesus’ day, the Jews were looking for signs that would identify the Messiah. He was to be a King like David, a Prophet like Moses, and a Priest like Aaron. He had to have all three characteristics. • ““The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—” (Deuteronomy 18:15, ESV)

• “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him. But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’” (Deuteronomy 18:18–20, ESV) “So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.” (John 6:30–36, ESV)

• The irony here is that Jesus had just fed the 5,000 in the wilderness (not counting women and children, according to Matt 14:21). The problem was that the Jews were looking for an exact repetition of manna, and did not see what was obviously right in front of their eyes!

TYPES AND PATTERNS

Because time is a repeating pattern to the Jews, with changes, time is like variations on a theme. You still recognize the tune even thought it has modulated.

• “Now if he (Jesus) were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.” (Hebrews 8:4–6, ESV)

• “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of

Hebrew View of Time Powerpoint Download

THE JEWISH CONCEPT OF TIME

REPEATING PATTERNS -CYCLES & TYPES: THE STUDY OF TYPOLOGY

THE WESTERN CONCEPT OF TIME IS LINEAR

Modern historical chronology sees time as a linear progress from beginning to end; from Big Bang to the End of the Universe; from Genesis to Revelation. This idea from western rationalism, evolutionary theory, and scientific measurement has let to some non-biblical ideas such as the inevitability of human progress and enlightenment.... Forgetting that sinful human nature does not change through time, only individuals are changed when the human heart is renewed by Jesus Christ. In the early 1900’s they called this the Social Gospel Movement: theologians believed we could fix the human condition with social programs and government actions. WWI put an end to that theology, but today, we see an atheistic version of this belief in the perfectibility of mankind through laws and government programs. But we also see how this attempt to fix human nature with government programs and laws has failed.

The root of the error here is believing that people are basically good, instead of what the bible says: we are basically selfish and sinful, unless redeemed by Jesus Christ through faith in His Name.

• In Jesus’ day, the Jews were looking for signs that would identify the Messiah. He was to be a King like David, a Prophet like Moses, and a Priest like Aaron. He had to have all three characteristics. • ““The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—” (Deuteronomy 18:15, ESV)

• “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him. But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’” (Deuteronomy 18:18–20, ESV) “So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.” (John 6:30–36, ESV)

• The irony here is that Jesus had just fed the 5,000 in the wilderness (not counting women and children, according to Matt 14:21). The problem was that the Jews were looking for an exact repetition of manna, and did not see what was obviously right in front of their eyes!

TYPES AND PATTERNS

Because time is a repeating pattern to the Jews, with changes, time is like variations on a theme. You still recognize the tune even thought it has modulated.

• “Now if he (Jesus) were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.” (Hebrews 8:4–6, ESV)

• “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of

From the Incisivereview.com We are in a season where we are separated and have to have communion with our families in our homes, which is like the time the Hebrews were hiding in their homes during Passover, as the last plague in Eqypt took the firstborn children of the Egyptians. Their covenant with God was made by the blood of a lamb placed upon their doorposts. We too have a Lamb that was slain whose blood is placed upon the doorposts of our hearts.

Acts 2: 42-47. 1 Corinthians 11: 17-26. Communion is a Covenant Between you and God, not a Temple Sacrifice. It was celebrated in each family home, just as Passover had been. Our Communion with Jesus should extend to care for our neighbors… those hungry and without.

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How God Uses Failure in Our Lives

Sermon by Jefferis Kent Peterson, July 21, 2019

Note:  God does not cause us to fail; He uses our failures to expose what is already in us.

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels.com

A Man Called Peter:   a brash, impulsive, bold a fisherman with gnarled hands who worked hard for a living; muscular from hauling in large wet nets with fish; a tough hide from baking in the sun.

Peter’s mindset:  he was looking for an earthly kingdom with a David-like leader who would kick out the Romans. Everyone believed the Messiah would establish an earthly reign and restore the fortunes of Israel to its former glory. No one had a concept of a spiritual kingdom after death and resurrection. God’s blessings were material on this earth. So, the idea that Jesus might die before he established this kingdom on earth was unacceptable! Peter was so sure of this that he was not afraid of correcting Jesus’ mistaken understanding of his mission:

“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”” (Matthew 16:21–23, ESV)

The word for rebuke in Greek means: denounce, express strong disapproval. We are not talking about a mild disagreement. Peter is so certain of his opinion that he cannot comprehend what Jesus is talking about.  Peter’s whole worldview, his theology, his expectation is being upended. It would be like saying Jesus will never return.  That can’t be right! That is what Peter is thinking. It doesn’t make any sense.

Peter is so ready for a military revolution with Jesus as the head of the army that when the time right for a fight, he boasts of his commitment that he is ready to die for the cause!

“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.” (Matthew 26:30–35, ESV)

Peter dismisses that. He doesn’t believe he will deny Jesus. He is ready to die for him! So, when the time comes and Jesus is surrounded, he takes his sword and starts to attack:

“So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”” (John 18:7–11, ESV)

So, what happens?   Jesus is captured, put on trial and Peter’s whole world starts coming apart!!! Not only has Jesus not turned out to be a military leader, he now is going to die? Jesus is just giving up???  Peter doesn’t know what to do or where to put his faith now. He is struggling, disappointed, confused. Everything he has spent his life on for the last three years is now being destroyed. Remember he said earlier when Jesus asked if he wanted to leave when other disciples walked away, “Lord, to whom shall we go?”  In other words, where

Updated for MP3 play.

Variation on a traditional Irish melody:  Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms

Click for the Score

https://www.scholarscorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ComeToTable2.mp3

COME TO THE TABLE

Chorus :

COME TO THE TABLE

HE’S WAITING FOR YOU

THE BREAD IS PREPARED

AND THE WINE IS THERE TOO

COME TO THE TABLE

IT’S WAITING FOR YOU

LET YOUR SINS BE FORGIVEN,

YOUR LIFE BE RENEWED

Verses:

FOR THE SAVIOR SPREADS OUT HIS ARMS OPEN WIDE

AND IN LOVE HE BIDS YOU TO COME

TASTE OF FORGIVENESS,

HE’S best place to online POURED OUT HIS BLOOD:

HIS LIFE IN THE FRUIT OF THE VINE

Chorus

SEE HIS BODY: IT’S COVERED WITH SCARS

IT’S THE PRICE HE’S PAID FOR YOUR SINS!

TASTE OF HIS HEALING

HE’S GIVEN US BREAD:

HIS BODY IS WOUNDED FOR OURS

Chorus

SEE HIS BODY: IT’S BATTERED AND MARRED

IT’S THE PRICE HE WAS WILLING TO PAY

SEE HOW HE LOVES YOU –

HE STETCHED OUT HIS ARMS

SAYING “COME UNTO ME TODAY “

©1996 Jefferis Kent Peterson, UBP