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Rhema Week 2.1 The New Testament

Welcome back!

A very happy New Year to you all

James and Richard

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Spring Term 2011

2.1 19th January Overview of the New Testament, Baptism and

Communion 2.2 26th January The Four Gospels 2.3 2nd February Matthew and Mark 2.4 9th February Luke and Acts 2.5 16th February John HALF TERM

2.6 2nd March Galatians Awayday Saturday 5th

March The Normal Christian

Life – Romans 2.7 9th March 1 & 2 Corinthians 2.8 16th March Other Epistles 2.9 23rd March Revelation

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Images of ChristLook at the different images of Christ around the room

Decide on one you particular likeDecide on one you dislike(please leave in place until asked to collect them)

Be prepared to share briefly why you like/ dislike a particular image.

(Some images from “The Christ we Share” pack)

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•Persian Control 532BC

•Alexander the Great 332BC

•The desecration of Antiochus and the Maccabean revolution 164BC

Judea: The Inter-Testamental Period

•Roman Invasion 63BC

•Herod the Great 39BC-4BC

& Sons

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Judaism: The Inter-Testamental Period The Pharisees •added to the Law of Moses, •considered their own laws more important •Christ’s railed against their hollow legalism and lack of compassion.

The Sadducees •represented the aristocrats and the wealthy. •wielded power through the Supreme-Court-like Sanhedrin, •rejected all but the Mosaic (first 5) books of the Old Testament. •Did not believe in resurrection

The Synagogue•Developed by Jews during exile•place for community affairs, •a place of worship, •centre for religious teaching.

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The Apocrypha From the Thirty-Nine Articles of

Religion of the Church of England

Article VI. Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for salvationHoly Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be. believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scripture we do understand those Canonical Books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church.

Of the Names and Numbers of the Canonical Books…

<list of the Old Testament books>

(as Hierome saith) the Church doth read for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet doth it not apply them to establish any doctrine; such are these following:

The Third Book of Esdras.The Fourth Book of Esdras.The Book of Tobias.The Book of Judith.The rest of the Book of Esther.The Book of Wisdom.Jesus the Son of Sirach.Baruch the Prophet.The Song of the Three Children.The Story of Susanna.Of Bel and the Dragon.The Prayer of Manasses.The First Book of Maccabees.The Second Book of Maccabees.

All the Books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received, we do receive, and account them Canonical.

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The Dead Sea Scrolls

The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in eleven caves along the northwest shore of the Dead Sea between the years 1947 and 1956.

The Scrolls can be divided into two categories—Biblical and non-Biblical. Fragments of every book of the Old Testament have been discovered except for the book of Esther.

The Isaiah Scroll, found relatively intact, is 1000 years older than any previously known copy of Isaiah. In fact, the scrolls are the oldest group of Old Testament manuscripts ever found.

In the Scrolls are found never before seen psalms attributed to King David and Joshua.

The Scrolls are for the most part, written in Hebrew, but there are many written in Aramaic.

The Dead Sea Scrolls were most likely written by the Essenes during the period from about 200 B.C. to 68 A.D. The Essenes are mentioned by Josephus and in a few other sources, but not in the New Testament.

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The Roman Empire

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Timeline of The New Testament40BC 30 20 10 0 AD1

020 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 10 110 120 130

40BC 30 20 10 0 AD10

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130

Matthew

Luke

Mark

John

Acts

Paul’s letters

Revelation

Generalletters

James I&II Peter, I, II, III John, Jude

?Hebrews

Dates for the Gospels and Acts indicate the period covered, not the date of writing

Paul in prison in Caesarea

Persecution of Christians under Domitian

?Death of John

Paul arrives in Rome

Paul’s 1st Missionary Journey (c46-47)

Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey (c48-51)

Paul’s 3rd Missionary Journey (begins 53)

?Death of Paul

AD70 Titus captures Jerusalem: temple destroyed

AD67 Jewish Revolt

Paul’s Conversion

Jesus’ death & resurrection

C115-118 Revolt of Jews in provinces

132-135 Jewish revolt: sack & renaming of Jerusalem

Augustus 31BC-AD14

TiberiusAD14-37

Vitellius 69Otho 69Nero

54-68

Vespasian 69-79

Caligula 37-41

Claudius 41-54

Galba 68-69Domitian 81-96

Titus 79-81 Hadrian 117-138Trajan 98-117

Nerva 96-98

Roman Rule

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Literary Forms in NTGospels - New literary form

MatthewMarkLukeJohn

History Acts of the Apostles

Apocalyptic Writing Revelation

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Letters (Epistles)Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy

Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John2 John 3 John Jude

Discussion•Read together Paul’s letter to Philemon•How is the structure of the letter similar/ different to a letter we would send today? •What you think the letter is about?•what you think the main themes are?•What points are relevant today?

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Sacraments

Christianity is an almost religion-less faith – in the New Testament we find No rituals No priestly caste Nothing we have to do to win approval by God or earn

our place in heaven A relationship with the Father through the Son, in the

power of the Holy Spirit But Jesus gave us two ‘sacraments’

Baptism – washing Communion – eating and drinking

No detailed instructions

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Questions about the sacraments

Why did Jesus ask us to do these things? How vital are they to believers? Why washing (once), eating and drinking

(repeated)? Why water then wine? How do we ensure that we perform these

actions correctly? How have different parts of the church viewed

them through the centuries? What is your understanding of Baptism and

Communion?

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InstructionsJesus’ command

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mat 28:19) …and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.“ (1 Corinthians 11:24-25)

Jesus’ example, “Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him”. (Mat 3:13)

Apostles teaching"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven;” (Acts 2:38)For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26)

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The meaning of Baptism

Baptism represents: A cleansing of our sin – this is John’s ‘baptism of

repentance’ An identification with Jesus in his death, burial and

resurrection so clearly described by Paul: A prayer for Jesus to baptise us in the Holy Spirit, to do for us

what John the Baptist promised.• John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah

• Elijah was involved with a ‘baptism in water’ on Mt. Carmel, when he ordered that the sacrifice should be drenched with water three times

• Elijah prayed and fire descended from heaven on the sacrifice

• On the Day of Pentecost, the fire from heaven fell on the disciples. This was when they were baptised in the Holy Spirit[

• Our bodies are to be ‘living sacrifices’, water baptism is therefore an act of preparation before we are baptised ‘with the Holy Spirit and with fire’

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How might Baptism be interpreted?Baptism is a symbolic token. It effects nothing.

Baptism signifies the entitlement to God’s gift of grace. This gift must be received by faith before, during or sometime later after baptism.

Baptism is a opportunity for God to bestow he gift of grace

Baptism automatically and unconditionally conveys God’s grace. Anyone who is baptised (especially an infant) is automatically ‘saved’ and ‘reborn’ and receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Catholic View - ex opere operato)

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Water, Bread and Wine Baptism – water externally, Communion – bread and wine internally Water wine = Jesus’ first miracle (water for purification wine

for new life)Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus

were baptised into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:3-4)

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26 )

Baptism and communion re-enact the burial of Jesus in baptism we are identified with Jesus (Romans 6:3-4) In communion Jesus is buried in us, so that he can be resurrected in us

(body and blood re-united) Communion is a prayer that we may be transformed into Jesus’

likeness (‘you are what you eat’) Baptism speaks of ‘Us in Christ’, Communion speaks of ‘Christ in

Us’ We become the re-presentation of Jesus on earth

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Baptism and Communion: The DebatesBaptism

Infant or believers only?Full immersion or sprinkling?Anyone or only after instruction?Rebaptism?

CommunionDo we need someone to ‘preside’?How often?What words should be used?What actually happens at communion?

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Homework

1) Read the whole of Mark’s Gospel (preferably in a single sitting)

Try and approach it as though it is a new story to you.Make a note of anything that strikes youWhat are the important stories or themes?Is Mark a good story teller? (is is an un-put-downable book to read or a chore?)

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Rhema Week 2.2

The Four Gospels

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Comparative Documentary Evidence

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Important Manuscripts

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John Rylands Manuscript:Fragment of John’s Gospel

(AD 125-150)

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Codex Sinaiticus

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Exercise

Glean as much as possible about each author and his contact with witnesses, etc. Group 1, Mark

Mark 14:15, 14:52 Acts 12:12-17 Acts 15:37-39 Philemon 23 1 Peter 5:13

Group 2, Matthew Matthew 1 Matthew 2 Matthew 5 Matthew 27:62, 28:2-4, 28:11-15 This is material that is unique to Matthew’s Gospel; what does it tell us about the author’s perspective?

Group 3, John 3:23 19:35 2:20 4:4 20:2, 8 5:2 21:20-25 10:22,23 19:13

Group 4, Luke Luke 1:1-4 Luke 1 Colossians 4:14 Luke 2:1 Acts 13:1 Luke 3:1,2 Acts 21:18 Luke 24:13-35

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Authorship and Sources of Gospels

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Mark’s Gospel : Background

Shortest of Gospels

Probably first to be written (AD65-70) – could be earlier

For non-Jewish Audience Explains Jewish customs (Mk 7:2-4, 15:42) & translates Aramaic words (3:17, 5:41)

Tradition that John Mark was the writer Wrote it in Rome from what he heard directly from Peter. Mark’s mother had a house in Jerusalem where Jesus’ followers

met (Acts 12:12) Cousin to Paul’s companion Barnabas (Colossians 4:10) Mark deserted Paul’s first missionary journey at Perga (Acts 13:13) Caused a split between Paul & Barnabas, but Barnabas gave him a

second chance (Acts 15:36-39) Mark was restored to Paul’s favour (2 Timothy 4:11)

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Mark’s Gospel: Style

Limited vocabulary -1,270 different words

Transliterating Latin words into Greek Influence of Aramaic (mother tongue) Forceful, fresh vigorous style

“immediately” occurs 41 times Impression of on the spot reporting

Eyewitness style details eg reaction of crowds,

(1:27, 2:12) emotional repose of Jesus,

(1:41, 3:5, 7:34) reactions of disciples (9:5-

6, 10:24) Interaction with readers

Eg Directly addressing them (2:10, 7:19)

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Matthew’s Gospel : Background

Probably written before the destruction of the temple in AD70)

For a Jewish Audience shows that Christianity was rooted in Judaism. Bridge connecting Jesus with what had happened in the past Jesus presented as the long awaited Messiah

Tradition that Matthew (Levi) the tax collector was the writer Wrote it in Antioch – Greek speaking city with large Jewish

population Matthew 10:3-Matthew referred to in a self-deprecating way not

found in Mark or Luke. son of Alphaeus therefore probably brother to James son of

Alphaeus Had a party for Jesus (Matthew 9:10)

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Luke’s Gospel background “The most beautiful book ever written”*

*Ernest Renan on Luke’s Gospel Author: Luke the doctor, a companion of Paul (Colossians 4:14, Philemon

1:24, 2 Timothy 4:11) – see the ‘we’ passages in Acts The anti-Marcionite Prologue to the Third Gospel (between A.D. 160

and 180): " Luke was an Antiochian of Syria, a physician by profession. He was a

disciple of the apostles and later accompanied Paul until the latter's martyrdom. He served the Lord without distraction having neither wife nor children, and at the age of eighty-four he fell asleep in Boeotia, full of the Holy Spirit. While there were already Gospels previously in existence-that according to Matthew written in Judaea and that according to Mark in Italy-Luke, moved by the Holy Spirit, composed the whole of this Gospel in the parts about Achaia. In his prologue he makes this very point clear, that other Gospels had been written before his, and that it was necessary to expound to the Gentile believers the accurate account of the [divine] dispensation, so that they should not be perverted by Jewish fables, nor be deceived by heretical and vain imaginations and thus err from the truth.”

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John’s Gospel : Background

Very different picture of Jesus to The Synoptic Gospels

Thought for many years to be a late book c. AD120 now placed between AD 70 &100, probably post AD85

Appears to have been written by an eyewitness/ based on eyewitness testimony

Possibly for a group of mainly Gentile Christians who needed encouragement, support and sound teaching

Christians expelled from the synagogue after Jewish council in AD90 John refers to Jesus opponents as ‘The Jews’ – yet Jesus himself was a Jew Jesus’ followers being ‘put out of the synagogue’

Tradition that was written by John son of Zebedee, brother of James Written in Ephesus Gives a good reason why John’s name is not mentioned in the Gospel Reference’s to the ‘beloved disciple’ – Makes sense for this to be John

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Rhema Week 2.3

Mark’s and Matthew’s Gospels

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The Four GospelsGospels in probable order of writing

Written for????

The Gospel starts with…

Mark Romans Baptism of Jesus

Matthew Jews Birth of Jesus

Luke Greeks Conception of John the Baptist

John Christians ‘In the beginning…’

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In the beginning

Jesus’ pre-existence: John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the

Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.

John 10:30 “I and the Father are one.” Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all

things hold together. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and

today and for ever. Revelation 22:13 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the

First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

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Mark’s Gospel : Background Shortest of Gospels Probably first to be written (AD65-70) – could be earlier

For non-Jewish Audience Explains Jewish customs (Mk 7:2-4, 15:42) & translates Aramaic words

(3:17, 5:41)

Tradition that John Mark was the writer wrote it in Rome from what he heard directly from Peter. Mark’s mother had a house in Jerusalem where Jesus’ followers

met (Acts 12:12) Cousin to Paul’s companion Barnabas (Colossians 4:10) Mark deserted Paul’s first missionary journey at Perga (Acts

13:13) Caused a split between Paul & Barnabas, but Barnabas gave him

a second chance (Acts 15:36-39) Mark is restored to Paul’s favour (2 Timothy 4:11)

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Mark’s Gospel: StyleLimited vocabulary -1,270 different wordsTransliterating Latin words into GreekInfluence of Aramaic (mother tongue)Forceful, fresh vigorous style

“immediately” occurs 41 times

Impression of on the spot reportingEyewitness style details

e.g. reaction of crowds, (1:27, 2:12)emotional repose of Jesus, (1:41, 3:5, 7:34)reactions of disciples (9:5-6, 10:24)

Interaction with readersE.g. Directly addressing them (2:10, 7:19)

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Mark’s Gospel: Themes

Christology (view of who Jesus was)Jesus was Son of GodThe MessiahSon of ManMessianic secret (Jesus asks, his disciples, those he heals, demons to keep his identity secret)

Kingdom of GodFuture expectation Present reality (“Let little children come to me”)

DiscipleshipFailure of disciples to understandHardship and cost of being a disciple

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A Passion Narrative with an Extended Introduction

Prologue (1:1-15)Part 1: Jesus’ Public Ministry (1:16-8:26)

Jesus’ authority (1:16-3:12) over sickness, sins, evil, conflict with religious leaders

Jesus’ teaching (3:13-6:6) –Kingdom of God –words & actionsparable of sower, mustard seed

Jesus and mission (6:7-8:26) –widening effect of Jesus’ ministrysending out of 12, feeding of 5000, Syro-Phoenician women

Part 2: Jesus’ Death (8:27-16:8)Jesus foretells his own death and resurrection (8:27-10:52)Jesus in and around the temple (11:1-13:37)Last supper, arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial & resurrection (14:1-16:8)

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Thinking into Mark Read Mark 2.1-12 Try to imagine the scene from the point of

view of the person/ people you have been allocated (Jesus, The crowd, The invalid, The four friends, The scribes, )

Imagine what the room might have been like the atmosphere Where were you in the room? What might you have expected? What might you have thought felt, at the time/

afterwards Share back with rest of group

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The End of the Gospel: ProblemsThree Main versions of the end of the gospel

16:1-8The shorter ending (not in all translations eg NIV)The longer ending 16:1-20

If 16:1-8Seems unfinished Where is the Good News promised at the beginning (finishes with women being afraid)Verse 8 finishes in Greek “they were afraid for” – doesn’t make sense

If 16:1-20Doesn’t read the same as rest of GospelTextual criticism

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The End of the Gospel: Textual Criticism Compare all the early manuscripts of Mark –what is most

common ending Not found in earliest manuscripts Early theologians doubted its authenticity

Is the style and vocabulary similar to the rest of the Gospel? Style and vocabulary more similar to Luke –better Greek Third of words not used elsewhere in Gospel Link between v8 & 9 very abrupt

Does the content and theology fit with the rest of the Gospel? Mary Magdalene introduced for first time (16:9) Jesus’ severe rebuke to his disciples (16:14) Immunity from snakes and poisons (16:18)

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Matthew’s Gospel: Style Crafted Gospel with specific structure

-5 blocks of teaching –

-each finished with “when Jesus had finished saying all these…”

-Interspersed with narratives (What Jesus does)

Systematically arranged

Good quality Greek

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Matthew’s Gospel: Themes Christology (view of who Jesus was)

Jesus Son of David –Jesus is the Messiah from line of David Lord –used frequently Son of God

Prophecy and fulfilment. How Jesus fulfils OT prophecy

Kingdom of heaven uses Jewish term heaven rather than God

Discipleship: Importance of changing behaviour

The Religious Leaders Heart for his people (Jews) but frustrated by their leaders

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Matthew’s Gospel: StructurePrologue: The Origin and Birth of Jesus the Christ (1:1-4:23)

Genealogy, Infancy, Baptism

Teaching 1: The Gospel of the Kingdom (3:1-7:29)The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ Miracles of healing

Teaching 2: The Kingdom Extended (8:1-11:1) The Mission charge,

Teaching 3: The Gospel of the Kingdom (11:2-13:53) Rejection of John the Baptist and Jesus by the Jews

Teaching 4: Progressive Polarization (13:54-19:2)Controversies with Pharisees, Peter’s confession, Transfiguration

Teaching 5: Judgement and the end of the world (19:3-26:5)

Jesus goes up to Jerusalem and teachers

The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus (26:6-28:20)

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Things of God vs. Things of Men

Read Matthew 16:13-23 Why this extreme contrast?

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” vs. “Get behind me, Satan!”

Things of God Come from revelation Require a step of faith

Things of Men May come from human compassion or reasoning Ignore the power and love of God

God’s way Wait for revelation – step out in obedience and faith – give

God the glory Otherwise: do nothing

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Homework

Read Mark’s Gospel (preferably at one sitting) What do you think of it as a peace of writing? How would you describe the nature of Jesus? Are we really following Jesus in the way:

lived his life? exercised his ministry? related to other people?

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Rhema Week 2.4 – Luke’s Two-Part Story

The Evangelist’s Gospel (euaggelion)

• Summaries of Luke and Acts

•Exercise: Evangelistic summaries of the gospel

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“The most beautiful book ever written”*

*Ernest Renan on Luke’s Gospel

Author: Luke the doctor, a companion of Paul (Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24, 2 Timothy 4:11) – see the ‘we’ passages in Acts

The anti-Marcionite Prologue to the Third Gospel (between A.D. 160 and 180):

" Luke was an Antiochian of Syria, a physician by profession. He was a disciple of the apostles and later accompanied Paul until the latter's martyrdom. He served the Lord without distraction having neither wife nor children, and at the age of eighty-four he fell asleep in Boeotia, full of the Holy Spirit. While there were already Gospels previously in existence-that according to Matthew written in Judaea and that according to Mark in Italy-Luke, moved by the Holy Spirit, composed the whole of this Gospel in the parts about Achaia. In his prologue he makes this very point clear, that other Gospels had been written before his, and that it was necessary to expound to the Gentile believers the accurate account of the [divine] dispensation, so that they should not be perverted by Jewish fables, nor be deceived by heretical and vain imaginations and thus err from the truth.”

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Summary of Luke’s Gospel 1:1-4 > Introduction 1:5-2:52 > Birth and infancy of Jesus 3:1-4:13 > John the Baptist, baptism, genealogy,

temptation 4:14-9:62 > Jesus’ Galilean ministry (Nazareth, calling

of disciples, healing, teaching, parables, Transfiguration)

10:1-24 > Sending out the 72 10:25-19:27 > Jesus moves towards Jerusalem

(teaching, parables, healings, etc.) 19:28-21:38 > Jerusalem ministry from Palm Sunday 22:1-23:56a > Passion (betrayal, arrest, trial,

crucifixion) 23:56b-24:53 > Resurrection (empty tomb, walk to

Emmaus, in Jerusalem, commissioning of disciples, Ascension)

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Unique points in Luke Birth narrative from Mary’s perspective Emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit, examples:

Luke 1:35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God…”

Luke 2:25-27 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,

Luke 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert,…

Luke 10:21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children…”

Luke 11:13 “…If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Luke 12:12 “…for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Famous Parables: The Good Samaritan and The Two Sons The Walk to Emmaus The Ascension (also in Acts)

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1:1-26 > Ascension and waiting 2:1-47 > The Day of Pentecost 3:1-5:42 > The Jerusalem Church 6:1-8:1a > Growth and persecution (deacons appointed,

Stephen’s martyrdom) 8:1b-9:43 > Into Samaria and beyond, Paul’s conversion 10:1-11:18 > The ‘Gentile Pentecost’ 11:19-30 > Antioch 12:1-25 > Herod’s attack 13:1-15:35 > Paul’s 1st Journey (including the Council in

Jerusalem) 15:36-18:23a > Paul’s 2nd Journey

(including entry into Europe) 18:23b-21:16 > Paul’s 3rd Journey (in Asia) 21:17-28:31 > Paul’s arrest and

journey to Rome

Summary of ActsFocus on Peter

Focus on Paul

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Highlights in Acts

Acts 1 – The Ascension Acts 2 – The Day of Pentecost: the Baptism in the Holy

Spirit and the birth of the church Acts 3 – First healing by Apostles Acts 7 – Martyrdom of Stephen Acts 9 – Conversion of Saul/Paul Acts 10 – The ‘Gentile Pentecost’ Acts 15 – The Council in Jerusalem Acts 21 – Paul arrested in Jerusalem Acts 27 – Paul shipwrecked on Malta Acts 28 – Paul under house arrest in Rome

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Paul’s 1st Journey (Acts 13:1-15:35)

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Paul’s 2nd Journey (Acts 15:36-18:23a)

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Paul’s 3rd Journey (Acts 18:23b-21:16)

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Paul’s Journey to Rome (Acts 21:17-28:31)

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Evangelistic Speeches

1. Luke 24:19-272. Acts 2:22-393. Acts 3:11-264. Acts 4:8-125. Acts 10:34-466. Acts 13:26-417. Acts 17:22-318. Acts 23:3-219. Acts 26:2-23Read these passages and write down a ‘necessary and

sufficient’ evangelistic statement of the gospel.

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Rhema Week 2.5 – John

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Who? Q: Who wrote John’s Gospel?John 21:20…25 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom

Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?")… This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

A: The ‘Beloved Disciple’ A: the most likely candidate is the Apostle John, son of Zebedee,

brother of James He is never mentioned by name in John’s Gospel John the Baptist is referred to as ‘John’ The author knew Palestine well and seems to have been an eyewitness

to the events Early Christian writers agreed: Theophilus (c180AD), Irenaus quoting

Polycarp (who knew John), Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian

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When? What? Q: When did he write the Gospel?John 21:20-23 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus

loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.“ Because of this, the rumour spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"

A: Towards the end of his life Q: What was John’s major problem in writing the Gospel?John 21:25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of

them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

A: Choosing what to include from his memories of Jesus life and words.

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Why? Who?

Q: Why did he write the Gospel? What criteria did he use to chose his material?

John 20:30-31 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

A: That the reader may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, God Incarnate, and through faith in him have life (more on this later)

Q: Who is he writing for? A: Not the people who saw Jesus’ miracles, but those

who came later, including us

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John wrote his Gospel1. To introduce us to Jesus and to give us the

details of his life, death and resurrection

2. To help us to put our faith in him and to receive his life

He chose his material mainly for point 2

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John’s Gospel: StructurePrologue:

Revelation of the Word (Logos) (1:1-18)

Part I: The Book of Signs: •The Public Ministry of the Word (1:19-12:50)

The witness of John the Baptist (1:19-34)Controversy & conflict

Part II: The Book of Glory: The Private Ministry of the Word (13:1-17:26)

The Last Supper (13:1-30)Jesus prayer for his disciples (17:1-26)

The Passion of the Word (18:1-20:31)

Epilogue (21:1-25)The Appearance at the Sea (21:1-14)The Reinstatement of Peter (21:15-23)

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John’s Gospel – Narrative1 - Calling of the Disciples +

Water into wine

2 - Jesus clears the Temple

4 - The Samaritan woman at the well + healing of official’s son

5 - Healing at the pool

6 - Feeding 5,000

7 - At the Feast of Tabernacles

8 - Woman caught in adultery

9 - Healing of man born blind

11 - The raising of Lazarus

12 - Jesus anointed + Palm Sunday

13 - Jesus washes the disciples’ feet

18 - Jesus betrayed, arrested and tried (Peter’s denials)

19 - Jesus sentenced, crucified and buried

20 - The Resurrection appearances to Mary Magdalene, Thomas, etc.

21 - The appearance by the lake

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John’s Gospel – Teaching and Commentary

1 - Prologue + John the Baptist speaks about Jesus

3 - Jesus and Nicodemus + John the Baptist testifies about Jesus

5 - Life through the Son

6 - Jesus the bread of life

8 - Debates with the Jews

10 - The good shepherd

12 - Jesus predicts his death

14 - Jesus the Way + the Paraclete (the Holy Spirit)

15 - The Vine and the Branches

16 - The work of the Spirit + the joy to come

17 - The ‘High Priestly’ Prayer

21 - Jesus commissions Peter

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Life: psuche and zoe

John 20:31 …by believing you may have life in his name.

In New Testament Greek there are three words translated ‘life’ bios: duration, manner or means of life psuche: soul, natural life zoe: the life of God

John uses zoe and psuche consistently The gift of zoe is a major theme of John’s

Gospel

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Sons of GodWe are not begotten by God, we are only made by Him: in

our natural state we are not sons of God, only (so to speak) statues. We have not got Zoe or spiritual life: only Bios or biological life which is presently going to run down and die. Now the whole offer which Christianity makes is this: that we can, if we let God have His way, come to share in the life of Christ. If we do, we shall then be sharing a life which was begotten, not made, which always has existed and always will exist. Christ is the Son of God. If we share in this kind of life we also shall be sons of God. We shall love the Father as He does and the Holy Ghost will arise in us. He came to this world and became a man in order to spread to other men the kind of life He has—by what I call “good infection”. Every Christian is to become a little Christ. The whole purpose of becoming a Christian is simply nothing else.*

* C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Book IV, Chapter 4

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Little Christs

It is not a question of a good man who died two thousand years ago. It is a living Man, still as much a man as you, and still as much God as he was when He created the world, really coming and interfering with your very self; killing the old natural self in you and replacing it with the kind of self He has. At first, only for moments. Then for longer periods. Finally, if all goes well, turning you permanently into a different sort of thing; into a new little Christ, a being which, in its own small way, has the same kind of life as God; which shares in His power, joy, knowledge and eternity.** C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Book IV, Chapter 7

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Zoe and Psuche in John John 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and

only Son, {Or his only begotten Son} that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 4:14 “…but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

John 5:21 “For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life “to whom he is pleased to give it.”

John 5:24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.”

John 5:26 “For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself.”

John 5:39-40 “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”

John 6:27 “ Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

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Zoe and Psuche in John John 6:40 “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to

the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 6:51 ”I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live for ever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

John 6:53-54 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 6:68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

John 10:28 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no-one can snatch them out of my hand.”

John 12:25 “The man who loves his life (psuche) will lose it, while the man who hates his life (psuche) in this world will keep it for eternal life”.

John 15:13 Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life (psuche) for his friends.

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Jesus’ Life

Jesus said:John 14:18-20 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will

come to you. Before long, the world will not see* me any more, but you will see* me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realise* that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”

*The word translated ‘see’ means ‘perceive’, e.g. John 4:19

*The word translated ‘realise’ means ‘know’

We have the potential to live as Jesus did, with his life in us

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“I am” Statements

I am the bread of life (6:35) I am the light of the world (8.12) I am the gate (10:9) I am the good shepherd (10:11) I am the resurrection and the life (11:25) I am the way, the truth and the life (14:6) I am the true vine (15:1)

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I am life (zoe)!

John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 10:9 “…I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life (psuche) for the sheep…”

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;…”

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener….”

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John 6:53-58 53 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,

you have no life in you. Jesus is speaking here of his life, the abundant life, the new life, the eternal life, which we can have by allowing him in.

54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. We need to go on receiving more of Jesus throughout our lives to have an assurance of eternal life.

55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Food sustains us and becomes us, gives us life, energy and substance.

56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. If we are willing to feed on him, we can carry him with us wherever we go.

57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. If we actively go on receiving Jesus into ourselves we can live in the same way that Jesus did.

58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live for ever.” The physical bread of communion is nothing more than just that; but when we receive it with faith and understanding – as an acted-out prayer – then we have the assurance that the life of Jesus will sustain us for ever.

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Jesus’ relationship with the Father

John 5:19 Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does…”

John 6:40 “…For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 10:30 “…I and the Father are one.” John 14:11 “…Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and

the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves…”

John 17:1 After Jesus said this, he looked towards heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent…”

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The Children of God

John 1:10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among [in] us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Can only those who ‘received’ Jesus while he was on earth become children of God?

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Increasing Intimacy with God Master – servantJohn 12:26 “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my

servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me…” Friend – friendJohn 15:15 “… I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from

my Father I have made known to you.” Parent – childJohn 20:17 “I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and

your God.” Bridegroom – brideJohn 3:29 John the Baptist said, “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend

who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.”

You in ChristJohn 14:18-20 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before

long, the world will not see me any more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realise that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”

Christ in youJohn 17:26 “…I have made you known to them, and will continue to make

you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

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Homework

Read: Letter to Galatians

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Rhema Week 2.6Paul’s letters

& Galatians in particular

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825906-02

FFM+ Awayday – 5th March 2011

This will take place at The United Reformed Church, Church Stretton. Tea and coffee will be available during the day.  

The car park at the United Reformed Church has has about 12 spaces.

Us in Christ and Christ in Us

Preliminary Itinerary • 10:00 Introduction and

worship• 10:15 Teaching (1)• 11:00 Coffee • 11:15 Quiet Time• 12:30 Lunch • 2:00 Teaching (2)• 2:30 Quiet Time• 3.15 Eucharist

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835906-02

Church Stretton

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Who was Paul? Hellenistic upbringing Roman citizen by birth Jewish legal training Pharisee Earned his own living, a tent-maker See him first in Acts 7.58 & 8.1

against the Christians, followers of the Way

Conversion on the road to Damascus Acts 9

Wrote Romans – Philemon (some dispute about 1&2 Timothy, Titus)

Did not write Hebrews

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Letters - Structure

Followed the letter writing style of his dayRhetoric was an important subject in its own right

Salutationletter writer’s name and recipientgreeting

ThanksgivingMain body of letter

doctrinalethicalpractical

Closingpersonal news or greetingexhortation or blessingfarewell

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Summary of Galatians

A. No Other Gospel (1:1-12)

B. Paul Called by God (1:13-2:10)

C. Justification by Faith (2:11-3:5)

D. The Law and the Promise (3:6-3:25)

E. Freedom in Christ (4:21-5:6)

F. Life in the Spirit (5:7-26)

G. Boasting in the Cross (6:11-18)

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A. No Other Gospel (1:1-12) Key verse 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the

grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- 7 which is really no gospel at all.

Are there many gospels? Can we make up our own? Is Paul’s gospel different from Jesus’?

Compare1:3 …the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the

present evil age… withMark 10:45 “…For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to

give his life as a ransom for many." Compare2:15 "We... 16 know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in

Jesus Christ. withJohn 6:29 Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." Compare5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let

yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. withJohn 8:35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it for

ever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

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B. Paul Called by God (1:13-2:10)

Paul’s Testimony Key verse:1:15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called

me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles,…

All true Christian ministry reveals Christ working through us Key verse:2:77 …they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of

preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews. 8 For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles.

God calls each one of us to specific ministries

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C. Justification by Faith (2:11-3:5) Key verses:2:15 We who are Jews by birth and not `Gentile

sinners' 16 know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.

3:2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?

Paul gets very hot under the collar at the thought that the Judaizers want to add something to the gospel: Jesus + law = nothing Jesus + church = nothing Jesus + good works = nothing Jesus + anything = nothing Jesus = everything

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D. The Law and the Promise (3:6-3:25)The relationship between law and grace, between the Old and New Covenants, is one of the great themes of the New TestamentThe Book of Galatians see this as God’s necessary progressive revelation to humankind:

23 Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

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E. Freedom in Christ (4:21-5:6)Five kinds of Slavery

Slavery to another person, open and concealed (e.g. Hagar)Self-imposed slavery to a principle, cause, religion, etc. (e.g. legalism)Slavery of children (for their own protection)Slavery to illness and disabilitySlavery to sin (see John 8:33)

Jesus sets us free from all kinds of slavery5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. From the Book of Common Prayer:‘O God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble servants…’

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F. Life in the Spirit (5:7-26)Key verses:

13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature…

16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.Or in the Authorised Version

16 This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.If our daily life is in communion with the Holy Spirit then we become fruitful and transformed to be like Jesus:

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against {or according to} such things there is no law.

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G. Boasting in the Cross (6:11-18)

Key verse:

14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Pride is a sin, except our pride in Jesus

Jeremiah 29:23 This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.

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Extraordinary Verses in GalatiansEphesians 1:22 And God placed all things under his

feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him who fills everything in every way.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 4:19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,..

Remember what Jesus said:Matthew 28:20b “...And surely I am with you always,

to the very end of the age.”

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Sermon Planning Exercise Imagine we are doing a sermon series on

Galatians Each pair select a passage After studying the passage, ask yourself

these questions:1. What is the main ‘argument’?

2. Which are the key verses?

3. What would we like our hearers to go away understanding?

4. What response would we like them to make?

5. What other Bible passage(s) or quotations could we use?

6. Do we have any personal illustrations, things in the news, etc. that would help our hearers?

Be prepared to share your answers

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For next week

Read in preparation for the Session1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14

2 Corinthians 2:12 – 4:12

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Rhema Week 2.7 Paul’s letters, Part II

• Signs of a Spirit-filled church – Lessons from 1 Corinthians • 1 Corinthians 12-14• Spiritual Gifts• Modified Houts Questionnaire•2 Corinthians 3 & 4

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Structure of 1 Corinthians 12-14A. 12:1-6: The Trinity manifested through the church

B. 12:7-11: Varieties of spiritual gifts

C. 12:12-27: The church as the body of Christ

D. 12:28-31a: Distribution of gifts and ministries in the church

E. 12:31b-13:3: Gifts without love

F. 13:4-8a: The nature of love

G. 13:8b-13: The eternal nature of love

H. 14:1-22: Prophecy and tongues compared

I. 14:23-40: Gifts and order in the church

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Key verse1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.This could be translated as ‘Now to everyone a manifestation of the Spirit is being given, for the common good’.In ministry, to be effective for God, we must use the gifts he has given usThis means that we need to:

Discover our giftingGrow in confidence and abilityExercise our gifts in the church and the world

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Use of Spiritual gifts

Jesus exercised the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)

message of wisdom (e.g. Matthew 7:28)message of knowledge (e.g. John 4:18)faith (e.g. John 14:12)gifts of healing (e.g. Matthew 4:23)miraculous powers (e.g. Luke 8:24)prophecy (e.g. John 12:50)distinguishing between spirits (e.g. Mark 5:8)

1 John 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.See also Romans 12:4-8, Ephesians 4:11, Hebrews 2:4

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Use of Spiritual gifts

In the Book of Actsmessage of wisdom (e.g. Acts 6:9-10)message of knowledge (e.g. Acts 5:3)faith (e.g. Acts 3:16)gifts of healing (e.g. Acts 28:8)miraculous powers (e.g. Acts 20:9-10)prophecy (e.g. Acts 21:10-12)distinguishing between spirits (e.g. Acts 16:18)

Discovering your gifts – the Modified Houts Questionnaire

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1 Cor 12 : 4 -14

Word of Wisdom

Word of Knowledge

Faith

Healings

Working of miracles

Prophecy

Discernment of spirits

Speaking in tongues

Interpreting tongues

1 Cor 12 : 27 – 30

Apostles

Prophets

Teachers

Miracles

Healings

Helps

Administration

Tongues

Rom 12: 6-8

Prophecy

Ministry

Teaching

Exhortation

Giving

Leading

Showing mercy

Eph 4 : 11

Apostles

Prophets

Evangelists

Pastor/teachers

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2 Corinthians 3

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

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2 Corinthians 4

1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

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2 Corinthians 4

5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

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2 Corinthians 4

8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

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Preparation for next week

Read Revelation 1-5Read Revelation 21-22

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Rhema Week 2.8 – Revelation

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Structure of Revelation

Introduction, 1Letters to the Seven Churches, 2-3Vision of the Heavenly Throne Room, 4-5Seals, trumpets and bowls, 6-16Interludes, Glimpses of the Church and Its Conflicts, 7; 10.1-11.13; 12-14The City of the Antichrist and the City of God, 17.1-22.5Epilogue, 22.6-21

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Letters to Seven ChurchesEphesus, 2.1-7

You have abandoned the love you had at first, v.5

Smyrna, 2.8-11Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life, v.10

Pergamum, 2.12-17Tolerating wrong teaching, Balaam and Nicolaitans, v.14-5

Thyatira, 2.18-28Tolerating wrong behaviour, Jezebel, v.20

Sardis, 3.1-6Spiritually dead, v.1

Philadelphia, 3.7-11Just encouragement

Laodicea, 3.14-22So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth, v.16

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The Songs of the Book of Revelation

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John’s Song Revelation 1:5-7

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn

because of him. So shall it be! Amen.

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The Promises of Jesus (1)Revelation 2:7

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Revelation 2:11

He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.

Revelation 2:17

To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

Revelation 2:26-28

To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— ‘He will rule them with an iron sceptre; he will dash them to pieces like pottery’— just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star.

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The Promises of Jesus (2) Revelation 3:5

He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.

Revelation 3:11-12

Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.

Revelation 3:21

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

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Song of the Four Living CreaturesRevelation 4:8

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.

Song of the Twenty-Four EldersRevelation 4:11

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.

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The New Song of the Twenty-Four EldersRevelation 5:9-10

You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.

The Song of Countless AngelsRevelation 5:12

Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!

The Song of All CreaturesRevelation 5:13

To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power,for ever and ever!

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The Cry of those Slain for ChristRevelation 6:10

How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?

Song of the RedeemedRevelation 7:10

Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.

The Angels’ Song (2)Revelation 7:12

Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honour and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!

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Loud Voices in HeavenRevelation 11:15

The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.

Song of the Twenty-Four EldersRevelation 11:17-18

We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great—and for destroying those who destroy the earth.

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The Loud Voice in HeavenRevelation 12:10-12

Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.

The New Song of the RedeemedRevelation 14:3

No-one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

The Angel of the Eternal GospelRevelation 14:7

Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.

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The Song of Those Victorious over the BeastRevelation 15:3-4

Great and marvellous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages.Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.

The Song of the Angel of the WatersRevelation 16:5-6

You are just in these judgments, you who are and who were, the Holy One, because you have so judged;for they have shed the blood of your saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.

Song of the AltarRevelation 16:7

Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments."

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Song of the MultitudeRevelation 19:3

Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.

A Voice from the ThroneRevelation 19:5

Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!

Multitude Like the Rushing Waters and Peals of ThunderRevelation 19:6-8

Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself

ready.Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the

righteous acts of the saints.)

Voice of an AngelRevelation 19:9

Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!

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Loud Voice from the ThroneRevelation 21:3-4

Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Invitation of the Spirit and the BrideRevelation 22:17

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

Closing Invitation of JohnRevelation 22:20

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.