Apr 12
30

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #24

Doctrinal Standard #24

Q. How is Christ a prophet?
A. As a prophet, Christ reveals the will of God to us for our salvation by His word and Spirit.

Memory Verses

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world” (Hebrews 1:1–2, ESV).

Scripture

Study Passage: John 1:1-5, 9-18
Support Passages: Deuteronomy 18:18-19; Daniel 9:24; John 14:18-24; Acts 3:11-26
Bible Story: Luke 24:13-35

Thoughts

The statement that Christ is a prophet has the potential of being easily misunderstood. Wayne Grudem in chapter 29 of his Systematic Theology book provides a great explanation on what it does and does not mean.
“Why did the New Testament epistles avoid calling Jesus a prophet? Apparently because, although Jesus is the prophet whom Moses predicted (Deuteronomy 18:18-19), yet he is also far greater than any of the Old Testament prophets, in two ways:”

“He is the one about whom the prophesies in the Old Testament were made. When Jesus spoke with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, he took them through the entire Old Testament, showing how the prophecies pointed to him: ‘And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27)… The Old Testament prophets looked forward to Christ in what they wrote, and the New Testament apostles looked back to Christ and interpreted his life for the benefit of the church.”
“Jesus was not merely a messenger of revelation from God (like all the other prophets), but was himself the source of revelation from God. Rather than saying as all the Old Testament prophets did, ‘Thus says the Lord,’ Jesus could begin divinely authoritative teaching with the amazing statement, ‘But I say unto you’ (Matt 5:22). The word of the Lord cam to the Old Testament prophets, but Jesus spoke on his own authority as the eternal Word of God (John 1:1) who perfectly revealed the Father to us (John 14:9; Heb 1:1-2).”
“In the broader sense of prophet, simply meaning one who reveals God to us and speaks to us the words of God, Christ is of course truly and fully a prophet. In fact, he is the one whom all the Old Testaments prophets prefigured in their speech and in their actions” [1]

Discussion Questions

What is a prophet?
What did prophets do in the Old Testament?
How is Jesus Christ a prophet like the prophets in the Old Testament?
How is Jesus not like the prophets of the Old Testament?
Explain how the Road to Emmaus account (Luke 24 does:13-35) teach us that Jesus is much more than a prophet?
What word does John 1:1-5, 9-18 use to refer to Jesus? Why?

[1] Grudem, Wayne (1994). Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Zondervan Publishing House.

Apr 12
30

OIA for sermon on 04/29

This week Joe went into further detail on the topic of Covenant Theology. Continue in your discussions from last week to gain further insight into this topic. It is extremely important that we all have a good understanding of this, as it is the basis for understanding the scriptures appropriately.

Observation
1. Are there any cultural or background issues that are important in understanding the listed passages?
2. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in these passages of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
3. Which scripture passage did you find most intriguing or interesting? Why?
4. If you had to sum up this large portion of scripture in a few sentences, what would they be?

Interpretation
1. Compare at least 3 of the used passages with at least 3 other Bible versions (NIV, ESV, NASB, NKJV, Ect.) What similarities/differences do you observe? Share with your group.
2. Are there any verbs, commands, prepositions, or conjunctions, that seemed to stand out (if any)? What? Why? Share.
3. Read through at least 2-3 commentaries on the listed passage and share what your learned with your group. Here are some free online resources. (http://net.bible.org) (http://www.blueletterbible.org/) (http://biblia.com)

Application
1. Research and discuss “Covenant Theology” with your group.
2. Share and discuss the 5 main “Epics” that were given in the sermon pertaining to scripture. What are the main themes of each epic, and how does each epic support the next?
3. Why is it important to see the Bible as being broken up into specific “Epics”? Share.
4. What has been the most prominent thing that you have learned through the lecture series so far? Share.
5. Why is it so crucial that one have a proper theology of God and the Bible. (I know this is a no-brainer, but I want you to really think about this.) What are the repercussions of poor theology? Discuss.
6. How is your understanding of Covenant Theology changing the way you view Scripture? God? The Church? Share.

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Russell Schmidt, Posted by Russell. No Comments

Apr 12
23

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #23

Doctrinal Standard #23

Q. How is Christ our redeemer?
A. As our redeemer, Christ is a prophet, priest, and king in both His humiliation and His exaltation.

Memory Verses

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you” (Acts 3:19–20, ESV).

Scripture

Study Passage: Psalm 110
Support Passages: Acts 3:11-26 – Christ the Prophet; Hebrews 5:1-10 – Christ the Priest; Isaiah 9:6-7 – Christ the King; Psalm 2, 45:1-9; Luke 4:18-19; Acts 2:29-36
Bible Story: Genesis 14

Thoughts

“Redemption means deliverance from some evil by payment of a price. It is more than simple deliverance. Thus prisoners of war might be released on payment of a price which was called a ‘ransom’ (Gk. lytron). The word-group based on lytron was formed specifically to convey this idea of release on payment of ransom. In this circle of ideas Christ’s death may be regarded as ‘a ransom for many’ (Mk. 10:45).^{^[1]}
As both Psalm 110 and Genesis 14 explains redemption requires action from the redeemer. The action that was required of Jesus Christ was to live a perfect life and suffer a painful and shameful death on the cross as a ransom for all those who have and will believe in Him.
The love of God is magnified in the fact that Christ is our redeemer. The love of God is shown in that Christ would humble himself by becoming a man and take upon the sin of His followers when He himself had never known sin.

Discussion Questions

What does it mean to redeem something?
What is required in redeeming something?
How has Christ redeemed people from sin?
What does this teach us about God?

^{^[1]} Wood, D. R. W., & Marshall, I. H. (1996). New Bible dictionary (3rd ed.) (1003). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.

Tags: New Bible Dictionary, Redeemer, Westminster Shorter Catechism
Posted in Study Guides, New Bible Dictionary, Redeemer, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Genesis 14, Psalm 110, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Apr 12
23

OIA Sermon 04/22/12

This week the sermon was mainly a recap of the sermon series up to this point. No scripture passage served as the main text, therefore the application questions will serve as the primary questions for this week. However, use the OI questions as needed.

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Russell Schmidt, Posted by Russell. No Comments

Apr 12
17

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #22

Doctrinal Standard #22 (2 of 2 weeks)

Q. How did Christ, the Son of God, become man?
A. Christ, the Son of God, became man by assuming a real body and a reasoning soul. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, who gave birth to Him; yet He was sinless.

Memory Verses

“For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens” (Hebrews 7:26, ESV).

Scripture

Study Passage: 1 Peter 2:11-25
- Support Passages: Isaiah 53:9-12; Matthew 26:59-68; John 18:33-40; Romans 8:3; II Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 4:4-5; Hebrews 7:26-28; I John 3:5
- Bible Story: John 5:1-18

Thoughts

It is difficult to fathom living a whole life without sin let alone a day, hour, or minute! But our Lord Jesus lived a sinless life and it was for our benefit.
Wayne Grudem explains this truth rather well in his chapter on the Atonement. “If Christ had only earned forgiveness of sins for us, then we would not merit heaven. Our guilt would have been removed, but we would simply be in the position of Adam and Eve before they had done anything good or bad and before they had passed a time of probation successfully. To be established in righteousness forever and to have their fellowship with God made sure forever, Adam and Eve had to obey God perfectly over a period of time. Then God would have looked on their faithful obedience with pleasure and delight, and they would have lived with him in fellowship forever.”
“For this reason, Christ had to live a life of perfect obedience to God in order to earn righteousness for us. He had to obey the law for his whole life on our behalf so that the positive merits of his perfect obedience would be counted for us.” Martin Luther refers to this as the “Great Exchange.” [1] Christ’s righteousness is placed upon the believer as the believers sins are placed upon Christ on the cross. Praise God for the perfect life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ!

Discussion Questions

Did Jesus every sin? Explain the various struggles and temptations He must have faced.
What is the significance or importance’s of Jesus living a sinless life?
What did Jesus’ sinless life do for those who believe in Him?
What did Martin Luther mean when he said Jesus’ life and death is the “Great Exchange?”

[1] Grudem, Wayne (1994). Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Zondervan Publishing House.

Tags: Wayne Grudem, Westminster Shorter Catechism
Posted in Study Guides, Wayne Grudem, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, 1 Peter 2, John 5, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Apr 12
16

OIA for sermon on 04/15

This week Joe shared the story of Joseph. Genesis 37-50 will serve as the primary scripture text. The following is a list of OIA questions based on this message.
(See sermon page emmauscf.org/sermons/ for a complete list of scriptures used)

Observation
1. Are there any cultural or background issues that are important in understanding the listed passages?
2. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in these passages of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
3. Which scripture passage did you find most intriguing or interesting? Why?
4. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in this passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
5. If you had to sum up this large portion of scripture in a few sentences, what would they be?

Application
1.How does looking at the full story of Joseph (12 chapters) in one sermon give a different perspective and understanding than just looking at small portions of the story?
2.What specific portion of the story of Joseph was most power to you? Why? Share.
3.How does this story help one in fully understanding the sovereignty of God? How could this portion of scripture be useful in ministering to a “hurting” brother or sister?
4.Where are you at personally with your acceptance of God’s sovereignty? Do you still struggle with it? Why? Share AND encourage.

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Russell Schmidt, Posted by Russell. No Comments

Apr 12
10

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standards WSC #22

Doctrinal Standards WSC #22 (1 of 2 weeks)

Q. How did Christ, the Son of God, become man?
A. Christ, the Son of God, became man by assuming a real body and a reasoning soul. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, who gave birth to Him; yet He was sinless.

Memory Verses

^“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, ESV).

Scripture

Study Passage: Luke 1:26-38
Support Passages: John 1:1-18; Philippians 2:5-11; I Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:15; I John 1:1-4, 4:1-3
Bible Story: Luke 2:1-20

Thoughts

We can learn much about God’s love, grace and mercy when we understand what it meant for Jesus Christ to come to us in the form of a man. Philippians 2:4–8 provides us with a glimpse into the humility, sacrifice, and love of our God, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
“When the Catechism speaks of a ‘true body,’ it means that Jesus took unto himself the same kind of body that we ourselves possess (expect for sin). This point is stressed because of a heresy known as ‘Docestim.’ In early Christian history there were some who held that Christ only seemed (or appeared) to have a physical body. They said that God could not really have a human body, that He could not really suffer and die.”^{^[1]}
“When the Catechism says that Jesus had a ‘reasonable soul,’ it means that just as we have a body and a soul, so Christ also had a human soul as well as a human body. In the early history of the Church there were those who admitted that Jesus had a ‘true body,’ but did not admit that He also had a ‘reasonable soul.’ They thought that the divine nature (Christ as God) took the place of a soul within His body. But this too is a denial of that which Scripture clearly teaches, and of that which is necessary to our salvation. Just as the Bible speaks of Christ’s hunger, thirst, pain, etc. (which prove that he had a human body), so it also speaks of his feeling sorrow, and grief, and of his increasing in wisdom etc. (which prove that He also had a reasonable soul). As the Bible says, ‘Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted (Hebrews 2:17–18, ESV).”^{^[2]}

Discussion Questions

What kind of suffering did Christ subject himself to by becoming a man?
What kind of temptations do you think Jesus experienced?
What do you think it was like to be a part of Jesus physical family?
Can Jesus sympathize or understand the temptations and hard times we face? Explain.
How is the love of God revealed by the fact that Jesus the Son of God came to this earth as a man?

^{^[1]} Williams, G.I (2003). The Westminster Shorter Catechism (2nd ed.). Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing Company

Tags: Westminster Shorter Catechism
Posted in Study Guides, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, John 1, Luke 1, Luke 2, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Apr 12
9

OIA for sermon on Easter 2012

This week Joe gave the Easter Sunday message. There was not a primary text used, so Luke 24 will serve as the primary text for this weeks questions. (Note: Luke 24 is also the chapter that disscusses the Road to Emmaus story, which our church is named after.) The following is a list of OIA questions based on this message.

(See sermon page emmauscf.org/sermons/ for a complete list of scriptures used)

Observation

1. Are there any cultural or background issues that are important in understanding the listed passages?
2. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in these passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
3. Which scripture passage did you find most intriguing or interesting? Why?
4. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in this passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
5. If you had to sum up all five of theses passages of scripture in one sentence, what would it be?

Interpretation

1. Compare at least 3 of the used passages with at least 3 other Bible versions (NIV, ESV, NASB, NKJV, Ect.) What similarities/differences do you observe? Share with your group.
2. Are there any verbs, commands, prepositions, or conjunctions, that seemed to stand out? What? Why? Share.
3. Read through at least 2-3 commentaries on the listed passage and share what your learned with your group. Here are some free online resources. (http://net.bible.org) (http://www.blueletterbible.org/) (http://biblia.com)

Application

1. What is the background and origin of Easter? Where did it come from and why do we call it Easter? Do some research.
2. Discuss the background and importance of the Road to Emmaus passage. How does this story impact/encourage/challenge you? Share with your group?
3. How can Luke 24 help in an evangelism setting? And what are some of the physical, tangible, and scientific evidences for the ressurection? (Biola has done some extensive work in this area.)

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Russell Schmidt, Posted by Russell. No Comments

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Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #24

OIA for sermon on 04/29

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #23

OIA Sermon 04/22/12

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard WSC #22

OIA for sermon on 04/15

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standards WSC #22

OIA for sermon on Easter 2012