Sojourning Under the Sun: Israel (Genesis 32:22-32)

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We conclude our series regarding our Christian sojourn or as have titled it, “Sojourning Under the Sun.”  As we summarize and conclude this series an important question is: what is Israel?  Is Israel someone who lived in history, a nation, a people in a land, or a people that have ceased to exist with the coming of Christ?  These are important questions to define Israel.  So, what do we do with the nation of Israel?

The Christian Household (Colossians 3:18-4:1)

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The Apostle Paul exhorts children to obey their parents for this is pleasing to the Lord.  It is not a surprise to us that Paul would exhort children to obey their parents, but what does this imply about their status in the church?  Why is the context of their exhortation so significant? Why is it important that this exhortation seems to echo the Old Testament?  What could this imply about children being in covenant with the Lord?

Sojourning Under the Sun: Sabbath Benediction (Revelation 22:17-21)

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The book of Revelation concludes with a blessing, but there is a warning in the midst of the benediction.  Why would John give us a warning in the midst of the blessing?  Does this imply that we cannot freely draw near to the Lord?

God’s Goodness (Job 42:10-17)

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This is the conclusion to the story of Job.  This is a book that has a lot of twists and turns, and we are left in the story a bit curious about the Lord’s plan for this man.  Is this man just going to suffer?  Is this man going to be made whole?  What can such suffering teach us about the Gospel?

Sojourning Under the Sun: Sabbath Sighting (1 Corinthians 15:50-58)

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The goal of the Christian life is to make it to the end of the age without turning from the Lord.  How can we do this, and what assurance do we have that our Sabbath rest is worthwhile?

Sojourning Under the Sun: Sabbath Silence (1 Thessalonians 4:11)

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The Apostle Paul exhorts us to live a life to the Lord without stirring up controversy.  Why would Paul say such things and what does Paul by living a peaceful and quiet life?

Job’s Wish Granted (2) (Job 40:6-42:6)

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Job has not repented in a true Godly sorrow, but instead continues to hold to his innocence.  So, now the Lord is the one who continues with his speech to Job.  Job is invited to hear that the Lord is good, gracious, merciful, and the Lord is perfectly just.  We are invited to witness this speech, Job is invited to hear this speech, but will Job finally listen and concede the righteousness of the Lord?

Sojourning Under the Sun: Sabbath Pilgrim (1 Peter 1:1,2)

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Peter and James greet the church in the dispersion.  What is the dispersion?  Why would they greet the church with such strange language?  What can such language communicate about our Christian Sojourn?

Job’s Wish Granted (Job 38-40:5)

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Job clings and defends his innocence.  He is a man who has not done anything to receive the punishment, the suffering, and the pain he has experienced.  This is all out of line and how can the Lord do such a horrible thing to such a righteous man?  Job fights for his day in court and now Job has his day to defend himself before the Lord.  Will Job give an adequate defense?  Will God concede that something has gone wrong?

Sojourning Under the Sun: Sabbath Union (Ephesians 2:1-10)

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We are getting towards the end of our series of Sojourning Under the Sun.  The intention of this series is for us to consider our placement in the Lord.  A very significant passage that covers our placement in the Lord is Ephesians 2 where the Apostle Paul makes clear that we have undergone a significant transformation in Christ.