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In the Beginning - God's Covenant with all Creation - Genesis 9:1-17

In the Beginning

God's Covenant with all Creation

Genesis 9:1-17

[Intro:]

Last time we studied how God caused the rain and springs to cease from pouring forth water to flood the earth. God protected all life within the ark during the year and ten days they were on the ark. As soon as Noah exited the ark he built an altar and worshiped the Lord through sacrifice. This is evidence of the righteousness of Noah. He desired to exalt God for His divine protection and provision.

This time we are going to learn some very important details that God communicated after the flood. The things that God said attack the foundations of the following views and practices:

• evolution – abortion, euthanasia, racism, slavery, ethnic cleansing

• premeditated murder

• feminism

• male chauvinism

• modern interpretations of history

Moses writes to describe for the nation of Israel what God promised and instructed after the flood-judgment. This gives necessary instruction for how man is to live after the flood.

[Message:]

#1 – Man's authority, food, and precious nature (1-7)

God instructs Noah and his sons to repopulate the earth (1). This command is described as a blessing from God. Man is instructed to fill the earth. Man is informed that animal life will be under his authority. In this instance God says that animal life will fear man (2). In God's earlier description of the created order there was no mention of fear, only of man's authority (cf. 1:26-28). Sin has made things different. This includes what man and animal life will eat (3). Before sin entered the human race, man and animals did not eat meat (cf. 1:29-30).

Man is instructed not to eat meat while its blood is still in it (4). Scripture describes blood synonymously with life (Lev. 17:10-14). This informs us of the significance of Scripture discussing Christ's blood so often. It refers to His life being given in death for sin. Pagans would drink/eat blood with the hopes that they would gain strength and life from it. This is untrue and satanic in origin.

God introduces the precious nature of man's life in the following verses (5-7). God declares that every animal which kills a human must die (5a). The principle is reiterated under the Mosaic Law (cf. Ex. 21:28-32). Not only that, but every man who kills another man must die (5b). The person who kills another man must be put to death by another man (in this case, a relative – kinsman redeemer). Under the Mosaic Law, individuals who were guilty of premeditated murder were to be executed without question (cf. Ex. 21:12-14; Num. 35:16-32; Rom. 13:3-4; 1 Pet. 2:13-14). God is establishing the principle that man's life is precious and murder shows contempt toward the victim and ultimately toward God (6). God is the life-giver and murder is taking something that only the Creator has the right to decide. Life is not precious because it is fragile or unique. It is not precious because man is an intelligent being or has strength. Human life is precious because man is made in God's image.

Noah and his sons are called to repopulate the earth (7). Then God gives them a positive affirmation not to take the life of another man.

#2 – God's covenant with all creation (8-17)

God declares that He is establishing a covenant with all men, animals, and the earth (8-11). Noah, his sons, and all of his descendants are included in this covenant (9). God also includes all animal life in this covenant (10). The covenant states that God will never again destroy all flesh with a flood (11). This is a gracious promise from a merciful God. Scripture tells us that one day God will judge the earth with fire (2 Pet. 3:1-7, 10-13).

God states that the sign of His covenant with all creation would be a rainbow (12-15). When a covenant was established there was always a visible seal and reminder of the agreement. In this case it was a rainbow; for Abraham it was circumcision; and for Israel under the Law it was the sabbath. Many people theorize that water baptism is the sign of the covenant between God and the Christian. This is the reason for why Presbyterians, Lutherans, and Methodists baptized babies. This is an un-biblical practice. More likely, the sign of the covenant between God and the Christian is Spirit-baptism; that is, the sign of one being a true believer is that he possesses the indwelling Holy Spirit (cf. Eph. 1:13-14; Rom. 2:29; 8:9-11). The rainbow will be a continual reminder to God not to destroy all flesh again with a flood. God describes this covenant as everlasting (16-17). God will keep His word.

[Conclusion:]

#1 – Man's authority, food, and precious nature (1-7)

#2 – God's covenant with all creation (8-17)

God judged sinful man with the flood, wiping out all but eight people. Noah's survival was based on his righteousness through faith in God's promises. God would use Noah, through his son Shem, to bring about the birth of the Messiah – Jesus (Lk. 3:36; cf. v. 23). God's redemptive plan was not halted by: Cain's murder of Abel (birth of Seth), nor by the corruption of mankind (Noah), nor by the sons of God impregnating human women (the flood), nor by the Nephilim, fallen ones (the flood). God wiped out wicked man through the flood. God chose to continue His redemptive plan through Noah's son Shem.

Man's life is precious because he is made in the image of God. When sinful man denies this truth it leads to such wickedness as: abortion, euthanasia, and premeditated murder. Evolutionary thought leads to racism, slavery, and ethnic cleansing. According to Scripture there is only one race – human (Gen. 9:18-19). Remember this truth, human life is precious because he is made in the image of God.

The Messy but Necessary Process of Church Discipline pt 1 - 1 Corinthians 5:1-2

Supplying what is Missing

The Messy but Necessary Process of Church Discipline - pt 1

1 Corinthians 5:1-13

[Intro:]

This morning in our series “Supplying what is Missing” we are going to study a passage which discusses the Messy but Necessary Process of Church Discipline. This is one of the most controversial topics in the church for two main reasons: 1) we have seen/experienced church discipline practiced in an un-biblical way; 2) we are sinners and our flesh does not desire to submit to the authority of Scripture. The most important decision that Christians need to make on a daily, even hourly basis, is that we will submit to the authority of Scripture and submit to Christ as Lord. This decision properly made will help us to accurately understand and handle this “messy, but necessary process of church discipline.”

[Message:]

1. Refusing to practice church discipline demonstrates arrogance (1-2)

   1. This sin of incest was not practiced in Roman society (1). The Roman orator Cicero states that incest was practically unheard of in Roman society. This man was involved sexually with his step-mother. We know this from the description used, “his father's wife.” This form of relationship was forbidden by O.T. Law (Lev. 18:8; Deut. 27:20).

   2. Instead of removing this man (who was a professing Christian) from the church gathering, they ignored the situation. They thought they were being caring and loving by not practicing church discipline. God says that in reality, they were not caring and loving, they are arrogant. They are arrogant because they haven't removed this man from church gatherings. If they had responded properly they would have been sad that this professing Christian was involved in unrepentant sin. They would have confronted him about his sin and if he refused to stop his sin by repenting and confessing his sin, so that he may be restored to fellowship with the Lord and the church. Paul is communicating what Christ had taught during His earthly ministry (Matt. 18:15-20). The Corinthians thought they were so loving by not disciplining this man by removing him from the church, but God says they were arrogant because they were refusing to practice what He had commanded. Let's take a look at what Christ taught about church discipline (Matt. 18:15-20).

      1. Step #1 (Matt. 18:15) – If another believer is involved in sin, as made clear by Scripture, you as a believer are to humbly go to speak with that person alone. You are to ask the person if what you have seen or heard is true. If the person is in fact involved in sin, lovingly expose the sin with the light of appropriate Scripture (2 Tim. 4:2; Eph. 5:11-13). After exposing the darkness of sin with Scripture's light, if the person is repentant – the disciplinary process is over. There may be necessary follow-up and accountability with the person (depending on the situation). The goal of church discipline is repentance and restoration to fellowship with the Lord and the church (Gal. 6:1-2).

      2. Step #2 (Matt. 18:16) – There are occasions when the person involved in sin is unrepentant. In these cases, Christ instructs the confronting individual to bring two or three other believers along to confront the sinning individual again. These other individuals also ask the person if he is indeed involved in unrepentant sin as has been reported. If in fact he is involved in sin, the individuals are to expose the darkness of sin with the light of Scripture. After this confrontation occurs, if the sinning individual repents and confesses his sin, the disciplinary process is over. Again, there may be necessary follow-up and accountability with the person (depending on the situation). The goal of church discipline is repentance, confession of sin, and restoration to fellowship with the Lord and the church (Gal. 6:1-2).

      3. Step #3 (Matt. 18:17a) – There are occasions when the person involved in sin is still unrepentant. In these cases, Christ instructs the confronting individuals (now numbering three or four people) to inform the church. This should be accomplished by communicating the issue to the lead/senior pastor, who in turn should call a church meeting. The pastor shares the issue with the church. Then the sinning individual must be invited to the church meeting. In this environment, the pastor should ask the person if what is being said is true. If the person is in fact involved in unrepentant sin, the pastor should lovingly expose the darkness of sin with the light of Scripture. If the person is repentant and confesses his sin, the disciplinary process is over. In this instance there needs to be follow-up and accountability with the person. The goal of church disciple is repentance, confession of sin, and restoration with the Lord and the church (Gal. 6:1-2).

      4. Step #4 (Matt. 18:17b-20) – There are occasions when the person involved in sin is still unrepentant. When a person is unrepentant after being confronted before the entire church, he is to be removed from the church gatherings/fellowship, until he repents and confesses his sin (17b). Christ informs the church that when they obeys God's Word in this process they has heaven's approval (18).

Christ goes on to say that as the church obeys God's Word by confronting and disciplining sinning believers in the church they have God the Father's blessing (19). Christ says that as the church obeys God's Word by confronting and disciplining sinning believers in the church, they have Christ's divine enablement and approval (20).

Many times this passage (vv. 18-20) are used as blanket promises for any prayer request. The context of the passage refers to God blessings and enabling the church to confront and discipline sinning believers. It is something that God commands the church to do – confront and discipline sinning believers until they repent and confess their sin. After this the individuals in question may be restored to the Lord and the church. Since God commands this and is so personally involved in the process of church discipline, we now understand why the Corinthians are described as arrogant. They were refusing to obey God's command to discipline believers living in unrepentant sin! They were essentially telling God that they knew better than He did. They were telling God that they were more caring and loving than Him. This is arrogance. Whenever we at FBC Marathon refuse to practice church discipline we are telling God that we are more caring and loving than Him, and that we know better than He does! Wow! This would make us arrogant if we refuse to practice biblical church discipline. Biblical church discipline is most caring and loving. It is commanded by God.

[Conclusion:]

Here is a review:

1. Refusing to practice church discipline demonstrates arrogance (1-2)

   1. The process:

      • Lovingly confront the individual one-one-one

        • ask if it is true

        • expose the sin with Scripture

        • repentance and confession/restoration/accountability

      • Lovingly confront the individual three or four on one

        • ask if it is true

        • expose the sin with Scripture

        • repentance and confession/restoration/accountability

      • Lovingly confront the individual before the gathered church with the pastor overseeing the meeting

        • ask if it is true

        • expose the sin with Scripture

• repentance and confession/restoration/accountability

• Lovingly remove the unrepentant person from church gatherings/fellowship until he repents and confesses his sin

• repentance and confession/restoration/accountability

1. The process of church discipline must be characterized by:

   1. obedience to Scripture

   2. prayer

   3. humility

   4. love

2. The goal:

   1. repentance and confession of sin

   2. follow-up and accountability

   3. restoration to the Lord and the church

Cambridge NASB Wide Margin Reference Bible in Black Goatskin leather

When I received this Bible as a review copy from Cambridge Press I immediately noticed the non-traditional design of the Bible itself.  I have come to absolutely love the format of this beautifully crafted Bible.  The Bible itself is bound in goatskin leather.  The cover is leather-lined which results in a very flexible cover.  The grain of the leather is the finest I have seen.  I had my NASB Zondervan Study Bible rebound in chocolate goatskin by Mechling Bindery and Mechling did an excellent job.  But, the leather on the Cambridge Bible far surpasses the Mechling goatskin in quality. 

The pages are smyth-sewn which allows the Bible to lay completely flat.  The pages themselves are thick, very nice.  One thing that I really love about this Bible is that the paper is not a bright white.  It is more of an off-white which makes it easier on the eyes.  The pages have gold gilding and red underneath.  I have never owned a Bible that possessed this feature.  It presents a classic look.  The text has the words of Christ in red.  I would prefer black if I had the choice, but it is not a big deal to me.  The font is very readable.  Cambridge used a very bold ink which makes it very visually appealing and clear. 

There is plenty of room in the margins for notes.  There is less room on the inside margin for notes, but presents more space than other wide margin Bibles I have seen.  There are maps in the back.  This is a nice feature when using the Bible to instruct others.  In the back of the Bible, behind the concordance, you will find a number of lined pages for note taking purposes.  This is a nice feature.

I would have to say that the format and features of this Bible make it the finest that I have ever seen.

 







This is an indication of the beautiful grain of the goatskin leather.  Awesome.







The pages are smyth-sewn so the Bible opens flat. 




Here is the format of the text on the page.  You can also see at the edge of the picture the red-lined pages.




Here is another shot of the leather grain.




This is an indication of the flexibility of the goatskin.




The Bible is so flexible.  It feels so nice in your hand.  The Bible also has two ribbon markers.




This is terribly blurry but this is a shot of the red-lined pages.

NET Bible First Edition review

I received a review copy the NET Bible First Edition in black a few weeks ago. The cover itself is a very nice bonded leather with hubs on the binding (a classic look). The one thing that I do wish is that they had gone with a genuine leather cover or something that would be a bit sturdier. The contents of the Bible are so large that I doubt the cover can withstand continued use without cracking or tearing (though the true test will be time of use). The pages are smyth-sewn which is a huge positive. This ensures greater durability of the binding and also for the bible to lay flat when open. The pages themselves are thin, probably a little thinner than normal Bible paper (not nearly as nice as the Lockman NASB's – large print ultrathin reference Bible and wide margin single column reference Bible). The overall the Bible itself is well-made.

The translation itself is very good. It is toward the formal equivalence end of the spectrum. There are places where the NET has clarified ambiguities that are found in the original text. This has made a more idiomatic translation than the NASB and the ESV. Yet, there are places where this causes the NET to be more accurate such as, John 1:18 and John 3:16. One of the features of the NET that is unique are the chapter and verse markings. The NET includes the chapter number along with each verse marking, ex: John 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and so on. This is not a problem for me, though it did take some time to become acquainted with it. The satellite maps that are found in the back of the Bible are full color and topographical. These are by far some of the nicest looking maps that I have ever seen in any study resource. They truly open your eyes to the features of the areas in question. The maps are a bonus.

Now, time to discuss the study notes. These by far are worth their weight in gold. There are three different types of notes: study notes, technical commentary, and technical notes. The study notes are what you would find in other scholarly study Bibles. The technical notes are alternative translation options or a more literal translation option. The technical commentary notes are filled with a vast treasury of notes on the original languages. The notes are much like technical notes you would find in a Greek or Hebrew grammar. Yet, the blessing is that the notes are found beneath the text in question. In a grammar you have to search the index to find if there might possibly be help in regard to a text you are studying. The Bible came with a Bible.org Bible Library resource C.D. I have not even had a chance to examine this added resource. It seems like the NET Bible is like the gift that keeps on giving!

I truly like the translation itself. I believe that it is very accurate and yet readable. The scholars are from Dallas Theological Seminary. Therefore they are conservative evangelicals. It has been stated that the NET will be revised every five years beginning in 2010. This helps you to realize that the translators are striving for the best translation of the Word of God possible. The only drawback for me as a pastor is that people will have to buy a new copy every five years (though I don't want to sound cranky, I am not, and I personally don't mind doing so).

I read somewhere that someone was hoping that the NET would replace the NIV as an idiomatic translation. I don't know if that will happen but I do believe that it is that good. I would highly recommend the NET Bible as a preaching and teaching resource. I would say that it is non-negotiable to own it as a study resource. At the very least, download the electronic version on Bible.org.

The Bible also comes with a resource c.d. with study materials.  I have not yet had an opportunity to check out this bonus resource.










The Bible is significant in size. But that is to be expected when you have over 60,000 study notes contained in it.




This Bible is smyth sewn and therefore opens fairly flat.  The pages are what you would normally find in other Bibles.  They are not the thickness of the ESV wide margin or the NASB large print ultrathin.




This is what you will find in some texts where there is a lot to be explained textually.  It is a black letter text which is a positive.





Here is an example of what the satellite maps look like.  They are a bonus.




Like the Bible itself, the ribbon marker is larger than most other Bibles feature. 




The sewn binding and the weight of the Bible cause it to open fairly flat.  I do wonder how well the premium bonded leather will hold up under frequent use.

ESV Wide Margin Reference Edition (Tru-Tone Portfolio Edition)

I received a review copy of the ESV Wide Margin Reference Edition from Crossway a few weeks ago. I have been a longtime NASB user. The edition that was sent to me was the Portfolio style in TruTone. The cover itself is beautiful. It is very soft to the touch and flexible. It is a delight to hold. It is obviously not as nice as a calfskin cover, but from what I have heard it may be superior to the genuine leather edition. The pages are fairly thick, thicker than most other Bible paper. The paper is not as nice as that found in Lockman NASB's (large print ultrathin reference Bible and the wide margin reference Bible). There is a nice amount of space on the outside edge of the page for which to write notes. It is unfortunate (as many others have written) that the inside margin is too narrow for writing notes. The one request that I have for Crossway is that they switch this edition to a sewn binding. It is glued and eventually will begin to pull away. The glued binding also keeps the Bible from laying completely flat. One interesting note, the box said that the Bible is guaranteed for life! This is an impressive promise.

The translation itself is very similar to the NASB. There are some places where the scholars have updated some archaic words or renderings which are contained in the NASB such as, brethren to brothers; only begotten Son to only Son. There are some places where the ESV has eliminated some of the supplied words that are used in the NASB, which at times has led to greater clarity. Interestingly enough, the ESV does use some anglicized wording that does sound a little odd to the modern-day American reader such as, haughty, rubbish, puffed up (which I realize is a literal metaphor from the Greek language). I will not belabor the point. It is something that each individual believer would need to examine to determine if the language is comfortable for him.

I would like to say that I do believe that the ESV is a very good translation. I would highly recommend it to others. I believe that it is an accurate translation which will be useful to the church. Crossway has also provided many excellent editions of this translation which make it very likely that a believer will find an edition that fits his preferences such as, the personal reference Bible, classic reference Bible, thin-line edition, the single column reference edition, as well as many others. I really like the TruTone editions that Crossway has produced, they make it possible to have a very attractive Bible which is pleasant to hold and use.

If you are interested in this edition or other editions of the ESV, I would recommend that you check out the Westminster Seminary bookstore as a result of their exceptional prices.

It is a glued binding so the Bible does not lay completely flat when opened, but not terrible.  One thing that was surprising is that Crossway now offers a Life-time guarantee on these Bibles.




The wide margins are nice.  The paper is also surprisingly nice.  It is a black letter text in paragraph format, very nice.




The TruTone cover is soft and flexible.  As you can see the Bible does open nicely, even though it is not a sewn binding.

NASB Large Print Ultrathin Calfskin Bible

I recently received a review copy of the NASB Large Print Ultrathin Calfskin Bible from the Lockman Foundation.  I already owned the Genuine Leather Version that I had purchased from American Bible Sales.  When I received the Bible I was immediately impressed, in fact overwhelmed, at the quality of the calfskin leather.  I previously had my NASB Study Bible rebound in goatskin by Mechling Bindery and the calfskin was softer by far.  The pages on the calfskin are smyth sewn which makes for a durable Bible and also causes the Bible to lay open flat.  The Bible pages are thicker than any other publisher provides, period.  This Bible is truly a treasure.  God's blessing be upon the Lockman Foundation for producing such a high quality set of Bibles.

Since I have received this Bible I have not been able to bring myself to use any other to preach and teach from.  This Bible retails for $110.  I would recommend purchasing one from American Bible Sales.  They distribute the Foundation Publication NASB Bibles.  They are excellent in quality.  If you are looking for a beautifully crafted Bible I recommend you purchase the NASB Large Print Ultrathin Calfskin Bible produced by Foundation Publications.  I hope to have some pictures available soon for those who are interested in visual details.










Here is the velvet cover in which the Bible arrives.



As you can see the calfskin edition has the raised bands.  Very nice.



The cover is leather-lined.  Beautiful!



The calfskin leather is so soft and pliable.



Since the pages are smyth-sewn the Bible lays completely flat when opened.



Here is a look at the formatting of the text.  It is in verse format, but at least the paragraphs are indicated with emboldened verse numbers.  The paper is the finest Bible paper I have ever seen.

HCSB for XBOX360

At long last there seems to be a constructive purpose for the XBOX360.  Broadman & Holman have developed a Bible Navigator program designed for the XBOX360.  Now guys can actually use the XBOX360 for ministry purposes by doing Theological studies on the system.

The Goal of Theological Training - are local church Bible Institutes an answer?

The Goal of Theological Training

I have contemplated this issue frequently. I have received a bachelor's degree from a Theological Institution and hope to complete my Master of Divinity degree from a second Theological Institution. This training has been so crucial to my life and ministry. I am so thankful for those that made these fine schools a reality. Yet, there is a clear and present danger growing in the midst of evangelical Theological Institutions. The cost of education is rising. The need for Theological training is just as great as it has ever been. The reality is that so many believers are unable to produce the necessary finances to receive necessary Theological training without incurring serious financial debt. This is very debilitating for a servant of God desiring to enter vocational ministry.

This has led me to wonder about the necessity for the Bible Institute to rise again. Such local church organized institutions were created in the past for the purpose of providing Theological training in the face of rising liberalism in the seminaries. It seems that there is such a need again but not necessarily for the same reasons. There are still many fine Theological Institutions in existence in the United States. The real issue is the financial cost involved. If there could be strong Theological training provided by local churches this could alleviate much of the financial cost involved in receiving training. There are some drawbacks to this idea. The quality of training may be significantly lower than the present Theological Institutions in existence. This may also result in doctrinal error.

Anyone else have any thoughts about this subject?