37-5-257 (Week 37, Day 5, Year 257)

PSALM 137 9 Verses “B” REMEMBERING ZION. A LAMENT OVER DESTROYED JERUSALEM

“A lament from the exilic or postexilic era, as references to the Babylonian captivity attest.”

“By the waters of Babylon’ 

How could we sing the LORD’S song in a foreign land?

The reader hears the love of Jerusalem and the association with the LORD and Jerusalem

JOHN 11

JOHN 11: 1-45 THE RAISING OF LAZARUS is the crowning miracle or “sign” that both reveals Jesus as the giver of life and precipitates his death.”

JOHN 11: 1-16 JESUS DELAYS

LAZARUS DIES.  THE DEATH OF LAZARUS

JOHN 11: 17-37 THE LAMENT OF THE SISTERS

JESUS COMFORTS THE SISTERS

JOHN 11: 38-44 CALLING FORTH THE DEAD

JOHN 11: 45-57 THE PLOT TO KILL JESUS INTENSIFIES

THE PLAN TO KILL JESUS

11:53 So from that day on, the Jewish rulers planned to kill Jesus.

THE MAN WHO CREATES GOD-SIGNS.  The resuscitation of Lazarus produced a hatred of Jesus by the JRL and they plotted to kill him.

ISAIAH 57-58

ISAIAH 56:9- ISAIAH 57:21 THE LORD’S WILLINGNESS TO FORGIVE THOSE WHO REPENT AND RETURN TO THE LORD

ISAIAH 57: 1-2 THE DEATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS “The prophet chastises Israel for idolatrous and immoral behavior.”

ISAIAH 57:3-13 DENUNCIATION OF THE SORCESSESS AND HER CHILDREN

ISAIAH 57: 14-21 A POEM OF CONSOLATION “The prophet now turns to themes of restoration and a concluding diatribe.”

ISAIAH 58: 1-14 ON GENINUE FASTING “A call to repentance and promise of restoration.”

THE LORD COMFORT S THOSE WHO AREN’T PROUD

WHAT TRUE WORSHIP IS ABOUT

NEVER TIRED OF TRYING NEW RELIGIONS

YOUR PRAYERS WON’T GET YOU OFF THE GROUND

A FULL LIFE IN THE EMPTIEST OF PLACES

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPIANS:  I am following a theory based upon the reading of Philippians which divides the text of the letter into three separate and incomplete letters.  This quote from the Annotated Oxford New Revised Standard Version “The letter follows the usual pattern of Paul’s letters, but some seemingly abrupt changes of topics (especially between 3:1 and 2, and 4:3 and 4), in addition to the fact that an early Christian writer (Polycarp, Philippians 2:3), speaks of “letters” of Paul to the Philippians, has led some scholars to conclude that our present Philippians is composed of as many as three letters that Paul wrote to Philippi.”  These three letters divide as follows: Letter 1-4:10-20 which is a thank you note; Letter 2-1:1-3:1a, 4:4-9, and 4:21-23 which is a letter written from prison: Letter 3-3:1b-4:3 which is a testimony of Paul and his advice to the church.  I will look at the letters in canonical order.

PHILIPPIANS 1 begins a letter written from prison either from Rome or Caesarea, or even Ephesus.  This letter begins with Philippians 1:1 and extends to Philippians 3:1a

PHILIPPIANS 1: 1-2 SALUTATION

A LOVE THAT WILL GROW

THEY CAN’T IMPRISON THE MESSAGE

PHILIPPIANS 1: 3-11 THANKSGIVING

PAUL PRAYS AND GIVES THANKS, this thanksgiving is written to the church, but also could be our prayer from individuals as pastors.  The church shares the Gospel. The work of God in our lives will be completed.  Love needs to overflow more and more.  Paul mentions the day of Christ twice indicating that he feels the second coming is near. 

PHILIPPIANS 1: 12-26 PAUL’S SITUATION IN CHAINS

PAUL HONORS CHRIST IN PRISON- There is struggle for the Christian who stands for justice and fairness.  This is a wonderful passage lifting the two lives of any Christian.  A life on earth glorifying God, or the eternal  life with God.

PHILIPPIANS 1:27- 30 AN APPEAL TO LIVE IN A WORTHY MANNER