by Bret Capranica | Aug 4, 2011 | Biblical Studies, Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching
Carefully Think Think back through what we discussed last week in Numbers 1-25 and the illustrations of Israel”™s mere external obedience (1-10) and their growing internal unfaithfulness (11-25). What glimpses of God”™s mercy and faithfulness to them were evident, even in their judgment and discipline? Read through Numbers 26-36 and summarize the major ideas that you see here. Which generation of Israelites are they being given to? Why would they need to hear these things again? Prayerfully Meditate The New Testament mentions a number of sections found in the book of Numbers. Read each passage below and see if you can discover where in Numbers the New Testament author is referring and what is the corresponding lesson for a Christian. John 3:1-15 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Hebrews 3:7-4:16 How has God demonstrated specific acts of grace and mercy to you this past week? How has he treated you in regard to specific acts of sin you have committed against Him? How is God”™s faithfulness affecting you, especially in light of the times of unfaithfulness you have seen in your heart and life this past week? How should this affect your worship as we gather this Sunday? Intentionally Act Confess any sin you have been made aware of, reminding yourself of what Christ did on the cross to satisfy God”™s righteousness and what God has done to give you Christ”™s righteousness. Pray that you will be sensitive not only to any unfaithfulness in your heart, but especially to the faithful acts of God displayed in your life in unique and specific ways this past week. List them. Use these in an...
by Bret Capranica | Mar 9, 2009 | Biblical Studies, Eschatology, Hermeneutics, Pauline Theology
Romans 15:7 ¶ Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. 8 For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “THEREFORE I WILL GIVE PRAISE TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES, AND I WILL SING TO YOUR NAME.” 10 Again he says, “REJOICE, O GENTILES, WITH HIS PEOPLE.” 11 And again, “PRAISE THE LORD ALL YOU GENTILES, AND LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE HIM.” 12 Again Isaiah says, “THERE SHALL COME THE ROOT OF JESSE, AND HE WHO ARISES TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES, IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES HOPE.” 13 ¶ Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Last Sunday I preached on this passage. The following is simply a note for further on an issue in the text I did not address in my sermon. Does this passage teach that the church is the new Israel? Does this passage indicate that the church fulfills prophecies made specifically to the nation of Israel? Jason Robertson, recently wrote of this passage: “In Romans 15:8-12, Paul notes that the conversion of the Gentiles is a ‘confirming of the promises to the fathers.’ And at least one of the verses brought forth as proof speaks of Christ’s Messianic kingdom rule (Rom. 15:12).” Contrary to my good friend, I think...
