Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Youth Media Survey

YOUTH MEDIA SURVEY

Teen Magazines

For this, I chose the following teen magazines: Teen Vogue; Seventeen; YM; Cosmo Girl and Teen People. I read each one cover to cover as required. Included in this section are my notes on the contents of each magazine and my personal reflections.
To begin, the first thing I observed about youth media is the extensive amount of advertising. I noticed heavy emphasis on style, fashion and beauty in every magazine, some more than the rest. For instance, Teen Vogue dealt mostly with fashion and beauty. For example, articles discussed shopping, top fashion trends, fashion in the family, shaking the dress code and searching the streets of London for the city’s trademark quirky chic. Teen Vogue also contained an article on the teen breast implant boom. In my opinion, the article showed breast implant surgery in a positive light. To me, the article seemed to be saying everyone is doing it and parents are OK with it too. The article stated that, “in 2003 more than 11,000 girls 18 and younger had breast augmentation.”
Overall, I noticed the focus on being beautiful, especially for teenage girls, and the magazine seemed to target their desire for beauty. Even in feature articles, they would highlight all the clothing worn by the person in the photos. Finally, I did not think this magazine was very Christian friendly. I say this mostly because the magazine seemed to emphasize outward beauty via material things and nothing more. As a result, it seemed more like a clothes advertising catalog with a few articles in between. Second, Seventeen was the only one of the five magazines I chose that had a section devoted to faith. The faith section included segments on prayer, role models, inspirational quotes and a story about a trend of more young couples going for counseling before they are engaged. This magazine dealt with health issues and real life issues such as voting and making a difference in the lives of others. Even their stories on dating seemed more positive and helpful in their focus (i.e., staying together vs. breakups). Seventeen included articles such as how to relieve stress, workouts that help prepare you for sports tryouts and fundraising ideas. They also included an article on the dangers of liposuction.
In my opinion, Seventeen was the most Christian friendly magazine out of the five I chose. In my opinion, it had more depth of character than other magazines I read. Seventeen’s focus seemed to be more to make a real difference than to just sell merchandise. The final thing I noticed is that even though Christian friendly, it still included a section on horoscopes and talked about other religious beliefs (i.e., Islam, Atheism) as well.
Third, YM interviewed an athlete and a celebrity and both of them were females. It was reading YM that the thought hit me that all the magazines I was reading targeted teen girls. Obviously, Cosmo Girl is for girls but then, all the rest seemed to be for girls too. Interviews, advertising featuring women and feature articles dealing with topics of interest to girls. YM seemed to be just your basic lots of advertising, celebrities, hair and boys type of magazine.
In my opinion, YM seemed to be more neutral as far as Christian friendly vs. Christian hostile goes. It did not strike me one way or the other.
Fourth, Cosmo Girl seemed to have a New Age flare to it. I say this because of articles that discuss the color of your aura, talking to psychics, horoscopes and signs. There were some noteworthy articles though on girls in combat, obesity & anorexia, acing the SAT, being smart with credit and voting. They also featured 10 teen girls who are entrepreneurs. The thought occurred to me that Cosmo Girl attempts to empower women. For example, it featured girls in combat, entrepreneurs, going to college, handling finances and having a voice in politics.
Finally, Teen People touched on both sides of the issues presented in their magazine. For example, in an article on the abortion debate, they discussed the pros and the cons. On a Christian friendly note, they covered topics such as serving in the community and a crisis line for kids whose parents were alcoholics or on drugs. However, on the other side, they also included a section on horoscopes. To me, all of the magazines seem to want to stay away from being a “Christian” magazine. Instead, each magazine appears to be all-inclusive when it comes to religion. It is just that some topics are also Christian friendly.

Music
Top 10 Songs (Hip-Hop)
Top 10 Music Albums


For the music portion of the survey, I chose the genre of Hip-Hop. I listened to the top 10 songs and read the lyrics to each. In August 2004, according to the Original Hip-Hop Lyrics Archive website, the top 10 songs (in order) were: Head Sprung by LL Cool J.; Lean Back by T. Squad; Diamond in the Back by Ludacris; No Problem by Lil Scrappy; Why by Judakiss; Slow Motion by Juvenile; Thief’s Theme by Nas; Sunshine by Lil’ Flip; Let Me In by Young Buck and Jesus Walks by Kanye West. For the most part, these hip-hop songs were about sex, being a “gangsta”, sex, drugs, violence, sex, guns, money and more sex. Yet, in the midst of all of this, the #10 song was about needing Jesus.
In addition, I read the lyrics to the top 10 albums as of October 8, 2004. According to the Billboard website, the albums are (in order): Rascal Flatts, Feels Like Today; Hilary Duff, Hilary Duff; Ciara, Goodies; Green Day, American Idiot; Nelly, Suit; The Used; In Love and Death; Ray Charles, Genius Loves Company; Nelly, Sweat; Marilyn Manson, Lest We Forget: The Best Of and Tim McGraw, Live Like You Were Dying.
I read the lyrics of each album off of the Daps Lyrics website. In this section, I will include my summary of those lyrics. Rascal Flatts, Feels like Today album was about life changing, dreams coming true, finding true love in a woman, the pain of losing love and the freedom of the open road. Hilary Duff was about taking control of your life and not hiding yet there was another song on the album called hideaway, which was about hiding. Hilary Duff also sang about feeling the pain of life yet having hope, revealing different things about who she is and her personality, the decision to break up with a someone or not, a person who brightens her world and about a girl who took her boyfriend away from her. Ciara sang about sex, dancing and relationships. Green Day screamed about America being an idiot and how we are a nation controlled by the media, they mention suicide in their songs several times, sang about losing a girlfriend and about walking through life alone with broken dreams. Nelly has two albums in the top 10 right now, Sweat & Suit. Sweat is about clubbing and sex while in Suit, Nelly sings about his relationships with girls in his life. The Used sang songs about being a fake, not listening and someone leaving them. To me, The Used and Green Day both seem to be lonely and angry type albums. However, The Used did include a love song on the In Love & Death album as well. The only song I could find for Marilyn Manson’s album was Personal Jesus. I think the song was saying your personal Jesus is telephone sex and to reach out to that person on the other end of the telephone because they will be forgiving and caring toward you. Tim McGraw sang about divorce, going for your dreams, carrying on in troubled times, people hating you when you are successful, people choosing drugs or Jesus, not listening and getting in trouble and about memories. There were also a couple of songs about relationships. Finally, Ray Charles’s album, Genius Loves Company, was mostly duets with other famous performers, hence the title of the album. It was a very jazzy, soulful sounding album in the spirit of Ray Charles.
Conversations with Youth
First off, I just want to say this portion of the survey was the most challenging for me. From formulating the questions to initiating conversations with strange kids and asking them personal questions. However, I did get through a few interviews alive and I will include my conversations with them here. In the interviews, I asked the kids about who their role models are and about media influences in their lives such as, movies, music and TV. In addition, we discussed their views on voting and on prayer. I asked whether the choices they make in their daily lives reflect their beliefs and values and how did they decide what is right and what is wrong. Still yet, I asked the interviewees about the problems they face in youth culture today, what it is like to be a kid today and how they plan to make a difference with their life. Finally, I asked for their thoughts on the critical issue of portraying violence in youth media.
The interview questions were as follows:
Who inspires you (role models)? Why?
Media Influence: Movies, music & T.V. programs. Why did you choose these?
If you could vote, would you? Why or why not?
Do you pray? Why or why not?
Do your choices reflect your values and beliefs? How do you determine if something is right or wrong?
What issues/problems do you face in youth culture today?
What are your thoughts on the critical issue of violence portrayed in movies?
What do you want to be when you grow up? Why?
Their answers were as follows (no names included):
#1
Who inspires you? Why? My friends. They encourage me to be the best I can be. Media influences: movies, songs, T.V. programs. Why did you choose/like them? Lord of the Rings, they are exciting and full of adventure. Simple Plan and Avril Lavinge, they seem to know who I am. Law & Order, they teach her about what is happening in the world. If you could vote, would you? No, I do not want to because I do not feel like I could choose between two equally deserving people. Do you pray? Why or why not? Yes, I am a Christian and God wants us to always talk to Him. Are your choices based on your values and beliefs? They are in between. I do not listen to any rap. Some of the music I listen to has a small amount of cursing and that is all. What issues do you face in youth culture today? People pretend to be your friend when they want something from you. What are your thoughts on violence in movies? Well, it is ok to some extent but not anything too terribly gruesome. Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up? Why? I want to be an Aerospace Engineer because I want to be involved with the new discoveries of the universe.
#2
Who inspires you? Why? Kobe Bryant - I like basketball. Media influences: movies, songs, T.V. programs. Why did you choose/like them? Blade II - it has vampires and Cheaper by the Dozen because it is funny. I listen to Usher because he can sing and dance. I watch Disney Channel and Nickelodeon on T.V. because the shows are funny and I can learn from them. If you could vote, would you? Yes, I would vote for Bush because I think he did the right thing. Do you pray? Why or why not? Yes, I pray because it works. How do you determine what is right and wrong? God tells me what is right and wrong. What issues/problems do you face in youth culture today? I don’t really, because I love everybody. Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up? Why? I want to be a basketball player because I am good at it.
#3
Who inspires you? Why? My teacher, Mrs. Maloney, because she cares about me and I can talk to her about life. Media influences: movies, songs, T.V. programs. Why did you choose/like them? Master of Disguise because I liked the impersonations, especially the one of President Bush. I listen to Shania Twain and Brad Paisley too. They sing about real life and about relationships. I watch Sabrina the Teenage Witch on T.V. because she does magic and can do anything she wants. I know magic is not real though. If you could vote, would you? Yes, I would vote for Kerry because I have heard a lot of bad things about Bush but not about Kerry. Do you pray? Why or why not? Yes, I pray to God because he answers them. Are your choices based on your values and beliefs? I am just enjoying being a kid and watch what is appropriate for my age now because I will grow up and my taste will change. What issues/problems do you face in youth culture today? I don’t like it when people do illegal things, like drinking and driving. What are your thoughts on violence in movies? I do not like to see blood in the movies because of an experience I had in real life. I won’t watch movies like Silence of the Lambs or Scream. Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up? Why? I want to be a math or science teacher because those are my favorite subjects.
#4
Who inspires you? Why? My best friends because they are funny and we hang out together. Media influences: movies, songs, T.V. programs. Why did you choose/like them? Harry Potter because of the scary action, Pirates of the Caribbean because of the skeletons, Shrek 2 because it is funny. I listen to Bow Wow. I like rap music. I watch the Romeo Show because it is funny. If you could vote, would you? Yes, I would vote for Bush because I want him to have another term. Voting is important because you vote for the best decision maker, whose decisions you like. Do you pray? Why or why not? Yes, but just before meals. I don’t know why I don’t pray at other times. What issues do you face in youth culture today? Discipline issues at school. Blackmail and bribery from kids. What are your thoughts on violence in movies? Sometimes it is OK, not too much though because you do stupid things if there is too much of it in the stuff you watch. You keep thinking about it and ask your parents if you can do it too. Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up? Why? I want to be S.W.A.T team or a CIA agent because they use weapons.
#5
Who inspires you? Why? No one, I don’t have an older brother or anything. Media influences: movies, songs, T.V. programs. Why did you choose/like them? I don’t really watch movies. I like to ride my bike and rollerblade and go to the park instead. I listen to the Backstreet Boys because they have smooth voices. I watch Antique Road Show on T.V. because they have rare things on there and tell you about them and how much money they are worth. If you could vote, would you? No, but my mom and everyone I know is for John Kerry so I would probably vote for George W. Do you pray? Why or why not? No, because I don’t know any prayers. Are your choices based on your values and beliefs? They are based on what I do best in life. What issues do you face in youth culture today? Kids swear (cursing) and then beat me up if I don’t swear (curse) too. Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up? Why? I don’t know. I change my mind a lot. I’ve wanted to be a firefighter before because I like dogs. I’ve also wanted to be a police officer.
#6
Who inspires you? Why? Haley, my best friend, because she doesn’t lie. Media influences: movies, songs, T.V. programs. Why did you choose/like them? Cheater Girls because I like the dancing. I listen to Alisha Keys and Beyonce because I want to be a singer too. I watch Sister, Sister, Lizzie McGuire and Raven on T.V. Do you pray? Why or why not? Yes, sometimes, because it works. Are your choices based on your values and beliefs? My choices are based on what my parents say. What issues do you face in youth culture today? My brother is always giving me a hard time and gets on my nerves. Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up? Why? I want to be a singer like Alisha Keys.
#7
Who inspires you? Why? My best friend, Riana, because she is nice to me and we share common interests. Media influences: movies, songs, T.V. programs. Why did you choose/like them? I haven’t seen any movies lately but I see movies that look like they’ll be funny. I like Michael W. Smith and his new song Healing Rain. On T.V., I watch Drake & Josh on Nickelodeon because it makes me laugh and it teaches you how to get out of trouble. I also watch Ghost Hunters where they are searching for ghosts. I like it because it is scary. Do you pray? Why or why not? Yes, because God tells us to because it is important. Are your choices based on your values and beliefs? Yes, my decisions are made to be good to God. Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up? Why? I want to be firefighter because I want to rescue the world.
In conclusion, some of my final reflections on the interviews are that no child said their parents inspired them. When talking about role models, it was generally a peer, a friend, rather than a mom, dad or even a relative that they mentioned. In addition, it was great interviewing boys and girls, Caucasians and African-Americans, Christians and non-Christians because the perspectives were so diverse and the culture within a culture pronounced. Since I telephoned a few of the youth, I also have different geographic regions of the country represented such as, Tennessee, Alabama and Texas as well as CO. Finally, there is a distinct difference in the responses of churched/Christian youth vs. non-churched/non-Christian youth. The interviewing may have been challenging but, it was also very rewarding to talk to the kids like this and learn from them.

Bibliography


Billboard Album Charts, available from http://www.billboard.com/bb/charts/bb200.jsp;
Internet; accessed 8 October 2004.

Cosmo Girl, Vol. 6, Iss: 7, September 2004.

Daps Lyrics, available from http://www.dapslyrics.com; accessed 8 October 2004.

Seventeen, Vol. 63, No. 9, September 2004.

Teen People, September 2004.

Teen Vogue, September 2004.

The Original Hip-Hop Lyrics Archive; available from http://www.ohhla.com/most.html;
Internet; accessed 15 August 2004.

YM, September 2004.

Annotated Bibliography: Rage, Violence and Gunfire

Critical Issue Project on
Rage, Violence and Gunfire

Annotated Bibliography

Introduction

This annotated bibliography is an attempt to collate a general resource on the broad terms of rage, violence & gunfire, with emphasis given to adolescents. Most of the sites and published resources below cover the causes and prevention of juvenile crime however, how they approach these topics differ and each resource will contain original and unique information as well.
________________________________________________________________________

http://www.teen-violence.com

This site contains a fact sheet of statistics on teen violence. It covers the period from 1989-1998. It includes statistics from a wide range of topics concerning teen violence such as, school violence, home violence, gangs and guns. It also lists warning signs for whether a child is at risk of joining a gang. There are also expanded links discussing guns/weapons, school and home violence. This site also contains links for chat and news. In the reference section of the statistics fact sheet, there are links for further study as well. _______________________________________________________________________
American Psychological Association Help Center: “Warning signs of Teen Violence”
Available: http://www.apahelpcenter.org/featuredtopics/feature.php?id=38 {2004}
This site is a comprehensive guide to teen violence. It discusses the following:
• Reasons for Violence
• Recognizing Violence Warning Signs In Others
• If Someone You Know Shows Violence Warning Signs
• Dealing with Anger
• Are You At Risk For Violent Behavior?
• Controlling Your Own Risk for Violent Behavior
• Violence against Self
_______________________________________________________________________
Juvenile Crime: Opposing Viewpoints
Published Book {2002}
This book covers juvenile rage, violence and gunfire all in one book. It appears to be unbiased toward the subject of juvenile crime but instead, it reveals opposing viewpoints of the same issues through a compilation of articles, speeches and long book excerpts. It reveals some causes of juvenile crime and discusses how to combat juvenile crime. This book touches on the subject of gang-related juvenile crime as well.
_______________________________________________________________________
How Can Gun Violence Be Reduced?
Published Book {2002}
This book discusses the following topics. One, does gun control reduce gun violence or not? Two, gun control poses a threat to self-defense. Three, compromising gun control can reduce gun violence. Four, do concealed-carry laws reduce violent crime or no? Five, do personalized guns reduce gun violence or not? Six, targeting illegal firearms trafficking can help reduce gun violence. Finally, enforcing current gun laws will reduce gun violence. There is also a section on organizations to contact concerning issues debated in the book. ________________________________________________________________________
Gun Violence: Opposing Viewpoints
Published Book {2002}
This book deals with questions such as, how serious is the problem of gun violence, does private ownership of handguns increase the threat of gun violence, and does the constitution protect private gun ownership and how to reduce gun violence. It is structured the same as the Juvenile Crime: Opposing Viewpoints book listed above. It also appears to be unbiased toward the subject of gun violence but instead, it reveals opposing viewpoints of the same issues through a compilation of articles, speeches and long book excerpts. ________________________________________________________________________
Lasting Impressions: Dealing with Violence in the Media
Video VHS
Here you will find suggestions for monitoring what your child watches on television and dealing with violence in the media. In addition, the viewer will learn how news channels determine the stories they cover in the news each day. The video also provides information for additional resources on this subject such as, books, organizations, video resources and websites. ________________________________________________________________________
Criminal Justice Resources: Crime Prevention
Available: http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/crimjust/crimprev.htm
Provides links to a variety of resources on crime prevention. Some of those links are as follows:
Crime: Causes and Prevention
http://www.ncpa.org/pi/crime/crime71.html
A compilation of resources by the National Center on Policy Analysis.
(Last checked 01/06/04)
Crime Prevention Coalition of America
http://www.crimepreventcoalition.org/
Check out the bulletin section for upcoming conferences, events, etc.
Also listed under Associations.
(Last checked 01/06/04)
Crime Prevention Digest
http://safetypub.com/cpd/cpd.htm
Personal safety tips for parents and children written in simple language and presented in slide show format.
Last checked 08/25/04)
Crime Stoppers International, Inc.
http://www.c-s-i.org/
Crime Stoppers is an effort to provide crime-solving assistance to law enforcement. There are over 1,000 Crime Stoppers programs all over the world. Also listed under Associations.
Last checked 01/06/04)
National Crime Prevention Council On-Line Resource Center
http://www.ncpc.org/
The On-Line Resource Center provides useful information about crime prevention, community building, comprehensive planning, and fun stuff for kids. The NCPC also sponsors an annual conference.
Last checked 01/06/04)

Experiencing God

Experiencing God


I went to the mountains today looking for a secluded spot of natural beauty and tranquility to pray and spend time with God. I found the perfect place and sat down on a flat rock beside a swift flowing stream under the shade of many trees. I feel most at peace when I am surrounded by nature. I hear God’s voice in the roaring of the water and feel His warmth in the sun. I smell His scent in the air and feel His breath on my face in the wind. I thought of the many descriptions of God. He is the Creator of heaven and earth (Gen 14:19); the architect and builder (Heb 11:10); a shade from the heat (Isa 25:4); the consuming fire (Isa 33:14); the spring of living water (Jer 2:13); and Jesus is the rising of the sun (Isa 59:19); Rock eternal (Isa 26:4); the bright Morning Star (Rev 22:16).
The longing to be with God was so great today that when I tried to find the words to express my desire for His presence, I became overwhelmed and the words caught in my throat. There are just no words for me in moments like these. There are only feelings. Words could not have done justice right then anyway so, I just lifted my feelings up to God in a prayer and called out His many names. Great and awesome God Deut 7:21); Holy Father (John 17:11); King of heaven (Dan 4:37); El Shaddai (Gen 17:1) and He who raised Christ from the dead ( Rom 8:11) were just a few of these names.
I believe that God heard me and answered and was with me where I sat. He is the God who sees me (Gen 16:13); He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33). I thanked Him for the beautiful autumn day with an appreciative gaze that could not help but follow the outline of the mountains on the horizon. I praised Him for His infinite wisdom in creating this world as I noticed the autumn leaves turning fall shades of orange and falling to their winter bed. His great plan and His great design for all He has created just intensified the awe I felt for Him. I believe that God heard my praise clearly even in my silence. He is truly one who searches hearts and minds (Rev 2:23); the living Stone (1 Peter 2:4).
Earlier, I had finished the lesson in “Experiencing God” that talked about how we come to know God as we experience Him. Well, I believe I learned something about God today. I learned for the first time that a prayer to Him does not always have to be in words. I believe that He hears and responds to our spirits too and not just our words. I see now how it is possible to pray without ceasing. Through this experience today, I learned that sometimes expressing feelings with words can be limiting just like what I can see with my eyes or hear with my ears. But, this is not so with my spirit. My spirit is infinite and reaches to heaven. He is the Shepherd and Overseer of my soul (1 Peter 2:25); our dwelling place (Ps 90:1).
Also, in one moment, I acknowledged how God has been working in my life and changing me for His purposes. I felt a peace about who I have become and who I am still becoming in Christ despite my tribulations. In that moment, I believed that God is still in control of my life and that even though things don’t look familiar or rosy all the time, I can still trust Him to guide my life. He is my helper (Heb 13:6); my strong deliverer (Ps 140:7); my hope (Ps 25:5); an ever present help in trouble (Ps 46:1); a stronghold in times of trouble (Ps 9:9). It amazed me today to see that a short time in prayer can somehow contain a lifetime of praise, thanksgiving and petitions. It was as if time slowed down and a minute could span a lifetime. This reminded me of the few loaves and fishes that God blessed and fed so many.
As I was praying, I also felt a need in me to take some time to just thank
God out loud for His awesome goodness, amazing grace and many undeserved blessings.
I discovered that there is also incredible power in spoken words. They take on a life all their own. Tears came to my eyes as I voiced my thanks to God. Right then, I felt an intense desire for everyone everywhere to know Christ as their savior. I wanted others to know the horn of salvation (Luke 1:69); the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6); the gate (John 10:7,9); the last Adam (1 Cor 15:45) the Son of the Most High God (Luke 8:28); the resurrection (John 11:25). I wanted others to see for themselves the unseen and hear the unheard that goes on around us as we live out our daily lives. I prayed that everyone would know what an awesome, mighty and living God we serve! I was immediately comforted when Philippians 2: 10-11 came to my mind. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth: and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (KJV) I knew then that one day everyone would know how awesome is our God. I just prayed for souls sake that they would know it on this side of eternity.
As I stood up to leave, I did not feel my prayer end. It will never end. I will carry with me all the time...a constant, mindful spirit of prayer. My life is, and I believe always will be, a never-ending prayer. Jesus is the Amen (2 Cor 1:20).

Doctrine of the Person and Work of Christ

Doctrine of the Person and Work of Christ

In The Cross of Christ, Robert Bradshaw states that, “The Jews were looking for the promised Messiah who would destroy their enemies and establish God’s kingdom on this earth (Psalm 2; 110:1; Isaiah 11; Daniel 7:9-14; 9: 25-26). The last thing they expected the Messiah to do was to be crucified, because it is written in the Law that, ‘anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse.’ (Deut. 21:23). Paul quotes the same verse in Galatians 3:13 to prove that it was God’s purpose for the Messiah to suffer God’s curse to free men from the curse of the Law (I Peter 2:24).”[1]

Doctrine of the Person of Christ

In The Baptist Faith and Message, it states that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. God the Son was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and though He was perfect, He suffered for the sins of all humanity. Jesus was crucified for our sins so that through Him we may have eternal life. He died on the cross and was buried but on the third day, God raised Jesus from the dead with a glorified body. After appearing to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion, Jesus ascended into Heaven and He now sits exalted at the right hand of God. He is the One Mediator in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. Jesus will return in power and glory to judge the world and to finish His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever-present Lord. Scriptures referring to Jesus Christ, the Son of God are as follows: Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; Corinthians 1:30; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; Philippians 2:5-11; Revelation 1:13-16 and 19:16.[2]
According to class notes, the humanity of Jesus is communicated in the Gospel as follows. To begin, the Bible states that Jesus developed mentally. Furthermore, the Gospel reveals that Jesus did get hungry, needed food and that he ate. In addition, Scriptures reveal that Jesus did get tired as well. Still yet, the Bible tells us that Jesus felt emotions and that he paid taxes. We also learned in class that Jesus had human limitations. For instance, he was not omniscient or omnipresent and he did submit to death. Finally, we learned in class that Jesus did experience human temptation, such as recorded in Matt. 16:23.[3]

Doctrine of the Work of Christ

According to The Baptist Faith and Message, salvation involves the redemption of man and is the gift of God to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, who by his own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. Salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus as Lord. Regeneration is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. This new birth is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are experiences of grace. Repentance is a true turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of your whole being to him as Lord and Savior. Justification is God’s full acquittal upon principles of his righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer into a favorable relationship with God. Sanctification is the experience by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the person’s life as they live for Christ. Glorification is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed. A few Scripture references for this work of Christ are as follows: Matthew 1:21; Luke 1: 68-69; Acts 2:21; Romans 1:16-18; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:7; Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 2:1-3; James 2:14-26; I Peter 1:2-23; I John 1:6-2:11 and Revelation 3:20.[4]
According to Grenz, in Theology for the Community of God, the mission of Jesus involved fulfilling the Old Testament hope, Jesus as the prophet and Messiah, heralding the divine reign and atonement. Grenz also states the significance of Jesus’ death in the New Testament is for our example, our ransom, our expiation and our reconciliation.[5]
In conclusion, John Damascene (c. 675-749) wrote the following, which is an excerpt from Orthodox Faith 4:
By nothing else except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ has death been brought low:
The sin of our first parent destroyed, hell plundered, resurrection bestowed, the power given us to despise the things of this world, even death itself, the road back to the former blessedness made smooth, the gates of paradise opened, our nature seated at the right hand of God, and we made children and heirs of God.
By the cross, all these things have been set aright:
It is a seal that the destroyer may not strike us, a raising up of those who lie fallen, a support for those who stand, a staff for the infirm, a crook for the shepherded, a guide for the wandering, a perfecting of the advanced, salvation for the soul and body, a deflection of all evils, a cause of all goods, a destruction of sin, a plant of resurrection, and a tree of eternal life.[6]

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bradshaw, Robert I. The Cross of Christ. http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/article cross.html.
Accessed 12/03/06.

Damascene, John. What Happened on the Cross. http://www.rc.net/wcc/hapeross.htm.
Accessed 12/03/06.

Grenz, Stanley J. Theology for the Community of God. Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Grand Rapids, Michigan. 1994.

Hobbs, Herschel H. The Baptist Faith and Message. Convention Press. Nashville, TN.
1971.

The NIV Rainbow Study Bible: New International Version. Rainbow Studies, Inc. El
Reno, Oklahoma. 1992.

[1] Bradshaw, Robert I, The Cross of Christ, http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/article cross.html, Accessed 12/03/06.
[2] Hobbs, Herschel H., “God”, The Baptist Faith and Message, p. 30.
[3] The NIV Rainbow Study Bible: New International Version, p. 1085.
[4] The Baptist Faith and Message, p. 48.
[5] Grenz, Stanley J., Theology for the Community of God, p. 328-347.
[6] Damascene, John, What Happened on the Cross, http://www.rc.net/wcc/hapeross.htm,
Accessed 12/03/06.

Interpreting The Parable of the Pounds Luke 19:11-27

Interpreting The Parable of the Pounds
Luke 19: 11-27


I will reference three different commentaries to assist me in interpreting The Parable of the Pounds found in Luke 19: 11-27. I will answer the following questions: what is the main point the parable is teaching; what is the point Jesus is trying to make; what is the point the Gospel writer is trying to make and how does this parable apply to my life and the life of my church.
To begin, I will focus on the question of what is the main point the parable teaches. In doing so, I will answer four sub-questions to arrive at a conclusion. First, who are the main characters in the parable? Second, what comes at the end of the parable? Third, what is given the most space? Lastly, what is found in direct conversation?
According to Bruce Larson in The Communicator’s Commentary: Luke, the main characters in this story are the nobleman, his citizens and his servants.[1] Now, I refer to Matthew Henry for a discussion on the ending of the parable. Matthew Henry, in Matthew Henry’s Commentary, states that the ending is about the sentence passed upon the king’s servants upon his return. Matthew Henry states, “When his faithful subjects are preferred and rewarded, then he will take vengeance on his enemies.”[2] Since all three commentaries I am referencing focused their analyses on the return of the nobleman and the accounting of the servants for a bulk of the reading, this appears to be what receives the most space in the parable. In my opinion, what is found in direct conversation is a command, responses to that command and the outcome of those responses. Reflecting on the main point of the story, in The Communicator’s Commentary: Luke, the author states that, “the nobleman was given the kingdom and he returned to slay those who didn’t want him in power. As Christians, we believe that Jesus is the King and that in the last days He will return to His Kingdom”.[3] This is the main point Jesus was trying to make to His audience. Luke wanted to relay this important point to his audience, the Greeks and Gentiles.
In conclusion, this parable applies to me in that I need to keep busy, not idle, doing Kingdom work until Christ returns. George Bliss states in An American Commentary on the New Testament: Mark and Luke, that Christ’s intention in speaking this parable was, “primarily, to show that his kingdom would be seen only after a considerable interval and secondarily, to teach the chief disciples how that interval should be spent”.[4] In light of this, I believe I am faithfully to employ every gift and resource He has given me to invest in His Kingdom and to increase His Kingdom so that when He returns He will say to me, “Well done thou good and faithful servant”. On the same note, I think my church is to be about these same endeavors as a church body until he comes again.
[1] Bruce Larson, The Communicator’s Commentary: Luke, Vol. 3, ed. Lloyd J. Ogilvie, (Waco, Texas: Word Books, Publisher, 1983), 275.

[2] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary In One Volume, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1960), 1486.

[3] Bruce Larson, The Communicator’s Commentary: Luke, Vol. 3, ed. Lloyd J. Ogilvie, (Waco, Texas: Word Books, Publisher, 1983), 275-276.

[4] Bliss, G.R. and W.N. Clarke, D. D., An American Commentary on the New Testament: Mark and Luke, ed. Alvah Hovey, D.D., LL.D., (Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1881), 279.

Juvenile Crime: Opposing Viewpoints Book Review

Critical Issue Project on
Rage, Violence and Gunfire

Book Review: Juvenile Crime: Opposing Viewpoints


I chose the book, Juvenile Crime: Opposing Viewpoints, for this project for several reasons. One, it covers juvenile rage, violence and gunfire all in one book. Two, I chose it because it appeared to be unbiased toward the subject of juvenile crime but instead, it reveals opposing viewpoints on the same issue through a compilation of articles, speeches and long book excerpts. For example, Chapter 1 asks the question: “Are Juvenile Crime and Violence increasing?” The answer presented in one excerpt is that juvenile crime and violence are increasing and in another excerpt that juvenile crime and violence are not increasing and both present research to support their respective viewpoint. Three, I chose this book because it not only presents the issues but also, it discusses the causes of juvenile crime and reveals information on how juvenile crime can be combated. Finally, I chose this book because it touches on the subject of gang-related juvenile crime as well.
As mentioned above, one of the reasons for choosing this book is that it presents opposing viewpoints. However, this was also a frustration for me as I read the book because I could never seem to get a straight answer. Is juvenile crime increasing or not? I noticed that the two opposing viewpoints on this subject did not research the same time-periods in their research. To me, the authors of the article excerpts seemed to research the years that best suited their viewpoint. In my opinion, the answer to the question of is juvenile crime increasing or decreasing just seems to be a matter of when you ask the question. Sometimes, the answer is yes and sometimes no or if about the future, speculative at best.
In my opinion, the book is not bias. However, the individual speeches, articles and book excerpts in the book seem to be bias to me. Whether it is on the subject of juvenile crime increasing or decreasing or whether guns and the media contribute to juvenile crime or not, the individual authors/speakers seem to pull together whatever information they can to make their point sound right. Something else I have noticed is that when one author uses statistics to identify a problem and sheds negative light on an issue, the opposing viewpoint generally relies on emotional factors in making its case. For instance, one article author stated, “every year, guns kill 13.7 Americans per 100,000; in 1996-1997, more than 6,000 U.S. students were expelled from packing heat to school.”[1] While in the opposing article, the author states that blaming violence on something outside the individual denies that the young man/young woman is “ultimately responsible for his/her own actions. By banning the culture of guns, we will not stop teen murderers. But, by rebuilding a culture of loving, moral guidance for our children, we will.”[2] This same occurrence happens in the section on whether violence in the media affects children. One article author states, “research in the 1970s demonstrated the existence of “cluster suicides” in which the local TV reporting of teen suicides directly caused numerous copycat suicides by impressionable teenagers.”[3] While the opposing viewpoint author states, “violence is not learned from mock violence. There is good evidence-causal evidence, not correlational-that it is learned in personal violent encounters, beginning with the brutalization of children by their parents or their peers.”[4]
In my opinion, everyone seems to be chasing their tails in this book, covering their tracks and passing the buck. I think both viewpoints have some truth in them. I think what causes violence is also a case-by-case basis. Obviously, based on the above evidence, violence is learned with the influence of media and with the personal encounter of brutality. However, in my opinion, no one seems to want to take responsibility for anything. Those who support the media will not blame the media for violence and those who support the NRA will not blame guns for violence; those who do not support the media or the NRA will blame them. Basically, the reader of this book has to have their own opinion, know where they stand and make up their own mind because this book does not make it up for them or tell them how to think.
In the book, one article discusses some of the causes of juvenile violence addressed as being poverty, family factors, the environment, media influence and declining social morality.[5] Another article excerpt in the book focused on just poverty being the root cause and yet another article focused on just fatherless ness as the root cause of juvenile violence. However, I like the article that deals with the spectrum of causes from poverty to declining social morality because I do not think it is just one thing that is the root cause but there are a number of root causes for juvenile violence.
Factors addressed that contribute to gang-related juvenile crime are the media, gangsta rap music, a need for family, poor parenting and American capitalism.
I found it interesting that the first two influences mentioned, media and gangsta rap, are cited for glamorizing and glorifying the gangster lifestyle, respectively.[6] This fact says to me that much of the problem can be resolved just by showing the truth about gangs and some of the most influential of our society has chosen not to do that. I feel mixed signals here because I see public service messages in the media and music celebrities talking to kids about staying in school, not doing drugs and not committing crimes of violence yet they turn around and promote the opposite in their marketed products.
Another thing I noticed is that many of the influence for gang-related crime are the same as the influences of juvenile crime in general with the exception of American capitalism. I think the influence of American capitalism is the most difficult to swallow for me. I cannot understand how our country can put profit motive before the lives of its own children, even its entire population and still sleep at night.
Finally, I will turn to some of the ways to combat juvenile violence that the book addresses. The book addresses the following: whether to try juveniles as adults or not; whether to hold parents legally responsible for juvenile crime or not; whether curfew laws are effective, or not, harsher punishment for juvenile crime and more after school programs.[7] Honestly, I do not know how I feel about putting an age on trying a child as an adult or determining their punishment. Concerning holding parents legally responsible for juvenile crime, in certain cases, I would think this would motivate parents to be proactive with their children and help to prevent juvenile crime. I do believe that measures need to be taken to improve the crime rates among youth. I certainly support the idea of more after school programs and curfews.


Bibliography

Ojeda, A. ed. Juvenile Crime: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California:
Greenhaven Press, Inc., 2002.
[1] Ojeda, A. ed. Juvenile Crime: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 2002, pg. 82.
[2] Ojeda, A. ed. Juvenile Crime: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 2002, pg. 87-88.
[3] Ojeda, A. ed. Juvenile Crime: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 2002, pg. 70.
[4] Ojeda, A. ed. Juvenile Crime: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 2002, pg. 79.
[5] Ojeda, A. ed. Juvenile Crime: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 2002, pg. 62.
[6] Ojeda, A., ed. Juvenile Crime: Opposing Viewpoints, San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 2002, pg. 101 & 105.
[7] Ojeda, A. ed. Juvenile Crime: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 2002, pg. 130-166.

Critical Issue: Rage, Violence and Gunfire

Critical Issue: Rage, Violence & Gunfire
Evidence issue is critical among youth


The purpose is to present evidence that the issues of rage, violence and gunfire are critical among youth. In my research, I discovered that although the youth crime rate is high, it has been decreasing. This does not mean however that juvenile crime is not a problem now or that it will not be a problem in the future.
As a matter of fact, the American Psychological Association Help Center website states, “One in 12 high schoolers is threatened or injured with a weapon each year. If you are between the ages of 12 and 24, you face the highest risk of being the victim of violence. At the same time, statistics show that by the early 1990's the incidence of violence caused by young people reached unparalleled levels in American society. There is no single explanation for the overall rise in youth violence. Many different factors cause violent behavior. The more these factors are present in your life, the more likely you are to commit an act of violence.”[1]
In addition, the TeenViolence.com website states, “As of 1998, 10% of all schools experience some sort of violent crime (murder, rape, or sexual battery, suicide, physical attack, fight w/weapon, robbery). In 1998, one in twelve students who stayed home from school did so in fear. In 1996, gunfire killed a classroom of children every two days. In 1994, one in six students claimed they had been robbed at gunpoint/knifepoint.”[2]
As you can see, juvenile crime is definitely a problem and researchers say it will get worse before it gets better. In the article, “Right Data,” the author states, “By 2010, the Census Bureau estimates the population of males in high-crime ages will be 21.9 million. According to John DiIulio, we can expect at least 6% of these young males (1.3 million) to become high-rate offenders and account for half of all serious crimes committed by their age group.”[3]

Bibliography


APA Help Center, American Psychological Association, “Warning Signs of Teen
Violence”, Internet: available at http://www.apahelpcenter.org/featuredtopics/feature.php?id=38, accessed 31 Oct 2004.

Rubenstein, Ed, “Right Data”, National Review, Vol. 49, 10 Feb 97.

Teen-Violence.com, Internet: available at http://www.teen-violence.com/stats.html,
accessed 31 Oct 2004.


[1] APA Help Center, American Psychological Association, “Warning Signs of Teen Violence”, Internet: available at http://www.apahelpcenter.org/featuredtopics/feature.php?id=38, accessed 31 Oct 2004.
[2] Teen-Violence.com, Internet: available at http://www.teen-violence.com/stats.html, accessed 31 Oct 2004.
[3] Rubenstein, Ed, “Right Data”, National Review, Vol. 49, 10 Feb 97, pg. 14.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Ruth to Lamentations

Journal: Ruth - Lamentations

Bible Reading & Date
Ruth & Jonah: Jan 23, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Books:

The books of Ruth and Jonah are significant for several reasons. One, we learn so much about God’s power and his love. We also learn about behaviors that God rewards versus behaviors that he punishes.
In Ruth, we see love and kindness rewarded. The book of Ruth reveals to us that God blesses those who seek to live obedient lives and he extends mercy to the merciful. We learn from Ruth that at times, love may require sacrifice and regardless of our lot in life, we can live according to God’s precepts. In the book, we see Ruth’s determination to stay with Naomi and care for her and that in the end; Ruth was rewarded for her love with a husband, a son and a position in the royal lineage of Jesus Christ.
In Jonah, we learn never to put country before God and that we cannot hide from God. Jonah also reveals that God sometimes does his greatest work through the least likely candidates and that he loves us regardless of our reputation, nationality or race. Jonah teaches us to rejoice in the salvation of others because it is an experience that God wants us to share with him. Finally, Jonah reveals that God uses nature, weather and animals or any part of creation to bring us closer to him.

Bible Reading & Date
I Samuel – II Kings: Jan 24-30, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Books:

In I - II Samuel, we learn that God is bigger than any problem and that with God’s help, our emotions can be kept under his control. We see that even God’s children can fail and fall into sin and that any life full of sin and defeat can have victory and accomplishment if repentance and obedience are begun. We also learn that our sin may encourage God to take away our blessings and give them to others. I – II Samuel also reveals that our ultimate leadership should be of God, not man and that obedience is more important to God than sacrifice. Finally, we learn that we, like David, should be people after God’s own heart.
In I – II Kings, we see that God uses history to show us examples of successful and of defeated lives. We learn we must follow godly leadership and be godly leaders for others and that God is more concerned that we have wisdom and a heart for him than in our personal accomplishments. In Kings, we learn of Solomon’s construction of the temple and of the miracles and ministry of the prophet Elijah. In addition, we see that the consistent company we keep in family and friends can affect us in both positive and negative ways. Finally, we discover we can have complete confidence that God will never leave us or forsake us.

Bible Reading & Date
I Chronicles, Ezra & Nehemiah: Feb 1 – Feb 6, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Books:

In I Chronicles, we learn that God will never forsake his people, his promises or his covenant and that we must fulfill our covenant with God to be obedient to his Word. We see that to do a great work for God, we must first have a heart for God. In addition, we understand that God is always working in our lives. Still yet, we see that even though people and nations sometimes fail, God never fails. We learn that we should appreciate our heritage and significance in God’s eyes. Finally, we see that God blesses obedience and punishes disobedience.
In Ezra, we learn that God sovereignly looks over and protects his children and that no problem is too big to stop a plan made in the will of God. From Ezra, we learn that our goals should be worthy in God’s eyes as well as our own and that the sorrows of yesterday can be our successes today. We also see that pure love includes correction.
In Nehemiah, we learn that at times, we may have to give up our own comfort in order to minister properly to others and that we must believe in a cause before we will give our time or money to it with a right heart. Nehemiah teaches us to have genuine compassion for others who are hurting and to help them.

Bible Reading & Date
Psalms: Book I Feb 7-13, 2006 100 % read
Psalms: Book II Feb 14 - 20, 2006 100% read
Psalms: Book III Feb 21-27, 2006 100% read
Psalms: Book IV Feb 28 - Mar 6, 2006 100% read
Psalms: Book V Mar 7 – Mar 13, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Book:

The book of Psalms is significant in that it was used as a temple hymnbook. It covers almost every area of human experience and emotion and some refer to Jesus Christ, the Messiah of God. In Psalms, we learn that sin is always rebellion against God and that it will always be punished. Psalms reveals that a life of righteousness hates sin and a life of praise is a life of victory. We learn from Psalms that God can be trusted during our times of sorrow as well as our times of joy and that he loves each of us and is concerned for every area of our lives. We see that we can approach God just as we are and with all our concerns.

Bible Reading & Date
Proverbs: Feb 7-13, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Book:

Proverbs is a book of practical and timeless instruction for every area of human life. It contrasts the godly view of the wise with the fools view. It presents truths that counsel and helps to prevent and correct ungodly lifestyles. In Proverbs, we learn that wisdom cannot be gained apart from God and we should not rely on our own understanding but on God’s truth. We see that God will direct our paths and that godly success comes from obedience to God. Finally, we see that God desires for us to be happy and that he has made happiness available if we fear, trust and obey him.

Bible Reading & Date
Job: Feb 14-20, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Book:

Job raises the question: Why do the righteous suffer? We learn from Job that Satan cannot bring destruction upon us unless it is within God’s permissive will. We understand that it is beyond our human ability to understand the why behind all the suffering in the world. We learn that the wicked will receive their punishment and that we cannot blame all the suffering on the sin in a sufferer’s life. In addition, Job reveals that suffering may sometimes be allowed in our lives to purify, to test, to teach or to strengthen the soul and teach us that God is all we need. Still yet, we know that God deserves and requests our love and praise regardless. Finally, we learn that God will deliver all suffering believers.

Bible Reading & Date
Song of Songs: Feb 21-27, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Book:

The Song of Songs is a celebration of love between a man and a woman and is a collection of poems, in the form of songs. The author portrays sex and marriage as ordained by God and good in his sight when combined. The parallel can be drawn that Christ’s love for the church, his bride is much greater than human love. In addition, we see that although a person may be poor, the person can be rich spiritually by loving God and knowing that God loves him/her. Finally, we learn that an ideal marriage will be tender, affectionate and strong during times of trial.

Bible Reading & Date
Ecclesiastes: Feb 28-Mar 6, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Book:

In Ecclesiastes, we learn that neither earthly goals apart from God, money, fame, power, accomplishments nor human wisdom will bring us happiness. We hear from the author that only a life submissive and devoted to God will bring happiness. In addition, we see that the closer we walk with God, the more aware we become of his blessings in our lives. Still yet, the author reveals that following God in our youth will bring joy to our latter years and disobedience in our youth will bring sorrow in our latter years. Finally, we hear the conclusion to happiness is to fear God and keep his commandments.

Bible Reading & Date
Lamentations: Mar 7-13, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Book:

In Lamentations, we see Jerusalem is destroyed as Jeremiah prophesied and the five poems make up a funeral song for the death of Jerusalem. We learn from Lamentations that the judgment of God is certain and a forgiven sin may still have consequences with which we must deal. In addition, we learn that suffering may be allowed to help us repent. Still yet, we learn that God will strengthen and comfort us if we will only let him. Finally, we learn that if we have ever experienced sorrow, we are great candidates to console another who is hurting.

Bibliography

The NIV Rainbow Study Bible: New International Version, Rainbow Studies,
Inc., El Reno, Oklahoma, 1992.

Hosea to Daniel

Bible Reading Journal: Hosea - Daniel


Bible Reading & Date
Hosea, Joel & Amos: Mar 18-20, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Books:

Hosea is significant for several reasons. To begin, Gomer was like unfaithful and rebellious Israel. Hosea marries Gomer and buys his adulterous wife back from a slave market, which represents God’s covenant relationship with Israel. In addition, in Hosea, we read that God’s love is unconditional, eternal and it transforms us. We see that God loves us enough to punish our sins and that we cannot do anything that will separate us from God’s love. The book of Hosea also reveals to us that God hates adultery. We learn from Hosea that God is concerned for every aspect of our well-being including the success of our marriage. Still yet, from Hosea, we learn that experiencing unrequited love ourselves may help us understand how God feels when we reject his love. Finally, we hear from Hosea about Israel’s restoration.
In Joel, Judah is devastated by locusts, which Joel compares to a marching human army and says it is divine judgment for the nation’s sins. We learn never to put trust in our possessions but put our trust in the Lord. Joel also reveals that God sometimes uses nature and sorrow to draw us closer to him. Joel teaches us that without repentance, judgment will be harsh. Finally, Joel reveals that God’s covenant with his people will never end and when they repent, there will be renewed material and spiritual blessings for the nation.
Amos is significant for several reasons as well. One, in God’s vision to Amos, God reveals the standard for his people and God’s nature of hope shines through. In addition, we learn that because God is righteous, he expects us to be satisfied with nothing less than his righteousness for our lives. We also learn that God hates sin and that the cost of sin is expensive. In addition, we see that God sometimes selects individuals for his work that the world would reject. Still yet, Amos teaches us that God expects more from those to whom he has given more. Finally, from Amos we learn that God’s judgment is certain and God - fearing people receive blessings from God.

Bible Reading & Date
Micah, Nahum & Zephaniah: Mar 25-27, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Books:

Micah is significant theologically for several reasons. To begin, Micah prophesies the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem, which gives Bethlehem eternal prominence. God also reveals to Micah about the remnant remaining, gathering his own from the ends of the earth and restoring Zion. In Micah, Micah’s cry is for God’s people to show justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. We learn that God gives warnings for us to heed so we will not have to suffer his wrath. In addition, Micah teaches us that God disciplines those he loves us because he knows that sin destroys and he wants us to be whole. Finally, we see that God’s promise of restoration is for those who remain true to him.
In Nahum, we read the sequel to the book of Jonah. We discover from Nahum that God is patient and slow to anger. In addition, Nahum teaches that praise from our lips and the works of our hands together enable us to worship God. Still yet, we learn that anyone plus God is the majority and that God’s promises are sure. Moreover, we learn we should not lean on our own might but on God’s might. Finally, Nahum teaches us that vengeance belongs to God alone.
In reading the book of Zephaniah, we hear a message of judgment. In Zephaniah, we learn that God is not prejudiced and loves universal obedience. In addition, Zephaniah teaches that God wants us to have pure hearts. We learn that the coming day of the Lord will bring judgment greater than the world has ever known. Still yet, Zephaniah teaches that renewed fellowship with God is available to all who genuinely repent. Zephaniah announces that God’s holy vengeance will lead him to judge all sin in the coming “great day of the Lord.” Finally, we learn that God has promised to exalt a remnant, which he will gather from the ends of the earth to live with the Lord.


Bible Reading & Date
Ezekiel & Obadiah: Mar 28 – Apr 1, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Books:

In Ezekiel, Ezekiel receives visions concerning the immediate and long-term plans of God. In Ezekiel, we see the ways of God contrasted with the ways of the world. We learn that we are each responsible for our own sins yet together accountable for the sins of our nation. In addition, we learn that God, like a loving father, will discipline us for our disobedience. Finally, we learn once again that God’s promises of restoration for his people will be fulfilled.
In Obadiah, we learn that God will overcome for us if we stay true to him. In addition, we learn that unlike Edom, we must be willing to help others in times of need. Still yet, Obadiah teaches us that like a loving father, God may at times need to punish his children. Moreover, Obadiah teaches us that pride is sin and we that we actually have nothing to be proud of except what Jesus has done for us. Finally, we learn from Obadiah that loving humankind can be easy, but we may need God’s help to love the person next door.


Bible Reading & Date
Jeremiah & Habakkuk: Apr 4 – Apr 10, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Book:

In Jeremiah, we see it Jeremiah’s responsibility to proclaim Judah’s coming judgment for her continuance in sin. Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, weeps for his own persecutions and for his nation’s bitter affliction. In Jeremiah, we learn again that God is patient and that God’s love for us may require we receive divine discipline. From Jeremiah, we learn that it grieves God to have to discipline his children. In addition, Jeremiah teaches that nations, which reject God, will pay the price for their rebellion and that the time to repent is now. Finally, we learn that God may rebuke sin in our lives but he will never abandon us.
A major lesson learned from Habakkuk is we need to have complete faith in God for the righteous live by faith. In addition, we learn we may not always understand why God does what he does, but we can be assured that he loves us and that his plans include his judgment for the wicked. We see there is woe to those who build by unjust gain and bloodshed and woe to those who trust idols. In Habakkuk, we see that God will not compromise with sin. In addition, Habakkuk teaches that no matter what our circumstances, we can trust the Lord and praise him. Still yet, we see that a life lived by faith is a life full of God’s joy. Moreover, we can talk to God about anything. Finally, Habakkuk teaches us if we get to know God better, we will understand more his plans for creation.

Bible Reading & Date
Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: Apr 18-23, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Book:

In Haggai, we see that before the reconstruction of the temple, the hearts of the people need to be renewed and the Lord tells them to give thought to their ways. In addition, Haggai encourages the people to get their priorities right, which will result in god’s glory filling the new temple. We also learn that in order for a project to be completed, it must first be started and that a job half done is a job not done. We learn that we must commit our ways to God so he will guide us and bless our walk. Still yet, we learn that we should avoid compromising situations and sometimes we settle for good when we could have had the best. Finally, from Haggai, we learn that prosperity and other standards of success do not make us happy in the long - run if we do not put God first.
In Zechariah, Zechariah lets the nation know that they will only be blessed in the future is they are obedient to God and his Word. In addition, we read about the Messiah, his power, betrayal and kingdom, which is central. Still yet, we learn that God’s ways are best for God but also they are best for us and we do not need to be afraid of anything when we are on God’s side. Moreover, Zechariah teaches us that God desires pure motives for our actions. We also learn from Zechariah that a person in love with the Lord will love and be compassionate toward others. Finally, we learn that God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ was established from the time sin first entered the world.
In Malachi, we learn that when the people do not tithe, they rob God. We also learn from Malachi that people owe God more than money; they owe time, talents and praises as well. In addition, we read in Malachi that part of his ministry is to prepare the hearts of God’s people and the way for John the Baptist, who prepares the way for Jesus. Still yet, we learn from Malachi that remembering God’s victories will help us in our current time of need. Moreover, we realize that giving to God and God’s work is a
privilege and no matter how hard we try, we can never out give the Lord. Finally, we learn that God’s plan includes all of history.

Bible Reading & Date
Esther: Apr 25 – May 1, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Book:

In Esther, we discover that God blessed Esther with beauty however; it is the beauty of her heart that sets her apart for God. We discover as we read that it is not by chance that this Jewish girl rises to become queen of the most powerful empire of the world. We realize as we read that the name of God does not appear once in the book of Esther, but God’s providential care and leading are throughout the book. In Esther, we learn that God may have bigger plans for us than we have for ourselves. In addition, Esther teaches us that God may put us into positions of leadership or influence so we can more thoroughly accomplish his purposes. Still yet, God answers prayer and fasting by enabling us to overcome our human obstacles. Moreover, we learn that God providentially provides for his children. Finally, we learn that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for him and again, we learn he may have to discipline his children but he will never leave them or forsake them.

Bible Reading & Date
Daniel: May 2 - 7, 2006 100% read

Theology & Significance of the Book:

In the book of Daniel, we read several stories that illustrate the courage and commitment of men who place their faith in God, like Shadrach, Meshach and Abendnego. We learn that God protects and preserves those who rely on him. In Daniel, we learn that God works through people’s lives to work his will. In addition, we read that kingdoms may rise and fall, but God and his Word lasts forever. Still yet, Daniel teaches that if we will commit ourselves to God, then good will triumph over evil in our lives. Moreover, we learn from Daniel that God is concerned about every area of our lives, even our eating habits and that because God is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient only he is worthy of lordship of our lives.

Bibliography

The NIV Rainbow Study Bible: New International Version, Rainbow Studies,
Inc., El Reno, Oklahoma, 1992.

Galatians 3: 23-29

Galatians 3: 23-29

I will discuss the context, content and concern of Galatians 3: 23-29. First, I will discuss the context. This will include the historical, literary and textual reconstructing of the text. In the historical reconstructing, I will discuss background information concerning this text. In the literary reconstructing, I will identify whether the text is poetic or prose, which genre Galatians is classified under and whether the writing is historical or narrative. In the textual reconstructing, I will provide an outline of Galatians and determine the location of the text within this book and within the Bible.
In the content portion, I will provide a structural analysis of the passage where I will underline main ideas and supporting ideas of the text. I will identify any themes that are recurring in the passage and I will select several pivotal words from the passage to research and study more in depth to help determine its meaning.
Finally, in the concern portion, I will ascertain what Paul intended to say in this passage. I will do this by considering Paul’s tone, use of words and the response of the recipients of this letter. I will also note other scriptures Paul wrote that correspond to his points in Galatians 3: 23-29. To conclude, I will state how the points he makes apply to our lives today and reveal some principles of application.
To begin, according to The NIV Rainbow Study Bible, Galatians dates sometime between A. D. 49 and 55. The author of Galatians is Paul and he possibly wrote this book in Antioch or Ephesus. Paul wrote this book to the Christians at Galatia. Jews greatly outnumbered Gentiles in the early churches. During this time, as non-Jews would come into the church, many questions and issues would arise. Judaizers, a group of Jewish believers, followed Paul as he evangelized. In order for the Gentiles to receive salvation, these Judaizers insisted that Gentile believers submit to circumcision and the laws of Moses. This letter is Paul’s response to this erroneous teaching. He preaches that salvation is a gift of grace, wholly dependent upon faith in Jesus Christ. This book has been called the “Magna Charta” of the church (1, p. 1297).
The writing in this passage in Galatians is prose, which according to class notes, means the writing is straightforward and literal. In addition, Galatians is a letter and therefore, considered in the epistle genre. Since Galatians is an epistle, then I must answer a question. What is the occasion for Paul writing Galatians? You touched on this in class briefly as well. You stated that Paul wrote Galatians concerning freedom in Christ because at the time this letter was written, Galatians were hearing that Jesus plus circumcision or plus something else equaled salvation. However, the true gospel is that Jesus alone can bring salvation plus nothing else. I believe this passage has both historical and narrative characteristics. Historical in that it states facts concerning the law given to lead us to Christ and that Christians are no longer under the law. The narrative, the requirement, however, is that we believe in Christ.
The outline of Galatians is as follows. Gal 1: 1-5 is the salutation. In Gal 1: 6-10, Paul reproves the church and preaches that the only gospel is the gospel of Christ. In Gal 1: 11-24, Paul states that his message is from Jesus Christ and proves his own apostleship. In Gal 2: 1-10, the Jerusalem church accepts Paul. Then, in Gal 2: 11- 4:31, Paul explains grace by faith. This is where the passage of study fits in the outline of the book. In Gal 5: 1- 6:10, Paul teaches about freedom in Christ. Then, in Gal 6:11 – 6:18, Paul gives his final blessings and exhortations to the church at Galatia. Within the Bible, Galatians is located in the New Testament after II Corinthians and before Ephesians. Galatians is one of several letters Paul wrote to various churches.
Next, I will discuss the content of Galatians 3: 23-29. To begin, I will provide a structural analysis of the passage by underlining main ideas and pivotal words. It is as follows: 23 Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24 So, the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. 26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (1, p. 1300). Paul uses words such as prisoners, locked up, put in charge and supervision I think just to drive home the mental image of the law being bondage to us. Then, he uses the words sons, clothed, seed, heirs and promise to show us the stark contrast between having faith in Christ and following the law. It is a clear mental image of a slave compared to a son. I sure get the picture. Hopefully, the Galatians did too.
The themes that are running through this passage are grace, redemption and freedom in Christ. In The NIV Rainbow Study Bible, the author reveals some themes as follows: the law was given to reveal man’s sinfulness and guilt; to live under the law is bondage but to live by faith is freedom and Christians are not bound by the law but Christ has set us free (1, p. 1297).
Paul uses pivotal words as well, which I will discuss next. Some of these words are as follows: justified; faith; baptism; heirs and promise. I will define these words in the concern section of this paper, which follows below.
Now, I will focus on the concern of this passage. What is Paul trying to say in this passage? I believe that Paul is trying to draw the Galatians back to faith in Christ and not faith in the law for righteousness. At one time, the Galatians listened to Paul’s message and lived by faith in Christ but only for a while because then, Judaizers came in and convinced them to follow the law again. This passage is Paul’s plea to the Galatians to understand the difference between trying to become righteous by the law and righteousness through faith in Christ alone. Paul’s tone is one of an appeal to the people of Galatia. In my opinion, Paul probably experienced a myriad of emotions as he wrote this passage. One, he probably felt holy anger towards those who would put this obstacle before the Galatians to turn them away from following Christ. Two, he probably felt great desire and passion in his heart for them to know and live by faith in Christ alone again. Most of all, I think he felt a deep love for these people and a longing for them to live free in Christ and know their identity in Christ.
Not only does Paul use tone in the letter to make his points but also, he uses key words, which I will discuss next. Some of these words are as follows: justified; faith; baptized; heirs and promise. The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible defines these words as follows. The word justified as it is used in verse 24 means to render just or innocent, to free or to be righteous (5, p. 726). Here, the word faith means persuasion, credence or conviction of religious truth or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation (5, p. 407). Baptized means to make overwhelmed for example, fully wet, used only (in the N.T.) in ceremonial ablution, to baptize or to wash (5, p.73). Heirs defined as getting by apportionment, a sharer by lot, inheritor or a possessor (5, p.599). Promise is an announcement or pledge, a divine assurance of good, a message (5, p. 1080).
The reader’s response to this passage is not identified in the letter. Only Paul’s blessings and exhortations are made clear. Personally, I believe the letter would have generated a corrective response from the reader’s who seem to be thirsting and hungering for righteousness at this time.
In Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, the author states that Gal 3: 27-28 illustrates a passage grounded in principles of redemption. While this passage by itself cannot prove that Paul envisioned no distinctions between people in the Church, neither can it be limited to equality in opportunities for salvation. Baptism reflected an outward liberating rite for women that put them on equal public footing with men in a way that circumcision could not (3, p. 417).
In Matthew Henry’s Commentary, the author states that the design of the law is to discover men’s transgressions, and to show them their need for a better righteousness than sin. The great design of the law is then that men will be convinced of the insufficiency of the law to affect righteousness for them and they will be persuaded to believe on Christ, and obtain the benefit of His promise. Now that faith in Christ has come, we have no such need of the law to direct us to him. This faith in Christ is what we profess in baptism, which comes in the room of circumcision. We are baptized into Christ’s death, that as he died and rose again, so shall we die to sin and walk in newness of life. This privilege of being children of God is now enjoyed by all real Christians. There is no difference between us now but instead, we all stand on the same level and are true seed of Abraham, and as such are entitled to the great blessings and privileges of the promise (2, p. 1841).
There are other scripture verses relating to what Paul is saying in Galatians 3: 23-29. For instance, in Romans 3:20-22, Paul writes “Therefore, no one will be declared righteous in his (God’s) sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (1, p.1255) In addition, Romans 4:13 & 16 states “It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise…but through the righteousness that comes by faith. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring – not only those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham.” (1, p. 1256) It looks to me as if Paul is trying to get across to the Romans the same message he was trying to teach the Galatians. He repeats himself several times.
The points that Paul makes in this passage apply to our lives today. There are many people who still believe that there own effort or their works is what saves them. Matter of fact, the last sermon I heard at my church was about this very thing. The sermon was about how millions of people today are attracted to mystic Eastern religions, specifically Buddhism, and that these religions are very works oriented and not focused on Christ. If we apply Paul’s message to our lives today, then I think we will not be focused more on our works than on what Christ did for us.
Finally, I will discuss some principles for application for the points Paul makes in this passage. One, in the Life Application Bible for Students, the author states that, “Our natural inclination is to feel uncomfortable around those who are different from us and to spend time with those who resemble us. But, when we allow our differences to separate us from our fellow believers, we disregard clear biblical teaching.” We can make a point of seeking out and appreciating people who are different from us. Then, we may find that we all have a lot in common” (4, p.1108).
In closing, one day in class you presented us with a question for discussion about Christians not being under by the law. I do not remember now exactly how you worded the question but I read something in the Life Application Bible for Students that I think it may apply to the question and reveal further Paul’s intended application for the reader’s of Galatians 3. The author states that in the Old Testament, there were three categories of law: moral, civil and ceremonial laws. The author also states that when Paul says these laws no longer bind Gentiles, he is not saying that the Old Testament laws do not apply to us today. He is saying certain types of laws may not apply to us. For instance, moral law is the direct command of God such as the Ten Commandments and they require strict obedience. These laws reveal the nature and will of God, and they still apply to us today. We are to obey these moral laws, not to obtain salvation, but to live in ways pleasing to God. The civil laws then dictated Israel’s daily living. Because modern culture is so radically different, some of these guidelines cannot be followed specifically. However, the principles behind the commands should guide our conduct. There were times when Paul asked Gentile Christians to follow some of these laws, not because they had to, but to promote unity. Finally, ceremonial law related specifically to Israel’s worship. These laws were no longer necessary after Jesus’ death and resurrection. While the ceremonial laws no longer bind us, the principles of worshipping and loving a holy God still apply to us today (4, p. 1109). This helps me to understand what Paul was trying to say in Gal 3:25.

Bibliography

The NIV Rainbow Study Bible: New International Version, Rainbow Studies,
Inc., El Reno, Oklahoma, 1992.

Henry, Matthew, Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume, Zondervan
Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1961.

Blomberg, C., Hubbard, R., Klein, W., Introduction to Biblical Interpretation,
Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas, 1993.

Life Application Bible for Students: The Living Bible, Tyndale House Publishers,
Inc., Wheaton, Illinois, 1992.

Strong, James, The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible,
Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee, 1995.

I Peter 3: 13-22

I Peter 3: 13-22


I will briefly discuss the context, content and concern of I Peter 3: 13-22. I will include background information concerning this passage. In addition, I will provide a brief structure of the text outline. Finally, I will try to determine the intended meaning of the author when he wrote the passage and state how the points in this passage apply to our lives today.
To begin, according to The NIV Rainbow Study Bible, I Peter dates sometime between A. D. 63 and 64. The author of I Peter is the apostle Peter himself. Peter wrote this book in Rome to the scattered Christians in Asia Minor. Persecution had been a fixture of the church since the time of Christ and now, the evil reign of Nero in Rome was making matters even worse. This letter is the Apostle Peter’s attempt to prepare, comfort and urge the believers in Asia Minor to remain strong despite their suffering.
In I Peter 3:8-5:11, Peter addresses the suffering of the believer (p. 1365). It is in this section that I find the passage of study I Peter 3: 13-22.
Next, I will outline briefly the structure of the passage. In v13-17, Peter writes about suffering for doing good. In v18, Peter refers to Christ’s own suffering. In v19-21, Peter reveals a parallel between Noah’s ark, the flood and baptism. The NIV Rainbow Study Bible I Peter 3: 20-21 states that “…Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also…” (p. 1369). Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume states, “Noah’s salvation in the ark upon the water prefigured the salvation of all good Christians by baptism” (p. 1945). In v22, Peter discusses the ascension of Christ into heaven to sit at God’s right hand with authority.
Finally, I think Peter’s intent in relating this information was to comfort and encourage Christians who were suffering. I think in response, he wanted Christian’s faith to be increased and for them to be strengthened through their sufferings and to see beyond their sufferings to God’s ultimate purpose and glory. I believe v18-22 exist in the text to remind us that Christ suffered before us and that He is able to help us through our sufferings by the same Spirit that was in Him. It also reminds us that we share in Christ’s sufferings. I Peter 2:21 comes to mind…”to this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving an example, that you should follow in His steps.”
In closing, I will use two of the themes highlighted in The NIV Rainbow Study Bible to conclude and apply the author’s points to our lives today. One, a way to identify with Christ is to share in His suffering. Two, suffering for righteous living brings glory while suffering for sinful living brings shame.

Bibliography

The NIV Rainbow Study Bible: New International Version, Rainbow Studies,
Inc., El Reno, Oklahoma, 1992.

Henry, Matthew, Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume, Zondervan
Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1961.

Position on Divorce

Position on Divorce

In “You’re Divorced—Can You Remarry,” the author discusses several issues related to marriage and divorce in the Scriptures. One, he covers the question of why Moses permitted divorce. The author quotes Jesus’ answer to this question from the Scripture saying, “It was because you were so hard-hearted that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality and marries another commits adultery.” The author states judgment is placed not on remarrying but on remarrying after pursuing an illegitimate divorce. “Two, he discusses when a spouse is “not bound” to a marriage. The author refers to Paul’s saying in I Corinth 7:12 that Christians should not initiate divorce because their spouse is an unbeliever. However, Paul also says that if the unbelieving spouse deserts the marriage, the innocent spouse must work on reconciliation, but is not bound to the marriage. Three, the author discusses what “the husband of one wife” means. The author reveals Paul does not necessarily mean here that the man is not divorced but Paul may have been referring to polygamy or a man with concubines. The author concludes by stating, “The New Testament tells us that marriage is to be seen as a divinely instituted relationship between a man and a woman. It should be monogamous and permanent. However, there are two exceptions where divorce is valid: when a spouse is unfaithful and when an unbelieving spouse deserts the marriage.”[1]
I agree with the position on divorce and remarriage in the above article concerning unfaithfulness and the unbelieving spouse deserting. I thought the author explained it very well and succinctly. However, I am not sure that “the husband of one wife” does not also encompass divorce.
In “Marriages are made in Heaven”, the author states that when the Pharisees tested Jesus about divorce in Deut. 24:1, Jesus responds by quoting the creation story in Gen. 1:27. Jesus said “from the beginning God made them male and female” and “the two shall become one flesh.” The author states that even though Jesus presents a vision of what marriage should be, he does not condemn the divorced.[2]

Bibliography

Burge, Gary M. “You’re Divorce—Can you Remarry?” Christianity Today. Vol. 43,
No. 11, 4 Oct 99.

Donahue, John R. “Marriages are Made in Heaven.” America. Vol. 183, No. 9, 30 Sept
2000.

[1] Burge, Gary M., “You’re Divorce—Can you Remarry?” Christianity Today, Vol. 43, No. 11, 4 Oct 99, pg. 82-83.
[2] Donahue, John R., “Marriages are Made in Heaven”, America, Vol. 183, No. 9, 30 Sept 2000.

Leviticus: Significance of the Burnt Offering

LEVITICUS: Significance of the Burnt Offering

I will discuss the significance of the burnt offering. I will include discussion on the burnt offering being a picture for God’s children and the prophecy to which the burnt offerings point. To begin, through my research, I discovered that the burnt offerings “shadowed the work of Jesus Christ and its results”.[1] In McLaren’s Expositions of Holy Scripture, the author states, “As symbols, the sacrifices expressed great eternal truths as to spiritual worship and communion, its hindrances, requisites manner, and blessings. They were God’s picture-book for these children in religious development.”[2]
In The NIV Rainbow Study Bible, Heb. 9: 6-10 reveals that the way everything is arranged and the high priest enters the inner room of the tabernacle is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices made were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. The sacrifices are only a matter of external regulations applying until the time of the new order.[3]
In McLaren’s Expositions of Holy Scripture, the author goes on to say that, the significance of the offering was in expatiation and burning. He states, “One man has realized to the full, in his life, what the burnt offering taught as the goal for all worshippers. Jesus has lived in the constant exercise of perfect self-surrender and in the constant unmeasured possession of ‘the Spirit of burning,’ with which He has come to baptize us all.”[4]
In Layman’s Bible Book Commentary: Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, the author reveals that the narrative of the ritual of atonement, which is found in Lev. 16:1-34, is probably more significant for the Christian than any other section in Leviticus because the essence of the ritual was interpreted by early Christians as having been fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus. His death on the cross was interpreted in terms of atonement.[5]
In The One Volume Bible Commentary, the author states that in the ritual of atonement, it was but natural that Christians should see in its striking and solemn ritual, a foreshadowing and illustration of the atonement wrought by Christ. Through the one sacrifice of himself, and his entering into the Holy Place, there to appear in the presence of God for his people. The writer of Hebrews points this out in Heb. 9:13-14.[6]
In The NIV Rainbow Study Bible, Heb 9:13-14 reveals, “The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.”[7]
In Expository Outlines of the Whole Bible, Simeon states the offering itself was slaughtered, ‘flayed’ and ‘cut into pieces’, ‘the inwards and the legs’ were washed and together with the whole body, ‘burnt upon the altar’. He says we can see in these things a striking exhibition of the sufferings of Christ, who was to become a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Moreover, he states that the consuming of an animal by fire was but a faint representation of that misery, which we would have endured for all eternity; and of that which our blessed Lord sustained, both in his body and in his soul, when he died under the load of our iniquities. Finally, he states that the partial washing of the sacrifice probably denotes the perfect purity of Christ; or the Holy Spirit, through whose aid he was enabled to offer himself up to God.[8]

Bibliography

Dummelow, J.R. The One Volume Bible Commentary. New York, NY. The Macmillan
Company.

Honeycutt, Jr. Roy Lee. Layman’s Bible Book Commentary: Leviticus, Numbers,
Deuteronomy. Vol. 3. Nashville, Tennessee. Broadman Press. 1979.

McLaren, Alexander. McLaren’s Expositions of the Holy Scripture. Vol. I. Grand
Rapids, MI. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 1959.

Simeon, Charles. Expository Outlines on the Whole Bible. Vol. 1. Grand Rapids,
Michigan. Baker Book House. 1988.

The NIV Rainbow Study Bible: New International Version. Rainbow Studies, Inc. El
Reno. Oklahoma. 1992.

[1] McLaren, Alexander, McLaren’s Expositions of the Holy Scripture, p. 233.
[2] McLaren, Alexander, p. 233.
[3] The NIV Rainbow Study Bible: New International Version, p. 3.
[4] McLaren, Alexander, p. 235-340.
[5] Honeycutt, Jr. Roy Lee, Layman’s Bible Book Commentary: Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, p. 45.
[6] Dummelow, J.R., The One Volume Bible Commentary, p. 94-95.
[7] The NIV Rainbow Study Bible: New International Version, p. 3.
[8] Simeon, Charles, Expository Outlines on the Whole Bible, p. 567-568.