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Introduction

  • John 12:32 – People would be drawn to Jesus at His crucifixion.
    • John 12:12-36 – Context.
  • The world has always been drawn to Jesus.

His person

  • The character of Jesus draws people to Him.

  • His character was sinless.

    • II Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 5:14

    • I Peter 1:22 – We must reach toward the bar set by Jesus.

  • His disposition was that of love.

    • His message was that of hope.

    • I John 4:8

    • Mark 2:15

    • Matthew 9:36

  • He had a personal acquaintance with God the Father.

    • John 14:10-11

    • John 10:30

His miracles

  • Matthew 4:24
  • Matthew 8:27
  • John 6:19
  • Matthew 14:21
  • Mark 5:22
  • John 20:30-31 – We don’t have record of all of Jesus’ miracles.

His teaching

  • It was different than what the teachers of the time taught. This difference drew people to Him.
  • Matthew 7:28-29
  • Matthew 13:1-2
  • Mark 2:1-2
  • Matthew 5:1-12 – Attitudes of moral character.

His faithfulness

  • Jesus is trustworthy!
  • Romans 5:6-8 – If Jesus would die for us, we can trust that He will do what he promised.
  • Matthew 26:36-44 – Jesus was faithful to His Father’s plan so that we can live.
  • Matthew 27:29-31
  • Luke 22:63
  • Mark 15:15
  • Philippians 2:8

His resurrection

  • He was raised and never died again.
  • I Corinthians 15:1-8 – People saw Jesus on earth after His resurrection.

His words

  • They were words of eternal life.
  • Matthew 19:16
  • John 6:62-66, 26-27, 67-70 – Jesus had the words of eternal life!
  • John 8:24
  • Luke 13:3
  • Matthew 10:32
  • Romans 10:10
  • John 3:3

For further study, see also:

Questions or comments? Join our Discord server for further study.


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  • Ecclesiastes 2:12-3:22
  • Ecclesiastes 2:12-17 – Following wisdom itself is helpful, but and end unto itself. See Ecclesiastes 9:13-16.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 – Hard work is not the secret to life either. Eventually the fruits of that labor will be left to someone else.
  • Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – See Jude 1:22-23. Different times call for different ways to help others. Compare Paul’s words in I Corinthians 5:5 and II Corinthians 2:7.
  • Ecclesiastes 3:10 – God has given us our work to be busy with.
  • Ecclesiastes 3:11 – God allows us to glimpse eternity, but not see the full picture from end-to-end.
  • Ecclesiastes 3:17 – See Ecclesiastes 11:9; 12:14. God will judge at the end.
  • Ecclesiastes 3:18-22 – How miserable life is without God! Earthly pursuits don’t bring fulfillment. We must learn from Solomon’s experiences.

For further study, see also:

Questions or comments? Join our Discord server for further study.


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Introduction

  • There are over 100 English translations of the Bible!
  • God intended for us to read and understand His word.
    • Matthew 24:15 – “let the reader understand”
    • Luke 10:26 – “how does it read”
    • Ephesians 3:4

Translating isn’t as simple as it sounds

  • No translation is inspired or perfect.
    • Example: Exodus 20:14 typo in “The Wicked Bible”, 1631 – “thou shalt commit adultery”
  • Languages change over time.
    • When the King James Version first became available, some criticized it for being too easy to understand!
  • There is usually no word-for-word correspondence.
    • Example: “Como se llama?” in Spanish:
      • “How yourself call?”
      • “How do you call yourself?” (Translation philosophy similar to the NASB.)
      • “What’s your name?” (Translation philosophy similar to the NIV.)
  • Grammar and word order are different.
    • Example: John 3:16
Word-for-word Thought-for-thought
KJV CSB NLT
NASB NIV NCV
NKJV NET GNT
ASV NAB CEV
ESV NRSV NIrV

Word-for-word translations aim to closely reflect the original.

  • Preserve the Holy Spirit’s phrasing
    • I Kings 2:10 – ASV vs. NLT
    • I Thessalonians 2:12 – NKJV vs. NLT
  • Make it easier to notice repetition
    • “immediately” in Mark
    • “abide” in I John (Compare I John 2:24 in NASB vs. NLT)
  • Let readers interpret for themselves
    • I Thessalonians 4:3

Thought-for-thought translations aim to interpret the meaning of the original.

  • These translations are generally more readable and natural.
  • Acts 27:17 – Compare ESV vs NIV vs NLT.
  • Matthew 23:5 – Compare NASB vs NIV vs NLT.
  • Psalms 23:5 – Compare ESV vs. GNB.

My recommendation: Use several word-for-word translations as your main Bibles

  • KJV, NASB, NKJV, ASV, ESV

Compare some thought-for-thought translations to prompt deeper looks … just know what you’re reading!

  • I Timothy 5:22

For further study, see also:

Questions or comments? Join our Discord server for further study.


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Notes on attitude

  • Not a class on compliance

  • No denial or need to comply – it’s necessary!

  • Seeking motivating attitudes

    • Propel actions

    • Meditation and consideration

Last class

  • Husband’s attitudes toward his wife

    • Rooted in:

      • Love

      • Purpose

      • Service

      • Steadfastness

      • Sacrifice

    • Jesus: the comparison and example (Ephesians 5:25-32)

      • John 3:13

      • Luke 9:21

      • I Timothy 2:5-6 – Jesus gave Himself for us.

  • Husband’s role

    • Leader of his family – Ephesians 5:23

      • Position as head

      • Implies a following

Wife’s attitude toward husband

  • Who is the best leader?

    • Great follower

    • In subjection to:

      • Government authority – Romans 13:1-5

      • Family leaders set over us – Luke 2:51

      • Fellow workers in Christ – I Corinthians 16:15-16; Ephesians 5:21 (Galatians 2:4-5)

      • Our employers – Titus 2:9-10

      • Relationships of this life not undone under Christ

  • Qualities of a good follower

    • Strives for excellence – I Peter 2:12; Proverbs 31:10

    • Willing and eager to work – Proverbs 31:13

    • Ready to help – Proverbs 31:11

      • Trusted adviser

      • Assistant, aide

    • Optimistic toward the future – Proverbs 31:25

    • Accepts responsibility

    • Teaches from her experience to others – Titus 2:3-5

    • Respectful – Ephesians 5:33

  • Respectful

    • Has purpose – I Peter 3:1-6

      • In action (I Peter 3:2)

      • In attitude (I Peter 3:4)

      • In speech (I Peter 3:5-6 – direct and indirect)

    • How is it shown?

      • Treatment of husband

      • Treatment of his family

      • Treatment of other people (reflects on husband)

  • Doctrinal conflict

    • Underlying principal – God as ultimate authority

      • Supersedes all other considerations

        • Abigail and Nabal – I Samuel 25

        • Book of Daniel (Daniel 1, 3, 6)

        • Peter and John – Acts 5:29

      • Work with authority where able

      • Sway by behavior – I Peter 3:1-2

    • Husbands – lead gently

      • No conversions at the point of the sword
        • Don’t abuse your authority

For further study, see also:

Questions or comments? Join our Discord server for further study.


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