The Life of Christ

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WELCOME TO
The Life of Christ
Fenter D. Northern, Professor, NO eating
lunches in class Faulkner
University A Drink, small
crackers/cookies O.K Office hrs.
by appointments No slouching, nor sleeping
in class
Men
remove headwear
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Questions On Lecture 4

• Who were the Pharisees? What does the word mean?
• Who were the Sadducees?, the Essenes?, the
  Herodians?, the zealots?
• Name three jewish institutions in Jesus Day.
• Identify Herod the great! Archaelaus, Antipas,
  Phillip, Herod Agrippa, Agrippa II
• What did Jesus call Herod Antipas? (Lk. 1332)

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How does Matthew begin his gospel? Luke? Who was
Theophilus? What does synoptic mean? Which of the
Gospel is not one of the Synoptics? Why? Which of
the gospels begins without any formal
introduction? What is the Apocrypha? How do we
know that Jesuss existence did not begin with
His birth on earth? Why give a genealogy for
Jesus?
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LECTURE FIVE
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Jesus Genealogies

• A Jews genealogy was His pedigree. The
  differences in Matthews and Lukes account
  poses no problem ( See A.T. Robinsons appendix)
• Matthew gives the legal Jewish male descent from
  Abraham
• Luke traces Marys descent using Josephs name as
  was the custom among Jews.

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Earliest Prophecy of Jesus

• Genesis 315 And I will put enmity between thee
  and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed
  it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise
  his heel.
• A perpetual spiritual warfare
• The Messiahs virgin birth
• The Messiah will defeat the power of Satan via
  the resurrection from the dead.
• The Messiah will suffer in the process

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Prophecies of Jesus Birth, contd.

• 2100 B.C. Genesis 264 in thy seed
• Gal. 316 -- not seeds but seed.

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750 B.C. ISA. 2814. Wherefore hear the word of
the Lord, ye scornful men, that rule this people
which is in Jerusalem. 15. Because ye have said,
We have made a covenant with death, and with hell
are we at agreement when the overflowing scourge
shall pass through, it shall not come unto us
for we have made lies our refuge, and under
falsehood have we hid ourselves 16. Therefore
thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion
for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a
precious corner stone, a sure foundation he that
believeth shall not make haste. 17. Judgment
also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to
the plummet and the hail shall sweep away the
refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the
hiding place. 18. And your covenant with death
shall be disannulled, and your agreement with
hell shall not stand when the overflowing
scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be
trodden down by it.
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750 Years Later

• The Sanhedrin made a . . .
• Refuge of lies (Mt. 2812-13)
• Covenant of death disannulled (Mt. 2615)
• Agreement with hell (Mt. 2762-64)

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Prophecies of Jesus Birth, contd.

• Birthplace Micah 52
• Flight to Egypt Hos. 111
• His priesthood Psa. 1104
• Universal rejection Ps. 21
• Betrayal by a friend Ps. 419

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Prophecies of Jesus Death

• Awesome suffering, Is. 53
• Death with criminals, Is. 539
• His bones unbroken, Ps. 3420, Ex. 1246 John
  2933
• Burial with the rich Ps. 169 Mt. 2758
• His resurrection Ps. 1610

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Additional Prophecies

• To be born of the tribe of Judah (Gen. 4910)
• To be born of the family of David (Isa. 111)
• To be born in Bethlehem (Micah 52)
• Key to Worlds history B.C. A.D.

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GREAT PROPHET TO COME BEFORE THE MESSIAH Isa.
403-5

• Isa. 403. The voice of him that crieth in the
  wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make
  straight in the desert a highway for our God.
• 4. Every valley shall be exalted, and every
  mountain and hill shall be made low and the
  crooked shall be made straight, and the rough
  places plain
• 5. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
  and all flesh shall see it together for the
  mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

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MALACHI 31-2

• 1. Behold, I will send my messenger, and he
  shall prepare the way before me and the Lord,
  whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple,
  even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye
  delight in behold, he shall come, saith the Lord
  of hosts.
• 2. But who may abide the day of his coming? and
  who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like
  a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap

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MATTHEW 31-3

• 1. In those days came John the Baptist,
  preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
• 2. And saying, Repent ye for the kingdom of
  heaven is at hand.
• 3. For this is he that was spoken of by the
  prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying
  in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the
  Lord, make his paths straight.

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John the Baptist--forerunner

• Born of the Priestly tribe of Levi
• Luke 1 5. There was in the days of Herod, the
  king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias,
  of the course of Abia and his wife was of the
  daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
• 6. And they were both righteous before God,
  walking in all the commandments and ordinances of
  the Lord blameless.
• 7. And they had no child, because that
  Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well
  stricken in years.

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8. And it came to pass, that while he executed
the priest's office before God in the order of
his course, 9. According to the custom of the
priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when
he went into the temple of the Lord. 10. And
the whole multitude of the people were praying
without at the time of incense. 11. And there
appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing
on the right side of the altar of incense. 12.
And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and
fear fell upon him. 13. But the angel said unto
him, Fear not, Zacharias for thy prayer is
heard and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a
son, and thou shalt call his name John.
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• 18. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby
  shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my
  wife well stricken in years.
• 19. And the angel answering said unto him, I am
  Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God and
  am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee
  these glad tidings.
• 20. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not
  able to speak, until the day that these things
  shall be performed, because thou believest not my
  words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

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John Was 6 Mos. Older than Jesus

• 24. And after those days his wife Elisabeth
  conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
• 25. Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the
  days wherein he looked on me, to take away my
  reproach among men.
• 26. And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel
  was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named
  Nazareth,
• 27. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name
  was Joseph, of the house of David and the
  virgin's name was Mary.

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Jesus was born between 4 6 B.C.

• Herod was still alive when Jesus was born. He
  died in 4 B.C.
• He issued an edit to kill all the male babies in
  Bethlehem (Matt. 216) 4 2 6 B.C.
• Joseph, Mary and the baby were in Egypt when
  Herod died in 4 B.C. (Matt. 219)

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Jesus Birth Reception

• Lowly birth preoccupied world.
• 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and
  wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in
  a manger, because there was no place for them in
  the inn. (Lu. 27)
• Rejected by his own people
• 11 He came to his own home, and his own people
  received him not. (John 111)

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Jesus Earthly Existence

• Why Mary?
• Be it unto me according to thy word (Lu. 138)
• Why Joseph?
• 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and
  not willing to make her a publick example, was
  minded to put her away privily.

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THE BIRTH OF JESUS 118-25

• Betrothed, divorce, his wife???
• Engagement, made early through the parents
• Betrothal, absolute commitment (1 year)
• Marriage, at end of the year. Here Joseph is
  spoken to by the angel.
• Miracle of the ages.- THE VIRGIN BIRTH (Is. 714)
• Conception is by the Holy Spirit. (120)
• Creative work of God is by Holy Spirit (Gen. 12)

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A Few Did Receive Him

• Mary and Joseph
• The Shepherds were happy
• The Magi traveled far to worship him (Matt.
  21-11)
• They were interested
• Eager to suffer
• Searched for themselves
• Not too proud to ask for guidance

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The Magi, contd.

• They were content with the light from heaven
• Paid whatever price necessary
• Never gave up
• When found, they worshipped him
• Proved sincerity with their gifts

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Simeon and Anna Waited on Him

• Simeon
• Luke 225 And, behold, there was a man in
  Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon and the same
  man was just and devout, waiting for the
  consolation of Israel and the Holy Ghost was
  upon him.
• Anna
• Lk. 232 And she coming in that instant gave
  thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him
  to all them that looked for redemption in
  Jerusalem.

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Those Not Welcoming Him

• Pharisees
• Outward religionist
• Scribes
• Legalists, traditionalists Placed sacrifice over
  mercy
• Sadducees, aristocratic right wing conservatives
• Rejected the after life, Pentateuch only (Acts
  236-9)
• Zealots
• Hated Rome, for war of independence,

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Jesus Early Visits to Jerusalem

• 1. Presentation for circumcision (Lu. 221)
• 2. Jesus as first sons redemption (Ex.
  1815-16)
• 30 days post birth
• Marys purification (Lu. 222)
• 41 days for a male (Lev. 124)
• 80 days for a maid (Lev. 125)
• Offered poor offering (Lev. 128)

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Early Years At Nazareth

• Little known before 12 years of age.
• First Passover at 12 years. (Lu. 241-42)
• Advanced in wisdom, and stature, and in favor
  with God and men (Lu. 240)
• All we know until John the Baptist Arrives on the
  scene.

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John the Baptist

Jesus Forerunner . . . His message
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John the Baptist Why Ordinary People Heard John

• 1. John was a man of Power
• He was different from the professional preachers.
  He did not identify with them in their aloofness.
  Neither is there any record of his attending and
  receiving credentials from their approved
  Rabbinic schools. Yet he had a powerful appeal
  to massive audiences. When they heard him they
  knew he had a deep encounter with God. The
  garishness of some modern TV evangelist is
  deplorable.

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John had the traits of a great Preacher

• 2. His preaching was very practical and straight
  to the heart that called for an immediate
  decision.
• The power of the message was in the will of God
  and is not peoples mere opinion.

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John had the traits of a great Preacher

• 3. John Made no Compromise in Preaching
  Righteousness.
• His was a call to repent or perishno middle
  ground. To reject Gods message was to bring
  about the judgment of God against that person, or
  nation.

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John had the traits of a great Preacher

• 4. John was Absolutely Sure of His MessageIn
  unwavering certainty he cried out I am the
  voice of one crying in the wilderness. Make
  straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet
  Esaias. (Jon. 123). He was sure sin was the
  root of all problems. He was sure it condemn
  ones soul. He was sure that to be rid of the
  problem and the judgment of God one had to
  confess their sins..put them away.

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5. His Sermons Were not Self Serving

• John preaching was void of cute expressions and
  novel remarks to call attention to his own
  cleverness.
• The shameful thing that characterizes much of
  preaching is that it is infected with the deadly
  virus of the lust for popularity.
• John preaching was always relevant and fresh, an
  opposite of the arid scribal sophistries and
  tedious legal traditions of the Pharisees.

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6. He Was A Man of Great Courage

• 7. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and
  Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them,
  O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to
  flee from the wrath to come?
• 8. Bring forth therefore fruits meet for
  repentance
• 9. And think not to say within yourselves, We
  have Abraham to our father for I say unto you,
  that God is able of these stones to raise up
  children unto Abraham.
• 10. And now also the axe is laid unto the root
  of the trees therefore every tree which bringeth
  not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into
  the fire.
• COURAGE IS AN ABSOLUTE ESSENTIAL FOR GODS
  PREACHER

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7. He had Magnificent Humility

• Jon 3 28. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I
  said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent
  before him.
• 29. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom
  but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth
  and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the
  bridegroom's voice this my joy therefore is
  fulfilled.
• 30. He must increase, but I must decrease.
• 31. He that cometh from above is above all he
  that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of
  the earth he that cometh from heaven is above
  all.

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Johns Mission

• John.1 6. There was a man sent from God, whose
  name was John. 7. The same came for a witness,
  to bear witness of the Light, that all men
  through him might believe. 8. He was not that
  Light, but was sent to bear witness of that
  Light.
• Johns Mission was not to establish Christs
  church.
• John was dead before Jesus promised to build the
  New Testament church (Mt. 1618ff)

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The Purpose of Johns Baptism To Prepare Israel
by Repentance to Receive Christ

• Mt. 3 5. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and
  all Judaea, and all the region round about
  Jordan,
• 6. And were baptized of him in Jordan,
  confessing their sins.
• 7. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and
  Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them,
  O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to
  flee from the wrath to come?
• 8. Bring forth therefore fruits meet for
  repentance

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John s Baptism was by Immersion

• 1. He needed much water
• Jno. 323. And John also was baptizing in Aenon
  near to Salim, because there was much water
  there and they came, and were baptized.
• Baptizo means to dip, plunge, immerse
• Mt. 316. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went
  up straightway out of the water
• Acts 838 and they went down both into the
  water, both Philip and the eunuch and he
  baptized him.

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John's Baptism of Jesus was Unique

• Matt. 313. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to
  Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
• 14. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to
  be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
• 15. And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer
  it to be so now

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Why was Jesus Baptized?

• for thus it becometh us to fulfil all
  righteousness. Then he suffered him.
• Jesus came to do all that God commanded.. Baptism
  was a command of God and Jesus fulfilled it.
• JESUS WAS NOT BAPTIZED . . .
• 1. Like everyone else as a sinner
• (1) unto repentance
• (2) for the remission of sins
• ONE CANNOT BE BAPTIZED LIKE JESUS.

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Similarities in John Baptism and Christian Baptism

• Both were by immersion
• Both were by the command of God
• Both called for repentance
• Both were for (eis - unto) the remission of sins

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Differences in Johns Baptism and Christian
Baptism

• 1. Johns baptism was for Jews only
• 2. Added no one to the church or kingdom
• 3. No one received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
• 4. Unrelated to the new birth
• 5. Faith in the resurrection was not a
  prerequisite
• 6. Was part of the old Covenant

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New Testament Baptism

• 1. Given by Christ after both Johns and Jesus
  death.
• 2. It is to place one into Christ.
• 3. It is Wholly related to the new birth
• 4. It is directed to all nations
• 5. It is part of the new covenant.

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Jesus is Tested After His Baptism
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Jesus Temptation Can He Now Discipline Himself
With Omnipotent Power

• Jesus Fleshly man.
• Jesus the Son of Man with Omnipotent Power
• Placed Jesus at the crossroads of decision
• Agonizing, perplexing, solitary
• All part of the divine plan

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The Aggressiveness of the Spirit

• Commitment to heavens cause drives one into many
  wildernesses where the harsh battles of life are
  fought.
• Life has a maze of Satans entrapments
• The spirits calls are seldom easy assignments.
• Hidden blessing lie in the wilderness Hagar,
  Joseph, Paul, Jesus.
• God uses the wildernesses in life to prove and
  toughen.

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The Temptation The War of the Gods
A Divine plan working out The perfect combination
to beat Satan. God was in Christ qualifying
himself as a representative and mediator for
man. Ephesians 28-9 Odds were in favor of
Satan Christ was bound to fight as a man and
defeat him without His divine powers Satan came
at weakest moment.
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From Satans Viewpoint

• The Accuser Accuses God as Unloving
• God gave man fleshly appetites and then a law
  impossible to keep with such desires.---Offers
  human race as evidence.
• If God is omniscient, then he knew the results
  before he made man and the law. Thus God is a
  loveless divine tyrant
• Satan rests his case on Mans history of fondness
  for other gods in the face of the first
  commandment. His creature mocks him.

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First Wilderness Temptation

• Position Without Privilege is 0
• if you be the son of God, command that these
  stones be turned to bread.

• Five Stunning Blows
• Satans requests seem legitimate
• Seem to have scriptural precedent
• 3. Better to fail privately.
• 4. God is not fair to man.
• 5. No one need ever know.

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The 2nd Temptation

• Position Without Prestige is 0
• Cast thyself downangels will bear thee up
• Lure of pride.. Offer the world entertainment and
  they will flock to you
• Smacks of sensational revival campaigns

Causes for ignoring Scripture Pride, plus
personal profit makes scripture lose its plain
meaning.
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The 3rd Temptation

• Position without power is 0
• Get thee hence! thou shalt worship the Lord thy
  God and Him only shalt thou serve!
• The Devil departed for a season.
• (Lu. 413)

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