Expedition 44

Roe v. Wade Supreme Court Leak   • Molech is the act of sacrificing babies   • or the god himself History is filled with barbaric cultures - ancient Canaanites The Bible mentions Molech about ten times. Here are a couple of them.  — Leviticus 20:2 Jeremiah 32:35 THE PROBLEM OF EVIL:   “why does God allow all this evil to happen in the world?” and “Why does he not put a stop to it?” Canaanites: God was patient for 400 years and then decides it’s judgment day. It is one of the times in history that God actually does choose to NOT allow the evil that pervades in the world and utterly decimate it. ARCHETYPE OF EVIL The Canaanites were particularly Evil.  Genesis 19  Sodom and Gomorrah would be rebuilt In (Deuteronomy 9:4–5) God did not decide to command the Israelites to destroy all the inhabitants of Canaan simply because  He promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit that land  He commanded them to do it because the Canaanites were utterly wicked and evil people. If you’re connecting the dots… the ugliest most horrific thing in Genesis is the nation of Canaan. Why are they horrific? Because they sacrifice babies. Because of this, God sought to wipe them out. Israel was meant to purify and bring peace to the nations yet failed, we as Christians of the New Covenant are now called to the same commission. Have American Christians utterly failed?  A God of Genocide? Total annihilation? The Bible uses a lot of figurative language and so do we.  God is Grace love and mercy and even though we don’t have all the answers of an event that took place 4-5000 years ago we can trust the nature of God to be complete and holy and acting for the good of humanity, His treasured possessions.  In Exodus 21:22-25 If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely, but there is no serious injury, court for a monetary fine  But if there is a serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.  Luke 1:41-44 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb.  baby (Greek, brephos).  children outside the womb (Lk. 18:15).  Where do we go from here? Well first, everyone I know is a sinner, but some worse than others! (That’s another post on the problems of thew Calvinistic doctrine of total depravity though).  We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s grace.  We need the continued transformation to be more like Jesus each and every day.  Luckily, the Lord’s arms are always open and outstretched to return to Him for healing.  So, if you have made poor decisions, then you should seek to reconcile them before the Lord. Your already forgiven for them but sometimes there is some continued work to be done that comes with real healing.  • Unfortunately, many Christians forget what the Love of Jesus looks like.   • They represent hate, hostility, and animosity more than they represent the love of Jesus.   • Jesus makes it clear that judgment and life in the kingdom are antithetical to one another.   • Jesus came to free us from judgment and to restore our capacity to love the way God loves.

1. Creation teaches mutuality  • Men and Women each created in the image of God  • “rib” vs. side/half  • Ezer- helper= Savior  • If you get creation wrong, you get it all wrong- Paul and etc.     2. Men ruling over women is a result of the fall and desecration of the world  • If Jesus’ death and resurrection reverses the effects of the “fall” it disproves complementarian roles    3. The idea of gender “roles” is not biblical. “Giftings” is a more biblical approach.   • The Spirit always gives gifts indiscriminately   • God doesn’t show partiality.     4. Authority (rulership) and hierarchy are antithetical to the Kingdom of God.   • Throughout the Bible we see many instances of God’s ideal that that no person have rulership over another, but rather that we rule mutually   • We obey God alone, we submit to each other out of reverence for Christ, our King  • When Paul used head in Col 3 and Eph 5 it’s talking about the thing on top of your shoulders and not authority. Preeminence.   • Considering marriage in 1 Cor 7 everything is applied mutually     5. 1 Tim 2 and 1 Cor 14 were dealing with specific issues, in a specific church, at a specific time. These passages do not prohibit women from speaking, teaching, or leading today.   • These passages are descriptive and not prescriptive.   • The command in 1 Tim 2 is for the woman to learn (This is exciting for the women!)  • Women being commanded to be silent in 1 Cor 14 must be reconciled with all the other instances of women praying and prophesying in 1 Cor 11, 12, and 14 in the same letter.   6. The Bible teaches a priesthood of all believers (not just men)   • Adam and Eve were the original priesthood  • 1 Tim 3 and Titus 2 use neuter (masc/fem) pronouns when referring to the giftings and character of the elders and deacons. (11 he/his pronouns in the NIV and ESV that aren’t in the text)  • There’s lots of evidence of women leading and exercising their mutual priesthood in the Bible… Here’s a few:  o Mariam (led Israel with Moses)  o Deborah (Led as a judge)  o Huldah (Prophet who explained the law)  o Mary Magdalene (first to preach the resurrection)  o Percilla (discipler/teacher)  o Phoebe (deacon, house church leader, Roman’s letter carrier/reader) o Junia (apostle/church planter)  • Unity and mutuality … All are one in Christ!    7. Biblical Theology and the entire lens of scripture point to God’s ideal of mutuality  • We need to view the bible not as a flat text but as a narrative  • The Bible begins and ends with a picture that looks like Eden  • We see the early church in the Bible living out this ethic of the age to come in the present because it has broken in with the resurrection of Jesus

1. Were Adam and Eve the first Human Beings  2. Were Adam and Eve real people or just a typological example  3. What about Science  4. How should we best interpret the story of Adam and Eve?   MY BASIC PREMISE:  1. I believe God created Adam and Eve by His direct hand and in His image and that they were actual people but also serve as a typology, they were the first priests in the line of the Messiah but likely not the first people on earth.  2. God inaugurated creation in 7 days as a cosmic temple  3. The focus of Genesis 1-3 is God’s relationship with humankind and not necessary the details of building the creation. The Bible therefore becomes the love story of God reclaiming the treasured possession of humanity that was lost. (house vs home story)  4. Genesis 1-3 (specifically) should be read in light of its intended audience (Ancient Near East Mesopotamian) Israelite culture.   We mostly struggle with the concept of Adam and Eve and ancient things because we think in terms of western cosmology and Platonic logic.  We don’t think like the ANE authors of Genesis did.  We want to read the Bible like a history or science book and that simply isn’t what the Bible is or how it was intended to be read.  The Bible describes the earth as sitting above deep waters with spheres connecting the heavens.  Does this make the stories mythology?  In most cases God meets people and even allows them to be part of the story.  Sometimes that means borrowed words, and ideas become part of the story and we find that God in his mercy goes along with a lot of man’s ways.  The nature of God and his mission to reclaim what was lost reads a whole lot more like a love story that isn’t overly concerned with painting any other pictures.  To get the whole story we have to find our place in the culture. Our goal should be to understand the story as it was given to the intended audience and figure out how we are impacted and fit in.  What does God desire of you based on the story we are given?  As you explore the possibilities, I pray that you will find you are also falling in love with the Word and the Word is Jesus.  This is the pre-emanate calling of the New Testament, to grow deeper in intimacy with Jesus and lead others to also embark on that beautiful journey.  May the Lord Bless you and Keep you. -Dr. Will Ryan

We are going to be uploading some of our sermons and messages periodically during the downtime between our YouTube/Podcast series'. This was a message by Matt at Mt. Zion Christian Church on 3/20/2022. ______________ Matthew 5:21-26 We bear God’s name by living out the heart of the Law.  Exodus 20:7 Anger pushes us in the same direction as murder in that we make ourselves judge over others.  The heart of someone living in the kingdom is empty of contempt towards others made in God’s image.  Anger, bitterness, and contempt quench the Spirit’s work within our hearts. Ephesians 4:26-32 Break the vicious cycle of anger by doing all you can to make peace quickly. Matthew 18:20, Romans 12:18 Matthew 5:27-30 When we lust, we objectify others and fail to recognize them as God’s imagers. Song of Songs 8:6-7 Anger and lust in our hearts causes us to dehumanize others and ourselves. Jesus is calling us to a new way of being human by letting Him change our hearts.

We are going to be uploading some of our sermons and messages periodically during the downtime between our YouTube/Podcast series'. This was a message by Dr. Ryan at Mt. Zion Christian Church on 3/7/2021. _________ GEN 2:15 So the LORD God took the man [He had made] and settled him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it. “Cultivate” is the Hebrew word “abad” meaning to work or serve. “Keep” is the Hebrew word “shamar” meaning to watch or guard. The duties of the Levitical priests are found in Numbers 3:6-8; 3:31, 36; 4:28; 8:25-26; & 18:1-7. John 3:14-15  The Israelites were told: “I am the only God you will worship” (Exodus 20:3), and “don’t worship any images whatsoever” (20:4-6). Psalm 8:4-6 EXODUS 3:11-12 Exodus 19:1-6 “For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his own portion or possession (segullah).” (Psalms 135:4 ESV) “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” I Peter 2:9  HEBREWS 2:5-9 2 TIMOTHY 2:12 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 Many of us are entangled in the world.  (2Ti 2:4) I Samuel 17:45-47   May we represent God in such a way that "the whole earth may know”

In this episode we had a conversation with Nick Quient about some biblical texts on marriage from and Egalitarian position. Nick Quient is a PhD candidate in New Testament at Ridley College in Melbourne, AU. He also earned an MA in New Testament from Fuller Theological Seminary and a BA from Biola University. He has published in the Canadian-American Theological Review, Priscilla Papers, and the Evangelical Review of Theology and is the author of “The Perfection of Our Faithful Wills” (Wipf & Stock, 2019). He is an ordained Baptist pastor and resides in Southern California. NIck’s YouTube and Podcast: The New Testament Theologist: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQsupQJMc69c_TmiUlP05PA The Split Frame of Reference Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-split-frame-of-reference-podcast/id1176375687

1 Peter 2 and Romans 13 have some parallelisms. Yet in 1 Peter there’s no mention of 1) Taxes, 2) Wrath, 3) governing officials being God’s servants, and 4) the discussion of “fear” is in relation to God and not authorities in 1 Peter vs Romans. The American/Western interpretation of Romans 13 (4 myths) From Luther’s justification of the prince killing peasants in a revolt to Hitler and the holocaust to the apartheid in Africa, Romans 13 has been used to justify the “divine right of kings” and the goodness of the government. Recently Jeff Sessions used Rom 13 to justify splitting immigrant families up at the border because the government has the right to because it was ordained by God. #1- Everyone should “obey” the government #2- God chooses government leaders #3- God approves of the government’s use of violence (bearing the sword) #4- Christians can/should work in government An Alternative Examination of Romans 13 The Context of Romans A Deuteronomy 32 Worldview Submit to Governing Authorities Ordained by God Bear the sword and avengers of wrath Authorities are God’s servants and Ministers of God Taxes 3 Options of interpretation Western view Paul is telling everyone to “obey” government God chooses even the leaders God approves of Government’s use of the sword (war and capital punishment) Since this is all approved and God ordained, it is a good thing for even Christians to work in government and military Anti-Imperial view Romans 12 is about the Christian, Romans 13 is about the hardest enemy to love- the state, because it is anti-Kingdom of God (the Greek voice changes between these chapters) God allows the system government to keep peace and justice until Jesus returns, but it is ultimately a rejection of God Christians should not revolt or take revenge but leave that to God, zealotry and patriotism go against the Romans 12/Sermon on the Mount way of life. This leads to the fact that Christians should not work in Government. “The sword” is about local civil justice (policing) Evil nations were used for God’s purposes in the OT and this explains the “servants” and “ministers” of God verses. It doesn’t mean that God approved of them. God uses Assyria to punish Israel but then God condemned them for the excessive violence. Need to keep “Wrath” in its context in Romans (God handing people over to the consequences of that they chose). Taxes are given but not owed- Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and God what is God’s. The only debt owed is love (Rom 13:8). Neighborhood view Based on historical findings and the literary context of the weak and the strong, it seems like Paul is talking about interpersonal relationships in the local neighborhood. Rome was divided up into neighborhoods with an “authority” appointed (like an HOA manager). The authorities were in charge of keeping order. These people were not necessarily “government officials” but they did manage the neighborhood for Caesar and the state. Christians may have been tempted to not pay the “dues” (not a tax) due to how the money might be used (upkeep of altars, pagan festivals, etc). Paul’s concern is that they should still pay them but what is “owed” is love alone. This fits with the context of Romans 12 which is all about how to live and love as a living sacrifice. Similar to 1 Peter 2 this behavior may lead to the winning over of their pagan neighbors.

1 Peter Conclusions ·  Christoformity is the major theme of the letter. In mind and in behavior. ·  Christians should have the mindset of exile within the kingdoms of the world ·  Family identity permeates the letter. God is father and Jesus is our brother and example. The ethos of the family dictates what is honorable and not what society does. We bear God’s name. ·  Suffering is not something we should look for, but it is something we should be willing to do for Christ. It shows our participation in Christ and trials form our faith. Christ suffered at the hands of the world and his followers likely will too. ·  Upside-down kingdom identity- Peter uses many phrases that are derogatory in the culture to describe Christians as honorable o  Elect/beloved exile- Basically loved or chosen homeless person o  Christian- Identifying with someone crucified as your leader o  Spirit of humility- having the mind of a slave Peter offers hope to persecuted Christians and guides them with practical instruction on following Jesus.

Topics in 1 Peter 4:12-19  Fiery Ordeal  •      Christians should not see suffering as strange because of the backwards way of their kingdom Suffer for the Name  o   Christians should not be surprised at their suffering since they are in participation with Christ who suffered at the hands of the world.   o   Reproaches should be seen as a test of allegiance  o   Suffering is bearing witness for Christ and a cause to rejoice  o   Suffering looks like shame to the world, but it is actually glory   o   Those who suffer innocently can with confidence put themselves in God’s hands who will make all things right  Judgement in the Household of God  •      Judgement beginning in the household of the Lord is an OT concept (Ez 9:6, Amos 3:2, Mal 3:1-5).   •      Judgement does not necessarily equal punishment for the believers. It is connected to the testing/fiery ordeal    Topics in 1 Peter 5:1-7  Witness  •      The early followers of Jesus weren’t just ordinary witnesses who could be called upon to give their testimony in a court setting. By bearing witness or sharing their experience with the risen Jesus, they ran the risk of persecution and even death. What’s interesting is that the Greek word for witness, μάρτυς (mártus) began over time to carry the connotation of martyr—someone who is willing to suffer or even die for bearing witness to King Jesus. In the New Testament, we begin to see this association with witnesses and martyrdom.    Elders, Shepherds, Flocks  •      Considering the sufferings of Christ Peter exhorts church leaders in their responsibility towards God’s flock. They are not merely caretakers for a time, but they are to equip the church to persevere.    Young, Old, and Humility  o   The Greek word for humility here was a derogatory word meaning “the mindset of a slave/servant”. But for the Christians this was the way of Christ (Phil 2:1-11= Kenosis).  Topics in 1 Peter 5:8-14  The Devil and resistance  o   Peter is seeing the persecution connected to the deceiver the one who is behind the false gods, idols, and empire.   Stand firm  •      Jesus is the example. He humbled himself in submission to God even to death on the cross. The cross in the world POV looks like a loss, not a victory, but it was actually the greatest victory of all. Christians are called to do likewise.    Perfection (in Christ)  •      Perfection is better thought of as wholeness or completeness, not in a strictly moral sense.   •      Peter uses Paul’s favorite phrase for Christianity- “In Christ”  •      This indicates the importance of location. Either in Christ or in the world  •      God in Christ will bring about all the things in this verse, but we must be connected to him through submission, humility, and allegiance.    If you have questions on 1 Peter please email Ryan@expedition44.com or matt@mtzn.com and we’ll try to address them in the series conclusion episode

1 Peter 3:8-4:11 Empire/rulers, Slavery/Masters, Patriarchy/Pagan Husbands. Sermon on the mount • Tapeinophron Psalm 34 Earlier Peter uses Psalm 34 (LXX) 1 Peter 3:13-17 Suffering for Righteousness Be prepared to give an account Honor and Shame 1 Peter 3:18-22 Died for sins o Peri/Dia- because of. o Huper- For a benefit Put to death/Made alive in Spirit Proclamations to Spirits in prison o 1 Enoch12:4-13:2 Baptism 1 Peter 4:1-6 The Purpose of Christ Separate from the world Gospel preached to the dead? 1 Peter 4:7-11 End of all things? Love and Hospitality Stewards of Grace