Allacin's Free Illustrated Summaries of Christian Classics: Born Again

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Wednesday, November 16, 2022

1 PETER+—An Illustrated Summary of Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible by G. Campbell Morgan

"On every page of the God-breathed writings are many thoughts that stretch out like long, clear arms of light across the darkness, discovering things otherwise hidden and illuminating wider areas than those of the immediate context. They are searchlights. I have selected one in each chapter of Scripture, for at least one central thought in every chapter should arrest the mind and affect the life," wrote G. Campbell Morgan, a skilled, wise, warm-hearted Bible teacher who conducted a classic 3-year study called Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible. Here is the fruit of that research—summarized, illustrated, and amplified with useful details—on all 66 books of the Bible.

GENESIS, EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS,

DEUTERONOMY, JOSHUA, JUDGES, RUTH,

1 SAMUEL, 2 SAMUEL, 1 KINGS, 2 KINGS,

1 CHRONICLES, 2 CHRONICLES, EZRA,

NEHEMIAH, ESTHER, JOB, PSALMS,

PROVERBS, ECCLESIASTES,

SONG OF SOLOMON, ISAIAH, JEREMIAH,

LAMENTATIONS, EZEKIEL, DANIEL,

HOSEA, JOEL, AMOS, OBADIAH, JONAH,

MICAH, NAHUM, HABAKKUK, ZEPHANIAH,

HAGGAI, ZECHARIAH, MALACHI,

MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, JOHN,

ACTS, ROMANS, 1 CORINTHIANS,

2 CORINTHIANS, GALATIANS, EPHESIANS,

PHILIPPIANS, COLOSSIANS, 1 THESSALONIANS,

2 THESSALONIANS, 1 TIMOTHY, 2 TIMOTHY, TITUS,

PHILEMON, HEBREWS, JAMES, 1 PETER, 2 PETER,

1 JOHN, 2 JOHN, 3 JOHN, JUDE, REVELATION

1 Peter 1:12 "Things into which angels long to look." First Peter is the first of two letters the apostle Peter wrote to the church at large in many locations. It opens with praise to God and proceeds exuberantly to deal with the wonders of Christian experience and privilege. Because of God's mercy, Peter tells all Christians, we have been "born again to a living hope," to an inheritance kept in heaven for us. That, of course, brings joy, which brings encouragement as we face necessary trials in this life while we wait for the next, which all have the good effect of refining and testing or proving the genuineness of our faith. "Concerning this salvation," Peter writes, "the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, wondering what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories." These are things into which angels long to look. This helps us realize the depths and glories of our salvation. The angels are the unfallen beings who serve God in holiness and dwell with Him in the light. So great is human salvation that they desire to understand it better. This longing is of the simplest and strongest kind, showing us they realize its amazing wonder and earnestly wish to apprehend it. The Greek word translated "look" is also a strong one, suggesting the closest attention and inspection of ones bent over in careful examination. While prophets sought and searched diligently, and angels still long to look at, those of us who are the objects of this mercy so full of wonder should be satisfied with nothing less than our utmost diligence to grasp the deep things of our "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading."

1 Peter 2:7 "The honor or preciousness is for you who believe." This is speaking about the preciousness of Christ, the stone the builders rejected who in fact became the cornerstone of God's building. The declaration is not that believers know the preciousness of Christ, but rather that they share it. Preciousness speaks of honor and the qualities worthy of honor. Twice in this passage Christ is described as precious in God's estimate. We know the things in Christ that made Him precious and honorable in the sight of God: His purity, His love, and His conformity to the perfect will of God. All these things are communicated to those who believe in Christ! His very life and nature are given to the believer, and by the might of their working, make that believer precious with His preciousness. He is the living Stone, and those who come to Him in saving faith receive that very quality of life that is His, thereby becoming living stones in God's building. It is in the power of that preciousness that they become "an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession," and so enabled "to show forth the excellencies" of God.

1 Peter 3:15 "In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." At the center of the Christian life is but one Lord, and that is Christ. Christians faithfully honoring that fact maintain unity of being, consistency of conduct, and accomplishment of purpose. To do otherwise is to be divided in our own life, inconsistent in our conduct, and ineffective in our service. Divided loyalties, such as our own selfish desires, worldly wisdom, and the pressure of circumstances, bring disaster. Therefore the urgency of this command. To hallow the heart by excluding all other lords except Christ Himself is to be strong, true, and effective. His knowledge is perfect, not only of the heart, but also of our circumstances and the true way of life. To be governed by many lords is to be in bondage to them all and desolated by their conflicting ways. To be in bondage to Christ is to be released from all other captivity. Living like that will lead to good and sincere spiritual questions from people seeking hope. Our answer is to be a defense. The Greek word translated "defense" is apologia so Christian apologetics are not apologies but defenses based on evidence. The Christian faith is reasonable, but it is also humble, which is why Peter says the evidence we present for Christian hope is to be explained with gentleness and respect.

1 Peter 4:16 "If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name." This is one of the few places in the New Testament where that description of believers is used. There are only three. In the first we are told where it originated: "The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch" (Acts 11:26). It was not necessarily a term of reproach, but one used to mark the fact that they were followers of Christ. The second is a cynical remark made by King Herod Agrippa II to the apostle Paul: "In such a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?" (Acts 26:28). The third and last time is here, where Peter makes it obvious that sometimes suffering comes with being known as a Christian. The apostle says two things in view of that fact. The first is that no shame is attached to such suffering. Perhaps he is remembering when he and his fellow apostles had been beaten before the Jewish council in Jerusalem and ordered not to speak about Christ. Although in actual physical agony from the stripes laid on them, they nevertheless "left the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name" (Acts 5:41). The second word is a command: "Let him glorify God in that name." That is more than glorying in the Name of Jesus Christ the Lord; it is also living worthily to the glory of God. If a person is known as a Christian but does not live as one, he or she dishonors God. To bear the Name is to take a responsibility both great and solemn.

1 Peter 5:9 "Knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brethren throughout the world." Peter ends the meat of his first letter to the church at large like this: "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brethren throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" (verses 5-10). This is comfort amid conflict. No brother or sister in Christ is fighting alone. Each one is at once supporting and supported by all the rest. Therefore to stop standing firm is to weaken the line of spiritual battle and create an advantage for the enemy of our souls, but to continue to withstand is to strengthen that line and make it difficult for the foe to break through. The resources of our enemy are not limitless. The greater the number of loyal soldiers opposed to him, the greater the difficulty he has advancing upon one soul. The resources of our Lord, the great Captain of our salvation, are limitless. In proportion as we avail ourselves of them, we are invincible. Remember that when temptation comes. If we yield, we weaken the whole battleline. If we stand firm in our faith, the strength of our victory adds power to all the ranks. We need never yield, not only because our Lord is on our side—that is enough—but also because all our brethren who resist are helping us. We never fight alone.

Read All the Applications for Yourself!

Saturday, January 8, 2022

Illustrated Summary of The Chosen: Season 1, Episode 7: Invitations

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This episode opens with a scene of judgment and salvation from the time of Moses after the Exodus from slavery in Egypt. Numbers 21 tells us that the Israelites complained grievously against God and Moses despite their deliverance. Moses wrote, "Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people so that many people of Israel died." The people realized they were wrong and asked Moses to pray for them. The Lord mercifully commanded Moses, "Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole. Everyone who is bitten and looks upon it shall live." Moses tells his assistant, Joshua, "I've learned to do what He says without questioning." Joshua reluctantly obeys Moses by handing him a cross-shaped staff to hang the newly fashioned bronze serpent on, but he tells Moses, "People will say this is a cruel joke. Help me understand—this doesn’t make sense!" Moses responds, "How do you explain the Red Sea? The manna and the quail? The pillar of fire? Joshua, any Israelite who looks upon this bronze serpent and believes in the power of Adonai will be healed. It’s an act of faith." Jesus will refer to what happened with this bronze serpent when He speaks to Nicodemus later in this episode.

Moses to Joshua while crafting the bronze serpent referred to in Numbers 21.

Matthew the tax collector is getting ready for work. He seems restless with his usual compulsive routine. As he exits his luxurious house, he is surprised to be met by his Roman escort, Gaius, who guards him at his tax booth, not on the way to work. Gaius simply tells Matthew, "I'm escorting you." Matthew asks him, "You feel indebted because of your promotion?" Without giving him a straight answer, Gaius replies, "You complain about safely walking the streets?" On their way to the tax booth, Matthew asks, "Gaius, what if you suddenly were the only Roman in Capernaum?" Gaius answers, "I think I would change my clothes." Matthew tells him honestly, "When you realize no one cares what happens to you, you think only about yourself." Gaius says, "For a fool, your brain has taken you far." Matthew responds dejectedly, "I thought so too."

Nicodemus, looking at an hour glass and ill at ease with the rapid passing of time, quickly becomes upset when his wife, Zohara, assumes they will soon be relocating back to Jerusalem because their daughter Havilah just gave birth to their fifth grandson. He informs her that his research in Capernaum is not finished and that it concerns not just one Jewish boy, but all of Israel past, present, and future. Zohara thinks little of Capernaum and demands angrily, "Come to your senses!" Nicodemus replies calmly, "I have never been closer to my senses." She retorts, "That is not how it looks from the outside." "Many things are not," he replies. Zohara tells him she misses her children and grandchildren.

Quintus, the Roman praetor, barges in on them. Nicodemus restrains his tongue and says to him, "I trust all is well?" Quintus says lightly, "Why would you trust that?" He continues, "You and I want the same thing: we want rules followed. We want order. Soldiers, money, votes—that's my world. Demons, prayers, oddballs—that's yours. I need to know if our worlds are on a collision course. The so-called miracle worker?" Nicodemus responds, "Jesus of Nazareth. Anecdotes and rumors." Quintus complains about a stampede in the eastern ghetto that delayed Herod's envoy, stating, "That really made me look bad. I hate that." Nicodemus, who was there, informs him, "The unrest began when your soldiers waded into the crowd, branding weapons." "This isn't an isolated event," states Quintus. "I've heard reports and my source [Matthew] has unwavering knack for accuracy and a compulsion for the truth. So again I ask you is there a problem?" Nicodemus says no, but when Quintus expresses doubt, Nicodemus adds, "The only way to learn this preacher's intentions is to speak with Him directly."

Quintus orders Nicodemus to speak to Jesus and then adds ominously, "I hate crowds. They take time and resources, and then cleanup is a pain. When you arrange a private meeting, I want to know when and where. Understand?" Nicodemus asks, "What troubles you about this man?" "Preachers have a habit of becoming politicians," says Quintus. "They sprout up like weeds and spread." Nicodemus observes, "Some flora spread their seeds when trampled. Who's to say you wouldn't be creating a martyr?" Quintus looks him closely in the eye and states before leaving, "I'll take my chances." Once he leaves, Zohara says to her husband, "You sympathize with this preacher." Nicodemus does not answer her.

Jesus is working at a campsite with several of His disciples. John asks Him if they will be safe there, concerned about consequences from what Jesus said about forgiving sins. Jesus tells him they will keep moving from town to town. John asks, "Is that what You want?" Jesus responds, "I want to do the will of My Father, and I want to spread the message of salvation. So yes, I am happy not to stay in one place." Thaddaeus asks Jesus how many days' worth of firewood to prepare. Jesus asks for more than they need so they can leave some for the next weary traveler, stating that hospitality isn't only for people who own homes.

Mary Magdalene approaches and tells Jesus about Nicodemus and his desire to meet with Jesus, adding that "he was earnest. He wasn’t offended when someone had succeeded where he failed. There was a hunger in his eyes, not fear." Jesus responds, "Not like the Pharisees at the window yesterday, huh? There was a reason you met this Pharisee. I have heard of him." Mary replies humbly, "I don't know who is known and who is not. This is all new to me." Jesus says, "Ah, don't worry about which men others think are important. Send word to Nicodemus I will meet with him. Thank you, Mary. And spread the word I have made plans for tomorrow night: a dinner party in the northern district, the tall house just past the arch." When she begins to object, He tells her, "I know the kind of people who live there. Trust Me."

Jesus: Trust Me.

Matthew, with his dog, is outside his parents' house, hesitating to knock but finally he does. His mother answers the door and is shocked to see him there. He says, "Hello, Eema," but then afraid she will be offended by that familial term, he calls her by her name, Elisheva. She allows him in but only because Matthew's father is not there. Matthew tells his dog to wait outside and asks his mother, "Where is Alphaeus?" She tells him he is away on a work trip. Matthew asks, "Where would work take him? Does he no longer make leather goods?" His mother explains, "His shop was robbed. Many of the shops have been. Crime is rampant. It makes it very difficult to reopen." Matthew says sadly, "He loved his shop." Elisheva comments, "But we still have a roof over our heads, which is more than some people can say." Matthew blurts out, "You can ask me for money if you ever need it." "How can you say that?" she asks. "Your father would sooner die than take your blood money."

Matthew responds defensively at first, but when his mother asks if he came home to justify himself, he paces anxiously and says, "No, no! The things I thought I knew to be true—do you think impossible things could happen that overturn the laws of nature, that cannot be explained?" Elisheva recalls fondly that he asked questions like that as a boy and that teachers and others were astonished at how he could think faster than any other child, concluding, "They thought you would be someone great." "Great at what?" asks Matthew, obviously disturbed. "We never dreamed you would use the talent God gave you to bleed your people dry," his mother tells him. "Have you ever seen anything miraculous?" he asks her, adding, "My whole world, everything I thought I knew—what if it’s wrong?" At a loss, Elisheva tells him sadly, "I think you should go." Just before Matthew leaves, she observes, "You never even asked about your sister." "She looks well," Matthew tells her, to her surprise. "I came to celebrate Shabbat a few weeks ago, but then I left. Goodbye, Eema."

Jesus is with Eden in her kitchen, helping her prepare the evening meal. Simon expresses misgivings about Jesus agreeing to meet at nighttime with Nicodemus, pointing out it could be a trap since Nicodemus cooperates with Rome. Jesus says to him, "I am well acquainted with risk, Simon." He also points out that Mary is an excellent judge of character, concluding with a smile, "You should trust her instincts, and Mine."

Andrew enters with a large black cloak for Jesus to walk to the meeting place without being recognized. Andrew's job is to wait for and welcome Nicodemus at the entrance of that place, and escort him up the stairs to the rooftop, where Jesus will be waiting.

When Jesus and Nicodemus meet on that rooftop, Jesus tells him He asked for more lights, but the owner of the house was concerned that would attract attention. He observes, "The human eye is drawn to light. We can't help it; it just happens." Nicodemus responds, "There are many things we are drawn to without our thinking or our ability to explain why. Thank You for agreeing to meet. I don't know where to start—I have so many questions!"

Nicodemus: I have so many questions!

They sit together at a table. Nicodemus tells Jesus what he has seen and heard, concluding, "No one can do these signs You do without having God in Him, only someone who has come from God." Jesus asks, "And how is that belief going over in the synagogue?" They both laugh. Nicodemus asks, "What have You come here to show us?" "A Kingdom," answers Jesus. "That is what our rulers are worried about," says Nicodemus. "No, not that kind," says Jesus. "Then what?" asks Nicodemus. Jesus answers, "The sort of Kingdom that a person cannot see unless he is born again." Nicodemus is confused: "Born again? You mean like a new creature, a conversion from Gentile to Jewish?" Jesus answers, "No, that’s not what I’m talking about. Truly I say to you 'unless one is born of water and Spirit' [Ezekiel 36], he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh [touching Nicodemus’s hand], but that which is born of the Spirit is spirit [pointing to Nicodemus’s heart]. That part of you—that is what must be reborn to new life."

Nicodemus, smiling and shaking his head, asks, "How can these things be?" Jesus, gently sighing, responds: "A teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?" Nicodemus says humbly: "I’m trying, Rabbi." Jesus says, "I know. Listen. What do you hear?" "The wind?" says Nicodemus. Jesus asks, "How do you know?" "Because I can feel it and I hear its sound," answers Nicodemus. Jesus asks, "Do you know where it comes from and where it is going?" When Nicodemus says no, Jesus explains, "That’s what it is to be born again of the Spirit. The Spirit may work in a way that is a mystery to you, and while you cannot see the Spirit, you can recognize His effect."

Nicodemus tells Him frankly, "My mind is consumed with what a stir these words would cause among the teachers of the Law." Jesus acknowledges, "Yes, and I do not expect otherwise. I speak of what I know and have seen, and it has not been received by the religious leaders" Nicodemus says, "It is hard to receive." Jesus tells him frankly, "So if I have told you of earthly things and you do not believe, how can I tell you heavenly things?" Nicodemus says, "I believe Your words." Jesus tells him, "I have come to do more than speak words." "More miracles?" asks Nicodemus. "Yes," says Jesus, "but even more than that. Do you remember when the children of Israel complained against God and against Moses in the wilderness of Paran?" Nicodemus answers, "Yes, they wanted to return to Egypt, and they cursed the manna God sent them. They were bitten by serpents and were dying. But God made a way for them to be healed." Jesus explains, "Moses lifted the bronze serpent in the desert, and people only needed to look at it. So will the Son of Man be lifted up so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life."

Nicodemus responds, "Our people are not dying from snake bites. They’re dying from taxation and oppression." Jesus says to him, "I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I did not come to deliver the people from Rome." "Then from what?" asks Nicodemus. "From sin. From spiritual death," answers Jesus. "God loves the world in this way: that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Nicodemus realizes, "So this is not about Rome. It's all about sin." Jesus further explains, "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, Nicodemus. He sent Him to save it through Him. It’s as simple as Moses’s serpent on the pole. Whoever believes in Him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already."

Jesus: I have come to deliver people from sin. From spiritual death.

Jesus's disciples Andrew and John are both listening intently to this conversation out of sight. Andrew whispers to him, "Have you ever heard anything like this before?" John, who later recorded this conversation in his Gospel, is taking furious notes and shushing Andrew.

Nicodemus is believing what Jesus is saying, but also counting the cost. Jesus, knowing that, tells him, "It’s true: there is a lot you would give up but what you would gain is far greater and more lasting. I know mysteries aren’t easy for a scholar." Nicodemus returns to the subject Jesus began with, asking, "Is the Kingdom of God really coming?" Jesus asks him, "What does your heart tell you?" Nicodemus tells Him, “My heart is swollen with fear and wonder and can tell me nothing except that I am standing on holy ground." He kneels, kisses Jesus’s hand, and quotes from Psalm 2: "Kiss the Son lest He be angry and you perish in the way...."

Psalm 2: "Kiss the Son"

Jesus raises Nicodemus to his feet and finishes the quotation of Psalm 2's ending: "Blessed are all those who take refuge in Him." They embrace before parting from one another.

The next day, Matthew is working efficiently but listlessly at his tax booth. A long line stretches before him. Gaius tries to make small talk with him by the window, succeeding only in when asking what Matthew did last night. Matthew tells him, "I went to see my mother." Gaius says, "Ugh, that would put me out too. Did she ask when you're going to give her grandchildren?" "She didn't ask," answers Matthew. Gaius now remembers, "I thought your parents don't speak to you." Matthew explains, "I had questions I couldn't ask anyone else." Gaius states, "A mother of a son with talent like yours should be proud." "She's ashamed I use the talent God gave me against God," Matthew clarifies. "You're good at something," persists Gaius. "You found a way to make a living doing it. It's that simple." Matthew says flatly, "It must be nice to live in a world so simply ordered." "We live in the same world, Matthew," Gaius insists. "Besides, what else are you going to do with a mind like yours?"

Just then Matthew looks up and sees Jesus and His disciples walking by his booth. Jesus looks at Matthew as He walks. Both Matthew and Gaius notice, but pay close attention when Jesus stops walking and turns around. His disciples stop as well. Jesus calls out, "Matthew." Gaius grips his sword. Jesus specifies, "Matthew, son of Alphaeus." Matthew looks at Him and says, "Yes?" Jesus asks Matthew to follow Him. Matthew says humbly, "Me?" Jesus chuckles and says, "Yes, you." Although Mary Magdalene is smiling, the other disciples have concerned looks on their faces. Simon says to Jesus, "What are You doing?"

Matthew clarifies, "You want me to join You?" Gaius quickly speaks up: "Keep moving, street preacher." Simon asks Jesus, "Do You have any idea what this guy's done? Do You even know him?" "Yes," says Jesus with a smile. When Matthew hears that, he makes up his mind quickly and exits the tax booth. Gaius, stunned, grabs Matthew by the tunic and says, "What are you doing? Where do you think you are going?" Matthew firmly says, "Gaius, let me go." Gaius does but asks, "Have you lost your mind? You have money. Quintus protects you. No Jew lives as good as you. You’re going to throw it all away?" Matthew simply says yes, handing him the key to the tax booth and a Roman signet ring.

Matthew willingly throws away his privileges to follow Jesus.

Simon says to Jesus, "I don’t get it." Jesus answers, "You didn’t get it when I chose you, either." Simon objects, "But this is different!" Jesus says, "Get used to different," which means learn to trust Him. As Matthew approaches the group shyly, Jesus tells him, "I'm glad we passed by your booth today." Matthew simply says, "Yes." Jesus gestures him forward, saying, "Shall we? We have a celebration to prepare for." As they move away, Gaius says with a twinge of sadness, "You will regret this, Matthew." Simon inquires about a writing tablet in Matthew's hand. Matthew, looking at Jesus, says, "I grabbed it without thinking. I can put it back." Jesus tells him, "No, no, keep it. You may yet find use for it." "Where are we going?" asks Matthew. "A dinner party," Mary tells him in a kind voice. Matthew states, "I'm not welcome at dinner parties." Jesus informs him, "Well, that's not going to be a problem tonight. You're the host." Matthew smiles.