BibleTalk with Jeff Asher

Living Kingdom Righteousness in the Home (The Dangers of Hypocrisy)

Thus far we have learned that there is a unique character required of the Kingdom Citizen (Matthew 5:1-12). The transformation Jesus describes is essential to to seeing God and inheriting the eternal Kingdom of Heaven. Once that transformation occurs we are to put it on display giving light to all that are in the world and spreading the savour of Christ throughout humanity (5:13-16). But, this display must not be of the character of the Scribes and Pharisees--hypocrisy (5:17-20). It is painfully evident that many Christians are not what they ought to be within the family circle. Do we wear the mask of hypocrisy to conceal our lack of piety at home?    

Jesus’ Regnal Entry into Jerusalem (and exegesis of Zechariah 9:1-9)

In John 12:12-19, Jesus enters Jerusalem on the first day of the Passover week. He is greeted along the way by thousands of celebrating Jews who recognize Him as the King of Israel that comes in the name of the Lord. In particular, John specifies to Old Testament texts that are fulfilled by Jesus on this occasion Zechariah 9:9 and Psalm 118. In this study, Jeff Asher considers the text from Zechariah, reconciling the four accounts and explaining the significance of the Messiah coming riding upon the colt the foal of an ass. 

Haggai 1:1-12

The first message of Haggai directed toward the returning remnant is intended to overcome their discouragement by answering objections to the call to build. Judah needed to remember that God would provide if they would obey. The problem of the remnant was the same as the children of Israel in the wilderness (as it is the same in the church today). God has said, "Build My house." Now, let us build the house.

Five Questions to a Question (Romans 8:28-39)

Paul asks a rhetorical question regarding the infirmities which the believer endures in the flesh while awaiting the return of Christ (Romans 8:18-27). He queries: "What shall we then say to these things?" In other words, what do we make of this suffering, the yearnings and doubts that sometimes arise in our hearts? Paul answers with five more rhetorical questions, questions for which he supplies the answers and with which he builds the case for God's unfailing love for His people.

Continued Overview of the Intervening History between Zephaniah and Haggai

Jeff Asher continues the discussion with a summary of the 70 weeks of Daniel and a harmony of the books of Ezra and Haggai.

The Supper at Bethany (John 12:1-11)

Jesus arrives six days at Bethany six days before the Passover. Simon the Leper hosts a supper where Jesus is the guest of honor. Lazarus and Judas (Simon's son) are in attendance. During the meal, Mary comes and anoints Jesus's feet with  precious nard wiping his feet with her hair. For this Mary is criticized, but Jesus defends her giving us a great lesson about humility and opportunity.

What Think Ye? (John 11:47-57)

The conspiracy to put Jesus to death is formed. Caiaphas finally persuades enough of the counsel that they agree to sacrifice Jesus in order to save the nation. Their evil intent is to save their political, economic and religious  power. Little do they realize that the very thing they do seals the fate of Jewish state. 

I Am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:17-46)

Jesus arrives in Bethany four days after Lazarus died. Almost immediately He encounters Martha who said, "Lord, if you had been here, our brother would not have died." However, her words are not bitter, or doubtful. She also says, "But even now I know..." Jesus rewards her great faith and comforts her by demonstrating that He indeed is the resurrection and the life. 

You Are to Be Salt and Light in Your Home

The greatest evangelistic field into which any of us will enter is contained within the four walls of the house in which we live. We must not discount the power of evangelizing the home.

Learning to Show Piety at Home (1 Timothy 5:4)

Paul establishes a principle in 1 Timothy 5:4, "let them learn first to shew piety at home." That is, Christianity begins at home. If there is any place on the planet, any relationship among men where the precepts of Christ must be practiced, it is the in the family circle. Sadly, may homes are not Christian homes.