BibleTalk with Jeff Asher

Are We Under the Law of Moses? What Does Hebrews 7:1-28 Say?

This is the third in the series of contextual studies that examine those passages that address the relationship between the disciple of Christ and the Law of Moses? In Hebrews 7:1-28 the superiority of the Gospel and the temporary purpose which the Law was always intended to serve is demonstrated in the oath which God swore to Christ that He would be a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Malachi 1:1-5

Malachi, the Lord's messenger, delivers his "burden" to the Jews that have returned to the land. Almost immediately, he undertakes to remind Judah of their exalted status as the tribe through whom Messiah is coming.

The Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 13)

Jesus often taught in parables. The parable of the fig tree in Luke 13 is a vivid lesson we all should take to heart in view of the certainty of judgment. 

Are We Under the Law of Moses? What Does 2 Corinthians 3.1-18 Say?

This is the second in the series of contextual studies that examine those passages that address the relationship between the disciple of Christ and the Law of Moses? In 2 Corinthians 3:1-18 Paul considers both the superiority of the Gospel and the temporary purpose which the Law was always intended to serve.

Are We Under the Law of Moses? What Does Romans 7:1-6 Say?

This is the first of several contextual studies of passages which consider the relationship of the Christian to the Law of Moses. In this first study, Romans 7:1-6 is considered. Explore with Paul the reality that the believer is dead to the Law of Moses in order to be married to another, that is Jesus Christ.  

Concluding Observations on the Effects of the Religion of Hypocrisy on the Home (Matt. 7)

The last in the series from the Sermon on the Mount making application to the home. In Matthew Seven Jesus drives His point to a stinging conclusion--the hypocrite is lost. Don't be a hypocrite and don't follow the hypocrites. 
 
 
 

Do Not Be Offended (John 15:17-16:4)

Jesus continues His preparation of the Apostles for their work as witnesses. What Jesus says here is reminiscent of the words He spoke to them soon after their selection as he sent them upon the limited commission.

The Parable of the True Vine (John 15:1-16)

Let's look at this parable with a set of fresh eyes concentrating on the immediate context, recognizing that Jesus is speaking to the Eleven in anticipation of His passion and glorification. Jesus is preparing His Apostles for their unique role as His Ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world. Jesus is primarily concerned about their completion of the special task of being His witnesses. 

Zechariah 6:1-15

The prophet completes the night visions with the revelation of the four chariots. These chariots are reminiscent of the horsemen at the beginning of the book. There the world was at rest, indicating t hat God was in control to effect the completion of the Second Temple. Here these horses, chariots and riders are seen moving among the nations to bring God's plan for the Messiah forward.
In transitioning away from the visions, Zechariah is instructed to make crowns from the gold and silver which devout Jews brought to adorn the temple. These crowns are placed upon the head of Joshua the high priest in a grand object lesson representing the Priest-King who would come and build yet another temple. 
 

Zechariah 14:1-21

With this chapter Zechariah ends the second cycle of visions and closes his book. These are his last words to Jerusalem and Judah concerning the Shepherd-King, Messiah. In this chapter he pictures yet another assault against the heavenly Jerusalem. It is a mistake to think this passage has in view the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Read carefully what the prophet says and compare his words with those of Jesus in Matthew 24 and the parallels. neither is this end of time language, the prophet does not foresee the Second Coming of Jesus. Rather, this is a picture of the church of Christ assailed by all her enemies, but protected and exalted by the Christ. It is the picture of an eternal city with foundations built by God into which all that are cleansed by the blood of Christ through the faith of the Gospel enter. It is the holy city where nothing unclean or defiled shall be.