The Goals of Relationship with YHWH by Taylor M Johnson
Verse by Verse Bible Studies by Taylor M Johnson
The book of Romans, spoken by Paul, written by Tertius (Rom. 16:22), and likely carried and deliv... more The book of Romans, spoken by Paul, written by Tertius (Rom. 16:22), and likely carried and delivered by Phoebe (Rom. 16:1), is an epistle of hope, love, encouragement, and correction. There are many notable themes throughout the letter: Mankind’s Guilt before God, Justification through Faith, Israel’s Rejection of the Messiah, The Grafting and Drafting of Gentiles, and much much more! Different from many of his Epistles, Romans was written to a people, namely the Roman church, whom Paul had never visited, yet late in the letter, expressed his hopes to do just that. Paul again and again notes the problem our sin poses, being a deserved separation from God, yet Paul presents the truth of redemptive love, that while we were still sinners, Jesus Christ died in our place (Rom. 5:8). After affirming the death and resurrection of Christ, the rest of the letter is viewed through the lens of God’s kindness, which is the very thing that ought to lead a Christian to repentance and a desire for sanctification (Rom. 2:4). This book answers many theological “problems” Christians face, like the justice and mercy paradox, while also providing more practical encouragement and correction. We are commanded to bear with our brothers and sisters in Christ (Rom. 15:2), thus our hope for this study was and is that it be done in community, fostering growth, and continued awe of our God!
The book of Ephesians, written by Paul in his Roman bondage, is an epistle reminding the believer... more The book of Ephesians, written by Paul in his Roman bondage, is an epistle reminding the believer of their assets and position in grace, while setting up the church with Christ at the head. There are many notable themes throughout the letter: Christ’s reconciliation of all creation to Himself to the glory of God, the uniting of all peoples and nations to Himself and to one another in his church, and the Christian life as a new creation! Ephesus, being a wealthy port city in the Roman province of Asia, was a center of learning and was near several key land routes, making it a central place for the early church as well. Paul again and again notes to those people at the world’s center the cause for which we live and love, not themselves, but the chief cornerstone of our faith (Eph. 2:20) being the work of Christ Jesus to reconcile his people to Himself, that all our actions must be measured up and against this grace. After reminding the reader of the ‘why’ behind Christian Living, the rest of the letter is framed through the setting up of that Living, with Christ at the head (Eph: 1:22-23). This book answers many practical “problems” Christians face, how one ought to treat his father, wife, child, and slave (Eph 6:1-9), all equipped in the armor of God (Eph 6:11-17), while also providing more theological grounding upon which we stand in the assertion of the work of the Trinity early in the letter (Eph. 1:4-14). Called to walk in love (Eph. 5:2), speaking the truth of sin’s powerlessness through salvation (Eph 4:15), our vision through this study is to apply the boundless grace we have received to the way we are living in our faith community and shining out on the mission field, in continued growth in the knowledge of God (Eph. 3:17-18) in all the ages to come (Eph 2:7).
The book of Daniel, written by Daniel, recording a period of 73 years is a book of prophecy and i... more The book of Daniel, written by Daniel, recording a period of 73 years is a book of prophecy and insight into the mighty and sovereign hand of God. Beginning with the first captive journey under Nebuchadnezzar to the reign of Cyrus and return to Judah, historical context will be an important part of study. Daniel is found similar to the work of Ephesians, coming from captivity in the top world power, as Rome and many other kingdoms are foretold. There are two primary themes throughout the book, being sovereignty and purity. Babylon, being where the calendar, the circle, and much of mathematics were first developed, a trend of God’s hand over all kingdoms is seen. Amongst all the prophecy, the practical calls to purity, while surrounded in darkness, are bold. Though at first glance the book may not answer many practical “problems” Christians face, it encourages, prepares, and reminds the believer Who their God is, and what their call is! Called to righteousness (Dan.1:8) and faith in a powerful God (Dan. 2:18), our vision through this study is to encourage one another toward piety, even in the midst of persecution, as we worship our awesome God who is in control (Dan. 2:21).
The book of 1 Peter, written by the direction of Peter, by Silvanus, and the inspiration of the H... more The book of 1 Peter, written by the direction of Peter, by Silvanus, and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the epistle recounts the encouragement of Christ as he fulfills Christ’s command to ‘feed My sheep’ (John 21:15-19). Beginning with an acknowledgment of our depravity, yet our new standing in Christ, Peter calls the Christian to live a life sanctified unto our King (1Pet.1:13). 1 Peter contains the constant promise of persecution from chapter to chapter, not without hope, however. There are two primary themes throughout the book, being our hope in Christ Jesus and the practical tactics of the Christian. In addition to the individual and personal Salvation, Peter stresses the importance of church community (1Pet. 2:5), submission to authorities (1 Pet. 2:13-3:6), and a life lived for Him! A beautiful reminder of the hope we have in Christ Jesus to save and redeem, Peter reminds us of all God has lavished upon us! Our vision through this study is to encourage one another toward a deeper knowledge of our salvation, that in the midst of a hating world, we would direct others and devote ourselves to the Living God, in readiness to respond (1Pet. 3:15).
The book of 2 Peter, written by Peter and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the epistle reminds... more The book of 2 Peter, written by Peter and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the epistle reminds the believer to be steadfast. Using the word knowledge 13 times throughout the 3 chapters, Peter emphasizes that we know the love of God and the truth of the gospel. Beginning with descriptions of our growth by the knowledge of Christ, Peter shows how faith alone, by grace alone saves(2Pet.1:5-7). 2 Peter emphasizes that good works are responsive, not required, however noting that a lack thereof is evidence contrary to faith, resounding the justice of God (2Pet. 2:4). There are two primary themes throughout the book, being a warning against succumbing to false teachers as well as encouragement in these end times. In addition to these, Peter stresses the trust in God’s faithfulness (2Pet.3:9). A short book, rich in truth, our vision through this study is to encourage one another toward a deeper knowledge of the Word of God, that in the midst of a deceiving world, we would stand firm in the way (2Pet. 3:17).
The book of Hosea, written by the prophet Hosea and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the colle... more The book of Hosea, written by the prophet Hosea and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the collection of symbolic prophetic scripture foreshadows the coming of Christ to redeem His bride, and reminds the Christian of the great love of God! Bearing the Hebrew name that literally translates to salvation, the prophet Hosea proclaimed the need for repentance up until the capture of Israel. Hosea repeats the word return 22 times in its 14 chapters, constantly extending grace! A prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, 200 years after “Ephraim” or “Jacob” split from Judah [750-722 BC], during the reign of Jeroboam, Hosea’s ministry was to an idol worshiping, depraved people. Beginning with descriptions of his own broken marriage with Gomer, Hosea sets the scene for discussing the harlotry of Israel (Hos.1:2). Not only demonstrating the grace and mercy of God, Hosea’s eventual repurchase and repayment for his wife shows God’s justice satisfied through the working of salvation as well. Ultimately, the book serves as a call to repentance for the nation of Israel, who ignored the warnings and were taken captive by the Assyrian Empire in 722BC (2 Kings.17:14-15). Poetic and often hard to understand, our vision through this study is that we are able to walk away with understanding, and a refreshed joy at the grace and longsuffering of our God to an unrighteous and adulterous people (Hos. 3:3).
Study of Zechariah by Taylor M Johnson
Theme, Message, and Purpose of the outlined sections of Zechariah
Among the final prophets and latest writers of the Old Testament canon, Zechariah, as the mouthpi... more Among the final prophets and latest writers of the Old Testament canon, Zechariah, as the mouthpiece of the Most High, commands Israel to return to God, providing hope in God’s return to them. This paper will track the progression in the unified work of Zechariah, beginning with the foundation of the origins and contexts of the prophet’s message, followed by a synthetic study of Zechariah’s writings, from the eight month of the second year of Darius (1:1), to the oracles of the last day (14:10). As with any study of the Word of God, would the reader be blessed and laid bare before the truths of this book of hope and redemption!
Mechanical Outline of the Book of Zechariah in the English Standard Version (2016).
Christ's Identity and the Gospel by Taylor M Johnson
Being Luke’s second account to Theophilus (Acts 1:1), the book comes in presupposing the reader’s... more Being Luke’s second account to Theophilus (Acts 1:1), the book comes in presupposing the reader’s familiarity with the Gospel of Luke and much of the Jewish Scriptures, Jesus of Nazareth the prophesied Messiah who brings salvation to Israel and blessing to the nations. Looking into and comparing the gospel we have received to the gospel we teach, Luke’s selective retelling of the gospel through the narrative of Acts will be the backdrop of the conversation, the message of the modern church measured against it.
Nearly two-thousand years ago, a man who would shape culture, history, and governments was born a... more Nearly two-thousand years ago, a man who would shape culture, history, and governments was born and killed. Claiming to be God, his own people sentenced him to a brutal execution at the hands of the Roman government. His life and death are a common historical fact, agreed upon by most sensible scholars. However, it is his supposed resurrection, having bloomed the largest world religion, Christianity, which is up for debate. But is there evidence of Jesus Christ living after his death? Is there credible eyewitness testimony, or is there no credibility in these claims, founded in Religious texts? Is Christ’s resurrection a historical fact or a feign conspiracy?
Christ resolves the first fall of humanity by never himself taking from the figurative tree of th... more Christ resolves the first fall of humanity by never himself taking from the figurative tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and in this innocence bearing cursing in our stead, crushing the head of the serpent. This first fall of man, which Christ overcame, is described in the third chapter of Genesis, as mankind seizes autonomy, desiring to define good and evil for themselves. 1 Yet Christ never once strayed from the will of God the Father, all His work the doing of the Father (John 14:10). In this, Christ, never once faltering, took on our sin (2 Cor. 5:21), our spotless lamb of atonement (1 Peter 1:19). Additionally, Christ took on the cursing that was due to us, both in his crown of thorns (Matt. 27:24), taking on the curse of man from Genesis 3:18, and in his death, hanging on a tree (Acts 5:30), taking on cursing in such a manner of death (Num. 21:22-23). As John Piper puts it, in his book, Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ, "the death of Jesus nullified the damning effect of sin for all who trust in Christ" 2 , thus not only conquering sin and shame, but negating-resolving its effects! The specific application of this to my life is that I am no longer a debtor to my flesh, but instead to the Spirit of God, having been foreknown, called, justified, and glorified, called a son of God (Rom. 8:12-14)! Christ: His Dominion Over Sin's Christ resolves the second fall of humanity by defeating the dominion of sin, replacing it with His Lordship. This second fall of man, described in Genesis 4 and expanded upon through chapter 11, deals with man's progressive surrender to sin, finding him farther and farther in exile
Book Reviews by Taylor M Johnson
Through his work, Praying the Bible, Donald S. Whitney seeks to offer a solution to our utter lac... more Through his work, Praying the Bible, Donald S. Whitney seeks to offer a solution to our utter lack of talking to God in prayer, suggesting a two-way communication through the written Word of God, so plainly Him talking to us, and so necessarily a way for us to talk to Him! Whitney’s aim, from his acknowledgements to his appendix, is so plainly to form a more prayerful people, not turning them to his own words to do so, but to God’s over and over. The ultimate goal of the work is to bring the reader unto the Word of God, that it, and it alone might be our directive in prayer, not just the parts where Jesus teaches us how to pray, but all of it.
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The Goals of Relationship with YHWH by Taylor M Johnson
Verse by Verse Bible Studies by Taylor M Johnson
Study of Zechariah by Taylor M Johnson
Christ's Identity and the Gospel by Taylor M Johnson
Book Reviews by Taylor M Johnson