The Joshua Victor Theory

·          Sermon on the Mount: One of Jesus’ most important teachings—goes on for 3 Ch’s, (5-7). 7:15-23 is almost the end. Big structure—sermon has an “entrance” and “exit”. (Dr. Jeff Gibbs). This passage is approaching the exit—people “enter” by way of the Beatitudes—Jesus’ description of the blessed life of discipleship and humility (with persecutions!). Main part of sermon on the Mount is directed to “you” the listener, and the teaching of Jesus about godliness, possessions, and people—and now these closing verses: disciple “exits” to the world aware of challenges and dangers surrounding the narrow path to life. ·          15-23, about false prophets vs. true prophets. How to recognize and guard against: wolves in sheep’s clothing. Deceptive appearance/sheep’s clothing (charming, loving, appealing, etc) fool many people. Pass themselves off as Christians or genuine prophets, but are “ravening wolves”...

In the Name of God, who is Love, of Jesus, who has come in the flesh, and of the Spirit of Truth, Amen. 1 John 4 talks to us about listening . It’s possible for us to be hearing or listening up here (point to ears), with sound waves bouncing off our eardrums, but not be hearing or listening down here (point to heart), because we’ve closed our heart to God’s Word. Being present and accounted for is important—but even more important is that our heart is open to and receiving God’s Word. That we are listening in here (point to heart). And in the reverse, as children of God, we will also confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Not merely sound waves reverberating off our vocal cords, but a confession that proceeds from our heart. This confession of faith from the heart and from the mouth is from the Holy Spirit living in us. From God’s Word...in through the ears…down to the heart…back out through the mouth—the confession of faith is “same-saying” or affirming what God has said is true ab...

Sermon Outline:  1.       Moses foretells a great prophet: like him; an Israelite; God would raise Him up; God’s Words directly in His mouth; speak all of God’s commands. Recounts the episode from Mt. Horeb and Israel’s response. Booming of the law and terror of God’s majesty too fearful and great. “Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.” They wanted Moses to hear from God and speak to them, instead of directly. “Unmediated encounter” with God was too terrifying. God said: “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” Before God all masks, pretensions, pride, excuses, self-justifications fall away. Sin is exposed, and like gasoline before a fire, is consumed. Before God our sin is combustible material. Not safe. Cf. Isaiah 6 “A man of unclean lips!”. Lord says it is right that they seek a mediator instead. 2.       People sometime object against Christian...

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Each of the readings today share a strong theme. The difficulty of holding firm to God’s Word and to Christ’s cross in the face of persecution, difficulty, and opposition. Moses provides a positive example of holding firm in faith against trying circumstances. It says in Hebrews 11, “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Anyone who leads you to believe that being a Christian, a believer in God, is an easy life, free from trouble has plainly misled you, as the readings today show. Being a follower of Christ, and holding to God’s Word in the Bible—not j...