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    • Fig Tree >
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      • Further Your Studies
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    • Parables
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Understanding Discipleship

12/2/2023

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The Great Commission? (pt. 3)


​In the Great Commission, Jesus commands us to make disciples. But what exactly is a disciple? What was Jesus envisioning when He gave us this command? How did discipleship take shape within the unique context of the first-century world in which Jesus lived?

In this lesson, we will delve into the essence of discipleship and uncover what it meant to be a disciple within the framework of the first-century Rabbi-disciple model.  

The answer will likely surprise you. 

During the first century, individuals typically embarked on their journey as disciples around the age of fifteen. By the age of thirty, they often ascended to the esteemed position of a Rabbi and began making their own disciples. It's worth noting that according to Luke, Jesus commenced His ministry at thirty. 

Consequently, this would mean that the disciples who walked alongside Him were, in essence, teenagers! This fact may challenge some preconceived notions.

Two key factors contribute to the misconception surrounding the age of Jesus' disciples. Firstly, there's a gap in our understanding of the cultural context of the first-century Rabbi-disciple dynamic in Israel during Jesus's time. Secondly, historical art representations have often depicted Jesus and His disciples as aging, balding men in their sixties or seventies—a far cry from reality.

Join us on this journey as we explore the significance of making disciples of Jesus and why the first-century Rabbi-disciple model holds the power to profoundly impact God's kingdom and the world.

Class Handout: 
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Did Jesus Command Us to Go?

11/20/2023

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In this lesson, we'll explore the debate surrounding whether or not Jesus gave us a command to 'Go!' in Matthew 28:19. The disagreement revolves around the translation of the Greek participle Πορευθέντες (poreuthentes), which is usually rendered into English as 'go.' 

The primary question is whether we should interpret 'go' as an imperative. If so, how much emphasis should we place on it, considering that "make disciples" serves as the main verb and imperative in the verse?

Over the years, as missions have gained increasing importance in Western Christian practice, more and more emphasis has been placed on the 'Go' aspect. This has led to many sermon series preached each year, explaining that the Great Commission is to "Go!"

To determine how we should interpret Matthew
28:19, we will examine the other six instances where this participle is used throughout the Gospel of Matthew. We'll discover that while the English word 'go' is a suitable translation, we generally don't emphasize the act of going. Instead, we read those verses with the appropriate emphasis on the imperative.

A significant aspect of our Christian journey is based on how we conceptualize the Great Commandment. Is it a directive to 'go' and redirect our focus globally, or is it a command to 'make disciples'? Making disciples entails starting with ourselves and helping people from all nations progress along the lifelong path of becoming more like Jesus.

By understanding the various uses of this participle within Matthew's Gospel, we will gain profound insights into how it shapes our understanding of the Great Commission.

Class Handout
fig_tree_ministries_bible_101_great_commission_week_2_did_jesus_give_a_command_to_go.pdf
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The Great Commission or Omission?

11/11/2023

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Welcome to our series on the Great Commission – or should we say, "The Great Omission?" Join us as we explore a fresh perspective on Matthew 28:19-20, a passage that has shaped the mindset and mission of many Christians.
 
Is it possible that we've been misreading this important scripture? Could scholars like Dallas Willard be onto something when they suggest calling it "The Great Omission" instead? 

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus doesn't necessarily command us to go; He calls for making disciples. It's a subtle but significant difference, and it's where the challenge lies.

In many churches, mission work often centers on the idea of going to various places to spread the Gospel. While this is undoubtedly important, sometimes the emphasis on "go" overshadows the vital aspect of "making disciples." 

We're here to explore this unintended omission in our approach to the Great Commission. We'll challenge traditional interpretations, reexamine the text, and consider the positive impact a renewed understanding could have on Christianity and the world.

Join us as we uncover the heart of the Great Commission and discover how we can live it out in a way that aligns with both the spirit and the letter of Jesus' command.

Lesson Handout: 
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Entering the Kingdom of God

10/28/2023

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Bible 101 - "Good News" (pt. 9)


Entering the Kingdom of God involves a dynamic, ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ, characterized by the consistent acknowledgment of His lordship over our lives.

This commitment requires continual repentance to align ourselves with the values and teachings of His kingdom.

In doing so, we entrust our past to Jesus, inviting His judgment and grace to free us from the burdens that inhibit the fullness of life.

By surrendering our future anxieties and fears to God, we open ourselves to the peace and assurance that only He can provide.

This entrance into the Kingdom is not merely a conceptual shift but a transformative, mystical experience. It is a state of perpetual communion with Jesus, where each moment is imbued with a sense of divine union and purpose.

​Through this mysterious partnership, we navigate the complexities of earthly existence, fueled by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Lesson Handout: 
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Cosmic Cycles & the Christ

10/8/2023

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Bible 101 - "Good News" (pt. 8)


​Today's lesson delves into the relationship between Jesus, the cosmos, and the Myth of the Eternal Return. Ancient religions often perceived the cosmos as an endless cycle.

They believed that, periodically, everything must revert to its original chaotic state from the dawn of time, only to be reborn or regenerated. 

Regrettably, the ancient mind was ensnared by this ceaseless loop. 

Enter the Old Testament, and subsequently, Jesus and the New Testament. Through the Scriptures, God beckons humanity to break free from this vast cycle and advance towards a brighter future. 

Within Christianity, the idea of cosmic regeneration shifts focus to the spiritual rebirth of the individual. 

With this rebirth, an unprecedented freedom emerges.

This profound message stood in stark contrast to the dominion of the Caesars in the Roman Empire. Jesus represents the true judge and savior of the cosmos. The alleviation of historical guilt stands as a testament to God's restorative power.

Class Handout: 
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Unveiling Divine Reality: Inclusio in Mark

9/23/2023

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Fig Tree Five


​Mark employs a sophisticated literary technique known as Inclusio to unveil the true nature of Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah and the Son of God.

Inclusio functions as a literary framework, where the author strategically places a central concept at the beginning and end of their work, indicating that everything contained within serves to reinforce this central idea.

The Gospel of Mark is a piece of apocalyptic literature that illuminates the nature of God's cosmos and Jesus as the Messiah. Mark's inclusio vividly illustrates the revelatory essence of the work, as it tears open the "heavens" for us to glimpse beyond the confines of our earthly existence.

Join us on this journey as we delve into how Mark utilizes this unique literary device to demonstrate that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.
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Mystical Meaning of Hebrew "Good News"

9/14/2023

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Bible 101 - "Good News" (pt. 7)


In this lesson, we delve into the profound essence of a Hebrew word often translated as “to bear” or “to bring Good News.” Hebrew, as the foundational language of the Bible and the Israelites, is both dynamic and richly mystical. Those acquainted with Western traditions might find themselves surprised by the depths the Hebrew letters and words can reach. 

The Rabbis believed that every aspect of the Hebrew Alphabet, along with the words that emerged from it, had a divine origin. Each subtlety in a word, whether in its phonetic similarity to another or its derivation from a root verb, carries profound significance. 

Such is the case with the Hebrew verb for “to bring the Good News” and the nouns associated with it. Given that all Hebrew nouns stem from a root verb, it's intriguing to see how at deeper, sometimes mysterious levels, the meanings of two English words, which may appear unrelated, are profoundly interconnected. 
​
Exploring these intricate facets of the Hebrew language can steer us towards a deeper comprehension of the kingdom's mysteries.

​Word Study:  Hebrew Word for "Good News"
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What is an Inclusio?

9/5/2023

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Good News (pt. 6)


Luke, the author of the book of Acts, employs a sophisticated literary technique known as Inclusio to illuminate his audience's grasp of his narrative.

Inclusio functions akin to bookends, where the author strategically positions a central concept at the outset and conclusion of a composition, signifying that everything enclosed within serves to reinforce this central idea.

Within the book of Acts, this Inclusio masterfully directs our attention to the Kingdom of God as the overarching theme of Luke's writing.

Join us on an enlightening journey as we delve into this captivating literary device, skillfully woven throughout the pages of the Bible. Explore its intricacies and unveil the profound insights it imparts.

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Caesar Cult in the Land of Israel

8/30/2023

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Good News - (pt. 5)


​In the first century, the Imperial Cult had extended its presence even into the land of Israel. 

King Herod, aiming to honor the Caesar who bestowed upon him his power, constructed three shrines or temples within his realm. 

In 1998, the exposure of ancient ruins due to a brushfire led to the discovery of the third among these temples in the vicinity of Caesarea Philippi.

In today's lesson, prompted by this newfound archaeological revelation, we delve into the historical occurrences when Jesus asks his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" (Matt. 16:15).

Considering the existence of the temple dedicated to Caesar Augustus near Caesarea Philippi, it appears that Jesus intentionally guided his disciples on a journey spanning over 30 miles to impart a lesson about the challenges they would encounter while venturing into the Roman Empire to propagate the Good News of Jesus as the Messiah.

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Good News of Caesar Augustus?

8/20/2023

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Bible 101 - "Good News" (pt. 4)


In today's lesson, we will delve into the Roman Imperial Cult and the officially sanctioned worship of Caesar Augustus.

As the message of the Kingdom of God, centered around Jesus as Lord, spreads throughout the Roman Empire, it encounters a direct clash with the Roman establishment, where Caesar is regarded as the supreme authority.

Both Jesus and the writers of the New Testament possess a keen awareness of the imperial propaganda machinery. They skillfully employ the terminology associated with the imperial cult to directly challenge the assertions made by Caesar.

Come and join us on a journey to ancient Priene, where we will investigate an inscription dating back to 9 BC. This inscription portrays Augustus as a "savior" and "god," while also depicting his birth as the "good news for the world."

Class Handout: 
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Original "Good News"

8/9/2023

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Bible 101 - "Good News" (pt. 3)


Before anything was documented in writing, how did the disciples and the early church communicate the message of the "Good News"? In today's lesson, we will delve into the book of Acts and examine what biblical scholars consider to be the initial proclamation of the "Good News" concerning God's kingdom reign.

Luke, a Greek writer, employed a common literary technique of the first century by incorporating speeches to encapsulate the events and his message succinctly. Within the book of Acts, a total of eight speeches provide insights into the subtleties of the "Good News" message.

We will focus on dissecting the first speech by Peter to be delivered to a gentile audience in Acts 10:34-43. This analysis will aid us in comprehending the foundational proclamation that reverberated throughout the Greco-Roman world.

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Chiasm in Mark 1:1-15

7/14/2023

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Fig Tree Five


Chiastic structures were utilized by Bible authors to effectively communicate their intended messages.

These underlying structures not only shape the scriptures but also aid the audience in visualizing important concepts.

A prime example of this can be found in the Gospel of Mark, where a chiastic structure introduces the Good News of God's impending reign and highlights Jesus as the anointed Messianic figure destined to become king.

​These opening verses not only serve as a powerful introduction but also set the tone for the events that unfold throughout the remainder of Mark's Gospel.

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Background to the "Good News"

7/1/2023

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Bible 101 - "Good News" (pt. 2)


​Welcome to today's lesson, where we delve into the origins of the Hebrew and Greek words associated with the term "Good News."

Regardless of whether you identify as a Jew, Roman, or Greek, the concept of the "Good News" holds great significance and bears religious implications. 

Additionally, we will investigate the meaning of a Targum and its role in shedding light on first-century Jewish perspectives regarding Isaiah 52:7 and the imminent kingdom of God.

Class Handout: 
fig_tree_ministries_bible_101_good_news_week_2_hebrew_study.pdf
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Good News? It's Not What You Think

6/24/2023

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Bible 101 - Good News (pt. 1)


What does the term "Good News" signify?

​This inquiry is of paramount importance and warrants consideration from both ourselves and others.

The definition of this term varies among scholars and laypeople, but in this instance, the perspective of scholars holds true.

The "Good News" pertains to the Kingdom of God, where Jesus reigns as Lord.

In the first century, this proclamation held tangible significance, signifying the clash between the kingdom of God, under Jesus' lordship, and the kingdom of man, under Caesar's lordship.

This question retains its relevance in the present day: Who do we acknowledge as our Lord?
​
We extend an invitation for you to join us in exploring this pivotal subject and gaining a profound understanding of how it can impact our relationship with God, with Jesus as our King.

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Chiastic Structure?

6/17/2023

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Fig Tree Five


This lesson explores the ancient literary technique called a chiastic structure or a chiasm.  

The biblical authors use literary devices such as the chiastic structure to add depth to the text.

The chiastic structure focuses the reader's attention and helps communicate the author's point.

We will use the story of the Tower of Babel to help illustrate a chiastic structure.

The Tower of Babel story is a masterpiece of literary work much more profound than most expect.
​
The depth comes from the underlying chiastic structure and helps communicate a profound message about the nature of humanity.

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     Scott Broberg - I have a Masters of Divinity (MDiv) from Bethel Seminary - San Diego - Biblical Studies with and emphasis on the Old Testament. 

    Here is a nice article explaining the difference between Biblical Studies and Theological Studies (click here).  

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