The Parable of the Sheep and Goats
Matthew 25:31-46
A homeless man walked into the coffee shop. A waitress who had seen many such walk-ins ignored him. The cashier thought to escort the man away from other customers as inconspicuously as possible. One customer felt the need to give some money to buy the man something to eat. A second customer thought about telling him where the homeless shelter was located. While each of the others thought about what they might do, a third customer smiled as he walked over to the homeless man to say, “Would you join me at my table as my guest?”
Where was Christ in that coffee shop scene? Not likely in the waitress or cashier. How about customer #1? two? three? Possibly. In todays lesson Jesus identified Himself with the one in need, the homeless stranger who walked in off the street hungry. In a very basic and bibical scence, Christ was present in any of the persons who were Christians. Christ lives by His Spirit in all believers.
Tonight think about times you may have encountered Christ in the form of a persons in need. Jesus demands more from His disciples that just a feeling of concern about the needs of the poor and destitute. He demands total action. Action that meets people's needs.
Matthew 25:31-33
(Make three columns on the board; Lable each “Us”, “God”, and “Needs”)
1) In what ways do we categorize or judge people? “Us” column (race, appearance, occupation, social or financial status, education, good vs bad, ect)
Does anybody want to share examples of times when first impressions based on appearances proved to be wrong and why?
1 Samuel 16:7
At the judgement, Jesus will categorize people as a shepherd separates sheep and goats.
2) What factors do you think God will use in making judgements?”God” column.
A. You are buying groceries and a very thin, filthy man steps in line, holding aa batch of green onions, and talks about how nice it must be to have that much food to eat. What do you say or do?
B. A family moves in next door. They don't speak English very well, their funiture is unusual, and strange odors come from their kitchen. How do you react to them?
C. A coworker is arrested and imprisoned. He has a wife and a young child. What do you do for the coworker and his family?
Matthew 25:34-36
In what class of Jewish society would Jesus' family be? (His family was poor and part of the lower class)
If Jesus were the person in the grocery store, or the new neighbor, or the coworker, what would you say or do?
Do we hesitate to become involved in the lives of others? Why?
Needs exist all around us. We can choose to ignore the needs, expect the government to help, or take action ourselves. If Jesus lives in us, we should see the needs with His eyes and heart and take action.
Ephesians 2:10
How significant is it that you or I meet the needs of one person? What are the consequences? (Their needs are met and we are doing what we were created to do, Others will see Christ in us.)
Matthew 25:37-40
Define "the righteous"
Why did Jesus put Himself in the place of the needy people?
Why is it difficult to serve the needy? (so many of them, their needs are so great, government agencies cannot solve their problems)
Who was He refering to when He said, "these brothers of mine"? Many people believe that Jesus was referring to those who were His followers, He set the example of meeting the needs of anyone He met.
What specific needs are their in our church/community? (put in "needs" column)
Matthew 25:41-46
Why do many adults avoid contact with those who most need help?
We as Believers must resist the temptation to see people as insignificant and underserving of ministry.
Why were the people on the left cursed? (not accepting Christ's Salvation)
John 3:18
Conclusion
Many people get confused and think that they can get to heaven buy doing good works or deeds. This is taught nowhere in the bible. Jesus did place a great emphasis in His teachings on the kind of lifestyle that His disciples will manifest, and one aspect of that is compassion and mercy to those in need, especially to other brothers and sisters in Christ. When we reach out to others in this way, we not only please our Savior but in a sense we minister to Him as well.
For futher study please visit this link:
1. The Division of the Sheep and the Goats
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.25.3
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Parables, The Day and Hour Unknown, Matthew 24:36-51
The Day and Hour Unknown
Matthew 24:36-41
1. How often do you think about the return of Jesus?
2. What does Jesus find objectionable about His second coming? (People were preoccupied with their lives that they were unprepared to meet Jesus when He comes.)
3. How can you maintain a healthy anticipation of His return without becoming paralyzed by an obsession with it?
Matthew 24:42-44
How many people here have a security system of any type?
Do you know the exact day and time that that security system will be needed to prevent a person from breaking in.
We need to be constantly ready. Example: fire, emergency crew, a spare tire, childbirth. There are some situations where we need to be prepared in case something happens. Sometimes we forget about it and sometimes we grow impatient waiting on things to happen.
Look at vs.44, although we do not know when Jesus will return, He expects us to live in constant readiness for His return. Failure to do so will have awful consequences.
Matthew 24:45-51
If you knew the exact time of Jesus' return what would you do?
(List on board positive preparations in vs. 45-47)
(List on board negative preparations in vs. 48-51)
What examples of situations today are similar to this parable.
(Explain vs. 51)
To whom was the servant accountable? (the master)
To whom are you accountable? (parents, spouse, boss, teachers)
Who was Jesus talking about in the Parable? (Himself and His children)
What does Jesus' return mean to you and me?
How can we be prepared for His return?
(list on board; Salvation, remaining in right relationship with God, doing things He commands us to do, ect)
Look at the last three weeks. Three weeks ago we studied in Matthew 13, The Parable of the Sower. It dealt with obedience to the commands of Christ. Two weeks ago we looked at Matthew 18, The parable of the Unmerciful Servant, it challenged us to forgive others. and last week we looked at Matthew 21, the Parable of the two sons. And it dealt with real commitment as opposed to only professed belief.
We can prepare for the return of Jesus in the following ways:
1) Be sure you are a Christian
2) Forgive others as Jesus forgave you.
3) Last's weeks lesson challenged you to follow through on commitments made to God. Are you acting in obedience to Christ by doing as He commands?
4) Today's bible study points out that a wicked servant will be punished.
Is there any specific act of disobedience in you life?
Matthew 24:36,42,44
Now is the time to get prepared. Jesus expects us to joyfully anticipate His return, live in readiness, and live in obedience to His commands.
For futher Study and Commentary visit these links:
1. Parables of the Future Kingdom
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.6
2. Neither the Day Nor the Hour
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.7
3. Christ's Servants Judged
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.8
Matthew 24:36-41
1. How often do you think about the return of Jesus?
2. What does Jesus find objectionable about His second coming? (People were preoccupied with their lives that they were unprepared to meet Jesus when He comes.)
3. How can you maintain a healthy anticipation of His return without becoming paralyzed by an obsession with it?
Matthew 24:42-44
How many people here have a security system of any type?
Do you know the exact day and time that that security system will be needed to prevent a person from breaking in.
We need to be constantly ready. Example: fire, emergency crew, a spare tire, childbirth. There are some situations where we need to be prepared in case something happens. Sometimes we forget about it and sometimes we grow impatient waiting on things to happen.
Look at vs.44, although we do not know when Jesus will return, He expects us to live in constant readiness for His return. Failure to do so will have awful consequences.
Matthew 24:45-51
If you knew the exact time of Jesus' return what would you do?
(List on board positive preparations in vs. 45-47)
(List on board negative preparations in vs. 48-51)
What examples of situations today are similar to this parable.
(Explain vs. 51)
To whom was the servant accountable? (the master)
To whom are you accountable? (parents, spouse, boss, teachers)
Who was Jesus talking about in the Parable? (Himself and His children)
What does Jesus' return mean to you and me?
How can we be prepared for His return?
(list on board; Salvation, remaining in right relationship with God, doing things He commands us to do, ect)
Look at the last three weeks. Three weeks ago we studied in Matthew 13, The Parable of the Sower. It dealt with obedience to the commands of Christ. Two weeks ago we looked at Matthew 18, The parable of the Unmerciful Servant, it challenged us to forgive others. and last week we looked at Matthew 21, the Parable of the two sons. And it dealt with real commitment as opposed to only professed belief.
We can prepare for the return of Jesus in the following ways:
1) Be sure you are a Christian
2) Forgive others as Jesus forgave you.
3) Last's weeks lesson challenged you to follow through on commitments made to God. Are you acting in obedience to Christ by doing as He commands?
4) Today's bible study points out that a wicked servant will be punished.
Is there any specific act of disobedience in you life?
Matthew 24:36,42,44
Now is the time to get prepared. Jesus expects us to joyfully anticipate His return, live in readiness, and live in obedience to His commands.
For futher Study and Commentary visit these links:
1. Parables of the Future Kingdom
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.6
2. Neither the Day Nor the Hour
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.7
3. Christ's Servants Judged
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.8
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
Matthew 18:21-35
Read Matthew 18:15-17, after Jesus spoke these words it sparked a question from Peter.
Matthew 18:21-22
The Rabi's taught that three times was the appropriate number of times to forgive.
Peter was being generous in asking is seven times was enough. Jesus was not giving a specific number of times to be counted, but rather communicating the idea that you don't count the number of times you forgive, you just keep forgiving. Jesus set a higher standard.
Matthew 18:23-25
Look at the symbolism.
1. The King and the servant
2. The value of a talent
3. The significance of selling the servant and his family
4. The debt could not be paid
Bankruptcy:
1) Can't repay large debts
2) May loose everything (possibly your family)
Matthew 18:26-27
How would you feel if you had an enormous debt and someone paid it for you?
Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
How should a forgiven person act toward other people?
Does this instruction have limits on who and how many times you should pray?
Matthew 18:28-30
Look at the difference between the two debts.
Why would the forgiven servant do such a thing?
a. he had not accepted the forgiveness of the king in his heart as a gift of grace, but rather something deserved.
b. he did not have compassion, but the king did.
c. he did not make the conncetion between the forgiveness he had received and how he should act.
d. he did not change in responce to the forgiveness of his dept.
The main character was stopped by a police officer for making an illegal turn. She was very angry and decided to plead her case in court instead of seeking a cancellation of the ticket based on her celebrity status. The judge was so excited to have her in his court that he declared her gulity but suspended her sentence. She would not accept his offer. She demanded to be declared not gulity based on the evidence she provided. The judge then became angry, so he sentenced her to 40 hours of community service.
Why is it so hard for us to accept someting we don't deserve?
Matthew 18:31-35
How does an forgiving spirit take its toll on a person?
(bitterness, stress-related disease, heart attack, ect.)
Look at verse 35. WE DO NOT GAIN OR EARN GOD'S FORGIVENESS BY FORGIVING OTHERS. FORGIVENESS COMES FROM A HEART THAT HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED BY GOD. AS HIS CHILDREN, WE ARE TO ACT AS HE DOES, WHICH INCLUDES THE PRACTICE OF FORGIVING FROM THE HEART.
Conclusion
Jesus raised the previously held standard of forgiveness from a set number (3 by the rabi, 7 by Peter) to total forgiveness by Jesus. The Parable of the unforgiving servant stresses that forgiven people should be forgiving people. Our motivation to forgive should be God's forgiveness in us.
Think about your relationships, (friends, family, parents, spouse, former spouse, coworkers, ect) identify one person that you need to forgive.
New Testament Teaching on Forgiveness
Matthew 6:15
Mark 11:25
Luke 6:37
Luke 17:3-4
Ephesians 4:23
Colossians 3:13
Commentary links for futher study
1. Discipline and Forgiveness
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.18.6
2. Addressing Stumbling Blocks Seriously
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.18.7
3. Forgiveness
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.18.8
Matthew 18:21-35
Read Matthew 18:15-17, after Jesus spoke these words it sparked a question from Peter.
Matthew 18:21-22
The Rabi's taught that three times was the appropriate number of times to forgive.
Peter was being generous in asking is seven times was enough. Jesus was not giving a specific number of times to be counted, but rather communicating the idea that you don't count the number of times you forgive, you just keep forgiving. Jesus set a higher standard.
Matthew 18:23-25
Look at the symbolism.
1. The King and the servant
2. The value of a talent
3. The significance of selling the servant and his family
4. The debt could not be paid
Bankruptcy:
1) Can't repay large debts
2) May loose everything (possibly your family)
Matthew 18:26-27
How would you feel if you had an enormous debt and someone paid it for you?
Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
How should a forgiven person act toward other people?
Does this instruction have limits on who and how many times you should pray?
Matthew 18:28-30
Look at the difference between the two debts.
Why would the forgiven servant do such a thing?
a. he had not accepted the forgiveness of the king in his heart as a gift of grace, but rather something deserved.
b. he did not have compassion, but the king did.
c. he did not make the conncetion between the forgiveness he had received and how he should act.
d. he did not change in responce to the forgiveness of his dept.
The main character was stopped by a police officer for making an illegal turn. She was very angry and decided to plead her case in court instead of seeking a cancellation of the ticket based on her celebrity status. The judge was so excited to have her in his court that he declared her gulity but suspended her sentence. She would not accept his offer. She demanded to be declared not gulity based on the evidence she provided. The judge then became angry, so he sentenced her to 40 hours of community service.
Why is it so hard for us to accept someting we don't deserve?
Matthew 18:31-35
How does an forgiving spirit take its toll on a person?
(bitterness, stress-related disease, heart attack, ect.)
Look at verse 35. WE DO NOT GAIN OR EARN GOD'S FORGIVENESS BY FORGIVING OTHERS. FORGIVENESS COMES FROM A HEART THAT HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED BY GOD. AS HIS CHILDREN, WE ARE TO ACT AS HE DOES, WHICH INCLUDES THE PRACTICE OF FORGIVING FROM THE HEART.
Conclusion
Jesus raised the previously held standard of forgiveness from a set number (3 by the rabi, 7 by Peter) to total forgiveness by Jesus. The Parable of the unforgiving servant stresses that forgiven people should be forgiving people. Our motivation to forgive should be God's forgiveness in us.
Think about your relationships, (friends, family, parents, spouse, former spouse, coworkers, ect) identify one person that you need to forgive.
New Testament Teaching on Forgiveness
Matthew 6:15
Mark 11:25
Luke 6:37
Luke 17:3-4
Ephesians 4:23
Colossians 3:13
Commentary links for futher study
1. Discipline and Forgiveness
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.18.6
2. Addressing Stumbling Blocks Seriously
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.18.7
3. Forgiveness
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.18.8
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Parable of the Prodical Son
The parable of the Lost Son actually tells of two sons, one irresponsible, the other hardworking. One wastes his life and comes home humbled; the other proudly refuses to celebrate his brother's homecoming. The story ends with one son in a joyful family celebration, and his brother outside, bitterly unwilling to forgive. Which son is really lost?
· Luke 15:11-32 The Prodigal Son
1. Why do you think the prodigal son decided to leave home?
a. To grow up
b. To get away from his fathers values
c. He wasn't appreciated at home
d. To try to make it on his own
e. To get away from his older brother
2. What was it that caused the prodigal son to come to his senses?
a. Homesickness
b. Guilt
c. Feeling sorry for himself
d. Feeling sorry for his father
e. Hunger pains
f. Realizing he was stupid
g. He had hit bottom
3. When the son returned, what was the fathers attitude?
a. Come on in, but your grounded
b. You have disgraced the family
c. Wheres the money
d. I don't approve, but your still my son
e. Welcome home son, I love you
4. What was the attitude of the older brother?
a. It's unfair
b. Don't expect me to forgive him
c. No use being good
d. He blew his inheritance, now he's blowing mine
5. Why was the older brother so mad?
6. Was his bad attitude justified? Why?
7. Was his unforgiveness aimed at his father or his brother?
8. The older brother was outside the party. How does unforgiveness keep us outside the party?
9. When you/we are unforgiveing you/we always miss the party?
An Unforgiving Spirit
Luke 17:3-4
So watch yourselves,
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, `I repent,' forgive him."
How did Jesus warn us to keep bitterness from growing in our lives? (Keep watch)
In order to kill a weed we have to dig up the root, so in order to kill sin we have to dig it up.
How did Jesus tell us to dig out roots in others? (rebuke)
What do you think is harder- rebuking or forgiving others? Why?
Here are some verses on rebuking a fellow Christian.
Galations 6:1
2 Corinthians 2:5-8
How did Jesus tell us to dig out the roots in ourselves? (forgive)
Here are some verses on forgiving a fellow Christian.
Matthew 6:12-15
Matthew 18:21-22
Do you think Jesus was telling us to forgive and forget? Why or why not?
Do you think forgetting an offence is possible?
We may not have total control of our memories, but we can choose to let a bad memory fade by refuseing to dwell on it. Letting go and forgetting require a daily decision to forgive.
Philippians 3:13-14
We can pray for the one who hurt us and focus on good memories of the past or new plans for the future.
Philippians 4:8
Most importantly, we must leave justice in God's hands and not let revenge control us.
Romans 12:19-21
Hebrews 12:14-15
Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
How are we to forgive others?
How would you like God to act toward you?
Psalm 103:8-14
Are you willing to grant that kind of leniency to people who have done you wrong?
How can we imitate God?
What did Jesus choose to do to bring us forgiveness? (He died on the cross)
How is forgiveness like dying?
· Luke 15:11-32 The Prodigal Son
1. Why do you think the prodigal son decided to leave home?
a. To grow up
b. To get away from his fathers values
c. He wasn't appreciated at home
d. To try to make it on his own
e. To get away from his older brother
2. What was it that caused the prodigal son to come to his senses?
a. Homesickness
b. Guilt
c. Feeling sorry for himself
d. Feeling sorry for his father
e. Hunger pains
f. Realizing he was stupid
g. He had hit bottom
3. When the son returned, what was the fathers attitude?
a. Come on in, but your grounded
b. You have disgraced the family
c. Wheres the money
d. I don't approve, but your still my son
e. Welcome home son, I love you
4. What was the attitude of the older brother?
a. It's unfair
b. Don't expect me to forgive him
c. No use being good
d. He blew his inheritance, now he's blowing mine
5. Why was the older brother so mad?
6. Was his bad attitude justified? Why?
7. Was his unforgiveness aimed at his father or his brother?
8. The older brother was outside the party. How does unforgiveness keep us outside the party?
9. When you/we are unforgiveing you/we always miss the party?
An Unforgiving Spirit
Luke 17:3-4
So watch yourselves,
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, `I repent,' forgive him."
How did Jesus warn us to keep bitterness from growing in our lives? (Keep watch)
In order to kill a weed we have to dig up the root, so in order to kill sin we have to dig it up.
How did Jesus tell us to dig out roots in others? (rebuke)
What do you think is harder- rebuking or forgiving others? Why?
Here are some verses on rebuking a fellow Christian.
Galations 6:1
2 Corinthians 2:5-8
How did Jesus tell us to dig out the roots in ourselves? (forgive)
Here are some verses on forgiving a fellow Christian.
Matthew 6:12-15
Matthew 18:21-22
Do you think Jesus was telling us to forgive and forget? Why or why not?
Do you think forgetting an offence is possible?
We may not have total control of our memories, but we can choose to let a bad memory fade by refuseing to dwell on it. Letting go and forgetting require a daily decision to forgive.
Philippians 3:13-14
We can pray for the one who hurt us and focus on good memories of the past or new plans for the future.
Philippians 4:8
Most importantly, we must leave justice in God's hands and not let revenge control us.
Romans 12:19-21
Hebrews 12:14-15
Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
How are we to forgive others?
How would you like God to act toward you?
Psalm 103:8-14
Are you willing to grant that kind of leniency to people who have done you wrong?
How can we imitate God?
What did Jesus choose to do to bring us forgiveness? (He died on the cross)
How is forgiveness like dying?
Monday, June 2, 2008
Ancient Building Materials in the Bible
I can't beleive I found this, 10 years ago I took an Engineering class at Joliet Junior College and had to write a paper. Since I find Biblical engineering interesting I could not pass up this topic. The professor ran out of time in class and never graded it, he offered it as extra credit. I never turned it in.
Ancient Building Materials of Biblical Times
Go back two or three thousand years ago and you will find builders using essentially the same materials as we use today. Of course, without the aid of electric of gasoline powered equipment, they had to manufacture and assemble the materials by hand. But just like modern contractors, they worked with wood, stone, and cement. They even used iron fittings to connect timber and masonry.
Before any foundation was laid there had to be some surveying and layout work to be done. God gave Noah instructions on how to build the Ark, (Genesis 6:14-22) Nehemiah surveyed the walls around Jerusalem. God gave Solomon a detailed blueprint of how He wanted the temple built. (1 Kings 6) God also gave Moses detailed instructions on how the Tabernacle was to be built.
According to geologist, the Hold Land was once at the bottom of the sea. The skeletons and shells of microscopic sea animals sank to the sea floor and were compressed over millions of years, by the collecting sediment, forming white limestone. When the earth’s own turbulence forced this sea floor up and above sea level, it formed mountains of limestone and dolomite. As wind, water, and volcanic action eroded this material, it formed various kinds of soils and exposed rock.
Ancient builders had a variety of different types of materials to choose from. In 1 Kings 15: 15-18 King Solomon had limestone quarried for the temple. “Solomon had seventy thousand carriers and eighty thousand stonecutters in the hills, as well as thirty three hundred foremen who supervised the project and directed the workmen. At the Kings command they removed from the quarry large blocks of quality stone to provide a foundation of dressed stone for the temple. The craftsmen of Solomon and Hiram and the men of Gebal cut and prepared the timber and stone for the building of the temple.”
Limestone was a nearly perfect material for construction in central Palestine. To quarry the stone, the stonecutters drilled several holes into the rock in a straight line and drove wooden pegs into the holes. When soaked with water, these pegs expanded exerting pressure on the stone and splitting it in a rather straight line. Using chisels and other hand tools, the stonecutters then shaped the rough surface of the stone. With levels and measuring strings, they laid out the angles and straight edges of the stone block, which then would be sanded with a rubbing stone.
The stones used in any given area depended on the geology of that area and the ability to quarry it. The Egyptians used sandstone for the bulk of the pyramids, because it was close at hand. In the Mesopotamia valley, the Babylonians were dependent on clay brick. Throughout the Mediterranean world, workers would dig up clay, add straw fibers to increase tensile strength, mix it to the proper consistency, shape it in wooden molds and allow the bricks to dry in the sun. In Exodus 5 Pharaoh ordered his slave drivers and foreman not to give the Israelite slaves straw. Exodus 5:7 says “You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks, let them go and gather their own straw.” “Archaeologists digging up settlements from ancient Egypt have unearthed three kinds of sun-dried bricks: some made of good straw, some containing mere roots and bits of straw, and some with no straw.”
Cementing materials date back to when prehistoric man abandoned his cave and started to build shelters. The first obstacle in their way was to fine a material to “chink”, filling in the voids, between the stones to keep the cold out. Clay was used by the Assyrians and the Babylonians. As early as 3000 B.C. the Egyptians used gypsum mortar which was used to line the inside of their pyramids.
“The ancient Romans while quarrying for mortar, accidently discovered a silica-and alumina bearing mineral on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius that, when mixed with limestone and burned, produced cement that exhibited the unique property of hardening underwater as well in the air. This cement was also harder, stronger, and much more adhesive than the ordinary lime mortar to which they were accustomed. In time this mortar not only became the type for use in all their building projects but began also to alter the character of Roman construction. Masonry of stone or brick was used to build only the surfaces of masonry piers, walls, and vaults, and the hollow interiors were filled entirely with large volumes of this new type of mortar. We now know that this mortar contained the essential ingredients of modern Portland Cement and that the Romans were inventors of concrete construction”
“In 1884 an Englishman patented a process for the manufacture of an improved cement. The process consisted of heating a mixture of limestone and clay and then crushing the resulting product to a fine power. He called this powder Portland Cement, because it produced a yellowish-gray concrete which resembled stone quarried on the Isle of Portland, England. Aspdin is generally recognized as the father of the modern Portland cement industry.”
Wood was used for a number of things. Genesis 6:14 says, “Noah built an Ark out of Cypress wood and coated it inside and out to make it water proof. Wood beams were used to support the rook of the Temple. 1 Kings 6:9-10, “So he built the temple and completed it, roofing it with beams and cedar planks. And he built the side rooms all along the temple. The height of each was five cubits, and they were attached to the temple by beams of cedar.” And in 1 Kings 7:2-3 it describes Solomon’s palace’s roof support, “He built the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon a hundred cubits long, fifty wide and thirty high, with four rows of cedar columns supporting trimmed cedar beams. It was roofed with cedar above the beams that rested on the columns—forty-five beams, fifteen to a row.”
Wood was also used for the interior of buildings. 1 Kings 6:15-18 says, “He lined its interior walls with cedar boards, paneling them from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and covered the floor of the temple with planks of pine. He partitioned off twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. . The main hall in front of this room was forty cubits long. The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; no stone was to be seen.”
Prior to the beginning of the nineteenth century, metals had little role in buildings except as connecting devices. The Greeks and Romans used hidden clamps of bronze to join blocks of stone, and architects of the Renaissance countered the thrust of masonry vaults with iron chains and rods.” 1 Chronicles 22:3 says that, “He provided a large amount of iron to make nails for the doors of the gateways and for the fittings, and more bronze than could be weighed.”
The most amazing thing about ancient buildings is how they did it. How did they lift those large quarry stones? Some of those buildings that they built are still standing today. Yet we as a modern culture tend to tear down and rebuild old buildings. It amazes me at the engineering that went into one of the largest construction projects ever built, the Temple. 1 Kings 6:7, “In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built.”
Bibliography
The Student Bible, NIV
Compton’s Interactive Bible CD Rom
“Fundamentals of Building Construction, Materials and Methods”, Allen
“Concrete Technology”, White
Ancient Building Materials of Biblical Times
Go back two or three thousand years ago and you will find builders using essentially the same materials as we use today. Of course, without the aid of electric of gasoline powered equipment, they had to manufacture and assemble the materials by hand. But just like modern contractors, they worked with wood, stone, and cement. They even used iron fittings to connect timber and masonry.
Before any foundation was laid there had to be some surveying and layout work to be done. God gave Noah instructions on how to build the Ark, (Genesis 6:14-22) Nehemiah surveyed the walls around Jerusalem. God gave Solomon a detailed blueprint of how He wanted the temple built. (1 Kings 6) God also gave Moses detailed instructions on how the Tabernacle was to be built.
According to geologist, the Hold Land was once at the bottom of the sea. The skeletons and shells of microscopic sea animals sank to the sea floor and were compressed over millions of years, by the collecting sediment, forming white limestone. When the earth’s own turbulence forced this sea floor up and above sea level, it formed mountains of limestone and dolomite. As wind, water, and volcanic action eroded this material, it formed various kinds of soils and exposed rock.
Ancient builders had a variety of different types of materials to choose from. In 1 Kings 15: 15-18 King Solomon had limestone quarried for the temple. “Solomon had seventy thousand carriers and eighty thousand stonecutters in the hills, as well as thirty three hundred foremen who supervised the project and directed the workmen. At the Kings command they removed from the quarry large blocks of quality stone to provide a foundation of dressed stone for the temple. The craftsmen of Solomon and Hiram and the men of Gebal cut and prepared the timber and stone for the building of the temple.”
Limestone was a nearly perfect material for construction in central Palestine. To quarry the stone, the stonecutters drilled several holes into the rock in a straight line and drove wooden pegs into the holes. When soaked with water, these pegs expanded exerting pressure on the stone and splitting it in a rather straight line. Using chisels and other hand tools, the stonecutters then shaped the rough surface of the stone. With levels and measuring strings, they laid out the angles and straight edges of the stone block, which then would be sanded with a rubbing stone.
The stones used in any given area depended on the geology of that area and the ability to quarry it. The Egyptians used sandstone for the bulk of the pyramids, because it was close at hand. In the Mesopotamia valley, the Babylonians were dependent on clay brick. Throughout the Mediterranean world, workers would dig up clay, add straw fibers to increase tensile strength, mix it to the proper consistency, shape it in wooden molds and allow the bricks to dry in the sun. In Exodus 5 Pharaoh ordered his slave drivers and foreman not to give the Israelite slaves straw. Exodus 5:7 says “You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks, let them go and gather their own straw.” “Archaeologists digging up settlements from ancient Egypt have unearthed three kinds of sun-dried bricks: some made of good straw, some containing mere roots and bits of straw, and some with no straw.”
Cementing materials date back to when prehistoric man abandoned his cave and started to build shelters. The first obstacle in their way was to fine a material to “chink”, filling in the voids, between the stones to keep the cold out. Clay was used by the Assyrians and the Babylonians. As early as 3000 B.C. the Egyptians used gypsum mortar which was used to line the inside of their pyramids.
“The ancient Romans while quarrying for mortar, accidently discovered a silica-and alumina bearing mineral on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius that, when mixed with limestone and burned, produced cement that exhibited the unique property of hardening underwater as well in the air. This cement was also harder, stronger, and much more adhesive than the ordinary lime mortar to which they were accustomed. In time this mortar not only became the type for use in all their building projects but began also to alter the character of Roman construction. Masonry of stone or brick was used to build only the surfaces of masonry piers, walls, and vaults, and the hollow interiors were filled entirely with large volumes of this new type of mortar. We now know that this mortar contained the essential ingredients of modern Portland Cement and that the Romans were inventors of concrete construction”
“In 1884 an Englishman patented a process for the manufacture of an improved cement. The process consisted of heating a mixture of limestone and clay and then crushing the resulting product to a fine power. He called this powder Portland Cement, because it produced a yellowish-gray concrete which resembled stone quarried on the Isle of Portland, England. Aspdin is generally recognized as the father of the modern Portland cement industry.”
Wood was used for a number of things. Genesis 6:14 says, “Noah built an Ark out of Cypress wood and coated it inside and out to make it water proof. Wood beams were used to support the rook of the Temple. 1 Kings 6:9-10, “So he built the temple and completed it, roofing it with beams and cedar planks. And he built the side rooms all along the temple. The height of each was five cubits, and they were attached to the temple by beams of cedar.” And in 1 Kings 7:2-3 it describes Solomon’s palace’s roof support, “He built the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon a hundred cubits long, fifty wide and thirty high, with four rows of cedar columns supporting trimmed cedar beams. It was roofed with cedar above the beams that rested on the columns—forty-five beams, fifteen to a row.”
Wood was also used for the interior of buildings. 1 Kings 6:15-18 says, “He lined its interior walls with cedar boards, paneling them from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and covered the floor of the temple with planks of pine. He partitioned off twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. . The main hall in front of this room was forty cubits long. The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; no stone was to be seen.”
Prior to the beginning of the nineteenth century, metals had little role in buildings except as connecting devices. The Greeks and Romans used hidden clamps of bronze to join blocks of stone, and architects of the Renaissance countered the thrust of masonry vaults with iron chains and rods.” 1 Chronicles 22:3 says that, “He provided a large amount of iron to make nails for the doors of the gateways and for the fittings, and more bronze than could be weighed.”
The most amazing thing about ancient buildings is how they did it. How did they lift those large quarry stones? Some of those buildings that they built are still standing today. Yet we as a modern culture tend to tear down and rebuild old buildings. It amazes me at the engineering that went into one of the largest construction projects ever built, the Temple. 1 Kings 6:7, “In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built.”
Bibliography
The Student Bible, NIV
Compton’s Interactive Bible CD Rom
“Fundamentals of Building Construction, Materials and Methods”, Allen
“Concrete Technology”, White
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