Cornerstone Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
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In His Sovereign Mercy, God chooses to save some sinners -- displaying His mercy, power, freedom, incomprehensibility, hatred for sin and His grace.
- Abraham is committed to God's ways (v. 1-4) 2. Abraham trusts God to provide (v. 5-9) 3. God provides (v. 10-67).
Paul greets the Philippians, a church established by God, as a slave of Jesus dependent on God's grace and peace.
God bring faith and life to barren wombs and heart by fulfilling His promise through faith in Christ.
The Means of Mercy: 1). David's last words. 2). Mighty men. 3). The drink offering. 4). Long-Faithful friends. 5). The list of intersection.
God calls sinners to Himself, preaches the gospel to them, and produces a costly, obedient faith.
At the tower of Babel, God shows mercy in limiting man's ambition to rebel against Him.
2 Samuel 22 shows David's lens of faith as he sees life with a massive view of God and humble view of man.
God provides for life after the flood -- offering protection and life until full provision comes through Jesus.
In Genesis 4-5 we see how quickly sin takes over in the lives of Adam's sons but see God's grace in the life of Enoch.
These chapters show us three things: sin cannot be outrun, God’s judgment cannot be escaped, and the light of the true King, Jesus Christ, cannot be quenched — when you begin to see God this way, the Scriptures call that response the fear of the Lord.
In Genesis 3, we see our first representatives fall. But in their failure, we find the first promise of a Greater Representative who would eventually come to undo the curse.
Genesis 2 shows that God graciously provides everything we need-- life, provision, commands, relationships, and a way to stand before Him unashamed.
Meeting the Returning King: 1). The inescapable justice of God. 2). The mercy of the King. 3). How you come to the King determines everything.
Three attributes of God revealed in the creation account: He is Creator, Powerful, and Orderly.
In 2 Samuel we see David faithfully trust God and His sovereignty, pointing us to the faithfulness of Jesus who was exiled for our sin to the cross.
Be profitable for the kingdom by avoiding division, addressing it when it arises, and supporting gospel work beyond your local church.
Believers should do good to others because of who we were before Christ, because God has washed and is renewing us, and because our justification is already complete.
Believers should live godly lives because of Christ's first coming, His promised return, and the cross that purchased both our forgiveness and holiness.
1.) Sin shows itself in our culture. 2.) Sin shows itself most clearly in our families. 3.) Sin leaves scars on our lives. 4.) We must be rescued from sin by the redeeming love of God.
Sound doctrine must be "worn" through godly living in every relationship to make the Gospel attractive to the world.
1.) False belief can be sinful. 2.) False beliefs lead to wrong living. 3.) Therefore, elders should rebuke false teachers.
A call to strengthen your faith, grow in truth and godliness, rest in eternal hope, and stand firm in the grace and peace God gives.
Sin, Judgment, and the Son of David: Point 1: The Special Aspect of David’s Sin. Point 2 — The General Aspect of David’s Sin. Point 3: The Specific Aspect of David’s Judgment and Salvation. Point 4: The General Aspect of Judgment and Salvation.
True wisdom is found in revering God with awe, obeying His commands from the heart, and living every day in light of the coming judgement.
Live wisely and joyfully in light of life's brevity -- planning for the future with faith, enjoying God's good gifts with gratitude, and remembering our Creator before death comes.
1). The Dravidic King is merciful to those within and without (vv. 1-2) 2). The ordinary response to the King's mercy is rejection (vv. 3-4) 3).Those sent by the King can trust in the provision of the King (vv. 5-14). 4) Every knee will bow to the gracious King (vv. 15-19)
Death comes to all, yet those approved by God through Christ can joyfully enjoy His good gifts -- living with gratitude, purpose, and hope under His sovereign hand.
Pursue wisdom: Obey the governing authorities, We're limited in what we can accomplish in this life, Evil oftentimes triumphs in this life, Look ahead to the next life, Enjoy this life.
We won't fully understand God's plans. 1). Be humbled. 2). Fear and obey God. 3). Remember that you're a sinner.
- Pursue Wisdom From God (vv. 6:10-12; 7:5-10); 2. Look After Your Reputation (v. 7:1); 3. Think about Death Regularly (vv. 7:2-4); 4. Pursue Correction (7:5-10)
- Government will let you down (5:8-9). 2. Money will let you down (5:10-17). 3. Take joy in what God has given you (5:18-6:9).
Be slow to make commitments to the Lord (v. 1-3). Be sure to keep your commitments to the Lord (v. 4-7).
- Recognize the oppression of the world (vv. 1-3); 2. Don't work out of envy (v. 4, 6); 3. Don't be lazy (v. 5); 4. Value relationships more than work (vv. 7-12); 5. Remember that your work will let you down (vv. 13-16).
1). The origin of the house: From nothing to Glory. - The God who builds. 2). The king who administers justice and order. 3). Eyes of faith to see our promised King and promised inheritance.
(1) God is doing something beautiful with every seaon of life (3:1-11a). (2)We won’t always see the beauty (3:11b). (3) How should we respond? (3:12-22) (a) Take pleasure in the good parts of life; (b) Do good; (c) Trust God with the hard parts; (d) Be humble before Him.
(1) Don't treat things of this life as permanent gifts (1:16-2:12). (2) The reason: Death will take it all (2:14-23). (3) Instead, enjoy the things of life as temporary gifts (2:24-26).
The stuff of this world can't be kept, can't be changed, and can't satisfy. This world will quickly forget you; we need the one who is from above.
Obey Your Leaders (v.17). Pray For Missionaries (vv. 18-19). Just in God’s Word of the Gospel (vv. 20-25).
The Son of David: God's Eternal Promise, Our Living Hope. 1. The origin of the house: From nothing to glory - The God who builds. 2. The means of the house: built by mercy, not by might. 3. The purpose of the house: Radical transformation - From dynasty to eternity.
Hold on to Jesus our stable place - past, present and future. As we unashamedly hold on through trials we show the worth of Christ.
1). God will build a house for David: Rethinking Security and Salvation 2). God will build a house for God: The incarnation as the eternal dwelling place 3). God has made a place for us: Abiding in Christ, our redeemer and dwelling.
The salvation of Zion is better than Sinai salvation. The judgement of Zion is actually worse than the judgement of Sinai.
(1) Keep the danger of letting go of Jesus in mind (2) Pursue Holiness (3) Always recognize your need for the Lord
Introduction: Two Ways of SeeingI. The Lens of Election Rightly Estimates the Holiness of God and the Depravity of ManII. The Lens of Election Draws Broken People to a Perfect God by the Force of His Bountiful GraceIII. The Lens of Election Centers on the Necessity of AtonementIV. The Lens of Election Preserves, Protects, and Provides a Glad People unto GodConclusion: Perception and Position
Suffering will tempt you to sin (v. 4), Keep suffering in perspective (v. 11), Suffering shows you God is your Father (vv. 5-10), God gives you suffering for your spiritual good (vv. 10-11)
Keep running the race by (1) laying aside sun [v. 1] (2) seeking out examples of faithful Christians [v. 1] (3) and by looking to Jesus [vv. 2-3]
In Hebrews 11:32-40 we are given examples of God given faith in the suffering and salvation of the Old Testament believers.
As we consider the lives of Moses, his parents, the Israelites and Rahab, we see examples of faith leading God-followers to choose the treasures of God over the treasures of the world. As such we can hold on to Jesus.
In Romans 6:1-14 we see that the resurrection gives the gift of being able to resist sin.
Followers of Christ are encouraged to trust God by offering Him everything in our lives and by speaking confidently about God's promises in His Word.
Faith obeys when it’s difficult and believes when it seems impossible because it knows the rewards are worth it. Faith leads us to regularly evaluate this life and estimate it for what is actually it is and consistently look forward to the next life.
As David's kingdom brought war and battles with the enemy, so also Jesus' kingdom brought war to sin and battle with it for believers.
Keep your confidence in Jesus knowing that if you ultimately reject Jesus then you're headed for judgement.
Draw near to our Lord, hold fast to our confession of Jesus and stir up one another to follow Jesus.
The law covenant can't take away sins (v. 1-4). This is why Jesus brought his body (v. 5-9). And now nothing else needs to happen (v. 10-18)
Jesus entered once for all as a perfect sacrifice to fulfill all the Old Covenant pictures of how broken sinners can be brought near a Holy God; thus forever making our conscience pure.
Jesus' priesthood is better because He is in heaven and His new covenant has better promises.
2 Samuel chapters 3-4 show us the brokenness of the kingdom awaiting the rule of David. Abner turns to the kingdom of David, while Joab seeks to make justice by his own hand. Let us turn to King Jesus.
Jesus is a new priest of a new and better covenant; better because Jesus remains our Priest forever and He never sins.
Jesus is a far better priest than any human priest, even better than Melchizedek. Jesus has blessed us, like Melchizedek blessed Abraham. As such we should give our lives to Jesus as Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek.
As the Davidic Kingdom begins we see glimpses of the amazing patience and obedience ofGod’s faithful king, the mess of a fallen world, and the beauty of a king’s heart focused on the kingdom ofGod.
We can hold on to Jesus because God, who cannot lie, has promised that our High Priest, Jesus, is a sure and steady anchor already ministering on our behalf before God.
The warning in Hebrews serves to keep believers diligent in pressing forward in their Christian walk.
We should be growing in our ability to digest the Word. We can work hard to understand and apply the Bible, praying for God's help in doing so.
Saul's life is a tragic example of failing to trust and obey God. Followers of God pray for help to see and trust God's ways and purposes.
We have a perfect High Priest who was anointed by God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. He is able to bring us to God.
Furthering the imperative, the author of Hebrews invites us to strive to enter the rest of God by continuing to believe in the Gospel and drawing near to Christ in our time of need (temptation).
We are created for eternal rest with God and warned that our lives should be characterized by striving to enter that rest.
(1) Your sin can harden your heart; (2) Hard hearts are an attack on God that he won't ignore; (3) Your only hope is to keep holding onto Jesus; (4) You need other Christians to help you do this
God gives us pictures of the startling nature of His Kingdom and His promised King. We see pictures of major kingdom deliverance along with a rescuing, gracious King.
Rejected by God, Saul desperately turns towards evil and darkness in a desperate attempt to find help.
We must make an active practice of giving attention to the gospel, lest we drift from it. We need not drift as it is reliable and apparent.
Jesus deserves our worship as He is better than even the faithful, glorious, holy angels.
Hold on to the Jesus who is God's final word, the heir and creator of all things, our God and Savior.
Believers may live, by the grace of God, with souls at peace as they trust in God's character.
God's message of judgement can lead to saving faith which is attended by an appropriate response.
In Abigail we find a beautiful picture of mercy and trusting in the promised one of God. We have a picture of what it looks like for us to trust in Christ and intercede for those who will be judged by God's wrath.
The story of Jonah points us to the resurrection of Christ, the greater of Jonah. We can worship God completely as we consider all that He has done in joining us with Christ who rose to defeat sin and death.
God is angry with sin. God's wrath can be appeased through a sacrifice. Jesus Christ is the innocent man who was thrown into the sea of God's wrath in order to save the us, the guilty ones.
In the encounter between David and Saul, we see kingdom hallmarks in the life of David and sadly see the antithesis in the life of Saul.
Be assured that Jesus is the Anointed King, be ready to lay down our kingdom and submit to Jesus, be present to strengthen the church.
Jesus is willing to lose His own life. He is now willing to lose any who are among His bride. He is a willing and able savior.
Instead of being tricked by the opposition, Jesus leads us to see a major truth with eternal consequences: We must give back to those we owe.
Because Jesus is returning, we can be patient in the midst of suffering and vigilant in our obedience.
When David is in trouble, he turns to God for help. God takes care of His anointed one by answering with His presence and help.
I. Don’t Sin In Order To Get MoneyII. Don’t Give Your Heart To MoneyIII. Remember That God Will Judge The Enemies of His People
Christians should talk about the future in a manner that shows our dependence on God's good providence.
Believers are commanded to flee from judging fellow Christians on matters that lack a clear biblical precedent or position.
James implores followers of Christ to break friendship with the world and to draw near to God through Christ Jesus.
God shows us that while David is the chosen king, he is vulnerable to sin with tragic consequences to those under his care. Our perfect King Jesus, was infallible and His perfection brings saving consequences to those He shepherds.
Wise believers consider themselves less than others, pursuing peace and trusting in the fruits of Godly living. such wisdom is produced in and through God who gives wisdom to His children.
See the God-given faith of Jonathan; See Jonathan choosing the eternal kingdom over the present kingdom; See Jonathan following the coming kingdom while living the role God gave him
James teaches us the incredible power and danger of our tongues. Our tongues reveal our hearts, which need changing by the the grace of God so that we might bless God and not destroy others.
James demonstrates that while we are saved by faith alone, the type of faith that saves us will be accompanied by works.
James teaches us to not show partiality in how we treat fellow Christians. If we show partiality we reject the normal way that God works and we confuse the witness of God's mercy to the world.
James teaches us that the Christian should not speak with anger. While the task of avoiding anger will take work, it will provide life. He goes further to call us to love others, the essence of true religion.
When trials bring temptations, we should understand that though the trial may be brought by God our temptation derives from our sinful hearts. Our temptation can only be resolved by faith birthed by God focused on His goodness.
David sets an example of how to live through adversity and attack all the while trusting God.
James commands us to count it joy when we face suffering as God ordains and uses our suffering to strengthen our faith and get us to heaven.
James opens his letter by reminding us of our primary calling as servants of Jesus, living with other Christians as pilgrims who draw near to Jesus through His Word.
Jesus is prized by God and His people and therefore God proclaims His excellencies by His church proclaiming the one they now prize.
David is identified as the Deliverer of God. He points us to the Deliverer in Jesus. We see in this passage traits of Fans, Followers and Foes
The Day of the Lord will bring life in the presence of God for the people of God. Sadly it will bring judgment to the enemies of God. Until then, the enemies of God will press against the people of God.
God will bring His people to His place through faith in the Shepherd who He struck. As He brings His people to His place, He refines them and grows them.
The story of David and Goliath is a picture of seeing through the eyes of faith versus trusting in the flesh. David forecasts our great King Jesus who has defeated our main enemies of sin and death, the flesh and the devil.
Man started the rebellious fight against God. God will end the fight by being pierced for His children and bringing judgment on His enemies.
God will not abide with sin forever. He will either judge sin or pardon sin through His Good Shepherd, Jesus, whom He desires we trust as our shepherd.
As believers we can find hope that we will not face the judgement of God. We have reason to resist the enemies of God; the world, the flesh, the devil as we know they cannot overcome us and will all be judged by God.
In David God reveals to Samuel the chosen King for Israel and the one with whom He will make a covenant to send His ultimate savior, Jesus our Lord.
In Saul the nation got exactly what they asked as a king like the other nations. By God's grace He gave us in Christ was we needed, a neighbor who is better than us.
God sends His Anointed One to raise His church and uses His people to serve the Church by His Spirit.
We are not just pardoned from our sin, but in Christ we are also released from the stigma of our sin and given a new a perfect righteousness.
God is able to save His people in spite of the foolishness of king Saul while the foolishness of Saul shows us the need for a perfect, wise king to protect the people of God.
The New Heavens and Earth, the Christian's future kingdom city, will exceed all our expectations and hopes. In it we will be permitted, provided for, and protected. Let's flee to the city by fleeing to Christ.
God brings comfort to His people in His sovereignty, salvation and judgment for the enemies of God.
In the opening words of Zechariah we are encouraged to hear, believe and act on the Word of God in the Scriptures.
God can be trusted as our help as He is powerful and eternally committed to us, His children.
The true gospel preacher hopes in, boasts in and lives in the true gospel of grace alone, through faith alone by Christ alone for the glory of God alone.
The people of God find hope for salvation through the work of the Spirit of God and our great King Jesus.
The natural outflow of the spiritual fruit of goodness will be demonstrated in how believers show goodness to others, in particular fellow believers. The one who sows goodness will reap eternal life.
Israel received in Saul the king they wanted. God was kind to later give them the king they needed.
We can be encouraged that we have been given the Spirit who can bring the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. Therefore we also aim for these virtues/fruits.
Paul tells us that pursuing holiness is a possibility because of the Holy Spirit. Given that, he encourages us to pursue it.
Paul teaches the Christians a counterintuitive (and counter-cultural) concept that our Christ-earned freedom should enjoin us to serve one another.
- God ordains every circumstance that leads to His glory.
- Every person who comes across our path is sent by God.
- Even our sins can be used by God.
- God can use even our immaturity for His plan and good.
- We should be encouraged by God's sovereignty - all is not lost when our first attempt is not the best.
The people of Israel wanted to trade in their Good King in order to get a king within their Grasp. God uses our vulnerabilities to drive us to Himself. Handout: http://trmd.io/Z0gyZ
Paul explains that false gospels are so dangerous and so attractive that we should be mad at any presence of them.
If you are relying on your own moral efforts for God's approval of you, then Christ will be of no advantage to you.
God shows mercy to lead His People to repentance through His servant Samuel by His word. He routes the Israelite's enemy the Philistines as He shows victory over their ultimate enemy, sin.
Mistaken ways to deal with God (1) The Philistine approach — keep our sin and get rid of God (2) The Beth-shemesh approach — treat God as casual and manageable. Only right way to deal with God: The Kiriath-jearim approach — treat God as Holy.
Remember that Jesus is the ONLY possible savior for sinners; feel the relief of redemption. Don't turn back to ritual righteousness.
God shows the powerless nature of false gods and forecasts the incredible comeback to be realized in the Father raising Christ our Lord, overcoming sin and death.
Look at your trust in Christ, look back to your baptism, and remember that, in Christ, we all have the same status.
We are saved through the Promise of God’s rescue in Christ. The Mosaic covenant was given as a gift to point us to Jesus.
The law required perfection and you can’t obey it perfectly, the Bible makes clear that salvation comes by faith alone in Christ, salvation by the law is the opposite of salvation by faith, your only hope is to place faith in Jesus who paid for your lawbreaking.
When the Word of God was rare, God spoke to Samuel giving hope to Israel that God had not forgotten. In His mercy God continued to give His Word, ultimately fulfilled in the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ.
(1) Hannah’s Darkest Hour Preceded God’s Dawning Moment(2) Eli’s evil priesthood is one of Israel’s Darkest Spiritual Moments(3) Sovereign God Shines a Ray of Hope into the Israel’s Darkest Hour(4) The world’s darkest Hour Dawns with the Promised Messiah
Remember what you had to do to get the Holy Spirit and remember what Abraham had to do to be declared righteous by God.
Because justification is by faith alone, because the law can't justify anyone, because “law” and “life” are mutually exclusive, because that would be a sin, and because it's a rejection of God's grace and God's Son.
Understand that your hypocrisy will lead others astray, remind yourself of the gospel and offer and seek out accountability.
Be particular in your understanding of justification, understand how bad ‘Justification by Faith + Works' actually is and never yield, be more loyal to the gospel than to people, and, because of the gospel, give material care to fellow Christians.
Paul had hated the church, Paul had been a rising star in Judaism, Paul had loved the Jewish religion. The explanation: Jesus had revealed himself to Paul. Paul didn't collaborate with the apostles.
God blesses His people with the perfect king Jesus. In the message we trace the promises of God to give a Kingdom, the sin of the people resisting God as King, God's commitment to His people and the promise of enjoying God's perfect King.
A distortion of the gospel is a desertion of the gospel (v. 6-7). A desertion of the gospel is a desertion of God (v. 6). Therefore be angry about distorted gospels (v. 8-9). Be prepared to be unpopular (v.10).
(1) Don't ever think the Bible is anything less than God's Word (1-2); (2) See this world as something from which we need rescue (3-5)
Jesus leaves his disciples with the final hope of His second coming and final instruction to diligently follow Him.
(i) Jesus is the Key to Spiritual Sight, (ii) Jesus is the Key to Understanding the Gospel, (iii) Jesus is the Key to Understanding Your Bible, (iv) Jesus is the Key to Using Your Bible
The absurdity of the God-man corpse, the power of God to create faith and obedience, the privilege of serving the body of Christ, the power of God to create faith and obedience, the power of God to raise new life, and the power of God to create faith and obedience.
Consider God's coming judgment, remember that you deserve this judgment, and praise Jesus that He has saved you from this judgment.
The sentence of an unjust judge, the insistence of the murderous mob, and the acquiescence of a poor leader.
Notice Jesus' humiliation, notice mankind's stubbornness and appreciate the Lord's grace to you.
Jesus is Concentrated on His Mission (Lk. 22:47-53) Peter carries out His Fate (Lk. 22:54-62)
Don't underestimate the Devil or the world, Don't overestimate your spiritual abilities, know that Jesus prays for you, and pray for yourself.
Luke 22:1-30
The Lord’s Supper teaches us to Look Forward The Lord’s Supper teaches us to Look Backward The Lord’s Supper teaches us to Love Jesus The Lord’s Supper teaches us to Love the Church
I. Don’t be deceived when it comes to Jesus’ return (vv. 5 - 19) II. Be amazed that Jesus predicts the Unpredictable (vv.20) III. Don’t marvel at the things of the world. (v. 6) IV. Be Ready for Jesus’s Return (vv.21 - 38)
I. The Lord's Sobering Warning (20:45-46) II. The Lord's Scathing Expose' (20:46-47) III. The Lord's Surprising Critique (21:1-4)
Jesus never gets tripped up, marriage is temporary, the entire Bible teaches the resurrection from the dead, and the resurrected Christ is Lord.
Jesus doesn't owe sinners anything, mankind is shockingly evil, God has been so merciful, God will avenge His Son, and salvation is only found in the Son.
The Messiah’s humble presentation; the Messiah’s haunting prediction; and the Messiah’s harsh provocation.
Jesus has the power of God’s promised King. Jesus has the recognition of God as His promised King. Jesus has been given the mission of God’s promised King.
Jesus opens our eyes to see Him as the suffering Son of David; the only one who can give us life.
The Question: Who then can be saved?, v.26 Incorporates: 1. Receive/enter the kingdom of God (vv. 17, 24, 25, 29); 2. Inheritance of life eternal (v. 18) 3. Treasure in heaven (v.22)
In Luke 18:9-17 Jesus teaches us that humility arising from dependence and hope for mercy makes up a central attitude of followers of Jesus.
Blessed are those who dwell in the Lord's house, who are strengthened in the Lord and trust in the Lord.
The works and ways of God are laid out across the world patiently waiting for God to be praised for all He has done.
In Luke 17 Jesus warns us to live with full readiness for the kingdom of God to come very soon.
When presented with divine revelation, blessing and brokenness may God be gracious to give us faith to see our need and His grace.
Jesus showed mercy to ten lepers. One of the lepers returned to embrace Jesus with saving faith.
Glory of God revealed in the Skies (vv. 1-6) Glory of God revealed in the Scriptures (vv. 7-11) Our need for a savior revealed in ourselves (vv. 12-14)
In Psalm 139 the psalmist stands amazed and humbled at the vast knowledge of God. Given God's knowledge the psalmist prays the wicked acts of wicked men happening in God's complete sight would be stopped. He prays that God would show him a glimpse of who He is so that he might be pure in the sight of God.
We can praise God for how He has benefited our souls, our covenant brothers and sisters and the entire cosmos.
Jesus continues to teach His disciples, while keenly aware that His words fall upon the ears of Jewish religious leaders intent on discrediting and possibly destroying Him. Jesus puts forth qualities that characterize His true followers, Kingdom citizens.
In Hebrews 2 we see the logic of the gospel -- (1) Jesus for a little while was made lower than the angels (2) Jesus suffered to cleanse His brethren (3) Jesus paid our pardon.
Jesus suffers as the forsaken one all while fully trusting in the strength of His Father. As such, our Lord offers all His followers a picture of how to walk faithfully in the midst of suffering.
(1) Jesus confronts the Pharisees’ Mishandling of God’s Word, (2) Jesus Unravels the Pharisees Tragic Teachings on the afterlife
Jesus teaches His followers to use temporal money for an eternal investment into the Kingdom of God.
Jesus teaches us that our God is a merciful, seeking Father. Those who follow Jesus identify with the need for mercy and find joy in seeing those who are lost finding rescue and hope.
In Psalms 2 we are told that until Christ assumes His proper reign as the King of Kings, the world will scoff in opposition to His rule and His ways. But we are to be encouraged that Christ will rule and will reign.
In James 2 we are clearly taught that authentic faith produces works evident of the faith. Saving faith leaves our hearts and moves to and through our hands.
In Luke 14, Jesus teaches us the importance of counting the cost of following Jesus. He warns that those who follow him must be willing to abandon all other treasures compared to following him.
In 2 Peter we are taught the the Word of God offers us a true light in the darkness. We can trust the Word of God and follow it as the source of our truth.
Jesus explains the amazing opportunity he offers to believers when He invites them to come join His Kingdom. He warns of being careful that pride, preoccupation and unbelief should not hinder us from enjoying the opportunity to be rescued.
God kept secret the fullness of the gospel; God disclosed the gospel through the coming of Jesus by the Old Testament; The Gospel is spread through the preaching of Jesus at the command of God; The God who brought abundant mercies to save us will bring abundant mercies to keep us
In Luke 13:31-35 Jesus explains that His rule will not end until His ministry is complete. Jesus proclaims that the heights of power of both Gentiles and Jews will reject His rule, but He stands ready to save.
Jesus teaches the humbling reality that few will see the wisdom of the kingdom. By God's grace believers seek to strive to enter through the narrow door.
Jesus shows his mercy against the legalism of the pharisees while promising the certain coming of His Kingdom.
Paul offers an example of biblical priorities as he explains his desire to (1) Spread the Word of God (2) Share the wealth of God and (3) Submit to the Will of God
In Luke 13 Jesus teaches the necessity of repentance and the expectation of fruitfulness.
- Remember the Gentiles (vv. 14-16); 2. Fulfillment of ministry, (vv. 17-19); 3. Ambition to blaze a trail (vv. 20-24)
Jesus warns us that judgment is real and warns to live ready for coming the kingdom. He reminds us that His ministry divides between those who believe and those who reject Him.
In Romans 15 Paul relies upon a biblical orbit to encourage Jewish and Gentile members to welcome one another. From this passage we can see the elements of a biblical orbit.
In Romans 15 Paul teaches that God desires to see unity and harmony in the body of Christ to show the providence of God the father, the work humility of the Son of God, Jesus, and the enabling of the Holy Spirit to bring endurance to His church. It is the triune God that is able to grant us unity in christ and provide hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus explains to His followers that they need not be anxious or worry given the abundant care of their Heavenly Father.
In Romans 14:13-23 Paul explains that Christians should prioritize Christian love over individual freedoms.
Jesus teaches us the danger of storing up treasures on earth instead of storing up treasures in heaven.
In Romans 14 Paul explains that we are to live in the eyes of our master while bearing with one another in love
Jesus teaches us that as we properly fear God then only can we properly be faithful to God and properly fear man.
Jesus teaches that exterior washing for us is not enough to fix our problem of lacking righteousness.
Paul exhorts us to live in light of the coming of Jesus. He invites us to wear the things of God.
In Luke 11:29-36 we see the amazing grace of seeing Jesus as the Son of God and savior for wicked sinners.
Jesus teaches us in Luke 11 that moral reformation alone does not lead us closer to salvation but further from it. Moral reformation cannot take the place of genuine spiritual transformation.
Christians love as a fulfillment of the law of Jesus trusting that Jesus has met the righteous requirement of the law.
Jesus teaches us that when we encounter the Kingdom of God we are left with no other choice but to follow Him or reject Him. One either gathers for the Kingdom or scatters against the Kingdom — there is no neutral ground.
? We shouldn’t be shocked when the government promotes evil. ? We will respect the government as appointed by our sovereign God. ? We need to live ready to submit to the government up until it means submitting to Jesus. ? A day is coming when King Jesus will reign. He will ask for submission of our souls; branded with His image.
In Luke 11 Jesus teaches that effective kingdom prayer is characterized by persistence, rooted in faith and hopeful in the divine Father’s love and power.
In the model prayer Jesus teaches us a pattern of prayer. In this we see the nature of God, the purposes of God, the provisions of God (e.g. food and forgiveness).
In this text we see a change in Martha and her discipleship as she encounters Jesus more and more. We see (1) A disciple's priority, (2) A disciple's plea and (3) A disciple's prayer.
In Romans 12:9-21 Paul explains how we should serve the church. We should serve with a high standard of goodness, with sincere preference for one another and with dedication to God.
In Romans 12:2-8 Paul explains that Christians belong to churches and Christians serve in churches. Those who have been saved by Jesus demonstrate their love for Jesus by loving the church.
Our lack of love for those around us is a reflection of our lack of love for our God above us. Both of these show us our desperate need for the grace of God.
In Luke 10:17-24, Jesus teaches that as His followers go out and share the gospel they are the first fruits of gospel advance. Here we see (i) the Rejoicing of the Seventy, (ii) the Rejoicing of the Seventy and (iii) the Rejoicing of the saints
In Romans 12:1-2 Paul explains that worship is the right response to God whereby we offer our life completely to Him. Paul explains to us in this text the grounds, the nature and the acts of true Christian worship.
God's mercy extended to all tribes. languages, peoples and nations through the gift of Jesus Christ.
In the first 10 chapters of Romans Paul lays out for us the incredible truths of the gospel: By God's grace alone through faith alone believers in Jesus may be saved from the anger of God over our sin.
Paul gives the Corinthians a strong warning to beware of false prophecy. This warning stands for churches today as we should be careful that the doctrines revealed in the scripture are the doctrines represented in our pulpits, homes and hearts.
Believers have the incredible gift of having our lives hidden with Christ in God. This leads us to put to death the old ways of the living and turn to the righteous ways of Christ.
God changed the life of Saul of Tarsus by calling him for His kingdom purposes. Once a tormenter of the Christian church, Paul would be used by God to spread the faith while penning fundamental doctrines of Christian belief in his multiple letters. Like Paul, each believer is called out of his sin and into bearing kingdom fruit.
In Acts 8 we see the task of evangelism. We see in Phillip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch an example of the authority, content and consistency of the message of the gospel. From this text we are exhorted to read the scriptures, be ready to share Christ and to rejoice when gospel fruit springs forth.
In a brief overview of Romans chapters 1-11 Paul offers an explanation of the gospel. Here we see the incredible news of God's grace of salvation through faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
As we consider Acts 6 - 7, we see the story of Stephen who sets the example for the church: a bolder proclaimer of truth and a witness who suffers.
In Acts 4 we are able to see four essential marks of a true church: Preaching, Prayer, Unity and Generosity
Peter exhorts the early Christians to make their calling and election sure by living as they are called through the power of Jesus.
God, out of His good pleasure, on His own, saves His people in spite of their inability to keep the commandments
- Jesus and His followers come under attack by religious critics
- The Lord sheds divine light on His disciples' actions
- The Gospel is incompatible with man's works-based religions
The object of Abraham's faith: God's Promise The resolve of Abraham's faith: God's Glory The emulation of Abraham's faith: Our Justification
The most important thing we can do as a church is to protect this jewel called the Gospel.
Sometimes the simplicity of the Gospel makes us wonder what we need to do to achieve salvation. Paul answers objections from the Jews concerning the completed work of Jesus.
The Lord's popular initiation, the Lord's shocking declarations and the people's strong reaction.
There are two ways of living; self dependent and self sustained or living by faith and a recognition of the need for complete mercy.
Biblical repentance is a radical change in life, not a change in thought. Even centuries after John, the concept of repentance still applies today.
The preservation of Israel's rightful King, the uneventful progression of the child/King and the puzzling proclamation of the young Messiah/King.
Why is it so important: - to understand the person of Christ? - that Jesus is God? - that Jesus is man? - that Jesus arose from the grave? - that Jesus is Lord?
The mysterious appearance of the wise men from the east, the surprising announcement and unexpected mission and Herod's agitation and hatred towards the King.
An introduction to the book of Romans. The five characteristics are centrality of the Gospel, authority of the Scriptures, sola focus on Jesus, slavehood of the saints and living sent for His name's sake.
True believers are humble, hope for the future and are sent but both true and false believers live forever.
The Messiah's Miraculous Incarnation, the Angel's Glorious Declaration and the Shepherd's Joyous Celebration.
- God's sovereignty over the course of history
- Value benefit of His promise
- Acknowledge our guilt
- Yearn for the fulfillment of His promise
The provision of God's divine design, the precision of God's plan and the irony of God's plan.
Hope is a major part of most religions. Christianity offers a unique and superior type of hope.
Diotrephes, a heretic in the early church, draws the wrath of the Apostle John by making himself preeminent, not loving the brethren and disobeying the teachings of Christ.
God loves it when the oppressed are helped, the hungry are fed, the homeless are sheltered and God's people care for each other.
John commends his friend for his integrity and hospitality and counsels his friend regarding hospitality.
The rest of Jesus Christ comes to the contrite, the lowly of heart, the repentant and the believer.
Our eternal life, our prayers answered, our victory over sin, our God and our Divine Savior.
The barren will rejoice, the shamed will not be ashamed any more and the afflicted will be comforted.
God is creator, holy and powerful. Man is sinful. Jesus is merciful, exalted and generous.
Believe and obey the words and claims of Jesus, be encouraged that the Second Coming is as sure as the First Coming of the Lord Jesus and be sent. Long to make Jesus known.
True believers have true confidence in our relationship with God, confidence in prayer and confidence in our position.
God's people will attract the enemies' wrath, will resemble the Heavenly Father and practice sacrificial love.
They avoid that which contradict's God's Word, reject those things that contradict the work of Christ, reveal their true heritage as God's children and reflect the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
God will show himself faithful as Savior to those who wait for Him in view of that day of judgment.
Something old, something new; some are seasoned, some brand new; some are worldly, some are true.
The resurrection of Christ results in worshipful celebration and obedient evangelization and also generates contrasting reactions.
The sovereign Lord will have His day of reckoning, will insure that good is done and is not interested at all in alliance.
True believers regularly recognize their sins, regularly confess their sins and receive full pardon for their sins.
John's background, his affirmation of the true nature of Christ and the promises extended to true believers.
Biblically healthy churches are made up of biblically healthy members who give evidence of authentic Christian conversion, actively participate in the life of the local church and authentically model God's love.
Is committed to exalting God, committed to equipping His people and committed to engaging the world.
The need for restoration, the opportunity for restoration and the promise of coming justice.
A suspicious sojourn, an unwise response to circumstances and the transformation from famine to destitution.
Our unwavering faith in the completed and satisfying work of Jesus will see us endure all things until we receive our eternal reward in Christ.
His disciples enjoy fellowship with other believers, faithfully witness to the lost and sacrificially minister to others.
Our unwavering faith in the completed and satisfying work of Jesus will see us endure all things until we receive our eternal reward in Christ.
His disciples spend time in the Word, live in obedience to His Word and regularly pray in faith.
The three commitments of authentic discipleship: self-denial, personal sacrifice and following Jesus.
It's Jesus who is the reformation, it's Jesus who redeems us and it's Jesus who cures us.
We must rise above the entanglements of our earthly residency in order to fully embrace our citizenship in the kingdom of heaven.
We must rise above the entanglements of our earthly residency in order to fully embrace our citizenship in the kingdom of heaven.
Our unwavering faith in the completed and satisfying work of Jesus will see us endure all things until we receive our eternal reward in Christ.
We must rise above the entanglements of our earthly residency in order to fully embrace our citizenship in the kingdom of heaven.
Our unwavering faith in the completed and satisfying work of Jesus will see us endure all things until we receive our eternal reward in Christ.
We must rise above the entanglements of our earthly residency in order to fully embrace our citizenship in the kingdom of heaven.
Christ is exalted over Moses and He's the only one who makes it possible for the children of God to experience God's rest.
We must rise above the entanglements of our earthly residency in order to fully embrace our citizenship in the kingdom of heaven.
Our unwavering faith in the completed and satisfying work of Jesus will see us endure all things until we receive our eternal reward in Christ.
We must rise above the entanglements of our earthly residency in order to fully embrace our citizenship in the kingdom of heaven.
He's better than all the angels, He's bigger than our sin and He's worthy of our devotion.
Will we settle for the trappings and distractions of this world, or will we pursue the supremacy of Jesus Christ?
Christian contentment does not depend on circumstances but on Christ who is sovereign over our lives.
As Christians we have a biblical mandate to submit ourselves to those who are in authority over us.
Our life is fulfilling when we joyfully surrender to our Master's will and work as He has ordered it for our good and His glory.
Our faith in Christ positions us for a superior identity that comes with sobering responsibility.
We must resist our earthly residency in order to embrace our citizenship in the kingdom of heaven.
We mature in the faith as we remain focused on Christ, focus on those who imitate Christ and focus on our citizenship in Christ.
Our life is fulfilling when we joyfully surrender to our Master's will and work as He has ordered it for our good and His glory.
Our life is fulfilling when we joyfully surrender to our Master's will and work as He has ordered it for our good and His glory.
We have a joy that is given to us as people of God and is not dependent on circumstances.
Our life is fulfilling when we joyfully surrender to our Master's will and work as He has ordered it for our good and His glory.
John is shown what is to come when the Lord will remake heaven and earth and dwell with His people.
God is the center of heaven, just like He needs to be the center of the life of the believer here on earth.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, our joy is dependent upon a proper focus - a focus on the advancement of the Gospel and the glory of Christ.
Our life is fulfilling when we joyfully surrender to our Master's will and work as He has ordered it for our good and for His glory.
Our life is fulfilling when we joyfully surrender to our Master's will and work as He has ordered it for our good and for His glory.
Disciples of Christ see Jesus for who He is, esteem Him for all He's worth and they imitate Him in His sufferings
The observance of the Lord's supper provides an opportunity for honest introspection regarding our relationship with the Lord Jesus
Christians would do well to incorporate this Psalm's focus upon the many attributed and acts of God into our own personal and corporate worship of the Lord.
When God's people face hardships with faith they are comforted and the Lord is glorified.
Brother Remon Mattias, a native of Egypt, gives a presentation on the religion of Islam followed by a Q&A session.
Our God invites us to be on mission for Him and with Him as the unique message of Christianity continues to spread.
Jesus will have fans and followers. Followers are called by Jesus and will bear eternal fruit. Fans will fall away and face judgement.
Jesus dares to identify with broken sinners and loves them enough to command they follow
The Gospel is the Story of the Spirit calling us into the wilderness to be saved by Jesus the Son of God.
With the breathtaking portrayal of Christ before them, Paul exhorts the Philippians to demonstrate the same faith and obedience in their everyday lives.
An amazing story of God mercifully protecting His people by His sovereign power based solely on His abundant grace.
God is worth knowing and worthy of worship, even when He allows suffering in our lives.
Note: There was an issue with the recording of this sermon. As such, the end of the sermon is missing.
The book of Acts concludes with a display of God's sovereign control in protecting the life of Paul all the way to the end.
Our God is sovereign. Just as He delivered Daniel and his friends so too He will deliver us, as we trust and obey.
Through reliving experiences of Paul, the church is afforded a very valuable lesson on the nature of our Lord and His diving dealings in our own life situations.
God alone can secure the obedience of our hearts to trust that Jesus is the fount of living water He promises to be.
God alone can offer the cosmic salvation we need and as such deserves our complete trust.
A praise briefly celebrated, a plot wickedly concocted and a prophecy fulfilled completely.
No Christian is exempt from the dark valleys of discouragement, but God's word offers an unfailing message of hope.
Disciples who turn their world upside down are: - Absolutely committed to sharing the Gospel - Courageous in the face of adversity
As God's people we must believe the grand story of God and be on mission to see this accomplished across all the Earth.
Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch with the message that salvation comes only by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Half-hearted devotion: - constantly tempts God's people - leads to idolatry - hurts impact to next generation
Church is the assembly of Kingdom citizens Humility is the chief mark of Kingdom citizens Church is chief protection for Kingdom citizens
God uses an angel to appear to Cornelius, telling him of a man named Simon Peter currently staying in Joppa. Cornelius, being a devout man, sends some of his centurions to Joppa to bring back Simon.
Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus and the convincing evidences of his conversion seen in the days after meeting Jesus.
God did not redeem His people to then abandon them in the wilderness. Five examples of how God provided for His people in the wilderness and how we can implicitly trust Him with every aspect of life.
God always accomplishes His mission and purpose. Don't make the mistake that only "great" people are used. He is gracious enough to use people like us.
Stephen is arrested, brought before the council and subsequently stoned for preaching the Gospel.
Our faith in God's promise will guard us from being satisfied with nothing less than Christ.
Here we see Christ is nudging the church forward in its Great Commission, adding to the number of believers. The first problems arise within the church and Godly men are chosen to assist the disciples in ministry.
As children of God, we are to be deeply concerned over the cares of this life and yet, not anxious.
John describes what the new life looks like. If you are in Christ, you are weird. Don't try to get over it, get into it.
Salvation and the Christian faith is not something we can bring about ourselves; it is only the result of the Holy Spirit giving us new life.
The power of God worked through the Apostles to bring healing to a man lame since birth. And through the preaching of the Gospel 5,000 men were converted that day.
What does the life of a believer look like before they are justified and after they are justified?
Does your church demonstrate a healthy membership, resembling the early church found in Acts?
Sons & daughters of the King are continuously amazed by grace and continually marked by love.
On the day the Lord returns there will be judgment for the wicked and great rejoicing for the righteous.
Freedom in Christ has set us free; don't submit again to the yoke of legalism's slavery.
Self reliance is a dangerous weapon of the enemy aimed at believers in order to belittle the name of Jesus.
The insolence demonstrated by the spiritual leaders in Malachi's day by questioning God about their disobedience.
We cannot properly respond to Jesus unless we properly understand the purpose of the law.
The Lord rebukes the priests in Malachi's day for not upholding their part of the covenant. How does this principle apply to us today?
Does justification come about by faith alone, keeping the law or a combination of faith and law-keeping?
Examining how God rebuked the priests in light of the fact that we as Christians belong to the priesthood of believers.
Do we ascribe to the true Gospel as laid out in the Bible or have we diluted it by added things to it?
As we are transformed by the Gospel, the relationships we have with others will show evidence of our heart change.
The role self-examination and repentance plays in the life of the believer when coming to the Lord's Table.