Sunday Messages: Recent Episodes
Calvary Bible Church
A podcast featuring messages preached at Calvary Bible Church in Neenah, WI. We focus on expository preaching of God's Word with an emphasize on discipleship.
Why does Jesus bring his peace to our lives?
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Jesus’ Assignment: To Deliver the Lost (10-15), “…he shall speak peace to the nations, his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth…” (10)
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Jesus’ Aim: To Display God’s Glory (16-17), “…On that day the Lord their God will save them…for how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty…” (16,17)
What does the Bible say about the Devil?
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Who is he? (1 Peter 5:8; Eph. 2:2)
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What does he do? (2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Cor. 11:3)
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How will he be defeated? (1 John 3:8; Heb. 2:14)
Is God ok with our pride?
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God Opposes the Proud (1-8), “…Behold, the Lord will strip her of her possessions and strike down her power on the sea, and she shall be devoured by fire…I will cut off the pride of Philistia…” (4,6)
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God Gives Grace to the Humble (9; Jam. 4:10), “…your King is coming to you…humble and mounted on a donkey; Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you” (9; Jam. 4:10)
How does God use our waiting?
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God Trains You in the Waiting (1-17), “Thus says the Lord of Hosts, I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy…” (2,4,6,9,11)
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God Transforms You in the Waiting (18-23), “…The fast…shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts. Therefore, love truth and peace” (19)
Is your heart in it?
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When the Heart is Wrong, the Worship is Wrong (1-7), “…when you fasted and mourned…was it for me that you fasted?…” (5)
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When the Heart is Right, the Worship is Right (7-14), “…but they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder…stopped their ears and they made their hearts diamond hard…” (11,12a)
How can we stay anchored to truth in a world full of distraction and deconstruction?
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Be Humbled by the Generosity of the Gospel vs1-3…such a great salvation…was declared.
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Be Convinced of the Exclusivity of the Gospel vs1, 3…what we have heard…lest we drift away from it…how shall we escape?
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Be Confident in the Reliability of the Gospel vs 2-4…declared by the Lord…attested by those who heard…God also bore witness.
Big Idea: Jesus is coming soon.
v. 12-13 - What will Jesus do at his second coming?
v. 14-15 - Would I be ready if Jesus came back today?
v. 16-18 - Do I long for Jesus’ second coming?
How do we intensify our joy in Jesus this Christmas?
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As We Encounter the Condemned King, “Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns…’Behold the Man’” (v.5)
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As We Embrace the Crucified King (14-22), “Behold your King…they cried out, “Crucify him!…The King of the Jews” (14,15,21)
How do we intensify our love for God?
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As We Tremble (8,9), “…keeping watch…they were filled with fear…” (9)
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As We Trust (10-16), “Let us go to Bethlehem…the Lord has made known to us…” (15)
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As We Treasure (17-20), ”…and when they saw it…they made known the saying that had been told them…” (17)
How can you and I experience God’s peace in this age of anxiety?
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We Are A Satisfied People (21-27, Simeon’s Secret), “…It was revealed to him …that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ…” (26)
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We Are A Singing People (28-35, Simeon’s Song), “…Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace…” (29)
How can we find hope when our lives are so broken?
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The Hope God Gives is Supernatural (18), “…she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit” (18)
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The Hope God Gives is Personal (19-21), “…Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife…” (20)
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The Hope God Gives is Invitational (22-23), “…and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)…” (23)
Is saying, “God’s got this” enough?
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Essential Truth #1: God uses all things to accomplish his purposes.
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Essential Truth #2: God unveils his purposes to awaken our obedience.
. -Obeying God’s commands keep us from being idle in our relationship with him.
. -Obeying God’s commands keep us from being rebellious in our relationship with him.
. -Obeying God’s commands keep us from being fake in our relationship with him.
Response: Live in covenant relationship with God by obeying his voice.
When will sin finally be defeated?
A. The Message (5-8), “…This is their iniquity in all the land…” (6)
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Sin is a really big problem
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Only God can destroy its power!
B. The Meaning (9-11), “…they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth…to the land of Shinar…” (9,11)
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God will first constrain it…then defeat it…then remove it
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The “way of judgment” or the “way of grace” – what will you choose?
How do I know if my testimony is true?
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Test # 1: You are Gripped by the Greatness of God (5), “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (5)
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Test # 2: You Grapple With the Guile of Your Sin (6,8,10), “…if we say we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness…we lie…” (6)
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Test # 3: You Gladly Give Up Your Rights (9), “if we confess our sins…” (9)
What measurement does God use for judgment?
The Message (1,2), “A flying scroll…length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits” (2)
-The exact dimensions of the holy place, tabernacle
-Two commandments seen…3rd and the 8th…
The Meaning (3,4), “I will send out…and it shall enter the house of him who swears falsely by my name…consume it…” (4)
What is the measure of God’s judgment?
God’s perfect law (Gal.3:10-11)
--How do we escape His perfect standard?
God’s perfect judgement
--Should terrify those who don’t know Him (c/f Rev.1:8; 2 Pet.3:1-10)
--Should humble those who love Him (Zech.1:15; 2 Thes.1:5-10)
--Should cause us to gaze again on the cross (1 Pet.2:24)
Finding Hope when our Sin seems Unforgivable:
Receive His Forgiveness for your Past – Zechariah 3:1-5
Respond Obediently in the Present – Zechariah 3:6-7
Rest in His Future Coming– Zechariah 3:8-10
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My Servant: Suffering Savior – Isaiah 53
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The Branch: Davidic King – Jeremiah 33
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The Stone: High Priest – Isaiah 28
Big Idea: Your Sin has not Derailed God’s Plans
Does God have a master plan for our ‘chaotic’ world?
The Message (1-5), “And I will be to her a wall of fire all around…and I will be the glory in her midst……” (5)
*You won’t need a wall!
*God has an unexpected plan
The Meaning (6-13), “…Up! Up!...I will shake my hand…many nations will join themselves to the Lord…” (6,9,11)
*3 Oracles and 3 takeaways
--God’s people have focused allegiances! “Get out of ‘Babylon” (6-8)
--God’s people rejoice in God’s work – mixture of judgment and mercy (9,10)
--God’s people worship and work (11-13)
The Strength of the World (Horns)
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Causes Despair
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Combats Godly Hope
…These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem…These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one raised his head.
The Sovereign Hand of God (Craftsman)
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Restrains wickedness
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Raises Hope
…Then the Lord showed me four craftsmen… And these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it.
The oppression of the world cannot overcome the omnipotence of God!
Meaning “Yahweh remembers,” Zechariah’s name was appropriate to the purpose of his prophecies. His words brim over with redemptive hope: that God would remember and recover his promises to his people, even after the judgment of 70 years of Babylonian captivity. Through the sharing of eight visions and four messages, Zechariah encourages the people to anticipate and execute the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. But ultimately the book points to the future sign of the Messiah – through whom God would not only save his people, Israel – but through whom God would save the world.
This weekend we’ll continue the start of our journey into this fascinating book which is filled with spiritual imagination. But the message, although hopeful, begins with an invitation and warning to not forsake the Lord. Join us this weekend as we unpack Zechariah Chapter 1 in a message "Down But Not Out".
Meaning “Yahweh remembers,” Zechariah’s name was appropriate to the purpose of his prophecies. His words brim over with redemptive hope: that God would remember and recover his promises to his people, even after the judgment of 70 years of Babylonian captivity.
Through the sharing of eight visions and four messages, Zechariah encourages the people to anticipate and execute the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. But ultimately the book points to the future sign of the Messiah – through whom God would not only save his people, Israel – but through whom God would save the world.
In this Psalm David preaches truth to his own heart and calls upon all creation to, “Bless the Lord”. As David delights in God, he expresses spontaneous thanksgiving and unbounded praise for God’s merciful and abundant blessings. In doing so, David traces a pathway of praise and worship for us, as he invites us to join him in this discovery of unbelievable grace.
As we consider all of the uncertainty, conflict and turmoil in our world, Psalm 110 gives us a rock-solid assurance that we have as believers. We have a risen, reigning and sovereign King, Jesus Christ, who has secured the defeat of all of his enemies. Our victorious King will one day usher in a kingdom of peace and righteousness. But this Savior, who is a King is also a forever Priest…loving and interceding for his people. And so, our King-Priest will fight for us, advocate for us and return for us when he comes in power and glory to triumph over his enemies and according to Scripture - set up his kingdom on earth.
In this Psalm, David praises God as he observes His power in creation. David marvels at the idea that such a powerful and glorious Being would give any further thought to something as frail and limited as mankind. However, David notes the incredible responsibility and privilege given to men and women as image bearers to be overseers of God’s world.
The Lord is my light and my salvation…I will be confident.
How can we worship when we're afraid? By beholding God and gazing on His beauty. Read Psalm 27 and receive the love of Christ today.
The apostle Paul praised God constantly for the Thessalonian church. How did the Thessalonian church fill Paul with so much joy? Jesus was deeply permeating their lives, and they were modeling Christ to the world around them. If we want to BE the church and not just attend church, we must also desire to be deeply permeated followers of Jesus.
Psalm 16
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
In this Psalm of confidence, David focuses on the blessings and benefits he has experienced in knowing God. He stirs his heart to delight in God. We’ll trace these promises together and pray that God uses these truths to stir our hearts to worship God.
Calvary Bible Church is devoted to the kingdom of Jesus in Neenah, Wisconsin. If you're ever in the area, you should join us for worship on Sunday! If you would like to support the ministry of Calvary, you can give at https://cbcneenah.org/give.
"Oh Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?". Who can come and live in God's house as a friend? Join us as we delve into Psalm 15 with Pastor Keith.
Calvary Bible Church is devoted to the kingdom of Jesus in Neenah, Wisconsin. If you're ever in the area, you should join us for worship on Sunday! If you would like to support the ministry of Calvary, you can give at https://cbcneenah.org/give.
In this Psalm, the Psalmist laments those who have rejected God and become corrupt, making an appeal that those without God cannot do good because of their sinful nature. This Psalm contrasts those who oppose God with those who find refuge in Him.
In this Psalm, the Psalmist laments those who have rejected God and become corrupt, making an appeal that those without God cannot do good because of their sinful nature. This Psalm contrasts those who oppose God with those who find refuge in Him.
Main Point: Forgive as you have been forgiven.
How do I overcome my struggle of unforgiveness?
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Recognize forgiveness is not about the numbers. (v. 21-22)
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Remember the forgiveness you have received. (v. 23-27)
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Resist choking the wrongdoer. (v. 28-30)
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Reflect the mercy of the master. (v. 31-33)
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Repent of your unforgiving heart. (v. 34-35)
How should we approach, respond to and deal with personal conflict?
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Before You Do Anything…Check Your Attitude (1-3), “I Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ…” (1)
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Before You Do Anything…Check Your Artillery (4-6), “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power…” (4)
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Before You Do Anything…Check Your Aim (7,8), “Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone if confident that He is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we…” (7)
How do we move our hearts to a place of spontaneous generosity?
As we embrace the…
The Bounty of Kingdom Grace (8-10), “And God is able….He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing…” (8;10)
The Benefits of Kingdom Giving (11-15), “By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the Gospel of Christ…” (13)
-*It Meets Needs (11,12)
-*It Awakens Gratitude (12)
-*It Glorifies God (13)
-*It Stimulates Prayer (14)
How do we move our hearts to a place of spontaneous generosity?
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Motivated by the Beauty of Giving (v.1-5), “…for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia…” (2)
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Mobilized by the Blessing of Giving (v.6-8), “…each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver…” (7)
How are you responding to the reality of the resurrection?
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They Saw Jesus, “…God has made him both Lord and Christ” (36)
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They Surrendered to the Spirit,“…they were cut to the heart…what shall we do?” (37)
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They Served God (38), “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins…” (38)
Who is this Man?
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Attested by God: Jesus’ Life & Resurrection were empowered by God – Vs. 22-24
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Foretold by David: Jesus’ Resurrection was foretold by David. – Vs. 25-31
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Seen by Witnesses: Jesus’ Resurrection was seen by Eyewitnesses. – Vs. 32
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Exalted by God: Jesus’ Resurrection makes Him King over all. – Vs. 33-36
The Punchline: Jesus is Lord and Savior – Vs. 36
Big Idea: Jesus’ Resurrection makes him both Lord and Savior!
Our Response:
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For the Unbeliever: Is He your Savior?
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For the Believer: Is He your Lord?
The arrival of the Holy Spirit is a sign that God’s Salvation has come & it’s a call to participate in God’s Mission.
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A Warning: God’s Judgement for Sin – Joel 2:1-11
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An Invitation: God’s Invitation to Return to Him – Joel 2:12-17
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A Response: God’s Mercy & Grace – Joel 2:18-27
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A Promise: God’s Spirit Poured out in Power – Joel 2:28-32
The Arrival of the Holy Spirit Means:
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God’s Salvation has come in Christ – an invitation to Receive God’s Grace.
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God’s Power has come by the Spirit– an invitation to Participate in God’s Mission.
How do we live and give with an eternal perspective?
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An Example and Call to Generosity—What it Looks Like (1-7, 10-15)
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The Empowerment of Generosity—How we do it (8-9)
What resources do we have to live for Christ every day?
Consider the…
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Promises (2-4), “Christ is seated at the right hand of God…you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ…when Christ appears, then you will appear with him…” (2-4)
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Perspective (1,2), “…seek the things that are above…set your minds on things above…” (1,2)
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Prerequisite (1), “If then you have been raised with Christ…” (1)
What is the fruit of biblical discipleship?
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Fruit Test # 1: A Culture of Genuine Community (2-7), “…I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy…” (4)
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Fruit Test # 2: A Culture of Genuine Contrition (8-16), “As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting…for you felt a godly grief…for godly grief produces a repentance…whereas worldly grief produces death…” (9,10)
The Christian conundrum…we are “IN” the world, not to be “OF” the world, but are to “GO” to it…
Are we to engage our culture or completely separate from It?
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Why Can’t Believers be “Yoked” with Non-Believers? (14-16), “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers!” (14)
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What Kinds of Activities or Associations are Forbidden? (6:17-7:1), “therefore go out from their midst and be separate from them…let us cleanse ourselves” (17;7:1)
How are you representing Jesus to those around you?
Proposition: Represent Jesus to everyone in every way.
Embrace your new calling. (v. 1-2)
- Do Not Receive in Vain: dead faith that produces no results and is devoid of moral, intellectual, or spiritual value.
Evidence Christ in all things. (v. 3-10)
- Commend Yourself: to provide evidence of faith through action.
Exchange apathy with affection. (v. 11-13)
- Widen Your Heart: open your heart to teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training in righteousness.
Communion Sunday
How can we have a crystal-clear focus for our lives?
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Focus # 1: Seize Hope…Everyday (23), “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
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Focus # 2: Stir Up Love…and Good Deeds (24), “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good deeds.”
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Focus # 3: Come Together…Often (25), “…not neglecting to meet together…”
What hope is there for broken hearts?
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The Burden of Reconciliation (19,20), “…In Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself…we are ambassadors for Christ…” (19, 20)
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The Blessings of Reconciliation (18-19), “…to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (21)
What hope is there for broken hearts?
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In Christ, We Ponder the Miracle of Reconciliation (11-17), “…for the love of Christ controls us…” (14)
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In Christ, We Proclaim the Message of Reconciliation (18-19), “…and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation…” (19)
How do we live with an eternal perspective?
By Contemplating Frailty (1-9), “For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling” (2)
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Don’t cling to tightly to your temporal life
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However, what we do in the temporal matters in the eternal
By Courageous Fruit-bearing (10), “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” (10)
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All believers will stand before Christ as Judge
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The Aim of this Judgement
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Take the Test: Faith without works is dead
How can we keep Hope alive through the struggle?
Like the Psalmist in Psalm 116.
We Persevere with Hope Because:
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God Promises Final Resurrection – vs. 14
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God Produces Fruitful Results – vs. 15
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God Provides Fresh Renewal – vs. 16
God Prepares Future Rewards – vs. 17
Big Idea: We hope in what is unseen, because the future God promises far outweighs what we see today.
Application: Fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. (vs. 18)
Why was it necessary for Jesus to come to earth?
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The Aim of Jesus’ Mission (14-21), “…to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (19)
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The Authority of Jesus’ Mission (18,21), “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…because he has anointed me to proclaim good news…” (18)
What can we learn from the characters of this story? (Matthew 2:1-12)
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The Magi: A journey of astronomical proportion.
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Jesus is worth it.
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The Experts: A jeopardy answer.
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Knowing is not enough.
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The King (Herod): A jealousy problem.
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We must choose a king.
Who is this Jesus? (Micah 7:18-20)
- The Promised, Faithful, True King and Messiah who shows steadfast love to all who believe.
What hope is there that God will bring true and lasting joy to the world?
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The Good News Invites Wonder (8-14), “…and they were filled with great fear…Fear not…I bring you good news of great joy…” (9,10)
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The Good News Inspires Witness (15-19), “…And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning the child…’” (17)
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The Good News Invokes Worship (20), “…and the shepherd’s returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen” (20)
How do we keep a vibrant, faithful Christian witness?
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We are Fragile but Filled (7), “…but we have this treasure in jars of clay…” (7)
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We Are Fragile but Fervent (8,9), “…we are afflicted in every way…” (8)
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We Are Fragile but Fruitful (10-12), “…So death is at work in us, but life in you” (12)
How do we keep a vibrant, faithful Christian witness?
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By Positioning Our Hearts on God’s Mercy (1,2), “…having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart…”
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By Puzzling Over the Reality of Human Misfortune (3,4), “Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers…”
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By Proclaiming the Good News Miracle (5,6), “…for what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord…”
How Do We Refresh Our New Covenant Identity?
By Rehearsing the Gospel together
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You’ve Been Promoted From Blindness To Sight (11-16), “For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, (how) much more will what is permanent have glory” (11)
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You’ve Been Pulled From Bondage To Freedom (16-18), “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (18a)
What derails church ministry? What sustains church ministry?
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Self-promotion derails. Heart transformation sustains. (v. 1-3) “…not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts...”
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Self-sufficiency derails. Christ’s sufficiency sustains. (v. 4-6) “… the letter kills, but the spirit gives life...”
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Fading glory derails. Surpassing glory sustains. (v. 7-11) “… what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it.”
How do we forgive those who’ve sinned and hurt us?
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By Reaffirming Love (5-8), “…you should rather forgive and comfort him (7)…I urge you to affirm your love for him (8)…”
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By Restoring Fellowship (9-11), “…if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ…Satan’s schemes…” (10, 11)
How do we work for one another’s joy?
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With Simplicity (1:23,24), “…we work with you for your joy…” (24)
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With Purity (2,3), “…if I cause you sorrow…my joy would be the joy of all of you…” (2)
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With Love (4), “…not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you…” (4)
What Truths Ground Us When Trust is Tested?
(Look to…)
The Faithfulness of God Displayed (1:18–19)
The Faithfulness of God Defended (1:20a)
The Faithfulness of God Deposited (1:20b–22)
Main Point/ Big Idea: When struggling with trust, only God’s faithfulness can be our compass and guide.
What are the marks of authentic ministry?
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Mark # 1 – Unblemished Character (12-14), “…the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity…not by earthly wisdom…” (12)
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Mark # 2 – Upright Conduct (15-18), “…as surely as God is faithful, our word to you was not yes and no…” (18)
How do we suffer well when we’re exhausted?
- True Comfort is Grounded in God’s Character (3,4), “…the God of mercies and the Father of all comfort…” (3,4a)
- True Comfort is Guaranteed by God’s Consolation (4-10), “…we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself…But that was to make us rely on God…” (9,10)
- True Comfort is Gifted by Community Care (10,11), “…you also must help us by prayer…” (11)
What do I do when I don't know what to do?
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Why don’t we know what to pray for?, “…for we do not know what to pray for…”, (26)
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How does the Holy Spirit pray for us?, “…according to the will of God…” (27)
How should I steward my spiritual service?
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The Attitude of Service: Humility (3,4), “…not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think…” (3)
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The Act of Service: Spiritual Gifts (6-8), “…having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us…” (6)
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The Aim of Service: Mutual Joy (8), “…generosity…zeal…cheerfulness…” (8)
What does Christian maturity look like?
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Our Pressing On is God Working (1,3, “…let us…go on to maturity…”)
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Our Pressing On Demonstrates Maturity (3, “…and this we will do….”)
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Our Pressing On is Grace Enabled (3, “…if God permits…”)
Child Dedication
Child Dedication Services give parents of young children a formal, public opportunity to dedicate their child to the Lord. They recognize their child as a gift from God. The parents publicly commit to providing a nurturing environment that encourages their child to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and to develop an ongoing relationship with Him. The church family commits to support the parents as they disciple their child. We are excited to pray for Lydia Borke (Brian & Melissa), Shepherd Christenberry (Collin & Katie), Jonathan Foat (Adam & April), Jayden Mukachung (Eric & Tracy Nkulu), Adelyn & Caleb Nickols (Stephen & Katie).
Baptism
We believe, in accordance with the Lord’s command, Christians should be baptized as a public declaration of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Through baptism, Christians are proclaiming the spiritual reality of our death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ. Believers being baptized: Alexander Dahlke, Emilio Robles, Ava Burow, Kaley Heiman, John Daft, and Simeon Perkins.
Child Dedication
Child Dedication Services give parents of young children a formal, public opportunity to dedicate their child to the Lord. They recognize their child as a gift from God. The parents publicly commit to providing a nurturing environment that encourages their child to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and to develop an ongoing relationship with Him. The church family commits to support the parents as they disciple their child. We are excited to pray for Rejoice Sanner (Timothy & Lydia), Sophia Anderson (Chase & Amanda), Hazel Dibble (Daniel & Lacey). Elizabeth Lenz (David & Mary), Bennett Marthaler (James & Sarah), and Thaddeus Plitt (Ben & Mercedes).
Baptism
We believe, in accordance with the Lord’s command, Christians should be baptized as a public declaration of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Through baptism, Christians are proclaiming the spiritual reality of our death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ. Believers being baptized: Tanner Anevicius, Joseph Lang, Samuel Lang, Chara Thompson, Alexander Fude, and Sam Pausig.
How will this curse of death be defeated?
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Jesus Creates Life, “I died…and am alive forevermore…” (17)
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Jesus Conquers Death, “I have the keys of death and hades” (18)
How will this curse of death be defeated?
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The Vision of Jesus (9-16)
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The Victory of Jesus (17,18)
What attitudes and actions nurture healthy relationships?
Four questions to ask yourself as you manage your relationships…
1 - Am I Pushing my Own Agenda? (2)
2 - Am I Regarding Myself too Highly? (3)
3 - Am I Considering the Needs of Others? (4)
4 - Am I Motivated by God’s Love? (1,5-8)
What makes the Good News of Christmas such Good News?
A Magnificent God (46, 47), “My soul magnifies the Lord…my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” A Magnificent Gift (48, 49a), “He who is mighty has done great things for me…” (49)A Magnificent Grace (49b-53), “He has exalted those of humble estate…” (52)
What makes the good news of Christmas such good news?
The Meeting (Lk.1:39,40)
The Moment (Lk. 1:41; c/f v.14-17)
The Majesty (Lk. 1:42-44)
What makes the good news of Christmas so good?
Zechariah’s Struggle (Luke 1:5-17) - The good news changes heartsZechariah’s Silence - The good news silences unbeliefZechariah’s Song - The good news restores hope
What makes the Good News of Christmas so Good?
The Backdrop of the Good News (2:1-12)The Beauty of the Good News (2:13,14)
- Jesus’ Mission – Making God Knowable
- Our Mission – Making God Known
Response:
1. Stay Connected:
- With God
- With God’s Word
- With God’s People
2. Stay on Mission
- Pray
- Go
- Give
- Care
What is God’s Plan for Growth, and What is our Part? 1. The Ministers of Maturity 2. The Marks of Maturity 3. The Map to Maturity
Big Idea: God is Growing something amazing, and He invites us to be a part of it!
How can we be sure we are participating in Communion biblically? • Warning # 1: Don’t Make Too Much of Communion • Warning # 2: Don’t Make Too Little of Communion
“Sin turns blessings into Curses, and joy into sorrow” – Martin Luther
Question: Does God only work in miraculous, unnatural ways? 1. The Boldness of Jochebed (vs 1-3) 2. The Benevolence of Pharaoh’s Daughter (vs 5-10) 3. The Bravery of Miriam (vs 4-9)
“Exodus-shaped redemption requires Exodus-shaped Mission” – Steven Wright
How well are you living out the mission of God?
Why study Exodus? It’s 2022! We need to know God better… We need to know God’s redemption plan better… We need to understand our place in God’s mission better… Outline: Exodus 1:9-22 The World’s Kingdom Always Leads to Political Oppression (vv. 8-10) The World’s Kingdom Always Leads to Social Oppression (vv. 11-14) The World’s Kingdom Always Leads to Spiritual Oppression (vv. 15-22) The Gospel Compels Us Proclamation…plus a Plan Spiritual…plus Physical The Midwives protested by “Fearing God!” (vv. 20,21)
How do you respond when life throws you a curve ball? 1. Will You Trust God with Unwanted Change? (Gen. 46:1-34) 2. Will You Trust God with Unexpected Loss? (Gen. 50:1-14)
How can God be both loving and just? • God proves his love (Romans 3:23-24, 1 John 4:10, Romans 5:8) - Word Study: Redemption • God preserves his justice (Romans 3:25, Romans 6:23) - Word Study: Propitiation • God pronounces his judgment (Romans 3:26, Romans 10:9-10) - Word Study: Justification
Where do you turn when your faith is tested? - Faith Test # 1 – Will False Accusation Wreck You (39:7-23) - Faith Test # 2 – Will Despair Consume You (40:1-22) - Faith Test # 3 – Will Power Corrupt You (41:1-41)
How can you and I deal with our envious hearts? • Envy’s Origin (Gen. 37:1-11) • Envy’s Occupation (Gen. 37:12-36) • Envy’s Outcome (Gen. 39:1-6)
How much has the Bible changed you in the past year? 1. The Word Compels Us, “…I have written briefly to you…” (12) 2. The Word Conforms Us, “…exhorting and declaring…” (12) 3. The Word Centers Us, “…this is the true grace of God…stand firm in it” (12)
How can we persevere when challenges lie ahead? 1. Be Alert…Because we’re in a Spiritual War. (vs. 8) 2. Be Strong…Because God has given all you need. (vs. 9) 3. Be Hopeful…Because God wins & carries you through (vs. 10-11)
What did Jesus “finish” on the cross? 1. Jesus Fulfills Scriptures Promise (28,29), “…(to fulfill the Scripture), I thirst…” 2. Jesus Finishes the Sovereign’s Plan (30), “…’It is finished’…and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit”
"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit"
How does a believer prepare to die? a. By Sheltering in God’s Sovereignty, “…the sun’s light failed…curtain torn… Father,…” (23:45) b. By Savoring God’s Son, “Father, into Your hands…” (23:46) c. By Submitting to God’s Supply, “…I commit my spirit” (23:46)
"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise."
What assurance do believers have that God will save them?
- A Posture of all Repenting Sinners (39-41) "save yourself...today...", "the robbers who were with him...reviled him..." (Luke 23:43; c/f Matt 27:44)
- A Promise for all Rescued Sinners (43) "...you will be with me..."
- A Plan for all Redeemed Sinners (43) "...in paradise..."
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”
What assurance do believers have that their sins have been forgiven? 1. An Incredible Promise, “…yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors” (c/f Isa. 53:12) 2. An Intercessors Plea, “Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34a) 3. An Impossible Pardon, “… for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34b)
What biblical, spiritual attitudes help shape a healthy church community? 1. Can I Keep Submitting to My Leaders?, “…you who are younger, be subject to the elders…” (5) 2. Can I Keep Embracing Humility?, “…clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another…God opposes…” (5,6) 3. Can I Keep Trusting God?, “…casting all your anxieties on Him…He cares…” (7)
- Who should Lead? (1), “So I exhort the elders… as a fellow elder…”
- Where should they Lead? (2a), “…elders among you, as a fellow elder…”
- How should they Lead? (2-3), “…but being examples to the flock…”
- Why should they Lead? (4), “…when the Chief Shepherd appears…”
What unique care does God offer persecuted believers? 1. A reason to rejoice (v. 12-13 rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed) 2. A purpose to pursue (v. 14-16 let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name) 3. A hand to hold (v. 17-19 let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator)
How do we win spiritual battles? - Reset Expectations (1), “…Since Christ suffered…arm yourself with the same way of thinking…” - Run From Sin (2-3), “…so…live…no longer for human passions but for the will of God” - Resist Peer Pressure (4), “…they are surprised when you do not join them…they malign you” - Rest in God’s Justice (5-6), “…they will give account to him…”
What truths can we cling to as we face the possibility of unjust suffering?
- Remember Jesus’ Mission (vv 17-19), “…Christ also suffered (died)…once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God”
- Remember Noah’s Message (vs 20), “…in which he went…because they formerly did not obey…”
- Remember Baptism’s Meaning (vs 21), “…baptism…now saves you…as an appeal to God…through the resurrection of Jesus Christ”
- Remember Jesus’ Might (vs 22), “…at right hand of God with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him”
How are God’s purposes fulfilled in suffering? a. God, Being Good, Uses Our Suffering (17), “…for it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will…” b. God, Being Glorious, Shares Our Suffering (18), “…for Christ also suffered once for sins…that he might bring us to God…”
How do we prepare for suffering? 1. Set Your Thinking (13-15), “…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy…” 2. Sustain Your Testimony (15-17), “…those who revile your good behavior…may be put to shame.”
How does the Gospel reshape and restore God’s plan for human flourishing? 1. The Craving of the Good Life (8; 10) • The Gospel is changing what we desire 2. The Conduct of the Good Life (8,9) • The Gospel is changing what we do 3. The Communication of the Good Life (10-12) • The Gospel is changing how we talk
How does the Gospel reshape and restore God’s plan for human flourishing? 1. Gospel-Shaped Living Aims for Transformed Relationships (1,2) 2. Gospel-Shaped Living Aims for Transformed Character (3-6) 3. Gospel Shaped Living Aims for Transformed Leadership (7)
How will God overcome the darkness of sin and suffering? A. Jesus is the Author of Life (3,4a), “All things were made by Him…in Him was life…” B. Jesus is the Agent of Light (4b), “…and the life was the light of men”
How will God comfort a world enslaved by sin and darkness? -A promised servant (vs. 1-4 “you are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified”) -A promised light (vs. 5-7 “I will make you as a light to the nations, that my salvation will reach to the end of earth” -A promised covenant (vs. 8-12 “I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people”)
How will God overcome the darkness of sin and suffering? A. An Unending Light: “In the beginning was the Word…he was in the beginning with God” (1,2) B. An Unequal Light: “…and the Word was with God…with God” (1,2) C. An Uncreated Light: “…and the Word was God…all things were made through him…” (1,3)
How does our following of Jesus impact our stewardship?
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A Sinful Heart Exposed (Luke 18:18-30) • Asceticism vs. Accumulated wealth – which is godly? • “Then who can be saved?” (26) • “What is impossible with men is possible with God” (27)
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A Surrendered Heart’s Expression (19:1-9) • A Prominent man (1-3) • A Preoccupied man (3,4,8) • A Proposal (5-7) • A Pursuit (6-8) • “Today, salvation has come to your house” (9)
Does God will the unjust suffering of his people?
- The Foundation of God (v.18), “…not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust” (c/f v.13)
- The Fear of God (v.19), “…when mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly”
- The Favor of God (v.20), “…do good and suffer for it you endure,…the sight of God…”
- The Fame of God (v.21a), “…for to this you have been called…” (c/f v.9)
How do we live in a sinful world and not be like it? (1 Peter 2:13-17) Peter will say…By living in submission to government… 1. Submissions Dependence (13), ”Submit yourself for the Lord’s sake…” 2. Submissions Discernment, (14, 15), “…as sent by him to punish…and to praise…will of God” 3. Submissions Difficulty, (16,17), “Live as people who are free…living as servants of God…fear God”
How do we live in a sinful world and not be like it? (1 Peter 2:11-12) 1. The Exiles Mindset, “Beloved, I urge you as exiles to abstain from the passions of your flesh…” (11) 2. The Exiles Motivation, “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable…see your good works…” (12)
What does God say about those who are in Christ?
- We are a chosen people, “…a people for God’s own possession…now you are God’s people” (vs 9,10)
- We are a commissioned people, “…proclaim the excellencies of him who called you…” (vs 9)
- Together in God’s church (v.4) “being built up as a spiritual house”
- Together as God’s priesthood (v.5) “to be a holy priesthood”
- Together for God’s glory (v. 5-8) “to offer spiritual sacrifices” Gospel Moment (v. 6-8)
- “whoever believes will not be put to shame”
- “they stumble because they disobey the word”
Crave the Word for… - Killing Sin - “So put away…” (1:25; 2:1) - Admitting Need - "…long for the pure spiritual milk…” (2:2) - Spiritual Growth - "..that by it you may grow up into salvation…” (2:3) - "If” you have tasted it! (2:3)
Hopeful Living is Marked by an Extraordinary Witness (22,23) - Surrendered to truth (22) - Supernatural love (22) - Made possible by the new birth (23) Hopeful Living is Motivated by the Eternal Word (24,25) - The fading glory of man (24) - The abiding Word of God (25)
A. Rescued Living Treasures Jesus…who is: - Predestined (20), “…foreknown before the foundation of the world” - Personal (20), “…made manifest…for the sake of you” - Powerful (21), “…who raised him from the dead” - Preeminent (21), “…and gave him glory” B. Rescued Living Trusts Jesus (21), “…so that your faith and hope are in God”
What does Hopeful Living Look like? - Hopeful Living is Reverent Living (17), “…conduct yourselves with fear…” - Hopeful Living is Ransomed Living (18,19), “…you were ransomed…with the precious blood of Christ…”
What does hopeful living look like? (1 Peter 1:14-16)
Holy Living is Obedient Living (14) - Understanding holiness - Crucifying the bad, “…conformed to the passions of your former ignorance…” (14) - Cultivating the good, “…as obedient children…” (14) - The obedience of Christ
Holy Living is Christlike Living (15,16) - Knowing God’s holiness, “..but as He who has called you is holy…” (15) - Holy in your conduct (16) How? “…be holy for I am holy…” (16)
What does hopeful living look like? (1 Peter 1:13)
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The Conduct that Accompanies Hopeful Living, “prepare your minds for action…sober-minded…” • A disciplined mind disentangles itself, “prepare your minds” • A disciplined mind is a serious mind, “be sober-minded”
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The Calling that Aspires to Hopeful Living, “…set your hope fully on the grace…” • The call is to something specific • “Setting” hope = trusting in God’s person and promises in Jesus
How do we know salvation is here? (1 Peter 1:10-12)
- Salvation was predicted by the prophets (v. 10-11)
- Salvation was preached by the apostles (v. 12)
- Salvation was provided by Jesus Christ (v. 3-12)
How do you and I endure suffering? (1 Peter 1:6-9)
- Rejoice in a future inheritance (v. 6)
- Suffer with genuine faith (v. 6-7)
- Hope in a living Savior (v. 8-9)
What proof do we have of the new birth?
Review Theme of Book: Encouragement and Exhortation for Overwhelmed Christians (1 Peter 5:12)
Three Branches: The Believers Position in Christ…The Believers Place in the World…The Believers Present Suffering
The Believers Position in Christ (1 Pet 1:1-4) 1. Jesus Redeems our Past (vs 1-3) 2. Jesus Renovates our Present (vs 3) 3. Jesus Restores our Future (1 Pet. 1:4,5) a. A Certainty – The Believers Inheritance (v. 4) • Death-Proof • Sin-Proof • Time-Proof b. A Confidence – The Believers (v. 4,5) • Promise • Power • Premise
“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in the world can satisfy, then the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world” (C.S. Lewis)
What proofs do we have of the new birth?
Key verse: 1 Peter 5:12
- Outline for the Book – 3 Branches a. The Believers Position in Christ (1 Pet. 1:1-2:10) b. The Believers Place in the World (1 Pet. 2:11-3:12) c. The Believers Present Suffering (1 Pet. 3:13-5:11)
- Jesus Redeems our Past (2, 3)
- Jesus Renovates our Present (3)
- Jesus Restores our Future (4)
Key Thought: Church unity comes as we focus our eyes on Christ and the gospel.
- The problem of division in the Corinthian church (vs 10-12)
- Three Rhetorical questions (vs 13-16) Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?
- Prioritizing the proclamation of the gospel and the cross of Christ (vs 17-18)
How Can We Recapture the Heart of the Lord's Supper?
Big Idea: The Lord's Supper is a Rehearsal of the Gospel 1. Communion is NOT...about me (17-22) 2. Communion IS...a Time to Remember (23-26) 3. Communion IS...a Time to Repent (27-34)
How does God empower His people for mission? (Acts 1:1-9) 1. The promise of the Spirit (1-5) 2. The power of the Spirit (6-9)
Just as Jesus had no place to lay his head, and the church of Acts was dispersed by persecution, their story, as it relates to the world and its values, is one of opposition, not of integration. (Acts 8:1–8)
- The expectation of the Scattered (v 1-3)
- The experience of the Scattered (v 4-5)
- The effect of the Scattered (v 6-8)
What new attitudes mark a Gospel-shaped life? (Romans 12:9-16) 1. Love Genuinely (9, 10) 2. Serve Sacrificially (11) 3. Trust Patiently (12) 4. Contribute Generously (13) 5. Bless Exponentially (14-16)
Why Should Jesus’ Resurrection Matter to Us? (1 Corinthians 15:50-57) * Because We Will Share in His Transformation (50-53) * Because We Will Share in His Triumph (54-56) * Because We Will Share in His Thanksgiving (57)
In Matthew 2:18-19, Jesus forewarned his disciples about the exact details of his betrayal, death and resurrection, “The Son of Man will be delivered over…and they will condemn him to death and deliver him up to be flogged and crucified…and he will be raised on the third day”. In the following days of Jesus passion this would all certainly happen as Jesus prophesied. But as much as Jesus embraced the mission given to him by his Father, how are we to understand how this fits into God’s eternal plan to save the world?
What do we lose if there is no resurrection? 1. We have no faith (12-14) 2. We have no fidelity (15,16) 3. We have no future (17-19)
What does healthy church life look like? (Romans 12:3-8) * How unity begins (v. 3) * Why unity matters (vv. 4-5) * What unity looks like (vv. 6-8)
Q. What does the Bible say about healthy, biblical church leadership? * Who should lead? (1,2a) * Where should they lead? (2) * How should they lead? (2-3) * Why should they lead? (4)
What Threatens True Biblical Fellowship? (Acts 5:1-11) A. The Camouflage (1,2) B. The Catch (3-9) C. The Consequence (5,11)
How do we maintain a healthy church with respect to the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42)?
Sound doctrine and sound living * Cultivate virtue in the church (vv. 11-12) * Provide evidence to the world (vv. 13-15) * Preserve life for those who hear (v. 16)
Text: Acts 2:42, 4:23-31
What are the marks of a healthy church? What makes a church - a church?
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Gathering Prayer Reveres God (24,25) • God’s sovereignty • How you and I "see" God influences how we pray
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Gathering Prayer Resets Perspective (24-26) • Scripture in prayer • Declaring what we know to be true by faith
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Gathering Prayer Rests on Jesus (27-30) • God’s Holy Servant (27, 30) • Results: Community, Unity, Transformation
What are the marks of a healthy Church? What makes a church – A church?
"The devoted themselves to . . . the breaking of bread" (Acts 2:42)
A. In communion, the gathered church reaches for glory (1-7) • Imagery of bride and bridegroom! • The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt. 25:1-13) • Rejoicing! (1-7) • Three elements of a wedding…the feast! • The church: betrothed, presented, ceremony!
B. In communion, the gathered church rehearses the gospel (7,9) • “She has made herself ready…blessed are those who are invited to marriage feast” (7,9) • Union with Christ – His beloved church • Repentance and renewal rhythm • Refreshed and ready, we commune with Christ and with one another
What are the marks of a healthy church? What makes a church a Church?
- The Motivation for a Healthy Church (Acts 2:42; John 15)
- The Muscle of a Healthy Church, “they devoted themselves to…fellowship…”
What are the marks of a healthy church? What makes a church – a church?
A. The Description of a Healthy Church (Acts 2) B. The Distinctives of a Healthy Church (Acts 2:42) C. The Disposition of a Healthy Church (Acts 2:37,41,43)
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is His reiteration of the Law, of God’s standard for righteousness. We are incapable of attaining this righteousness on our own. Was Jesus’ sermon only meant to describe an unattainable standard, or was he saying something more? Jesus had the gospel in mind as he spoke this sermon. Yes, he demands a righteousness greater than the Pharisees, but he also teaches of a love greater than anyone could ever know. This great love that Jesus spoke of is the same love that bore our sins on the cross and gave us new life. In Christ, the righteous living outlined in the sermon on the mount becomes something to strive for through the power of Jesus’ life in ours.
How does Jesus unpack the Gospel? - Through His Law - Through His Love - Through His Righteousness
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is His reiteration of the Law, of God’s standard for righteousness. We are incapable of attaining this righteousness on our own. Was Jesus’ sermon only meant to describe an unattainable standard, or was he saying something more? Jesus had the gospel in mind as he spoke this sermon. Yes, he demands a righteousness greater than the Pharisees, but he also teaches of a love greater than anyone could ever know. This great love that Jesus spoke of is the same love that bore our sins on the cross and gave us new life. In Christ, the righteous living outlined in the sermon on the mount becomes something to strive for through the power of Jesus’ life in ours.
How does Jesus unpack the Gospel? - Through His Law - Through His Love - Through His Righteousness
What do you do with the teachings of Jesus?
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The Authority (29) • The person and works of Christ • The method and message of Christ • If you and I marked out our ministry and message what would it look like?
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The Amazement (28) • Astonished, word study • An amazement…that leads to belief/faith • The call to follow; examples
Why is communion (the Lord’s Table) so important for Christians?
OUTLINE * A New Audience (v. 14) * A New Kingdom (v. 15-18) * A New Covenant (v. 19-20)
Does Christmas Matter All Year Long? • Rev. 4 – A Scene of Spectacular Worship • Rev. 5 – A Worthy Savior & King
Big Idea: Jesus’ Coming Makes God’s Plan Possible
Our Response to Christmas All Year Long 1. We Worship Because Jesus is Worthy 2. We Have Hope Because Jesus will Reign
Join us for our Christmas Eve service as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior and Lord, whose coming was foretold to us.
OUTLINE Why did the God of the universe break into creation?
- Because We Need Help (vs 31,32)
- The “bad news” of Christmas; “Jesus” means God Saves
- The “Throne of his father David” is a fulfillment of God’s promises to save
- Because We Need Hope (vs 33)
- The “good news” of Christmas
- He is the “Son of the Most High”
Our Christmas Eve service will include worship, a message from Luke 2, and our traditional candle lighting.
The Bible Project is the author and owner of a portion of this video. To access a full library of free content, please visit bibleproject.com
In our “Foretold” series, we’ve been considering how the Apostle Paul described Jesus in Romans 1 as both the “Son of David” and the “Son of God.” Paul recounts how God promised beforehand that Jesus would come to earth to inaugurate His Kingdom and fulfill all God’s promises that a glorious Messiah-King would be born from David’s line. But Paul also tells us that Jesus came to our world as a meek and lowly servant…one who, as a simple man, would humble himself to God’s purposes by riding into Jerusalem on a baby donkey.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus came the way he did? 1. Jesus Came as a Simple Man (Zech. 9:9) • The King will come having a “great salvation” • His salvation will be for all the earth (9) • Fulfilled in Luke 19/John 12
- Jesus Will Come as a Sovereign King (Zech. 9:10) • The King will come having a “great judgment” • His kingdom will cover the earth (10) • Will be fulfilled in Revelation 19:11-16
In our “Foretold” series, we’ve been considering how the Apostle Paul described Jesus in Romans 1 as both the “Son of David” and the “Son of God.” Paul recounts how God promised beforehand that Jesus would come to earth to inaugurate His Kingdom and fulfill all God’s promises that a glorious Messiah-King would be born from David’s line. But Paul also tells us that Jesus came to our world as a meek and lowly servant…one who, as a simple man, would humble himself to God’s purposes by riding into Jerusalem on a baby donkey.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus came the way he did? 1. Jesus Came as a Simple Man (Zech. 9:9) • The King will come having a “great salvation” • His salvation will be for all the earth (9) • Fulfilled in Luke 19/John 12
- Jesus Will Come as a Sovereign King (Zech. 9:10) • The King will come having a “great judgment” • His kingdom will cover the earth (10) • Will be fulfilled in Revelation 19:11-16
The prophet Zechariah predicted that Jesus, the Son of David and the Son of God (Rom 1:3,4), would bear the sins of his people through a cruel piercing. As Jesus came to earth he came to save his people from their sins. He did this by bearing the curse of sin and through a supreme act of love, he majestically and meticulously fulfilled all the promises of God to bring good news to his people.
Why is it good news that Jesus was lifted up and pierced? A. The “Pierced One” is the Channel of God’s Physical Restoration (Zech 12:1-9) B. The “Pierced One” is the Champion of God’s Spiritual Rescue (Zech 12:10)
Being conformed into the image of his Servant, God’s people are called upon to proclaim the gospel, no matter the outcome, in order to bring the light of salvation to the whole world.
OUTLINE * The Calling of the Servant (v. 1-2) * The Conflict of the Servant (vv. 3-4) * The Commission of the Servant (vv. 5-6)
Scripture tells us in Romans 1 and Genesis 49 that Jesus Christ, the Son of David and the Son of God, would powerfully and perfectly fulfill all of God’s promises given to His servant Jacob.
How does God break the power of generational sin?
A. Judah’s Misery (Gen. 37:26,27) - In Judah we see our own frightening potential for evil - “Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites…” (Gen. 37:27)
B. Judah’s Moment (Genesis 43:8,9) - In Judah we see the transforming power of God’s grace - “I will be a pledge of his safety…bear the blame forever” (Gen. 43:9)
C. Judah’s Mark (Genesis 49:8-12) - In Judah we see Jesus (c/f Revelation 5:5, “Behold, the Lion of Judah has conquered”) - Jesus, the Lion of Judah’s tribe, will forever hold the Scepter
Every person must decide what they will do with the knowledge that God provides them through Scripture, and that decision will determine if/how they will survive coming trials.
How do kingdom people survive the trials of life? 1. The wise way of hearing (vv. 24-25) 2. The foolish way of hearing (vv. 26-27)
Every person must choose to obediently follow Jesus and true teaching or disobediently follow their own path and false teaching, with eternal impact.
How do Kingdom People discern genuine faith? 1. The Test of Saving Faith (vs 21) 2. The Tragedy of Wasted Faith (vs 22,23)
Text: Matthew 7:12-20
Kingdom people can trust God’s saving work in their lives because he gives external appearances to reflect internal reality.
Question: How can I be sure I am in the kingdom?
- Receive the kingdom key
- Walk the kingdom way
- Pass the kingdom test
Matthew 7:7-11
Because our God is a good Father who desires to answer our prayers, Kingdom people should pray persistently and expectantly.
What should Kingdom People understand about prayer?
Kingdom People Pray Persistently (7,8) • “Ask…seek…knock…” (7) • Ask = given; seek = find; knock = opened (8)
Kingdom People Pray Expectantly (9-11) • Longing for God • Longing for Good
To judge others without examining and correcting oneself first is hypocritical and foolish, but it is also biblical and wise to discerningly judge others who (by their words and actions), twist, pervert or misuse God’s Word.
How should Kingdom People judge others? Kingdom People are Truth-Tellers (6) a. Dog-like behavior, “give dogs what is holy” b. Pig-like behavior, “throw your pearls before pigs” c. Results: trample…and attack you
Kingdom People are Teachable (3-5) a. Practicing discernment, “first take the log out…you will see clearly” (5) b. Let’s apply this truth: - Spiritual discernment in Relationships - Spiritual discernment with Truth (the Gospel)
To judge others without examining and correcting oneself first is hypocritical and foolish, but it is also biblical and wise to discerningly judge others who (by their words and actions), twist, pervert or misuse God’s Word. How should Kingdom People judge others?
The Peril of Judging Others (1-4) 1. It is foolish (1,2) – It’s a boomerang! 2. It is selfish (3,4) – Jesus Illustrates
The Prerequisite for Judging Others (5) 1. It is hypocritical. The "mirror" precedes the "window" 2. "Seeing clearly"…religious pride is blinding 3. “First take the log out…” (5)
Kingdom People do not have to worry or be anxious about all the issues of life because God is on his throne, ruling for our good and his glory and he will take care of our present and future needs.
How do Kingdom People deal with their fears? 1. Kingdom People Live with Kingdom Priorities (33), “But seek first the Kingdom of God…” 2. Kingdom People Live with Kingdom Perspective (34), “…sufficient for the day is its own trouble”
Kingdom People do not have to worry or be anxious about all the issues of life because God is on his throne, ruling for our good and his glory and he will take care of our present and future needs.
How do Kingdom People deal with their fears? (Matthew 6:25–33)
The Frailty of Man (25-32) - “…do not be anxious…your heavenly Father knows that you need them all” a. The dilemma, “worry/anxiety” (25,27,28,31) b. The diagnosis, “isn’t life more than…?” (25)
The Faithfulness of God (26-33) - “all these things will be added to you” a. God created everything, controls everything, cares for everything… b. God will supply our food (25,26) c. God will sustain our lives (27) d. God will satisfy our needs (28-32)
In Matthew 6, Jesus calls his people to direct their prayers to their Father in heaven, be focused on the concerns of the Father, and filled with the needs that only our Father can supply. Jesus will answer the question, “What does authentic Kingdom prayer look like?”
What does authentic Kingdom prayer look like? A. Kingdom People Honor God’s Name (9, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name”) B. Kingdom People Hope in God’s Kingdom (10, “Your Kingdom come…”) C. Kingdom People Hunger for God’s Will (10, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”)
How do kingdom people practice their righteousness through prayer?
Kingdom-worthy prayer has a specific audience (vv. 5-6) a. Praying to be seen by men (5) b. Praying to be rewarded by God (6) Kingdom-worthy prayer has a specific source (vv. 7-8) a. Praying to be heard by men (7) b. Praying that is sourced in God (8)
How Should Kingdom People Steward Their Resources?
- Kingdom People Don’t Care What Others Might See (1-3)
- Kingdom People Care Deeply About What God Sees (1.4)
- The Cross Redefines our Giving—The Lord’s Table
How do Kingdom People love others without discrimination?
a. Loving Others without Discrimination Confirms God’s Love in Us (43-45) • “But I tell you…love them…” (the enemy) • “Pray for them…” (the persecutor)
b. Loving Others without Discrimination Conforms Us to God’s Likeness (46-48) • Loving our enemies is to treat others the way God has treated us (c/f Rom. 5:10) • Loving our enemies begins in the heart…A heart being transformed by God’s grace
Jesus continues to confront the people's understanding of the law and redefine righteousness according to nature of God. In this section, he addresses the lying and privileged attitude of sinners and contrasts it with the heart of New Kingdom People.
How do kingdom people treat others? 1. Kingdom people don’t lie. 2. Kingdom people don’t retaliate.
How can I have Kingdom desires? 1. Kingdom People Guard Their Hearts (27,28) 2. Kingdom People Protect Their Eyes (29) 3. Kingdom People Watch Their Hands (30)
Kingdom people reflect the heart of God by responding to anger with righteousness & rapidly pursuing reconciliation.
Two Common Problems with our Anger: 1. It’s often a selfish overreaction. 2. It often leads to a sinful response.
How should Kingdom people respond when we are angry? 1. Recognize the problem of anger in our hearts. 2. Respond in righteousness. 3. Pursue rapid reconciliation
Kingdom People Embrace the Force of God’s Law (5:17-19) • Jesus believed the Bible pointed to him (17) • Jesus believed the Bible was perfect in every detail (18) • Jesus believed the Bible was to be obeyed and taught (19)
Kingdom People Experience the Freedom of God’s Grace (20) • Christian righteousness is not skin deep – it goes to the heart • How did Jesus fulfill the law for you and me?
Kingdom People are Salt in a World of Decay (13) a. Don’t lose your purity b. Don’t lose your usefulness
Kingdom People are Light in a World of Darkness (14-16) a. Learn from the example of a light on a hill (14) b. Learn from the example of light in a house (15,16)
Jesus taught that persecution is normal for new kingdom followers. Why are those who suffer derision and persecution blessed?
- Kingdom People Are Despised (vs 10)
- You Will Suffer (vv 11–12)
- Three Ways We Suffer
- The Reason We Suffer
- The Reward for Suffering
- Applications
- Let Christians Be Your Consolation
- Let Persecution Be your Confirmation
- Let Christ Be Your Consideration
Kingdom People are Deliberate People (vs. 9a), “Blessed are the peacemakers…” • Peacemakers have peace with God • Peacemakers lead others to pursue peace with God • Peacemakers help others with peacemaking
Kingdom People are Dedicated People (vs. 9b), “for they shall be called sons of God” • Gospel logic: - God is the source of peace - God has reconciled us in Christ - Making peace with others shows that we are in his family • Peacemaking "Tests"
God’s People Are a Compassionate People (v. 7) - Mercy: a definition (v. 7a) - The difference between mercy, forgiveness, and grace - How mercy works/the already-not yet (v. 7b)
God’s People Are a Consecrated People (v. 8) - The Promise Expressed (v. 8b; yes, I realize it’s 8b first) - The Pure in heart (v. 8a)
Application - Meditate and Confirm these truths - Practice COVID19 Mercy - Practice COVID19 Purity
What do New Kingdom People Look like?
Summary from last week of the first two beatitudes: Kingdom People are Damaged and Dualistic People
Kingdom People are Dependent People (vs 5) • Doesn’t meekness = weakness? • S. Ferguson: “Meekness enhances manliness, it adorns femininity – it is a jewel polished by grace”.
Kingdom People are Desperate People vs (6) • Desiring Christ Intentionally, “for righteousness” • Desiring Christ Intensely, “hunger and thirst”
The genealogy of Matthew claims Jesus is of the line of David. The virgin birth claims Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus’ baptism claims that he is full of the Holy Spirit. But what about Jesus’ own actions and experience? Does he act like a king? Is his experience on earth evidence of the claims in Matthew 1-3?
A humble surrender to the Father's will (mindset), a life of obedience in the service to others (motive) and a dependence on the Holy Spririt (mission) should radically mark "New Kingdom Living". This new life is enabled and modeled in the life and ministry of Jesus.
Our history is messy but God's promises remain true. Who's will sit on the throne of David and Who's Kingdom will never end? Matthew has something to tell us!
Our series on the Sermon on the Mount begins with a look at Jesus as the promised Son of David. Elder Steven Nichols helps us discover that God’s promises have been fulfilled and they will continue to be fulfilled into eternity – we can depend on it!
SERMON NOTES
Big Idea: Jesus in the King of the Universe.
What does the Resurrection of Jesus mean for us today? * God is in charge of the unexpected * God offers hope in death * God will bring pain, suffering, & death to an end.
On Palm Sunday, Pastor Eric presents an in-character message on Jesus' triumphal entry-Jesus is heralded as the new King of the Jews. However, by the end of the week, person in that shouting crowd would need to decide if they were willing to allow Him to be their king.
This is the question we must wrestle with today: Will we submit to King Jesus? Will we choose to follow him and be like him?
As the children of Israel cross the Jordan river (miraculously!), they are instructed to pick up 12 stones from the riverbed in order to set up a reminder. What were they to remember? What stones of remembrance should we pick up? Pastor Eric digs into Joshua 4 to help us uncover the truth of God's word.
In Luke 24, two disciples of Jesus are overwhelmed with despair at the news of his death and disappearance. As they walk the seven-mile road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a stranger joins them...the despair clouds lift and hope is restored as the 'Stranger' traces an unbelievable story of God's grace. This conversation on the road raises the question: how do you and I trust Jesus in times of despair?
Our March 15 service is online only. Join us as Ross and Eric lead us in worship, and Pastor Eric preaches from Joshua 1 - Moses is Dead, Now What?
Follow along with the sermon notes by clicking the link below.
OUTLINE * Peace under Leadership (vv. 12-13) * Doing Good to One Another (vv. 14-15) * Commands to the Church (vv. 16-22) * Blessing to All (vv. 23-28)
OUTLINE * Hope of Being With Christ (vv. 4:13–18) * Hope of Living for Christ (vv. 5:1–11)
OUTLINE * Keep on walking (vs 1–2) * Walk in sexual purity (vs 3–8) * Walk by loving one another (vs 9–12)
OUTLINE * We long to be together (2:17-20) * We suffer together (3:1-5) * We are comforted and rejoice together (vv. 6-10) * We worship together (vv. 11-13)
Senior Pastor candidate Keith Doyle shares on God's divine love for us from Romans 5.
HOW IS GOD'S LOVE SHOWN AND KNOWN? * The evidence of God’s love (vs. 6, 8) * The experience of God’s love (vs. 5, 6)
In the final installment of a three-part series on the Sermon on the Mount, Dr Harry Shields looks at what Jesus has to say about worry.
Dr Harry Shields looks at what Jesus has to say about how his followers should use and view their wordly possessions.
We start a new series from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. In this message, Dr. Harry Shields preaches on how followers of Jesus should approach prayer.
We are celebrating a special Selah service. Selah is a hebrew word that means "pause" or "reflect". During this service, we will reflect on what God has done in the past year and look forward with anticipation to what He will do in the coming year.
Family services are designed with kids in mind. We encourage you to bring your children with you! There will be no children's or adult classes.
OUTLINE God's Four Promises: - His Comforting Presence (vv. 1-2) - His Glorious Presence (vv. 3-5) - His Permanent Presence (vv. 6-8) - His Powerful and Protective Presence (vv. 9-11)
OUTLINE - The Praise of His Presence (vv. 1-4) - The Prayer for His Strength (vv. 5-8) - The Promise of His Protection (vv. 9-12)
OUTLINE - The Departing (vv. 1-6) - The Meeting Place (vv. 7-11) - The Asking (vv. 12-16)
OUTLINE
Rejoice in prayer with God’s peace (vv. 4-7) Rejoice in practice with God’s presence (vv. 8-9) Rejoice in giving with God’s generosity (vv. 10-20)
WHAT IS THE GOAL? - The Goal: To know Christ and make Him known - The Attitude: Press on with urgency and clarity
WHAT KEEPS US FROM THAT GOAL? - Past progress - Past failures - Present distractions
HOW CAN WE PRESS ON? - The Big Idea: Focus on the goal
The measurable worth or value bestowed on an identity is determined by what that identity saves us from:
Our Response
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Devote your lives to knowing Christ. “For his sake I count the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him”
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Devote your lives to imitating Christ. “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection of the dead.
Jesus Christ is the only valuable, unchanging, and eternal identity that guarantees salvation from sin and death.
Paul’s General Application (vv. 12-13)
Paul’s Specific Application (vv. 14-18)
Two Models (vv. 19-30; on your own)
Two CBC Applications: * To “will”: * To “work”:
The Big Idea: Selflessness is the Path to Unity
The Motivation for Unity is what Christ has done for me.
The Marks of Spiritual Unity * Shared Purpose * Shared Love
The Model is Christ’s Selfless Sacrifice. * Selfless Attitude * Selfless Action
The Result & Our Response:
What can we do when our plans go sideways?
A Shift in Perspective:
- God brings spiritual Good from Bad situations. (Philippians 1:12-18a)
- God creates a Win-Win. (Philippians 1:18b-26)
The Big Idea: When our plans go sideways, we can shift our perspective and rejoice, because God is at work.
A Shift in Living:
- Stand firm in Unity and Persevere for the Gospel. (Philippians 1:27-30)
Taking it Home:
• Look for God at work & rejoice • Persevere & honor God in the situation
We are excited for our church family to get to know our missionaries better at this year's Missions Conference. On Sunday morning, Terry Baxter will be speaking. Terry grew up in Minnesota and attended Moody Bible Institute. He served for 18 years with International Messengers, and cofounded GoServ Global, an agency that builds orphanages, school, hospitals, and disaster recovery villages for displaced people around the world. Terry currently serves in the Iowa House of Representatives.
The adventure of following Christ is best when we are prepared to partner deeply and grow radically.
Object of Our Legacy (1:1-5)
Genuine ___________ (vv. 3-5)
Four Ways to Leave a Legacy (1:6-14)
__________ your ________ (v. 6) Don’t be __________ of and _________ for the gospel (v. 8) _______ to the gospel (v. 13) _______ the gospel (v. 14)
Two Applications (2:1-2)
Be _____________ by grace (v. 1) ________ on what you have _________ (v. 2)
Outline of Luke 15
Introduction (vv. 1-2) The Man with the Lost Sheep (vv. 3–7) The Woman with the Lost Coin (vv. 8–10) The Father with the Lost Son (vv. 11–32)
“1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and what God was, the Word was. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All (things) were created through him, and apart from him not one (thing) was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of man(kind). 5 And the light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness has not mastered it… 14 And the Word became flesh and took up residence among us.”
The Blessing Given (Gen 1)
The Blessing Restored (Gen 8-9)
The Blessing Divided (Gen 17)
The Blessing Repeated (Gen 28, 35, 48)
Love in the Body of Christ
- Why? Spirituality without Love is Worthless, because Love is the fruit of God. vs. 1-3
- What? Love is a selfless commitment to the good of the other person. vs. 4-7
Big Idea
The Body of Christ overflows with others-Oriented, Grace-filled, Love.
- Why? Because Love will Last. vs. 8-13
Our Response:
• Look ____ and check your ______. • Look ____ and check your _____________. • Look ____ and check for _____________.
Living as the Body of Christ in good times and bad:
- Switch from Transactional to Transformational Relationships.
- Be Aware, to provide the right Care.
- Be an Ally, through the ups and downs.
Big Idea:
Being the Body means, when it happens to you, it happens to me.
A Clear & Compelling Goal:
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Live as One Body with Many Parts.
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Live in Unity by the Spirit.
Big Idea:
God put us together so we could Reflect His Image.
The Game Plan:
• Cultivate Connectedness • Pursue Unity
Something Special:
• The Holy Spirit
Core Principles
- Spiritual Gifts come from the Holy Spirit, and they point people to Jesus.
- Many Gifts, but One God Empowers them.
- Spiritual Gifts are given for God’s Purposes
Big Idea:
God’s Spirit, Empowers God’s People, to Accomplish God’s Purposes.
Our Response: Do something greater than yourself! • Discover & Develop your Strengths for Service • Start Serving! • Remember the Big Picture
Major Movements
Context of Urgency (vv. 1-2)
Purpose of Our Ministry (vv. 3-4a)
Our Christian Resume (vv. 4b-10)
- 9 Circumstances (vv. 4c-5)
- 9 Qualities (vv. 4a, 6-7b)
- 3 Combinations (vv. 7c-8b)
- 7 Perspectives (vv. 8c-10)
What happens when we talk to Jesus?
- Restoring to fellowship—“Do you love me?”
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Action step: Let Jesus forgive you
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Reinstating to His service—“Shepherd my sheep”
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Action step: Let Jesus restore you
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Commissioning to do His will—“Truly, truly I say to you…”
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Action step: Embrace His plan in trust and honor
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Calling to follow Him—“You follow Me”
- Action step: Take our questions and concerns to Him and let Him lead
Harry Shields returns to continue our study in Exodus. Not only is God working when our lives are on detour, but He knows....everything!
Dr Harry Shields shares the first of two messages on dealing with disappointment, discouragement, and detours in life. In these times, we often wonder "Is God there? Is He working? Is this a waste?" Scripture reveals that God is never NOT there, and that he is working to accomplish His purposes even when it seems God is invisible.
Pastor Eric leads us through the story of Onesimus, a runaway slave, and his master, Philemon. Both had been changed by the gospel, which Paul teaches should also transform our relationships.
BEWARE OF THE RIP TIDE
- Tide of Complacency (VS. 4-9)
- Tide of Money and Possessions (VS. 10-14)
- Tide of Unfulfilled Commitements (VS. 15-22)
- Tide of Improper Relationships (VS. 23-29)
Key Verse: Nehemiah 12:43
“And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.” ESV
The Dedication Ceremony
- Preparation
- Purification
- Planned
Thanksgiving
- Remembrance of God’s Faithfulness in song
Great Sacrifice
- Pocketbook
- Priorities
- Preferences
- Place
Great Joy
- Source
- Strength
- Significance
Big Idea
A freshly focused commitment is the first step toward faithfulness
How to Set a Pattern of Faithfulness
- Make it a Big Deal—take it seriously
- Make it Yours—find a friend to encourage
- Make a Clear Turn—from this, to that
- Make it Specific—obedience is in the small stuff
My hunger for God grows as I go to SCRIPTURE…to SEE GOD…to SURRENDER in worship.
Outline
- Read God’s Word (vs 1-3)
- React to God’s Word (vs 4-6) 3, Review God’s Word (vs 7-37)
- Respond to God’s Word (vs 38)
HEAR Journal - Engaging with God's Word
Highlight
Write down 1-2 verses that stand out to you
Explain
What is the author’s intended meaning in the context of the passage?
Application
What is the principle to live by today?
Respond
How will I respond to the application in my relationships & situations this week?
Nehemiah rebuilt a wall in order to rebuild the people of God. As hard as that was, the real work was just beginning.
We respond to increased intimidation with increased resolve.
Nehemiah 6–7 Outline
- Continue building (vs. 6:1-9)
- Continue pursuing holiness (vs. 6:10-14)
- Continue to the end (vs. 6:15-19)
- Continue with people (vs. 7:1-73)
The rebuilding is coming along fine, but internal conflict threatens to derail the project. Norm Hubbard takes us through Nehemiah 5 to help us see how God deals with the situation.
The Big Idea: Make the Most Important Thing, YOUR Most Important Thing
Remember the Gospel
- Christ Died for our Sins • He was Raised on the Third Day
Make the Gospel YOUR Most Important Thing
- Trust in Jesus.
- Seek to Know & Walk with God.
- Live life rooted in Eternity.
A rebuilding church anticipates problems with Godly solutions.
OUTLINE
Problem 1: Confusion (vs. 7-9) Solution: Watch and Pray Problem 2: Doubt and Fear (vs. 10-14) Solution: Fight against Doubt and Fear Problem 3: Work Stalls (vs. 15-20) Solution: Reevaluate the Plan Problem 4: Spread too Thin Solution: Rally Together Solution: Focus (vs. 21-23)
The entire family of God must be engaged in four essential tasks in order to rebuild.
Outline
- The Inspection (2:11–16)
- The Preparation (2:17–20)
- The Rebuild (3:1–32)
- The Opposition (4:1–6) [Heb., 3:33–38]
Rightly responding in crisis comes from a heart deeply in love with God.
Outline
- The Report (1:1–4)
- The Prayer (1:5–11)
- The Response (2:1–4)
- The Plan (2:5–8)
- The Opposition (2:9–10)
Six Responses
- Ask after the welfare of others
- Grieve over sin
- Confess and remember
- Tell the truth
- Make a plan
- Be ready for attack
Our church elders lead us in a prayer service, and help us reflect and remember on the core values of Calvary Bible Church: Dependence, Surrender, Christ-Center Teaching, Gospel-Shaped Community, and Inter-Generational Ministry.
No matter the response, we must continue to share our great hope.
OUTLINE
- Go all the way (vs. 17-22)
- Tell the hard truth (vs. 23-28)
- Welcome all who come (vs. 29-30)
- The 4 C’s
- Compelling
- Comprehensive
- Courageous
- Consistent
We are in our safest place when we persevere in Christ.
OUTLINE:
- The Context (vs. 27:1-3)
- The Climate (vs. 27:4-12)
- The Collision (vs. 27:13-44)
- The Care (vs. 28:1-15)
After attempting to make a defense of his faith to the Jewish leaders, Paul now defends The Way to two Roman governors and Herod Agrippa II.
Defending the Faith
- Before Felix (Ch. 24)
- Before Festus (Ch. 25:1–22)
- Before Agrippa (Ch. 25:23–26:32)
Our plans are a reflection of our values and our values should be a reflection of our Lord. In this portion of Scripture, we will observe a slew of plans playing out by regular people like us. What will their plans say about them? What do our plans say about us?
BEST LAID PLANS...
- Safe travels and a clear warning (vs. 21:1-15)
- Love over liberty (vs. 21:17-26)
- Riot and rescue (vs. 21:27-36)
- Paul’s testimony and a bridge too far (vs. 21:37-22:21)
- Confusion, chaos, and citizenship (vs. 22:22-29)
- Before the Sanhedrin (vs. 22:30-23:11)
- Conspiracy to commit murder and a surprising savior (vs. 23:12-22)
- Jerusalem to Caesarea by night (vs. 23:23-35)
The Great Provision
- Heavenly authority (vs. 1-10)
- Earthly “authority” (vs 11-15)
- Our authority (vs 16-20
In Acts 20, we see a beautiful example that we can follow of the heart of gospel ministry in the Apostle Paul .
The Heart of Gospel Ministry
- Given fully to Christ (vs 17–27)
- To serve and protect (vs 27–38)
- Upheld by grace (vs 32)
We can trust that God causes the gospel to triumph in us, in the church, and among the world to bring many to himself.
THE TRIUMPH OF THE GOSPEL IN EPHESUS (ACTS 19)
- To bring many to Christ (vv 1–12)
- To transform lives (vv 13–20)
- To overcome obstacles (vv 21–41)
God creatively uses many situations and methods to grow his church.
The growth of the church (Acts 18)
- Building bridges (vs 1-8)
- Jesus’ empowerment and encouragement (vs 9-11)
- Enduring difficulty (vs 12-17)
- Making great efforts (vs 18-22)
- Humble and teachable (vs 23-28)
Build bridges to reach people with the gospel.
Building Bridges for the Gospel
- Two responses to the gospel (vs. 1-15)
- A model for gospel bridge-building (vs. 16-34)
- Compassion and humility
- Identifying openings for the gospel
- Truth
- Grace
When we are seeking to fulfill a good plan for God and those plans are thwarted either by God, Satan, or our own hearts, we can rest in the fact that God will work all things for good and that in spite of our perceived failure, He still loves us.
PASSAGES CITED:
Acts 16:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18; 2 Corinthians 2:12-13; Romans 8:28-39
There are four helpful guidelines for Christians to follow as they pursue a ministry of reconciliation with people around them.
The Four Laws
- Don’t hinder the Gospel (vs. 16:1-5) 2 Let God lead (vs. 16:6-10)
- Go to the One (vs. 16:11-34)
- Fight for God’s sake (vs. 16:35-40)
Because Jesus made purification for sins, we can live in salvation, assurance, and victory.
Jesus Made Purification for Sins
- The problem of sin
- Purification for sins through Jesus
- Salvation, Assurance, Victory in Jesus
Passages cited
Matthew 1:20-21; John 5:30; Romans 3:9; 5:12; 6:1-4; 8:7-8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:19-20; 1 John 5:11-13;
Because God is with us in Christ, we can abide in and enjoy God’s presence.
Jesus as God and glorious (Hebrews 1:3):
- Jesus as God
- The glory of Jesus
- God with us
- The blessing of his presence
Passages Cited
Psalm 139:1-8; Isaiah 7:10-17; 40:11; Matthew 1:18-23; John 10:27-29; Colossians 1:15a; 2:9
In response to Jesus making us new, we are to adore Jesus by experiencing the fullness of the new creation.
Jesus the Creator and Sustainer
• Jesus as Creator and Sustainer • Jesus, Christmas, and the New Creation (John 1) • Jesus, the one who gives new life and sustains us • Our response: adore Jesus by experiencing the fullness of the new creation
Passages Cited
John 1:1-5; Acts 17:28; Romans 6; 8:38-39; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 1:13-14,16
We are to worship Jesus as we see how he is the culmination of God’s word.
Jesus the culmination of God’s word (Heb 1:1-2)
- God’s previous speech (vs 1)
- Jesus the final word (vs 2)
- Jesus the fulfillment of God’s word (vs 2)
Conflict Resolution in the Family
• Conflict Identified: Vs. 1-5 • Conflict Considered: Vs. 6-18 • Conflict Resolved: Vs. 19-21 • Church is Encouraged: Vs. 30-31 • Another Conflict Arises: Vs. 36-41
Our capital campaign concludes with a message on God's grace. Discipleship requires our effort. We are called to strive for godliness; instructed to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling." But God's grace is not just some filler that makes up for our shortcomings. Rather, it is the power that enables us to live as followers of Jesus and shapes us and makes us into the image of Christ.
Jesus talks about his death and obedience and teaches that his followers will be called to live sacrificial lives.
Jesus provides richly for his kingdom work.
- Jesus feeds 4000 (vs 1–10)
- The Pharisees' hardness of heart (vs 11–12)
- The Disciples' hardness of heart (vs 13–21)
Our response: Believ that Jesus will provide richly for his kingdom work.
In order to move forward his kingdom, Jesus has made us a part of his new family. This new family’s mission is to bring others into the family and to equip them to serve in his kingdom.
God is forming a new family (Mark 1-3)
- The new-creational kingdom (Chs 1-3)
- Jesus forms a new family (vs 3:13-35)
- The mission of the new family (vs Acts 1:8; Col 2:6-7)
- CBC’s purpose and building expansion
Jesus’ new family in Mark’s Gospel:
- A needy family (Mark 7:24-30)
- A rich family (Mark 8:1-21)
- A sacrificial family (Mark 8:31-38)
- A family shaped by grace (Mark 14:26-28)
Phil Poulson was our guest speaker at the Fall 2018 Missions Conference. Phil serves with Ethnos360 in Brazil.
In this message, we look at how following Jesus changed Peter. Passages used include Mark 1:16-20; John 6:66-69; Matthew 16:13-28; Mark 14:27-72; John 21:15-19; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 4:13 NLT.
God has been faithful to keep his promises to Israel. Therefore we can be confident in his faithfulness to us.
God's Faithfulness to Israel in the Gospel
- Israel is not who you think they are (vs. 9:1-6)
- God guarantees his promises through election (vs. 9:7-33)
- God has made his salvation readily available, but Israel has rejected it (vs. 10:1-21)
- Israel’s rejection is partial (vs. 11:1-5)
- Israel’s rejection serves a greater purpose (vs. 11:6-36)
Acts 13 reminds us of the weight and importance of our efforts at making disciples together, and it challenges us to continue in and increase those efforts.
A light to the nations
- The spread of the light (vs. 1-3)
- The light overcomes the darkness (vs. 4-12)
- The light goes to the nations (vs. 13-52)
If we oppose God’s kingdom, we will lose. If we align ourselves with God’s kingdom we have already won, despite our material circumstances.
A Tale of Two Kingdoms
- Persecution by Herod (vs. 1-5)
- Rescued by God (vs. 6-19)
- A clarifying conclusion (vs. 20-25)
God’s mission is to draw people from all nations to himself in Christ. He calls us and empowers us to be a part of that mission.
God’s salvation in Christ comes to the nations (Acts 9:32-11:30)
- Groundwork (vs 9:32-10:33)
- Salvation event (vs 10:34-48)
- Affirmation (va 11:1-30)
God’s miraculous calling for his people is clear and it has major implications for how we should live.
The Calling of God
- The miraculous calling of God (vs. 1-19a)
- The results of our calling (vs. 19b-31)
God changes us as we appreciate the beauty of the gospel.
The beauty of the gospel (Acts 8):
- The gospel tells a better story (vs. 1-13)
- The gospel is given on God’s terms (vs 14-25)
- The gospel saves the marginalized (vs 26-40)
In order to confront hardness of heart, look to the risen Jesus in faith.
Confronting hardness of heart
- The strategies of a hard heart (vs. 6:8-7:1)
- The pattern of hardness of heart (vs. 7:2-60)
- The response of a hard heart (vs. 7:54-60)
Trust God to provide for the spread of his word in us and in others.
The word spreads despite opposition
- Prison does not stop it (vs 5:17-26)
- Beatings and warnings do not stop it (vs 5:27-42)
- Challenges of community care do not stop it (vs 6:1-7)
Summary
Like the Spirit-led early church community, in response to God’s grace, we are to be a community characterized by generosity, holiness, and mission!
The Spirit-Led Church Community:
Generosity in community life (vs. 4:32-37) Holiness in community life (vs. 5:1-11) Mission in community life (vs. 5:12-16)
What Time Is It?
- God’s Time (vs 1)
- A Gifted Time (vs 2-8)
- A Glorious Time (vs. 11a)
God takes us through many different times in our lives. Ecclesiastes 3 gives us insights into some of those times. It also reminds us that God makes everything beautiful in its time.
The Church’s Response to Witnessing God’s Work (v. 23)
The Lord is Sovereign Over:
- Creation (v. 24)
- Hostility of Opposition (vv. 25-26)
- Conspiracy Against Christ (vv. 27-28)
- The Believer (vv. 29-30)
- The filling of the Holy Spirit (v. 31)
Because of God’s Sovereignty, we are BOLD in our prayers and witness for Christ!
Our Response
- Trust
- Pray
- Care
- Share
- Dare
In response to God’s work of grace in us, we are to witness Jesus to others.
Witnessing God’s Work of Grace
- A clear proclamation (vv 1-12)
- A commitment to witnessing (vv 13-20)
- The results of the witness (vv 21-22)
We are to receive, abide in, and share with others God’s grace in Christ.
Aspects of God’s grace
- God’s grace comes through Jesus (vv 11-16)
- The appeal to receive grace (vv 17-26)
- Compassion for the appeal (vv 17-18)
- The blessings of repentance (VV 19-21)
- A negative appeal (vv 22-24)
- A personal appeal (vv 25-26)
God has acted graciously on our behalf through Jesus. In response we are to seek his grace.
Jesus graciously saves the needy (Acts 3)
- The need for grace (1-3)
- The work of grace (4-8)
- The results of grace (9-10)
The Holy Spirit is God and works powerfully in our lives in many ways.
Roles of the Holy Spirit
- glorify Jesus
- indwell us
- mark us as God’s children
- convict us of sin
- give faith
- give power for witness
- pour out the love of God in our hearts
- produce fruit in you
- facilitate corporate worship
- other things as well
Passages Cited
Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27; John 6:44; 15:6; 16:8-11, 14-15; Acts 1:8; Romans 5:5; 8:9, 14, 16; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Galatians 5
Further Reading
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology; Millard Erickson, Christian Theology.
The doctrine of the Trinity is not something to be avoided, but something to explore. When we do so, we will become more like God and will carry out his mission.
God as Trinity
- Opening questions
- Understanding God as Trinity
- Knowing God as Trinity
- Living in response to God as Trinity
The Trinity: God eternally exists as three persons, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and each person is fully God, and there is one God.
4 Statements about God as Trinity
- God is three persons.
- Each person is fully God.
- There is one God.
- The Trinity is eternal.
Passages Cited
Genesis 1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 45; 110; Proverbs 8; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; John 17:24; Acts 5; 2 Corinthians 13:14: Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Peter 1:2
Further Reading
John’s Gospel; Michael Reeves, "Delighting in the Trinity"; Wayne Grudem, "Systematic Theology"; Millard Erickson, "Christian Theology"
We live in the last days of God’s redemptive plan to bring salvation to us by His Son Jesus Christ and to abide in us by His Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:22-41 Outline
The Person (vs 22-24) The Proof (vs 25-35) The Proclamation (vs 36-41)
God gives His Holy Spirit to His people for His mission.
Outline
- The Presence of the Holy Spirit (vs 1–5)
- The Product of the Holy Spirt (vs 6–13)
- The Promise of the Holy Spirit (vs 14–21)
We have the privilege of carrying out the mission of Jesus’ kingdom by being his witnesses.
The mission of the kingdom (Acts 1)
- The foundation for the mission (1-5)
- The power for the mission (6-8)
- The scope of the mission (8)
- The urgency of the mission (9-11)
- The preparation for the mission (12-26)
God’s love for us in Christ is permanent. Therefore we can count on his love and bring his love to others.
Love is permanent
- Gifts are temporary (8-12)
- Love is eternal (13)
- Response: Pursue love
For further reading
Jonathan Edwards, Heaven is a World of Love
Nate Killoren joins us for our May 2018 Missions Sunday. Nate and his wife Gina served with SIM in Africa for a number of years, and now serve out of the international headquarters in North Carolina. Nate's message will draw on his experience as a missionary aviator to show how God desires to activate us into service in His Kingdom.
Because God is committed to us in Christ, we are to commit ourselves to others.
Love Is Committed to Others
- bears all things
- believes all things
- hopes all things
- endures all things
In response to God’s love for us in Christ, we are to pursue love by seeking Jesus (who is the truth) and by walking in the truth.
Love rejoices with the truth (1 Cor 13:6)
- The connection between love and truth
- Pursue love by seeking Jesus, who is the truth
- Pursue love by walking in the truth
Bill Stukenberg is the director of Servant Care International (formerly Sunshine Apartments). He and his wife Sue are members at CBC and are part of our missionary family.
Steps to Forgiveness
- Recognize the necessity to forgive
- Look to God’s example
- Ask God to forgive the offender and ask for His help for you to forgive
- Know that forgiveness, like love, is not a feeling but an act of the will
- As much as is possible with you, seek reconciliation
- Forgive yourself
Because Jesus has been raised from the dead, we are to live in the victory of the new life we have been given in Christ.
Why Jesus was raised from the dead:
- To conquer Satan, sin, and death
- To demonstrate that God accepted his sacrifice for sin
- To fulfill Jesus’ own words
- To fulfill the Scriptures
- To reign over God’s kingdom
- To intercede for us
- To give us the Spirit
- To give us new life
- To guarantee our future resurrection
Since Christ has given himself for us, we are called to pursue love by giving ourselves to others.
Love does not insist on its own way (1 Cor 13:5)
- The call to self-giving love
- The model for self-giving love
- The basis for self-giving love
- Response: pursue love by giving ourselves to others
- The results of self-giving love
Recommended Reading
Charity and its Fruits, Jonathan Edwards (edited by Kyle Strobel)
The apostle Paul is calling us to live a life trademarked with humble love for God's glory.
Since God has loved us without grudging or envy and since he has generously given us Christ, we are to pursue loving others without envy.
Love does not envy (1 Cor 13:4)
- Envy defined
- The problems with envy
- God’s love that does not envy
- Our response: pursue love without envy
Recommended Reading
Jonathan Edwards, Charity and its Fruits (edited by Kyle Strobel)
In response to God's patience and kindness to us in Christ, we are to practice patience and kindness towards one another.
Love Is Patient and Kind
- Patience and kindness defined
- Our need for God’s patience and kindness
- God’s patience and kindness towards us
- Our patience and kindness to one another
Love is essential for all Christian activity. Therefore we are to pursue love.
- God’s love: his self-giving commitment to pursue his sinful people and to do (his) good for them.
- Our love: our self-giving commitment to reflect God’s love that seeks to do (his) good for people.
We are to depend on Christ for deliverance from sin.
Prayer for deliverance (Matthew 6:13):
- The meaning of the prayer
- The assumptions behind this prayer
- Our need for this prayer
- Jesus is the answer to this prayer
- How we pray and live out this prayer
For further reading
Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies against Satan’s Devices; C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters.
We can be forgiven by God through Jesus. And because Jesus has forgiven us, we can forgive one another.
Jesus provides all that we need spiritually and physically. In response, we are to seek Jesus for all that we need—“ our daily bread”.
Because Jesus prayed and obeyed God’s will for us, we are to pray for, yeild to, and obey God’s will in our lives.
Because Jesus prayed and obeyed God’s will for us, we are to pray for, obey, and yield to God’s will in our lives.
Because God is our Father in heaven, he calls us to pray humbly, honestly, expectantly, and reverently.
Tension
We are often tempted to fear and despair when the storms of life come.
Truth
When we are tempted to despair, Christ is there.
God’s Plan
1 May be puzzling (v. 35-36) 2 Often includes problems (v. 37) 3 Comes with His presence (v. 38) 4 Demonstrates His power (v. 39) 5 Always has a purpose (v. 40-41)
Our Response
Summary
Jesus was born to save us from our sins. The sermon will reflect on what this salvation means and its implications. We will also talk about our response: to worship and serve him.
He will save his people from their sins (Matt 1:21)
- What is sin?
- How did Jesus save us from sin?
- What does being saved from sin involve?
Passages Cited
1 Peter 2:24; Romans 8:1, 13, 31-34; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 1:6; 3:20; 1 Corinthians 15:10, 20-23
Summary
In response to God’s salvation of us, we are to worship and obey the Lord Jesus Christ.
Victory, Obedience, and Celebration
- Salvation through the counter-decree (vs 8:1-17)
- The Jewish Victory (vs 9:1-15)
- The feast of Purim (vs 9:16-32)
- Epilogue (vs 10:1-3)
Summary
God has brought about our salvation through an unexpected reversal. We had been dead but now are made alive through Jesus. In response, we are to trust him to save us and preserve us, and we are to respond to him with worship and obedience.
God triumphs over his enemies through an unexpected reversal
- Mordecai is honored instead of being killed (6:1-14)
- Esther exposes Haman’s plot (7:1-6)
- The king executes Haman (7:6-10)
Notes
Summary
In response to Jesus’ courageous obedience to save us, we are to obey courageously Jesus’ call to be his witnesses.
Courageous Obedience (Esther 5)
- Esther’s courageous actions (vs 1-8)
- Haman’s pride and plot (9-14)
Notes
Summary
Jesus’ followers are to depend on God in the midst of difficulty in order to accomplish Jesus’ mission.
Act 2: Dependence on God
- A murderous plot (3:1-15)
- Expressions of dependence (4:1-17)
Notes
Summary
Even when we have trouble seeing what God is doing, we are to trust that he is at work to accomplish his purposes in us.
Act One: Setting the stage for God’s triumph (Esther 1-2)
Prologue: the Persian court (Esther 1) - A feast that ends badly (vs 1-12) - A deposed queen (vs 13-22)
A new queen, a foiled coup (Esther 2)
- A new queen (vs 1-18)
- A foiled coup (vs 19-23)
Notes
Summary
The story of the book of Esther is about how God’s people are threatened by a plot of racial/national genocide, but how God uses two Israelites (Esther and Mordecai) in the Persian court to save and bring a victory for God’s people over their enemies.
Historical context of Esther:
- The beginning: creation, God’s mandate, the fall
- ~1700 BC covenant with Abraham- charter for Israel
- ~1300 BC Exodus and promised land
- ~1000 BC Monarchy- David, Solomon, divided kingdom
- 586 BC Exile
- 539 BC Return
- ~480s BC Esther
The story of Esther:
Act 1: The Persian court, a new queen, a foiled coup Act 2: A murderous plot, an expression of dependence Act 3: A courageous queen and a pair of feasts Act 4: A sleepless night, a parade for a hero, the plot exposed, the enemy defeated Act 5: Victory, obedience, and celebration
Meaning and application for the church
- God has triumphed in the ultimate way over the enemies of his people (Satan, sin and death) through the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
- God will preserve and build his people and his church despite the evil forces that threaten it.
- In response to Esther, Jesus’ followers are to worship him for his deliverance, endure difficulty depending on him, and courageously move forward Jesus’ kingdom mission.
Notes
Summary
CBC Missionary Rich Brown gave an update on planting the first Christian church among the Moi people group in Papua, Indonesia. Rich challenges us to consider five questions.
Questions
-
Of the 11,000 different people groups in the world today, how many would fall into the category of an Unreached People Group? How many would be considered Unengaged Unreached People Groups?
-
According to Romans 10:14 belief in the Good News of Christ comes through hearing. What is God’s strategy for having representatives from all the people groups hear and become worshipers of Christ with us in Heaven (Revelation 5:9)?
-
The Great Commission is given by Jesus in the Matthew 28:18-20 passage. Who is responsible to follow through on the command to make disciples of Jesus?
-
What is the end-goal of disciple making? Is it just evangelism or is there more to it than that?
-
How were disciples made among those in the Moi church (2 Tim. 2:2)?
Summary
In response to God’s work for us in Christ, we are to have a life of watchful prayer—prayer to apply the spiritual armor and prayer for gospel opportunities.
The call to watch and pray
18 Watchful prayer for standing in the spiritual battle 19-20 Watchful prayer for gospel opportunities 21-24 Closing wishes
Notes
Summary
As those who have been made new by Christ, we are to put on the armor of God so that we can stand in the spiritual battle.
The armor of God
- The identity of the armor
- The pieces of the armor
- Our Response: Put on the armor
Book recommendations
Milton Vincent’s _Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God’s Love_ Walter Marshall’s _Gospel Mystery of Sanctification_
Summary
Strengthened by God’s power, we are to stand strong in the spiritual battle.
The spiritual battle
- The call to do battle (vs 10-13)
- The fierceness of the battle (vs 11b-13)
- The assurance of victory in the battle (vs 10)
- God’s strength to stand in battle (vs 10-11a, 13)
Summary
Because we have been made new by Christ, we are to live as Christ calls us to live within the context of our current social structures. The sermon will specifically address how we live as Christians in employee-employer and student-teacher relationships.
Servants and masters in the new-creational community
- To servants
- The call to obedience (vs 5)
- The description of obedience (vs 5-7)
- The reason for obedience (vs 8)
- To masters
- The call to good treatment (vs 9a)
- The description of good treatment (vs 9b)
- The reason for good treatment (vs 9c)
Summary
As a part of their obedience to Christ, children are to obey parents. Parents are to make disciples of their children.
Family life in the new-creational community
- Children obey parents in the Lord (vs 1-3)
- the command to obey (vs 1)
- the reasons to obey (vs 1-3)
- Parents make disciples of your children (vs 4)
- the command to make disciples of our children
- the way to make disciples of children
Because Christ has loved and given himself for us, husbands are to love their wives sacrificially.
The Sacrificial Love of the Husband In the New-Creational Community
- The command to love sacrificially (vs 25)
- The model of loving sacrificially (vv 25-28)
- The power to love sacrificially (vv 25-28)
- A motive for loving sacrificially (vv 29-3s)
Response Love your wives sacrificially.
Because Christ has made us new, wives are to submit to their own husbands as a part of their submission to Christ.
Wives In the New-Creational Community
- The assumption behind submission (21)
- The call to submit (22, 24)
- The reason for submission (23)
- A model for submission
Summary
Because Christ has made us new, our marriages are centered on him. They reflect his relationship with the church, and they are for the purpose of our growth in him.
The purpose of marriage in the new creation
- Reflect the relationship between Jesus and the church
- Grow, become more like Christ
- The purpose of singleness (1 Cor 7)
- Response
Temptation
How close can I get to sin without actually sinning?
Tension
Is this the wise thing to do?
Truth
Walk Wisely
Summary
Because God has made us light in the Lord Jesus, we are to walk in the light by remembering our new identity, by doing God’s will, and by living a life of repentance.
Walking in the light
- The need to walk in the light (vv. 3-6)
- The basis of walking in the light (vv. 3, 7-9)
- The process of walking in the light (vv. 10-14)
- The effects of walking in the light (vv. 13-14)
Summary
Because God has been gracious to us in Christ, we are to act graciously with one another.
Act graciously towards one another
- The call to stop ungracious actions (4:31)
- The call to act graciously (4:32)
- Why we act graciously (4:32-5:2)
- How we can act graciously (5:1)
Jesus said that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Mt. 12:34)
The Apostle Paul reminds us that as children of God we are not to use any corrupt speech but rather gracious speech that builds up the body of Christ. He is speaking to believers and reminds us that our motivation to speak only that which builds up others is so that we do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Paul makes this clear by stating it as a command.
As redeemed people the text makes it clear that the way we speak to one another is a choice and that we are always to choose gracious speech.
Because we are a part of Jesus’ new creation, we are to love one another by being at peace with one another and by sharing with one another.
Summary
Because we are a part of Jesus’ new creation, we are to love one another by telling the truth to one another and by being at peace with one another.
Loving One Another in the New-Creational Community
- Speak the truth to one another (vs. 25)
- Be at peace with one another (vv. 26–27 )
Summary
When we come to Christ, we are called to live differently. And we are able to live differently because we have been made new by Christ.
Living in the New Creation
The distinctiveness of life in the new creation (verses 17-19) The basis of life in the new creation (verses 20-21) The process for life in the new creation (verses 22-24)
Summary:
So that we can grow as disciples and protect the reputation of Jesus and his church, we are to involve ourselves in church discipline.
Church Membership
- Foundation for church discipline
- Biblical examples of church discipline
- Purposes of church discipline
- When church discipline is needed
- Our response
Passages Cited
Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; Ephesians 5:10-11
Summary
In order to play our part in the growth of the church, we are 1) to depend on the grace Jesus gives, and 2) to take the next step that God calls us to.
Playing our part in the growth of the church
- How do I play my part?
- What do I do in playing my part?
Passages Cited
Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-10
Path to Growth
First Steps: initial belief, baptism, membership Finding your stride: spiritual disciplines, ministry involvement, beginning to serve, regular corporate worship, telling your faith story to others Walking together: intentional relationships, ECC, Life group, accountability relationships, spiritual conversations, learning to lead Coaching others: mentoring others, actively talking to non-believers about Christ, leading in ministry, training leaders
Summary
The Lord Jesus has called all of us to play a part in the growth of the church.
Playing our part in the growth of the church
- Where we got our part (vs. 7-10)
- Some specific parts (vs. 11)
- We all have a part (vs. 12)
- The purpose of our part (vs. 13-16)
The Response to God’s Call in Unity
- The realities of God’s calling
- The response to God’s calling
- The foundation of our unified response
Summary
We are to know the love of God in Christ and we are to respond with worship and with living a life worthy of the calling we have received.
Knowing the Love of God in Christ
- The extent of His love (vs. 18-19)
- How we can know His love (vs. 14-17, 20)
- The result of His love (vs. 21)
Summary
We are to participate in and to endure in the work of the glorious ministry of Christ .
The Glory of the Ministry
- The ministry defined (vs. 1-6)
- The power for the ministry (vs.7-8, 11)
- The activity of the ministry (vs. 8-9)
- The scope of the ministry (vs. 8-10)
- The results of the ministry (vs. 12-13)
CBC Missionary Norm Hubbard helps us understand the powerful message Paul wrote to the Colossian believers in chapter 4:4-6. God is ALWAYS at work in our world. When the opportunity presents itself, how will we respond?
Summary
Since God has made us a part of a new community in Christ, we are invest our lives in that new community.
A New Community In Christ
- Previous separation from God’s community (vs. 11-13)
- How God created this new community(vs. 14-18)
- Vision for the new community (vs. 19-22)
Summary
In response to God’s gift of salvation in Jesus, we are to walk by grace. Specifically, we are to believe in God’s saving work in Christ and we are to walk in the good works that he has prepared for us.
Salvation By God’s Grace In Christ
- It is a gift
- It is not something we did
- We receive it through faith
- It produces good works
Summary
Jesus’ life, sufferings, death for sinners, and resurrection have inaugurated the new creation. In response, we are to believe in Jesus and surrender our lives to him.
Jesus’ Resurrection and the New Creation
- The creation and fall (Genesis 1-3)
- The light of the new creation (John 1)
- Lazarus’ resurrection- preview of the new creation (John 11)
- Jesus’ death for sinners
- Jesus’ resurrection: dawn of the new creation (John 20)
Our Part In the Story
- New creation and resurrection
Passages Cited
Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:1-5, 9; 11:23-26, 41-44; 21:1-18, 30-31; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; 2 Corinthians 5:17
Summary
Because God (in his rich mercy, love, and grace) has made us alive in Christ, we are to showcase the riches of his grace .
God made us alive in Christ
- Why we were made alive
- How we were made alive
- What our being made alive involves
- The reason we were made alive
This passage will help us to understand and feel the force of our desperate condition apart from God’s saving work for us in Christ.
Our desperate condition apart from Christ
- Dead in our sins
- Living according to the values of this world
- Under the power of Satan
- Living according to the flesh Under God’s wrath
Recommended Reading
Jonathan Edwards’ sermon _[“Heaven is a World of Love”]_(http://www.biblebb.com/files/edwards/charity16.htm)
We are to take hold of the spiritual blessings that God has given us in Christ.
Taking Hold of What God Has Given
- Take hold of Christ by faith.
- Take hold of community.
- Take hold of assurance.
- Take hold of your inheritance.
Recommended Reading
- Michael Reeves, _Delighting in the Trinity_
- Milton Vincent, _A Gospel Primer for Christians_
Tension
How do I know if I have God’s inheritance?
Outline
The Holy Spirit’s Ministry to those who believe: 1. Sealed with the Spirit (v. 13) 2. Sealed until Redemption (v. 14a) 3. Sealed for the Praise of God’s Glory (v. 14b)
Transforming Truth
Because we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, we can have confidence in God’s inheritance for us in Christ.
In response to the inheritance that is ours in Christ, we are to live to the praise of God’s glory.
Our inheritance from God
- How we received it
- What it is
- The purpose of it
Passages and Works Cited
Romans 8:16-18; Luke 12:32; Revelation 21:1-5; 1 John 3:2-3; Hebrews 12:1-2; Jonathan Edwards, “Heaven is a World of Love”
Summary
We are to align our lives with the working out of God’s plan to bring all things together in Christ.
God’s plan to bring together all things in Christ
- The nature of the plan
- How we learned about the plan
- The timing of the plan
- What the plan is
- The implications of the plan
Beale’s Statement of God’s Plan
_“Jesus’ life, trials, death for sinners, and especially his resurrection by the Spirit have launched the fulfillment of the eschatological, already-not yet, new-creational reign, bestowed by grace through faith and resulting in worldwide commission to the faithful to advance this new-creational reign and resulting in judgment for the unbelieving, unto the triune God’s glory.”_ (G.K. Beale, New Testament Biblical Theology, p. 16)
We are to depend on God's redepmtion of us in Christ.
Redemption in Christ
- What is redemption?
- Who redeembed us?
- From what were we redeemed?
- How were we redeemed?
- How do we respond?
In election God proves himself faithful to his people. Our response is to trust in his mercy in Christ, worship, and serve him.
God’s faithfulness in election
- He is consistent with Scripture (vv. 14–18)
- He is consistent with his character as creator (vv. 19–21)
- He has a glorious purpose (vv. 22–24)
God’s choice of us compels us to respond in humility, worship, and obedience.
God chose us in Christ (Eph 1:4-5)
- What does it mean that he chose us?
- How did he choose us?
- When did he choose us?
- For what purpose did he choose us?
- How do we respond?
This sermon introduces Ephesians. Ephesians calls us to live in a manner worthy of the calling we have received, specifically, the calling to be a part of the eschatological, already-not yet, new-creational reign of Jesus, to the glory of God.
God has made us a part of something special
- What it is
- How Paul introduces it (1:1-3)
- How Paul develops it (Summary of Ephesians)
- Our responses