Bethany Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
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Bethany Church located in Bloomington, Minnesota has been around for over 75 years. These are the sermons preached each Sunday.
Matt Harbour brings us our final message of the "A Lot Can Happen In Seven Days" sermon series: From Resurrection to Ascension: A Lot Can Happen in (Forty) Seven Days
Chris Pacholczak brings us our Resurrection Sunday message and the second of our new sermon series, "A Lot Can Happen in Seven Days".
Matt Hendley brings us our Palm Sunday message and the first of our new sermon series, "A Lot Can Happen in Seven Days" out of the Gospels.
Chris Pacholczak brings us the tenth message of our new sermon series on 1 Peter, "Always Be Ready to Walk in Humility" out of 1 Peter 5 & 3.
Matt Hendley brings us the ninth message of our new sermon series on 1 Peter, "Always Be Ready to Walk in Humility" out of 1 Peter 5.
Always Be Ready to Share in Christ’s Sufferings
I. INTRODUCTION
As followers of Jesus, we must always be ready to share in Christ’s sufferings. Two things to take home
with us today: 1) The fire will come, but it’s worth it; 2) the fire will be hot, but we can trust Him
II. THE FIRE WILL COME
Verse 12: 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as
though something strange were happening to you. (ESV)
- We should not be shocked, taken by surprise, or caught off guard when difficulties, trials, and
persecution befall us as followers of Jesus. Suffering for Jesus is part of the package of following a
crucified Messiah. (“If anyone would come after me...Mt. 16, Lk. 9).
• 'So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We
sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of
Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by
these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined (or “appointed” [CSB]) for them. In
fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned
out that way, as you well know.' (1 Th. 3:1-4, NIV)
• 21 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned
to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain
true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they
said. (Ac. 14:21-22, NIV)
- No fine print. “Baaqiga Eebow”: Chorus: The Eternal God, who created the world, he has given a
promise, and I am not going to miss out on it. Verses: If I stay on the top of the mountains for a
month, with the snow and ice pounding me, I will not deny my Savior. If I stay in the wilderness a
hundred years, and fail to find a garden, livestock, or a wife, I will not deny my Savior. If I am
slaughtered, and hurled into the ocean, and beaten with a club, I will not deny my Savior. If I am in
need, and fail to find money, I will not deny my Savior. When I am injured and sick, he nurses me
back to health and heals me, I will not deny my Savior.
- The fire will come.
III. BUT IT’S WORTH IT
A. Verses 13-14: 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be
glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because
the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (ESV)
- V. 14 (TEV): 14 Happy are you if you are insulted because you are Christ’s followers; this means that
the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is resting on you.
- In the OT, God taught, warned, exhorted, and called people to repentance through the prophets
who spoke by the power of the Spirit, and many of the prophets were killed for their testimony (see,
e.g., Neh. 9). The fullness of the Spirit rested on Jesus (see, e.g., Jn. 1:32-33, 3:34), and he was
crucified. In Matthew 5, Jesus compares the sufferings to be experienced by His disciples, upon
whom He would pour the Spirit, to the sufferings experienced by the prophets (Mt. 5:12). The Spirit
produces God’s ways in us and calls people to God’s ways through us. If people attack and insult
us because of that, they are in fact attacking God himself (see., e.g., Mt. 10:40; Ac. 9:4). To
whatever degree we are attacked or slandered because we are like God Himself, we should rejoice.
- We rejoice not because sufferings are enjoyable or pleasant, but because of what they produce in
us and because of that for which they prepare us. Suffering and difficult circumstances provide the
context in which our loyalty to Jesus is demonstrated, and they are among the means used by
Jesus to prepare us for the age to come. As Peter has already said in chapter 1, we are being
prepared for a “salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time,” that is, “at the revelation of
Jesus Christ” (1 Pt. 1:15, 7 CSB). As Paul says in 2 Cor. 4:17, “our light and momentary troubles
are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (NIV).
B. Verses 15-16: 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet
if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name (or
“praise God that you bear that name” [NIV]) (ESV)
- “The nickname ‘Christian’ was originally used only by those hostile to Christianity... Here it is
parallel to legal charges like ‘murderer’ and ‘thief.’ Early Roman descriptions of Nero’s persecution
use this title for Jesus’ followers.”
- Of course, suffering for doing what is wrong is not something over which to rejoice. When we do
evil, we are conducting ourselves no differently than the world and bring dishonor to His name. This
kind of suffering does not bring glory to God. When we suffer because we are sincerely following
Jesus, however, and are seeking to obey Him and remain faithful to Him by the Spirit’s enablement,
we should not be ashamed. Such suffering is a privilege.
• 40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they
ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the
Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the
Name. (Ac. 5:40-41, NIV)
C. The fire will come, but it’s worth it.
IV. THE FIRE WILL BE HOT
A. VERSES 17-18: 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us,
what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is
scarcely saved (“saved with difficulty” [LEB]; “barely escape” [CEV]; “if it is hard enough for the
righteous to be saved” [REB]), what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” (ESV)
- Here Peter uses light-to-heavy argument: i.e., if such is true is this situation, then how much more
so in this other situation? Here is the idea: “For the time has come for judgment to begin with the
household of God, and if even we ourselves don’t escape suffering, how much more severe will the
judgment be for those who refuse to obey the very gospel of God?” (my translation)
- As tempting as it may be to ignore or try to find ways to explain such verses away, the wise course
is to recognize the reality that following Jesus is sometimes more difficult than what we could have
imagined, and that sometimes God, the wise and righteous judge, judges that in order for us to truly
learn to trust him, we must put into a situation that strips us of all self-righteousness and all self-
reliance:
• 8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced
in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so
that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this
happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. (2 Co. 1:8-9,
NIV)
Yes, the fire will come, and not only that, but the fire will be hot. But here is His promise: It’s worth it.
Nothing less than eternal life itself awaits us at the end of the race.
• 13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction,
and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to
life, and those who find it are few. (Mt. 7:13-14, ESV)
V. WE CAN TRUST HIM
A. Verse 19: 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful
Creator while doing good. (ESV)
- Here is the wise, divinely revealed and divinely prescribed course of action for when we find
ourselves in the category of “suffering according to God’s will”: We entrust and commit our lives and
all that we are to the one who is trustworthy: The Creator of all things, who is making us into
something new in preparation for the day when He will make all things new (Re. 21:5). We “cast our
cares on him, because he cares for us” (1 Pt. 5:7).
- The fire will come, but it’s worth it. The fire will be hot, but we can trust Him.
Chris Pacholczak brings us the seventh message of our new sermon series on 1 Peter, "Always Be Ready to Respond with Love" out of 1 Peter 3 & 4.
Matt Hendley brings us the sixth message of our new sermon series on 1 Peter, "Always Be Ready to Honor Authority", out of 1 Peter 2:12-3:7.
Matt Harbour brings us the fifth message of our new sermon series on 1 Peter, out of 1 Peter 2:11-17.
ALWAYS BE READY TO COME TO THE LIVING STONE
I. 1 PETER 2:1-10
1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all bslander,2 like
newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,
3 if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. 4 And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been
rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 you also, as living stones, are being
built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God
through Jesus Christ. 6 For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a
precious corner stone, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.” 7 This precious value,
then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders rejected, This
became the very corner stone,” 8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble
because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. 9 But you are a
chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may
proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for
you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now
you have received mercy. (1 Pt. 2:1-10, NASB)
II. REVIEW OF 1 PETER 2:1-3
1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, 2 like
newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to
salvation, 3 if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord (Ps. 34:8).
A. Orienting ourselves contextually. Technically we are covering 1 Peter 2:4-10 today, but this passage,
like vv. 1-3, also flow logically from the preceding context, so we need to start by taking a few moments
to call to mind some of the main ideas studied in the first three lessons.
B. Therefore: In light of what is said in 1:1-12 (resuming the exhortations that begin at 1:13), 1:1-25, or
1:22-25.
1. THE NEW REALITY: “fathered/begotten again” through Jesus’ resurrection (1:3); “as obedient
children, do not conform...” (1:14); “since you call on a Father...” (1:17); “born again” of
“imperishable seed” (1:23; i.e., the “enduring word of God”/”the gospel” [1:23, 25]); and everything
that made this possible (sufferings of the Messiah, precious blood of the lamb, etc.; 1:11, 17-21)
2. THE HOPE: imperishable “inheritance” to come (1:4); “salvation”: to be revealed at Jesus’ return
(1:5; cf. 1:13), the “end result” (NIV) of our faith (1:9), declared by the “prophets” and “those who
have preached the gospel to you,” etc. (1:5, 8-12)
3. THE RESPONSE/CALL: “Be holy, because I am holy” (v. 16, NIV); all the preceding exhortations
(don’t conform, live as strangers, love from the heart, etc.) summarized by this statement.
This, then, is where we need to begin in order to understand what follows: In light of the fact that you
are conceived anew with God’s own life in you because of what the Messiah has done, and in light of
the hope and call to holiness that is inextricably tied to this...
- Need to crave the “pure milk of the word,” or “pure spiritual milk” (NIV), so that we can grow
“in respect to salvation”; growth in holiness as result of the saving work of the first coming, as we
are nourished on the saving power available to us know through the Spirit, and in preparation for
the saving work of the second coming.
III. EXPOSITION OF 1 PETER 2:4-8
4 And coming to Him (“as you come to him” [ESV, NIV]; cf. Ps. 34:5 [LXX]2 as to a living (alive, life-giving stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice (“chosen” [ESV]) and precious in the
sight of God, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For this is
contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, And he who
believes in Him will not be disappointed.” (Is. 28:16) 7This precious value, then, is for you who
believe (“to you who believe” [NIV; i.e., in the eyes of); but for (or “to”) those who disbelieve, “The stone
which the builders rejected, This became the very corner stone,” (Ps. 118:22) 8 and, “A stone of
stumbling and a rock of offense” (Is. 8:17); for they stumble because they are disobedient to the
word, and to this doom they were also appointed.
D. In light of the fact that you are conceived anew with God’s own life in you because of what the Messiah
has done, and in light of the hope and call to holiness that is inextricably tied to this...
E. We come to the one who is alive and who is the very source of life; we have a living hope (1 Pt. 1:3)
because of the living stone. As we keep approaching Him boldly and confidently (cf. Heb. 4:16), He
puts His life to work in us, nourishing us and building us up as a house/household that is “characterized
by the Holy Spirit” (the meaning of “spiritual” in this context. Through the Holy Spirit, we bring him our offerings that are pleasing to Him.
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living
sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (Rm. 12:1, CSB)
15 Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of
lips that confess his name. (Heb. 13:15, CSB)
F. In the OT sacrificial system, it was important for the sacrifices to be inspected carefully, to make sure
they were blameless (see Lev. 1-6). Although the leaders of Israel rejected Jesus, God approved him
as blameless and without any flaws or defects. He showed this by raising Jesus from the dead.
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!
If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being
asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of
Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified (rejected by men) but whom God raised from the dead
(precious to God), that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders
rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation (cf. 1 Pt. 1) is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Ac. 4:8-12,
NIV)
G. Cornerstone/Capstone/Keystone
“The stone which the builders rejected turned out to be the most important of all” (1 Pt. 2:7,
TEV)
“ ‘Cornerstone’ may refer to: (1) the stone in a new building laid first with great
care and ceremony so as to ensure a straight and level foundation; (2) the
interlocking cornerstones that join and strengthen two connecting walls; (3) the
capstone at the top corner of a wall; or (4) the keystone of an arched door or
gateway, the center and topmost stone that joins the two sides and supports the
arch itself (the most important stone in which the name of the city, the ruler, and
builder were often carved).”
H. In the eyes of some, the stone is precious, and therefore they come to him and place their faith in him;
in the eyes of others, the stone is unfit, a source of offense and a cause of stumbling, and therefore
they reject it.
I. Better translation of the second part of verse 8: “They stumble because they are disobedient to the
word, to which also they were appointed” (MEV). The point here is similar to Acts 2:23 and Ac. 4:27-
28: In accordance with his own plan God had already decided that Jesus would be handed over to
you; and you killed him by letting sinful men crucify him. (Ac. 2:23, TEV) Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. (Ac. 4:27-28, NIV)
• There also seems to be a play on words of sort here with verse 6:
They “stumble” over the message, refusing to believe, for which purpose they were also set
in place (same verb as v. 6) according to plan. (1 Pt. 1:8, my translation)
• According to His plan, God put the cornerstone in place, and also “set in place” those who would
crucify Him. Though they rejected the Messiah, God in His wisdom used what they meant for evil
(cf. Gn. 50:19) to make a way for the world’s salvation (cf. 1 Cor. 2:6-9).
IV. EXPOSITION OF 1 PETER 2:9-10
9 But you are a chosen race (Is. 43:20 [LXX]; cf Dt 7:6, 10:15), a royal priesthood (Ex 19:6; 23:22
(LXX). Cf Is 61:6), a holy nation (Ex 19:6; 23:22 [LXX]), a people for God’s own possession (Ml. 3:16
[LXX]), so that you may proclaim the excellencies (“declare the wonderful deeds” [RSV]; “proclaim the
mighty acts” [NRSV]; Is 42:12, 43:21 [LXX]) of Him who has called you out of darkness into His
marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people (Ho 1:9 [LXX]), but now you are the people of
God (an allusion to Ho 2:2); you had not received mercy (Ho 1:6 [LXX]), but now you have received
mercy (an allusion to Ho 2:23).
A. Here Peter pulls together a string of OT quotations, references, and allusions related to Israel’s calling
and to God’s dealings with his firstborn son (Ex. 4:22-23). Since there is only one true God and Creator
over the entire world (cf. Rm. 3:29), whose nature, character, and ways are perfectly consistent, His
dealings with Israel, his firstborn son, become a paradigm and visual aid for how He deals with all His
other sons, too (from all the nations).
Moses went up the mountain to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain: “This is what
you must say to the house of Jacob and explain to the Israelites: ‘You have seen what I did to the
Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will
carefully listen to me and keep my covenant, you will be my own possession out of all the peoples,
although the whole earth is mine, 6 and you will be my kingdom of priests and my holy nation.’
These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites.” (Ex. 19:3, CSB)
B. Those who do put their faith in God’s chosen stone:
- Chosen: Objects of God’s underserved grace and mercy, because of His loyalty to His promises (cf.
Dt. 7:6-7; Col. 3:12)
-
Priests: Approach, represent, and instruct others about God, etc.
-
Holy: Set apart from the world, holy as our Father is holy (see discussion above)
-
God’s Possession: We belong to God and live for His will and glory
-
Darkness to light: “Come to him and be enlightened” (Ps. 34:8 [LXX]; 33:6 in LXX; cf. Eph. 1:18)
-
People of God: Mercifully allowed to be a part of God’s family
-
Received Mercy: We deserve eternal punishment, but God has shown us mercy
Matt Hendley brings us the third message of our new sermon series on 1 Peter. He speaks on the importance of hope and holiness as it pertains to 1 Peter 1 and 2.
Bethany Church FEBRUARY 6, 2022
1 Peter 1:3-12 Tim Miller
Always Be Ready to Sing, Stand, and Search
I. ALWAYS BE READY TO SING
A. 1 Peter 1:3-5
3 Blessed be (“praised be” [REB], “all praise to” [NLT], “let us give thanks to” [TEV]) the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy (“in his great mercy” [NIV],
“because of his great mercy” [CSB]) has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and
undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected (“shielded”
[NIV], “being guarded” [CSB]) by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be
revealed in the last time.
1. How does Peter begin this section? He begins by using a prayer format called a birakhah.
a) OT example: 13 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen
and amen.” (CSB)
b) First-century example: “Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who bringest
forth bread from the earth.”2
c) Throughout the Scriptures, God’s mighty, merciful, and gracious acts of salvation are often
followed by a response of praise and thanksgiving: E.g., Ex. 15 (Moses, Miriam, and the
Israelites after the parting of the Red Sea); Lk. 1 (Mary and Zechariah)
Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand
and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. (Ps. 98:1, ESV)
2. What marvelous thing has God done for us? In His great mercy, He has begotten us, that is,
fathered us anew.3 Through His word/gospel (1Pt. 1:23-24), He has graciously put his “imperishable
seed” (1 Pt. 1:23) into us—His own life and nature, His own “DNA,” through Spirit (cf. Gn. 1). This
sets us apart from the world (1 Pt. 1:2, 16), and makes us look strange to it (1 Pt. 4:2). We have
been newly conceived and thereby been brought into a hope that is “living”—life-giving,4 active,
alive, resilient, moving, growing, and unable to be killed, etc. It is “a hope which is able to survive
the various trials which Christians, especially Peter’s readers, experience.”5
3. How has God brought us into this living hope? By raising Jesus from the dead. Jesus is the
firstfruits of the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:23). Jesus’ own resurrection in real time and history assures
us that our hope in the age to come and in the resurrection to come is dependable, reliable, and
well-founded (2 Th. 2:16). After being raised, Jesus ascended to the Father’s right hand and poured
out the Spirit (Ac. 2:32-33), which is a “down payment” and assurance of our inheritance to come
(Eph. 1:14).
4. What is this hope and conception unto? Resurrection and immortality in the Messiah’s coming
kingdom.
50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of
God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will
not all sleep, but we will all be changed—52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last
trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be
changed. (1 Cor. 15:50-51, NIV)
5. Why do we need such guarding/protection until the Second Coming? Because until that time
followers of Jesus will face tests (1 Pt. 1:6-7), unjust suffering (1 Pt. 2:19-20, 14; 3:14-17),
accusations and slander (1 Pt. 3:16), and opposition and assaults from the devil, who wants to
devour us (1 Pt. 5:8). We need the power of God in order to follow Jesus’ own example (1 Pt. 2:21)
II. ALWAYS BE READY TO STAND
A. 1 Peter 1:6-9
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been
distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith (“the genuineness of your faith” [NIV],
“the proven character of your faith” [CSB], “the tested genuineness of your faith” [ESV]), being more
precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in
praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen
Him, you love Him, 9 and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice
with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome (“the end result” [NIV], “the goal”
[CSB], “what your trust is aiming at” [CJB]) of your faith the salvation of your souls.
1. What is the purpose of trials prior to the Second Coming? To demonstrate the genuineness of our
faith.
7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies
gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. (1 Pt. 1:7a, NLT)
2. What value does God place on genuine faith and loyalty/love even though we don’t see Jesus at
present? It is extremely precious and valuable to him.
So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and
glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world (cf. Rom. 2:7,
29; 1 Co. 4:5). (1 Pt. 1:7b, NLT)
10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you
in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the
point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev. 2:10, NIV [84])
29 Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who
have not seen and yet believe.” (Jn. 20:29, CSB
3. What is the outcome of our faith? The salvation of our souls. One quick technical point: In the Bible,
“soul” sometimes refers to a part of the inner self in contrast to the body (see, e.g., 1 Th. 5:23), and
sometimes to the person as a whole (see, e.g., Rom. 2:9). Here the latter is in view: “...namely,
your deliverance” (CJB), “your salvation” (CSB).
III. ALWAYS BE READY TO SEARCH
A. 1 Peter 1:10-12
10 As to this salvation (cf. vv. 4 and 9 above), the prophets who prophesied of the grace (“this
gracious salvation” [NLT]) that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries (“searched
intently and with the greatest care” [NIV]), 11 seeking to know what person or time (“the time and
circumstances” [NIV]; “what era or specific time” [ISV]) the Spirit of Christ within them was
indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to
them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been
announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from
heaven—things into which angels long to look.
- What did those who prophesied about the promised salvation do, and what does this reveal about
them and about the value and sanctity of the gospel? They investigated them and searched them
out. They were hungry. Their entire hope was set on God’s promised salvation. The gospel and the
gracious salvation concerning which the prophets prophesied are of immeasurable worth, more
worthy than anything else of our time, energy, thought, passion, and investment.
17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see the things you see but
didn’t see them, to hear the things you hear but didn’t hear them. (Mt. 13:17, NIV)
- What did they want to know? They wanted to know the times and circumstances of both the
sufferings of the Christ and the glories to come. For example:
a) Isaiah 3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. (Is. 53:3, NIV)
1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD shines over you., 2 For
look, darkness will cover the earth, and total darkness the peoples; but the LORD will
shine over you, and his glory will appear over you. (Is. 60:1-2, CSB)
a) Daniel 8 I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this
be?” 9 He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until
the time of the end. (Dan. 12:8-9, NIV)
~~~~
1 Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition (Downers Grove, IL: IVP
Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2014), 687.
2 D. A. Carson, “Matthew,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew–Mark (Revised Edition), ed. Tremper Longman
III and David E. Garland, vol. 9 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010), 391.
3 Timothy Friberg, Barbara Friberg, and Neva F. Miller, in Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Baker’s Greek
New Testament Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000), 48.
4 William Arndt et al., in A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago:
University of Chicago Press, 2000), 426.
5 Daniel C. Arichea and Eugene Albert Nida, A Handbook on the First Letter from Peter, UBS Handbook Series (New
York: United Bible Societies, 1980), 16.
Chris Pacholczak brings us the first message of our new sermon series on 1 Peter. He speaks on verses one and two, and how they pertain to this series main theme: Always Be Ready.
Storms are inevitable. We all experience shaking, uncertainty, pain, doubt. And it is clear that our world is as tumultuous as ever, while people trust in all sorts of ideologies, leaders, and systems to bring peace. The Psalms exemplify what it looks like to have the type of trust that anchors us through the storm, a trust rooted in the only immovable foundation.
Scripture (in particular the Psalms) commands us repeatedly to "Praise the Lord"; so much so that many wonder if God is the ultimate narcissist. If we dig a little deeper, we will find a God who is not only the opposite of narcissism, but also one who commands praise for our good moreso than His.
There is no shortage in our culture of voices to be heeded, goals to be achieved, content to be consumed, and tasks to wrap up. Busyness is seen as a badge of honor, as a symbol of importance. The first Psalm offers us a pathway out of our anxious, hectic lives and invites us to dwell on the one voice that matters, the voice that guides us into intimate relationship and fruitful lives in all seasons.
Most of us have had our plans altered for the spring and summer. How would God have us respond in seasons like this?
In Isaiah 57 God speaks through the prophet Isaiah concerning the righteous and wicked. He tells us that He leads us through crisis to restoration and healing; working to bring forth in us the fruit of humilty and contrition.
In our Easter Sunday message Derek Brokke shares three implications of Christ's statement "it is finished": the end to our subjugation, condemnation and separation.
God uses us to communicate hidden insights into people's lives in order to demonstrate his power and love to them.
In 1 Corinthians 14 Paul tells us that we should "eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit", but "especially prophecy". What is the nature of the prophecy Paul is referring to, and how does it work? These are things we want know so we can experience and share in the blessings of the gift of prophecy together.
What is speaking in tongues, and how does it function in the church? Is it meant only for the congregation, or does it have a personal function as well? What is the benefit of speaking in tongues, and how does it build up the body? This sermon addresses these questions and others as we explore the place of tongues and interpretation in the local church.
This week Ken Krause continues our sermon series "Opening your Gift" with a message on the gifts of faith and healing.
God has given us the gifts of the Spirit to build up the body of Christ. This includes the nine gifts found in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 known as the sign gifts. The sign gifts are a powerful way God works through us to show his power, knowledge, and love to the world. God has made these gifts available to the church today, and we can learn to recognize them and use them for His glory.
When Moses and his generation pass away, Joshua picks up where he left off. Sadly, after Joshua passes, the people adandon the Lord and turn to idolatry. What happened? Rescent research shows there are several practices among all youth who are "resilient disciples". These timeless practices were just as effective in Moses day as they are in ours. The scriptures indicate Moses succeeded in these where Joshua failed.
Service is not just something we do: it's who we are. Just as Jesus came to serve rather than be served, we are never more like him than when we take on the nature of a servant. The church thrives through every member knowing their gift, functioning in their role, and building one another up in love. The question that can help us start to step out in our role is "what is in my hands?"
This year it seems like there is an increased discussion in the media and among people about the anxiety and depression that surrounds the Christmas season for many who have experienced grief and other difficulties. In tonight's meditation we take a look and John chapter 1 and think about the incarnation of Christ and practices that help quell the anxieties we face.
Naomi’s despair paled in comparison to what she gained. Although the loss of her husband and two sons was devastating, God restored through Boaz and Ruth not only another son, but ultimately brought forth the greatest king Israel had ever known. What neither Naomi nor the author of Ruth knew was that God himself would come to earth through her line, being himself the redeemer for all mankind. Through Christ, humanity’s eternal despair is transformed into eternal hope.
God uses Boaz to provide rest and redemption to Ruth, a vulnerable woman from a despised nation. God wants to use His people as instruments of righteousness and redemption in a crooked generation, just as Boaz and Ruth were during the period of the judges.
Often times we find ourselves in seasons of confusion and difficulty much like Ruth and Boaz. In this morning's short meditation from Ruth 2 we look at Ruth and Boaz to see how they exemplified some the important things we should do during those seasons of life.
The book of Ruth contains one of the most incredible stories of God's masterful redemptive work in the midst of the lowest points of human despair. Not only does God's redemption reach into the individual suffering of Ruth and Naomi in this book, but God also providentially works through this hopeless situation to bring about a great king for Israel and relieve the suffering of the nation. But not even the author of Ruth understood that through Ruth's line God was going to bring about redemption for all of mankind. In this first chapter of Ruth, we will see how God brings hope in our darkest hour, at times through unexpected means
With other religions, man gives to God seeking to be paid back. The God of the Bible needs nothing, and is always giving. Therefore, we are always receiving and always have reason to be grateful.
As we approach church planting, we should 'wear white gloves' recognizing how precious the church is to Jesus .
Generosity is evidence of the Lord's grace working through his people. When a church is full of God's grace, it spills out on those around them, resulting in a wealth of generosity. When we commit our time, talents, and resources to the Lord, his grace provides everything we need to excel in every good work
Jesus repeatedly taught that you can't both serve money and God. You are ultimately devoted to one.
The PURSUIT of treasure on Earth leads man to destruction.
Jesus had many pointed confrontations with the Pharisees (religious sect of Judaism) during his ministry. In Matthew 23:24 Jesus describes their problem as not paying attention to the “weightier matters” of “justice, mercy, and faithfulness”. Somehow, they managed to be zealous about observance the mosaic law and yet missed the whole purpose at its heart. Are we any different? How can we avoid this type of hypocrisy?
Communion is an essential component of the local church gathering. The theology of many church traditions causes them to put a much higher value on the practice of communion than most evangelical church expressions. In 1 Corinthians 10 Paul draws a parallel between the sacrifices of the Old Testament, Pagan sacrifices in Corinth, and the New Testament practice of communion. His teaching gives us insight into the real depth of “Koinonia” we can find with God and one another through the practice of communion.
In many people's religious experience, their initial belief in Jesus for salvation is the culmination of their entire faith journey. But Jesus tells us that truly being disciples is more than that. It means doing everything he taught and teaching others to do the same. The initial moment of believing in Christ is not the finish line, but the doorway into a life full of meaning, purpose, and eternal participation in the work of God's kingdom. As we seek to grow as disciples of Jesus, it quickly becomes apparent that we need each other to truly grow in Christ. God's design for us to walk this out together is the local church.
The church that does not sing is not really the church. Corporate worship in singing is one of the essential ministries of the gathered church. The scriptures command us repeatedly to "sing to the Lord". In Ephesians 5 the Apostle Paul gives us some specifics as to the function and importance of singing together in worship to the Lord.
Church leadership is one of the unique marks of a local church. The New Testament provides us with an example of leadership that consists of a plurality of Elders with no one person at the top, except for Jesus Christ. This plurality of elders is given specific qualifiations and roles for how to lead the church in being faithful in the mission of spreading the glory of God to their local community and throughout the world.
Preaching has always been one of the primary ways God speaks to His people. God commands that His Word be preached. God's will is for us to experience Him in preaching so that people are born again, sanctifed, and strengthened to persevere in the faith.
The first time the gospel was preached by the early church, it had a profound and life-altering impact on those who heard. In light of their repentance and baptism, those first believers in Christ knew that they couldn't go back to life as usual. There was a sense of "what now?" once the gospel had shaken their world. Thus, the first Christian community was formed in Jerusalem, a community that we can still look back on to
This week we wrap up our "Summer on the Mount" sermon series with a message on Jesus concluding instruction, "build your house upon the rock"
Jesus just finished telling us "do not judge", but now he is telling us to observe the fruit other's lives and make a judgment! Furthermore in John 7 Jesus specifically commands "not to judge by outward appearances, but make righteous judgments". So how do we avoid judgmentalism and at the same time "make righteous judgments"? This is part 2 of two messages on the topic of Judgmentalism from the Summer on the Mount sermon series.
Relative to God, all of our earthly Fathers are evil. Even evil Dad's know how to give good gifts. How much MORE will God our perfect Heavenly Father give us all the good we need when we ask, seek and knock
Judging others is one of the most mentioned sins in the New Testament and yet we often neglect to give it any attention. In doing so, we place significant obstacles in the way of accomplishing our primary purpose on earth and invite unwelcome consequences on ourselves.
Jesus' prayer life was unlike anyone else in history. He rose early to go to the mountain tops with the Father, he blessed the loaves and fishes to feed 5,000, and he sweat drops of blood in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. So what does HE have to say about how we should pray?
Jesus calls us in Matthew 6 to live a lifestyle inclusive of fasting and prayer. All throughout the Bible there are examples of men and women after God’s own heart who exemplify this fasted lifestyle. We can take courage from their example to practice fasting in our own lives.
Caring for the needy is foundational to the Christian life. The laws of Israel made giving to the needy a regular and required practice of God’s chosen people. It could be argued that living in an era of globalization, western wealth, and free markets presents greater challenges when it comes to how to care for the needy. However, we all face the same struggle of caring for the needy not out of compulsion, but from a willing heart of gratitude whose hope is not found in amassing wealth in this age but in the age to come.
One of the most difficult things to do in the world is to willingly allow ourselves to be affronted without righting the situation, but one of the ways Jesus calls us to testify to our faith in him is by doing just that.
It seems to make sense that divorce and oath keeping would be connected in the Sermon on the Mount. Marriage is a great and solemn oath. The goal and ideal of the Christian life is that we would keep our word, whether yes or no, because we know that regardless the result (good or bad) to our lives of keeping that oath, we have a great reward when Jesus returns.
Jesus tells us that the pure in heart will see God. In our war against lust we cut off those things that lead to sin, but the ultimate treasure we receive is deeper fellowship with the Father himself, attracting the world toward that same kind of relationship in the process.
Jesus' admonition regarding anger does not repudiate the Law, or establish a new Law, but highlights the goal of the Law.
God's law is not about rules to do or don't. It highlights our character. God is looking for people who are characterized by the heart and spirit that naturally produces righteous action. He wants a people, like Jesus, who fulfill the law by love, not obligation.
What makes a disciple of Jesus different from other people we encounter in our own culture? Jesus says we are salt for the earth and the light of the world. It is important for us to engage with people in our spheres of influence, but how we engage is also important as we help others learn about the character of God.
People seek all kinds of ways to be happy. They read books, watch videos and attend conferences. But in this teaching Matt talks about 8 ways Jesus reveals how to walk in happiness. Join us for part 1 of our Summer on the Mount series, studying Matthew 5-7. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
When you are an apprentice, you are not just looking to learn a skill for the sake of learning a skill. But you are positioned under a "master" craftsman, etc and your goal is to learn how to fix or do that thing like your master would. To be a disciple is to learn from Jesus how to live our life like He would live it, if He were me. Join us for this single teaching from Matt Harbour on how to be a disciple of Jesus. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
The death of Jesus brought about the sacrifice needed to confirm the saving power of God's covenant through the Messiah. It is central to our faith in the coming Messiah because it led to the resurrected One. Join us for part 3 of our 3 part based Finished sermon series on The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
The death of Jesus brought about the sacrifice needed to confirm the saving power of God's covenant through the Messiah. It is central to our faith in the coming Messiah because it led to the resurrected One. Join us for part 2 of our 3 part based Finished sermon series on The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
The life of Jesus is central to how God finishes what he has promised. Without his life we have not fulfillment of what God has promised. Join us for part 1 of our 3 part based Finished sermon series on The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
The Old Testament in the Bible speaks of a coming One who will fulfill the covenants of God. The Messiah, who is Jesus is a witness to the word of the Lord. Join us for part 6 of our 6 part sermon series called Fulfilled. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
The Old Testament in the Bible speaks of a coming One who will fulfill the covenants of God. The Messiah, who is Jesus, reveals the word of God. The Scriptures testify about Him. Join us for part 5 of our 6 part sermon series called Fulfilled. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
The Old Testament in the Bible speaks of a coming One who will fulfill the covenants of God. The Messiah, who is Jesus, is also the Son of David. The Scriptures testify about Him. Join us for part 4 of our 6 part sermon series called Fulfilled. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
The Old Testament in the Bible speaks of a coming One who will fulfill the covenants of God. The Messiah, who is Jesus, the Lamb of God. Join us for part 3 of our 6 part sermon series called Fulfilled. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
The Old Testament in the Bible speaks of a coming One who will fulfill the covenants of God. The Messiah, who is Jesus, is the Promised One. Join us for part 2 of our 6 part sermon series called Fulfilled. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
The Old Testament in the Bible speaks of a coming One who will fulfill the covenants of God. The Messiah, who is Jesus. The Scriptures testify about Him. Join us for part 1 of our 6 part sermon series called Fulfilled. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
As a community of believers, we are the Body of Christ and desire to serve together. The gifts of the Spirit is one way to do that. Join us for part 4 of our 4 part sermon series called We Are The Body. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
As a community of believers, we are the Body of Christ and desire to grow together. Walking in the fruit of the Spirit is one way to do that. Join us for part 3 of our 4 part sermon series called We Are The Body. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
As a community of believers, we are the Body of Christ and desire to fellowship together. Communion is one way to do that. Join us for part 2 of our 4 part sermon series called We Are The Body. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
As a community of believers, we are the Body of Christ and desire to profess that together. Baptism is one way to do that. Join us for part 1 of our 4 part sermon series called We Are The Body. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
Say "No" to abortion and say "Yes" to helping women in crisis. A single sermon on a massive social issue that helps give clarity to the controversy and a thoughtful response to it all. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://
The second of a 2 part series about Bethany Church and our mission. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.
The first of a 2 part series about Bethany Church and our mission. For more information about Bethany Church in Bloomington, Minnesota: https://bethanychurchmn.com.