Redeemer Presbyterian Church: Recent Episodes
Ted Wenger
Bible teaching and preaching from Ted Wenger and Redeemer Presbyterian Church of Siloam Springs, AR.
I. God’s provision of this guilt offering deals with an offender’s guiltiness. II. It assures the guilty of forgiveness. III. It promotes God’s holiness. IV. It provides for the priest’s maintenance.
I. Christians are to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace because the church is created by the God who is one in three and three in one, vv4-6. II. Christians are to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, because we are members of one body, v4. III. Christians are to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace because we share one hope, v4.
I. The Lord has provided the sin offering in order to assure his people we are forgiven and accepted, vv25-26. II. The Lord has provided for the sin offering without compromising his holiness, vv27-28. III. The Lord has provided a sin offering even for his sinful priests, to assure them they are not left out of his blessings as they minister for the blessing of others, vv29-30
I. The presence of unity as the gift of God. II. The preservation of unity as the calling of Christians. III. The bond of this unity is peace.
I. The Situation: Peter's Imprisoned II. The Result: Peter's Freed III. The Situation: Herod's Praised IV. The Result: Herod's Judged
I. Remember God's past provision II. Devote present faithfulness to God III. Dwell upon God's future promises
I. The persistent opposition to God. II. The consistent determination of God. III. The pertinent and benevolent question from God.
I. The Jewish Christians say, "I was wrong" II. Barnabas says, "I can't do this alone" III. The Church in Antioch says, "How can I help?"
What does it look like to live, in our relationships with others, in light of the gospel? What sort of life is appropriate to the calling we have recieved?
I. What does Paul assume in verses one and two? II. What does he specifically urge in verses one and two? III. And how are we supposed to do that?
I. The design of a priest’s ministry is to enable others to dedicate themselves to God with thanksgiving for what God has done for them, vv14-15. II. The daily bread of a priest’s ministry is provided for by God out of the gifts of the people of God, vv16-18. III. The demand of a priest’s ministry is that he daily dedicate himself to God just as the people of God dedicate themselves to God, vv19-23. IV. The danger of a priest’s ministry is that he become joyless and thankless in his service of God and the people of God, vv19-23.
I. The necessity of a priest’s obedience to God, vv8-9. II. The necessity of a priest’s holiness before God, vv10-11. III. The necessity of a priest’s diligence with the fire of God, vv12-13
I. God’s love for you in Christ is better than you can explain, vv17-19. II. God’s power at work in you is more influential than you can imagine, v20. III. God’s glory is on display in more places than you yet see, v21.
I. Hope in the Lord's power to restore II. Hope in the Lord's power to revive III. Hope in the Lord's power to retain
I. The apostle reminds believers we are each personally and individually rooted and grounded in the love of Christ, v17. II. He prays that together, corporately, with all the saints, we’ll know how wide and long and high and deep is this love of Christ, v18. III. And he prays we’ll know and grasp this love, more and more, in v19.
I. The ministry of prayer prays about our hearts as Christ’s home. II. The ministry of prayer prays about our faith in Christ. III. The ministry of prayer prays about our assurance of the love of God in Christ.
I. Access to the LORD's promises II. Access to the LORD's justice III. Access to the Lord's worship IV. Access to the LORD Himself.
I. vv14-16 What do you do if you’ve misused or misappropriated any of the holy things that are associated with God’s worship? II. vv17-19 What if you may have done something wrong and you’re troubled about it, but you can’t quite put your finger on it? III. 6:1-7 What if you’re guilty as sin because you've intentionally, deliberately misused or misappropriated things that belong to other?
I. Why a sin offering if there's a burnt offering for atonement? II. The category of Unintentional sin is bigger than just ignorance, vv1-4. III. There are different kinds and categories of sin, and some are more heinous than others. IV. Confession of sin is part of the process of repentance and forgiveness, v5. V. God’s law made provision for the poor, so that socio economic status would not get in the way of assuring sinners of God’s forgiveness, vv7-13.
I. The one to whom he prays. Notice how deliberately Trinitarian is his prayer. II. Notice the manner of his prayer. It’s urgent, humble, and thoughtful. III. Notice he lifts his prayer to God the Father with childlike confidence and expectancy. IV. He prays to God the Father, to strengthen his people by the Spirit.
The unintentional sin offering. What was Israel to do if an anointed priest sinned? Or if the whole congregation sinned? Or if an elder, judge, prophet, king, chief musician, head of a tribe, or some other leader sinned? Or if a common person sinned?
The apostle Paul prays for believers to grow and mature as 1) the Spirit strengthens them, 2) Christ dwells in them, 3) They are rooted and grounded in love, 4) They comprehend the love of Christ, 5) They experience the love of Christ, 6) They are filled with the fullness of God.
I. The perspective we need, vv7-8a II. The content we pass along, vv8b-9. The anticipated results, vv10-11. The ongoing invitation, vv12-13.
I. From infliction to conviction II. From conviction to affliction III. From affliction to redemption
The Apostle Paul tells us God's Mystery. And he compels us to believe because I. The mystery is so good, v6. II. The mystery is certainly true, vv3-5. III. The mystery is worth suffering for, vv1-2.
I. Peace with God is a consequence of atonement. II. Peace with God should be celebrated with thanksgiving. III. Peace with God brings communion.
I. The church is the new community of God, v19. II. The church is the kingdom of God, v19. III. The church is the family of God, v19b. IV. The church is the temple of God, vv19-22.
I. Christ is our Peace. II. Christ makes peace by breaking down, abolishing, creating, and reconciling. III. Use this peace by receiving it, and using it.
I. Remember the ancient and arrogant antagonism between Jews and Gentiles, v11. II. Remember the sad alienation of the Gentiles, v12. III. Rejoice in the inclusive atonement of Christ, v13.
I. What does God require for us to be acceptable to him? II. What will God accept instead of us? III. How does this change us?
I. A powerful promise revisited II. A serious problem arises III. A future hope alluded.
I. A testament to God's faithfulness II. A rehearsal of sin's consequences III. A shadow of Christ's suffering.
Leviticus is often avoided by Christians but was the first Scripture studied by Jewish children in ancient synagogues. I. Why not study Leviticus? II. Why study Leviticus?
I. God saves us, and He saves us by his grace, v8a. II. God saves us by God’s grace, through faith, v8 III. God saves us by his grace, through faith in Christ, as a gift, vv8-9. IV. God saves us by grace, through faith, and for good works, v10
Why does God save anyone? Why does he forgive anyone's sins, and make his people alive in Christ?
I. Because of his rich mercy, v4a. II. Because of his great love, v4b. III. Because of his immeasurable grace, vv5-7. IV. Because of his kindness in Christ, v7.
I. Christians have a new identity in Christ. II. Christians have a new position in Christ. III. Christians can have a new posture toward the world, the flesh, and the devil.
I. The power of God's enemies perceived II. The power of God applied III. The means of God's power IV. The power of God accomplished
The righteous know the steadfast love of the Lord is: I. Perfect II. Precious III. Sure
The Christian's cry to the LORD is: I. "Save me" II. "Be near to me" III. "Remember your promises" IV. "Bless others"
Why did Jesus share our flesh and blood, adding humanity to his divinity? To deal with all that stands opposed to our eternal good: I. Jesus disarms the devil, v14. II. Jesus delivers us from death, v15. III. Jesus diverts the wrath of God from us, vv16-17. IV. Jesus delivers help to us in our temptations, v18.
Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. I. His Pre-existence. II. His Co-existence. III. His Divine existence. IV. He is Creator of all. V. He is the Source of eternal life. VI. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
By way of peace: I. We have been granted access to the Father II. We have been granted power to persevere in trials III. We have been granted assurance of pardon .
I. What did every Christian used to be before God saved them? We were dead, disobedient, dominated and doomed. vv1-3. II. What did God do for every believer? He made us alive, vv4-5. III. How did God make us alive? He made us alive together with Christ.
What is the natural state of humanity apart from God's saving grace? I. We are spiritually dead, v1. II. We are disobedient, vv2-3a. III. We are doomed, v3b.
We will not fear because our Mighty God: I. Saves II. Loves III. Provides IV. Remembers.
I. God's power in Jesus over death is God's power for Christians, v20. II. God's power in Jesus over the demonic is God's power for Christians, vv20-21. III. God's power in giving Jesus dominion is God's power for Christians, vv22-23.
I. A king who is all-seeing II. A king who is everywhere III. A king who is all-knowing IV. A king who is ever-holy
I. He will give you victory over your enemies II. He will answer your prayers III. He will strengthen His people
I. The Priority of Love, vv1-3. II. The Practices of Love, vv4-7. III. The Permanence of Love, v8a.
I. The Holy Spirit enlightens the eyes of our hearts, in answer to prayer, vv17-18 II. We need the Spirit to enlighten the eyes of our hearts in the hope of God’s calling, v18a III. We need the Spirit to enlighten the eyes of our hearts in the riches of God's inheritance, v18b IV. We need the Spirit to enlighten the eyes of our hearts in the greatness of God’s power, vv19-20
I. What are the limitations of the spiritual gifts? vv1-3. II. What are the spiritual gifts? vv 4-10. III. How did we get our spiritual gifts? v11. IV. Why do we have our spiritual gifts? v7.
I. The fact that Paul prays to God for fellow believers, v16. II. The thanks he gives to God for fellow believers, vv15-16. III. The request he makes to God for fellow believers, v17
How are Christians eternally secure in God's salvation? Because the Holy Spirit is 1) A Spirit. 2) The Holy Spirit. 3) The Promised Spirit. 4) The Seal. 5) The Deposit or Down Payment.
I. The church grows despite the enemy's persecution. II. The church grows because of God's faithfulness to His own promises. III. The church grows as they hear the gospel's proclamation.
I. The Holy Spirit is God. II. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the eternal Trinity. III. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to every one of his people. IV. The Holy Spirit is one of the two bonds of our union with Christ.
The opening words of the sermon invite you to Hebrews, but the sermon is actually on Ephesians! Sorry about that.
When we seek not the wisdom of God: I. We are easily deceived. II. We are confronted with dilemmas regarding our faithfulness. III. We live with the consequences of our sin. But all the more God's grace abounds and even uses our sin for His own glory and our ultimate good.
What does God's work in us look like? I. A heart for others, vv22-25. II. The humility to be needy, v21. III. The embrace of the helps to seek God's help, vv20-21.
"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory."
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
I. God has a plan for the universe and everything in it. II. God has let us in on his plan. III. God’s plan will be fulfilled at just the right time. IV. God’s plan is to unite all things together in Christ.
How should we respond to Christ and his atoning sacrifice? Offer to him a sacrifice of praise, and offer to others a sacrifice of generosity.
God's plans are never frustrated. Even the death of Stephen and consequential persecution of the early Church leads to the fruitful expansion of the church and proclamation of the gospel. I. The word goes forth in Stephen's death II. The word goes forth as the church is scattered.
I. The Redeemer. II. The Redeemed. III. Redemption and its Cost. IV. Redemption's Result. V. Redemption's Assurance
I. We have the Christ who is unchanging, vv7-9. II. We have a cross which brings division, vv10-12. III. We have a city that endures, vv13-14
In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
I. God the Father’s loving predestination of his people. II. God the Father’s loving adoption of his people. III. God the Father’s loving grace to his people.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
I. The loving generosity of God the Father. II. The loving choice of God the Father. III. The loving intention of God the Father.
Hebrews 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
Christian Praise is I. Trinitarian. II. Grateful. III. Father-Focused. IV. Christ-Centered. V. Spirit-Appreciative
Why listen to the apostle Paul? I. He's carrying God’s message to them, v1a. II. He believes the best about God’s work in them, v1b. III. He wants God’s best for them, v2.
Being loved by the Lord Jesus produces love in our hearts. Therefore Christians should I. Continue loving our brothers and sisters in Christ, v1. II. Love strangers, v2. III. Love the imprisoned and mistreated, v3.
God meets with His people whenever and however He wishes. I. God is not bound II. God sets the place III. God sets the terms IV. God has met with us most gloriously in Jesus Christ.
I. The Restoration of the Repentant II. The Command of the Conqueror III. The Just Judgment of the Judge
Stephen not only shows the religious leaders that God was present with His people prior to the Temple, but that He was also providentially present and at work to keep and preserve His people. Stephen refers to the Joseph narrative and walks us through: I. The Brother's Betrayal II. The Father's Faithfulness III. A Providential Promotion and concludes with the Covenant Continues.
I. Before Moses there was Abraham II. Before the Temple there was Worship III. Before the Law there was Promise
The battle belongs to the LORD. We fight our battles: I. For God's Glory II. In God's Power III. According to God's Word.
God grants us grace and the Holy Spirit to stand firm in the face of opposition to the gospel. We can face God's enemies even when they: I. Disagree with Christ's Teaching II. Designate False Witnesses III. Determine to Silence the Gospel.
When we encounter the Lord it must challenge our perspective: I. ... of our allegiance II. ...of God's holiness III. ...of God's commands.
The church grew in such an exponential way that there arose practical concerns and needs amongst the people in Jerusalem. The Apostles saw fit to establish what we now call Deacons to serve the most vulnerable among the Christian church. These servants become a means of the LORD's provision for His people. I. The Problem II. The Solution III. The Effect
As the LORD marks His people with the sign of circumcision so does He remind the Israelites the He always provides for His people. He has provided, will provide, and presently provides. I. The pattern of the Lord's provision II. The promise of the Lord's provision III. The point of the Lord's provision.
This text concludes the account of Peter and John's encounter with the Sanhedrin. We see from this passage that there are varying responses to the gospel and the Jesus that the apostles proclaimed. I. The response of the Sanhedrin II. The response of Gamaliel III. The response of the Apostles
This text recounts the Israelites receiving the sign and seal of circumcision, and so being marked as God's people, recipients of God's blessings, and heirs to God's promise. The LORD reassures His people that He is faithful to go before them, be with them, and make them His. I. The LORD's faithfulness perceived II. The LORD's faithfulness received III. The LORD's faithfulness applied.
How should we respond to the God who died for us that we might live with him? I. Don't refuse him because He is speaking to you in his Son, v25. II. Be grateful because you are receiving an enduring kingdom, vv26-28. III. Be reverent in your worship and service because our God is a consuming fire, vv28-29.
I. His anguish of love for the city of God, v37a. II. His anguish of love lamenting their wicked mistreatment of his messengers, v37b. III. His anguish of love, as of a caring mother rebuffed by her obstinate children, v37c. IV. His anguish of love, for a people cast off by God and destroyed by her enemies, v38. V. His anguish of love for them, as he holds out to them this hope of salvation, v39
I. What you have escaped from concerning Mount Sinai, vv18-21. II. What you have been brought to at Mount Zion, vv22-24. III. Application
I. The grace of God they are rejecting, v34. II. The guilt of sin they are accumulating, vv34-35. III. The generational attitude and judgment in which they are participating, v35-36.
I. Jesus accuses the scribes and Pharisees of self-righteousness and self-deception, vv29-31. II. Jesus, tongue in cheek, urges them to finish the evil of their fathers, v32. III. Jesus presses upon them the judgment of hell they deserve, that they may escape, v33.
How should we respond to the hardships of God's discipline? I. Help the weary and wounded, vv12-13. II. Pursue harmony and holiness, v14. III. Don't miss grace or grow bitter, v15. IV. Flee immorality and idolatry, vv16-17.
I. The danger of a graceless minister, v25a. II. The heart of a graceless minister, vv25, 27-28. III. The hope of a graceless minister, v26
The Lord will build His church. In this text we see that the Lord will preserve, persevere, and provide for his people even through a I. Supernatural deliverance, II. Supernatural determination, III. Supernatural declaration.
To combat spiritual forgetfulness, the LORD commands the people to establish a memorial to commemorate their deliverance into the Promised Land. This was so they might: I. II. Remember where, III. Remember when, and IV. Remember why.
I. The Privilege of Discipline, vv5-8. III. The Purpose of Discipline, vv9-10. The Product of Discipline, v11.
I. The deliverance of Jesus through death. II. The delight of Jesus in his people. III. The delight of his people in Jesus.
Jesus proclaims “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness." I. His approach. II. His affirmation. III. His rebuke. IV. His illustration.
I. The Christian life is like running a marathon race, vv1-2. II. The Christian life is like fighting in a cage fight, vv3-4. III. The Christian life is like being raised in a disciplinarian's home, vv5-6.
Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for playing fast and loose with God’s word, and leading others to do the same.
I. Jesus reveals their faulty reasoning, vv16 and 18. II. Jesus rebukes their faulty reasoning, vv17 and 19. III. Jesus reorients their reasoning, vv20-22
If Jesus is raised from the dead then: I. He shows his power in our weakness II. He is our hope when we despair III. He reveals the eternal in light of the temporal.
This text summarizes both the extraordinary and ordinary ways that the Lord was at work in His church. The Lord at work: I. A persistent presence II. The reputation of the redeemed III. The supernatural work of the Spirit.
I. They haven’t entered the kingdom of heaven, v13. II. They hinder others from entering the kingdom of heaven, v13. III. They make hellish disciples, v15
I. The uncommon successes of faith in the Messiah, vv32-35a. II. The unvarnished sufferings of faith in the Messiah, vv35b-39. III. The society of faith in the Messiah, vv39-40.
I. What the false teachers lack, vv5-7. II. What the disciples of Jesus don't lack, vv8-10. III. What matters in the kingdom of Christ is not man bestowed honors or titles, but service, vv11-12
The early church was not without her blemishes and struggles with sin. Ananias and Saphira deceive the Church, steal from the LORD, and so receive a swift and just punishment. This account warns the reader to not take the holiness of God lightly and shows us that what transpired was a ... I. Serious Sin II. Serious Offense III. Serious Threat IV. Serious Fear.
The LORD prepares the Hebrews to enter the Promised Land by revealing that He is present with them. He tells them to: I. Wait, II. Worship, III. Witness, and IV. Walk.
How will the early church respond to opposition? Empowered by the Spirit, they labor in such unity that they sacrificially give to aid the most needy among their ranks. This love and fellowship adorns the gospel message they proclaim, that the Lord would be glorified in both word and deed.
I. One Body II. One Property III. One Message IV. One Need
What happens when religious leaders go wrong? Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees and all who are like them for: I. Their ministry was devoid of authority from God, vv2-3. II. Their ministry was devoid of integrity. End of v3. III. Their ministry was devoid of the gospel, v4. IV. Their ministry was devoid of sympathy, end of v4
I. Faith despairs of self, knowing God's people are impotent to rescue themselves from destruction, v29. II. Faith despairs of self knowing God's people are impotent to secure by themselves their victory, v30. III. Faith despairs of self knowing God's enemies can have peace with God by his grace, v31
I. Who is the Messiah? V42. II. The Messiah is David’s Son, v42b. III. The Messiah is David’s Lord, vv43-45.
I. By faith, Moses' parents were not afraid to defy a King's cruel law, v23. II. By faith, Moses was not afraid to lose a king's privileges and luxuries, vv24-26. III. By faith, Moses did not fear a king's anger, v27. IV. By faith, Moses did fear God, v28.
I. The Church's Response to Persecution. II. The Church's Request in Prayer. III. The Church's Renewal by the Holy Spirit
Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." I. Why does he say this? II. What does it teach us about ourselves? III. What does it show us about why Jesus came?
I. The power of the Apostles' healing. II. The wonder of the Apostles' healing. III. The purpose of the Apostles' healing.
The Sadducees mock the resurrection and those who believe in it. Jesus rebukes them for being ignorant of Scripture and ignorant of the power of God. Life in the resurrection will be similar to but different from life here and now.
I. Abraham's reasoning faith (review), vv17-19. II. Isaac's defective faith, v20. III. Jacob's responsive faith, v21. IV. Joseph's instructive faith, v22.
I. Joshua's confidence in God's Promise. II. Joshua's confidence as God's Provision. III. Joshua's confidence in God's Presence. IV. Joshua's confidence in God's Plan
How does saving faith face death? I. Abraham's tested faith. II. Abraham's reasoning faith. III. A reasoning faith under the logic of the gospel.
I. They devoted themselves to the Apostle's teaching. II. They devoted themselves to the fellowship of the saints. III. They devoted themselves to the Lord's Supper. IV. They devoted themselves to prayer.
I. vv1-7 Invitations to the wedding feast go out, and are rejected. II. vv8-10 Invitations to the wedding feast are given to others, who fill the banquet hall. III. vv11-14 The King meet his guests, and finds one who doesn’t belong.
I. Embrace your true identity, v13 II. Embrace your only home, vv14-16a. III. Embrace your high privilege, v16b.
I. Don’t overlook the diligent care of God for his people, v33. II. See the cruel, violent, and foolish nature of sinners bent on rebellion, vv34-39. III. Consider God’s extravagant patience with Israel’s leaders. IV. Consider the just judgment of God against those who do reject his Messiah, vv40-41. V. So then, embrace the Messiah by faith, and bear the fruit of true repentance, vv42-44
I. Faith trusts God's power to accomplish what man is impotent to achieve, v11. II. Faith trusts God's faithfulness to fulfill what he has promised, v12.
I. The Father's love for his two children. II. The Father's grief over his reluctant children. III. The Father's patience with his reluctant children. IV. The Father's kingdom is for his repentant children.
I. The wise men sought Jesus because God first sought them. II. The wise men worshiped Jesus as God and King. III. The wise men gave gifts to Jesus even as they gave him their hearts.
I. Jesus is present with his church. II. Jesus is one with the Father. III. Jesus reveals the glory of God.
I. By faith, Abraham Left, v8. II. By Faith, Abraham Lived, v9. III. By Faith, Abraham Longed, v10.
I. The LORD is faithful today. II. The LORD is faithful tomorrow. III. The LORD is faithful forever.
I. By faith, Noah respected God's warning of judgment. II. By faith, Noah built a shelter for his household. III. By faith, Noah condemned the world for its wickedness. IV. By faith, Noah received the gift of righteousness.
I. The need for peace, v1. II. The promised peacemaker, vv2-5. 1) The birthplace of the peacemaker, v2a. 2) The origin of the peacemaker, v2b. 3) The timing of his peace, v3. 4) The manner of his peace, v4. 5) The nature of his peace, v5.
I. Counting the cost of redeeming. II. Paying the cost of redeeming. III. Celebrating the cost of redeeming.
I. The life that saving faith receives, v5. II. The relationship that saving faith pursues, vv5-6. III. The Rewarder whom saving faith believes, v6.
I. Never be surprised by religious adversaries to the authority of Jesus, v23. II. Jesus always outsmarts and exposes the hearts of his adversaries, vv24-26. III. Jesus will reject his adversaries who are persistent in rejecting him, v27.
I. Saving faith comes to God through blood sacrifice. II. Saving faith receives from God his pronouncement of righteousness. III. Saving faith speaks beyond the grave.
I. The curse of the fig tree. II. A lesson about fruitlessness. III. And a lesson about faith.
I. Faith is the title deed to God's promises, v1a. II. Faith is the legal evidence we possess God's promises, v1b. II. Faith is commended in God's people, v2. III. Faith believes the word of God's power, v3.
What happens when Jesus cleanses the temple? I. The weak and needy are cared for, v14. II. Children learn to praise him, v15. III. Religious hypocrites are rebuked, vv15b-17.
I. The saints must persevere in faith in Christ, v36. II. The saints will persevere in faith in Christ, v39. III. The saints have help to persevere, vv 32-28.
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. I. The warning of God’s vengeance, vv26-27. II. The justice of God’s vengeance, vv28-29. III. The certainty of God’s vengeance, vv30-31. IV. The escape from God’s vengeance in Jesus.
Before Jesus provides himself as the one sacrifice that can truly cleanse us of the pollution of our sins, he enters the Temple and cleanses it of the corruption of commerce, and the pollution of impiety.
Because of what we already have in Christ, what are Christians to do? I. Let us draw near to God in faith, v22. II. Let us hold fast our hope, v23. III. Let us love one another, vv24-25
What sort of king is Jesus? I. He’s the sovereign king in control of all creation, vv1-7. II. He’s the humble king who comes in peace, vv4-5. III. He’s the celebrated king whom the people misunderstand, vv8-11.
I. We have been saved ...
II. To proclaim Christ ...
III. To a lost and dying world ...
"by the mercies of God... present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
This post has been updated to play the audio of the sermon on Hebrews 10:11-18.
There is a perfect atonement for sin, by Jesus, the perfect high priest, offering up a perfect sacrifice, to bring us to perfection. I. The witness of the posture of the priest, vv11-12. II. The witness of the ascension and heavenly session of Christ, vv12-14. III. The witness of the Holy Spirit and the prophet Jeremiah, vv15-18.
I. The recognition of the identity of Jesus, vv29-31. II. The opposition to the agenda of Jesus, vv31-32. III. The appeal to the compassion of Jesus, vv32-34. IV. The demonstration of the power of Jesus, v34.
There is a perfect atonement for sin, by Jesus, the perfect high priest, offering up a perfect sacrifice, to bring us to perfection. I. The witness of the posture of the priest, vv11-12. II. The witness of the ascension and heavenly session of Christ, vv12-14. III. The witness of the Holy Spirit and the prophet Jeremiah, vv15-18.
I. How do we make sense of the Lord's directing hand? II. How do we make sense of the Lord's abounding grace? III. How do we make sense of the Lord's chastening rod?
Jesus says, "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
What is greatness in the kingdom of God? I. What is isn't. II. How hard it is. III. What it is.
I. The inadequacy of the Old Testament sacrifices to atone for any sin, vv1-4. II. The adequacy of Jesus in doing the will of God for our salvation, vv5-7. III. Some benefits of the perfect obedience of Jesus, vv8-10.
I. The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of the chief priests and scribes, vv17-18. II. The Son of Man will be tried, convicted, and sentenced to death, 18b. III. The Son of Man will be delivered over to the Gentiles to be ridiculed, tortured and killed, v19a. IV. The Son of Man will be raised from the dead, v19b.
I. Jesus appears now, in the presence of God, on our behalf, vv23-24. II. Jesus appeared once for all to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, vv25-26. III. Jesus will appear a second time to save those who are waiting for him, vv27-28
Jesus says, "Many who are first shall be last, and the last first." I. The call to labor, vv1-7. II. The payment of wages, vv8-12. III. The character of the landowner, vv13-16.
I. The blessings and beneficiaries of the new covenant mediator, v15. II. The death of the new covenant mediator, vv16-17. III. The blood of the new covenant mediator, vv18-22.
I. The praise he commands, vv1-2. II. The trust he counsels, vv3-5. III. The God who captivates, vv6-10.
I. Only God is Incomparably Huge, vv12-13. II. Only God is Indispensable to the World, vv15-17. III. Only God is Uncontrollable by the Religious, vv18-20. IV. Only God is Unquestionably Sovereign, vv21-24. V. Only God is Invincible in Power, vv25-26.
I. The way of redemption, vv11-12. II. The success of redemption, v12. III. The effect of redemption, vv13-14. IV. The aim of redemption, v14.
I. The sight of God’s majestic glory, vv1-3. II. The undoing of the guilty sinner, vv4-5. III. The grace of God’s forgiveness by atonement, vv6-7. IV. The willingness of God’s grateful servant, v8.
But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
The story of Balaam is about the righteousness of the Lord. I. The oracles of Balaam. II. The obituary of Balaam.
Peter says to Jesus, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” What does Jesus promise his people? I. The future possession of ruling authority, v28. II. The possession of a hundredfold of what we give up now, v29. III. The inheritance of life that never ends, v29b. IV. The blessings of God even to those who are last, v30
I. It is dangerous to be rich in this world, vv23-24. II. The possession of riches is not necessarily a sign of God’s favor, v25. III. It is impossible for any of us to save ourselves, but God can save any of us, v26.
I. The old covenant tent, vv1-2. II. The Holy Place and its furniture, v2. III. The Most Holy Place and its furniture, vv3-5.
A man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
I. Inner transformation by the power of the Spirit in accord with God's law, v10b. II. Union with God through Christ, v10c. III. Personal knowledge of God, v11. IV. Forgiveness of sins, v12.
God is not man, that he should lie,
or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?
Hebrews 8:6 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. I. The new covenant is better than the old covenant. II. The old covenant is the covenant with Israel and Moses as Mediator. III. The old covenant wasn't faultless. IV. the old covenant had faults that invited the longing for a second covenant. V. The fault wasn’t so much with the covenant itself, but with the people, v8. VI. The old covenant was more exclusive, and the new covenant is far more inclusive. VII. The old covenant is obsolete but the new covenant endures, v13.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
I. So what did the people bringing these children know about Jesus? v13a. II. What did the disciples get wrong about Jesus and children? v13b. III. What does Jesus think about children? v14. IV. What does Jesus do for them? v15
Jesus has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, v6. What are these covenants? How do they relate to the covenant of works and covenant of grace? What are the continuities and discontinuities between the old covenant and the new covenant?
I. The love of Jesus, vv1-2. II. The teaching of Jesus about marriage, vv3-9. III. The teaching of Jesus about singleness, vv10-12.
Jesus is better than the Old Testament priests and ministry because: I. Jesus sat down at the right hand of the majesty, v1. II. Jesus serves in the true tent of the Lord, set up by the Lord, vv2-4. III. Jesus is the substance of which the Old Testament potrayals are but a copy and shadow, v5.
I. Jesus sat down at the right hand of the majesty, v1. II. Jesus serves in the true tent of the Lord, vv2-3.
I. Marriage is a covenant relationship. II. Marriage is a public and social relationship. III. Marriage is for the mutual help of husband and wife, and their companionship. IV. Marriage is a sexual relationship. V. Marriage was designed by God from the beginning to be between one man and one woman, at one time. VI. Marriage of a man and a woman is about the marriage of Christ and his bride, the church. VII. It is God who makes marriages, not man.
Why is Jesus able to provide us an eternal salvation? I. He's the flawless high priest, v26. II. He's the final sacrifice, v27. III. He's our forever Mediator, v28.
Jesus is asked a question about divorce, and he begins his answer with this: "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female..." I. Jesus shows God’s love for people by healing them, vv1-2. II. Jesus shows God’s love for people in pointing us to his Word, vv3-4. III. Jesus shows God’s love for people in making us male or female, v4.
Jesus is the guarantor of a better covenant, who is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Why is Jesus a better priest than any other? I. Because of God's oath, vv20-21. II. Because he's the guarantor of a better covenant, v22. III. Because he always lives to intercede for us,, vv23-25.
I. Christians must forgive others who sin against us, and keep on forgiving them, vv21-22. II. But how do we do that? What can give us a heart to do that?, vv23-34. III. We aren’t a forgiven person if we don’t forgive others from our heart, v35.
Jesus is a better hope than the Old Testament law and priesthood could give. Why? Because the law gave a priesthood that brought imperfection, impermanence, and was impotent. But Jesus brings perfection, permanence and power. So in and by Jesus we can truly draw near to God.
I. The process of reconciliation in personal and church discipline, vv15-17. II. The responsibility and authority of the church in cases of church discipline, v18. III. The assurance we have of God the Father answering our prayers in cases of church discipline, v19. IV. The presence of Jesus in cases of church discipline, v20.
I. Melchizedek is a type of Christ, vv1-3. II. Melchizedek is greater then Abraham, and so also is Jesus, vv4-7. III. Melchizedek's Priesthood is greater than the Levitical Priesthood, and so also is the Priesthood of Jesus, vv8-10.
What should we do if someone in the Christian community sins against us? I. If we’ve been sinned against, we should confront the person personally and privately, v15. II. If they won’t listen to just you, you should take others along, v16. III. If they won’t listen to two or three people, take it to the church, for judicial action, v17. IV. If they refuse to listen even to the church, let them be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector, v17b
I. The evidence for the resurrection, vv1-10. II. The nature of the resurrection, vv11-16. III. The blessings of the resurrection, vv17-18.
Who is this mysterious Melchizedek? And how does he resemble Jesus? I. Melchizedek resembles Jesus as a king and priest of God Most High, v1. II. Melchizedek resembles Jesus because he is king of righteousness, v2. III. Melchizedek resembles Jesus because he’s the king of peace, v2. IV. Melchizedek resembles Jesus in that his priesthood wasn’t hereditary, v3a. V. Melchizedek resembles Jesus as a priest forever, v3b.
Jesus says "See that you do not despise one of these little ones." To despise is to look down on them, or think little of them, and then treat them like they are insignificant or detestable. I. Don't despise them because of their guardian angels, v10. II. Don't despise them because of their Good Shepherd, vv12-13. III. Don't despise them because of the will of God the Father, v14.
I. He is our sure and certain anchor. II. He is anchored for us behind the curtain in the Most Holy Place. III. He is our forerunner guaranteeing our safe arrival.
I. We must take great care that we aren’t a stumbling block to other Christians, vv5-6. II. We must be alert as the world puts stumbling blocks before us, v7. III. We must take great care that we don’t stumble ourselves, vv8-9.
How can Christians have full assurance of hope? I. Because of the promise and oath of God, vv13-15. II. Because of the humility, integrity, and kindness of God, vv16-18. III. Because of the Son of God, vv19-20.
I. The argument of the disciples about greatness in the kingdom of heaven, v1. II. In his response, Jesus uses a visual aid, v2. III. And then he gives his verbal lesson, vv3-4
I. Assurance of salvation is possible. II. Assurance of salvation is a pastoral and personal priority. III. Assurance of salvation produces perseverance.
I. Jesus is the free Son of God the King, vv24-26. II. Jesus fulfills the temple tax upon the cross, Exodus 30:11-16. III. Jesus is the Sovereign Lord of creation, v27.
I. The problem of those who fall away, v6. II. The description of those who fall away, vv4-6. III. The evidence and end of those who fall away, vv7-8
I. Why does Jesus repeat himself? II. What does he repeat? The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day. III. How should we respond?
I. The cause of spiritual immaturity, v11. II. The symptoms of spiritual immaturity, vv12-14. III. The foundation of spiritual maturity, vv1-2. IV. The source of spiritual maturity, v3.
I. Human misery and the need for healing mercy, but the impotence of the disciples, vv14-16. II. Jesus rebukes their faithlessness and twistedness, then demonstrates his own ability, vv17-18. III. A poor faith’s inability and a small faith’s ability, vv19-20.
Why is Jesus qualified to be our great high priest? I. Because of his tear-filled prayers, v7. II. Because of his reverent piety, vv7b-8. III. Because of his saving perfection, vv9-10.
I. The sovereign choice of God in the spiritual experiences of his disciples, v1. II. The clarity of Jesus concerning the future, v9. III. Christ’s help in answering our questions, vv10-12. IV. God’s servant, the second Elijah, in the plan of redemption, vv13. V. God’s care for his saints. VI. Our failures and Christ's faithfulness.
We all need a priest to represent us before God, and to sympathize with us in our weakness. How is Jesus better qualified than Aaron and his descendants to be our high priest?
I. The Transfiguration of Jesus, v2. II. The Appearance of Moses and Elijah, v3. III. The Cloud and the Voice of the Father, vv4-5.
Why be his disciple? I. Because of his glorious return, v27a. II. Because of his promised repayment, v27b. III. Because of his public reign, v28.
Because Jesus is our Great High Priest I. Let us hold fast our confession of him, v14. II. Let us come boldly to the throne of grace, v16.
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. I. Jesus invites us to be his disciple, v24 II. Jesus reveals what it means to be a disciple, v24. III. Jesus gives us a reason to be his disciple, v25
I. The timing of the birth of Christ shows us God's sovereignty over the world, vv1-3. II. The place of the birth of Christ show us God's providence in our lives, vv4-5. III. The manner of the birth of Christ shows us God's humility, vv6-7.
I. We must listen to the Word of God, v11. II. We must fear the Word of God, v12. III. We must see that we can’t escape the Word of God, v13. IV. Our only hope is the Word of God made flesh.
The birth of John the Baptist, and Zechariah's song of praise. I. The responsiveness of God’s people, vv57-66. II. The effectiveness of God’s discipline, vv 59-64. III. The prophecy of God’s Redeemer, vv67-75. IV. The purpose of John’s ministry, vv76-80.
I. The rest which God provides. II. The rest which God's Word offers us. III. The rest which God's people are to offer to others.
I. The Fellowship of Christians, vv39-41. II. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit, vv41-45. III. The Faithfulness of God, vv46-56.
I. We need to help one another, v13. II. We need to hold on to Jesus, vv14-15. III. We need to be honest about disobedience and unbelief, vv16-19
I. The humble circumstances of the Son, vv26-30. II. The exalted status of the Son, vv31-33. III. The supernatural conception of the Son, vv34-37. IV. The model servant of the Son, v38
A tested, hardened, straying, evil and unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. I. Be warned by Israel's unbelief, vv7-11. II. Examine your own heart, vv7-11. III. Don't fall away, v12.
The outworking of the providence of God in Zechariah and Elizabeth and John and us. I. VV5-7 God’s hard providences for the faithful people of God. II. VV8-13 God’s ordinary providences further the extraordinary purposes of God. III. VV13-17 God’s extraordinary providences fulfill the prior promises of God. IV. VV 18-25 None of God’s providences are frustrated by the fickleness of God’s people.
We glory in the greatness of Jesus. I. Jesus is faithful in God's house, just as Moses was, vv1-2. II. Jesus is the builder of God's house, but Moses is just a member of it, vv3-4. III. Jesus is the Son over God's house, but Moses was just a servant in the house, vv5-6.
Peter rebukes Jesus and Jesus rebukes Peter. I. Disciples of Jesus need to see the necessity of the sufferings, death and resurrection of the Messiah, v21. II. Disciples of Jesus can be wildly wrong about important spiritual matters, for which we need to be corrected, vv22-23. III. Disciples of Jesus must learn to think God’s thoughts after him, letting him mold our thinking, v23.
I. Jesus disarms the devil, v14. II. Jesus delivers us from death, v15. III. Jesus diverts from us the wrath of God, vv16-17. IV. Jesus dispenses help in our temptations.
I. The identity of the Son of Man, vv13-16. II. The blessing of God the Father, v17. III. The unstoppable construction of the church, v18. IV. The gift of the keys of the kingdom, v19. V. The strange secrecy of Christ, v20.
Why did God become Man? I. to lead us out of misery and into glory, v10. II. To set us apart as his brothers, vv11-12. III. To secure us for God as a gift, v13.
I. Christians must beware of false teachers, vv5-6. II. Christians must beware of false teaching, v12. III. Christians should be self-aware of their slowness to learn and grow, vv5-7. IV. But take heart! Notice the patience of Jesus with his disciples, vv8-11.
Why did God become Man? Since our dignity and dominion were ruined by a man, by a man they must be restored. I. What does it mean to be human? It means Dignity and Dominion, vv5-8. II. What has our rebellion against God brought? Disorder and Death, v8b. III. So what did Jesus do? He came to restore us. He tasted death for us that he might give us life, v9.
The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. I. As a master teacher, Jesus repeated himself often. Don't be afraid to repeat yourself. II. Do be afraid of being a Pharisee or Sadducee. III. To put Jesus to the test, to demand he prove himself, is evidence of a hard heart that refuses to trust in him. IV. Jesus exposes them for their worldly wisdom but spiritual blindness. V. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign. VI. The most significant proof of Christianity is the death and resurrection of Jesus.
The danger of drifting away from Jesus. Antidote: I. Pay much closer attention to the Gospel, v1. II. Contemplate the certain judgment of rejecting the Gospel, v2. III. Consider the truth of the claims of the Gospel, vv3-4.
Jesus feeds the 4,000. I. His compassion for Gentiles. II. His inclusion of Gentiles. III. His generosity to Gentiles.
I. Unlike the angels, Jesus is the Creator and Controller of the Universe, vv10-12. II. Unlike the angels, Jesus is the exalted victorious ruler over all his enemies, v13. III. Whereas Jesus came to save us, he sends his angels to serve us, v14.
If you’ve experienced the oppression of spiritual forces of darkness, or chronic disease, or permanent disabilities, or lingering illness or painful injury, you’ve experienced the truth that this world is not as it was created to be. Decay and death have entered in. Miseries abound. And what we need is the healing and hope only the Messiah can give.
I. The Messiah’s healings overflow to Gentiles, v29. II. The Messiah’s healings confirm his office and calling, v30. III. The Messiah’s healings provoke the worship of God, v31. IV. The Messiah’s healings aren’t finished.
Why is Jesus superior to angels? I. Angels are messengers but Jesus is the Son, vv4-5. II. Angels worship the Son, v6. III. Angels obey the Son because the Son is God, vv7-9.
I. God’s grace is for the unlikeliest people in the unlikeliest places, vv21-22. II. Affliction sometimes proves to be a blessing to a person’s soul, v22. III. Christ’s people are often less gracious and compassionate than Christ himself, vv23-24. IV. The fruit of God’s grace, in prayer, humility and persevering faith, vv25-28.
I. The Son is the heir of all things. II. The Son is the agent of creation. III. The Son is the radiance of God's glory. IV. The Son is the exact imprint of God's nature. V. The Son upholds the universe by the word of his power.
I. In vv10-11 Jesus says our problem is not what goes into us, but what is already inside of us. II. In vv12-14 Jesus straightforwardly tells his disciples the Pharisees and scribes can’t be trusted. III. vv15-18 What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. IV. And so, in vv19-20, the heart of the problem is the problem of the heart.
I. The continuity of God's revelation. II. The progress of God's revelation. III. The apex of God's revelation.
I. In vv1-2 We hear the accusation of the Pharisees against Jesus. There we see the hypercritical legalism of false religion. II. In vv3-6 we hear the counterattack of Jesus against the Pharisees. He exposes their insincere religious commitments and hardness of heart. III. In vv7-9 we hear Jesus sum up the Pharisees as pretenders, with no true heart for God.
I. The kindness of God in the healings of Jesus. II. The power of God in the healings of Jesus. III. The strangeness of God in the healings of Jesus.
Jesus walks on water and enables Peter to walk on water. Who is this Jesus? I. He’s The prayerful man, vv22-23 where Jesus goes up on the mountain to pray. II. He’s The sovereign of the seas, vv24-25 where Jesus walks on water. III. He’s The great I AM, vv26-27 where Jesus calms their fears by revealing himself. IV. He’s The enabling Lord, vv28-29 where Jesus enables Peter to walk on water. V. He’s The swift rescuer, vv30-31 where Jesus lifts Peter just as quickly as he shrieks “save me.” VI. He’s The adored deity, vv32-33 where the disciples confess & worship Jesus as the Son of God.
Who is Jesus? I. Jesus is the kind discipler, v13. II. Jesus is the compassionate healer, v14. III. Jesus is the long expected prophet, vv15-21. IV. Jesus is the new and better Moses. V. Jesus is better than Elijah. VI. Jesus is better than Elisha. VII. Jesus is the Good Shepherd of Psalm 23.
I. Courageous John, vv3-4. II. Fearful Herod, vv5-9. III. Vengeful Herodias, v8. IV. Her manipulated daughter, v6. V. The approving partygoers. VI. The faithful disciples of John, v12.
I. Clarity, Not Popularity (2:1-5). II. Consistency, Not Safety (2:6-7). III. Courage, Not Reluctance (2:8-3:3)
I. The humility of the Shepherd who cares for us. II. The confidence his care creates in us. III. The blessings his care guarantees to us.
Don't be a martyr. Don't be a man-pleaser. Don't be a mercenary. Don't be a task-master. Don't shepherd for the love of praise. Or for the love of money. Or for the love of power. But deal with your heart to shepherd the flock willingly, eagerly, and as an example.
I. We need deacons who manifest the grace of God in daily living, v8. II. We need deacons who are sincere in their faith in Christ, v9. III. We need deacons who can pass the test of blamelessness, v10. IV. We need deacons whose wives manifest the grace of God in daily living, v11 . V. We need deacons who are faithful in marriage and manage their children well, v12. VI. We need deacons who aim to serve well, and want the blessings of doing so, v13.
I. We need elders who desire the work of caring for God’s church, v1. II. We need elders who manifest the grace of God in daily living, vv2-3. III. We need elders who are able to teach, v2. IV. We need elders who manage their own household well, vv4-5. V. We need elders who are mature in the faith, not new to it, v6. VI. We need elders who have a good reputation with those outside the church, v7
How should men and women conduct themselves in public worship? I. Men are to pray, v8. II. Women are to adorn themselves, vv9-10. III Women are to learn, v11. IV. Women are not to preach or rule the church, v12. V. Why? vv13-15
Elders are overseers and shepherds of the church of God which he purchased with his own blood. What are elders to do? I. Love the flock of God intentionally, vv18-19, 36-38. II. Feed the flock without fear or favor, vv20-27. III. Protect the flock from all enemies of the gospel, vv28-32. IV. Lead the flock especially by example, vv33-35.
I. The crisis in mercy ministry, v1. II. The calling of mercy ministry, vv2-3. III. The qualifications for mercy ministry, vv3-6. IV. The consequences of faithful mercy ministry, v7.
I. The ministry aims of a God-honoring lifestyle. II. The God-honoring lifestyle to which different individuals should aim. III. The grace of God that produces this lifestyle.
Women in ministry in the early church. I. Paul's commendation of Phoebe, vv1-2. II. Paul's thanksgiving for Priscilla, vv3-4. III. Paul's shout out to the mother of Rufus, v13.
The apostle Paul's last publicly recorded words before being put to death by the Roman government for following Jesus. I. God's Providence. II. God's People. III. God's Grace.
I. The opposition of Paul's enemy, vv14-15. II. The desertion of his friends, v16. III. The support of the Lord, vv17-18
The tomb of Jesus was empty. His body was gone. I. The perplexity of the women and the words that convince them, vv1-8. II. The disbelief of the apostles, vv9-10. III. The curiosity of Peter, v12.
We see a very human apostle at the end of his life. We are frail children of dust, and feeble as frail. I. His loneliness, heartache, and need, vv9-12. II. His tenderheartedness and reconciliation in relationship, v11. III. His practical needs and priorities, v13.
Paul is about to be put to death for following Jesus. How does he face death without frustration, regret, or fear? I. How to face death with contentment, v6. II. How to face death with a clear conscience, v7. III. How to face death with confidence, v8.
I. The solemn, serious urgency of preaching God's Word, v1. II. Pastors and people are each to be taught, reproved, rebuked, exhorted and encouraged, v2. III. Why is this so important?, vv3-4. IV. What should a pastor do? 1) Always be sober-minded. 2) Endure suffering. 3) Do the work of an evangelist. 4) Fulfill your ministry.
Paul charges Timothy to preach the Word. I. Its solemnity. II. Its necessity. III. Its urgency. IV. Its methodology. V. Its delivery.
Why are the sacred writings able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus? I. Because of its origin: Scripture is God breathed, v16. II. Because of its purpose: Scripture is profitable or useful and beneficial, v16. III. Because of its sufficiency: Scripture is sufficient for all we need, v17
I. Continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, v14. II. Why? 1) Because you know who taught you. 2) Because you know the sacred writings that are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ.
I. A faithful pastor must first be a follower, v10 II. A faithful pastor must bear the fruit of the gospel, vv10-11 III. A faithful pastor must remember he’s never alone in his suffering, vv11-12
I. Their method, v6. II. Their audience, vv6-7. III. Their corruption, v8. Their failure, v9.
I. Be savvy about the generation in which you live, v1. II. Be aware how human sinfulness manifests itself in disordered loves, attitudes, relationships, and actions, vv 2-4. III. Don’t be shocked when you see this in the visible church, v5.
What should a pastor be and not be, do and not do? I. Don't be a controversialist, v23. II. Don't be quarrelsome, v24. III. Be kind to everyone, v24. IV. Be able to teach, v24. V. Patiently endure evil, v24. VI. Correct others gently, v25. VII. Aim and pray and hope that God may grant repentance to our hearers, v25-26.
I. An observation about vessels of honor and dishonor, v20. II. An implication: The privilege of being a vessel for honorable use, v21. III. An Exhortation: usefulness is related to Christlikeness, v22.
I. A warning to avoid irreverent babble, v16a. II. The dangers: it's godless and gangrenous, v16b-17. III. Some examples, v17b-18. IV. Encouragement and assurance, v19.
I. Christian teachers need to be reminded to keep the main thing the main thing, v14a. II. Christian teachers are not to quarrel about words, v14b. III. And Christian teachers must work hard to rightly handle God’s Word, v15.
The very nature of our Savior is that of grace, mercy, and compassion for he will not break the broken reed or put out the faintly burning wick.
Adam’s rebellion brings banishment for him and all his posterity from the enjoyment of the presence of God in the garden of paradise. But Christ is the Last Adam, and his obedience opens the door of access to the enjoyment of the presence of God for all who come to God through him. I. God's promise, v20. II. God's provision, v21. III. God's protection, v22. IV. God's preservation, v24
Why is the birth of Jesus good news of great joy? Because this world is full of bad news and great sorrow. I. What are the woman's pains? II. What are the man's pains? III. How do we understand our own pains in light of the gospel?
Christmas in Genesis. The baby born to Mary in Bethlehem is the seed of the woman promised to Eve in the Garden. I. The curse of the serpent. II. The plan of God's grace. III. Personal application.
I. The terrible complexity of sin, vv1-6. II. The gracious compassion of God toward sinners, vv8-9. III. The sad consequences of sin, vv7-13.
Why do we need the child born in Bethlehem? Because of what's wrong with the world and us, and because we cannot fix it ourselves. I. The offensiveness of sin, vv1-3. II. The rebellion of sin, vv4-5. III. The deceitfulness of sin, v6. IV. The consequences of sin, v7.
I. If we have died with him, we will also live with him; II. If we endure, we will also reign with him; III. If we deny him, he also will deny us; IV. If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.
A perspective on Jesus, v8. Remember Jesus. A perspective on God’s Word, v9. The word of God is not bound. A perspective on the elect, v10. The elect will obtain eternal glory.
I. Death couldn’t hold Jesus, v8
II. Man can’t imprison the gospel of God, v9
III. Pastoral difficulties can’t keep the elect from salvation, v10
I. Pastors are soldiers and should work like soldiers, avoiding distractions, seeking to please their commander and chief, the Lord Jesus, vv3-4. II. Pastors are athletes and should compete like athletes, following the rules of the game, looking ahead for their reward, v5. III. Pastors are farmers and should work like hard-working farmers, anticipating the production of crops, v6.
I. Pastors are soldiers and should work like soldiers, avoiding distractions, seeking to please their commander and chief, the Lord Jesus, vv3-4. II. Pastors are athletes and should compete like athletes, following the rules of the game, looking ahead for their reward, v5. III. Pastors are farmers and should work like hard-working farmers, anticipating the production of crops, v6.
I. Be continually strengthened for service by the grace that’s in Jesus, v1
II. Entrust sound teaching to others who can teach, v2
Proverbs 18:24 says "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." I. The negative examples in v15. II. The positive example of Onesiphorus in vv16-18. III. Paul’s response to Onesiphorus. IV. How we can all have a friend like Onesiphorus.
What should be the method of ministry of pastors and preachers and teachers? I. Stay on message: Follow the pattern of sound words, v13a. II. Check your heart - for the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus, v13b. III. Guard the Gospel - the good deposit entrusted to you, v14b. IV. How? Depend upon the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, v14a.
What does it take to be willing to suffer the scorn of others for speaking up for Jesus? I. We need clarity about the kind of God and gospel worth suffering for. II. We need contentment in God’s providence. III. We need confidence in God’s power to preserve the gospel.
What kind of God is this who calls an apostle to martyrdom, who calls a Timothy to share in suffering, who calls upon us to not be ashamed of him, his gospel, and his people? I. His saving grace. II. His calling grace. III. His sovereign grace. IV. His eternal grace. V. His Christ-centered grace. VI. His liberating grace.
What kind of God is this who calls an apostle to martyrdom, who calls a Timothy to share in suffering, who calls upon us to not be ashamed of him, his gospel, and his people? I. His saving grace. II. His calling grace. III. His sovereign grace. IV. His eternal grace. V. His Christ-centered grace. VI. His liberating grace.
Paul moves from encouragement to exhortation. He urges Timothy to I. Use his gifts, v6. II. Rely on the Spirit, v7. III. Don't be ashamed, v8a. IV. Share in suffering, v8b
How do you lead Christians to serve Jesus and to keep on serving him? I. V3 Encourage before you exhort. Pray before you pronounce. II. V4 Build loving friendship before commanding faithful labor. III. V5 Affirm God’s work in them, before assigning them work for God.
I. What should ministry look like that believes the gospel and propagates the gospel? 1) Facing death with hope. 2) Facing opposition without wilting. 3) Facing the need for leadership. II. Why listen to Paul? 1) His authority. 2) His affection. 3) His appeal.
The last song Jesus sang publicly before his betrayal and crucifixion was Psalm 118 which begins, "Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" Can you imagine? What about us? How can we sing that God is good, and is being good to us, when life hurts us and people are hateful to us?
I. Celebrate the goodness of God and his love, vv1-4
II. See that Jesus suffered like us, as an example, vv5-21.
III. See that Jesus suffered for us, as our Savior, vv22-29.
I. The call to everyone everywhere to praise Yahweh, v1. II. The reason? Because of Yahweh’s covenant love and faithfulness, v2.
I. What Yahweh did for the Psalmist, vv1-11. II. What the Psalmist did for Yahweh, vv12-19.
How should we fight the temptation to idolatry? I. Assert Yahweh's dominance, v3. II. Mock the impotence of idols, vv4-8. III. Beware the more subtle and sinister danger of idolatry of self, v1. IV. Trust in Yahweh, vv9-11. V. Look for blessing from Yahweh, vv12-15. VI. Remember men and women are the image/idol of God on the earth, vv16-18.
I. Recognize the God of Jacob’s People, vv1-2. II. Celebrate the God of Jacob’s Power, vv3-6. III. Tremble in the God of Jacob’s Presence, vv7-8
I. The Comprehensive Praise of Yahweh’s Name, vv1-3. II. The Challengers to Yahweh’s Sovereignty, vv4-6. III. The Compassion of Yahweh’s help, vv7-9.
I. Who is the blessed person? II. How are they blessed by God? III. What should we think when our experience is different?
I. The one who worships Yahweh: 1) V1 Worship Yahweh. 2) Worship Yahweh in a deliberate way. 3) Worship Yahweh from your heart. 4) Worship Yahweh with his people. II. The One we worship. 1) Vv2-4 His character. 2) Vv5-6 His charity. 3) Vv7-8 His commands. 4) V9- His covenant.
The Psalmist prayed against one who "did not remember to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and the brokenhearted, to put them to death. He loved to curse; let curses come upon him!" What should we make of this? I. The psalmist’s complaint to God, vv1-7. II. The psalmist’s curses, vv8-15. III. The wicked man’s character, vv16-20. IV. The psalmists’ cry to God, vv21-29. V. Congregational praise, vv30-31.
How can we walk with God in such a way that as we fight our battles against the world, the flesh and the devil, we can do so without our heart melting in fear, without giving up? Pay attention to: I. The steadfast love of God, vv1-4. II. The saving glory of God, vv5-6. III. The sovereign promises of God, vv7-9. IV. The certain victory of God, vv10-13.
I. Give thanks for the steadfast covenant love of the LORD, vv1-3. II. Personal thanksgiving for four specific examples of divine intervention, vv4-31. III. Public praise of God for his providential hand, vv32-42.
I. The certainty of hell, vv47-48. II. The hope of hell, v49. III. The horror of hell, vv49-50. IV. The escape of hell.
Jesus says,“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
I. God Values His People. II. God Determines to Acquire His People. III. God Gives Everything to Purchase His People. IV. God Does it For Joy.
Want to know why the kingdom of Jesus can seem small and slow, insignificant and ineffective?
I. The small start yet large expansion of the kingdom Jesus is building, vv31-32
II. The subtle yet thorough influence of the kingdom Jesus is building, v33
III. The submission of the king which is the foundation of the kingdom Jesus is building, vv34-35
I. Consider your heart. II. Consider these thorns. 1) The cares of this age. 2) The deceitfulness of riches. 3) The desire for other things. 4) The pleasures of this world.
Jesus says, "As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away."
Jesus says, "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path." I. Context. II. Content.
To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. I. Parables judge unbelief, vv10-13. II. Parables fulfill prophecy, vv14-15. III. Parables magnify God's grace, vv16-17.
Jesus asked “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” I. The mess of Jesus’ natural family, v46. II. The priority of Jesus’ spiritual family, vv48-49. III. The marks of Jesus’ spiritual family, v50.
Jesus says, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." I. Making Jesus prove himself to you more than he already has, before you’ll trust in him, is evil and adulterous, vv38-39. II. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is the sign Jesus has given you, v39-40. III. Pagans repented at the preaching of Jonah and the wisdom of Solomon, so we have no excuse if we reject Jesus, because he’s greater than both, vv41-42. IV. An evil generation devoid of God, will grow worse and worse, vv43-45.
Jesus says, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." What do our words say about the condition of our hearts? I. The character of God is made known to us in and by Jesus, vv33-34. II. Out of the abundance of your heart, your mouth speaks, vv34-35. III. On judgment day, what we are at heart will be proved by what we have said with our mouth, vv36-37.
Jesus gave a blind and mute man his sight and voice. What do you say? Did he do it by Satan, or by the Holy Spirit? And if by the Spirit, shall we not trust in him and follow him?
A sermon by ruling elder Aaron Raines, assistant to the pastor at Christ Church, Bentonville, ministerial intern for Hills & Plains Presbytery, and seminary student.
I. The Call to Maturity. II. The Characteristics of Maturity. III. The Power of Maturity. IV. The Joy and Reward of Maturity.
I. How usual and unusual this servant is, vv1-3 II. The despondence and confidence of the servant, v4. III. The world-wide mission of the servant, vv5-6. IV. The God-assured success of the servant, vv7-12. V. What should we do? Sing for Joy!
I. We need preaching that consoles us with the comfort of God's forgiveness, vv1-2. II. We need preaching that consoles us the coming of God's glory, vv3-5. III. We need preaching that consoles us with the constancy of God's Word, vv6-8. IV. We need preaching that consoles us with the care of God's Shepherd, vv9-11.
I'm indebted to my Old Testament professor Dr. Ralph Davis for a significant portion of this outline, explanation, and illustrations.
The prophet Isaiah's kingdom of the Messiah hope: The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them... They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. I. His ancestry, vv1,10. II. His adequacy, vv2-5. III. His accomplishment, vv6-9. IV. His attractiveness, v10.
I. Our hope is a hero. II. He brings light into darkness, vv1-2; liberty to the oppressed, vv3-5, and leadership to the kingdom, vv6-7. III. Because he's the Wonderful Counselor, the Might God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench. I. See how judicious he is, vv15-16. II. See how necessary he is, v18b. III. See how delightful he is, v18a. IV. See how quiet he is, v19 V. See how gentle he is, v20. VI. See how successful he is, v21.
I. The corporate public worship participation of Jesus is a pattern for us, v9. II. The legalistic hard heartedness of the Pharisees is a warning to us, v10. III. The mercy of Jesus to people is our example, vv11-12. IV. The spiritual blindness and hatred of the Pharisees, vv13-14.
I. Jesus debates the Pharisees because the Sabbath matters as a day of rest for his disciples. II. Jesus rebukes the Pharisees because they laid heavy burdens on people by man-made legalistic and corrupt Sabbath demands. III. Jesus teaches us the true principles that will bless our own observance of the fourth commandment.
Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." What an invitation! I. You are invited to come to a Jesus, v28. II. You are invited to receive rest from Jesus, v28b. III. You are invited to be a disciple of Jesus, vv29-30.
I. Jesus thanked God the Father because he hides and reveals the truth about Jesus, v25. II. Jesus attributes the Father’s revealing to the Father’s will, v26. III. Jesus claims sovereignty in deciding who to reveal the Father to, v27.
Jesus asks, "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’" I. Jesus poses a question. II. Tells a parable. III. Provides an explanation. IV. And concludes with a proverb.
Who is John the Baptist, why did he come, and how does he help us understand Jesus? I. John is the prophet whom Jesus defends, vv7-9. II. John is the forerunner who prepares us for Jesus, vv9-10. III. John is ranked greatest but we’re greater than him, v11. IV. John is the End of the Prophets and Law, vv12-13 . V. John is the Elijah who is to come, vv14-15
John the Baptist sent word to Jesus: “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” I. Who is it that’s doubting?, vv2-3. II. Why does he have these doubts?, vv1-3. III. How does Jesus answer his doubts and strengthen his faith?, vv4-6
Peter warns us of our adversary the devil, but he reassures us of the care of the God of all grace. I. Spiritual warfare and the devil, vv8-9a.. II. Suffering and the reassurance of the God of grace, vv9b-11. III. Solidarity in the body of Christ, vv12-14
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." How might that promise affect our relationship to church elders, to one another, and to our own circumstances and anxieties? I. Humility toward church elders, v5a. II. Humility toward one another, v5b. III. Humility toward God, vv6-7.
What are elders and why should we care about that, and what do they do, and how should they do it, and why? I. The elder's office, v1. II. The elder's responsibility, v2. III. The elder's attitude, vv2-3. IV. The elder's reward, v4.
I. Don’t let your suffering shake your confidence in the Lord’s love for you, v12a. II. Don’t let your suffering surprise you, v12. III. Instead, rejoice in sharing in Christ’s suffering and glory, v13. IV. And recognize you’re blessed, v14. V. So don’t suffer for doing shameful things, nor be ashamed of suffering for Christ, vv15-16. VI. But keep trusting the Lord amidst his purifying judgment, vv17-19.
I. Arm yourself with an attitude, v1. II. Walk in the will of God, v2. III. Leave your old lifestyle, v3. IV. Refrain from retaliation, vv4-5. V. Remember it’s the gospel that gets us glorified, v6
I. What shall I do to inherit eternal life? II. What is written in the Law? III. Who is my neighbor? IV. Which of these... do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?
I. A Kingdom mindset, v7. II. A loving mindset, v8. III. A serving mindset, vv9-11a. IV. A kingdom mindset, v11b.
How can we know that it is better to suffer for doing good, than for doing evil? I. The death of Christ, v18. II. The proclamation of Christ, vv19-20. III. The resurrection of Christ, v21. IV. The ascension and rule of Christ, v22
Count the cost, and the benefits, of following Jesus. An excellent sermon by Aaron Raines, ruling elder at Christ Church Bentonville, ministry intern with Hills & Plains Presbytery, and LAMP Seminary student through Trinity Grace Church, Rogers, AR.
How should Christians share the good news? I. Deal with your fears. II. Focus on Christ the Lord. III. Prepare to speak. IV. Guard your attitude. V. Don't be surprised by rejection. VI. Rest in God's sovereignty.
The apostle Peter says, "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless..." What? Why? How? I. How to honor Jesus in the way you treat fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, v8. II. How to honor Jesus in the way you treat those who mistreat you, v9. III. Why bother? Or How to honor Jesus because of Jesus, vv10-12
A wonderful sermon by Rev. David Wilson, founder and director of Bent-Tree.
Bent Tree exists to remind pastors of their callings as followers of Jesus, pastors, husbands, fathers, brothers, children, and friends. We provide rest, wisdom and fellowship through online communities, national gatherings and training events, pastoral coaching relationships, and counseling. We want healthy pastors for healthy churches and a healthy society. Everyone is welcome, our only agenda is the health of your soul and the sharpening of your callings. https://pcamna.org/ministry/bent-tree/
The apostle Peter says "Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." Do what?
I. Love her at home. II. Pursue knowing her. III. Show her honor. IV. Be sensitive to her vulnerability. V. Honor her in light of God's treatment of her. VI. Honor her in light of God's warning to you.
Proverbs 12:4 "An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones." I. How to adorn the gospel in the eyes of your husband, vv1-2. II. How to adorn yourself because of the Gospel before the eyes of God, vv3-4. III. How to adorn yourself after the example of other holy women, vv5-6
The apostle Peter says, "For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly." How can we bear up under unjust suffering? I. Keep your eyes on God, vv18-20. II. Imitate Christ, vv21-22. III. Focus on the cross, vv23-25
I. Christians are commanded to submit ourselves to governing authorities, v13. II. Why? 1) Because of the Lord Jesus, v13. 2) Because of the purpose of government, v14. 3) Because of our witness to unbelievers, v15. 4) Because our freedom is spiritual not political, v16. III. Summary: putting government in its place, v17.
Peter tells the church how to engage the world. I. Remember the community where you are dearly loved, v11a. II. Fight yourself, not non-Christians, v11b. III. Be neighborly, v12a. IV. Don’t be surprised by false accusations, v12b. V. Keep the end in mind, v12c
What is the church and what's it for? I. Who’s he describing? II. What’s our status? III. What’s our purpose? IV. How did we get this?
God makes Christians who we are, because of who Christ is. I. We are to come to Jesus, and to keep coming to Jesus, v4 II. Christians keep coming to Jesus who is the living stone, v4 III. Christians are living stones in God’s house, in union with Jesus, v5 IV. Christians are being made into a holy priesthood, v5 V. Christians can come to God through Jesus with confidence, vv6-7 VI. Lessons: a challenge, a warning, and a hope.
I. Love one another earnestly because you have begun to love one another sincerely, v22. II. Love one another earnestly because the seed of the God of love lives in you, vv23-25 III. Love one another by putting away everything that’s unloving, 2:1 IV. Crave the milk that makes you grow up to be more loving, 2:2-3
I. Why does Peter introduce ransom at this point? II. What does he mean by it? III. From what are we ransomed? IV. What did it take to ransom us? V. And what’s the result?
Christians are sons and daughters of the Holy One of Israel. How should we live? I. Set your hope on God's grace, v13. II. Bear the family likeness, vv14-16. III. Live with fear towards your heavenly Father, vv17-19.
Peter fixes his eyes on Christ's suffering and subsequent glories, and invites us to join him and these others: I. The prophets who prophesied and inquired about Christ, v10. The Holy Spirit who predicted Christ, v11. III. The earliest preachers who announced Christ, v12. IV. The angels who long to look into the things of Christ, v12b
Peter speaks of our afflictions in light of our assurances, so faith can rejoice even as we grieve. I. An assured faith rejoices, v6a. II. And assured faith rejoices and grieves, sometimes simultaneously, v6. III. Faith is proved genuine and is purified by trials, vv6-7. IV. Faith loves the unseen Savior, vv8-9
I. We bless God for the new life he’s given us in our living hope, v3. II. We bless God because our hope is an inheritance kept by God for us, v4. III. We bless God because His power keeps us to the very end, v5.
I. Who is Peter? v1a. II. Who are his hearers in relationship to the world? v1b. III. Who are they in relationship to God? v2
Jesus says, "whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
I. Jesus says it will be painful not merely peaceful to follow him, vv34-36. II. Jesus says you must love him above everyone else, v37. III. Jesus says you’re going to have to die if you really want to live, vv38-39
I. Christians should not fear people, for the truth will come out, vv26-27. II. We should fear God instead, because he’s bigger than any person, v28. III. Christians shouldn’t fear, because we are valued by God, vv29-31. IV. Therefore Christians facing hostility should publicly profess faith in Jesus, vv32-33.
Jesus says, "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves..." I. Be wise and innocent, v16. II. Beware of men, vv17-18, 21-22a. III. Do not be anxious, vv19-20. IV. Be stubborn, v22b. V. Be cautious, v23. VI. Be encouraged, vv24-25.
Jesus chooses the Twelve. God knows their names and wants us to know them too. I. Their mission, vv1-2. The men, vv2-4.
Worn out, without an end in sight. Is that you? Harassed and helpless? Distressed and downcast? Flayed open and cast off? Jesus sees you and is moved with compassion. He is the shepherd you need. I. The comprehensiveness of his ministry, v35. II. The compassion of his ministry, v36. III. The command to share in his ministry, vv37-38
I. The blind men have eyes to see that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of David, v27. II. The blind men seek mercy from the Messiah, and receive it, vv27-31. III. Religious leaders are frequently blind, and mixed up about Jesus, vv32-34.
I. The readiness of Jesus to help the desperate, vv18-19. II. The tenderness of Jesus as he helps the desperate, vv20-22. III. The ability of Jesus to raise the dead, vv23-26.
What do wedding guests, tailored clothes, and good wine suggest? True Christianity. The Bridegroom has come for his bride. "O I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine! He brings a poor vile sinner into His house of wine" sings the bride. I. A wedding reception, v15. II. A tailor's shop, v16. III. A wine maker, v17
Jesus appointed laborers and sent them out, two by two, saying "“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” I. Observations about Jesus. II. Observations about disciples.
I. Jesus is aggressive with his grace, v9-10. II. Jesus is despised for his grace, vv10-11. III. Jesus explains who needs his grace, vv12-13
I. The unexpected priority of forgiveness, vv1-2. II. The revelation of the deity who forgives, vv3-4. III. The hidden cost of forgiveness, vv3-8
Who is this man, that even demons obey him? I. In his confrontation with demons he’s revealed to be the Son of God, vv28-29. II. In his victory over the demons he’s revealed to be sovereign over the forces of evil, vv30-32. III. The response of the people shows us he’s scorned by the worldly, vv33-34
I. There is a cost to following Jesus, vv18-20. II. We must not put off following him, but prioritize Jesus above all, vv21-22.
I. Jesus heals the common and simple things, vv14-15. II. Jesus heals the complex and spiritual things, v16. III. Jesus heals completely as foretold in Scripture, v17
I. Jesus welcomes the outsider, vv5-7. II. Jesus is Lord over disease, vv7-10. III. Jesus is Savior of the world, vv11-12. IV. You can trust his word, v13.
I. The uncleanness of the leper Jesus heals, vv1-2. II. The compassion of Jesus who heals the leper, vv3-4. III. Practical concerns for us.
I. Greetings to church members, v15. II. Instructions about church worship, v16. III. Accountability for church leadership, v17. IV. Grace for sustaining the church, v18.
I. Epaphras: A Hard Worker, vv12-13. II. Luke: A Humble Friend, v14a. III. Demas: A Horrendous Fool, v14b
I. The recognition of Gospel servants in the church, vv7-9.. II. The remnant of Gospel grace among the Jews, vv10-11. III. The restoration of failures in Gospel ministry, v10.
Every Christian can have an influential ministry for Jesus by praying for preachers. I. Pray for preachers as if preachers are people too. II. Pray for preachers to have open doors for ministry. III. Pray for preachers to have open doors for God's Word. IV. Pray for preachers to declare the mystery of Christ. V. Pray for preachers to have courage and boldness. VI. Pray for preachers to preach clearly.
I. The priority of prayer. II. The manner of prayer for ourselves. III. The ministry of prayer for preachers.
I. Work is good, and God's idea. II. Work with a ready willingness to fulfill all moral and legal commands, v22a. III. Do your work not for people, but for Jesus, v22b. IV. Work with a hearty effort, knowing you are serving Jesus.
I. The Gospel is humanizing and dignifying. II. The Gospel is for the lowest in society. III. The Gospel is for people in the hardest of circumstances. IV. The Gospel and abolition
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” I. Don't start your parenting here in v21, but by believing the Gospel and trusting Jesus. II. Don't start your parenting in v20 concerning obedience, but in vv12-17 with love. III. Do parent in light of v20 "obedience pleases the Lord." Does it please parents? IV. The importance of Father's to God. V. Ways we might exasperate our children to the point of losing heart.
"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." I. What's he talking about? II. Who's he talking to? III. What's he saying? IV. Why is he saying it?
"Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." I. The role of the husband. II. The responsibility of the husband. III. The restriction of the husband.
"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." Is this freeing or enslaving, enabling or squashing, energizing or deflating? I. Marriage. II. Liberation. III. Submission.
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." I. Christians are called to live a fully integrated life. II. Christians are called to live a fully submissive life. III. Christians are called to live a fully doxological life.
I. The indwelling of the Word. II. Our ministry of the Word. III. Singing the Word. IV. The fruitfulness of the Word.
Relational friction is common. Christians are called to be agents of peace. What do we need in order to get along with other Christians? I. Prioritize peace. II. Live under the rule of peace. III. Cultivate the aid to peace.
Our world is growing increasingly impatient. Demanding. Bullying. Arrogant. Unkind. Hard hearted toward others. But God tells Christians to be different. I. God commands us to bear with one another, v13a. II. God commands us to forgive one another, v13b. III. God commands us to love one another, v14
I. Embrace your new identity. II. Embrace your new community. III. Embrace your new responsibilities.
The process of growing in Christlikeness: I. Involves a change of clothes. II. Involves a community context. III. Flows from embracing our new identity: we are chosen, holy, and beloved.
Do not lie to one another, says the apostle. We are called to be truth tellers. Why? I. Because we're new in Christ, vv9-10. II. Because we're being renewed in the image of Christ, v10. III. Because we belong to the body of Christ, v11.
Sanctification involves putting sin to death. What's involved? I. We must name our specific sins honestly. II. We must treat our sins ruthlessly. III. We must consider our sins soberly.
God changes Christians through a process called sanctification. He progressively makes us more like Jesus. Where does that begin? I. Sanctification begins with union with Christ. II. Sanctification involves the mind, vv1-2. III. Sanctification needs a hope filled perseverance, vv3-4.
How do Christians NOT grow and become more like Jesus? By asceticism. I. It's contrary to who you are in Christ, v20. II. It doesn't have power over your soul, vv20-22. III. It's based on man-made, not God-given, religion, v21. IV. It can't keep you from sinning, v23.
Readings and Lessons from God's Holy Word. The Son is the heir of the vineyard. How have we treated him?
Don't believe the legalists. Don't let them judge you. Don't let them disqualify you. I. There’s a legalism that’s rigid about rules, vv16-17. II. There's a legalism that's exuberant about experiences, vv18-19.
I. Jesus frees us from spiritual death, v13. II. Jesus frees us from the record of our debt, v14. III. Jesus frees us from the forces of darkness, v15
What does greatness look like in the kingdom of Jesus? What is true Christian leadership?
I. Jesus cradles children. II. He confronts a rich man. III. He comforts his disciples. Our daily reading from God's Word, for saints and sinners.
In this lesson Jesus teaches us about the blessing of marriage and the sorrow of divorce. In speaking of it he points us to his love, his patience, and his faithfulness. Our daily reading in God's Word, for saints and sinners.
Keep on walking with Jesus. I. Beware lest anyone plunder you away from Christ, v8. II. Value Christ, the union of deity and humanity, v9. III. Understand your spiritual fullness in Christ, v10.
I. Distrust your own ability. II. Distrust your own agenda. III. Distrust your own ambitions. IV. Distrust your antagonism towards others. V. Distrust your attitude toward sin and temptation. Our daily reading in God's Holy Word for the stir crazy and all the rest.
The transfiguration of Jesus. His glory is our hope. His beloved Son brings us to God. Our daily reading in God's word for the stir crazy and all others.
How do we see Jesus? And seeing him, how do we see ourselves? Our daily reading in God's Holy Word from Mark. For stir crazy kids and their families. All others welcome too!
Christians are to keep on living in Jesus. What's that look like? I. Having been rooted in him. II. Being built up in him. III. Being established in the faith. IV. Overflowing in Thanksgiving.
I. Confronting Pharisees. II. Compassion on a Gentile. III. Confirming his Deity. Our daily reading from God's Word. For the stir crazy and all others!
Who is this Jesus who feeds the 5000 and walks on water? Our daily reading and lesson from God's Holy Word, for all who are cooped up and stir crazy, needing hope.
Our daily reading from God's Word. For stir crazy kids and the parents who love them. All others may listen in!
Jesus speaks to his people about our sufferings. He gives us his perspective, comfort and hope.
Our daily reading and lesson in the Gospel of Mark. For stir crazy parents and the kids who love them. All others can listen in too!
Daily readings & lessons from the Gospel According to Mark. Perhaps stir crazy kids and the parents who love them will give it a listen. All others may join in too!
Daily readings & lessons from the Gospel According to Mark. Perhaps stir crazy kids and the parents who love them will give it a listen. All others may join in too!
The first of our daily readings & lessons, from the Gospel According to Mark. Perhaps stir crazy kids and the parents who love them will give it a listen. All others may join in too! I hope to have a video version available as well.
In a world as unsettling as this. When we realize our lives are not in our own hands. And that we are subject to all the vagaries and miseries of this life. What can settle our hearts? I. Assurance is a ministerial priority, v1. II. Assurance is a matter of the heart, v2a. III. Assurance is aided in a loving community, v2b. IV. Assurance is grounded in knowing Christ, vv2c-3. V. Assurance prevents deception, vv4-5.
What should characterize a ministry that ministers on behalf of Jesus? I. It suffers the afflictions of Christ, v24. II. It serves the household of Christ, v25. III. It proclaims the mystery of Christ, vv26-27. IV. It seeks our maturity in Christ, vv28. V. It struggles by the power of Christ, v29.
Christians don't need anything beyond Jesus, we just need to keep believing in Jesus. So Paul reminds us of: I. What we once were, v21. II. What we now are, v22a. III. What we will be, v22b. IV. So then, how we must continue, v23
Our Maker is our Savior and our Savior is our Maker. He who knows us best because he made us, is best able to diagnose what's wrong with us, and best able to prescribe the remedy that restores us to himself and life as he intended. His remedy is Jesus. I. He's more than you think, v18. II. He's head of the church, v18a. III. He's firstborn from the dead, v18b. IV. He reconciles all things, vv19-20.
Who is Jesus? I. The image of the invisible God, v15a. II. The firstborn over all creation, v15b. III. The creator of all things, v16. IV. The pre-existent one who is before all things, v17a. V. The sustainer in whom all things hold together, v17b.
Paul throws fuel on the fire of thanksgiving by reminding believers what God the Father did for us. I. The Father Qualified Us, v12. II. The Father Rescued and Transferred Us, v13. III. The Father Redeemed and Forgave Us through the Son of his love, v14.
Isn't there much weakness in our prayers? How can we pray more effectively? I. The petition he makes, v9. II. The priority he seeks, v10a. III. The production he anticipates, v10b-12.
What does Paul thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for and what should we? I. Thank God for the manifestations of God’s gifts, vv3-4. II. Thank God for the motivation of heavenly hope, v5. III. Thank God for the multiplication of gospel truth, vv5-6. IV. Thank God for the ministers of Christ’s grace, vv7-8.
Why bother listening to Paul? I. Because of what God made him, v1. II. Because of what Paul says God made you Christians, v2a. III. Because of what Paul wants God to give to you, v2b.
Jesus says, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock." I. We have only two options: to be wise or to be foolish. II. The wise person builds his life on hearing Jesus, and doing what he says, vv24-25. III. By contrast, the foolish person hears Jesus but does not do what he says, v26-27.
I. God's gift to Ruth and Boaz, v13. II. God's gift to Naomi, vv14-17. III. God's gift to history, and therefore to us, vv17b-22. Here in this passage we see three things: 1) Faith sees children are a blessing from the Lord, v13. 2) Faith believes the Lord can restore the years the locusts have eaten, vv14-17. 3) Faith can trust that our afflictions serve the larger purpose of God, v17b-22.
I. The kind of Redeemer we need, vv1-10. II. The kind of life we should live, vv1-10. III. The kind of salvation we enjoy, vv11-12.
I. Naomi seeks rest for Ruth, vv1-5. II. Ruth seeks rest with Boaz, vv6-11. III. Boaz seeks rest for Ruth, vv12-18.
I. God's favor toward Ruth, vv1-3. II. God's servant's favor toward Ruth, vv4-16. III. Naomi and Ruth's awe at being favored, vv17-23.
Ruth 1 is the story of famine, exile, and bereavement in the life of Naomi, who becomes an Israelite widow living in Moab. And it's the story of God's covenant love and loyalty. I. God tests our faith by hardship, vv1-5. II. God sustains the faith of his people through hardship, vv6-14. III. God grants faith to the unlikely, vv15-18. IV. God supports our faith unseen, vv19-22.
Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." I. Genuine disciples obey God, v21. II. False disciples put their confidence in their gifts but not God’s grace, v22. III. False disciples will never enjoy friendship with God, v23.
Jesus says, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." I. We must beware of false teachers, v15. II. How do we recognize false teachers, vv15b-20.
Jesus says, "Enter by the narrow gate." I. A choice of entrances: Will we go through the wide gate, or the small gate? II. A choice of roads: Will we walk on the way that is broad, or the way that is narrow? III. A choice of companions: Will we follow the crowd, or walk with the few? IV. A choice of destinies: Do we want destruction, or eternal life? For we are all headed toward one or the other.
Jesus says, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." I. How commanded love is. II. How active love is. III. How thoughtful love is. IV. How endless love is.
Jesus says, "“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you..." I. We are invited to boldly request the blessings of God, v7. II. We are assured God will give us what we request, vv7-8. III. We are to trust our good heavenly Father to answer us wisely, graciously, and generously, vv9-11.
Jesus says, “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you." What does he mean? I. There is a time to speak. II. There is a time to be silent. III. There is a time to listen.
Jesus says, “Judge not, that you be not judged..." I. Disciples of Jesus are not to be hypercritical in evaluating others, vv1-2. II. Disciples of Jesus are not to be hypocritical in correcting others, vv3-5a. III. Disciples of Jesus are to help other disciples in a spirit of humility, v5b.
Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on..." I. Don't worry about your life, v25. II. How to fight worry, vv26-30. III. What to do instead, vv31-34.
Jesus speaks more about money, wealth, and possessions than about sex, heaven, and hell. He invites us to examine our own lives for I. Generosity, v22. II. Envy, v23. III. Idolatry, v24.
Jesus speaks to our hearts about what we treasure. I. Stop treasuring treasures on earth, v19. II. Start treasuring treasures in heaven, v20. III. Where your treasure is, there is your heart, v21.
Jesus says, "When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites..." I. Disciples of Jesus are not to be hypocrites when fasting. II. Disciples of Jesus are to fast in secret.
Jesus teaches us to pray, "Deliver us from the evil one." What should we learn? I. We have an enemy. II. We need to know who our enemy is. III. We need to be rescued from the evil one. IV. So put your hope in the Lord, through prayer.
Jesus teaches us to pray to our heavenly Father, "Lead us not into temptation..." Why do we need that? What does Jesus mean by it? Do we know our own need? What do we do with our failures, even the failure to ask to be kept from failure?
Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." I. Disciples need forgiveness because of our continuing sins. II. Disciples ask for forgiveness from our Father in heaven. III. A disciple's prayer isn’t just personal, but communal. IV. A disciple’s prayer for forgiveness is always to be accompanied by a spirit of forgiveness toward others.
Jesus teaches us to pray "Give us this day our daily bread." I. What? Pray for bread. II. Why? Our Father gives. III. For Who? Pray for yourself and others. IV. How specifically? Pray for daily bread.
Jesus teaches us to pray, "Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." I. We pray for God's will to be accomplished. II. We pray for God to make us able and willing to obey his will in all things. III. We pray for God to make us able and willing to submit to his will in all things.
Jesus teaches us to pray, "Your Kingdom Come." What are we praying for? I. We pray that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed. II. We pray that the kingdom of grace may be advanced. III. We pray that ourselves and others are brought into it, and kept in it. IV. We pray that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.
I. Creation, v1-2. II. Clean Hands, vv3-6. III. A Chorus of Praise, vv7-10. These point to our accountability to God, the way of access to God, and the adoration we sing to God.
Jesus says, pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." I. How to pray. II. Who to pray to. III. What to pray.
I. Don't pray like hypocrites, v5. II. Don't pray like pagans, v7. III. Pray to your Father in secret, v6. IV. Pray to your Father in secret, as children who trust in his goodness and care, v8.
Jesus says, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven."
Why do you do what you do? What motivates you to serve God and to give to the needy?
Jesus says, "You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." I. The humility Jesus produces. II. The honesty Jesus requires. III. The hope Jesus provides.
Jesus says, "love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." Christian love should be: I. Unrestricted, v43. II. Expansive, v44. III. Imitative, v45. IV. Costly, vv46-47.
Is "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" just? Does it allow us to take personal revenge? What should we do when others insult, injure, or burden us?
I. Disciples of Jesus are not to respond to others with personal vengeance, v38. II. Disciples of Jesus are to respond with love not revenge, v39. III. Disciples of Jesus are to respond with love and kindness even to our enemies, vv39-42.
Jesus says, "Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No': anything more than this comes from evil." In other words, speak the truth and keep your promises. Say what you mean; mean what you say; do what you say you will do.
I. What Moses taught, v33. II. What the Pharisees taught, vv34-36. III. What Jesus teaches, v37.
I. Marriage is for life and it should be difficult to divorce, v31. II. Divorce should be the last resort and only because of the worst breaches of trust, v32. III. Remarriage: Own your own sin and take responsibility for the well being of your spouse, v32
I. The troubles and trust of the Messiah, vv1-21. II. The triumph of the Messiah. vv22-31.
Jesus says we commit adultery not just with our body but with our heart and eyes.
I. Lust among the disciples of Jesus. II. Protecting true love and marriage, v27. III. Jesus condemns lust, v28. IV. Kill lust, vv29-30
Jesus says we commit murder not just with the hand, but in our heart and with our words.
I. His interpretation of the commandment to not commit murder, v21. II. His examples of murder: anger and insults, v22. III. His application: love calls us to pursue reconciliation, vv23-26.
I. The relationship of Jesus to the law of God: he came not to abolish it, but to fulfill it, vv17-18. II. The relationship of his disciples to the law of God: we are to keep it and teach it, v19. III. The relationship of the scribes and Pharisees to the law of God: their righteousness was superficial and skin deep.
Jesus says to his disciples, "You are the light of the world." What role do his disciples have in the world? I. The Declaration, v14a. II. The Illustrations, vv14b-15. III. The Exhortation, v16a. IV. The Motivation, v16b.
Jesus says to his disciples, "You are the salt of the earth." That's an identity and an agenda.
Jesus says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
I. Disciples may be hunted and hurt for loving Jesus, v10. II. Disciples may be scorned and slandered for loving Jesus, v11. III. Disciples should rejoice and leap for joy.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God," says Jesus. I. Why are peacemakers called sons of God? II. What is a peacemaker? III. How does peacemaking show itself in the lives of disciples of Jesus?
Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." I. What is the blessing? Seeing God! II. Who may see God? Only the pure in heart. III. How may I have this pure heart, so that I may see God?
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy" says Jesus. What is mercy? How does it work? Where do I get it? What’s the blessing? How important is this, really?
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied," says Jesus. What is this desire? What is it they desire? How do they receive what they desire? What's the result? And how do I get this desire if I don't have it?
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth," says Jesus. What is meekness? What isn't it? How does it show itself? Where do you get it? What's the blessing of inheriting the earth got to do with it?
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted," says Jesus. I. Christians mourn their own evil and sins. II. Christians keep on mourning their own evil and sins. III. Mourning ones are promised comfort: Christlikeness, forgiveness, and everlasting freedom.
Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." What is this blessing? How are they blessed? Who are the blessed? How does it show?
I. The Surety of the Servant Promised, 52:13-15. II. The Scorning of the Ordinary Servant, vv1-3. III. The Substitution by the Suffering Servant, vv4-6. IV. The Submission of the Obedient Servant, vv7-9. V. The Satisfaction in the Successful Servant, vv10-12.
What do the weary need? The servant of the Lord. I. He's a disciple skilled in God's Word, v4. II. He's a sufferer submissive to God's will, vv5-6. III. He's a believer certain of God's help, vv7-9.
The whole world needs justice. God's servant will establish it. I. See how necessary he is, v1. II. See how delightful he is, v1. III. See how unusual he is, vv2-3. IV. See how successful he is, v4.
God consoles his distressed people with the promise of the Messiah. I. The comfort of God's forgiveness, vv1-2. II. The coming of God's glory, vv3-5. III. The constancy of God's Word, vv6-8. IV. The care of God's shepherd, vv9-11.
The Messiah is foretold, who will bring life in death. I. His ancestry, vv1,10. II. His adequacy, vv2-5. III. His achievement, vv6-9. IV. His attractiveness, v10.
I. 700 years before the coming of Jesus, God promised his suffering people a hero to rescue them. II. He brings light into darkness (vv1-2), liberation to the oppressed (vv3-5), and leadership to God's kingdom (vv6-7). III. How is he qualified? He's the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.
What was the character of the ministry of Jesus? I. The comprehensive ministry of Jesus, v23. II. The compassionate ministry of Jesus, v24. III. The crowd attracting ministry of Jesus, v25.
I. Having announced his kingdom, what does Jesus do? He builds his kingdom by calling its first citizens and ambassadors. II. Who does he call? He chooses four common men. III. Why does he call them? For fellowship and responsibility, however costly.
I. The brave ministry of Jesus, v12. II. The expansive ministry of Jesus, vv13-16. III. The familiar message of Jesus, v17.
Satan says, God doesn’t care. God can be coerced. God is cruel. Look out for yourself. Make God look out for you. Look out for God’s purposes but in your own way.
I. Satan tempts Jesus to distrust God's provision, vv1-4. II. Satan tempts Jesus to force God's protection, vv5-7. III. Satan tempts Jesus to deny God's good purposes, vv8-9.
I. The character of the tempter. II. The core of the temptation. III. The conquest of Jesus over the tempter.
What does the baptism of Jesus show us? I. The obedience of God the Son, vv13-15. II. The Spirit's anointing of God the Son, v16. III. The Father's pleasure in His Son, v17.
John the Baptist preached the same good news as Jesus: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." The king has come! What does repenting look like? I. Agreeing with God about your sins, vv5-6. II. Turning away from your self-righteousness, vv7-10. III. Turning to Jesus, vv11-12.
I. Jesus was an infant refugee: the flight to Egypt, vv13-15. II. Jesus was opposed by the powers of darkness and became the occasion of his people's sorrow: the slaughter of the male children, vv16-18. III. Jesus did not despise being identified with a despised town: the return to Nazareth, vv19-23.
How do people respond to Jesus? I. The wise men sought out Jesus because God sought out them, vv1-2. II. Some were alarmed, anxious, or apathetic, but the wise men adored him, vv3-11. III. They gave gifts to Jesus because he was God's gift to them, vv11-12.
Why is Jesus the Good News? I. His human family. II. His virgin birth. III. His unique mission.
Why does the news about Jesus bring joy to the scandalous? I. Because he's the Savior: his name describes his mission, v1. II. Because he's the Messiah: his titles describe his offices, v1b. III. Because his ancestry proves his qualifications: he's not ashamed of the scandalous, vv2-16.
I. The humility of the shepherd who cares for us, v1a. II. The confidence his care creates in us, v1b. III. The blessings his care guarantees to us, vv2-6.
I. The praise he commands, vv1-2. II. The trust he commends, vv3-5. III. The God who captivates, vv6-10.
This is the saddest Psalm in the Bible. I. The appeal this sufferer makes, vv1-2. II. The anguish this sufferer feels, vv3-9. III. The argument this sufferer uses, vv10-14. IV. The answer this sufferer receives, vv15-18.
I. God's love for his people is a focused love, vv1-3. II. God's love for his people is an inclusive love, vv4-6. III. God's love for his people is a satisfying love, v7.
Note: I failed to record the introduction and Scripture reading, so this podcast picks up with the opening illustration.
The psalmist asks himself, Why do the wicked prosper? And why do I envy them? I. Christians can be honest about evil and envy. II. What perspective helps us when the bad guys always seem to win?
I. The book of creation sings God's glory. II. The book of Scripture speaks God's grace. III. How do you know if you are hearing him?
Two roads diverged in a wood... Which path are you on? I. The delight of a believer's life, vv1-2. II. The description of a believer's life, vv3-4. III. The destiny of a believer's life, vv5-6.
I. vv47-48 Saul's success and the trustworthiness of God's promises. II. vv49-51 Saul's family and the mystery of God's providence. III. v52 Saul's kingship and the protection of God's people.
The failures of the first King of Israel. I. vv24-30 Failure as commander of the army - he's cruel and mean. II. vv24-35 Failure as a religious leader - he's calculating and manipulative. III. vv36-46 Failure as a father - he's cold and merciless.
How can leaders be bold, without arrogance? Step out in faith, without playing God? Press forward, without paralyzing indecision? I. The daring courage of Jonathan, vv1-15. II. The wise caution of Jonathan, vv1-15. III. The sad confusion of Saul, vv16-23
I. vv1-7 The failure in leadership duties. II. vv8-15 The folly of reasonable disobedience. III. vv16-23 The hope in helpless desperation.
If you've thrown off the Lord's kingly rule, what does the renewal of your relationship look like? I. Own up to your idolatry, vv1-12. II. Tremble before a jealous God, vv13-18. III. Walk forward in his faithful grace, vv19-25.
I. The hostility God's people suffer, vv1-4. II. The savior God's Spirit empowers, vv5-11. III. The kingdom God's people renew, vv12-15.
I. The priority of love. II. The practice of love. III. The permanence of love. IV. The power to love.
I. Rebuke: The prophet rebukes the people for rejecting God as their king, vv17-19. II. Revelation: God reveals the king who satisfies the people's request, vv20-24. III. Kingship regulations: The king must obey the rules of God, v15. IV. Response: Some receive him but others go rogue against the king, vv26-27.
How we think and talk about singleness. The challenges, temptations, and advantages of singleness.
How does God advance his own kingdom when his own people don't welcome his kingly rule? I. By providence in the ordinary stuff of life, vv1-15. II. By pity toward his wayward people, vv15-27. III. By power in assuring and equipping those he commands to accomplish his plans, 10:1-16.
What kind of king did the Israelites want? And why? And what does that reveal about them and us?
What should we think about homosexuality and the Bible? What does Leviticus 18 prohibit? Why? What does the rest of Scripture teach? Why does God ask us to follow his instructions on this? What if we don't? What if we haven't? How should we engage with others about his subject?
How do we go from lamentation to celebration, when our own sin has brought us sorrow and misery? I. Repentance towards God, vv2-6. II. Reliance on God's mercy, vv7-11. III. Remembrance of God's help, vv12ff.
What does Leviticus 15 have to say to us about our bodies, sexual organs and related matters?
The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ helps us face our fears. I. Jesus died well, to free us from the fear of death, vv37-39. II. Jesus really died, and frees us from our fear of people, vv42-47. III. Jesus defeated death, and frees us 1) from the fear we are fools to believe in him, 2) from the fear of God's judgment, and 3) from the fear of Christ's abandonment, vv1-8.
Sex in marriage is very important. Sex is God's idea and he made it good and for our good. From 1 Corinthians 7 we ask three questions: I. vv1-2 Why are people to marry? II. vv3-4 Why are spouses to bless one another sexually? III. v5 How are spouses to bless one another sexually?
I. An overarching passion, v1. II. An obvious plan, vv1-6. III. An obliging parade, vv7-10. IV. An oblivious people, vv10-11.
I. vv1-3 The myth of the defeated God. II. vv4-5 The myth of the helpless God. III. vv6-12 The myth of the regional God.
How do you relate to God when life doesn't go the way you want it to? I. vv1-4 The False Religion of the Lord's People. II. vv5-11 The Defense of the Lord's Reputation. III. vv12-22 The Weight of the Lord's Glory.
Why is God calling a prophet so important? In the calling of Samuel, what do we learn about God, his prophet's task, and his Word? I. The grace in the prophet's presence, v1. II. The kindness of the prophet's God, vv2-10. III. The tension in the prophet's task, vv11-18. IV. The reception of the prophet's word, 3:19-4:1.
I. How does God treat those who have great spiritual privileges but go on despising him?, vv27-36. II. How does God treat his sincere servants who seek to honor him? v30. III. How does God’s mercy triumph in the end? – for that’s our hope, v35.
What's God doing when the leaders of his people are wicked? I. vv12-16 The quiet manner of God's work. II. vv19-21 The continuing blessing of God's kindness. III. vv22-26 The sovereign decisiveness of God's judgment.
I. Why a seminar on marriage, dating, love, singleness, sex, homosexuality and lust? II. Marriage as Spiritual Friendship.
Hannah's song of praise reveals she is a master theologian with much to teach us about our dependable God. I. vv1-3 Why does she pray? II. vv4-8 To whom does she pray? III. vv9-10 For what does she pray?
I. The ache God's people may feel, vv1-8. II. The freedom God's people enjoy, vv9-20. III. The service God's people embrace, vv21-28.
What does God's work in us look like? I. A heart for others, vv22-25. II. The humility to be needy, v21. III. The embrace of the helps to seek God's help, vv20-21.
The writer asks prayer for himself, and in doing so shows us what is on his heart for pastoral ministry. What is that? I. v18a Pastoral Humility: you need to pray for your pastors. II. v18b Pastoral Integrity: pray for your pastor's godliness. III. v19 Pastoral Proximity: pray for your shared life with your pastors.
v7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. v17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
I. Because of Jesus, Christians offer sacrifices of both lip and life, vv15-16. II. Consider your lips, v15. III. Consider your life, v16.
I. We have an unchanging Christ, vv7-9. II. We have a divisive cross, vv10-12. III. We have an abiding city, vv13-14.
I. Do not love money, v5a. II. Be content with what you have, v5b. III. How? Count on the Lord and his promise, v5c-6.
What should we think about marriage and sexual love? I. Marriage is honorable, so honor it. II. The marriage bed is good, so don't defile it. III. Be warned: God isn't messing around.
I. Keep loving the family of God, v1. II. Love strangers, v2. III. Love the imprisoned and ill-treated, v3.
How should we respond to the God who died for us that we might live with him? I. Don't refuse him because He is speaking to you in his Son, v25. II. Be grateful because you are receiving an enduring kingdom, vv26-28. III. Be reverent in your worship and service because our God is a consuming fire, vv28-29.
Motivation not to be like Esau, but to worship the true and living God. I. What you have escaped from about Mount Sinai, vv18-21. II. What you have come to in Mount Zion, vv22-24. III. Application: don't refuse him, be grateful, worship him.
How should we respond to the hardships of God's discipline? I. Help the weary and wounded, vv12-13. II. Pursue harmony and holiness, v14. III. Don't miss grace or grow bitter, v15. IV. Flee immorality and idolatry, vv16-17.
I. The privilege of discipline, vv5-8. II. The purpose of discipline, vv9-10. III. The product of discipline, v11
I. The Christian life is like running a marathon race, vv1-2. II. The Christian life is like fighting in a cage fight, vv3-4. III. The Christian life is like being raised in a disciplinarian's home, vv5-6.
I. The uncommon successes of faith, vv32-35a. II. The candid sufferings of faith, vv35b-38. III. The communion of the society of faith, vv39-40.
I. God's people are impotent to rescue themselves from destruction, v29. II. God's people are impotent to secure by themselves their victory, v30. III. God's enemies can have peace with God, v31.
I. By faith, Moses' parents were not afraid to defy a King's cruel law, v23. II. By faith, Moses was not afraid to lose a king's luxuries, vv24-26. III. By faith, Moses did not fear a king's anger, v27. IV. By faith, Moses did fear God, v28.
I. You can face death with a reasonable faith, vv17-19. II. You can face death with a defective faith, v20. III. You can face death with a responsive faith, v21. IV. Let us face death with an instructive faith, v22.
I. Embrace your true identity, v13 II. Embrace your only home, vv14-16a. III. Embrace your high privilege, v16b.
I. Faith trusts God's power to accomplish what man is impotent to achieve, v11. II. Faith trusts God's faithfulness to fulfill his promises, v12.
I. v8 By faith, Abraham left. He obeyed when he was called to go out. II. v9 By faith, Abraham lived as a pilgrim. He didn't get too settled down on earth. III. v10 By faith, Abraham looked forward. He longed for a different homeland.
I. By faith, Noah respected God's warning of judgment. II. By faith, Noah built a shelter for his household. III. By faith, Noah condemned the world for its wickedness. IV. By faith, Noah received the gift of righteousness.
I. The life saving faith receives, v5. II. The relationship saving faith pursues, vv5-6. III. The Rewarder saving faith believes, v6.
I. Saving faith comes to God through blood sacrifice. II. Saving faith receives from God his pronouncement of righteousness. III. Saving faith speaks beyond the grave.
I. Faith is the title deed to God's promises, v1a. II. Faith is the legal evidence we possess God's promises, v1b. II. Faith is commended in God's people, v2. III. Faith believes the word of God's power, v3.
I. Believers in Jesus must persevere in faith, v36. II. Believers in Jesus will persevere in faith, v39. III. How do we persevere? 1) vv 32-34 Recall you past: God's work of grace in you. 2) vv34-36 Look to your future: God's promises to you. 3) vv37-38 Listen to the prophet: You are not alone in the struggle.
I. vv26-27 Why does the Bible warn us about God's vengeance? II. vv28-29 How is the vengeance of God just? III. vv30-31 Is there any escape from God's vengeance?
What is effective for our forgiveness and acceptance with God? I. vv1-4 The inadequacy of the substitutionary sacrifice of animals. II. vv5-7 The adequacy of Christ's obedience to the will of God even unto death. III. vv8-10 The benefits for believers.
I. Jesus purified a better tent with a better sacrifice, vv23-24. II. Jesus is a better high priest with a better sacrifice, vv25-26. III. We have a better future because of this better Savior, vv27-28.
I. The blessings and beneficiaries of the new covenant mediator's work, v15. II. The death of the new covenant mediator, vv16-17. III. The blood of the new covenant mediator, vv18-22.
I. vv11-12 The way of our redemption. II. v12 The success of our redemption. III. vv13-14 The effect of our redemption. IV. v14 The aim of our redemption.
The deficiencies of old covenant worship under Moses: 1) The fading glory of the earthly tabernacle, vv1-5. 2) The restricted access to the tabernacle for the people, vv6-8. 3) The limited effect of the tabernacle ritual to purify the conscience, vv9-10. But with Jesus we get God, access to God, and a clean conscience.
Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant, enacted on better promises. What promises? I. Inner Transformation, v10b. II. Adoption, v10c. III. Personal Knowledge of God, v11. IV. Complete Pardon, v12.
Jesus is the better mediator of a better covenant than Moses. I. Continuities. II. Discontinuities.
I. v1 He sat down at the right hand of the majesty. II. vv2-4 He serves in the tent made by the Lord. III. v5 He's the substance not the shadow or copy.
Why do we need Jesus? I. His priesthood is flawless not fallen, v26. II. His sacrifice is final not frequent, v27. III. His mediation is forever not finite, v28.
On the occasion of the organization of Redeemer as a particular church of the Presbyterian Church in America. What should we do? I. vv1-6 Maintain our unity. II. vv7-12 Use our gifts. III. vv13-16 Keep our focus.
Jesus is the better priest. Why? I. Because of God's oath, vv20-21. II. Because he's the guarantor of a better covenant, v22. III. Because he always lives to intercede for believers, vv23-25.
Jesus is a better hope than the Old Testament law could give. Why? Because the law gave a priesthood that brought imperfection, was impermanent, and was based on the inability of law.
Jesus is the priest who brings us to God. I. Melchizedek resembles Jesus, vv1-3. II. Melchizedek is greater than Abraham, and so is Jesus, vv4-7. III. Melchizedek is greater than Aaron, and so is Jesus.
What are the grounds of assurance for Christians? I. The promise and oath of God, vv13-15 II. The character of God, vv16-18 III. The Son of God, vv19-20
I. Assurance is possible. II. Assurance should be both a pastoral priority and our personal priority. III. Assurance is productive of perseverance.
Can genuine Christians lose salvation? I. The problem of people who fall away, v6. II. The description of those who fall away, vv4-6. III. The evidence and end of those who fall away, vv7-8
I. v11 The cause of spiritual immaturity. II. vv12-14 The symptoms of spiritual immaturity. III. 6:1-2 The foundation of spiritual maturity. IV. v3 The source of spiritual maturity.
Do you feel your way is hidden from the Lord, and your right is disregarded by your God? Are you disappointed, disillusioned, despairing?
What qualifies Jesus to be our great high priest? I. His tear-filled prayers, v7. II. His reverent piety, vv7-8. III. His saving perfection, vv9-10.
I. Jesus is our great high priest. II. Jesus is our good high priest. III. Jesus is our gracious high priest.
We need rest. I. The rest which God provides. II. The rest which God's word offers to us. III. The rest which God's people are to offer to others.
Avoid falling away from Jesus. I. v13 Help each other. II. vv14-15 Hold on to Jesus. III. vv16-19 Be honest about disobedience and unbelief
I. Be warned by Israel's unbelief in the wilderness, vv7-11. II. Examine your heart towards Jesus, vv7-11. III. Don't fall away through evil unbelief, v12.
Consider Jesus and put your hope in him, because: I. Jesus is faithful to God's House, vv1-2. II. Jesus is the builder of God's House, vv3-4. III. Jesus is the Son over God's House, vv5-6.
I. Jesus disarms the devil, v14. II. Jesus delivers us from death, v15. III. Jesus diverts the wrath of God from us, vv16-17. IV. Jesus delivers help to us in our temptations, v18.
Why did God become Man? I. To lead many sons out of misery and into glory, v10. II. To set apart his brothers, vv11-12. III. To secure God's children as a gift, v13.
A sermon by Rev. Dr. Chris Miller on the role of elders and deacons in the church, as servants of Christ, and examples of Christ's ministry to us.
Why did God become man? I. vv5-8 Because of creation: God made man for dignity and dominion, and by a man our dignity and dominion must be restored. II. v8 Because of the fall: the disorder and death man suffers. III. v9 Because of the new creation: So Jesus came to restore us.
Antidotes to drifting away from Jesus: I. Pay much closer attention to the Gospel, v1. II. Contemplate your certain severe punishment if you neglect the Gospel, vv2-3. III. Consider God's confirmations of the truth of the Gospel, vv3-4.
I. The Method of His Instruction. II. The Message. 1) Unlike angels, Christ is creator and controller of the universe, vv10-12. 2) Unlike angels, Christ is the victorious ruler over his enemies, v13. 3) Whereas Christ came to save, he sends his angels to serve, v14.
I. The work of humiliation provides purification for sins, v3. II. His work was completed so he sat down. III. His exaltation was to the place of power and authority as King.
Why is Jesus a better revelation of God than anyone or anything else? Because 1) God appointed him heir of all things. 2) God made the world through him. 3) He is the radiance of God's glory. 4) He is the exact imprint of God's nature. 5) He upholds all things by the word of his power.
What is Hebrews about? The supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus, and the necessity of holding on to him. I. God reveals himself authoritatively. II. God reveals himself progressively. III. God reveals himself supremely and finally in his Son.
What do we learn at the death of Abraham? I. The messiness of God's believing people. II. The faithfulness of God encourages our commitment to his cause. III. The work of God continues when our work is done.
I. vv1-9 The want of a wife. II. vv10-27 Watching for a wife. III. vv28-61 Wooing a wife. IV. vv62-67 The wedding of the wife
I. vv1-2 The common sorrow of believers. II. vv3-5 The common pilgrimage of believers. III. vv6-20 The uncommon God's faithfulness to his common people
God strengthens our assurance 1) By repetition of his promises. 2) By swearing an oath. 3) After our obedience. 4) Over all obstacles.
I. vv1-2 The problem of God's ways. II. vv3-8 The pathway of God's servant. III. vv9-14 The relief of God's provision.
I. vv22-24 Abimelech seeks kindness from Abraham. II. vv24-32 Abraham establishes a covenant with Abimelech. III. vv32-34 Abraham worships the everlasting God.
I. The laughs of unbelief, joy, and scorn. II. The sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael. III. The one true God, the Lord Almighty.
I. The restraint of sin by God. II. The relationship of sin to God. III. The resolution of sin by God.
I. The help in this story of incest. II. A warning about the gravitational pull of sin. III. A warning about gateway sins. IV. A warning about generational patterns of sin. V. Hope in the face of this sin.
I. vv1-11 God's Indictment of their evil invites our agreement. II. vv12-22 God's rescue of Lot invites our amazement. III. vv23-29 God's judgment of Sodom invites our awe.
God speaks with his friend Abraham about Sodom. I) vv20-22 God entices Abraham to intercession. II) vv23-25 HIs intercession is based on the character of God. III) vv26-33 HIs intercession involves the principle of representation and substitution.
I. vv15-17 The reassurance of God's grace we need to have. II. vv18-22 The plan of God's grace we need to hear. III. vv23-27 The fruit of God's grace we need to bear.
What does it mean to be in a real relationship with God? I. vv1-3 The Preamble: God's covenant love calls us to loyalty. II. vv4-8 The Promises: The blessings of God's covenant of grace. III. vv9-14 The Responsibilities: The duties of God's covenant people.
I. vv1-3 The mess God's people make in God's kingdom. II. vv4-6 The meanness we find in our hearts. III. vv7-17 How marvelous our covenant God is.
I. vv7-12 We're reminded of how needy for God's assurance we are. II. vv13-16 We receive insight into God's plan for his people that helps bring assurance. III. vv17-21 We see the depth of God's commitment to us that guarantees our assurance.
I. vv1-3 Genuine Faith Can Complain to God. II. vv4-5 Genuine Faith Needs Sacraments of Assurance. III. v6 Genuine Faith is Enough Faith
Lot has been taken. Abraham makes a daring rescue. Victory belongs to God. What do we see? I. The Silence of Yahweh's Providence, vv1-12. II. The Skill of Yahweh's Servant, vv13-16. III. The Celebration of Yahweh's Victory, vv17-24.
Lot was selfish and lived by sight, not faith. Abraham believed and it shaped him. Abraham sought to live at peace, to be generous, to trust God's promises, and to worship.
How far will God put up with the foolishness, evil, and distrust of his people?
I. God's tests expose our hearts, vv10-13. II. God's power guarantees God's plan, vv14-17. III. God's grace restores God's servants, 12:18 - 13:4
I. The Sovereign Grace of God's Call, v1. II. The Lavish Generosity of God's Call, vv2-3,7. III. The Quiet Success of God's Call, vv4-9. IV. The Seeming Impossibility of God's Call, vv6-7.
This is the first in a series entitled Faith of our Father, covering the faith and foundering of Abraham, and God's faithfulness to him, from God's call to him in Genesis 12 until his death in Genesis 25.
How can we believe the tomb was empty, and what best explains it? What kind of resurrection body did Jesus have? How does believing in him benefit us?
Jesus said the Old Testament was about him. Here is the Psalm of the Cross, where his crucifixion and resurrection are foretold in striking detail. Its fulfillment in Christ is evidence of the divine inspiration of the Scriptures, and of God's sovereignty in the details of history. Even more, it's a reason to trust him when you face your own troubles.
Why did Jesus ascend into heaven? Where and how did he ascend? What was Jesus doing when he ascended? What are the benefits to us that he ascended?
I. vv44-45 Scripture and its Reception. II. vv46-47 Atonement and Application. III. vv47-49 Missions and the Spirit
I. vv44 The Instruction in God's Word. II. v45 The Illumination of the Mind. III. v46 The Importance of the Gospel.
I. vv13-17, The pursuit of Jesus. II. vv18-24, The patience of Jesus. III. vv25-27, The prophetic word about Jesus.
The Empty Tomb must be explained. I. The words which convince the women, vv1-8. II. The disbelief of the disciples, vv9-11. III. The perplexity of Peter, v12.
I. The public confession of the centurion, v47. II. The bold courage of Joseph, vv50-54. III. The longstanding affection of the women of Galilee, vv49, 55-56.
What do the supernatural events of the darkness and of the tearing of the temple curtain tell us about the death of Jesus? And how do we benefit?
I. vv44-45 The darkness of judgment against God's Son assures our pardon. II. v45 The tearing of the curtain opens access to the Father through the Son. III. v46 The prayer of Jesus can give us confidence in death like the Son.
I. The profanity of a hard hearted man, v39. II. The plea of a repentant criminal, vv40-42. III. The promise of a gracious Savior, v43.
I. The comfort of God's forgiveness, vv1-2. II. The coming of God's glory, vv3-5. III. The constancy of God's word, vv6-8. IV. The care of God's shepherd, vv9-11
I'm indebted to my professor, Dr. Ralph Davis, for the vast majority of this exposition.
God's people grow weary and discouraged, sometimes thinking "The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me." (Isaiah 49:14).
God's reply, in part, is His Servant: 1) v4 The servant is a disciple skilled in God's Word. 2) vv5-6 The servant is a sufferer submissive to God's will. 3) vv7-9 The servant is a believer certain of God's help.
Once again, I am indebted to my Old Testament professor, Dr. Ralph Davis, for his insights into this text. May he live long and prosper!
1) v1 Look how needed he is. 2) v1 Look how delightful he is. 3) vv2-3 Look how unexpected he is. 4) v4 Look how successful he is.
Part of our series in An Ancient Christmas: The coming of Christ in Isaiah.
I am indebted to my OT seminary professor, Dr. Ralph Davis, for his insights into Isaiah.
The Coming of the Messiah in Isaiah. 1) v1Where's He From? 2) vv2-3 Can He Do the Work? 3) vv3-5 What's His Governing Philosophy? 4) vv6-9 What's His Vision For Our Future If He's Successful?
A child is born, a son is given, who brings 1) vv1-2 light into darkness, 2) vv3-5 liberation to the oppressed, and 3) vv6-7 leadership to the kingdom.
I. God's Plan: The Scriptures are fulfilled in Jesus' suffering II. Jesus' Prayer: His priestly intercession for his enemies.
I. The context is his pain, v26 II. The content of his preaching, vv27-30. III. His closing proverb, v31
I. Exoneration of Jesus by Pilate. II. Enmity against Jesus by the crowd. III. Exchange of Jesus for the wicked.
How does Jesus comfort and counsel his people amidst their suffering? I. Jesus does not tie their sins and suffering together. II. Jesus points us to himself. III. Jesus will never take us where he has not been. IV. Jesus knows and can stop our suffering but sometimes chooses not to. V. Jesus has a heavenly and eternal perspective on our suffering. VI. Jesus knows the end of our sufferings. VII. Jesus promises that Christians will never face the worst suffering.
I) vv47-48, He's Betrayed with a Kiss. II) vv49-51, He Heals an Enemy's Injury. III) vv52-53, He Permits Darkness its Power.
Why the tears of agony of Jesus? I. Sympathy with his disciples. II. Substitution for sinners. III. Submission to the Father.
I. The Dangers of the Materially Wealthy, vv17-18. II. The Responsibilities of the Materially Wealthy, vv17-18. III. The Responsibilities of the Spiritually Wealthy, vv19-21. IV. The Resource of God's Grace
I. vv11-12 A Command to Press On: Flee, Pursue, Fight, Take Hold. II. vv13-14 A Charge to Persevere. III. vv15-16 A King to Praise
The Context: vv17-20. The Cautions: vv21-15. 1) Don't be passive about, prejudge or be partial to accused elders, v21. 2) Don't be hasty for new elders, vv22, 24-25. 3) Don't neglect your health as an elder, v23.
1) vv17-18 Provide respect and remuneration to hard working elders. 2) v19 Protect the reputation of elders. 3) v20 Publicly rebuke elders who persist in sin.
I. God cares for the most vulnerable in his family. II. Because God cares for the most vulnerable, so must we. III. The church must discriminate in the distribution of its resources. IV. The church should be the third place Christians turn to for help.
I. The Church is a spiritual family. II. We are to confront sin in the family. III. Confront older people as your father or mother. IV. Confront younger people as your brother or sister.
1) Speak with authority, v11. 2) Be an example, v12. 3) Minister the Word, v13. 4) Use your gifts, v14. 5) Show your progress, v15. 6) Watch your life and doctrine closely.
To Be A Good Servant of Jesus: I. vv6-7 Teach Sound Doctrine. II. vv7-8 Train Yourself for Godliness. III. vv9-10 Toil, Looking to God to Save Others.
I. Christians are to pray in public worship. II. Christians are to pray all kinds of prayer for all kinds of people. III. Why we are to pray for all kinds of people.
What is the Christian life and ministry? I. We are soldiers in a war, v18. II. We are sailors on a voyage, v19. III. We are a society that disciplines its members, v20.
I. The Gospel is trustworthy, for all, and about Jesus, v15. II. How the Gospel shapes us: 1) personal, v15. 2) prototypical, v16. 3) doxological, v17.
What is the effect of healthy Gospel teaching? I. Thankfulness, v12. II. Honesty, v13. III. Faith & Love, v14
I. The Abuse of God's Law, vv6-7. II. The Goodness of God's Law, v8. III. The Proper Use of God's Law, vv8-11.
I. vv3-4 False teachers must be confronted and commanded to stop. II. v5 The aim of ministry that is Christian is love.
I. vv1-4 The End is Decreed by God. II. vv5-8 The End is Made Definite by God. III. vv5-13 The End is Made Delightful by God.
I. vv1-19 God frustrates the ambitions of rulers. II, vv20-45 God fortifies his people for persecution. III. 12:1-4 God finishes history with redemption.
Assurance of Salvation through the life and hymns of Augustus Toplady, author of "Rock of Ages," and "A Debtor to Mercy Alone."
I. God's servant praying for God's people. II. God's truth revealed to God's servant. III. God's kingdom in conflict with God's enemies.
God answers Daniel's prayer. I. vv20-23, Affirmation: God heard, answered, esteemed. II. vv24-27, Revelation: God's plan for Jesus, Jerusalem, the Temple and Sacrifices
God's saving grace, through the life and hymns of John Newton, author of "Amazing Grace," "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds," and "Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder."
A look at the offices of Christ through the life and hymnody of Isaac Watts, author or "Joy to the World! The Lord is Come," "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," and "Join All the Glorious Names," among many others.
I. vv1-2 The promises that provoke prayer. II. vv3-4 The wisdom that shapes prayer. III. vv5-15 The sins that are confessed in prayer. IV. vv16-19 The argument for answering prayer.
I. God predicts the future perfectly. II. God governs evil sinlessly. III. God forearms his church caringly.
Suffering in the life of William Cowper, author of There is a Fountain Filled with Blood, and God Moves in a Mysterious Way.
I. vv1-8, The Successive and Devouring Kingdoms of Man. II. vv9-14, The Successful and Universal Dominion of the Son of Man. III. vv15-28, The Severe Suffering and Certain Safety of the Saints of the Most High God.
A study of Henry Lyte, author of the hymns "Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven," "Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken," and "Abide With Me."
I. vv18-20, Christ's Servants. II. vv21-23, Christ's Example. III. vv24-25, Christ Crucified.
I. His Astonishing Humiliation II. His Astonishing Innocence III. His Astonishing Substitution IV. His Astonishing Vindication
I. vv1-9 Daniel's pilgrimage amidst the kingdoms of this world. II. vv10-14 Daniel's persistent prayer under pressure and persecution. III. vv15-28 Daniel's preservation by the angel of the Lord
I. God's Judgment is Denied. II. God's Judgment is Deserved. III. God's Judgment is Decisive.
I. vv4-27, The Ambassador of God's Truth. II. vv28-33 The Sovereignty of God's Rule. III. vv34-37, The Conversion of God's Enemy.
I. vv1-15, The Pressure God's People Face. II. vv 16-18, The Providence of the God we Trust. III. vv19-30, The Presence of God to Help.
I. vv14,27-30 The Character of God's Servant. II. vv31-45 The Coming of God's Kingdom. III. vv46-49 The Celebration of God's Triumph.
Daniel is in trouble. His life is in danger. But he knows that God knows. So what does Daniel do? He prays. He praises. He proclaims.
I. vv1-2 The Sovereignty of God in the suffering of his people. II. vv3-20 The Sovereignty of God in subverting his enemies. III. v21 The Sovereignty of God in sustaining his witnesses.
I. Submit to those who serve you, vv15-16. II. Give recognition to those who refresh you, vv17-18. III. Greet affectionately all in God's family, vv19-20. IV. Conclusion: Love and Longing, vv21-24
If heaven is our home (chapter 15) then people must be our priority (chapter 16). I. Caring for poor suffering saints, vv1-4. II. Caring for spiritual growth, vv5-9. III. Caring for young ministers, vv10-11. IV. Caring for healthy church leadership, v12. V. Caring for truth and people, vv13-14.
I. The power of the resurrection for hope over death, vv50-57 1) Death doesn't get the final word, vv50-53 2) Death will be vanquished, vv54-55 3) Death has been defanged, vv55-57 II. The power of the resurrection for service in life, v58
I. vv35-41 Analogies from Botany, Zoology, Astronomy II. vv42-49 Explanation: Raised Imperishable, In Glory, In Power, Spiritual, Heavenly III. Application: 1) Don't be a fool. 2) Don't fear. 3) Don't be short-sighted
I. What is Christianity without the Resurrection? Pointless, truthless, fruitless, hopeless. II. Who is Jesus because he rose? Our Certain Hope and Conquering Hero. III. Application: Move Out and Wake Up.
Does it matter whether there is resurrection or not? Yes! I. vv12-13 If we deny resurrection, we deny the Gospel. II. vv14-19 If we deny resurrection, everything else is pointless, truthless, fruitless, and hopeless. III. vv20-23 Christ's resurrection is the promise and guarantee of the believer's resurrection!
Can we believe in the Resurrection of Christ? I. It's vital to the Gospel, vv3-4. II. It's Believable because of the witnesses, vv5-8. III. How it Changes us to Believe, vv1-2, 9-11
I. The Gospel comes to us not as mystery, but in a message, v1a II. The Gospel concerns not a work we achieve, but a gift we receive, v1b III. The Gospel saves, will save, and is saving believers, v2a IV. The Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah, vv3-4
I. The context of spiritual gifts II. The content about spiritual gifts vv1-12 Edification vv13-19 Intelligibility vv20-25 Evangelism
How to administer The Lord's Supper (Holy Communion, The Eucharist) has been controversial from the earliest days of the church.
How should we answer the issues? vv17-23 What is the Supper for? vv23-26 What should be the disposition of those who partake? vv27-34
I. Why flee? Because sin displeases the Lord, vv1-5. II. Why flee? Because not fleeing means we desire evil, vv6-11. How should we flee? vv12-13
Pastor Paul the apostle reminds us: 1) vv1-16 God's wants us to be faithful in our relationships, 2) vv17-24 God wants us content in our circumstances, 3) vv25-35 God wants us devoted to Jesus, and 4) vv36-40 God wants our happiness in life
I. vv1-2 God gave us marriage to prevent sexual immoralityII. vv3-4 Why married spouses must bless each other sexuallyIII. v5 How married spouses must bless each other sexually
Does God want us to enjoy the pleasures of the body, like food and sex? Yes, in the way He designed for them to be enjoyed, for his glory!Four Arguments to help us glorify God in our body: I. vv12-14 We're important to Jesus, and He cares for us. II. vv15-18 We're united to Jesus, and He's one with us. III. vv18-19 We're indwelt by Jesus, and he lives in us. IV. vv19-20 We're purchased by Jesus, and he owns us.
I. Their failure as Christians, vv1-8. II. The danger of not inheriting the kingdom, vv9-10. III. God's remedy for us is his treatment of us in Jesus, v11,
I. The Seriousness of Sin. II. The Strict Discipline against Sin. III. The Sacrifice for Sin.
Paul tells us what a minister should be. I. Servants of Christ, v1. II. Stewards of the Gospel, vv1-7. III. Examples in Suffering, vv8-13. IV. Lovers of people, vv14-21
I. The Person of the Holy Spirit, II. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit for Us. 1) Revelation, vv6-11. 2) Inspiration, vv12-13. 3) Illumination, vv14-16
What we should think about the church: I. The church can be spiritually childish, vv1-4 II. The church is God's garden, vv 3-9, III. The church is God's building, vv10-15 IV. The church is God's Temple, vv16-17, V. Application, vv18-23
Paul preaches Christ, Christ Crucified, Our Calling by God, and our Completeness in Christ, so that faith might not rest in the wisdom of man but in the power of God. And therefore our unity as the people of God is established by God, in Christ crucified for weak people who are made complete in Christ and who are led to faith in Christ by the Spirit and not by man.
More antidotes to tribalism among Christians:1. Boast only in the Lord, because of the power of the cross, vv18-252. Boast only in the Lord, because of the weakness of Christians, vv26-303. Boast only in the Lord, because of our completeness in Christ, vv30-31
A tender appeal, v10A truthful accusation, vv11-12A theological answer, vv13-16And three applications, vv10,17
To a messed up church, Paul encourages before he confronts.1. He tells them he thanks God for them, v42. He tells them they're not worthless, useless, nor hopeless, vv5-83. He tells them God is faithful to them, v9
When there are difficult things that need to be said, first we need to gain the right to be heard. Paul wisely begins this way in this letter to the troubled church at Corinth.Listen to me, says Paul, because I have the word of Jesus for you.Listen to me, says Paul, because I believe in the work of Jesus for you.
A sermon by Dr. Jay Bruce, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at John Brown University, and licensed to preach the Gospel by Covenant Presbytery.
A sermon by Dr. Jay Bruce. Jay is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at John Brown University, and is licensed to preach the Gospel by Covenant Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America.
I. The Faithfulness of God to His Promises, vv1-2II. The Worthiness of God to be Worshiped, vv3-5III. The Promises and Warnings of God to Cain, vv5-9IV. The Curse of God on Cain, vv10-14V. The Common Grace of God to Cain, vv15-16
Banishment from communion with God in the garden was a real and significant loss. Yet it is a story not without hope.I. The Effect of God's Promise, v20II. The Encouragement of God's Provision, v21III. The Enjoyment of God's Protection, v22-23IV. The Entrance in God's Prevention, v24
How should we understand the pain and misery God imposes on Adam and Eve and Us in light of the hope God gives them of a Redeemer? Is God double-minded toward them? I. The Pain and Misery of the WomanII. The Pain and Misery of the ManIII. Understanding our Pain and Misery in light of Genesis 3:15
The Curse of the Serpent and the First Promise of a RedeemerI. The Punishment of the SerpentII. The Plan of God's GraceIII. Practical applications for Christians and Non-Christians
The Complexity of Human SinThe Compassion of God to SinnersThe Consequences of Human Sin
What was a relationship with God like in the garden in Eden before sin?It was a covenant relationship with blessingsIt was a covenant relationship with responsibilitiesIt was a covenant relationship with a test of obedience
Sermon by Dr. Jay Bruce, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at John Brown University, and licensed to preach the Gospel by Covenant Presbytery.
God made us different than the animalsWe are the image of God, to represent Him on the earthMale and Female represent God on earthMale and Female are to rule the earth
Day 1 God is sovereign in power over creation.Day 2 God is sovereign in organizing creation.Day 3 God is sovereign in limiting creation.Day 4 God is sovereign in purposing creation.Day 5 God is sovereign in blessing creation.
How did everything get here?What was it like at the beginning?What did God do?Why do Christians care about this?
The message of Malachi leads us to JesusThe law of Moses leads us to Jesus, v4The promised Elijah leads us to Jesus, vv5-6
The accusation against the Lord concerning the righteous and the wicked.The marks of the righteous and the wicked.The destiny of the righteous and the wicked.
God cares about who you marry.God cares about you remaining married.God's positive purposes for your marriage.
What should Spiritual Leaders aim for?How did the OT priests fail as leaders?What did God promise and do?
The profession of God's love.The preference of God's love.The preservation of God's love.The proclamation of God's love.
Spiritual forces of evil are real, and oppose us. How do we fight? Preparation, Prayer, and Proclamation.
I. General Principles of Christian Relationships 1. Treat others as if they were Jesus 2. Treat others as Jesus has treated youII. Specific Principles for Masters/Employers 1. Reward your people 2. Restraint yourself from threatening 3. Remember you share the same Master 4. Recognize Jesus treats us impartiallyIII. The Good Results
I. The Gospel is for the lowest of the low in societyII. The Gospel is designed to bear fruit in the hardest circumstancesIII. The Gospel is designed to bear fruit at work 1) All of our work serves Jesus 2) All of our work matters to Jesus 3) All of our work is rewarded by Jesus
I. God's care for childrenII. God's command to children to obey their parentsIII. God's case for children to obey their parents
Husbands, love your wives. I. The drama of headship. II. The deaths of headship. III. The demand of headship.
Paul sums things up by telling Christians to live a life of love. I. What does that look like? II. Why do it? III. Where do we get the ability to do that?
How should a Christian live? What shape does a life take that gets the Gospel? I. Principles. II. Specifics. III. The Main Thing.I'm indebted to Dr. Derek Thomas for his outline of this text, and his particular help with what it means to grieve the Holy Spirit.
How are Christians to live: Who commands us? What does God command? Why does He command it?
How we grow up spiritually: By being equipped. By taking responsibility. By fleeing the dangers of immaturity. By being confronted with truth in love.I leaned on the help of my former seminary professor Dr. Ligon Duncan, and colleagues Rev. Les Newsom and Rev. Ricky Jones for some of this material.
Context: doctrine and livingWhat Paul assumes: intimacyWhat Paul urges: bearing with one another in loveHow do we do this?: living with an eye on our calling
I'd like to acknowledge my seminary professor Dr. Derek Thomas for his influence on this sermon through his profound teaching.
The ordinary family of JesusThe extraordinary conception of JesusThe true humanity of JesusI borrowed liberally from my former pastors and seminary professors Drs. Ligon Duncan and Derek Thomas (may they live long and prosper!), along with Donald Macleod's wonderful chapter The Incarnation in A Faith to Live By. Many thanks to these men for their faithful service.
The perspective we need in evangelismThe message we pass along in evangelismThe expectations we have in evangelismThe invitation we extend in evangelism
The Church is the community of GodThe Church is the kingdom of GodThe Church is the family of GodThe Church is the temple of God
You can't live for God until you get new life from GodWhat is said of the Redeemer is said of the RedeemedGod determined to make you a trophy of his grace
God's power in Jesus over death is God's power for Christians.God's power in Jesus over the demonic is God's power for Christians.God's power in giving Jesus dominion is God's power for Christians.
We have a sure word from Jesus about Jesus.We have a new identity in Jesus.We can grow in our experience of the blessings of Jesus.
Covenant Theology Seminar #1: Works and GraceWhat is Covenant Theology?Why does it matter?What is the Covenant of Works?
We need the Lord's Supper. It fulfills the passover. It establishes the new covenant meal. It prioritizes our community. It is a foretaste of the marriage supper of the Lamb.
An RUF Bible study on marriage and divorce. Jesus cares for us. Jesus is patient with the broken. Jesus is faithful. 5 points of application.
A letter to the church at Smyrna. Jesus gives us perspective on our suffering. 1. He doesn't connect their suffering with their sins. 2. He will never take us in suffering where he has not been. 3. He knows and can stop our suffering but sometimes chooses not to. 4. Suffering can reveal our spiritual blessings. 5. He knows the end of our suffering. 6. He promises us that the worst suffering will never touch us.
Paul calls us to rejoice in the Lord. What is it about the Lord that brings joy? Why is the Gospel news that brings joy?
- Legalism produces people who are highly critical of others, vv1-22. Legalism makes God’s instructions harder than they are, vv3-53. Legalism misses the heart, vv6-84. Legalism is looking for loopholes, vv9-13
Jesus identifies the heart problem characterizing the church at Ephesus. He commends them lavishly, criticizes them kindly, and counsels them earnestly.
The Priority, Place, Message and Success of Evangelism. This was a large group Bible study taught at Arkansas RUF, and I made use of some excellent illustrations borrowed from Ricky Jones.
Jesus calls Levi and confronts the Pharisees. He shows himself to be the great physician. This sermon was preached for the ordination of Brandon Davidson at Christ the King Presbyterian Church in Joplin, MO.
The remedy God gives us for anxiety is casting all our anxieties on him because he cares for us. The power of prayer, the principles of prayer, the promise of prayer.
The problem of the leper who Jesus heals. The power of Jesus who heals the leper. Some practical applications, both personal and corporate. This was a large group Bible study taught outside at RUF in declining light. Sorry for the occasional distractions at the end because of it.
The King has come. His preaches a message that brings joy. He gathers unlikely disciples. He exercises unstoppable power over evil. Even ours.This is a large group Bible study taught outside in the cold and wind at RUF. Sorry for the occasional distractions.
Paul warns that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Hear the heart behind that warning, the warning itself, and the way of escape.
Under the metaphor of the dance, this sermon explores the mystery of Trinitarian love, how we get to participate in that love, and why it often doesn't feel like it. Outline: The Father's love for His Son, the Father's approval of His Son, and the Father's testing of His Son.This was a Bible study taught to Arkansas RUF. The metaphor of Dance was suggested by Tim Keller who picked it up from C.S. Lewis. Also helpful on this subject was Shared Life: The Trinity and the Fellowship of God's People by Donald Macleod.
How can we have confidence before the face of God? How can we know we are right with Him? Paul describes An Unjustified Confidence, A Justified Confidence, and Marks of a Justified Confidence.Rev. Brian Habig's thoughts on this passage were particularly helpful and used liberally.
How can we believe that God became man to bring lost mankind back to God? Isn't that too fantastic to believe? Isn't the Gospel of Mark unreliable? And even if its true, how is it any good? This is a Large Group Bible study taught to Arkansas RUF.
This is a Large Group Bible study taught to Arkansas RUF. In it we consider why the Gospel is Good News.
Sanctification is the process of God making us like Jesus. It calls for our cooperation. Here we consider Christian obedience: Activity and Ability.
What does Paul mean when he says that it has been granted to us to suffer for Christ's sake? Why would anybody welcome such a gift? How can we receive it with courage and even joy?
Jesus wants his people to persevere in faith and in prayer as we await his return. And so he builds our confidence to appeal to God for justice, protection, and the final end of all evil. Our confidence to pray is in the character of God, our standing with him, his long-suffering, and the promise of Jesus. Jesus closes the parable with a pointed question to us - do we believe?
Jesus says there is a kingdom and it is important. What is it like? What does it teach us about God and his people? How might that shape us?
How important is it that we love others? What does love look like in action? Where do I get this kind of love?
A letter from Jesus to the church at Sardis. This sermon considers our need to be revived, how we get revived, and what we gain from being revived.
What does a maturing Christian think about himself, the Christian life, and the Gospel? I. View of self: a sense of frustration not perfection.II. View of the Christian life: responsible activity not passivity.III. View of the Gospel: preservation enables perseverance.About the first four plus minutes capture a pastoral prayer and a prayer for a mission trip group from Covenant Church in Fayetteville. Just skip ahead if you prefer to hear only the sermon.
How does the cross of Christ resource Christians to fight the battle against our own sins?
Where do we turn when all the trials come? To God's promises, process and provisions. All of which point our faith to Christ and the cross.
What does the apostle Paul mean when he says that he is the chief of sinners? Why don't we believe this about ourselves? What difference might it make in our relationships if we do believe this?
What does it mean that God justifies the ungodly? What benefits do we receive from God because of this justification? How do these benefits shape us?