Bethel Presbyterian Church: Recent Episodes
In Part 2, we continue through Psalm 23 as David paints a beautiful picture of the Shepherd's care: "He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul." These verses remind us that God's desire is not merely to keep us moving, but to nourish, refresh, and restore us. In a culture that celebrates busyness and self reliance, the Good Shepherd calls His people to find rest in Him. He knows when we are weary, when our souls are empty, and when we need His gentle care. The restoration He offers reaches far beyond physical rest, it renews the heart, strengthens our faith, and reminds us of His unfailing presence. This message explores what it means to trust the Shepherd's leading, to rest in His provision, and to find lasting peace in the One who faithfully restores His people.
Psalm 23 opens with one of the most comforting truths in all of Scripture: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and endless striving, David begins by reminding us that everything changes when the Lord is our Shepherd. In Part 1 of this series, we explore what it means to belong to the Good Shepherd. A shepherd knows his sheep, leads them with wisdom, protects them from danger, and faithfully provides everything they truly need. David's confidence wasn't found in his circumstances—it was found in the character of the One leading him. This message invites us to rest in God's faithful care, trust His provision, and discover the peace that comes from following the Shepherd who never abandons His flock. Before we can understand the blessings of Psalm 23, we must first know the Shepherd Himself.
In Part 3, we follow the full account of Luke 4:16–30 as Jesus moves from being admired to being rejected in His own hometown. The same crowd that marveled at His words quickly turned against Him when His message exposed the condition of their hearts and challenged their expectations of the Messiah. This passage reminds us that the gospel does more than comfort, it confronts. Jesus did not come to affirm people's assumptions but to call them to repentance and faith. His message revealed that God's grace cannot be claimed through heritage, religion, or familiarity with the truth. It must be received with humility. This message explores why the people of Nazareth rejected Jesus, what their response reveals about the human heart, and how we can avoid making the same mistake. The greatest danger is not hearing the truth, it is hearing it so often that we refuse to let it change us.
In Part 2, we continue through Luke 4:16–30 and discover that Jesus' mission is far greater than His hometown expected. After declaring Himself to be the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, Jesus confronts the assumption that God's grace belongs only to a select few. By pointing to God's work among the Gentiles in the days of Elijah and Elisha, He reveals that the gospel has always been intended for the nations. This passage challenges our own hearts. Do we celebrate God's grace when it reaches people who are different from us, or do we try to limit His mercy to those we think deserve it? Jesus' message reminds us that the Kingdom of God is built on grace, not privilege, and that Christ came to seek and save all who will believe. This message explores the wideness of God's mercy, the danger of spiritual pride, and the call for the church to embrace the same heart for the lost that Jesus demonstrated from the very beginning of His ministry.
In Luke 4:16–21, Jesus steps into the synagogue in His hometown, reads from the prophet Isaiah, and makes a breathtaking declaration: "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." With those words, Jesus announces the beginning of His public ministry and reveals why He came. This series explores the mission of Christ as He proclaims good news to the poor, freedom for the captives, sight for the blind, and liberty for the oppressed. Every phrase points to the hope, restoration, and salvation found in Him. Jesus did not come merely to inspire people or improve their circumstances, He came to redeem sinners and inaugurate the Kingdom of God. As we walk through this passage together, we'll discover what Jesus came to accomplish, why His mission still matters today, and what it means for those who are called to follow Him. This is more than a statement of purpose—it is an invitation to experience the transforming power of the Messiah.
In Matthew 14:3–4, we find John the Baptist imprisoned for one reason: he was willing to tell the truth. While many remained silent, John confronted Herod's sin and called him to repentance, regardless of the personal cost. This brief passage reminds us that faithfulness to God is not always welcomed by the world. Speaking the truth can bring opposition, rejection, and even suffering. Yet John's example shows us that our responsibility is not to make the truth acceptable, but to proclaim it faithfully. This message explores the courage of John the Baptist, the danger of compromising truth for comfort, and the call for believers to stand firm in a culture that often prefers silence over conviction. In a world that pressures us to conform, John reminds us that faithfulness is worth the cost
In John 4:46–54, Jesus encounters a desperate father whose son is at the point of death. The official travels a great distance, pleading for Jesus to come and heal his child. But instead of going with him, Jesus simply speaks a word—and the man is faced with a choice: will he trust what Jesus has said, or will he demand proof before he believes? This passage challenges us to consider the nature of genuine faith. Is our trust in Christ dependent on what we can see, or are we willing to take Him at His word? The official's faith grows from desperation to confidence as he learns that Jesus' power is not limited by distance, circumstance, or human understanding. This message explores what it means to trust God when we cannot yet see the outcome, and how faith is strengthened when we learn to rest in the promises of Christ rather than our own certainty. Sometimes the greatest miracles begin with simply believing what Jesus has said.
The series concludes in 1 Samuel 7:9–12, where the story takes a dramatic turn. The people who once watched the glory depart now experience the blessing of God's presence once again. After seasons of compromise, defeat, and spiritual emptiness, Israel returns to the Lord in repentance, and God responds with mercy. As Samuel offers a sacrifice and cries out to God on behalf of the people, the Lord fights for Israel and delivers them from their enemies. In response, Samuel raises a stone and calls it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us." This message reminds us that spiritual failure does not have to be the end of the story. God delights in restoring repentant people. Where there was once Ichabod, "the glory has departed" God brings Ebenezer "the Lord has helped us." The path back is not through better methods or greater effort, but through humble repentance and renewed dependence on Him. Join us as we conclude Heavy People in a Light Church and discover how God restores His people when they return to Him with their whole hearts.
In Part 2, we continue through the aftermath of Israel's spiritual collapse and begin to see the deeper problem beneath the surface. The issue was never just the loss of the Ark it was the loss of reverence for God Himself. The people wanted His power without His holiness, His protection without obedience, and His presence without repentance. This message explores how easily faith can become shallow when worship turns routine and spiritual weight is replaced with entertainment, comfort, or performance. God's people were still religious, but their hearts had drifted far from Him. Through the tragedy of 1 Samuel 4, we are confronted with a serious question: are we carrying the weight of God's glory, or just maintaining the appearance of spirituality? True revival does not begin with better programs or louder moments it begins when God's people once again tremble at His presence.
In 1 Samuel 4:12–22, Israel experiences a devastating collapse. The Ark has been captured, the priests are dead, and the glory of God has departed from among the people. What once looked spiritually alive is revealed to be hollow underneath. This first message in the series Heavy People in a Light Church examines what happens when people treat the things of God casually while still expecting His blessing. The tragedy in this passage is not just military defeat it is spiritual emptiness hidden beneath religious activity. As Eli falls, Ichabod is born, and grief fills the nation, we are forced to ask difficult questions about the modern church. Have we learned how to appear spiritual without truly carrying the weight of God's presence? And what happens when a church becomes light where God calls it to be weighty? This message is a sobering call to recover reverence, holiness, and a genuine hunger for the presence of God.
In Part 2, we slow down and sit with Paul's command in Philippians 3:1: rejoice in the Lord. This is not a shallow or temporary happiness. It is a deep, steady joy rooted in who Christ is, not in what life feels like at the moment. Paul writes these words from a place of hardship, which makes the command even more powerful. Joy in the Lord is not dependent on comfort, success, or ease. It is anchored in the unchanging truth of the gospel what Christ has done, what He is doing, and what He promises to complete. This message explores how to cultivate that kind of joy, how to hold onto it when circumstances shift, and why it becomes a source of strength for everyday life.
In Philippians 3:1–2, Paul gives a command that feels simple but carries real weight: rejoice in the Lord. In the middle of warnings and challenges, he calls believers back to a steady, grounded joy not based on circumstances, but rooted in Christ Himself. At the same time, Paul sounds a clear warning. Not every voice that sounds spiritual is leading in the right direction. There are influences that distort the gospel and pull hearts away from what is true. Joy and discernment go hand in hand. This message calls us to hold fast to a joy that cannot be shaken while staying alert to what threatens it. True joy is found in Christ, and it is worth guarding.
In 1 Corinthians 15:20–22, Paul anchors our hope in one unshakable truth: Christ is risen. Not as an isolated event, but as the firstfruits the beginning of a greater harvest to come. His resurrection is the guarantee that death does not have the final word. Paul draws a powerful contrast between Adam and Christ. Through Adam came death, a reality every person knows. But through Christ comes life, real, lasting, eternal life for all who belong to Him. What was broken in the beginning is being restored through Jesus. This message reminds us that the resurrection is not just something to believe in, it is something to build our lives upon. Because He lives, there is hope beyond the grave and a promise that life will triumph over death.
In John 4:25–38, the conversation at the well turns outward. What begins with one woman encountering Jesus quickly expands into a call to mission. Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah, but He doesn't stop there, He lifts His disciples' eyes to see a harvest already ready. While they are focused on the natural, Jesus points to the spiritual. Fields are ripe. People are searching. And the work of God is already in motion. The invitation is not to create the harvest, but to step into it to engage the culture around us and point others to Christ. This passage reminds us that the gospel is not meant to stay private. We are called to see people the way Jesus sees them, to move toward them rather than away, and to take part in the work of bringing them to Him. The harvest is ready. The question is whether we are willing to step into it.
In John 4:25–34, everything comes to a turning point. The woman speaks of the coming Messiah, and Jesus responds with a clear and personal revelation: He is the One. What began as a simple conversation at a well becomes a moment of life-changing clarity. As the scene unfolds, the focus shifts from the woman to the disciples. While they are concerned with physical needs, Jesus reveals a deeper reality His true nourishment is doing the will of the Father and completing His work. The mission matters more than comfort. This passage shows us both the identity of Jesus and the heart of His mission. It challenges us to see what truly satisfies and to align our lives with the work God is already doing around us.
John 4:26 is a stunning moment in the Gospel: "I who speak to you am He." In the middle of an ordinary conversation, Jesus makes a direct and personal declaration He is the Messiah. Not to a crowd, not to religious leaders, but to a Samaritan woman at a well. This verse reveals the heart of Christ. He does not hide Himself from those who are seeking. He meets people in their brokenness, speaks truth into their lives, and then reveals who He truly is. What began as a simple conversation becomes a life-changing encounter. This message invites us to consider how Jesus still reveals Himself today not to the proud or self-sufficient, but to those who are willing to listen, receive, and believe.
John 4:23 gives us a clear and powerful picture of what God desires: "the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth." In this moment, Jesus shifts the conversation away from place and tradition and brings it straight to the heart. Worship is not about where we go or what we do—it's about how we come before God. This verse reveals that God is not passive in worship—He is actively seeking people whose hearts are alive, honest, and aligned with Him. To worship in spirit is to come sincerely, from the depths of who we are. To worship in truth is to come rightly, grounded in who God has revealed Himself to be. This message challenges us to examine our worship. Is it routine, or is it real? Because the Father is still seeking those who will worship Him this way.
In Part 6, we slow down and take in the heart of Jesus' teaching in John 4:14–24. He speaks of living water that becomes a spring within the soul—satisfying, renewing, and overflowing into eternal life. But the conversation doesn't stop at thirst. It moves into worship. Jesus brings together two deep needs of the human heart: satisfaction and surrender. The water He gives changes us from the inside out, and true worship flows from that transformation. It is not about geography, heritage, or religious performance. It is about being made alive by Him and responding with honesty and truth. This message explores how living water and true worship are connected. When Christ fills the soul, worship is no longer forced or formal. It becomes the natural response of a heart that has been found, known, and renewed.
In Part 5, the conversation at the well reaches one of its most profound moments. Jesus redefines worship, shifting it away from locations, rituals, and traditions, and bringing it back to the heart. True worship is not about where we stand, but how we approach God. Jesus declares that the Father is seeking those who will worship in spirit and truth. This challenges comfortable habits, cultural assumptions, and the tendency to reduce worship to a weekly activity. Worship becomes something far deeper—an honest, surrendered response to who God is. This message explores what worship truly means, why it matters, and how it shapes the way we live long after the music stops.
In Part 4, the conversation turns deeply personal. Jesus reveals that He sees beyond appearances and into the hidden places of the heart. What could feel like exposure becomes an invitation to transformation. The woman's past is not used to condemn her, but to lead her toward truth and freedom. As the dialogue unfolds, the focus shifts to worship, identity, and the true nature of knowing God. Jesus dismantles assumptions, redirects misplaced beliefs, and ultimately reveals Himself in a stunning declaration of who He is. This message explores how Jesus confronts without shaming, speaks truth with grace, and offers living hope to those who least expect it.
In Part 2, the conversation at the well begins to unfold. What starts as a simple request for water quickly turns into something far deeper. Jesus shifts the focus from physical thirst to spiritual thirst, revealing a need that reaches into the core of the human heart. As the dialogue continues, we see the woman's confusion, curiosity, and growing awareness that this is no ordinary man. Jesus gently leads her from everyday concerns to eternal realities, exposing the emptiness we all try to fill and pointing to the only source of lasting satisfaction. This message explores how Jesus meets us in ordinary conversations, drawing us from surface-level concerns to the deeper thirst of the soul.
In Part 1 of this series, we step into the opening scene of John 4. Jesus leaves Judea, travels through Samaria, and stops at a well—tired, thirsty, and fully human. What looks like a passing detail is actually a divine appointment. These verses introduce a powerful truth: Jesus intentionally goes where others would avoid. He enters uncomfortable spaces, crosses cultural lines, and meets people exactly where they are. Before the conversation unfolds, we already see His heart—patient, purposeful, and full of grace. This message lays the foundation for the encounter at the well, showing us that God's greatest works often begin in the most ordinary moments.
John 4:1–7 opens with an ordinary moment that quickly becomes anything but ordinary. Jesus, weary from the journey, sits by a well in Samaria and asks a woman for a drink. It's a simple request—but loaded with cultural tension, personal history, and deep significance. This passage sets the stage for one of the most personal encounters in the Gospels. Jesus crosses social, racial, and religious boundaries, showing us that He is not distant or selective in His grace. Before any theology is explained or any sin is exposed, Jesus draws near. This message invites us to slow down and notice how Jesus begins the conversation—and what it reveals about His heart toward outsiders, the weary, and the overlooked.
In this second message of our Christmas series, we follow the promise of Immanuel as it unfolds from Isaiah 7 through Isaiah 9:7. What began as a word of hope to a fearful king grows into a sweeping vision of light breaking into darkness. God's promise doesn't stop at His presence—it moves toward a coming King. Isaiah 9 shifts our eyes from immediate fear to lasting hope. A child is born. A son is given. And this child will rule with justice, peace, and righteousness forever. In a world marked by conflict and uncertainty, God declares that His answer is not escape, but a Savior who reigns. This message invites us to see Christmas not as a sentimental moment, but as the arrival of a King whose kingdom will never end—and whose presence changes everything.
Christmas didn't begin in a quiet manger. It began in a moment of fear, uncertainty, and political chaos. In Isaiah 7:1–16, God speaks to a frightened king and a trembling nation, offering a promise in the middle of their anxiety. The sign of Immanuel—God with us—is given not when everything is calm, but when everything feels unstable. This series walks through the original setting of Isaiah's prophecy and shows how God meets His people in their fear with assurance, not condemnation. Long before Bethlehem, God was already declaring that He would draw near, step into human weakness, and be present with His people. This is a Christmas message for those who feel overwhelmed, unsure, or worn down. It reminds us that the hope of Christmas is not that life is easy, but that God is with us in the middle of it.
John 3:36 captures the gospel in one powerful sentence: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." In this verse, John brings the entire chapter to a crossroads belief or rejection, life or judgment. There is no middle ground. This message reminds us that faith in Jesus isn't just an idea; it's a response. To believe in Him is to trust, follow, and surrender. To refuse Him is to remain under the weight of our own sin. Yet within this verse is the heartbeat of God's mercy: the offer of eternal life through His Son. If you've ever wondered what it truly means to "believe in Jesus," this passage lays it bare. It's not about religion it's about life or death, and the invitation to step into grace that never ends.
John 3:36 captures the gospel in one powerful sentence: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." In this verse, John brings the entire chapter to a crossroads belief or rejection, life or judgment. There is no middle ground. This message reminds us that faith in Jesus isn't just an idea; it's a response. To believe in Him is to trust, follow, and surrender. To refuse Him is to remain under the weight of our own sin. Yet within this verse is the heartbeat of God's mercy: the offer of eternal life through His Son. If you've ever wondered what it truly means to "believe in Jesus," this passage lays it bare. It's not about religion it's about life or death, and the invitation to step into grace that never ends.
John 3:36 captures the gospel in one powerful sentence: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." In this verse, John brings the entire chapter to a crossroads belief or rejection, life or judgment. There is no middle ground. This message reminds us that faith in Jesus isn't just an idea; it's a response. To believe in Him is to trust, follow, and surrender. To refuse Him is to remain under the weight of our own sin. Yet within this verse is the heartbeat of God's mercy: the offer of eternal life through His Son. If you've ever wondered what it truly means to "believe in Jesus," this passage lays it bare. It's not about religion it's about life or death, and the invitation to step into grace that never ends.
In John 3:31–36, the focus turns fully to Jesus—the One who came from above and speaks the words of God with authority. This passage draws a clear contrast between earthly voices and the voice of heaven. John reminds us that Jesus doesn't just bring a message from God—He is the message. He bears witness to what He has seen and heard, offering life to all who believe in Him. This final section is a call to decision. John doesn't leave room for neutrality: whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects Him remains under judgment. It's a sober truth, but also a beautiful promise—eternal life isn't something we earn, it's something we receive through faith in Christ. This message brings the series to a close by lifting our eyes to the supremacy of Jesus. He is above all, faithful in every word, and the source of life that never ends.
In John 3:31–36, the focus turns fully to Jesus—the One who came from above and speaks the words of God with authority. This passage draws a clear contrast between earthly voices and the voice of heaven. John reminds us that Jesus doesn't just bring a message from God—He is the message. He bears witness to what He has seen and heard, offering life to all who believe in Him. This final section is a call to decision. John doesn't leave room for neutrality: whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects Him remains under judgment. It's a sober truth, but also a beautiful promise—eternal life isn't something we earn, it's something we receive through faith in Christ. This message brings the series to a close by lifting our eyes to the supremacy of Jesus. He is above all, faithful in every word, and the source of life that never ends.
In John 3:31–36, the focus turns fully to Jesus—the One who came from above and speaks the words of God with authority. This passage draws a clear contrast between earthly voices and the voice of heaven. John reminds us that Jesus doesn't just bring a message from God—He is the message. He bears witness to what He has seen and heard, offering life to all who believe in Him. This final section is a call to decision. John doesn't leave room for neutrality: whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects Him remains under judgment. It's a sober truth, but also a beautiful promise—eternal life isn't something we earn, it's something we receive through faith in Christ. This message brings the series to a close by lifting our eyes to the supremacy of Jesus. He is above all, faithful in every word, and the source of life that never ends.
In John 3:27–30, we hear one of the most humbling and freeing declarations in all of Scripture: "He must increase, but I must decrease." John the Baptist's words reveal the heart of a true servant of God, someone who knows his role, understands his purpose, and finds joy in stepping aside so that Christ can be seen more clearly. This passage calls us to examine our own hearts. Are we more concerned with being noticed than being faithful? Do we celebrate when others are elevated, or do we feel threatened? John's response shows us what it means to live with spiritual maturity, humility, and contentment in God's plan. This message reminds us that true greatness in the Kingdom isn't about gaining more it's about giving glory where it belongs. When Jesus increases in our lives, everything else finds its right place.
In John 3:22–26, we find a quiet but powerful moment in the ministry of John the Baptist. His followers come to him worried that people are starting to go to Jesus instead. But instead of competing, John points them back to the heart of his mission—to prepare the way for the Messiah, not to be the Messiah. This passage speaks deeply to our own struggles with pride, comparison, and identity. It reminds us that ministry is not about building our own name but lifting up His. John's humility gives us a picture of what it means to find joy in seeing Jesus increase, even if it means we fade into the background. If you've ever wrestled with comparison, insecurity, or the need for recognition, this message will challenge and encourage you to find freedom in pointing others to Christ.
In this final message from Isaiah 58:13–14, we discover the heart behind God's command to honor the Sabbath and what it reveals about our relationship with Him. After calling His people to genuine repentance and promising restoration, God ends the chapter by inviting them into delight. The focus shifts from what we do to what we desire. These verses remind us that true worship is not about ritual but relationship. God isn't after our empty sacrifices; He wants our hearts to find joy in Him. When we set aside our own pursuits and honor His name, we find the deep rest our souls crave a rest that transforms how we live every other day of the week. This message closes the chapter with a promise: when we delight in the Lord, He lifts us up and satisfies us with Himself.
In this message from Isaiah 58:8–12, we continue where last week left off. After God called His people to true repentance in verses 1–7, we now see the blessings and promises that flow from living His way. Isaiah paints a picture of light breaking through darkness, healing springing up, and God's presence going before us. This passage shows what happens when faith is not only confessed but lived out in justice, mercy, and humility. If part one challenged us to examine our hearts and our worship, part two invites us to see the results of obedience, renewal, guidance, strength, and restoration. This is a word of hope for anyone longing to see God move in their life, family, and community.
Isaiah 58:1–7 is a powerful call from God that pulls back the curtain on empty religion and points us to the heart of true worship. In this passage, God confronts His people for fasting and performing rituals without real obedience or compassion. He shows us that what He desires most is not outward shows of holiness, but lives marked by justice, mercy, and love. This sermon explores what it means to practice a faith that pleases God. We will look at the difference between hollow religion and genuine devotion, and how God's vision of worship calls us to care for the hungry, lift up the oppressed, and live with humility. Isaiah 58 reminds us that God is not impressed with rituals that do not change our hearts. He is after a people whose love for Him is reflected in how they treat others.
In John 3:9–21, Jesus has a late-night conversation with Nicodemus that reveals the very heart of the gospel. This is where we hear the famous words of John 3:16 "For God so loved the world…"but the verses around it bring even deeper meaning.
How does the resurrection of Christ personally affect the believer? JoinPastor Thurston as he unpacks Peter's response to that question.
Rarely is the believer taught how to praise God in their personal and daily lives. Join us in this message where Pastor Thurston continues to break down the anatomy of praise.
Rarely is the believer taught how to praise God in their personal and daily lives. Join us in this message where Pastor Thurston breaks down the anatomy of praise.
1 Chronicles 10-1-6, 11-1-3, 12-1, 32--Understanding the Times--Rev. Dr. George C. Hammond
We must endeavor to walk by the Spirit of God by which we dive into the word of God. But our passion must not be external conformity to the Law of God- law keeping for the sake of law keeping. Rather, it must be knowing the Lord and so fellowshipping with Him, loving Him above all things, and so serving Him as He instructs us from His word. That is how we make good on the New Priority that flows from the cross of Christ.
Does Christianity make any difference in the here and now- The answer from Scripture is a resounding -Yes-- There are many passages which detail the temporal blessings that rest with the believer in the here and now-
In order to experience the benefit of fellowship with God, one must be a child of God, or -according to the Spirit.-
As children of God, we have the privilege of living in the darkness of this world with the knowledge that we are the sons and daughters of God Most High.
On the Last Day when Christ comes to destroy Satan and his followers our participation will be in giving the -Amen- to the judgment and justice of Christ -1 Corinthians 6-2-3-.
In our earthbound thinking, it sounds odd to say that discipline in the life of a child is proof of the love of his father or mother. Yet that is the case -cf. Hebrews 12-7b, 8--
Practically speaking, that means that when it comes to-God, we take every attribute, every action of our Lord,-and like a diamond, we endeavor to gaze upon Him and-His deeds from a variety of angles..
In the midst of trial and difficulty, when you are being unjustly treated, when your name is being trashed, or when you feel abandoned and forsaken- what is our comfort-
When we speak of God being Just, there always is the expectation of either condemnation-wrath for the one guilty of sin or their forgiveness-purification. A just God could do nothing else or less-
The reformation returned us to a correct presentation of the gospel. It matters ... this message explains why.
All of this brings us to the ultimate problem of the people of God in Malachi's day. It wasn't that God was a liar- or that He wasn't just. That was the felt-problem. It is that God's people read the promises of God and mistakenly expected them to be fulfilled in their lifetime-
The Clear Warning- If any man-leader compromises the worship of God, Malachi prays that the Lord would cut them off- either through deposition, excommunication, or death -cf. also 1 Cor. 3-16-17-. Paul said much the same in 1 Cor. 3-16-17-
The ministers of the word of God -turned aside from the way.- This means that they started advancing their own agenda rather than the word of God.
Watch over your heart- When ministers of the Word of God use the Bible to advance their own or another's agenda, they will ultimately lead the people of God astray-
2 Corinthians 4-7-15--God's power and wisdom is displayed in the midst of our weaknesses.
20 But God said to him, 'Fool- This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be-' 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.-
As children of the living God, we are privileged to have a relationship with the King of kings and Lord of lords. And yet, we grow bored with Christ, familiar, Mechanistic- When this occurs, it isn't long before it is reflected in our worship-
First, we remove it completely from the realm of Justification- when we do this, we understand -acceptable- and -well-pleasing- as extensions of God's condescending grace by which He has chosen to delight in the acts or attitudes of His children which come as the result of seeking to love, know, and serve the Lord-
Judah was particularly hard hit with rebellions and counter rebellions. How were God's people to survive-
What is reaped when the non-Christian attacks a Christian on account of Christ- The passion of the non-Christian reflects a depth of depravity which if not removed will destroy the persecutor.
All the nations which hertofore had attacked, compromised, or subjugated the people of God in the past -- nations and peoples who continued to threaten the newly returned people of God -- someday will be dealt with by God-
When God's people returned to Jerusalem, they did so not because of anything they had don or would do, but because they were -the apple of His eye- -Zechariah 2-8- and so ones on whom God had set His love, favor, and blessing-
Scripture Reading- John 1-1-18 -pew Bible p. 1049--Sermon- -The Encounter--Rev. Dr. George C. Hammond
When Paul exhorts the Philippians to -rejoice,- he is calling on them to have the joy of the Lord pervade their lives-
As darkness turned to dawn that night so long ago, Zechariah received this eighth vision which spoke of the dawn of Christ's Messianic Kingdom in which God once and for all would be -at rest-, -at peace- with His sinning people- This brings us to the confirmation of God's promise.
The Kingdom of God is built not by doing great things involving massive leaps forward, but by faithfully doing the necessary, small, even despised things- -cf. 1 Cor. 1-26-29-
From this we see that Zechariah is prophesying about the city in which we currently live as Christians and that which someday will come in its fullness- when the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven as a bride adorned for her husband -cf. Rev. 21-2, 11--
This is the position of every nation, people, or individual who oppose God by opposing or attacking His people- They just are not storing up judgment, but the gallows are being built, the fire is being stoked, the axe is being raised-
The report of peace and quiet was not true. God's people had been attacked and oppressed, and those perpetrating the violence were unrepentant and at ease-
God knew that for a significant portion of His people at this time, their efforts and concern were just a show- more religious duty which their Fallen Disposition would use to bolster themselves -cf. Jer. 7-9-10a- Joel 2-12-13a-
When Paul relates to us The Message of Easter beginning with the lineage of Christ he not only is making a strong case for Jesus being a man, but he also is telling us that He is the Davidic King who would rule a Kingdom which will last forever-
When we speak of God's Lovingkindness we are saying that- God is a good, gracious, compassionate, and forgiving Being whose love toward each of us is never a sham, could never change, nor ever be thwarted -by you- the object of His love- or any other created thing-. The net result is a saving God who henceforth and forevermore will have your back and therefore One whom we can always trust and so rely upon-
Do you understand what God did- This was THE most powerful nation and king at the time, and yet God single handedly gave it a massive defeat and in the process delivered His people- In this regard, consider Isa. 40-15a- Prov. 21-1- Jer. 10-10b...
This is a massive theme in Scripture- fidelity fueled by our apprehension of the glory and goodness of God- We serve God not because of what He gives us, but because in and of Himself He is worthy, and we love Him for it-
When Christ established the temple of His body- the church- the -heavens and earth most certainly shook-- Think of the massive earthquake that occurred when Christ died -Mt. 27-45, 54- 28-2-. Our text speaks of God -once more shaking the heavens and the earth- -Hag. 2-6b-.
When it comes to the Second Coming of Christ, scripture calls for the response of readiness. As the day draws near, we must be diligent to...-- Show ourselves -approved of God,- 2 Tim. 2-15.-- -Present ourselves to God as a living and holy Sacrifice,- Rom. 12-1.-- -Be ready- for the coming of Christ- not holding on to the things of this world...
Yet when they arrived and immediately faced massive opposition to their rebuilding efforts, their focus naturally turned to themselves, their living, and so their own well-being. When the suggestion was made that -Today, we should begin on the temple rebuilding,- their response was -Now is not the best time-- No doubt there were many excuses given-
The passion and zeal of the people of God melted as they took their eyes off the Lord. As a result, they naturally became preoccupied with those things that were safe- like themselves, their homes, their living, and the like. -cf. Isaiah 59-9b-10-
On account of our default programing which endeavors to relate to God on the basis of our morality or religious activity, it's easy to twist Paul's metaphor here and take this verse as a calling to endeavor to live in a way that makes us acceptable to God-
The -unfathomable riches of Christ- refers to a track that is visible enough to be noticed at times, and yet ultimately- in this life- untrackable-unable to be fully known-.
This does not mean that in His selection of us that God pushes others away. Rather, it means that through His electing grace, the Lord brings dead sinners to life- He resurrects them- unto a specific end-purpose which cannot be thwarted -cf. Jn. 15-16a- 1 Pet. 1-4-5- 2-6- 3-18-
That which God's people were to -stand firm in-- that which here is identified as the -grace of God-- is nothing less than the teaching of this -brief epistle- and so, more generally, the teaching of the Word of God-
What Satan might mean for evil, God uses for good in our lives unto the ultimate end of fitting us for glory- Accordingly, the call of Scripture is to work with the trials and difficulties of this life- really to work actively, along with God- that the trial might produce in us growth, maturation, trust, and reliance upon Christ -cf. James 1-2-4- Romans 5-3-4--
An important part of God's grace is divine enablement by which the saved sinner is able to grow in their walk, serve the Lord, bring about His kingdom work, and so glorify God- And it is this facet of grace that is being used in the text before us.
The core kingdom principle is this- Grace is given to those who cannot help themselves-
1 Peter 5-1-5-We tend to view the fall of man exclusively as damaging man's relationship towards God, we must also see that the fall had a profound impact upon man's relationships with others.
Joel 2--The gift of prophecy as found in the New Testament is the fulfillment of the prophecy given in Joel 2-28. So we must understand this gift in light of its Old Testament characteristics.
Shepherding is really a calling on the part of God, most definitely- But based on how the Bible treats the calling-office, we conclude that if a man has the desire, he will make the choice to grow in his ability to shepherd- all of which are signs that the Lord has called him-
Ultimately we know that Jesus is THE Guardian of the flock of God for only He can protect it, grow it, mature it, and govern it. As such elders must see themselves are under-overseer who serves at Christ's bidding in the protection of His flock.
Though what Peter writes about the elder makes us want to run, hide, and never look back, nevertheless it was written not only by a fellow elder, but a fellow sinner who in Christ's darkest hour turned his back on his Lord-
When the Bible speaks of -...the restoration of all things,- it most definitely has in mind the restoration of our relationship with God, but it also has in mind the restoration of our royal calling and authority- which requires the re-creation of this world into a paradise-
When we consider the pain and misery of trial, persecution, and even martyrdom -which in our ignorance we might confuse with an angry God-, none of it can compare with the eternal pain, suffering, torment, and misery that await the non-Christian -Heb. 10-31--- And that is Peter's Point here- Looking at eternity and considering the lot of ones truly under the wrath of God, we should never confuse the difficulties we face in this life as the bitter expressions of an angry God-
When we speak of the restorative grace of God we must understand that our restoration involves being free of Satan's deception which would have us live in slavery and fear throughout our lives- Accordingly, we no longer need to live in fear.
1 Peter 4-12-19---How does this translate to the suffering we will encounter in this life- With each type of suffering we have a choice. Either we endure the suffering, longing for the pain to get over. Or we embrace the suffering as a means by which God would wean us from this world, demonstrate the true nature of sin, and so give us a greater hunger and longing for Christ- that is what Peter is talking about here- -But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing--
This is what God does with ones He loves- otherwise known as -His beloved-- As His redeeming work will never be completed on this side of the grave, we can be sure that if we are saved, God is going to temper us with trial not because He is angry with us, but because He loves us-
Do you understand what this means practically when it comes to the exercise and use of your gifts- The focus is not you and me, but Christ- And not just now in this age, but throughout eternity future- This is incredibly encouraging. The ultimate reason you and I have been engifted is so that Christ-God might be honored through us-
Every spiritual gifting is not simply a tool with which to serve the Lord and so His people. It is not something we own, nor something that arises out of ourselves. Rather, it is a calling vested with Divine enabling -that's our gifting- and authority -that's our position- unto the attaining of Christ's purpose and will-
The gift that God has given you upon your conversion was not given to you to encourage you, build you up, or establish you in any way. The gift God invested in you has been given to you that you might use it unto the building up of the body of Christ -cf. Romans 12-5 - 1 Corinthians 12-4-7--...
Our base inclination is to relate to God as a Santa Clause figure or a Task Master- both of which believe that divine blessing is based on what we do. As such when we sin we think a massive frown comes upon the face of God which will only be removed by you and I doing something to make it up to Him- Yet this is categorically wrong-
When it comes to the discussion of Spiritual Gifts, there is not a Christian excluded- every believer has received a deposit from God- a ministry and its requisite tools- whereby they are expected to serve the Lord
Taken together the picture here is of a person bound not by his fleshly wants, desires, fears, or needs nor by the mind of the world -its wants, desires, fears, or needs-. Rather, the picture is of the Christian living in light of eternity and so praying, depending on, and so communing with God-
The Day of the Lord in Scripture oft-times references a temporal trial-struggle in which there was-is much suffering. And so, associated with this -day- is seismic disturbances -e.g., Joel 2-1-11- 2-31- 3-16-, violent weather -Ezek. 13-5ff-, clouds and thick darkness -e.g., Ezk. 2-2- Zeph. 1-7ff-, cosmic upheaval -Zeph. 2-3, 30-, wars, rumors of war, hardship, trial, and oppression -Mt. 24-6-.-Think of the birth pangs of a woman in labor. That is what the trials and difficulties of life in this age truly are. In theology, we don't call them -Labor Pains- but -Portents- -cf. Rom. 8-19-22- Biblically speaking we expect that these Portents will characterize life in this world but will intensify right before the end -just as with labor pains, cf. Mt. 24-21-22--
There is no such thing as a minor sin- While some sins are -more heinous in the eyes of God than others,- nevertheless all sin is heinous to God- This is why -malice- toward God's people seeking to be holy is a major sin-
Sensuality-- -------- -aselgeia---Lusts-- -------- -epithumia---Drunkenness-- ---------- -oinophlugia---Carousals-- ----- -k-mos---Drinking Parties-- ----- -potos---Abominable Idolatries-- --------- -------------- -athemitois eid-lolatriais--Question- What should come to mind when you think of these sins in your life-
When we think about God we are dealing with a Being who is so awesome that we will spend eternity growing in our understanding and knowledge of Him, yet we will never arrive at a point of completion--
When we come to a passage like the one before us which speaks of -salvation- or -being saved,- we have to ask ourselves, -What facet of salvation is being addressed here-- In answer to that we know from the context that Peter is not talking here about the forgiveness of sin, but the maintenance of our faith in the midst of trial-
The trials, miseries, sufferings, persecutions, and death of this world cannot and did not thwart or hinder the life that Christ entered into upon His death- And if that is true of our Lord, it most certainly will be true of His servants -cf. Rom. 6-9-11, 8--...
The most important thing we can do as it relates to our conscience is to make sure that it is properly informed. Assuming that is the case, the second most important thing we can do when it comes to our conscience is be true to it - which is what is behind the exhortation here to -keep a good conscience.---How does this relate to witnessing- It is very simple- the first step in any fall into sin is a wounded or neglected conscience-
Our goal when it comes to our witness is not that we somehow convince the persecutor to trust Christ. Rather, our goal is that we share of the hope that is ours on account of who Christ is and what He has done-
Christian Baptism is a rite of identification- The recipient who is -baptized into God's name-character- now and for all time is to identify Himself with Christ, His purpose, and His work with the result that what God is- His character, purpose, and work- now rests upon the one being baptized-
The focus of the Great Commission is the longing for all people groups as well as the undesirables of the world not only to come to a saving knowledge of Christ, but to mature in the faith unto the honor and glory of Christ-
The word used for -worship- here ---------- -proskune--- is the primary word for worship in the New Testament. It literally means -to kiss the hand- and so is translated as -to bow down- or -to prostrate oneself on the ground.- The idea behind this word is that of bowing
If you could go back to Christ's day and ask almost any Jew, you would find that Calvary- being hung on a cross- was a symbol of ridicule and shame -cf. 1 Cor. 1-23- Deut. 21-22-23--
On the surface, this is an odd statement. If we -suffer for the sake of righteousness-- especially as God's people were at the time of the writing of this epistle- we could lose a lot- yet turn your eyes upon Jesus and the question is dramatically changed.
A large emphasis in Scripture when it comes to Christian service is being undefiled -ceremonially acceptable to God- and therefore useful to the Master. This is why God acted so severely with His people in 586 BC. It was not out of rashness or an uncontrolled temper. Rather it was to protect His people from themselves lest they in their sinning be disqualified from the privilege of service in God's Kingdom---This is a rebroadcast of a pervious sermon,
This sounds like the -health and wealth- theology of Christless Christianity. But it is not. No doubt passages in this category have been used by -health and wealth- theologians, and so we must be very careful here. Yet we must see that Christianity is not combative to the natural order of creation, but restorative- And as such, it can and, many times, does result in temporal blessing.
In our interaction with the world, a growing faith will result in a tenderness, kindness, and compassion toward all men- If we are to enjoy a blessed life, these Attitudes must be cultivated in our lives-
In a difficult marriage the man most certainly can't force his wife to be his companion. Nevertheless, this command ought radically to alter the way a godly man approaches his wife. He does not seek from his wife a good friendship. Rather, he seeks to be a good friend to her- In a bad marriage this undoubtedly will open the man up to all sorts of verbal abuse- which raises two important questions-
What Peter wrote here is not archaic or inapplicable to today's culture. Rather, it is God's will for all women at all times- whether we go back 3,800 years to the time of Abraham- 2,000 years to the time of Christ- Or last week.
Underlining every call of -submission- in the Bible is a principle upon which rests civil, ecclesiastical, and familial authority. Those offices of authority that exist in this world- civil, ecclesiastical, or familiar- have been-established by God.
When you came to Christ and confessed your sin and He said, -Your sins are forgiven-, you on your part may only have been asking for 1-1 trillionth of your sin to be forgiven -for those are the only sins you saw at the time-- yet the text before us tells us that Christ forgave them all.
Unlike the non-believer, there is no veil covering our eyes when we read the word of God, again in v. 14, -the veil- is removed in Christ-- As such, we now can read and understand what the word of God says. This is NO different from what we read in Exodus 33 and 34 when, in answer to Moses' prayer, God manifested Himself to Moses in a fuller way. How is it that Moses could look upon the Theophany that God would give and NOT die- Cf. Ex. 33-21-23--Don't miss it- Whatever you know about God today- as much as you may have studied the Bible- you can be sure it is much less than 1-1 Trillionth of what truly God is-