Grace E-Free Church - Denison, Iowa - Sermons: Recent Episodes
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The weekly sermons of Teaching Pastor Brian Rihner from Grace Evangelical Free Church in Denison, Iowa
Listen to Pastor Nick's first official sermon at Grace Church as he preaches on how to walk with God and trust in His character even in the unstable moments of life.
Listen to Pastor Greg's sermon as we wrap up this series and look forward to the glorious reward that awaits us at the end of the trail.
How do we "pack light" for this journey of life that we're on? How do we remove the heavy burden of sin that weighs us down?
How do we best stay on the correct path in this world when it seems like the gravitational pull of sin is constantly pulling us off course? God's Word is the perfect map and compass for us as we navigate the trials of this life - pointing us to Jesus.
An examination of Psalm 37 encourages the righteous to trust in the Lord and in His faithfulness.
What was humanity's default setting before sin entered the world? After? Is there a problem? What is the solution?
There will be a final judgment for all people. And there is only one way to avoid the Abyss.
The Apostle John teaches that those who truly follow Jesus will show their obedience to Him and love for each other.
The Apostle Peter warns of false teachers that promise freedom that is not the true freedom that comes from following Jesus.
The author of Hebrews (Paul, Luke?) makes a case from the Old Testament that Jesus is superior to all and that to follow Him is to live a life that obeys His way of living.
Marcus Rihner's message on what happened to Jesus and His family immediately after His birth.
Jesus came at the perfect time to focus the redemption of the world. He shows God's grace completely.
The New Testament clearly presents Jesus as not only Messiah but God. It is vital to remember who that baby in the manger truly is.
Jesus was God the Son revealed in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, and beleived on in the world.
Paul encourages the Christians in first century Thessalonica to live a holy life, the way of love along with giving some divinely inspired revelation about the second coming of Jesus.
Paul gives one of the best prayers to pray for fellow follower of Jesus along with some deep theology of who Jesus really it - truly God in the flesh.
The Apostle Paul outlines well what our eternal problem is in Ephesians chapter 2. Then gives a wonderful summary of the eternal soulution in Jesus.
The Apostle Paul gives great guidance on our true "home" with the LORD while reminding all followers of Jesus that they are His Ambassadors - God making His appeal through them.
Paul defends the truth of the Resurrection of Jesus by eye-witness accounts, OT scripture, and logic. He then shows how Christ's resurrection guarantees the resurrection of all true believers in Him at His 2nd coming.
Paul gives every true believer hope in this life and the next through our faith in Jesus and His Spirit within us
In part of Jesus' Upper Room Discourse, Jesus teaches His disciples more about who He is, what He came for and what they can expect from Him
Jesus teaches Nicodemus about eternal life and His exclusive role in saving the world that is in darkness without Him.
Jesus gives a detailed prediction of the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem to warn His 1st-century followers and to reveal the consequences of rejecting Him.
Jesus answers John the Baptist with scriptural evidence of his Messiahship. Then he gives one of the most memorable and important metaphors of how we can be aided by Him in our lives.
During the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple in 520BC, the prophet Zechariah received 8 visions, the fourth of which shows God's gracious forgiveness of His people if they will accept it.
This vision shows that the atonement will come through the "Branch", the Messiah will accomplish in "one day" and all the world will be invited.
God sends a letter to the Jews in exile in Babylon through the hand of Jeremiah to show that He still cares for them and has a plan for His people. We need to be very careful to not take this Biblical Text (or any) out of context and claim these promises as our own. However, God has promises true Followers of Jesus so much.
Ezekiel prophesies about a new covenant where God's Spirit washes His people clean and makes them a "new person (heart)". Jesus uses this text in His conversation with Nicodemus in John 3.
The prophet Ezekiel is spiritually transported from exile in Baylon to witness the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple from a spiritual perspective.
The prophet Isaiah predicts with great detail the suffering and victory of the Messiah in his forth servant song.
Looking at a familiar passage of scripture in a different way can show God's lovingkindness even more
During the reign of a faithless king, Elijah heads south to flee for his life, ending up at a familiar mountain and experiencing a unique encounter with the LORD.
The divine name of the one true God is revealed to Moses on a holy mountain through a bush on fire.
Everything changes regarding humanity's conncection to God as Adam and Eve given in to the temptation of the "Nachish" in Eden.
God creates the universe, the earth and all of its inhabitants, including humans in His own image. And gives them a very good place to be - a garden in the region of Eden with everything they need - including two trees.
A zealous Jew named Saul, who hated the message of the Messiah Jesus, is transformed on the road to Damascus through an appearance of the Risen LORD.
Jesus appears twice more before His ascension - once on Galilee to give the Great Commission and once on the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem from where He ascends.
The Risen Lord Jesus continues to appear to his followers during the 40 days between His crucifixion and ascension. Today we look at His appearance to over 500 at once and to His brother James.
The Risen Jesus appears for the 7th time - to 7 of the Apostles by the Sea of Galilee - strengthening them yet again.
Jesus appears two more times on that first Sunday - that night to the disciples, but Thomas was absent. Then one week later with Thomas there...
We start a six week series on Jesus' 12 Resurrection Appearances. Today appearances 1,2 and 3 all on that first Sunday. In the 3rd one Jesus proclaims and shows that He was prophesied about numerous times in the Old Testament. Good evidence of who He is.
An Easter look at Peter's transformation from a Jesus denier to the "rock" for His church that he became.
Jesus rides into Jerusalem with shouts of "Hosanna!" as the Judean Jewish leadership plot against Him.
The longer ending of Mark may not be original, but understanding this helps us understand what is original including the clear witness of the resurrection of Jesus.
Three women go to anoint Jesus dead body and find the stone rolled away, the tomb empty and receive a message from an angel.
Jesus time comes - He is crucified even though innocent to atone for sin and conquer death.
Jesus is brought before Pilate and questioned. Pilate appears to believe Him innocent but decides to please the crowd.
Jesus appears before the Jewish High Council and is condemned for claiming to both the Messiah and Divine.
Jesus prays and emotional prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane while his closest three followers fail to stay awake.
Jesus has the Last Supper with His disciples, creating a new way to remember and participate with Him and His death.
Jesus continue His Olivet Discourse instructing His disciples that His 2nd and Final Coming will be at a time that they will not know or expect.
A few days before His crucifixion, Jesus predicts the destruction of the magnificent Jerusalem temple within a response to a question from four of His disciples.
Jesus teaches in the Temple a few days before His death instructing the scribes on His identity and showing that the motives behind the gracious act of a poor widow mean much to God.
A man named Simeon meets the 40-day old Jesus in the temple and is inspired by the Holy Spirit to understand that this was the long expected Messiah
Zechariah's song continues as he praised God for his newborn son, a prophet that will prepare the way for the Messiah.
Zechariah the priest opens his mouth after over 9 months of silence to prophesy about mercy, atonement and righteousness that soon coming Messiah will bring.
Mary's song continues as she praises God for favoring the humble and scattering the proud ending with a recognition that the Messiah will be fulfiller of covenants.
After her encounter with Gabriel and meeting her cousin Elizabeth, Mary praises God with a song about joy and salvation in the LORD.
Jesus teaches the Sadducees a lesson on resurrection and He gives the two greatest commandments during a dialogue with a sincere scribe.
Jesus gives a pointed parable critiquing the Judean Jewish leadership and answers a question about paying taxes means to trap Him (it doesn't!).
Jesus comes into Jerusalem riding on a donkey to shouts from Psalm 118 - Messiah, King, Sacrifice?
As Jesus nears the end of his ministry two of His closest followers show that they do not yet understand His true mission.
A rich young man gets an eternal invitation and Jesus predicts His death for the 3rd time.
As the Jerusalem Jewish leaders try to trap Jesus again - He gives a clear teaching on God's intention for marriage and families.
From the disciples' own conversation Jesus teaches them what being the "greatest" in His Kingdom really looks like - including the importance of overcoming and avoiding sin.
Jesus and the three come down from the mountain to a demon possessed boy and a lot of conflict.
Jesus takes Peter, James and John up on a high mountain and is transfigured before them. What is the significance of this encounter?
As Jesus continue to do miracles He begins to reveal more of his identity and mission to His closest followers.
Jesus uses the feeding of the 5000 and then the 4000 to teach His disciples about who He is and what His true mission is.
Jesus goes into Gentile territory and uses His miraculous power showing that although His primary mission was to the Jews (at first) that the Gentiles matter greatly to God also.
While in Galilee, Jesus confronts some Jewish leaders from Jerusalem with their hypocrisy regarding valuing outward appearances over a heart that is truly desiring to honor and love God.
Jesus is rejected in his hometown then sends the 12 out to many places to start spreading the Good News of His Kingdom
Jesus is interrupted three times as He continues to show the people who He is and why He came.
Jesus shows His power over weather on the way to Gentile land. Then illustrates His authority over evil even in non-Jewish lands.
Jesus continues His parables to help his hearers understand the Kingdom of God: using a lamp, a growing seed and a mustard seed and plant
Some Jewish leaders challenge Jesus' authority and attribute His power to Satan. Jesus expertly corrects them.
Jesus continues to excite the crowds with teaching and healing and He chooses the 12 disciples.
Jesus uses fasting, the Sabbath and two parables to explain that His New Covenant will not simply be a mere addition to the Old Covenants.
Jesus continues His ministry of preaching and teaching about the Kingdom of God and the good news while calling more people to specifically follow Him
Jesus is baptized, temped, starts His ministry and calls His first disciples in the quick moving section of the Gospel of Mark
Mark's Gospel is about the "good news" of Jesus showing us how the apostles came to understand who Jesus is and how to respond to Him as His followers. Most likely through the eyes of Peter.
In this last sermon of the Heaven series we see that death is the final enemy to be destroyed by Christ, that Heaven is our true home and how to live knowing these to be true.
Our abilities and possibilities in Heaven will be greater than this life. Many of our dreams unfulfilled here will find fulfillment in the New Heaven/Earth. We should live like that is true.
If we think Heaven will be boring, we're implying that God is boring. But He invented humor, music, laughter, art, drama, entertainment, mystery and beauty. All of this and more we will experience at such a deeper level without the curse of sin.
The resurrected Jesus helps 2 disciples understand the truth of the mission and purpose of the Messiah - helping us understand God's plan better.
Jesus comes into Jerusalem on a donkey to the shouts of the crowd. The beginning of the end of his mission.
What will society be like in the New Earth? Will we continually grieve those loved ones not there?
Will we want anyone other than Jesus in Heaven? What about marriage? Will we remember our lives here?
Will we truly have free will in the New Earth/Heaven if we can't sin? Will we learn and grow?
Will we continue as ourselves in the New Earth/Heaven? What will our bodies be like? Will we eat and drink?
Will there be "time" in Heaven? How will that work? What about the sun, moon and the seas?
Revelation describes part of the New Earth as the New Jerusalem, with the river of life and tree of life reappearing.
The presence of God is the essence of Heaven. In the New Earth/Heaven we will worship God always - How will this work?
"Seeing God's face" is the ultimate goal and we will only truly experience this in the New Heaven/Earth
In 1 Corinthians Paul outlines why the Resurrection of Jesus is so important → without it, we have no guaranteed of eternal life or Heaven
Understanding God's Holiness placed against our sinfulness can only by bridged by the cross of Jesus.
We are saved by Grace through Faith. A deep understanding of what the bible says those two terms mean will give you a good start to the New Year.
God becoming human and living among us is a supernatural mystery that is revealed through Jesus.
Celestial Beings are found in both the Old Testament and the New Testament - and are especially present at and around the birth of Jesus
There are many supernatural occurrences during the 1st coming of Jesus. One of those is the many ancient prophecies that Jesus, as the promised Messiah, fulfills.
The New/Final Earth will be a completely renewed and redeemed version of the Current Earth. What sort of things should we do in this life that will carry over to the New Earth after Jesus' 2nd coming?
Many mistakenly thought that Jesus would usher in the New Earth at His 1st coming. However, the NT clearly states that the earth will be renewed but not until Jesus comes back a 2nd time.
God cursed humanity, Satan and the earth in Genesis 3. The renewal of the earth, and reversal of the curse, is part of God's plan.
We can get a good feel for what the Final Earth/Heaven might be like by simply looking around at what the current Earth is like.
God is spirit, but sometimes takes on human form - especially in the person of Jesus. And the bible often uses physical descriptions of those in the Current Heaven. Could it be a physical place?
Heaven is where God dwells. But the Heaven that believers in Jesus go to now is not the Final Heaven. So what happens when we die then?
True Christian theology teaches that for a person to go to hell, no change of course is required. Jesus teaches more about hell than anyone else, because He truly loves people and wants them to know the truth.
All people have a fear of death. Jesus gives the answer to that fear promising eternal life with Him by grace through faith. Heaven is where God dwells - but what is it like. The Bible gives good pictures of heaven - it is good to try to imagine it and hope for it.
The Apostles and many OT Prophets warned about future false teachers that would come. Jude concludes they do not have the Holy Spirit and warns that they are self-serving, causing division.
Jude continues to show examples of the character of false teachers and the punishment they will undergo for their teachings that do not line up with true doctrine about God
Jude, James and Jesus' brother, writes his inspired letter to combat false teachers and contend for the faith once for all delivered to God's people.
We are to Hope in the Glory of God - this holy presence that reveals His character and nature
In this life creation and our bodies grown for redemption. Both will be totally redeemed in the new heaven/earth after Jesus' 2nd coming. This gives us Christian hope (full assurance).
Jesus 1st coming was to offer grace. His 2nd coming will be for His glory - changing everything for His followers.
The Holy Scriptures were written "for our instruction". They give us what we need to understand, worship, obey (love) and serve God. They are a key weapon for us in the spiritual battles we face.
We have Christian Hope also because of the Resurrection of Jesus. He accomplished the victory over death and offers new life to us through the Holy Spirit
Christian hope is confident expectations in God's promises in His gospel. What is the gospel? What should we know and how is it best explained?
Christian Hope is not wishing or merely dreaming but a confident expectation of future salvation through Christ -- by Grace
The New Testament clearly claims the Jesus is "the" Son of God. How does the Sermon on the Mount inform us as to the deity of Jesus?
What does it mean to call Jesus Lord? What about calling Him Savior? How does Him being the Christ inform this?
Jesus claimed authority teach with personal authority and taught that He will be the judge of all humanity.
Jesus teaches that knowing what is true teaching and right character is needed to help us determine false teaching and teachers
Jesus gives only two choices: 1) The easy way with a wide gate that leads to destruction, or 2) The hard way with a narrow gate that leads to life. He gives no third option.
Jesus teaches again about prayer. We should seek, ask, knock. But the key is what we are seeking.
Jesus instruct His followers to lay up Treasures in Heaven, not on Earth. What are these Heavenly Treasures?
Abraham trusted God's word and God's grace justified him. Jesus predicted His resurrection prior to His death -- can we trust Him? What does the resurrection of Christ mean for our connection with Him? How important is it?
Jesus teaches about prayer by giving the most important portions of Jewish prayer for Christians to focus on while praying. Here we learn some of types of things God instructs us to pray
Jesus instructs his followers on how to serve and love God with teaching on three religious practices: giving, praying and fasting.
Jesus teaches on the depth of Christian love that its shown in actions and that can transcend any relationship.
Jesus continues to teach a deeper morality based on following Him. He teaches not only to avoid revenge but to go even deeper than justice to mercy.
Jesus goes back to the beginning to give the foundation of marriage and teach regarding honesty in our words
Jesus "fences in the law" by teaching on what the 6th and 7th commandments really mean.
Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount by saying He came to fulfill the law. What did He mean my that?
Followers of Jesus collectively (the church) are charged with being His main influence in the world. As salt - arresting the moral decay of society and as light - shining truth and God-honoring actions on the world.
The second portion of Jesus' Beatitudes show who we are in Christ and how we are to act for Him.
Jesus starts His wonderful Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes. The first four go together and helps us understand what becoming a true follower of Jesus looks like.
The EFCA Statement of Faith on the Bible is very solid and informative. We believe that the all of the Bible's words themselves are inerrant and that God worked through the free will of the human authors to give us exactly what He wanted and we needed.
The facts show that the ancient textual sources for the Bible are reliable and that our translations are accurate. But how do we know that we have the "right" books in the Bible?
God timing is always perfect for His purposes - including reveling His word. There is good evidence to trust what the Biblical writers passed on to us.
A glorious angel appears to shepherds outside of Bethlehem to tell them "good news of great joy". After the appearance of a "multitude" of angels - the shepherds go to see the Christ child "wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger" - Happy Christmas!
An angel is sent to Joseph in a dream to calm his fears of taking a pregnant Mary as his wife.
The angel Gabriel shows up again to tell a young virgin that she has been chosen by God to be the mother of the Messiah
An angel appears to Zechariah in the temple to announce an answer to prayer. Who are these celestial beings that are so busy at Jesus' birth?
Isaiah writes of this future child who will become the ruler promised through the Davidic Covenant.
Many know this verse well - very few really understand it’s meaning
This revelation from God has both an 8th c. BC fulfillment and a more important supernatural fulfillment at the coming of the Messiah
Paul finishes his letter to the Corinthians by warning them that he will come to discipline those in need of it and encouraging them to test themselves to see if they were truly in the faith.
Paul gives another distinctive of a true Apostles - doing signs, wonders and mighty works. He also continues to show his care for the Corinthians Christians by encouraging them to repent and indicating he will come to discipline them.
Paul mentions his experience of being caught up in to Paradise but refrains from revealing what he saw.
He also reveals that God allowed a "thorn in the flesh" to continue to torment him even though Paul prayed for it to be taken away.
With an eye toward combating false teaching in Corinth, Paul writes about his suffering for the gospel
The Apostle Paul continues to defend his Apostolic ministry to the church in Corinth.
In doing so Paul gives a key biblical definition of spiritual warfare - to "demolish arguments set up against the knowledge of God"
Paul encourages the Corinthian Christians to give "cheerfully, not under compulsion" to the work of the gospel. He reminds them that God's Grace comes through Jesus and is sufficient for us to live a life worthy of Him.
Paul encourages the Corinthian Christians to help the Jerusalem Christians with generous financial gifts - because they all follow the same Lord Jesus. He encourages them to give within their means as God has blessed them.
Even though our heart/spirit/soul can only be changed and cleansed by the Holy Spirit - we are to "cleanse ourselves" with effort by focusing on the person of Jesus - including His commandments that we try to follow, with His help, to show that we Love Him.
Paul cautions the Corinthian Christians to not "receive the grace of God in vain" by distorting it or underestimating its power.
He also instructs them that they should not have deep relationships with non-believers because they are now the dwelling place of God (God's temple) and this should be the most important thing in their life.
Paul tells us that true Followers of Jesus are Ambassadors for Him. This is both a great privilege and responsibility that we should take very seriously.
As believers we need not fear the punishment of God, but can see and even address God as Father (who offers us His love through His Grace, shown in His Son). He helps us see things from a heavenly point of view and not a worldly view.
The Apostle Paul gives some good inspired guidance and information about life after death. What happens after we die? This sermon dives deeply into that.
Paul teaches that he gospel of Jesus is sufficient and perfect - nothing needs to be twisted, manipulated or added — proclaim it as it is given — the key is to help people understand it, then believe it.
He also teaches that the Cost of Discipleship is great, but the things most important things for us should be the treasures that are eternal
Paul tells the Corinthian church that his confidence in life lies with his faith in Christ and that the message he brings is sufficient for all they need to follow Christ.
He also teaches that there will always be a barrier to true faith without a person's humble turning to the LORD - realizing their guilt, repenting, and experiencing the grace of Christ.
In this personal letter to the ancient church in Corinth Paul writes of Christian Forgiveness done right as an offending person is reconciled back to the church. Paul continues by applying a wonderful Old Testament metaphor to the work of making disciples for Christ.
Paul defends his change of plans regarding coming to Corinth again - revealing that it was because of his love for them. He also makes a strong statement that all of the promises of God are fulfilled in Jesus.
Paul begins his final letter to the church in Corinth by emphasizing the comfort he has from God because of his saving connection with Him. This comfort is extended to all who respond to the gospel and experience the Grace of Christ. This also sustains believers through good times and bad as they help and pray for each other.
To develop a true Christian Worldview you need to Think Like Jesus which means developing the Habits, taking the Time and striving to bear the same Fruit the He did.
or a Worldview to help you make sense of reality and give you an understanding of meaning, purpose, and value it must specify what truth is (or isn’t)
Jesus makes numerous claims about what truth is and how it all centers around Him. If we are to truly Think like Him we need to understand and apply what he taught about truth.
Thinking like Jesus must include His words on what non-physical beings exist and how the can influence His followers and non-believers.
The Bible is clear on what we need to know in this regard.
One can only understand what happens to a person when the die on earth if they understand the nature of God, humanity, sin and evil. Then, and only then, can a person comprehend the Costly Grace of Christ.
God says that we exist to glorify Him, and to enjoy our connection to Him and others.
But His word also teaches that humans are, by nature, sinful, guilty before Him and alienated from Him.
Therefore a person must realize their Guilt and then experience God's Grace through Repentance to be reconciled back to Yahweh. Then, and only then, will they be a child of God and a follower of Jesus that will be clearly shown by living a life of obedient Gratitude toward Him.
God created to show His glory and so His creation can worship and enjoy Him.
Both God's word and scientific research gives clear evidence of God creating for His purposes.
If one believes that God exists, the next important question is: What is God like?
The Bible gives clear answers to the character and nature of God: a tri-une being with unlimited power, knowledge and presence that is Holy, Loving and Reliable (faithful).
Millions of people in American and the World do not believe that God exists.
However, God has revealed himself in nature and the world (General Revelation) and in His Son and His word (Special Revelation). There are good reasons to believe He exists which drastically changes and focuses how we view the world.
Most followers of Christ know they should Think Like Jesus, but don't know how to go about it - they need a blueprint.
The Foundation of the Bible along with strategic Critical questions and Answers will give each Christian a clear picture on how to develop and use a Biblical Worldview
Perhaps the biggest reason that American Christianity has largely failed to affect society is because the vast number of Jesus’ modern “disciples” do not Think like Him.
The Statistics bear this out. American Christians most often follow non-biblical worldviews. This needs to change.
Thinking Like Jesus (having a Biblical Worldview) requires to know His word well along with focusing on Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us initially (making us new creations blameless before the Holy God) and constantly reviewing our minds as we focus on Yahweh and His written word.
Through this we will develop Godly Wisdom - trained to live a life honoring to Him.
Everyone has a worldview whether they know it or not.
A Christian Worldview = A Biblical Worldview = Thinking Like Jesus
From George Barna -- We can Think Like Jesus if we have His Foundation, Focus, Filter and Faith
John finishes his Gospel with a reinstatement of Peter by Jesus. Jesus also commands Peter to "Follow Me" and "Feed my sheep"; commands that Peter takes to heart as shown in Acts, 1 Peter and 2 Peter.
Jesus also foretells the manner of death Peter would endure - but continues to encourage him to follow Him and not be concerned with any specific arrangements he may have with the Apostle John.
John testifies at the end that His testimony about Jesus can be relied upon.
Jesus appears to 7 of His disciples along the Sea of Galilee. They were instructed earlier to eventually meet Him there and are fishing.
This is the 7th of 12 post-mortem appearances of the Resurrected Jesus.
Jesus performs for them another miracle (like in Luke 5) - a net-stretching catch of fish. This most likely is an enacted parable showing that all that come to Christ is His doing, but He has chosen them to obediently do the work of catching "fish" (disciples) for Him.
Two disciples travel with an unknown stranger that ends up telling them that the Messiah was always meant to suffer according to the Old Testament scriptures.
He rebukes them for not knowing their Bible better
In the breaking of bread their eyes are opened and they see that they had been talking and learning from the risen Lord
Jesus enters Jerusalem to the shouts of the people and the disdain of the Jerusalem Jewish leadership.
He then drives out the money changers in the temple that were impeding prayer and worship and pronounces judgment on the temple.
Jesus appears to the Apostles in a locked room and empowers them to spread the true gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thomas was not present and desires what the other 10 received - he get exactly that eight days later when the Resurrected Jesus appears to them again.
Mary Madeline discovers the empty tomb and runs to tell the Apostles.
Peter and John run to the tomb and see that it is empty.
Then we have the 1st post-mortem Resurrection appearance of Jesus - to Mary Madeline - telling her that His resurrected self is not who she should hold on to - pointing her toward the plan of His word and Spirit being the main powers to make disciples in the New Covenant
Jesus fulfills numerous OT scriptures through his death by crucifixion and His burial
Two of the Judean Jerusalem leadership come forward - showing their faith in Jesus and giving Him a proper burial in a net tomb
Pilate has Jesus flogged then handed over to be crucified after one last chance to have him released.
Pilate ultimately gives in and tries to please the crowd and the Jewish leaders instead of judging Jesus rightly.
Jesus is brought to the High Priest Annas to be questioned about His "crimes"
He is then brought to Pilate where Jesus declared to Him that His Kingdom is not of this world and that "everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice".
Pilate attempts to have Jesus released by the will of the people, but they choose Barabbas instead.
Judas leads a large group of Temple Guards and Roman soldiers to arrest Jesus in the garden
- Jesus' time had come, yet He still is in control
- Peter shows courage and weakness
- Jesus' trial(s) begins
Immediately before His arrest Jesus prays:
- A personal prayer to the Father
- For the Apostles
- For all who believe in Him through their word
Jesus addresses the sorrow of the 11 Apostles in the Upper Room:
- He instructs them that the Holy Spirit will give them even further teaching later when they can bear it
- He reveals to them that they have Access to the Father because of their love for Him
- He warns them of their inadequate faith that will be strengthened to help them to withstand the trouble to come to them because they are His disciples.
Sermon series by Grace Church's Teaching Pastor Brian Rihner
Jesus continues to instruct the 11 Apostles in the Upper Room
Chapter 15 verse 18 to Chapter 16 verse 15: Hatred from the world and the work of the Holy Spirit