Ninth & O Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
Ninth & O Baptist Church
At Ninth and O, we like to say that it’s not about a religion — it’s about a relationship. It is our desire to see every person come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and we stand ready to help you in that journey as you seek to come to understand what it means to be a follower of Christ. Visit our website at www.naobc.org
Heaven’s Song Before the Final Storm: Preparation for the Bowl Judgments (Revelation 15) - Dr. Bill Cook
Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen to His People? (Selected Scriptures) - Adam Howell
Living with an Eye toward Eternity: The Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 11:15–19) - Dr. Bill Cook
What Do You Do When God Feels Far? Pursuing Jesus in Dry Seasons (Selected Scriptures) - Blake Ring
How Much Longer? Not Much! The Sweetnes and Bitterness of God’s Plan (Revelation 10) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Danger of a Hardened Heart: Demons, Death, and Rebellion (Revelation 9:13–21) - Dr. Bill Cook
Who Is in Control of History? A Vision of God on His Throne (Revelation 4) - Dr. Bill Cook
Lessons from a Complacent Church: Be Zealous for Jesus (Revelation 3:14–21) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Danger of Spiritual Deadness and the Only Way Back (Revelation 3:1–6) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Letter to Thyatira: The Danger of Moral Compromise and the Divine Call to Holiness (Revelation 2:18–29) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Ephesus Problem: When Your Greatest Strength Becomes Your Worst Enemy (Revelation 2:1–7) - Dr. Bill Cook
Who Does Jesus Look Like? Meet the Risen and Glorified Christ (Revelation 1:9–20) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Revelation of Jesus Christ: When God Pulls Back the Curtain (Revelation 1:1–8) - Dr. Bill Cook
Make the Most of Your Time in 2026 “Because the Days Are Evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Ordination of Micah Liston(And a Reminder for the Rest of Us) (Selected Scriptures) - Dr. Bill Cook
I Am the True Vine: Abiding in Christ Is the Key to a Fruitful Life (John 15:1–11) - Dr. Bill Cook
For The People Had a Mind to Work: Advancing God’s Kingdom in the Face of Opposition (Nehemiah 4) - Adam Cole
When Death Meets Jesus: “I Am the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Hartman’s Coal and the Widow’s Coins: Total Devotion to Jesus (Luke 21:1–4) - Gabriel Hinerman
What a Scared Man and a Small Army Teach Us about God and Ninth & O (Judges 7:1–22) - Jeff Elieff
The Forgotten Virtue of Friendship: You’ve Got a Friend in Me (Selected Scriptures) - Dr. Jeff Elieff
The Reality of Present Suffering and the Certainty of Future Glory (Romans 8:18–25) - Dr. Bill Cook
From Slavery to Sonship: Embracing Who God Says You Are (Romans 8:14–17) - Dr. Bill Cook
Two Ways of Thinking, Two Ways of Living, and Only Two Ways of Dying (Romans 8:5–13) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Holy Spirit and the Hope Found in God’s Eternal Sovereign Plan (Acts 2:1–13) - Philip Brown
The Church: A Community of Spirit-Filled Followers of Jesus (Ephesians 2:17–22) - Dr. Bill Cook
A Contrast Between Two Lives and Two Deaths: The Tragic Death of King Saul (1 Samuel 31) - Dr. Bill Cook
Basin and Towel Christianity: Jesus’ Blood and Our Smelly Feet (John 13:1–17) - Dr. Bill Cook
Difficult Choices in Stormy Times: David Spares Saul’s Life Again (1 Samuel 26) - Dr. Bill Cook
Three Lives, One Story: The Wisdom of a Godly Woman and the Kind Providence of a Holy God (1 Samuel 25) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Challenge of Being a Nobody: Living for God in Obscurity (1 Samuel 16:1–13) - Dr. Bill Cook
More Room for More Disciples: What Should I Look for in a Church? (Acts 2:42–47) - Dr. Bill Cook
Choosing Best over Good: Jesus Is the Only Necessary Thing (Luke 10:38–42) - Blake Ring
Follow the Star: A Journey Begun in Faith Will End in Worship (Matthew 2:1–12) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Glory of Singing: The Songs of Two Spirit-Filled Women Luke 1:39–56 - Dr. Bill Cook
Having Hope in the Middle of a Health Crisis - Ryan Morris, Bill & Jaylynn Cook, and Danielle Shuff
The Day God Broke His Silence: The Announcement of the Messiah's Forerunner (Luke 1:5–25) - Dr. Bill Cook
Finding Peace in the Midst of Conflict - Ryan Morris, Jeff Elieff, Chanda Brown, and Tommy Sims
Discerning Truth in the Midst of Culture's Lies - Ryan Morris, Adam Cole, Philip Brown, and Blake Ring
Where's the Glory? The Danger of Trying to Put God in a Box (1 Samuel 4) - Dr. Bill Cook
Singing, Suffering, and Betrayal: The Beauty of Godliness and Ugliness of Duplicity (2 Samuel 2) - Dr. Bill Cook
Jesus Returns to Heaven: Final Words and New Beginnings (Luke 24:36–53) - Dr. Bill Cook
A Long Walk in the Wrong Direction and How to Get Turned Around (Luke 24:13–35) - Dr. Bill Cook
Stricken By God: God's Mysterious Plan for the World's Salvation (Luke 22:54–71) - Dr. Bill Cook
A God-sized Offering for Ordinary People: Motivations for Generosity (2 Corinthians 9:1–15) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Man of Lawlessness, the Great Rebellion, and the End of the World (2 Thessalonians 2:1–12) - Dr. Bill Cook
Make Sure You (And Your Children!) Are Ready When Jesus Returns (Luke 21:25–36) - Dr. Bill Cook
Jesus Christ, the Fall of Jerusalem, and the End of the World (Luke 21:5–24) - Dr. Bill Cook
When Jesus Comes Will He Find Faith on the Earth? A Blind Beggar, a Rich Scoundrel, and a Gracious Savior (Luke 18:35–19:10) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Grace-filled Home: 12 Tips for Transforming Your Home through Forgivness (Ephesians 4:32) - Gabriel Hinerman
Life's Most Important Question: What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? (Luke 18:15–27) - Dr. Bill Cook
Who Are You in this Parable? Or Better Yet, Who Does God Think You Are? (Luke 18:9–14) - Dr. Bill Cook
A Simple Story with a Powerful Message: "Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart" (Luke 17:11–19) - Dr. Bill Cook
A Study in Contrasts: The Life, Death, and Eternity of Two Men (Luke 16:19–31) - Dr. Bill Cook
Money Matters: You Are a Manager of God's Money (Part 2) (Luke 16:1–13) - Dr. Bill Cook
Jesus, the Finder: Heaven's Search and Rescue Mission (Luke 14:34–15:10) - Dr. Bill Cook
Great Expectations: The Cost and Blessing of Being a Disciple of Jesus (Luke 14:25–35) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Banquet You Don't Want to Miss: Jesus' Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15–24) - Dr. Bill Cook
Straight Talk on Tough Topics: Judgment, Divisions, and Salvation (Luke 12:49–59) - Dr. Bill Cook
God Knows You and Loves You More than You Can Ever Imagine (Luke 12:1–12) - Dr. Bill Cook
Whisper from an Ancient Genealogy: Longing, Hope, and Relief (1 Chronicles 1–9) - Dr. Adam Howell
Do You Know that You Know Jesus? Assurance of Salvation (1 John 5:11–13) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Kingdom of God and the Kingdoms of the World: Snapshots of Opposites (Luke 9:43–56) - Dr. Bill Cook
A Letter from God: How to Live in Exile until You Go Home (Jeremiah 29:1–14) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Christian Predicament in a Confused Age - Dr. R. Albert Mohler, President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Come and See: The Combined Beauty of Redemption and Missions (Isaiah 43:1–7) - Dr. Adam Howell
How NOT to Become Another Statistic: The ABSOLUTE Necessity of DISCIPLESHIP - Dr. Bill Cook
Fear or Faith: What Will You Be Remembered For? (Numbers 13:25–14:10) - Dr. T. J. Betts
From Groans to Glory: Our Present Condition and Our Future Hope (Romans 8:18–25) - Adam Cole
The Promise and the Promise Keeper: Zechariah’s Benedictus (Luke 1:57–80) - Dr. Bill Cook
A Message that Changes Everything: "You Shall Call His Name Jesus" (Luke 1:26–38) - Dr. Bill Cook
Getting Close to a Holy God...Again: The Absolute Necessity of Integrity (Psalm 15) - Dr. Bill Cook
Laziness Is Dangerous to Your Soul (And Those You Love) (2 Thessalonians 3:5–16) - Dr. Bill Cook
Better Together: Pursuing Unity, Love, and Humility as a Church (Ephesians 4:1–3) - Blake Ring
Be Here: How to Love the Local Church (Revelation 5:9–10; Ephesians 2:11–22) - Ryan Hanley
The Man of Lawlessness, a Great Rebellion, and the End of the World (2 Thessalonians 2:6–12) - Dr. Bill Cook
Heaven, Hell, and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:5–10) - Dr. Bill Cook
What God Requires: The Grandeur of Justice, Kindness, and Humility (Micah 6:8) - Dr. Adam Howell
Some Marriage Advice from an Older Brother with 39 Years of Mistakes (Part 2) - Dr. Bill Cook
Jesus Christ, Miracle Worker: Desperation, Faith, and the Dirty Feet of a Galilean Carpenter (Mark 4:35–5:43) - Dr. Bill Cook
Behold Our God! (Habakkuk 2; Revelation 18) - Dr. Bill Cook
Series: From Fear to Faith (Habakkuk)
When Life Doesn't Seem Fair (Habakkuk 1) - Dr. Bill Cook
Series: Habakkuk: From Fear to Faith
A Little Baby, a Wicked King, and a Spiritual War (Matthew 2:13–23, Revelation 12:1–5) - Jeff Elieff
Rich in God: Reassuring Reminders from a Lowly Couple (Luke 1:50–53, 2:1–7, 21–24) - Blake Ring
Mary's World Turned Upside Down: Responding to Unexpected, Life-altering Circumstances (Luke 1:26–38) - Dr. T. J. Betts
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? A Day that Changed the World (Acts 9:1–9) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Battle for the World: The Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13:24–30; 36–43) - Dr. Bill Cook
Don't Be an Eeyore: Becoming God-centered and Word-focused (1 Thessalonians 5:16–22) - Dr. Bill Cook
Your Ordinary, Daily, and Sometimes Boring Life Matters to God...And Your Lost Neighbor (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Lord's Prayer: Lead Us Not Into Temptation (Matthew 6:12, James 1:13–16) - Dr. Bill Cook
Resurrection Faith, the New Birth, and the Covid-19 Crisis (1 Peter 1:3–5) - Dr. Bill Cook
Easter 2020
A Divine Remedy for a Troubled Soul: Rest in the Lord, for He Is Good! (Psalm 116) - Dr. Bill Cook
The Absolute Necessity of Community for Spiritual Vitality (1 Corinthians 12:12–31) - Dr. Bill Cook
Great Is Thy Faithfulness: How Deep Hope Combats Deep Affliciton (Lamentations 3:1–39) - Dr. Adam Howell
Jesus Came Into the World to Save Sinners . . . Who Will Spread the Good News (John 3:16–17) - Dr. Ted Cabal
You're Having Twins, Kanye's a Christian, and a Servant King (Mark 10:35–45) - Blake Ring
The Holy Spirit Was Showing Us: Lessons to Learn from Exodus (Exodus 30:1–31:8) - Dr. Steve Wellum
When God's Promises and Presence Are Not Enough (Exodus 23:20–30:1; 1 Corinthians 13:1–10) - Dr. Bill Cook
"And a Second Is Like It: You Shall Love Your Neighbor As Yourself" (Exodus 22:21–23:9) - Dr. Adam Howell
The God of the Bible: Comfort for Those Living in a Fallen World (Psalm 139) - Dr. Bill Cook
Sharing God's Invitation (Revelation 22:17) - Dr. Jeff Elieff
People Aren't Projects: A Simple Path to Loving Your Neighbor
Disappointed with God: The Danger of Selective Hearing (Exodus 5:1 – 6:9) - Dr. Bill Cook
"Hakuna Matata?" Finding Our Contentment in Christ Wherever We May Be (Philippians 4:10–14) - Drew Smith
The Dark Side of Christmas: The Sword that Pierces the Soul (Luke 2:25–35) - Dr. Bill Cook
Handling Conflict: The Key to Long–Lasting Relationships (Philippians 4:1–3) - Dr. Bill Cook
Determination and Focus: Keys to Spiritual Growth (Philippians 3:12-16)
Dr. Bill Cook
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A Holy Dissatisfaction with the Status-Quo: An honest look in the mirror (3:12a; 13a)
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A Relentless Devotion: “This one thing I do” (3:12b, 13b,14)
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You will be tempted to go it alone but don’t fall the trap: Move forward with others (3:15-16)
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What hinders us from growing and what can we do about it?
Changing Perspectives: The Joy of a Consuming Passion (Philippians 3:4–11)
Dr. Bill Cook
- Sincerity is not enough: When an advantage becomes a disadvantage (3:4–6)
A. Advantages by heritage
B. Advantages by religious attainment
C. What do people often mistakenly base their salvation on today?
- Faith in Christ: When spiritual impoverishment meets God’s provision! (3:7-11)
A. A dramatic change in perspective (3:7–8)
B. A consuming passion (3:9–11)
The Joy of Salvation (Philippians 3:1–3) - Dr. Bill Cook
- A Wise Encouragement: Rejoice in the Lord (3:1)
- Beware of the dangers of joylessness
- Tough Words in an Age of Tolerance: When holding your tongue endangers others! (3:2)
- Marks of true believers: Worship, Glory, and Confidence (3:3)
Serving in the Trenches (Philippians 2:19–30)
Dr. Bill Cook
- A servant's hope must be anchored in Jesus and not their circumstances (2:19a, 24)
- A servant is more concerned about people than projects and recognition (2: 19b–21)
- A servant must be willing to play "second fiddle" (2:22–24)
- Servants need to develop deep, long-standing friendships (2:25–28)
- Servants should be given proper regard and appreciation (2:29–30)
Harvesting Hands: Habits of Those Who Work the Fields (Matthew 9:35–38) - Dr. Blake Ring
Why Would We Ever Forget Christ? (1 Corinthians 11:23–26)
Philip Brown
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Our perception of the proximity of the tangible
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Our wicked hearts
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God did not create our minds to remember everything
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What is at stake when we don't put reminders up to remember things?
The Humility and Glory of King Jesus (Philippians 2:5–11)
Dr. Bill Cook
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What Jesus did: A look back to Jesus’ preexistent glory and humble incarnation (2:5–8)
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What God the Father has done: A look up to Jesus’ glorious exaltation and the future universal confession that Jesus Christ is Lord (2:9-11)
View the video here.
The Joy of Serving Others: Descending the Upward Staircase (Philippians 2:1–4)
Dr. Bill Cook
- What Paul commands: “Make my joy complete: (2:2a)
- What God provides: Our blessings in Christ are the foundation for joyful service and unity (2:1)
- Encouragement versus Discouragement
- Comfort versus Distress
- Fellowship versus Loneliness
- Tender Compassion versus Harsh Indifference
- Serving others is a key to joyful living (2:2b–4).
- “Be like-minded” – headed in the same direction for the same reasons.
- Selfish ambition and vain conceit are mortal enemies to joyful unity.
- The antidote to selfish ambition and vain conceit is humility, consider others better than yourself.
United We Stand . . . Divided We Fall (Philippians 1:27–30)
Dr. Bill Cook
I. Consistency: Live a life worthy of the gospel (1:27a)
“We live what we truly believe . . . all the rest is just religious talk”
II. Cooperation: Be a part of the gospel church (1:27–28a)
1. A Defensive Posture: “Stand firm in one spirit”
2. An Offensive Advance: “Contending as one man for thefaith of the gospel”
3. A Victorious Attitude: "Without being frightened"
III. Confident: Reassurance in the battle (1:28b–30)
1. Victory is Assured: ". . .that you will be saved and that by God" (1:28b)
2. Double Assurance: "for it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ. . . " (1:29–30)
The Joy of Living and Dying (Philippians 1:18–26)
Dr. Bill Cook
- The Longings of a Dying Man: Paul’s Joy and Hope (1:18–20)
- Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Paul’s Struggle (1:21–23)
- Making a Difference in the Lives of Others: Paul’s Purpose for Living (1:24–26)
A Fresh Look at Chains (Philippians 1:12–18)
Dr. Bill Cook
- A Divine Perspective on Our Chains (1:12)
- Circumstances and Critics: God's Tools to Advance the Gospel (1:13–17)
- Coming to Grips and Trying to Respond Rightly to Our Chains (1:18)
- Dangers and Blessings of Chains
Intercessory Prayer and the Joy of Abounding Love (Philippians 1:9–11)
Dr. Bill Cook
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Pray for others (and yourself!) to be filled with God’s abounding love (1:9a)
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Pray for love to be guarded by knowledge and discernment (1:9b)
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God’s kind of abounding love makes us more holy and Christ-like (1:10–11)
The Joy of Gospel Relationships (Philippians 1:1–8)
Dr. Bill Cook
- The Joy of Salvation - A Relationship with God through Christ (1:1–2)
- The Joy of Gospel Friendship: Locking Arms in Gospel Service (1:3–8)
Final thoughts . . .
A. The necessity for Christian friendships.
B. How to go deeper at NAOBC . . .
C. The antidote to loneliness . . .
What About People Who Never Hear the Gospel? (John 14:1-6; Acts 4:1-12; Romans 10:9-15)
Dr. Steve Wellum
- Understanding the Question and its Assumptions.
- Responding to the Question and its Assumptions.
a. How is God known?
b. Why are we responsible for our sin before God?
c. Who is the God of the Bible?
d. What is saving faith in Scripture?
e. How does the Holy Spirit work in Scripture in relation to saving faith and specifically faith in Christ?
- Concluding Reflection: The Urgency of the Gospel.
Jesus, the Church, and NAOBC
Dr. Bill Cook
- Jesus is the Head and Builder of the church: "I will build my church"
- Jesus has given us a Great Commandment and a Great Commission to focus us
- The early church gave us a sacred blueprint to follow (Acts 2:42–47)
- Our 2018 Vision: Pressing In & Reaching Out
Who Does Jesus Say He Is? Thinking Rightly about the Most Important Person in History (Matthew 11)
Dr. Steve Wellum
- Jesus Views Himself as the Lord of History (Matthew 11:1-15).
- Jesus Views Our Response to Him as a Matter of Life or Death (Matthew 11:16-24).
- Jesus Views Himself as Equal with the Father and thus God the Son Incarnate Who Alone Sovereignly Rules and Redeems (Matthew 11:25-30).
Conclusion: We cannot be neutral about this Jesus.
The Sacrifice of Praise (Psalm 149)
Dr. Bill Cook
- Worship the Lord in times of great blessing (149:1–3)
- Worship the Lord in seasons of great suffering (149:4–6)
- Worship the Lord in the day of battle (149:7–9)
Don't Lose Heart! (2 Corinthians 4:7–18)
Dr. Bill Cook
- Paradox 1: God’s power in clay pots (4:7)
- Paradox 2: Jesus’ life manifested in our dying (4:10–12)
- How can we remain useful to God when life is filled with so much difficulty? (4:13–18)
A. Remember God’s past deliverances (4:13–14)
B. Remember clay pots are intended to be used, so invest your life in others (4:15)
C. Remember the importance of daily renewal and an eternal perspective (4:16–18)
God’s Priorities for a Healthy Faith (Titus 3:9–15)
Dr. Jeff Elieff
- Embrace Gospel Truth (v. 9)
- Avoid Foolish Debates (v. 9)
- Reject Divisive People (vvs. 10–11)
- Engage in Fruitful Ministry (vvs. 12–15)
A. We’re better as a team than as individuals.
B. Good deeds are a requirement, not an option.
C. Good deeds are a result of salvation, not the cause of salvation.
Deep Valleys, Gospel Hope, and Congregational Effort (Psalm 130)
Dr. Adam Howell
- From the Depths, We Can and Should Cry Out to the Lord (vv. 1–4)
- The Individual Response: Wait for the Lord and Hope in his Word (vv. 5–6)
- The Corporate Exhortation: Hope in the Lord (vv. 7–8)
The Sufficiency of God’s Grace: Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh (2 Corinthians 12:1–10)
Dr. Bill Cook
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God’s graciousness in momentary mountain top experiences: Paul’s incomparable privilege (12:1–4)
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Rare and unusual humility: Paul’s godly humility (12:5–6)
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Great blessings require greater humility: Paul’s great pain and suffering (12:7–8)
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The paradox of spiritual power: physically tormented but supernaturally strong (12:9–10)
Did God Call the Israelites to Commit Genocide with the Invasion of the Land? (Deuteronomy 7:1–5; 20:1–18)
Dr. T. J. Betts
- Who is God?
A. He is the Creator of everything.
B. He is the Ruler over everything.
C. He is the Owner of everything.
Conclusion: He has Authority over everything.
- What is God?
A. God is Righteous and Just.
B. God is Faithful and Trustworthy.
- Who are we?
A. We are Creatures that were created in the image of God.
B. Therefore, we are Sinners, totally depraved and deserving of God’s wrath.
- What are we?
A. We are Deserving of God’s wrath.
Most certainly, the Canaanites were sinners, deserving the wrath of God.
- Idolatry
- Child Sacrifice
- Incest
- Adultery
- Homosexuality
- Bestiality
"We should be far more shocked at the sin which deserves hell than at the hell which comes out of sin." - C. H. Spurgeon
B. We are Depending on God’s grace.
Unraveling Something of the Mystery of Suffering (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)
Dr. Bill Cook
- God comforts us in our suffering so that we might be able to comfort others in their suffering (1:4–9a).
"We want to avoid suffering, death, sin, ashes. But we live in aworld crushed and broken and torn, a world God Himself visited
to redeem. We receive his poured-out life, and being allowed the high privilege of suffering with Him, may then pour ourselves out for others." (Elisabeth Elliot )
- Our suffering helps us learn not to trust in ourselves but to trust in God (1:9b)
Proverbs 3:5–6
"When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the
engineer." (Corrie Ten Boom)
- God allows us to go through the furnace of suffering in order that we might learn to give thanks in all things (1:10–11)
"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading." (Oswald Chambers)
Battle Stations: A Strategy for Cosmic Conflict (Part 3) (Ephesians 6:13–17) - Dr. Bill Cook
Battle Stations: A Strategy for Cosmic Conflict (Part 2) (Ephesians 6:10–12)
Dr. Bill Cook
- The Enemy: Powerful, Wicked, and Cunning (6:12)
--Galatians 5:16–17
--1 John 2:15–17
A. Our enemy is powerful
B. Our enemy is wicked
C. Our enemy is cunning
- The Believer’s Strength: Divine power and wisdom (the mind of Christ) (6:10–11)
A. You need the church, and so do I: These commands are plural
B. We are not told to be strong in ourselves, but in the Lord. AND the strength of his might
C. How do you draw strength from the Lord?
Fight for Your Family (Ephesians 6:1–4)
Dr. Bill Cook
- Children, love Jesus by obeying and honoring your parents (6:1–3).
A. Obedience to parents is a gospel issue. It is the right thing to do.
B. Honor is an obedience issue and carries with it a divine promise. Children (and adults!) honor your parents because you love Jesus! 2. Parents, take seriously your responsibility to disciple your children (6:4).
Jesus’ Resurrection, Our Resurrection, and that Final Shout (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; John 5:24–30)
Dr. Bill Cook
- Christians grieve when loved ones die, but not like those who don’t know Jesus (4:13)
- Christians believe that Christ died and rose again (4:14)
- Christians believe that those who have died in Christ are not dead but are in Christ’s presence awaiting the bodily resurrection (4:15)
- Believers will experience a glorious reunion. (4:15–18)
The Day the Clock Struck Twelve: Jesus’ Death and Ours (John 12:20–36)
Dr. Bill Cook
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Unexpected Guests: “We wish to see Jesus” (12:20–22)
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An Unexpected Response: “My hour has come”(12:23–26)
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An Unexpected Exaltation: “If I am lifted up” (12:27–34)
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An Unexpected Invitation: “Don’t wait”: A passionate call for faith (12:35–36)
“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”? (Ephesians 5:22–33)
Dr. Bill Cook
- On one side of this passage is the command to “be filled with the Spirit,” and on the other is the reality of cosmic conflict.
- If you are a husband, God commands you to love your wife as he loves the church. Your wife is God’s gift to you.
- If you are a wife, God commands you to submit to your husband’s leadership in the home and honor him as you submit to and honor Jesus. Your husband is God’s gift to you.
- What do you do with this passage if you are single? You do exactly what Jesus and Paul did.
- Don’t overlook that this passage is primarily about Christ Jesus’ deep and abiding love for the church—the people, not the building.
Compassion (Matthew 9:27–38)
Dr. Bill Cook
- Jesus’ grace is stronger than circumstances (9:27–31)
- Jesus warns us of basing our opinion on the spirituality of others solely on their religious credentials (9:32–34)
- Jesus was always on mission wherever he went (9:35)
- Jesus sees the heartache and pain in people’s lives that exist beneath the surface (9:36)
- Jesus called on his disciples to pray for more gospel workers (9:37-38a)
- Jesus isn’t looking for more followers, but disciples who are willing to work in the fields! (9:38b)
Expand (Matthew 9:13)
Dr. Bill Cook
- Nothing is impossible with God: Jesus initiates a relationship with an outcast (9:9)
- Don’t be surprised when sinners respond to a gospel invitation: Matthew’s stunning response (9:9–10)
- Jesus’ mission should be our mission: He came to call sinners, not the self-righteous (9:11–13)
Arise and Shine (Matthew 5:13–16)
Dr. Bill Cook
- You are the salt of the earth.
A. What did Jesus mean by the image of salt?
B. Two thoughts if we are going to be the salt of the earth . . .
- You are the light of the world.
A. Jesus is teaching us about the spiritual condition of the world.
B. When you live your life by God’s power and for His glory your commitment to Christ will be evident – “a city set on a hill . . .”
C. Our light shines the brightest when we do good works for God’s glory and the expansion of his kingdom
- Some final lessons on being salt and light . . .
The Fragrant Aroma of Love: God’s Love, Our Love, and Christ’s Cross (Ephesians 5:1–2; 1 Corinthians 13:1–7)
Dr. Bill Cook
- God loves you! (5:2)
- Allow God’s love for you to transform how you love others (4:32-5:1)
- A life without love is a wasted life (1 Cor. 12:31b-13:3)
- God-like love is demonstrated in the way you treat others (13:4-7)
A. Two positive expressions of love
B. Love does not. . .
C. Four verbs, each with the object of “all things”
Pressing In and Reaching Out: Live the Vision in 2018
Dr. Bill Cook
- Who are we?
- What is the church to do?
- Why are we focusing on Pressing In and Reaching Out again this year?
- What do we hope to accomplish?
- What is at stake?
Choose Your Tailor Wisely (Ephesians 4:17–24)
- Don’t live like unbelievers: the old life (4:17–19)
- Throw off the clothing of the old life and put on the garments of holiness: the new life (4:20–24)
A) You are a new person in Jesus (4:20–21)
B) Lay aside the old self (4:22)
C) Renew your mind (4:23)
D) Put on the new man (4:24)
Preparing for a New Year: Pop Quizzes and Major Exams (James 1:2-8, 12) - Dr. Bill Cook
God's Love and Christmas Family Gatherings (1 Corinthians 13:1-7; Romans 2:4; John 3:16) - Dr. Bill Cook
How Do You Grow a Culture of Missions? One Person at a Time (Matthew 28:16–20) - Dr. Blake Ring
What Does A Healthy Church Look Like? Unity, Diversity and Growth (Ephesians 4:7–12)
Dr. Bill Cook
- 4:1-6: A healthy church is a characterized by and based on character and doctrine.
- 4:7-12: A healthy church demonstrates appropriate diversity based on spiritual giftedness.
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4:13-16: A healthy church is a church growing (4:13-16)
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You have a spiritual gift (4:7)
- The reigning Jesus is the giver of your gift (4:8-11)
- Use your giftedness to serve God’s people (4:12)
- What does maturity looks like? (4:13-16)
Community (Proverbs 18:1)
Gabriel Hinerman
- We value community because community is God’s design.
- We value community because community is God’s gift to his people.
- We value community because community is an expression of God’s blessing.
- We value community because community is a form of God’s protection.
- We value community because our Savior asks us to value community.
Unity and the Call of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-6)
Dr. Kyle Barrett
- Unity among God’s people is at the heart of what it means to "walk worthy" (Ephesians 4:1).
2.Christian unity happens when we think rightly about ourselves and think the best about others (Ephesians 4:2-3).
Christian unity flows from both behavior and belief (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Intercession Is Love and War (Ephesians 3:14-21)
Dr. Bill Cook
- Pray boldly because God IS your Father (3:14-15)
- Pray specifically because specific requests receive specific answers (3:16-19)
A. Pray for the manifest presence of Jesus (16b-17a)
B. Pray to comprehend the incomprehensible love Christ has for you (3:17b-19a)
C. Pray for the unimaginable – “to be filled up with all the fullness of God” (3:19b)
Chained, but Not Bound (Ephesians 3.1-13)
Dr. Bill Cook
- Leverage your present life for Jesus (3:11)
- God has graciously entrusted us with the gospel (3:2-6)
- God has graciously entrusted us with a ministry of service (3:7-13)
Christ’s Death and God’s New People (Epehsians 2:11-22)
Dr. Bill Cook
- Before we met Jesus we lived in the hopelessness of a Christ-less eternity (2:11-12)
--We were objects of Jewish contempt (2:11)
--We were spiritually destitute (2:12) 2. Jesus death on the cross created a new people of God (2:13-
--Christ’s death reconciles unbelievers to God: In Christ Jew and Gentile are at peace with God (17,18)
--Paul answers the “so what” question: Every believer shares in the benefits of the gospel (19-22)
Before and After Pictures of the Believer (Ephesians 2:1-10)
Dr. T. J. Betts
- A Picture of the Believer before Salvation (2:1-3)
a. Decidedly Dead (2:1)
b.Decidedly Deaf (2:2a)
c. Decidedly Deceived (2:2b)
d. Decidedly Disobedient (2:2c)
e. Decidedly Degenerate (2:3a)
f. Decidedly Debased (2:3b)
g. Decidedly Defiant (2:3c)
h. Decidedly Doomed (2:3d)
Truths about the Wrath of God:
(1) The wrath of God is real.
(2) The wrath of God is just.
(3) The wrath of God is to be feared.
(4) The wrath of God is His love in action against sin.
(5) The wrath of God is escapable. 2. A Picture of the Believer after Salvation (2:4-10)
a. What has God done (2:4-6)?
(1) God loved us through Christ (2:4).
(2) God showed mercy to us through Christ (2:4).
(3) God resurrected us with Christ (2:5).
(4) God elevated us with Christ (2:6).
(5) God seated us with Christ in the heavenly places in Christ (2:6).
b. Why did God do it (2:7-10)?
Disciples: People Who Devotedly Follow Christ (Luke 14:25-35)
Dr. T. J. Betts
- The Characteristics of an Authentic Follower of Christ
A. Following Christ is characterized by a devotion to Him which is greater than one’s devotion to significant others (14:26a).
B. Following Christ is characterized by a devotion to Him which is greater than one’s devotion to self (14:26b-27).
C. Following Christ is characterized by a devotion to Him which is greater than one’s devotion to stuff (14:33). 2. The Cost of being an Authentic Follower of Christ (14:28-32)
What’s the point of these two parables?
A. They point out the cost of following Christ.
B. They point out the cost of neglecting Christ. 3. The Consideration of an Authentic Follower of Christ (14:34-35)
The Point: If we are not devoted followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, then we are of no spiritual use. Our spiritual lives have been a waste.
A. Will I devote my life to counting for Christ?
B. Will I devote my life to spiritually counting for nothing?
Sealed By the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 1:13-14
- The Holy Spirit is God’s seal in your life
- You enjoy all God’s good promises as a result of the Spirit’s work in your life
- The Holy Spirit is a down payment on eternity’s joy
You are Free and Forgiven!
Ephesians 1:7-12
Dr. Bill Cook
- You are redeemed and forgiven! (1:7-8a)
- You know that history will culminate under the reign of King Jesus! (1:8b-10)
[Philippians 2:9-11, Revelation 21:1-8] 3. You belong to God! (1:11) 4. You are set free to sing forever and ever! (1:12)
God Loves You! (Ephesians 1:2-6)
Dr. Bill Cook
- We are blessed! God has withheld nothing from us (1:3)
- We are chosen! God is the initiator in salvation! (1:4a, 5a)
- We are loved! 3 purposes in our salvation (1:4b-6)
(1) God saved us to transform our character (1:4b)
(2) God saved us to adopt us into his family (1:5a)
(3) God saved us to free us to be passionate worshipers of His glorious grace (1:6)
Christ, the Church, and the Gospel: A First-Century Letter for Twenty-First Century Saints (Ephesians 1:1-2)
Dr. Bill Cook
- An unlikely author – Paul the apostle (1:1a)
- An improbable city – a church plant in a dark place (1:1b)
A necessary prayer - gospel grace and peace (1:2)
“I Will Give”: Godliness, Contentment, and Gospel Advancement (Philippians 4:10-20)
Dr. Bill Cook
I Love My Church: “I Will Serve and I Will Go” (Philippians 2:5-8)
Dr. Bill Cook
- I love my church because Jesus does and he is married to her!
-Ephesians 5:25
-Revelation 19:7-8
-Revelation 21:2
-Revelation 21:9 2. Jesus demonstrated his love for the church by refusing to cling to his divine privileges (2:5-6) 3. Jesus demonstrated his love for the church by embracing a servant-mindset (2:7) 4. Jesus demonstrated his love for the church by laying down his life to establish it (2:8)
What does getting married to a church look
like?
I Will Worship and Grow with Others (Acts 2:42-47)
Dr. Bill Cook
Seven Reasons Very Active Church Members Drop Out (Thom Rainer, January 27, 2014)
- Moral failure
- Dropping out of a group
- Burnout
- Traumatic event
- Dropping out of a ministry
- Major interpersonal conflict
- Gradual withdrawal
I. Why small groups?
II. Why are congregational gatherings so important?
Jesus Loves the Church and So Should We! (1 Peter 2:4-10)
Dr. Bill Cook
Introduction
I. The Church’s Savior: Jesus, the One to Whom We Go (2:4, 6-8)
II. The church Jesus Loves (2:5, 9-10)
- We are People-Stones in a Spiritual House (2:5a)
- We are Priests Offering Spiritual Sacrifices (2:5b, 9)
- We are a People Belonging to God (2:6-9a)
- We are Recipients of God’s Mercy Declaring His Praises (2-9b-10)
Love Jesus by Loving the Church (Acts 20:17-38)
Dr. Bill Cook
- Serve Jesus by Serving the Church (18-21): Paul calls them to remember his ministry among them (20:18, 34,
35). 2. Don’t Let Suffering (or disappointment) Keep You from Serving the Church (20:22-27): Paul replaces the “you know” of the previous paragraph with “I
know” (20: 23, 25, 29). He turns from the past to his future sufferings. 3. What’s a pastor to do? (20:28-35): Having looked back to his ministry in Ephesus (which they know) and on to his coming sufferings and separation from them (which he knows), Paul now gives them his final charge. 4. Don’t forget to develop genuine friendships with those you serve (20:36-38)
Christ Alone: Jesus + Nothing (Colossians 1:15-20)
Dr. Jeff Elieff
- Salvation is through Christ alone because He is unique in His person: He is God in flesh. (vvs. 15-17)
- Salvation is through Christ alone because He is unique in His position: He is the head of the church. (vvs. 18-19)
- Salvation is through Christ alone because He is unique in His purpose: He came to reconcile. (v. 20)
Learning to Trust in Troubled Times (Psalm 46)
Dr. Bill Cook
- We will not fear: Trust in the power and providence of God (46:1-3)
- We will not be moved: God’s power and providence demonstrated (46:4-7)
- God’s Ultimate Goal: His name exalted among the nations (46:8-11)
Forsaken by God? When God Hides His Face (Psalm 51)
Dr. Bill Cook
- When God convicts you of sin remember God’s mercy: A Desperate Cry (51:1-2)
A. David knows his behavior has been sinful
B. David “feels” the contamination of his sin.
C. David asks for God’s gracious mercy based on God’s character.
- Be Straightforward in your confession without making excuses for you sinful behavior (51:3-6)
A. First and foremost our sin is against the Lord (51:3-4).
B. We sin because we are born with a sinful nature (51:5-6)
- Ask God for cleansing and renewal (51:7-12)
A. In connection with David’s confession he prays to God for forgiveness (vv. 7-9) and inner renewal (vv. 10-12).
- Make a fresh Commitment to serving God (51:13-17)
Abandoned By God? From Desertion to Rejoicing (Psalm 13)
Dr. Bill Cook
- When God seems absent: The cry of the seemingly deserted (13:1-2)
- Pray to the God Who is truly there (13:3, 4)
- Remembering God’s faithfulness leads to rejoicing (13:5, 6)
- Putting the truth into practice . . .
The Great Exchange (Romans 3:21-26; Matthew 20:28)
Dr. Jeff Elieff
- Rejection of the substitutionary atonement is a rejection of the Word of God
- Rejection of the substitutionary atonement ignores the words of Jesus Himself
- Rejection of the substitutionary atonement diminishes the depths of God’s love
Abandoned by God? The Journey from Deep Despair to Divine Favor (Psalm 5)
Dr. Bill Cook
- Seek God Early and Often When Overwhelmed by Despair (5:1-3)
- Know God, Yourself, and Your Enemy (5:4-10)
- From Despair to Divine Favor (5:11, 12)
4 Putting the truth into practice...
Messy Endings and New Beginnings: When Renewal Fades and the Cry for a Savior Begins (Nehemiah 13)
Dr. Bill Cook
- The Power of Besetting Sins (13:1-31)
A) They gave the enemy a foothold: Don’t give Satan gets a foot in the door (13:4-9)
2) The underestimated the power of greed: The necessity of financial vigilance (13:10-14)
3) They worshiped productivity and leisure thereby the Lord’s Day casually (13:15-22)
4) They did not take seriously domestic disharmony: The demise of the family (13:23-31)
- Lessons from those who have fallen back...
1) Renewal does not mean the work is done.
2) The pull of the world, the inclination of the flesh, and the trickery of Satan never ends in this life.
3) Nothing matters more in life than being remembered by God (vv. 14, 22, 29, 31)’.
4) The ending of Nehemiah reminds us of our constant need of a Savior.
People, Places, and Priests: Covenantal Faithfulness and Eternal Joy (Nehemiah 11 & 12)
Dr. Adam Howell
After the Benediction (Nehemiah 9:38-10:27)
Dr. Bill Cook
- God disciplines those He loves: Many of our troubles are the result of our lack of God-focused living (9:38; 30-32; 33; 36-37)
- Renewal begins with those in positions of leadership – in the church and in the home (10:1-29)
- Areas of renewed commitment – marriage, worship, and money (10:30-39)
Confession Is Good for the Soul (Nehemiah 9)
Dr. Jeff Elieff
- They Confessed God's Greatness
- They Confessed Their Sinfulness
- They Confessed God's Mercies
“Bring Out the Book”: When God Revives His People (Nehemiah 8)
Dr. Bill Cook
- When God Revives His People, They Hunger for the Word and Worship (8:1-8)
--"God must speak to us before we have any liberty to speak to him. He must disclose to us who he is before we can offer him what we are in acceptable worship. The worship of God is always a response to the Word of God. Scripture wonderfully directs and enriches our worship." (John Stott)
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When God Revives His People They Experience Genuine Joy (8:9-12)
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When God Revives His People There is A Renewed Passion for Holy Obedience (8:13-18)
Final thoughts on Worship, the Word, and Joyful Obedience . . .
--Renewal begins with abiding in God’s Word and responding in heartfelt worship and holy living.
--Renewal results, not in an easy life, but genuine joy.
--If you find your heart cold and indifferent to God remember back to the plan of God carried out on a hill called Calvary.
Rescuing the Perishing (Matthew 18:12-14; Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20)
Dr. Bill Cook
- Truths for the church from Jesus, Paul, and James
- A warning to the church: You may be in danger of straying from God and not even know it
- Evidences of genuine repentance for those who have strayed from the truth and the church.
Final thoughts . . .
The safest road to hell is the gradual one--the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts. (C. S. Lewis)
Characteristics of a Great Work of God (Nehemiah 7)
Dr. Bill Cook
- Faith in the God of the Impossible (7:1a)
- Spiritual Renewal of Worship and the Word (7:1b)
- A Readiness to Delegate to Godly Leaders (7:2-4)
- A Genuine Love for God’s People (7:5)
- A Willingness to Make Great Personal Sacrifices (7:6-60)
- Mobilization of Gifted and Talented People (7:6-60)
- An Unwavering Commitment to Generosity (7:66-73)
God’s Will, God’s Way . . . Expect Opposition (Nehemiah 6)
Dr. Bill Cook
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Scheme 1: A plot of physical violence (6:1-4)
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Scheme 2: The debilitating emotions of fear and discouragement (6:5-9)
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Scheme 3: An attempt to discredit his godly integrity (6:10-14)
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Scheme 4: The nagging persistence of ongoing conflict (6:15-19)
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Ancient help for 21 st century battles...
The Final Thoughts of a Dying King: “I Thirst”
John 19:28-30; Psalm 22:1, 17-18
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What did Jesus mean when he said he was thirsty?
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“Knowing that all things had been accomplished”: Everything had now been finished (Jn. 19:28)
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“To fulfill the Scriptures” (Jn. 19:28)
The Sound of the Saints as We March on to Zion (Nehemiah 5)
Dr. Adam Howell
I. The Specific Outcry (vv. 2-5)
II. Clarification of the Internal Conflict (vv. 6-8)
III. Redirection to Their Status as God’s People (vv. 9-11)
A. Walk in the Fear of God (v. 9)
1. The Fear of the Lord is rooted and grounded in a covenantal relationship between God and his people.
2. Leviticus 25:35-38
3. Nehemiah’s Example (vv. 14-19)
B. Live as Those Who Have Been Given the Law (vv. 10-12)
IV. The Sound of the Saints: Hallelujah, Amen (v. 13b)
V. Final Applications
A. Internal conflict will slow the march to Zion. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
B. Godly leaders seek to correct internal conflict, grumbling, and discontentment with a stead diet of God’s Word/Law after first having meditated on it himself.
C. The unified cry of God’s people is a message to the world about the value of the gospel.
Don’t Be Surprised When the Devil Strikes Back
Nehemiah 4
--There is seldom significant spiritual advancement without supernatural opposition.
--1 Peter 4:12: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
- Godless opposition disparages God’s work: Nehemiah’s enemies (4:1-3)
2 Prayer and godly determination go hand-in-hand: Nehemiah’s response (4:4-6) 2. Opposition often intensifies its effort when resisted: Nehemiah’s enemies react (4:7-8) 3. Beware of growing discouraged and fearful of the enemies' attacks: Nehemiah's challenge (4:9-14)
--There is so much rubble! What’s the use? 4. God fights for his people and he expects his people to fight for him: Nehemiah’s call to resistance (4:15-20)
Be a Part of Something Bigger Than Yourself: “Off to Work WE Go” (Nehemiah 3)
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Four Observations from the Text
- Every person had a specific place to work.
- Assignments were made near people’s homes.
- Commuters had a part to play in the work.
- Assignments were made by vocation.
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Four Thoughts for 21st Century Builders . . .
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Every church needs leadership, but leadership is not enough.
- This is more than a registry of names of dead people.
- Notice the diversity of the people and their giftedness.
- The work begins and ends at the Sheep Gate.
Where's the Passion (Nehemiah 2:9-10)
- Rest and Reflection (2:9-11)
- Inspection and Passion (2:12-16)
- Exhortation and Deployment (2:17-20)
- Determination and Resistance (2:19-20)
2 John 1-6 1.) Faithful Followers Possess a Truth that is Known in their Minds- v. 1 2.) Faithful Followers Possess a Truth that is Experienced in their Hearts- vvs. 2-3 3.) Faithful Followers Possess a Truth that is Demonstrated in their Actions- vvs. 4-6 A) It is demonstrated by a love for others- v. 5 B) It is demonstrated by obedience to God- v. 6
Selected Scriptures •John 14:13 •John 15:7,16 •John 16:23 1.) There are several practical reasons why we may be receiving a no answer to a prayer. •People often ask for contradictory things and therefore it is impossible for God to say yes to every prayer. •God knows what is best for us. Our idea of what is best for us is often different than God’s. •Matthew 7:9-11 •We must always remember that when God says no he has a better plan and a better way. 2.) Sometimes God says no to our prayer(s) because of something we are doing. •Sometimes we fail to ask and at other times we ask with wrong motives. •James 4:1-3 •Sometimes God says no because we have a divided heart. •James 1:5-8 •Sometimes God says no because of unrepentant sin in our lives. •1 Peter 3:7 Final thoughts . . .
I.) The Corrupting Influence: Who Are They? II.) A Community Grounded in the Gospel: How the Church Avoids False Teaching… Together A.) Contend for the Faith (v. 3) B.) Keep Yourselves in the Love of God (v. 21) 1. Building yourselves up in your most holy faith (v. 20) 2. Praying in the Holy Spirit (v. 20) 3. Waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 21) C.) Have Mercy, Save Others, Show Mercy (v. 22-23)
Matthew 6:9-13 I.) Normally begin your prayer time by focusing your attention and affections on your heavenly Father (6:9a) •Intimacy with God – “Father” •Reverence toward God– “in Heaven” •The corporate nature of the Christian life – “Our Father” II.) Pray with specificity like a laser beam (6:9b-13) •The more focused and specific your prayers the more spefici your answers. 1.) Pray for God’s glory – His name, His kingdom, and His will (6:9b-10) •Pray that God’s name (His person) be revered and honored •Pray for the expansion and consummation of God’s kingdom •Pray that God’s will be done on earth as it always is in heaven John 4:34 Matt. 26:39,42 2.) Don’t be concerned about bringing your concerns to your Father: provision, pardon, and protection (6:11-13) •Provision - Ask for your Father to meet your daily needs. •Pardon - Ask your Father to forgive you of your sins. •Protection – Ask your Father to protect you and your loved ones from Satan’s traps. III.) Don’t let bitterness and resentment endanger your prayer life (6:14-15) •Mark 11:20 Some final thoughts on a more effective prayer life . . .
1.) Philemon •Learn from his example of faith, love, and encouragement. •Realize from his situation the need for continued vigilance. 2.) Onesimus •Through His good providence, God redeems. •Through His gracious power, God restores. 3.) Paul •Speak well of believers in front of other believers. •Lead with gracious appeals rather than harsh demands. 4.) Others •Our actions affect others in the household of faith. •We are accountable for our actions to those in the household of faith.
Romans 10:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Ephesians 6:12-13 1.) The reality of final judgement for the lost: What is their destiny? - Hebrews 9:27 - Revelation 20:15 2.) The reality of spiritual warefare. 3.) The spirituial condition of the lost: Why don't they see? 4.) Some pracrical suggestions in pinpoint praying for the lost.
ACTS 8:26-40 Principle #1 - God uses ordinary Christians to bring sinners to saving faith (Acts 6:2-5) Principle #2 - God uses obedient Christians to bring sinners to saving faith (Acts 8:27) Principle #3 - God uses expecting Christians to bring sinners to saving faith (Acts 8:27) Principle #4 - God uses Spirit-filled Christians to bring sinners to saving faith (Acts 8:29) Principle #5 - God uses ready Christians to bring sinners to saving faith (Acts 8:35)
Ephesians 2:11-22 - Acts 17:26 1.) Before Jesus Gentiles were on the outside looking in: The Gentiles pre-Christian condition (2:11-12) - Gentiles were objects of Jewish contempt (2:11) - Gentiles were spiritually destitute (2:12) 2.) The new people of God are a diverse people united by the work of Christ (2:13-22) - Every believer (Jew and Gentile) has been reconciled to one another (2:13-16) - Every believer (Jew and Gentile) is at peace with God (2:17, 18). - Every believer (Jew and Gentile) shares in the benefits of the gospel (2:19-22) - Revelation 7:9-12 3.) Final thoughts
Numbers 14:1-20 1.) The Context (Numbers 14:1-20) 2.) Moses’ Intercession (Numbers 14:13-19) a. God’s Fame: Moses’ Intercession is Based on the Culture’s Perception of God (vv. 13-16) b. God’s Character: Moses’ Intercession is Grounded in God’s Character (vv. 17-19) c. God’s Response: Forgiveness and Pardon (v. 20) 3.) Final Thoughts a. Praying for God’s glory to be manifest and praying for the specific good of others are not at odds. b. Interceding for those who hurt us… c. Intercession and those who lead…
Psalm 32 - Psalm 66:18 - Isaiah 59:1-2 1.) Fullness of Joy in the Knowledge of Sins Forgiven (32:1-2) - Proverbs 28:13 - 1 John 1:9 2.) Recollections of Past Sins (32:3-4) - When we refuse to confess our sins . . . (32:3-4) - Relief comes when we confess our sin (32:5) 3.) God’s Provisions for Future Needs (32:6-8) 4.) God’s Promises to Every Believer (32:9-11)
Selected Passages in Luke’s Gospel 1.) Jesus’ Prayer Life in the Gospel of Luke 2.) What do we learn from the prayer life of Jesus?
Mark 16:1-8 The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead separates Christianity from all mere religion–whatever its form. Christianity without the literal, physical resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is merely one religion among many. (Al Mohler) 1.) The Opinion of Contemporary Scholarship - “Jesus lived on in the hearts of followers . . . but he did not physically rise from the dead. Taken down from the cross his body was probably buried in a shallow grave – and may have been eaten by wild dogs.” (R. Watson, “A Lesser Child of God,” Newsweek, April 4, 1994) - “So let us say quite specifically: The tomb of Jesus was not empty, but full, and his body did not disappear but rotted away” (Gerd Lüdemann, What Really Happened to Jesus, 135) - “As a Christian I am very comfortable not knowing whether the tomb was empty. Indeed, the discovery of Jesus’ skeletal remains would not be a problem. It does not matter.” (Marcus Borg, “The Irrelevancy of the Empty Tomb,” in Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?, 123-24). - “At the start, as history’s real terror, were [Jesus’] . . . enemies and the dogs. At the end, as faith’s unreal apologetic, were his friends and the spices. But no amount of apologetics can conceal what their intensity only confirms. With regard to the body of Jesus, by Easter morning, those who cared did not know where it was, and those who knew did not care. (J.D. Crossan, Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography, 158, 1994) 2.) An Examination an Ancient Witness (Mark 16:1-8) a.) The power of a strong love for Jesus Christ (16:1-4) b.) The reality of angels as God’s messengers (16:5,6) c.) Jesus’ graciousness is incomprehensible (16:7) d.) We should never be surprised and the power and goodness of God (16:8) 3.) Does it really matter? a.) If Jesus has been raised from the dead, and he has, the church has a mandate to take the gospel across the street and around the world. To fail to be concerned about the salvation of others is to diminish the importance of Jesus’ death and resurrection. b.) If one confesses they believe in the resurrection, then they must live a resurrection life. We should build our lives around the things that matter most to God. To say we believe in the resurrection, but live a casual form of pseudo-Christianity is to denigrate the person and work of Christ. c.) If Jesus’ death could save someone like Mary Magdalene, and it did, it can save you. To gain the whole world and forfeit your soul is in the end to lose everything, but to lose everything for Jesus, is in the end lose nothing and to gain everything!
Mark 15:33-47 1.) King Jesus dies in darkness (15:33) - Amos 8:9-10 2.) King Jesus dies alone and abandoned (15:34-36) 3.) King Jesus' death opens up for us the way into God's presence (15:37-41) - Hebrews10:19-20 4.) Even in his burial King Jesus' death fulfills an ancient prophecy (15:42-47) - Isaiah 53:9 5.) Final Thoughts
Luke 10:25-37 1.) Life’s Most Important Question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (10:25-29) - Luke 3:10, 12, 13 - Luke 18:18 - Acts 2:37 - Acts 16:30, 31 2.) Jesus illustrates his point with a story: The Good Samaritan - James 2:15-17 - 1 John 3:16-18 3.) Jesus’ final comments . . . (10:36-37)
Mark 15:21-32 1.) King Jesus begins his reign of grace in one family on the way to the cross (15:21) 2.) King Jesus is enthroned on the cross outside the city (15:22-28) - Psalm 22:18 - Isaiah 53:12 - Mark 10: 36-37 3.) King Jesus is taunted on the cross by his enemies (15:29-32) 4.) Final thoughts . . .
Mark 15:1-20 1.) King Jesus Interrogated: “Are you the King of the Jews?” (15:1-5) - Luke 23:2 - Isaiah 53:7 2.) King Jesus Rejected: “Give us Barabbas!” (15:6-15) 3.) King Jesus Abused: “Hail King of the Jews!” (15:16-20) 4.) What is Mark saying to us??
Mike Smith has been a member of Ninth & O for 60 years. Dr. Cook interviews Mike to share his memories and insights.
Mark 14:66-72 1.) Prelude to the Collapse - Luke 5:6-8 - Matthew 16:15-17 - John 13:8 - John 13:37-38 - Proverbs 16:18 - Luke 22:31-34 2.) Observing the Collapse 3.) Learning from Peter’s Collapse
Mark 14:53-65 1.) Jesus and Peter: The stage is set (14:53-54) 2.) False Witnesses: The incompetence of Jesus’ enemies (14:55-59) - John 8:44 3.) The Faithful Witness: Messiah, Son of Man and Son of God (14:60-62) - Daniel 7:13-14 - Psalm 110:1 4.) Undiluted Hatred: Religion gone bad (14:63-65) 5.) Final thoughts...
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 1.) Focus your parenting on the need for heart change, not just on external obedience. (vvs. 4-6) 2.) Understand the Necessity of Teaching by example. (vvs. 4-6) 3.) Teach them intentionally, constantly, and with consistency. (vvs. 7-9) - Remind them regularly of your love for them. - Teach them by consistent but realistic discipline. - Choose your battles wisely but don’t be afraid to parent. - Insulate your child, don’t isolate your child. - Don’t just talk AT your children… talk and listen TO them. - Pray with and for your children…and do it often!
1.) God loves your family and wants your family to prosper. 2.) Satan hates your family and is always at work to defeat, divide, and destroy it - spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. 3.) No one has a perfect family because no family has any perfect people in it. 4.) Don’t measure God’s blessings by your standard of living. Sometimes our standard of living is a curse rather than a blessing. 5.) If you want to know God’s blessings in your family then you must be committed to your own sanctification. 6.) Your sanctification will require a commitment to forgiveness and sacrificial love. 7.) Your most effective parenting and greatest expression of love is done on your knees in prayer. - “Until you are convinced that you can’t change your child’s heart, you will not take prayer seriously.” (Paul Miller, A Praying Life, 167) - “It didn’t take me long to realize that I did my best parenting by prayer” (Paul Miller, A Praying Life,60)
Mark 14:32-42 1.) The Darkness of Gethsemane: Jesus' Agony (14:32-35a) 2.) The Battle of Gethsemane: Jesus' prayer and submission (14:35b-36) 3.) The Loneliness of Gethsemane: Jesus' disappointment (14:37-40) 4.) The Victory in Gethsemane: Jesus' courageous obedience (14:41-42) 5.) Some final thoughts on Jesus, discipleship, and Gethsemane.
Dr. Cook and Dr. Elieff discuss the move of our church from Taylor Boulevard to Breckenridge Lane.
By God’s Grace and For God’s Glory: A Look at the What, Why, and You in 2015 at Ninth and O Baptist Church
A Forgotten Christmas Prophecy: 'A Sword Will Pierce Your Soul' (Luke 1:33-35)
Dr. Bill Cook
Christmas and Missions: A Child is Born … A Savior is Worshiped … A World is Touched (Matthew 28:16-20)
Rev. Dennis Barton