Tanglewood Bible Fellowship: Recent Episodes
Pastor David Shields
Expository sermons by Pastor David Shields through books of the Bible presented weekly at Tanglewood Bible Fellowship in Duncan, OK.
TBF is an independent church made up of people from a wide variety of denominational backgrounds, united by their faith in Christ and a desire to grow spiritually via study of the Bible.
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God does not anoint leaders like we do. (Vs. 1-13)
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God does not appoint leaders like we do. (Vs. 14-23)
Start Sermon: 00:06
Reading: 02:23
Point 1: 06:40
Point 2: 21:08
Benediction: 35:15
End: 35:42
- Listen to God's voice by obeying completely. (Vs. 1-23)2. Listen to God's voice by confessing publicly. (Vs. 24-35)Start Sermon: 00:06Reading: 01:18Point 1: 06:40Point 2: 28:06Prayer of Confession: 39:13Benediction: 40:22End: 40:39
- Have faith and act like nothing can hinder God.
Start Sermon: 00:06
Reading: 02:17
Sermon start: 07:23
Benediction: 36:48
End: 37:15
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We are pressured to disobey God's commands. (Vs. 1-9)
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We are pressured to justify our disobedience. (Vs. 10-12)
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We should be faithful because God is faithful. (Vs. 13-14)
Start Sermon: 00:06
Reading: 01:21
Point 1: 04:08
Point 2: 18:36
Point 3: 29:07
Benediction: 37:38
End: 37:56
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We should be faithful to the end. (Vs. 1-5)
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Far too often we are unfaithful. (Vs. 6-18)
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We should be faithful because God is faithful. (Vs. 19-25)
Start Sermon: 00:06
Reading: 01:18
Point 1: 05:44
Point 2: 14:57
Point 3: 28:35
Benediction: 39:07
End: 39:31
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In difficult moments, we doubt what God can do. (Vs. 1-4)
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God can use even imperfect people. (Vs. 5-11)
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God is the only one who empowers salvation. (Vs. 12-15)
Start Sermon: 00:06
Reading: 01:31
Point 1: 04:41
Point 2: 14:04
Point 3: 22:52
Benediction: 34:31
End: 34:53
Saul, the Avoidant Anointed - 1 Samuel 10
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God gives us a calling. (Vs. 1-8)
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God confirms our calling. (Vs. 9-13)
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We avoid and hide from our calling. (Vs. 14-27)
- Saul looks like a king, but his moral failings point us to Christ.
Start Sermon: 00:06
Reading: 02:37
Point 1 / Sermon Start: 07:07
Benediction: 34:36
End: 34:55
What Does Full Repentance Look Like? - 1 Samuel 7:3-17
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Full repentance means radical change. (7:3-6)
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Full repentance makes a different choice. (7:7-11)
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Full repentance leads to restoration. (7:12-17)
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No other gods can stand. (5:1-12)
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No one can stand without a guilt offering. (6:1-18)
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No one can stand just because they are the right people. (6:19-7:2)
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God cannot be rushed. (4:1-3)
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God cannot be manipulated. (4:4-11)
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God cannot lose glory. (4:12-22)
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Listen for the Lord in a spiritually dim world. (3:1-10)
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Proclaim all of God's Word in a spiritually dim world. (3:11-18)
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God uses our faithfulness in a spiritually dim world. (3:19-4:1)
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Honor the Lord in your calling. (2:11-21)
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Dishonoring the Lord leads to disgrace. (2:22-34)
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God will be honored by the promised priest. (2:35-36)
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Connect God's particular work in your life to His character. (2:1-3)
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Connect God's particular work in your life to His general work. (2:4-8)
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Connect God's particular work in your life to His final work. (2:9-10)
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God hears the overlooked. (1:1-16)
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God remembers the overlooked. (1:17-20)
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God uses the overlooked to bring redemption. (1:21-28)
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Believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (27:62-28:6)
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Proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (28:7-15)
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Make disciples of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (28:16-20)
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Pray with others in mind. (Vs. 2-4)
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Be wise towards others. (Vs. 5-6)
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Minister alongside others. (Vs. 7-18)
What Do You Seek? - Colossians 3:1-17
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Seek Christ every day. (Vs. 3:1-4)
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Seek Christ by killing sin. (Vs. 3:5-11)
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Seek Christ by putting on Christ. (Vs. 3:12-17)
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Stand in the Savior, not the shadow. (Vs. 2:16-17)
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Hold fast to the head to grow with God. (Vs. 2:18-19)
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Listen to the Lord, not man. (Vs. 2:20-23)
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Being in Christ is a way of life. (Vs. 2:6-7)
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Being in Christ is under constant threat. (V. 2:8)
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Being in Christ is our spiritual status. (Vs. 2:9-15)
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Ministry requires suffering. (V. 1:24)
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Ministry requires making God known. (Vs. 1:25-29)
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Ministry requires growing. (Vs. 2:1-5)
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Jesus is first. (Vs. 15-18)
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Jesus will reconcile all things. (Vs. 19-22)
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Jesus must stay first in our lives. (V. 23)
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God has given us a new identity. (Vs. 1-2, 12-14)
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God has given us a reason to rejoice. (Vs. 3-8)
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God has given us a reason to pray. (Vs. 9-11)
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God’s judgment leads to correction. (Vs. 1-8)
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God’s correction leads to transformation. (Vs. 9-13)
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God’s transformation leads to peaceful joy. (Vs. 14-20)
Start Sermon: 00:06
Reading: 01:13
Point 1: 04:58
Point 2: 17:20
Point 3: 24:45
Benediction: 38:11
- Humble yourself before God and be restored. (v. 1-7)
- Refuse to humble yourself before God and be desolated. (v. 8-15)
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God will judge those who worship both Jesus and other things. (Vs. 1-6)
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God will judge those who ignore Jesus. (Vs. 7-13)
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God will judge all sin. (Vs. 14-18)
Start Sermon: 00:06
Reading: 02:47
Point 1: 06:04
Point 2: 20:15
Point 3: 28:55
Benediction: 37:22
True and False Shepherds - Jeremiah 23
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False shepherds live ungodly lives, true shepherds live righteous lives. (Vs. 9-15)
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False shepherds speak their own words, true shepherds speak God's Words. (Vs. 16-32)
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False shepherds will perish, true shepherds will be appointed. (Vs. 33-40, 1-4)
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Jesus is the good shepherd. (Vs. 5-8)
Start Sermon: 00:03
Reading: 01:32
Point 1: 07:29
Point 2: 13:13
Point 3: 26:09
Point 4: 31:53
Benediction: 38:53
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The virgin birth of Christ is a historical fact. (v. 1:1-2)
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The historical fact of Christ's birth should encourage our faith. (v. 1:3-4)
- Jesus was born as the rightful savior and King (1:1-25).
- Jesus should be worshipped as king (2:1-18).
- Jesus came to baptize in the Holy Spirit (v. 1-11).
- Jesus came to proclaim the gospel (v. 12-14).
- Jesus came to make disciples (v. 15-20).
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Jesus was born as true God.
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Jesus was born as true light.
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Jesus was born as true flesh.
- Truly understanding Revelation means obeying it (22:6-11).
- Truly understanding Revelation means preparing for it (22:12-15).
- Truly understanding Revelation means coming to Jesus (22. 16-21).
- New Jerusalem will be filled with the glory of God (21:9-21).
- New Jerusalem will be filled with the presence of God (21:22-27).
- New Jerusalem will be filled with the life of God (22:1-5).
- The new heavens and the new earth will be a restored and renewed old heaven and old earth (v. 1-2).
- The new heavens and the new earth will be where God dwells (v. 3-4).
- The new heavens and the new earth can be yours (v. 5-8).
- Everyone will face God's judgment (v. 11-13).
- Failure will lead to eternal death (v. 14-15).
- Jesus is the only escape from judgment (v. 15).
- Satan will be restrained (v. 1-3).
- Jesus will reign on the earth (v. 4-6).
- Satan will be defeated once and for all (v. 7-10).
- Jesus will return in glory (v. 11-13).
- Jesus will return in power (v. 14-16).
- Jesus will return in victory (v. 17-21).
- Satan is a dragon who wages war on God and His people (v. 1-6).22:40 2. The Dragon is defeated by the cross (v. 7-12). 33:36 3. God protects His people from the Dragon (v. 13-17).
Give generously to the poor (Prov 19:17) because to do so is giving generously to Jesus (Matthew 25:40) and because Jesus gave generously to us (Ephesians 2:8).
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Christian wisdom begins with the fear of God (Proverbs 1:7).
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Christian wisdom culminates with Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30).
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Christian wisdom must be informed by the gospel.
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We can't count God's days (v. 1-2).
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We can count our days (v. 3-12).
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God can make our days count forever (v. 12-17).
- Magnify God because of His name (v. 1, 9).
- Magnify God because of His glory (v. 1-3).
- Magnify God because He magnified us (v. 3-8).
- We should have an attitude of love towards Jesus (v. 1-11).
- We should act like we love Jesus (v. 12-19).
- Pray for restoration based on what God has done in the past. (v. 1-3)
- Pray for restoration based on God's present Grace and Love. (v. 4-7)
- Pray for restoration based on future promise. (v. 8-13)
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The Kingdom of God will come into the World. (v. 15)
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The Kingdom of God will pass out Judgement. (v. 16-18)
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The kingdom of God will bring God's Presence. (v. 19)
- God Appoints His witnesses. (v. 1-3)
- God Empowers His witnesses. (v. 4-6)
- God allows His witnesses to suffer and die. (v. 7-10)
- God will vindicate His witnesses. (v. 11-14)
- Our Prayers impact Eternity. (v.1-5)
- Judgement reveals God's Glory. (v.6-12)
- Proclaim God's Woe. (v.13)
- God will Protect His people. (v. 1-8)
- God will keep His Promises. (v. 9-12)
- God will bring us out. (v. 13-17)
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The resurrection of Christ is a true, historical fact. (v.1-11)
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If the resurrection is not true, Christianity is meaningless. (v.12-19)
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Because the resurrection of Christ is true, we can be resurrected. (v.20-26)
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There is Hope even in grief. (v.13)
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There is Hope even in Death. (v.14)
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There is Hope even in Life. (v.15-18)
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True love only comes from God. (v.7-8)
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True love is Demonstrated by Jesus. (v. 9-10)
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True love is what we should give one another. (v. 11-12)
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God is gracious even in judgement. (v.1-8)
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We should long for God's Judgement. (v. 9-11)
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God's final judgement is more terrible than we could possibly imagine. (v.12-17)
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Jesus shows us who we are. (v.14)
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Without Jesus, we are nothing. (v.15-17)
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With Jesus, we are everything. (v.18-22)
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A little power is more than enough. (v.7-8)
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A little power is enough to be safe. (v.9-10)
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A little power is enough to hold fast. (v.11-13)
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Don't assume you are awake and alive. (v.1-2)
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Wake up before death is complete. (v.2-3)
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Those who wake up will never lose their Salvation. (v.4-6)
- The church cannot tolerate False Teaching in its midst. (v. 18-23)
- Hold fast to the Gospel, not legalism. (v.24-25)
- Those who hold onto the Gospel will be vindicated. (v.26-29)
- Don't deny Christ's Name. (v. 12-13)
- Don't deny Christ's Name in how you live. (v. 14-16)
- Don't deny Christ's Name in how you live and receive a new name. (v.17)
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God Knows your suffering. (v. 8-9)
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Don't fear suffering or death. (v. 10)
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Death is not the end. (v.11)
- Remember that Jesus holds you. (v. 1)
- Return to your first love. (v. 2-6)
- Respond to the Gospel. (v. 7)
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The Suffering need to read Revelation. (v.9-11)
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The Suffering need to see Jesus. (v.12-16)
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The Suffering need not Fear. (v.17-20)
- Our Place is Important (v.1-4)
- Our Actions have Consequences. (v.5-14)
- Our Hearts Motivate us. (v.15-17)
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Revelation is meant to point us to Jesus. (v. 1-2)
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Revelation is meant to be obeyed. (v.3)
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Revelation is meant to give us hope. (v. 4-8)
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Knowing the overall story of the Bible will help you know the Bible.
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The Story of the Bible is the story of God's kingdom coming into the world.
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The virgin birth was necessary because the scripture teaches it.
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The virgin birth was necessary for Christ to be a new Adam.
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The virgin birth Christ to be truly God.
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Jesus became man because He loves us. (v. 5-9)
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Jesus became man to save us from suffering and Death. (v.10-16)
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Jesus became man to be like us. (v. 17-18)
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The Incarnation means Jesus is truly God and truly man.
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The Incarnation means salvation is possible.
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The incarnation means we can see God.
- Christ's slowness to return does not mean He is not coming back. (v. 1-7)
- Christ's slowness to return is Good News. (v. 8-10)
- Christ's slowness to return doesn't mean we can't be ready. (v. 11-18)
- We Should trust God to deal with them. (v.1-9)
- We should learn what they are like. (v.10-16)
- We should avoid their slavery. (v. 17-22)
- Partake in the divine nature (v. 1-4).
- Partake in sanctification (v. 5-11).
- Partake in remembrance (v. 12-21).
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The final day of the Lord brings Justice. (v.1-8)
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The final day of the Lord demands a Decision. (v.9-16)
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The final day of the Lord brings Restoration. (v. 17-21)
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The Day of the Lord refers to Pentecost. (v. 28-29)
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The Day of the Lord refers to Eschatological Judgement. (v. 30-31)
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The Day of the Lord refers to Coming Redemption. (v.32)
1. The Lord will take Pity. (v.18-20)
2. The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Joy. (v.21-24)
3. The Lord is Just and Merciful. (v.25-27)
1.The right response to God's judgement is Proclamation. (v. 1-4)
2.The right response to God's judgement is Lament. (v. 5-14)
3.The right response to God's judgement is Repentance. (v. 15-20)
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Shepherd like the chief Shepherd. (v.1-4)
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Humble ourselves under God. (v. 5-7)
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Resist until God restores. (v. 8-14)
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Godly Suffering is not suprising. (v.12-13)
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Godly Suffering is not self-satisfying. (v.14-16)
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Godly Suffering is temporary becasue of Jesus. (v.17-19)
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We should be motivated by Christ's attitude in death. (v. 1-4)
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We should be motivated by the coming judgement. (v. 5-6)
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We should be motivated by the consumation of all things. (v. 7-11)
- Bless others even when cursed, because we have been blessed. (v. 8-12)
- Do good even when suffering, because it is God's will. (v. 13-17)
- The suffering of Jesus brings us salvation.
- Submit to the Government as witnesses to Christ. (v.13-17)
- Submit even to injustice for Christ. (v.18-20)
- Submit like Christ. (v.21-25)
- Be like infants (v. 1-3).
- Be like stones (v. 4-8).
- Be like a chosen people (v. 9-10).
- Be like exiles (v. 11-12).
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We need disciplined hope. (v.13)
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Hope leads to Childlike Holiness. (v. 14-16)
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Hope leads to Reverent fear. (v. 17-21)
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Hope leads to sincere Love. (v.22-25)
- Expect to be exiles. (v.1-2)2. Expect to be saved. (v.3-5)3. Expect to be suffer. (v.6-7)4. Expect Jesus. (v. 8-12)
- Our Plans often fail.
- You cannot mess up God's purpose.
- Make plans with faith in God's purpose.
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Don't harm others with reckless speech.
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Heal others with wise speech.
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Jesus heals us with a word.
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God reverses the enemy's plans (8:1-14)
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God causes His enemies to fear. (8:15-9:4)
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God brings justice, not retribution to His enemies. (9:5-19)
- Identifying with God's people brings deliverance (v.1-4).
- Being identified as God's enemy brings judgment (v. 5-10).
- Jesus identifies with His enemies.
- Trusting God keeps our feet secure (v. 1-2).
- Even when evil tries to shake us (v. 3).
- Because we can trust God's justice (v. 4-5).
- Worldly Pride leads to judgement. (6:1-14)
- Christlike humility leads to blessings (Philippians 2:4-11)
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Prayer requires wisdom. (v.1-8)
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God Begins to answer our prayers before we notice. (v.9-14)
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God Answers our prayers through Jesus, not cunning tactics.
- The empire hates God's People (v.1-6)
- The empire seeks to destroy God's people. (v. 7-15)
- Jesus loves and seeks to save God's people.
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The Empire requires assimilation. (v.1-8)
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We are tempted to compromise. (v.9-18)
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Our Sin doesn't nullify God's grace. (v.19-23)
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The resurrection was physical. (v. 36-43)
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The resurrection commissions us. (v. 44-49)
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The resurrection culminates in the ascension. (v. 50-53)
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Jesus reveals Himself to nobodies. (v.13-24)
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Jesus reveals Himself in scripture. (v.25-27)
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Jesus reveals Himself in Communion. (v. 28-35)
1.Seek the Kingdom. (23:50-56)
2.Seek the Living King. (24:1-8)
3.Seek the True Story. (24:9-12)
- Follow in Christ's Footsteps. (v.26-31)
- Accept the Salvation Christ Offers. (v. 32-43)
- Acknowledge Christ's Divinity. (v. 39-49)
- Is Jesus the Son of God? (22:66-71)
- Is Jesus the King of the Jews? (23:1-12)
- Is Jesus the Lamb of God? (23:13-25)
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Christlike greatness comes through service. (v.21-27)
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Christlike greatness comes through enduring trials. (v. 28-34)
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Christlike greatness comes through God's Provision. (v.35-38)
- Communion Reinterprets Passover. (v.1-13)
- Communion Remembers Christ's Death. (v.19)
- Communion Recognizes Christ's Presence. (v.19-20)
- In Communion, we Receive sanctifying grace. (v.14-20)
- Communion Reenacts the new covenant. (v.20)
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Keep your head up. (v.25-33)
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Watch your weight. (v.34-35)
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Stay Prayerfully awake. (v.36-38)
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Suffering is an opportunity to bear witness to Jesus. (21:10-18)
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Suffering is an opportunity to endure with Jesus. (21:19)
2:58 1. Beware the Greater Condemnation. (v.20:45-47)
13:16 2. Give the Greater Gift. (v.21:1-4)
21:08 3.Look to the Greater Temple. (v.21:5-9)
Questions About the Resurrection - Luke 20:27-44Don't ask the wrong Questions about the resurrection andMiss the Resurrection because You missed Jesus
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Don't miss Jesus' peace. (v.41-44)
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Don't misuse Jesus' name for selfish gain. (v.45-48)
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Don't question Jesus' authority. (v.1-8)
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Jesus is Lord over time. (v.28-32)
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Jesus is Lord over all things. (v.33-35)
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If You do not cry out for your Lord, the rocks will. (v.36-40)
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Because God Loves us, He is with us. (v.1-2)
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Because God loves us, He gives Himself up for us. (v.3-4)
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Because God loves us, He Brings us home. (v. 5-7)
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We can have joy in the desert. (v.1-4)
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Because Jesus will restore us. (v. 5-7)
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And bring everlasting joy. (v.8-10)
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Jesus brings peace to the world. (v.1-5)
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Jesus brings peace with God. (v.6-7)
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Embrace Jesus' peace.
- Israel hoped the true king would come.
- Jesus began to fulfill their hopes.
- We hope the king will come again.
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Seek the Kingdom's King. (v. 1-10)
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Do the Kingdom's business. (v. 11-14)
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Receive the Kingdom's rewards. (v. 15-27)
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Pride is a barrier, admit your helplessness. (v. 15-17)
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Riches are a barrier, Give them away. (v. 18-30)
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Ignorance is a barrier, ask for sight. (v. 31-34)
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The Crowd is a barrier, ask for mercy. (v. 35-43)
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The duty of the Kingdom is a repentant faith. (v.1-10)
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The attitude of the Kingdom is gratitude. (v.11-19)
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The timing of kingdom is now and not yet. (v.20-37)
1. Live righteously with fading wealth. (v.1-12)
2. Loving money blinds you spiritually. (v.13-18)
3. How we use our money reveals our spiritual condition. (v.19-31)
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Put Others Before Yourself. (v.1-24)
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Put Jesus before everything. (v. 25-35)
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Because Christ is worth it all.
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The Kingdom Requires repentance. (v.1-17)
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The Kingdom Grows Slowly. (v. 18-21)
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The Kingdom is Coming Soon. (v. 22-35)
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Be Ready at all times. (v. 35-40)
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Be Ready for judgement. (v. 41-48)
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Be Ready for Difficulty. (v. 49-59)
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We get angry when others face God's Mercy. (v. 1-4)
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We get angry when we face God's Justice. (v. 5-8)
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God does not get angry at us. (v. 9-11)
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You can't stop God's plan (v.1-5)
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You can't force God's plan. (v. 6-10)
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Embrace God's plan by being faithful. (v.1-10)
- Because He always listens. (v. 1)
- Because there is always grace. (v. 2-9)
- Because there is always resurrection. (v. 1:7, 2:10)
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Do not covet more money (v. 13-21).
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Do not worry about having enough money (v. 22-30).
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Do not seek money, seek the kingdom (v. 31-34).
- Fear God in the dark (v. 1-3).
- Fear God in death (v. 4-7).
- Fear God in trials (v. 8-12).
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Don't Miss the Point. (v. 37-44)
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Don't Miss the Prophets (v.45-52)
3.Don't Miss the Promised Messiah (v.53-54)
1.Are you with Jesus or against Jesus? (v. 14-26)
2.Being against Jesus leads to judgment. (v. 29-36)
3.Being with Jesus leads to blessing. (v. 27-28)
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Proclaim the Kingdom's peace. (v. 1-9)
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Proclaim the Kingdom's judgment. (v. 10-16)
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Proclaim the Kingdom's joy. (v. 17-24)
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The disciples aren't ready to be faithful. (v. 37-45)
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The disciples aren't ready to be last. (v.46-56)
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Are you ready to be a disciple? (v. 56-62)
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Jesus had to Suffer. (v.18-22)
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We have to suffer. (v.23-27)
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But Glory comes after suffering. (v.28-36)
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Disunity is a Curse. (v.1)
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Unity is a Blessing. (v.1-3)
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True Unity Only Comes through Jesus.
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Cry to the Lord because He will listen to you. (v.1-2)
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Cry to the Lord because He will forgive you. (v.3-4)
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Cry to the Lord because He will redeem you. (v.5-8)
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Quiet your soul trough Humility (v.1)
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Quiet your soul through Childlike Faith. (v.2)
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Quiet your soul through Hope (v.3)
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Look to God for Help. (v.1-2)
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Because He is a good helper. (v.3-7)
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He always has been and always will be. (v.8)
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We are equipped with all we need. (v.1-5)
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We are equipped to spread the Gospel. (v. 6-9)
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We are equipped even in desolate places. (v. 10-17)
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We are equipped with all we need. (v.1-5)
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We are equipped to spread the Gospel. (v. 6-9)
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We are equipped even in desolate places. (v. 10-17)
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The Disciple's faith is the seed on the rock. (v. 22-25)
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The demon-possessed man's faith is the seed on the path. (v. 26-39)
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Jairus' faith is the seed on the thorns. (v. 40-42, 49-56)
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The woman's faith is the seed in the good soil. (v. 40-48)
- Jesus includes women. (7:37-39)
- Jesus honors women. (7:40-50)
- Jesus disciples women. (8:1-3)
- We must decide who Jesus is. (v. 18-23)
- We must decide who John the Baptist is. (v. 24-28)
- We must decide who we will be. (v. 29-35)
- Jesus’s work doesn’t depend on our worthiness. (v. 1-10)
- Jesus’s work doesn’t depend on our faith. (v. 11-17)
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Citizens of the Kingdom have the right values. (v. 17-26)
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Citizens of the Kingdom love the right way. (v.27-42)
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Citizens of the Kingdom bear the right fruit. (v. 43-49)
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Jesus Endures the Curse. (19:38-42)
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Jesus Defeated the Curse. (20:1-10)
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Jesus Reverses the Curse. (20:11-18)
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Jesus Died a King. (v.1-22)
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Jesus Died in Control. (v.10-11, 23-29,31-37)
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Jesus Died to Save us. (v.30)
- Legalism keeps us from loving Jesus. (v. 1-5)
- Legalism keeps us from loving others (v. 6-11)
- Legalism keeps us from blessing. (v. 12-16)
- Jesus transforms our identity. (v. 1-11)
- Jesus transforms our shame. (v. 12-16)
- Jesus transforms our sins. (v. 17-26)
- The gospel has power over demons. (vs. 31-37)
- The gospel has power to heal. (vs. 38-41)
- The gospel has power in desolate places. (vs. 42-44)
4:56 1. Jesus Came for the Insignificant. (v.14-21)
13:55 2. The Significant do no get special access to Jesus (v.22-27)
24:02 3. Jesus' Coming is opposed. (v. 28-30)
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Remember the Book. (v.3:16-18)
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Remember the Day. (v.4:1-3)
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Remember the Prophets. (v.4:4-6)
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God is immutable (3:6).
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Because God is immutable, His justice is coming (2:17-3:5).
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Because God is immutable, He is worthy of all we have (3:6-3:15)
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The Priests are apathetic about their Calling (v.1-9)
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The People are apathetic about the Covenant (v.10-16)
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Jesus is Faithful in Calling and Covenant.
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Satan Whispers "God is not Enough" but Jesus says "God is Enough" (vv.1-4)
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Satan Whispers "God's way doesn't work" but Jesus says "Serve God only" (vv.5-8)
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Satan Whispers "You can't Trust God" but Jesus says "Don't Test God" (vv.9-13)
- The genealogy is theological. (v. 21-23, 38)
- The genealogy shows Jesus as the Son of God. (v. 23-38)
- The genealogy shows Jesus as the Son of Man. (v. 23-38)
- Wild preaching proclaims salvation. (v. 1-6)
- Wild preaching calls for true repentance. (v. 7-14)
- Wild preaching points to Jesus. (v. 15-17)
- Wild preaching is costly. (v. 18-20)
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Jesus is recognized as God from Birth (v.22-38)
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Jesus recognizes His own divinity from the beginning. (v. 39-52)
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Do you recognize Jesus' Divinity?
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Jesus is a better king (v. 1-2).
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Jesus is better because He becomes one of us (v. 3-14).
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Respond to Jesus with faith (v. 15-21).
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John will be an unusual prophet (v. 57-66).
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The old prophets made promises about the Messiah (v. 67-75).
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The prophet John will pave the way for Jesus (v. 76-80).
- Rejoice for how God has blessed you. (v. 46-50)
- Rejoice for the upside-down kingdom. (v. 51-53)
- Rejoice for God is faithful. (v. 54-56)
- Jesus is the promised Davidic King. (v. 26-33)
- Respond to the King with faith. (v. 34-38)
- Those who respond with faith will be blessed. (v. 39-45)
1.Are You Trusting God's Time? (5-13)
2.Are You Preparing Others For the Lord? (14-17)
3.Are You Holding onto Your Shame? (18-25)
The message of the gospel of Luke is Jesus is the promised King who came to preach and enact His kingdom, which is for all people, through his life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
We should obey God in evil days. (12:1-6)
We should obey God always. (12:7-14)
The gospel empowers us to obey. (Ezekiel 36:25-27)
- Because of the unpredictability of life, be generous and work hard. (11:1-6)
- Because of the unpredictability of life, enjoy life. (11:7-10)
- Because of the unpredictability of life, follow Jesus. (11:9)
- Because of the unpredictability of life, be generous and work hard. (11:1-6)
- Because of the unpredictability of life, enjoy life. (11:7-10)
- Because of the unpredictability of life, follow Jesus. (11:9)
00:08 Scripture Reading
05:25 1. The destructive power of folly (9:13-10:4, 10:8-15).
17:53 2. The destructive power of foolish leaders (10:5-7, 16-20).
28:44 3. The redemptive power of Jesus.
35:27 Benediction
- You can expect to die unexpectedly. (v. 1-6, 11-12)
- You can expect today to be a fulfillment or a foretaste. (v. 7-10)
- You can expect death to die. (Isaiah 25:6-9)
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Obey even when you have no control. (v. 1-9)
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Obey even when you don't understand. (v. 14-17)
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Obey because it will be worth it. (v. 10-13)
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Because you will die, live wisely. (7:1-12)
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Because you will die, Wisdom isn't enough. (7:13-25)
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Because you will die, you need Jesus. (7:26-29)
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Loving money destroys others and ourselves. (5:8-12,6:1-12)
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The money we love will fade. (5:13-17)
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Our love for Jesus should change how we love money. (5:18-20)
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Be careful in our worship. (v. 1)
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Be careful in our speech. (v. 2-7)
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There is grace for the careless. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
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Be careful in our worship. (v. 1)
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Be careful in our speech. (v. 2-7)
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There is grace for the careless. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
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We Desire Community (v.9-12)
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Sin Destroys Community. (v. 1-8,13-16)
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Jesus Creates a new community.
5:29 1. Our Time is limited and out of our control. (vv.1-8)
11:13 2. We long for more time and control. (vv. 9-15)
20:27 3. Our Limited time is eternally significant. (vv. 16-20)
30:10 4. Jesus Redeems our time. (21-22)
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The Good Life can't be found in hedonism. (v. 1-11)
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The Good Life can't be found in spirituality. (v.12-17)
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The Good Life can't be found in materialism or productivity (v.18-23)
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The Good Life can only be found in Jesus. (v.24-26)
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We will all die and be forgotten (v.1-11)
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Wisdom can't stop death. (v. 12-18)
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Jesus defeats death and remembers us.
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Pray Gospel-Centered Prayers. (v.1-5)
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Do Quiet, Faithful Work. (v.6-12)
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Have Peace-Centered endurance. (v.13-18)
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The Antichrist will come before Christ returns (v.1 -5)
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The Antichrist has no power over Christ. (v.6-12)
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Oppose the antichrist by standing firm in Christ (v. 13-17)
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Affliction can Grow our Faith and Love. (v.1-4)
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God will bring vindication and vengeance. (v.5-10)
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God can make you ready. (v.11-12)
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Pray for God to bless us (v. 1)
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Pray for God to bless others (v. 2-4)
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Christ fulfills our prayers (v. 5-7).
5:15 1. God Blessed the refugees in the past.
14:23 2. God is still blessing refugees today.
22:17 3. God will bless all who take refugee in Jesus.
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The Beggar Worshiper Resides in God's House (v.1-4)
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The Beggar Worshiper Relies in God's Strength (v.5-8)
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The Beggar Worshiper Trusts in God's Promise (v.9-12)
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God Forgives Confessing Sinners.
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God Delivers and Guides Forgiven Saints.
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Joyfully Go to God for Forgiveness.
- Bless God for His Gracious Benefits.
2.Bless God for His Gracious Justice.
3.Bless God for His Gracious Love.
Gospel good does good to everyone
Gospel good does not give up
Gospel good proclaims the Gospel
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The kind of Gardener you have determines what grows.
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in grows Weeds in the garden of your life.
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The Holy Spirit grows fruit in the garden of your life.
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We should listen to the master gardener.
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Gospel Freedom is Hindered by Legalism.
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Gospel Freedom is hindered by Legalists.
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Gospel Freedom is Hindered by Self-centeredness.
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The Judaizers preached a legalism Gospel.
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Intentional Allegory reveals the Gospel.
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Legalism makes you spiritually illegitimate.
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Legalism leads to persecution.
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The Gospel Transforms us from slaves to heirs.
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The Law transforms us from heirs to slaves.
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Live like heirs.
Legalism makes us forget (Galatians 3:1-9).
The Holy Spirit helps us remember (Galatians 3:1-9).
Legalism curses us (Galatians 3:10-14).
Jesus becomes the curse for us (Galatians 3:10-14).
Legalism babysat us (Galatians 3:15-29).
God the Father adopts us (Galatians 3:15-29).
6:33 1. The undistorted gospel comes from God
15:51 2. The undistorted gospel has no additions.
26:14 3. The undistorted gospel has applications.
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Don't fall for a distorted Gospel
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Don't fall for distorted Leaders
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Don't seek distorted Approval
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The Resurrection surprises us.
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The Resurrection commissions us.
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How will you respond to the Resurrection?
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We know destruction and deliverance are coming.
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We don't know when they are coming.
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We should go our way while we wait.
0:16 Scripture Reading
9:38 1. God was in control in the past
21:11 2. God will be in control in the future
31:24 3. God is in control in the present
41:13 Benediction
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Our prayers often seem unanswered or ignored.
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God is often at work even when you cannot see it.
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The God at work loves you.
1.We Need to Confess Our Individual and Corporate Sins. (v.1-19)
2.There is Mercy for Confessing Sinners. (v.20-27)
3.Confess Sin Because Mercy is Free. (v.18)
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We know some of the prophecy is fulfilled and some foreshadows the future.
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We don't know the whole picture.
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We should be about the king's business.
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We don't know the Identity of the Beasts. (v.1-9, 15-28)
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We do know the Identity of the Son of Man. (v.9-14)
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We know no Beast will Win. (v.23-28)
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Daniel Trusts God in Every Area of His Life.
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God Delivers the Faithful and Punishes the Wicked.
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Daniel in the Lion's Den Foreshadows Christ in the Tomb.
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We should know not to worship idols. (v. 1-4)
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We should know to listen to God's Word. (v.5-31)
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We should know not to doubt God's Grace. (v. 1-31)
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Sinners need to repent (v.1-27)
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God's Judgement is coming. (v. 28-33)
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Repentance is the only escape from Judgment. (v. 34-37)
1.God is worth following, even when it's unpopular.
1.God is worth following, even when it's costly.
1.God is worth following because He is with us.
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God is in control even when it looks like He is not.
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Depend on the Kind of Heaven not the King of Earth.
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Jesus is a Better Daniel.
Treat others like God treats you (Titus 3:1-2).
God treats undeserving sinners with undeserved grace (Titus 3:3-7).
The enemy distracts us with worthless work (Titus 3:8-15).
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Gospel doctrine believes the gospel (v. 11-15).
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Gospel doctrine lives the gospel (v. 1-10).
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Gospel doctrine bears witness to the gospel (v. 5, 8, 10).
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Gospel Leaders are Revealed by Their Righteousness.
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False Gospel Leaders are Revealed by Their Wickedness.
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What Kind of Leaders are You Empowering
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The Gospel is the Good News of Restoration
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Nothing is so Ruined that it cannot be Restored by Jesus
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Restoration leads to Rejoicing!
1.The King of Light Draws all Nations
2.The King of Light Transforms Hearts
3.The King of Light Defeats Darkness
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Ungodly Vengeance Leads to Disaster
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Not Submitting to God Leads to Disaster
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Submit to King Jesus
Big Idea: The way that we treat the weak and defenseless shows our spiritual condition
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The World abuses them
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Jesus Uplifts them
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The Gospel is for the Weak
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We want success without submission.
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We seek significance among men instead of service to God.
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We want inheritance without obedience.
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Our gifts are not for ourselves only (15:1-16:3).
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God is the secret to success (16:4-21).
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It's never to late for Grace (16:23-31).
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We all have a call and mission from God (13:1-25).
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We can follow God's mission or our own (14:1-20).
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God's plan does not depend on you staying on mission (14:4).
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Gideon is a false king who rules for himself.
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Jesus is the true king who rules for us.
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Which king are you like?
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Fear limits our obedience (6:1-40).
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God's puts us in fearful situations to build our faith (7:1-22).
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Hold onto faith in the midst of fear.
We are invited to participate in God's work in the world. Our participation reveals the Gospel.
Don’t take matters into your own hands, be obedient and leave it in God’s hands. Your small obedience matters.
Jesus is the true hero of the story. Half-hearted obedience is disobedience. Disobedience leads to judgement.
True faith overcomes selfishness, sinfulness, and overcomes the world. True faith believes God. True faith prays for sinners.
God’s Word today is the same today as God’s Word yesterday. Jesus embodies what true love is. Belief in God’s love for us leads to confidence and love for others.
Our practice reveals our parentage. Our actions reveal our love. Our confidence comes from the Gospel, not our obedience.
Antichrists deny the apostle’s teaching about Jesus. We deny the Bible because we love the world. We love the world because we hate our neighbor. We hate our neighbors because we don’t abide in Christ. We abide in Christ when we confess our sins.
We should pursue faithfulness not blessings. God will bless the faithful. God is faithful even when we are faithless.
The goal of the book of Proverbs is to make us wise. Wisdom comes from fearing God. Wisdom without Jesus is worthless.
How should we pray when we are desperate? How can we pray when we are at the end of our rope? We get an example of such a prayer from the prayers of David and Jesus in Psalm 22 Weep Beg Praise
We should pray the Psalms. We should honestly pray our doubts. We should pray eschatologically/with the end in mind.
In America we love our freedom. But what does the Bible say about our Christian freedom? The way that Paul talks about freedom is not exactly what we would expect. Pastor David walks through 1 Corinthians 9 to show the goal of Christian freedom.
There are two basic stories of what happened to Jesus on Easter. The story of the world and the story of the Word of God. The story that we choose to believe has eternal significance.
Unfortunately we all have a body image problem. Like the church in Corinth we tend to view our Church and Physical bodies incorrectly. Pastor David preaches through 1 Corinthians 6:1-20 to reveal the right way to view the Church body. He also helps us see two wrong ways that we view our bodies as gods, or the enemy. Our Church body exists as an example. Our physical bodies exist to glorify Jesus. Our Bodies have been washed, sanctified, and justified […]
Church Discipline has gone the way of the dodo bird. No one seems to practice it anymore let alone know what it the world it is. Pastor David shows us the basics of church discipline that Paul lays out in 1 Corinthians 5. [Definition] Church discipline is the process of correcting sin in the life of the church and its members. [Why?] We practice church discipline under the authority of Jesus to protect the church (5:3-4, 6-8). [How?] We should […]
Leadership development is a $366 billion dollar industry. Thousands of leadership books are published every year. Clearly the world has a lot to say about true leadership, but what does the Bible say? The Apostle Paul explains his view of Christ-Centered leadership in 1 Corinthians 4. The Christ-Centered leader doesn’t need earthly glory (4:6-13). The Christ-Centered leader is a spiritual parent (4:14-21). The Christ-Centered leader must be faithful to the end (4:1-5).
The problem with the church in Corinth is that they will not grow up. They should have become spiritually mature, but they are acting like spiritual babies. Pastor David helps unpack exactly what spiritual maturity looks like. The spiritually mature person continues to grow in Christ’s likeness (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). The spiritually mature person humbly accepts their role (1 Cor 3:5-9; 18-23). The spiritually mature person does work that lasts (1 Cor 3:10-17). Application: Pursue spiritual maturity by pursuing Jesus.
The Corinthians have begun to trust more in the wisdom of man than God. Pastor David illustrates the difference between man’s wisdom and God’s. Man’s wisdom is limited by human ability (1 Cor 2:6-11). God’s wisdom is a gift gained by grace (1 Cor 2:12-16). Rely on God’s wisdom and the gospel (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
The church in Corinth finds themselves in the midst of a crisis. Paul begins his letter to this church with good news, bad news, and the ugly gospel. Pastor David shows us what the American church can learn from this letter in 1 Corinthians. The worst church is still Christ’s bride (1 Cor 1:1-9). We are tempted to follow men instead of Jesus (1 Cor 1:10-17). The gospel is for fools (1 Cor 1:18-31).
The Church is many things, but ultimately it has a mission to make disciples. Pastor David walks through what the mission of the church is and how we can be pulled off mission.
The story of David and Bathsheba is a well known story, but it is not always a well understood story. Bathsheba is often portrayed as a seductress, but does the text treat her this way? Take a look at what this dark story has to teach us about the brightness of the gospel.
The story of Ruth is not primarily a love story, but actually a story about loyalty. Pastor David shows us what the story of Ruth teaches us about Jesus.
Here is the first sermon in our Advent series looking at the life of Tamar in Genesis 38. This is a passage that most people tend to skip over because of how uncomfortable it can make us. Pastor David unpacks it to show us what this weird story tells us about Jesus.
Joshua has reached the end of his ministry and gives one last message to the people of Israel. He wants them to choose what god they will serve.
How are believers supposed to act when we hear about other believers sin? What should a confrontation look like? What about when someone confronts us about our own sin? These are some the questions that Pastor David answers in Joshua 22.
It can be often hard to know who to trust. Politicians and people break their promises all the time. But Pastor David shows how Joshua chapters 10-21 reveal a God who always keeps His promises. Every single promise that He made to Abraham and Joshua has finally come true.
Pastor David unpacks a tricky passage about a tricky group of people called the Gibeonites. He shows us how God is so merciful to the Gibeonites and us.
Pastor David shows us in the story of Achan how there is no place that our sin can hide.
Have you ever felt like you were just going around in circles and not getting anywhere? Maybe even your obedience to God has felt like a waste of time. Pastor David unpacks Joshua 6 and the story of Jericho to show what we can learn from the Israelites going around in circles.
The people of Israel find themselves on the right side of the river and ready to conquer the land. But God’s plan to prepare them for battle is not what we would except. Pastor David unpacks the text to reveal how we can prepare for the battles in our own lives.
The Seven Signs of the Gospel of John Sign #7: Raising of Lazarus John 10:40-11:57 Take This To Heart Spiritually Hardened People Will “Explain Away” Any/All Evidence that Jesus is the Christ Spiritually Open People Can Move From Biblical Evidence to Believe that Jesus in the Christ Believers Have Been Promised Everlasting Life by Him Who Raised the Dead/Healed the Blind and Who Made Atonement for Sin on His Cross/Validated by His Resurrection from the Dead. Salvation is Not Something […]
The Seven Signs of the Gospel of John Sign #6: The Healing of a Man Born Blind John 9:1-41 Take This To Heart The reason the vast majority of the people of Israel in Jesus’ day (including 98% of the religious leaders) rejected Jesus was not due to a lack of opportunity or an absence of information/validation. It was a matter of hardened hearts. Important to Note: this was not a matter of secular thinkers vs spiritual thinkers, it was […]
The Seven Signs of the Gospel of John Sign #4: Jesus the Water-Walker John 6:16-40 John 6:16-40 Jesus the Water Walker is the Bread of Life Jesus walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee was a unique sign miracle validating the truth that He is the Issue/Issuer of Everlasting Life to all who believe in Him. This truth is comforting to those who do believe but confounding/offensive to those who do not. The Ultimate Question Who Was/Is Jesus? […]
How Should Christians Respond When Our Society is in Spiritual/Moral Freefall? Psalm 11 For the Choir Director, a Psalm of David Take This To Heart Even in perilous times, Christians should punt panic and positively persevere. Even when the spiritual/moral foundations of a society are destroyed, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ can continue to build our lives, our families and our churches on those (vilified/rejected) truths as we trust and obey the LORD walking with Him one day/one step […]
The Seven Signs of the Gospel of John Sign #3: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished John 5:1-18 Take This To Heart Truth IS Stranger Than Fiction: Christ and Christ-Centered Christianity Always Has and Always Will Have Both Secular and Religious Opponents Because the Good News of Jesus is Gross Nonsense to Many!?! Those in Christian Circles Who Try to Take the “Scandal” Out of Christianity By Becoming “Politically Correct/Culturally Seeker Sensitive” are Theologically Incorrect and Repudiating the Example […]
The Seven Signs of the Gospel of John Sign #2: A Remote Miracle Catalyzes Real Faith John 4:43-54 Take This To Heart 1: When we come to the LORD with requests (“whats”) we should not demand specific mechanisms (“the hows”) by which He should respond to us. 2: Prayer is a grace channel of communication by which we seek and submit to His God’s will (what/how) realizing that “No!” and/or “I will respond in a different way than you […]
The Seven Signs of the Gospel of John Sign #1: Water Into Wine Take This To Heart Through the 1st Sign of the Gospel of John Changing Water into Wine: Our Lord Jesus Demonstrated His Supernatural Power over Creation/Chemistry And in a Way that Honored Both His Human Mother and His Heavenly Father True Biblical Disciples of Jesus Should Realize Doing the “Right Thing” Must Be Done the Right Way with the Right Reason(s)
Rome Sweet Rome (or “There’s No Place Like Rome”) The Israel to Italy Trek Concludes (in a Timeframe/after Events Arranged by God’s Providence) with Paul Safely in Rome Waiting for His Appeal To Come before the Emperor v11-16 Take This To Heart Even Though Being a Christian Often Involves Being Part of a Misunderstood and Marginalized Minority Group, Believers are to Live and Share Our Faith
God’s Miracle Man on Malta Unique Apostolic Miracles: A Foundational Part of the NT Church Many of the events recorded in the Book of Acts are descriptive not prescriptive. This is true because the book describes a UNIQUE period and UNIQUE persons. The Apostles had a UNIQUE foundational place in Church History-which cannot be reproduced, but… …the ULTIMATE Apostolic miracle was the production of the New Testament books! Ultimately the Cornerstone of the Foundation of the Church is our Lord […]
When God Doesn’t Get Us Out of Storms… Paul’s Vexing Voyage to Rome 27:1-28:10 Phase 1: Before the Shipwreck (27:1-26) From Caesarea to Myra v1-5 From Myra to Fair Havens in Crete v6-8 Heading for Phoenix, a Perfect Storm Overtakes the Ship v9-26 Phase 2: The Shipwreck (27:27-44) Escape by the Sailors Blocked v27-32 Final Meal on Board v33-38 The Ship Runs Aground Offshore v39-41 All are Saved Through Not From the Storm […]
The “Reason” Isn’t Necessarily the Real Reason Paul’s Final Defense in Caesarea v 1-23 Rather than being a violent threat to Rome or to Jerusalem, the REAL reason so many Jewish VIPs hate me is because I believe in and proclaim the truth that Jesus really has been resurrected from the dead v1-8 I was a violent threat against Christianity before my conversion v9-18 Now, I am dedicated to sharing Christ (primarily) to Gentiles v19-20 Rather than being a violent […]
Wisdom from the Word about Waiting Paul’s years in Caesarea, including his two appearances before Governor Festus were part of the providential process of God’s timing by which he would arrive in Rome Godly Patience Comes by Resting in God’s Providence Waiting (doing “nothing”) is a major part of life under the sun. DVP believers can and should refuse to be constantly frustrated about this (after and/or while we do all we reasonably can do) if/as we rest in God’s […]
For Christians, Our Lives Aren’t Just about Us …Ultimately They are About Him Bottom Line: This status quo continued for a period of two years, until Governor Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. Wanting to make points with the Jewish leadership in Jerusalem, he left Paul imprisoned… (and the story continues see Acts 25-28) Take This To Heart For Christians, Our Lives Aren’t Just about Us… …Ultimately They are About Him We see this in the Paul’s life in […]
Some Conspiracy Theories are Actually True An Inside Look: The Conspiracy to Murder Paul v12-15 …a plot was organized and men bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. They went to the Chief Priests and Elders and said, we have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul…give notice to the Colonel to bring him down […]
Keeping the Faith (and Love) in a Hurricane of Hatred Today in the real world/when when trying to share the Good News, if nothing else “comes to mind” tell your story…really His story in you (your testimony as to how you came to trust in Christ)…and then (I would say) 1: close with John 3:16 and 2: ask the leading question “Does that make sense to you?” And yet, as Paul experiences in this passage, we will not always see […]
Looking Back and Looking Forward Final Phases of Paul’s Third Missionary Journey 1 Gospel, 28 Chapters/27 Years, 12 Apostles: Described in 1 Sentence The Book of Acts = JESUS IS ALIVE AS HEAD OF HIS BRIDE J esus Ascends E stablishment of the Church S alvation of a Lame Beggar U nleashing of Persecution S in in the Church I mpact of Deacons S tephen’s Stoning A broad with Philip (Samaria and Gaza) L ife comes to Saul/Paul I […]
Acts 20:17-38 A Snapshot of a Great Christian Life Paul’s Farewell to the Leaders of Ephesus Bible Fellowship Reveals Key Truths about Excellence in the Christian Walk Take This To Heart If consistency was easy, everybody would be consistent… …but be consistent even though it is hard! If you want to be better than average in anything, including in the Christian life, you must do certain things “average people” simply won’t take the time and/or make the effort to do……but […]
IYNTK about Easter (Information You Need to Know) The word “Easter” was derived from the proto-Germanic word meaning “to rise.” This is seen in the contemporary German cognate “ööst-” and the English word “east,” the direction from which the sun rises in the morning. It is not true that the word was derived from the pagan goddess Oestar or from the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. The first Easter, the literal, bodily, supernatural resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, occurred on the […]
True Spirituality is Relational Not Just Ritual Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus Focused on the “Preaching” of the Gospel and the “Teaching” of the Word Take This To Heart As our Lord Jesus said: If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. Salvation and spiritual growth are relational not mechanical. The ministry of the Word calls for personal reception of truth in a way that is transformational (from the inside: priorities/convictions) not just informational (rote knowledge of […]
Acts 19:1-5 From Fuzzy to Focused Paul connects the dots between John the Baptizing Jew and Jesus and emphasizes the fact that “saving repentance” is of the very essence of “saving faith” John preached a baptism (as a sign) of repentance (metanoeo) = as he told people to believe (pisteuo) in the coming Messiah who in fact is Jesus of Nazareth Take This To Heart Faith is ART and it is Only as Good as Its Object. True Saving Faith […]
The NT Church Is Not a “One Man” Team Take This To Heart The Apostle Paul Wasn’t a ONE MAN Team…Neither are World-Class Christians Like James Mitchell, Janice Skinner, Eric Ward and Olga Pollock. God’s Design is for All of His “Draft Picks” to Play Our Positions and Work Positively with our Teammates to Score Points for the Kingdom/Contribute to His Game Plan: Living the Great Commission.
Acts 18:12-22 One Key Characteristic of Spiritual Greatness One Key Characteristic of “Spiritual Greatness” is Faithfulness Through the Ups/Downs, the Joys/Sorrows, the Good/Bad of Life. Regardless of the Madness Around Them, Faithful Believers Keep on Trusting/Obeying and Serving the LORD Resting in the Fact That God Works Through the Mundane as Well as Through the Miraculous, Through Both Supernatural and Natural…and He Doesn’t Change When Our Circumstances Change Drastically. Keep the Faith Brothers/Sisters. Take This To Heart An Algebraic Expression […]
Rebooting Our Study of the Book of Acts Getting Back on the Wagon Where We Got Off of It We took a break from this series after we studied 18:1-11 on 12/6/15 The How Can We Keep Track of the Storyline of the Book of Acts? Memory Aid = Jesus Is Alive As Head Of His Bride The Bottom Line of Our Last Study of Acts (and Today’s Reboot): Routine Faithfulness Isn’t Routine, Easy or Automatic
When the World is Falling Apart Rather Than Panic, Pray/Plan and Persevere Week 4: A Modern Case Study: Every Parent’s Nightmare Kyle and Jen Porter “Why Us?” Replaced by “Yes Us and Many Others!” Facing Every Parent’s Nightmare in Faith The Testimony of Two Believers Who Refuse to Panic and Who Choose to Pray, Plan and Persevere In the Depths to Deep Pain/Horrific Loss. Fact: There are Some Scars That Cannot Be Healed This Side of Heaven, Where Jesus Is […]
The Book of Habakkuk God Honors Honest Questions from His Kids Take This To Heart God Honors Honest Questions from His Kids…and Gives Us Sufficient Light/Truth That We Can Trust Him in the Worst of Earthly Circumstances The Book of Habakkuk is God Telling Us: An accurate conception of the LORD’s Person/Program allows believers to trust humbly and persistently in His design of and providential control over all events now on Earth and ultimately/fully in an eternity separate from sin […]
Psalm 73 What in the World is Going On? So Often Good People Suffer and Bad People Prosper! Take This To Heart The Now Does (and Cannot) Make Sense Apart From the Not Yet Those Who Have Trusted in the Crucified/Risen Savior for Eternal Life Should Reject an Earthbound Perspective and Deal with the Distressing Realities around Us Now in Light of the Certain, Eternal Realities We Have in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Psalm 11 If the Foundations are Destroyed What Can the Righteous Do? Take This To Heart As we walk by faith and not by sight, there is one key question we answer in the way we think about ourselves, our world and our God: Am I the LORD’s Supervisor or am I the LORD’s Servant? “When we can’t trace His hand…trust His heart.”
2016 Here We Come The POGs of TBF with Some New Twists for the New Year Purpose: Matthew 28:19-20 Make Disciples (of Jesus not of Brad or Ginny or James or Olga or Even Ron) Objectives: Ephesians 4:11-16 The Church Gathered: Edification The Church Scattered: Evangelism Goals/Functions: Acts 2:42-47 Bible Study, Fellowship, Worship, Prayers…and Evangelism/World Missions Our Concept of Ministry Includes These Ideas We’re a Spiritual Battleship Not a Religious Cruiseship We’re a Spiritual “Whole Foods” Establishment Not a Religious […]
Great Christmas Songs Teach Great Theological Truth about Christ The Bottom Line: Following the example of Jesus, believers should freely submit ourselves to a lifestyle of servanthood to the glory of God even though this will involve giving up certain rights/privileges. Believers Need/The Bible Teaches Theology AND Practicality Theology without Practicality = Dry Orthodoxy Practicality without Theology = Moralistic Pragmatism
Acts 18:1-11 Routine Faithfulness Isn’t Routine/Automatic Practical Principles God Works Not Just Through Miracles But Also Thru Mundane Events Wisdom + Work is the SOP for Christian Living/Ministry Rather than Allowing the Faithless to Freak Us Out, We Should Actively Appreciate Those Who Truly Believe in Christ and Who Walk with Him Final Practical Principle We Must Lean Upon the LORD/Seek His Encouragement If Our Lives are to Truly Be a Ministry Over the Long Haul Because Christian Faithfulness/Service […]
Acts 17:16-34 Being “Too Cool to Care” is Chilling to the Soul Being “Too Cool to Care”…is Spiritual Deadsville! Take This To Heart God gives grace to the humble, but He resists the proud. Professing themselves to be wise they became fools, and the fool declares in his heart there is no God. IOWs: They categorically (on faith!) insist that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Triune God of Scripture isn’t real. Everybody “believes in” (some form of […]
Acts 17:1-15 The Good News is Bad News to Many (What Does That Mean for Christians?) The Good News is Bad News to Many Which Among Other Things Means: Believers Should Expect Opposition When We Identify with Christ: So Let’s Get Over It and Live/Share the Gospel Anyway, the Right Way (with a Balance of Truth and Love, Tact/Timing) Take This To Heart Opposition Does Not Need To Stop Us, If: We Remember the Lord Will Guide and Provide Us […]
Jesus is the Answer…….to the Ultimate Question 1: The Savior Does the Work of Salvation/Sinners Who Believe are the Savees And So He, our Lord Jesus Christ Deserves All the Praise (His +R and SAS/LBSR) 2: Saving Faith is a Rational Act But It is Not a Meritorious Work It is ART = A-ctive R-eceptive T-rust in Jesus as Savior (John 1:12) “But to the one who does not work, but believes on Him [Christ] who justifies the ungodly [who […]
Take This To Heart Speak to God Before You Speak of God to People Before, during and after we “do evangelism” we should pray that the Holy Spirit would convict the unsaved in our lives of sin, +R and judgment and that He would open their hearts to believe in Christ. But when we share the Gospel, rather than explaining the theological details of Efficacious Grace to unbelievers, we should simply share the Good News of the Gospel (1 Corinthians […]
Take This To Heart Relax and Rejoice! God Can and Does Use Us to Further His Program But He Does Not Need Our Help! So, We Can/Should Serve Him But While at the Same Time Never Notice How Great We Are But How Great He/His Grace Is.
James Mitchell discusses how God changes everything in our lives, using the second chapter of Judges as an example.
Spiritual Liberty: Love It! But at Times in Love Limit It! Paul (and Truly Mature Christians) are Firm in Their Doctrine/Morals But Flexible With Other People v1-5 Which One of These Three Types of Christians are You? IOWs: Do You Know/Apply the Biblical Principles of Spiritual Liberty? 1: Strong Believers: do understand/enjoy their spiritual liberty and are not surprised or offended with other believers who have different convictions than they do. This believer is not arrogant about his/her knowledge […]
Dealing With Disagreements God’s Way Furthers His Kingdom by Respecting Differences of Opinion among Believers and Refusing to Tear Down/Hold Grudges Against Those We Disagree With Dealing with Disagreements God’s Way 1: Paul & Barnabas talked to one another directly about the issue at hand 2: Paul & Barnabas agreed to disagree about the specific issue and then acted accordingly 3: Paul & Barnabas continued to serve the Lord and His Church consistent with their convictions but without harboring personal […]
The ONE Thing The C-hurch MUST Get Right The truth that Gentiles are in fact saved from the penalty of sin/given the gift of everlasting life through faith in Christ is fully affirmed by the Jerusalem Council. IOW: Gentiles have no need to submit to OT rituals and/or to live under the Mosaic Law (before or after they trust in Christ and are given the gift of E-Life). However the Council DID ask Gentile converts to avoid several lifestyle areas […]
The End Was Just the Beginning The First Missionary Journey Acts 13:4-14:28 4/48AD to 9/49AD Validated the Fact That the New Testament Church Was the Vehicle God Was Pleased to Use to Bring Salvation to All Who Believed (13:38-39) in the Gospel of Jesus Christ…both Jews and Gentiles Take This To Heart Q: Where/How Does God Work? A: Wherever/However He Chooses Consistent with His Character. However Scripture Emphasizes the Heart of the Program of God Rests in the New Testament […]
Acts 14:19-20 For Believers, Death is an Enemy But it is Not the End Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Take This To Heart We Have Been Spiritually Designed for a Person and a Place. That place is Heaven and that Person is Jesus Christ: our Savior, Lord, the Lover of our Souls and the Issue/Issuer of Eternal […]
Acts 14:1-18 Christians Are Servants Not Celebrities Celebrity status should not be sought or accepted by any Christian. Take This To Heart Every Believer is unique but the only true celebrity for Christians must be Jesus Christ our Lord
Acts 13:44-52 Salvation is of the LORD Salvation is of the LORD! Those Who Receive Salvation in Christ Have God to Praise… …Those Who Reject Salvation in Christ Have Themselves to Blame Take This To Heart As Augustine (a “Calvinistic” Thinker) Wisely Said Let Us Pray as Though Everything Depended on God, But Then Let Us Live/Work as Though Everything Depends on Us! May TBFers of Calvinistic convictions, Arminian convictions, and of Amyraldian convictions, agree to disagree (in agape love) […]
Acts 13:14-43 The Gospel: Good News/God News For All (100%) Who Believe The Body of Paul’s Message v16-37 1: Preparation for the Coming of Christ in the OT Era v17-22 2: Presentation of the Perfect, Crucified/Risen Christ v23-37 The Conclusion of Paul’s Message v38-41 1: Forgiveness of sins is offered by God to us through Jesus Christ v38 This is the Basis of Salvation (Christ Period) 2: “everyone who believes in Him” is freed from all things v39 This is […]
Acts 13:1-13 The Story of Mark’s Major Failure Isn’t the Whole Story! Serious Spiritual Failure in the Lives of Christians Always Has Serious Consequences But God is Not Less Gracious to Believers Who Fail/Fall into Serious Sin Than He is to Unbelievers (“the ungodly who believe” whose “faith is reckoned as righteousness” Romans 4:5) Who Come Out of Sin to Christ to Salvation. Serious Spiritual Failures in the Lives of Christians Can Undermine Our Credibility and Thus Our Ability […]
Acts 12:1-25 Dare Not to Compare! Take It on Faith We Never Have Enough Info to Legitimately 2nd Guess God Take This To Heart Self-Pityingly Comparing Our Circumstances To Those of Other People is an Absolute Joy Killer and a Serious Sin (Doubting God by Presuming We Know Better Than He Does) and Yet Most Honest TBFers Will Admit We are Often Tempted to Do It! Many People in Scripture Fell Into This Trap (Moses, Job, Habakkuk) and One of […]
Acts 11:27-30 Free-Will “Proportional” Giving Not Strict Tithing is God’s Will/Way for NT Christians Take This To Heart Acts 11:29-30 A Superlative Example of Generous Giving-as an Expression of Christ Centered Giving/Compassionate Hearts. Rather Than a Specific % Given Because We “Have To” NT Believers “Get to Give” Based on a Higher Principle/: For Each of Us to Prayerfully Decide in Our Hearts How and How Much to Give, With the Motivation of Giving as Much as We Possibly Can […]
“Christian” a Title of Spiritual Honor and Insult Acts 11:19-26 Some Might Be Able to “Be Cool” & Be a Christian, But Being a Christian Should Not Make Us “Look Cool” to the World. We Don’t Have to Be Socially Clumsy, But Living a Bibl Christian Life Will Tend to Make Us Socially “Obnoxious” to t/World. The Title “Christian” Has Been Embraced by Believers Worldwide for 2000 Years. Take This to Heart While It Can Be Misunderstood, We Should Never […]
Study of the Book of Acts 7/19/2015 Acts 11:1-18 Amazing Grace Can Be Awfully Confounding Christian Critics Question Peter’s Message/Method Take This To Heart God’s Amazing Grace Can Be Awfully Confounding to People Including… …Too Many Christians?!? Salvation by Grace through Faith Alone in Christ Alone is For All (Religious/Irreligious; Moral/Immoral; Rich/Poor; American/Afghan)! As Those Saved by Grace….Believers are to Be Gracious/Giving and Forgiving (albeit in a Fallen World-Wise as Serpents Yet as Gentle as Doves). This Kind of Grace […]
Study of the Book of Acts 7/12/2015 Acts 9:31-10:48 The Revolutionary/Controversial, Unbelievable And Seemingly Too Good to Be True Gospel of Grace The Revolutionary/Unbelievable, Unbelievable and Seemingly Too Good to Be True Gospel of Grace Calls Sinners (Religious or Irreligious) to Place Childlike Trust in Christ to Receive the Full/Free Forgiveness of Sins Some malign it, some distort it, some scoff at it…but all are called to believe it Acts 10:43//Romans 4:5; John 20:30-31; Eph 2:8-9; Genesis 15:6; Acts 16:30
Study of the Book of Acts 6/28/2015 Acts 9:1-30 A Funny Thing Happened on Saul’s Way to Damascus (Funny = “Unusual/Unique” Not “Ha! Ha!”) Take This To Heart and Into Your World 1: Nobody Is So Bad…..They Are Beyond the Grace of God Never Stop Praying for Them (Romans 10:1) 2: Nobody Gets Right With God…..By Religious Zeal/Good Works Never Stop Saying This to Them (Romans 10:2-4)
Study of the Book of Acts 6/21/2015 Acts 8:26-40 The Gospel of Christ Transcends Colors, Countries/Cultures Take This To Heart and Into Your World Contrary to Conventional Wisdom and Popular Opinion Today The (True New Testament) Church Is/Always Has Been Mega-Inclusive Precisely Because the Grace of God in/through the Gospel of Christ Transcends All Human Colors, Countries and Cultures God Makes Himself Known (Naturally, Supernaturally and/or Super-Normally) to Those Who Though His Grace Have Open/Seeking Hearts. The Key Means for […]
Study of the Book of Acts 6/14/2015 Acts 8:1-25 Different Cultures, Colors and Countries But Only One True Church Take This To Heart THE UNIVERSAL Church of Jesus Christ is made up of Jews, Gentiles and (Even) Samaritans Who Receive the Grace of God Thru Faith in the Savior. This Inherent Unity is Not Man-Made But God-Given and Exists Even If/When It is Ignored, Overlooked or Underappreciated. Nice Expressions of This (Close to Home) Include Ministries Like: One True Light/Spokes […]
Study of the Book of Acts 6/7/2015 Acts 6:8-8:4 True Biblical Discipleship Involves Living on Earth with a Heavenly Perspective Take This To Heart Stephen’s Life/Death Is a Stellar Example of the Fact That True Biblical Discipleship Involves Living on Earth with a Heavenly Perspective Stephen’s Stand for the Savior Led to a Rejection by the World/a Painful Death on Earth But a Standing Ovation by Jesus Himself in Heaven
Study of the Book of Acts 5/31/2015 Acts 6:1-7 Effective Churches Are Not “One Man or One Woman” Teams Take This To Heart Effective Churches are Not “One Man/One Women” Teams! and The Purpose Driven Church didn’t start with Rick Warren/late 20th century! No one believer (not even an Apostle) can do “everything” the Church can/should do! While all Christians should be involved in specific areas of service in the Church, Church leaders must also constantly focus on the overall […]
Study of the Book of Acts 5/24/2015 Acts 5:12-5:42 Truth and Consequences A Supernatural Perspective on Suffering Take This To Heart The Reality of the Resurrection of Christ (and Our Life After Death in Him) Should Totally Change Our Perspective on Suffering Now
Study of the Book of Acts 5/17/2015 Acts 4:32-5:11 Giving to the Church Is Serious Business to God Take This To […]
Tanglewood Bible Fellowship 5/10/2015 Proverbs 31:10-31 “An excellent woman who can find? Her worth is far above jewels!” 31:10 The Word of God: The Ideal Person Is a Godly Woman 1: All Christian Women Should Embrace the Ideal of Proverbs 31:10-31 2: All Christians Should Respect/Actively Appreciate Such Women as Expressions of God’s Grace and the Heart of Every Great Family/Church/Community/Country
Study of the Book of Acts 5/3/2015 Acts 4:5-31 External Opposition to Our Faith in Christ is Inevitable Take This To Heart External Opposition to Our Faith in Christ is Inevitable But Panic is Optional (and Definitely Not Recommended)
Study of the Book of Acts 4/26/2015 Acts 3:1-4:4 The Real Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ Take This To Heart Physical healing has a place in God’s program and we can/should pray for the physical health and healing of others. However all physical healing-natural or supernatural is trumped by a factor of infinity by the spiritual/eternal healing available through faith in Jesus Christ
Study of the Book of Acts 4/19/2015 Acts 2:42-47 The One Word Key for Almost Everything Physically/Spiritually, Personally and Collectively Take This To Heart The KEY to the 1st Church is The KEY for Every Church BALANCE in 4 Fundamental Functions (1) The Apostles’ Doctrine: Teaching of the Word God Speaks to Us (2) Fellowship: Interaction between Believers that is Mutually Edifying We Commune with Other Christians (3) THE Breaking of Bread/the LORD’s Supper: Worship We Commune with God (4) […]
1-2 Thessalonians Practical Prophecy 4/15/2015 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Succinct Summary of the Biblical Data on the Rapture Event The Rapture is a “mystery” and we can’t know the day/hour when it will take place. However, believers can know a good bit about it; more than enough to excite, comfort and convict us as we anticipate it/Him.
Study of the Book of Acts 4/12/2015 Acts 2:37-41 The Real “Real Meaning” of (Water) Baptism From Profanity to Proclamation/The Pentecostal Preaching of Peter The AIM TBFers NTK about H2O Baptism H2O Baptism is an Important Testimony to Salvation But in No Way is it Part of the Terms for Receiving Salvation
1-2 Thessalonians Practical Prophecy 4/8/2015 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Survey of New Testament Passages on the Rapture Event The Potentially Purifying Power of Prophecy “…every believer who has this hope (the imminent return of Christ for His Church) fixed on Him, purifies him/herself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:3
Easter Sunday 4/5/2015 The Real “Real Meaning” of Easter After His Death (as a SAS) on Good Friday, Jesus Christ Was Resurrected (LBSR) from the Dead on the First Easter Sunday A Central Effect of the Real “Real Meaning” of Easter Christ’s Literal Bodily Supernatural Resurrection Validates the Saving Power of His Death on the Cross as a SAS for our Sins Which is Why He/His Work is the Basis of Eternal Life for All Who Believe in Him!
1-2 Thessalonians Practical Prophecy 4/1/2015 Titus 2:13-14 Survey of New Testament Passages on the Rapture Event The Potentially Purifying Power of Prophecy “…every believer who has this hope (the imminent return of Christ for His Church) fixed on Him, purifies him/herself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:3
Study of the Book of Acts 3/29/2015 Acts 2:14-36 God’s Purpose for “Signs/Wonders” Miracles is to Validate the Beginning of Major New Phases of His Program Take This To Heart The Real Meaning of “The Day of Pentecost” in Acts 2 Was to Mark and Validate in a Unique and Undeniable Way the End of the OT Era and the Beginning of the NT Church Age The General Principle: God’s Purpose for (Special “Signs/Wonders”) Miracles is to Mark/Validate the Beginning […]
1-2 Thessalonians Practical Prophecy 3/25/2015 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth Involves Distinguishing between the Rapture and the 2nd Advent
Study of the Book of Acts 3/22/2015 Acts 2:1-13 The Supernatural Start of NT Church The Significance of the 50 Days between the Resurrection of Christ and the Advent of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 Take This To Heart The Christian faith in rooted and built upon truth/facts-real people, real places and real events. Consistent with that principle: God has made it a point to highlight and validate major new phases of His program […]
Practical Prophecy 3/18/2015 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 What the Rapture is Ultimately All About Interpretation The Rapture is all about the Literal,Bodily,Supernatural Resurrection of Church Age Believers Application The now is real and important, but it is not ultimate and is only temporary
Study of the Book of Acts 3/15/2015 Acts 1:12-14 The Uniqueness of the Apostles Take This To Heart The Uniqueness of the Apostles Is an Important Part of the Uniqueness of New Testament Christianity The New Testament Church Rooted in a Succession of Apostolic Truth/Propositions NOT on a Succession of Apostolic Teachers/Persons The New Testament Books Apostolic and Authentic 1st Century Documents Written by Eyewitnesses Moved by the Holy Spirit and Providentially Preserved by the Holy Spirit
Study of the Book of Acts 3/8/2015 Acts 1:12-26 Surprising Spirituality Prayerful Anticipation of the Advent of the Holy Spirit Followed by Flipping a Coin to Determine a New Apostle?!? Take This To Heart 1: True Spirituality often looks like “nothin’ special” to the human eye. 2: Flipping a coin can be a legitimate way for believers to make certain non-moral decisions and has the advantage of eliminating any appearance of favoritism.
Study of the Book of Acts 2/22/2015 Acts 1:9-11 The Ascension: Proof Positive That Christianity Is an Out of this World Reality Take This To Heart: The Ascension: Proof Positive That Christianity Is an Out of this World Reality > The Now 1: It Fulfilled Major OT Prophecy about the Messiah (Psalm 110/Psalm 2) 2: It Anticipates the Ultimate Fulfillment of All Biblical Prophecy in the Advent of Messiah as the Lion of Judah (Zechariah 14:1-4; Matthew 24:29-31)
Study of the Book of Acts 2/15/2015 Acts 1:6-8 A Powerful Prophecy Precept from Jesus Himself: Biblical Thinkers Don’t Set Dates for the End-Times Take This To Heart God Knows the Exact Timeline for the Initiation of End-Times Prophecy… …We Don’t and That’s OK!?! According the Scripture We Can Know Quite a Bit about “The Who/What/Where” of the End-Times Even Though We Can’t Know the Exact “When” of the End-Times
Study of the Book of Acts 2/8/2015 Acts 1:1-5 TAKE THIS TO HEART “Doing Nothing” (i.e. Waiting Prayerfully While Doing Nothing Overt That Seems “Significant”) Can Sometimes Be Exactly the Right Thing to Do In This Fallen World/with our Finite Personal Resources “Nothing” is Sometimes the Only Thing We Can Do. BTW: “Only” Praying IS Doing Something Significant
Study of the Book of Acts 2/1/2015 Introduction to the Book of Acts “Jesus Is Alive As Head Of His Bride” What is the “Book of Acts” (or “The Acts of the Apostles”)? Who wrote The Book of Acts? Why Was The Book Written in the First Place? When Was the Book Originally Written? Final Question How can we get a good sense of the overall content of 28 whole chapters? One Answer Start by remembering just eight […]
Tanglewood Bible Fellowship 01/25/2015 The Life of Christ A-Z Take This To Heart Don’t Leave Today Without These Five Foundational Truths 1: Supernatural Conception/Nine Months Later the Virgin Birth […]
The POGs of TBF 2015 Purpose: Matthew 28:19-20 ONE Command: “Make Disciples (of Jesus-Not Brad, Homer or Ron)” THREE Participles (of Means Modifying the Command) 1: Go with the Gospel (Salvation-Mark 16:15) 2: Baptize Those Who Believe (Identification-1 Cor 1:14-17) 3: Teach Believers in the L-Church (Participation-Heb 10:23-25) Objectives: Ephesians 4:11-16 The Body of Believers Gathers for Edification on the LORD’s Day+ So When Scattered, We Can Live/Share the Gospel (as Salt/Light) Goals/Basic Functions: Acts 2:42/2:47 Acts 2:42 [when the […]
Take This To Heart What We Don’t Do…Does Define Us and Can/Should Help All of Us Better Appreciate and More Fully + Participate in TBF This (New) Year and Every Year The Word Teaches We Should: Do all things (in the church) in an orderly manner 1 Corinthians 14:40 Our informality should not ever become irreverence Our flexibility should not ever lead us to sloppiness The Word Teaches We Should: Do all things (in the church) without grumbling or complaining […]
Tanglewood Bible Fellowship 12/28/2014 Phillipians 2:1-11 Suffering and Trials are a Reality of Life Take This To Heart We can Find Joy in the Midst of Suffering By remembering how awesome it is to be in Christ and by sharing in that reality with other Christians
Tanglewood Bible Fellowship 12/21/2014 Matthew 2:1-12 Iraqis Visit the Christ Child!?! The Aftermath of the First Christmas and the Real “Real Meaning” of Christmas Take This To Heart The Jewish Messiah is the Savior of the World “…(the Gospel) is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes to the Jew first and also to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 The Real “Real Meaning” of Christmas The Babe in That Manger Was/Is the God-Man-Savior
Upper Room Discourse Series 12/14/2014 John 17:20-26 Christian Unity is a Fact That Should Be Celebrated and Manifested Take This To Heart Christian Unity is a Fact That Should Celebrated and Manifested The General Rule Rather than vilifying other believers/with whom we disagree on secondary issues-we should validate them by focusing on the majors/the things on which we DO agree. Certain Specific Instances If/When we must disagree we should do so with grace/finesse. We should do so discretely and respectfully. […]
Upper Room Discourse Series 12/7/2014 John 17:1-19 The Real Lord’s Prayer: John 17 John 17:1–5 Jesus Prays for Himself Jesus Prays That God/Father Would Restore to Him His Heavenly Glory v1 Jesus Prays That Through Him, Human Beings Can/Will Enjoy Heavenly Glory v2-3 Jesus Prays That God/Father Would Restore to Him His Heavenly Glory v4-5 John 17:6-19 Jesus Prays for the Eleven Apostles Jesus Prays Thanking the Father for the Eleven/Their Faith in Him v6-10 Jesus Prays That God/Father Would Keep the Eleven Strong Spiritually as He […]
11/30/2014 John 16:16-33 Believers Will Have Perplexity in the Crises of Life If We Fail to Rest in the Reality (and the Implications) of the Resurrection of Christ v16-19 Believers Can Have (Eye of the Hurricane) Peace in the Crises of Life If We Rest in the Reality (and the Implications) of the Resurrection of Christ v20-33 Take This Home Keep It Real about Reality The Reality of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Revolutionizes Everything about Reality for Everybody (Whether […]
Upper Room Discourse Series 11/9/2014 John 15:18-16:6 Handling Hate: How We Should Think about and Respond to Hatred Directed at Us/Our Faith in Christ Take This To Heart Fellowship with Christ is Offensive to the World 1: To the extent that believers identify with Christ in the world we will face real resentment/ridicule, contempt/hatred…and this should not surprise us 2: Evangelical Christians are NOT going to win popularity contests in the world BUT: we should not be […]
Upper Room Discourse Series 11/02/2014 John 15:12-17 Take This To Heart The BSOP (Biblical Standard Operating Procedure) for All Believers is to Forge a “Growing Fellowship/ Friendship” with Christ and in His Name with Other Christians Our close friends will make us or break us spiritually! Believers will NOT and cannot be “best friends” with every other Christian, but we can/should be “friends/friendly” as far as it depends on us to all other believers (Romans 12). This […]
Upper Room Discourse Series 10/19/2014 John 15:7-11 Happiness < Joy Positive emotional feelings based on pleasant happenings/circumstances Joy > Happiness The inner contentment of the soul which is actively occupied with Jesus Christ-Who He is, what He has done and what He will do. Joy can be accompanied by a range of emotions depending on one’s personality and circumstances-from loud ecstatics to quiet stability. John 15:1-6 Last Week Believers are to abide in Christ… …so that we can produce spiritual […]
Tanglewood Bible Fellowship 10/12/2014 John 15:1-6 The Key to TBS: Abide in Christ Believers Are to Abide in Christ So We Can Bear Much Spiritual Fruit 15:1-5a Believers Are to Abide in Christ So We Can Avoid Spiritual Mediocrity/Divine Discipline 15:5b-6 Take This To Heart God is MORE Interested in Our Character Than in Our Circumstances and MORE Interested in Our Inner Spirituality Than in Our Outward Religiousity; Success… …So Rather Than Focusing […]
Upper Room Discourse Series 10/5/2014 Three Key Facts about the Rapture Believers Need to Know 1st: Is the Rapture Really Taught in Scripture? John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive […]
John 6:53-54 The Dangers of Observation and Interpretation (Apart from Context and Correlation) John 6:53-43: Radical (Attention Getting) Statement Which Could Be Interpreted in Different Ways unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. He who eats My flesh/drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. Cannibalism? Transubstantiation? Context (and Correlation) MUST Be Our Guide Take This To Heart […]
John 13-17 The Upper Room Discourse 8/10/2014 John 13:21-30 What True Biblical Spirituality Does NOT Look Like Take This To Heart General Principle Good-Good Works, Including True Full Spiritual Servanthood are the FRUIT Not the ROOT, the EFFECT Not the CAUSE of Salvation. Specific Case Going to Church Doesn’t Make a Person a Christian Any More Than Going to a Garage Makes a Person a Car. However Some Unbelievers Need Community Before They Will Consider Conversion (Ask Bob Schalit When […]
John 13-17 Upper Room Discourse Study 8/3/2014 John 13:1-20 What TBS (True Biblical Spirituality) Looks Like The Upper Room Discourse at a Glance Take This To Heart Fact: The Ultimate Pattern for True Biblical Spirituality/Fellowship with the Lord is Given to Us by Jesus When He Washed the Disciples’ Feet in the Upper Room Principle: True Biblical Spirituality is an Expression of our Personal Relationship with Our Savior Such That We Actively Embrace Humble Servanthood in His Name to Others-Doing […]