University Fellowship Church Podcast (UFC Sermons): Recent Episodes
University Fellowship Church
Rev. 1:1-6 John 21:18-25 Rev. 1:3 compares with Rev. 22:7 Is. 11:1-3 (seven-fold Spirit)
"For Jesus followers, our posture of rule is radically different."
This week, Jerell taught on Mark 10: 32-40, and how it follows a similar pattern of Mark 8:31-35, and Mark 9:30-34: 1. Jesus teaches that He is about to suffer 2. The disciples react poorly 3. Jesus makes it a teachable moment on what it means to follow Him
"Jesus is the only way to inherit eternal life."
On Sunday, Sean taught on Mark 10:17-31 and answered the question, "Why follow Jesus?"
"Jesus came to be a dire solution to a desperate problem."
This week, Brett continued with our series through Ezra and Nehemiah, focusing on Ezra 9:15 and Ezra 10:1-14 and how in these verses we can see the difference between remorse and repentance.
"The biggest issue with sin, is that it separates us from our Creator."
This week, Brett walked us through the story of Easter and gave three reasons why the resurrection is important:
- It confirms that God's word is His bond (His word is perfect) -Mark 8: 31-32 -Mark 9:31 -Mark 10:32-33
- It confirms that God's plan was accomplished -1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-19
- It demands that we make a choice -1 Corinthians 15:20-24
"We love our neighbors best, by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ."
This week with continued with our series through Ezra and Nehemiah, focusing on Ezra, chapters 3 and 4. In regard to chapter 3, Brett explained how when we focus on what God has called us to do, we can set aside our differences, and that if we hang on too tightly to tradition, it will be harder for the church to reach its goals. As we worked through chapter 4, Brett discussed how, "We're called to be focused and clear on the essentials of the Gospel."
"As followers of Jesus, we are called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
This week, Brett started our new series on Ezra and Nehemiah, starting off with the historical background in Jeremiah and 2 Chronicles. * Jeremiah 25:1-12 * 2 Chronicles 36:6-23 * Jeremiah 28: 3-4 * Jeremiah 29:4-13
"Faith is trust and trust is faith."
This week, Lew preached on Psalm 37, the characteristics of the wicked and the righteous, and how this psalm is meant to comfort and encourage.
"It's the parent's job to help the child be obedient."
This week in our Kingdom Legacy series, Brett discussed the process of parenting, citing Ephesians 6:1-4 and Hebrews 12:5-11. In regards to discipline, he explained these principles:
- Whatever discipline measures you use, should be effective in the short term
- Discipline measures should evoke a life correction
- Discipline should build, not diminish, respect for the parent
- It should punish the child more than the parent
- Your word has to be gold (you have to follow through)
- Be consistent
In the final installment of our Kingdom Legacy parenting series, Brett referenced 1 Thessalonians 5:14, which calls us to: 1. Admonish the idle 2. Encourage the fainthearted 3. Help the weak 4. Be patient with them all
This week, Brett continued with our new Kingdom Legacy series, and discussed the plan of parenting.
"We are to teach God's Word diligently to our children."
This week, Brett started our new series on parenting, referencing Genesis 1:24-28; Genesis 2: 15-25; Deuteronomy 5:1-21; Deuteronomy 6:1-9; and Deuteronomy 6:20-21. Brett explained that God's first recorded act was to create an environment for man to succeed, and the second thing He did was create a nuclear family in that environment.
Brett also explained that the love of God should dominate our lives personally and that "those who love God want to know His Word." : 1. His Living Word 2. His spoken Word 3. His written Word
There's no doubt, every family has its baggage. This is especially true for some of the most well know people in Scripture. Walking through Joseph's life, Jerell shows us what it looks like to deal with some of the ways sin has infected the family unity. In preparation for our Kingdom Legacy series we see an example in Joseph that can lead us to redeem what is broken and forgive those who have wronged us. Genesis 37:1-11
"Faith is the means by which we receive eternal life and preservation."
We continued our series through Hebrews 11 this week, with Sean focusing on verse 20, which reads, "By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau." We read through Genesis 25:19-34 and Genesis 27:1-40 which helped provide: 1. Context 2. Background text 3. Meaning 4. Meaning for us Sean also used these passages to help us answer the questions: 1. How is Isaac an example of faith? 2. How do we emulate him? From these verses in Genesis, we learned that Isaac spoke about what would happen as if it was a sure reality in that present time, and that by blessing his sons, Isaac was taking God at His word.
"We live in a culture that we are sent to as missionaries."
This week we continued our series through Hebrews 11, focusing on verses 17 - 19 and and the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 18:16-33; Genesis 19:1-38; and Genesis 22:1-19.
"Salvation is never a result of works, it is always a result of faith."
For the last several weeks, we've been going through a series on faith, while reading Hebrews chapter 11. We continued with that series this week, but focused instead on Genesis 13 through 18 on the story of Abraham: * Genesis 13: We see Lot's character develop * Genesis 14: Sodom is attacked and Lot and his family are taken captive * Genesis 15: God is writing a contract between Him and Abraham + Verse 6 is the fundamental salvation verse of the Bible - "And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness." * Genesis 16: God sees us in our time of need * Genesis 17: Constant reminder that God and Abraham have a covenant with one another * Genesis 18: God had a plan from the beginning and is patient with Abraham
This week, Brett continued with his series through Hebrews 11, and discussed the faith of Abraham, referencing Genesis 12.
"The obedience that we are all called to, is to walk with God." This week, Brett continued with our series on faith in Hebrews chapter 11. We focused on Hebrews 11:5-7, which reads, "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith, Noah being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith." From this passage, we learn that Noah's assignment was to build and ark, while Enoch's assignment was to be translated from life to life. In verse 4 of Hebrews 11, we saw a worship of faith in Abel, and in these verses we see a walk of faith in Enoch, and the work of faith in Noah.
Some of the main points that Brett drew from verse 7 were:
- Noah is taking God at His word
- Everything about God's request of Noah was beyond his capability to comprehend/understand
- God has warned us of things not yet seen
- There will be a coming judgement
- God's Word is true and will never be found void
"Salvation is not a reward for the righteous, but a gift for the guilty."
This week, Brett discussed the timeline leading up to the birth of Jesus, and what it was like from the perspectives of Mary and Joseph. We read Luke 1:26-47 (focuses on Mary), Matthew 1:18-25 (focuses on Joseph), Luke 2:1-7, and Matthew 2;1-23.
"It's not as much about the offering, as it is about the heart."
This week, Brett continued with his series on Hebrews 11, and discussed verse 4 , which reads, "By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks." Brett discussed Genesis 4:1-15 (the story of Cain and Abel) and how God shows graciousness by: 1. Giving us opportunities to repent 2. Warning us about the damaging affects of sin
From the passage in Hebrews, Brett noted these things about Abel: 1. He knew God and what He demanded, and in obedience offered what God required 2. Jesus spoke of him and his righteousness generations later 3. Though he was the first to die, he will be the last to speak 4. We see in a prophetic pattern in Abel
This week, Brett continued with our series on Hebrews 11, and discussed verse 3, which reads, "By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible." This verse tells us that God spoke time into existence and that what is, hasn't always been. The author is also telling us that by faith we believe that God created time, space, and matter.
Brett also referenced Genesis 1:1-31; Genesis 3:1; Exodus 20; Matthew 19:3-5; Romans 1:18-23; and Isaiah 44:12-17. One of the main concepts that Brett explained, was science vs. scientism, and how scientism views science as "all-knowing."
"Faith is taking God at His word."
This week Brett started his sermon series on Hebrews 11, and discussed the different types of faith and what faith demands of us. He explained there are three different types of faith: 1. faith in a great dream 2. faith in a great plan 3. faith in a great God He also explained what faith demands: 1. We believe God at His word, is true 2. To push back against the world and its desire for us
"In order to be obedient, we need to be reminded."
This week, Lew discussed Deuteronomy 6:4-9, how we live in a culture that trains us, and that through time and repetition we need to teach ourselves the way of Jesus. Lew explained the passage in this way: Verse 4: Israel receives a command to listen Verse 5: Another command to love the Lord with their whole being (heart, soul, and might) Verse 6: God's Word was commanded to Israel and to us Verses 7-9: Practical examples to be reminded of God's Word and their commitment
"Jesus and His authority go before you."
This week we finished our sermon series on the Practices of Discipleship, and Brett discussed how we are to make disciples. He cited Matthew 28:16-20, which tells that Jesus has all authority (v.18), we are to go and make disciples (v.19), and we are to baptize (v.19). Brett also referenced Colossians 1:28-29, which reads, "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me." From this passage we learn: 1. To proclaim (who He is, what He did, how it affects us) 2. To present everyone (help people come to know Jesus) 3. This is His purpose 4. He works powerfully within us
"Making a disciple involves communication of the Gospel."
This week, we continued with our Practices of Discipleship series, and Brett discussed the practice of Evangelism, citing 1 Corinthians 15:1-8. He also referenced 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, which says, "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Brett explained that as followers of Christ we're called to be: 1. Truth tellers (Witness to the fact that Jesus was who He said He was, He did what He said He would do, and He was raised from the dead) 2. Ambassadors (Learn how to tell that truth in a culturally acceptable/appropriate way without diminishing the truth)
Some of the key takeaways from the sermon were: 1. The Gospel is of first importance 2. We are to preach and receive the Gospel 3. To proclaim the Gospel, we need to know and live it 4. We need to question others with compassion
"Formation requires knowledge of Christ and knowledge of self, both Christ-awareness and self-awareness." We continued with our Practices of Discipleship series this week, and Jerell discussed the practice of Formation, citing Ephesians 2:1-10. He explained how this passage of Scripture is divided into two sections. Verses 1-3 are an honest description of the human condition before knowing Christ ("dead") and verses 4-9 describe the human condition after knowing Christ ("alive"). The two major themes we discussed in this section were: 1. What this says about who we are 2. What this says about what we do Jerell also gave us Four Practices for Faithful Character: 1. Confession 2. Faithful Suffering 3. Work 4. Our Individual Calling He then invited us to determine which of these practices is most pressing on our heart, and gave applications for each: 1. Confession - Spend time alone confessing/journaling and then find a close friend to confess to 2. Suffering - Write out your life story and focus on formative memories 3. Work - Spend time at the end of each day examining your day and what you did 4. Our Individual Calling - Write a personal purpose statement
"For a follower of Jesus there is no distinction between our love of God and our treatment of other people."
We continued with our Practices of Discipleship series this week, and Jerell talked about the practice of Compassion, citing Luke 10:25-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan). He explained that compassion requires two things: Proximity (verses 29-33) and Humility (34-35).
Verse 33 of this passage reads: "But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion." Jerell explained how we see this pattern of the words "see" and "had/have compassion" in the Gospel accounts of the life of Jesus: 1. Matthew 9:36 2. Matthew 14:14 3. Luke 7:13 4. Luke 15:20
"If you're serious about being a disciple, if you're serious about building practices into your life and wanting to change, the community of believers is essential in that process." This week, we continued with our Practices of Discipleship series and Brett discussed the practice of Community and how it affects us as we seek to be disciples of Jesus. We discussed Colossians 3:12-17 and how the descriptions in this passage are given in the context of being in a group of people (the body of Christ):
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Compassion (Do you feel what others feel?)
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Kindness (Respond as God would respond)
- Humility (Put others needs ahead of your own)
- Gentleness (Willingness to suffer the burden of another's sin)
- Patience
- Bear with one another
- Forgive each other
- Put on love
Brett also explained how when the body of Christ comes together it does two things:
- "It bugs us" -When we gather with other people, the odds of having conflict increases
- "It blesses us" -The conflict refines us and causes us to be Christ-like -It forces us to consider if we're doing our part in the community that God has placed us in -It equips and encourages us
"Salvation is the restoration of the broken relationship that humanity had with God, and we are restored to the love of the Father through our union with His Son." We continued with our Practices of Discipleship series this week with a sermon from Jerell discussing the practice of communion. He taught on John 15:1-17 and explained how this passage of Scripture is broken into two categories: 1. Extended image/metaphor that describes our salvation (a vine and branches) 2. A mirror of the metaphor Jerell explained that, "Salvation is first and foremost, a vital and organic union to Jesus." It is vital because it is life-giving and it is organic in that the image that Jesus uses and John focuses on isn't abstract formula or codes; it's in relational terms. He also described how our participation in Christ is "a shared union with the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus where we receive the ultimate prize; fellowship in the love that God the Father has for God the Son." He also posed the question of, "What does it look like to abide in Christ?," and gave these explanations: 1. Jesus is the prize 2. We abide by doing less (Sabbath, silence, simplicity, fasting) 3. We abide by doing more (prayer, reflective Bible reading, our other practices)
"It is only in Jesus that someone comes to have knowledge of God."
This week, Sean continued with our new Practices of Discipleship series, and discussed the practice of learning. He focused on Matthew 11:25-30 and explained that, "Human intellect does not expose the presence of the Kingdom;" God reveals it to those He chooses. We also learned that verses 25-27 in this passage are an exclusive revelation and verse 28 is an inclusive invitation. Verse 28 reads: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." In response to verse 28, Sean posed the question, "How do we accept this invitation?," and told that the answer is by binding yourself to Christ and learning from Him. In conclusion, Sean explained four ways we can learn from Jesus: 1. Read the Bible (Jesus is the subject and author of the Bible) 2. Apply the Bible 3. Rest in the Bible 4. Enjoy the Bible
"This isn't a command for the faint of heart. It demands that we love God with every ounce of our being every moment we draw breath." This week, we started our new series, "Practices of Discipleship," and Brett discussed the practice of following Jesus. He started in Mark 12:28-31 (The Greatest Commandment), which calls us to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." 1. Heart (the center of our emotions) 2. Soul (referring to the image of God in us) 3. Mind (we are to love God with everything we have, including our intellect) 4. Strength (this pushes our love out into actions) We also discussed Luke 14:25-33, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and how, "We are called to follow Jesus even if it means sacrificing our own lives." To conclude the sermon, Brett posed the questions:
- Am I willing to learn about God?
- Am I willing to understand the truth of God's Word and how it applies to me?
- Am I willing to invest in my family and those people that God has put in my sphere so that I can teach them what it means to follow Jesus?"
This week, Brett concluded our series through the book of Hebrews, discussing Hebrews 13:20-21. He explained how benedictions "remind us where we've been and where we're to go." From this section of Hebrews, he drew these points: 1. "the God of peace" (v.20) -"God has done everything He can to provide peace for us now." 2. "who brought up from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep" (v.20) -"The truth of Christianity hinges on the resurrection" 3. "the great shepherd of the sheep" (v. 20) -Do you hear His voice? 4. "by the blood of the eternal covenant" (v. 20) -"The blood of this new covenant is central to the covenant's reality" 5. "Jesus our Lord" (v. 20) -"We're saved to be obedient in the present" 6. "equip you in every good thing to do his will" (v.21) -Are you using the tools that God gave you? 7. "through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and every. Amen." -"The goal of our lives is to bring glory to God"
"We're called to worship with passion, work with conviction, obey with faith, and pray with purpose."
This week, Brett continued with our series through the book of Hebrews, focusing on Hebrews 13:15-19, and identified four practices that "help our relationship with God move beyond the head, into the heart, and out the hands and feet." They are: 1. Worship (verse 15) -"How often do you get overwhelmed by the beauty of the gospel?" 2. Work (verse 16) -We please God through worship and works. Works don't save us but they show that our heart has been redeemed -"The world around us can sense God's love when they experience God's generosity." 3. Obey Your Leaders (verse 17) 4. Pray for the Leaders in the Church
This week, Jerell discussed Psalm 133, which is one of the Psalms of Ascent, and the importance of "dwelling in unity"(Verse 1) as a church body. During his sermon, Jerell explained three ways we can strive toward this call from Verse 1: 1. Choosing identity over independence
- Choosing community over commodity
- Choosing presence over productivity He also gave three applications:
- Tailgate the church gathering
- Seek out diverse relationships
- Believing in the mission
"We will live in the city of God in a house built by the hands of Jesus."
Brett continued with our series through the book of Hebrews, discussing Hebrews 13:7-14, how we should walk with purpose not perfection, and then explained each of the verses in this passage.
Verse 7: We should follow those who teach the Word of God and imitate their faith -Who are you following? -Who's following you and where are you leading them? Verse 8: Jesus will not ever change 1) His words are not going to change 2) Our salvation is unchangeable 3) Our future is promised Verse 9: There are three things that may lead people away: 1) Pride of intellect 2) Discipline 3) Pride of freedom Verse 10-14: It's by Jesus' blood we are put in the eternal city and He was crucified outside the gates because everyone is welcome
This week, Sean discussed Matthew 5:38-48, and posed the question, "How do we love unlovable people?" He explained how in this passage, Jesus is addressing retaliation and how laws surrounding the subject were being misinterpreted by Scribes and Pharisees.
Sean then went on to explain five guiding principles on how to love unlovable people: 1. Two wrongs don't make a right 2. Interruptions and inconveniences are your ministry 3. Go and give above and beyond 4. Treat an outsider like an insider and a stranger like a friend
- Imitate God and not the world
"These things don’t save you, they are what saved people do."
This week, Brett continued with our series through the book of Hebrews, and discussed Hebrews 13:1-6 and the five mandates in this passage: 1. Let love of the brethren continue (verse 1) - "Because we've experienced perfect love, we can love the imperfect." 2. Do not neglect to show hospitality (verse 2) -"Biblical hospitality is loving a stranger" (someone who can't reciprocate) 3. Empathy (verse 3) 4. Purity (verse 4) -Marriage is one of the first things God ordained 5. Contentment (verse 5-6) - "We have to learn how not to worship the creation, but worship the Creator"
This week, Brett continued with our series through the book of Hebrews, discussing Hebrews 12:18-29 and how this passage connects to Exodus 19. In Exodus 19, we see a picture of a holy and righteous God and how He establishes a covenant with Moses. Brett also discussed the differences of Mount Sinai in Exodus, and Mount Zion in Hebrews.
From the first section of this passage in Hebrews, we learned that those that go to Mount Zion are citizens of heaven (we are not born that way), and
Zion is the city of the living God (verse 22). These citizens will:
- Worship God with the angels (verse 22)
- Have people in Heaven awaiting their arrival (verse 23)
- See the Old Testament saints who couldn't experience the work of Christ, but were made perfect (verse 23)
- See Jesus, "the mediator of a new covenant" (verse 24)
Brett continued with our series through the book of Hebrews this week, focusing on Hebrews 12. He outlined this section with the themes of: 1. Tough (the race we are called to run is not easy, and we should encourage/strengthen those around us) 2. Team (we are to run the race together as a community) 3. True
"Circumstances in life are often things that God is using to discipline His sons and daughters."
Brett continued with our series through the book of Hebrews, discussing Hebrews 12:4-11 and how it pertains to Christian parenting. He told how, "We are called to be obedient children to God," and that God wants us to have children that are obedient in all things. Brett explained that we discipline children because we love them, and how as children of God, we are sanctified when He disciplines us (v.10)
As a loving and holy Father: 1. God instructs us 2. God punishes us 3. God prevents sin in our life 4. God's discipline matures us
Get over it. You're likely to have one of two responses to this message: it's not that easy, or, well yeah no kidding. The reality is that grumbling is a practice that we've grown all too comfortable with and Scripture has something to say about it. In this sermon Craig examines the biblical case for getting over it and how we as Christians should deal with the frustrations and trials we're experiencing.
"When you walk away from Jesus, you're throwing away His sacrifice and trampling it underfoot."
We continued with our series through the book of Hebrews this week, focusing on Hebrews 10:26-39. Brett explained that this section of Chapter 10, tells of a time where a large number of people who say they are Christians will walk away from Jesus, and how these people are called apostates. Brett went on to explain three characteristics of apostates: 1. Every apostate is an unbeliever, but not ever unbeliever is an apostate 2. Apostates come from within the church 3. When apostates depart, they don't return
"We have a High Priest that stands before the throne of God and He advocates for us because we are His children and He has shed His blood on our behalf." Brett continued with our series through the book of Hebrews on Sunday, focusing on Hebrews 10:19-25. He explained how God's sacrificial system of the Old Covenant wasn't intended to solve the problem of sin, it was to highlight the problem of sin, and that our confidence is only in the blood of Jesus. Verse 20 of Chapter 10 references the veil that kept people out of the Holy of Holies; a place that the High Priest could only enter once a year. Brett explained that this verse uses "The body of Jesus that was torn for us on the cross," as a metaphor for the veil, and it gives us the confidence to go before God. Verse 21 goes on to say that the High Priest (Jesus) has done the atoning, but continues with the advocating. For the remainder of the chapter, Brett introduced a four point outline: 1. Draw near (v. 22) - A "sincere heart" means true faith - We have positional satisfaction and practical sanctification 2. Hold fast (v. 23) - Acknowledging that you're a sinner and that Jesus' death on the cross restores us to a right relationship with God 3. Spur on (v. 24) - We are called to consider how to spur on others to love 4. Show up (v. 25) - Don't make it a habit to not assemble together - "We are not created to be independent people"
"If you're in Christ there's no offering needed, if you're not in Christ there's no offering effective."
Brett leads us through the second half of Hebrews Chapter 9 into Chapter 10, addressing the supremacy of Christ's work as the final sacrifice. In conclusion, Brett points us forward to the confidence found in the ascension, reign, and return of Christ. Christ will return with no thought of sin for those who are in Him. Brett explained these passages of Scripture through these main points: 1. Real vs. Shadow (v. 23-24) 2. Finished vs. Perpetual (v. 25-26) 3. Coincidence vs. Consummation (v. 26) 4. Last Chance vs. Second Chance (v. 27-28) 5. Removal vs. Reminder (10:1-4) 6. Sacrifice vs. Obedience (v. 5-8) 7. Old vs. New (v. 9) 8. Sinner vs. Sanctified (v. 10) 9. Standing vs. Sitting (v. 11-12) 10. Remembered vs. Forgotten (v. 17) 11. Forgiveness vs. Offerings (v.18)
"Trust in the reality ahead, and let go of the shadow that's behind."
Brett continued with our series through the book of Hebrews yesterday, focusing on Chapter 8. The first part of the chapter summarizes what was written in the previous seven chapters, while the last part describes the New Covenant. Brett also discussed some of the differences between the Old and New Covenants, which are:
- The New Covenant is with the house of Israel and the house of Judah (verse 8)
- The Old Covenant was conditional (If they kept the law they were blessed, and if they broke the law they were cursed)
- The New Covenant is written on our hearts (verse 10)
"Where is your trust placed for your life?"
This week, Sean discussed Psalm 16 and explained the seven acts of trusting God that David demonstrates in this passage of Scripture. These seven acts are: 1. Runs to the protection of God (verse 1) 2. Submits to the power of God (verse 2)
-"When deciding whether to obey God or not, make the decision that you'll be most thankful for 10,000 years from now." 3. Delights in the people of God (verses 3 and 4) 4. Cherishes the presence of God (verses 5 and 6) 5. Follows the plan of God (verses 7 and 8) -"Trust in Christ is the best way to enjoy life and the only way to enjoy eternity." 6. Rejoices in the promise of God (verses 9 and 10) -"The resurrection is God's 'Amen' to Jesus' 'It is finished'." 7. Hopes in the pleasures of God (verse 11)
"The only place that brings you rock solid truth is the Scriptures."
Brett continued with our series through Hebrews this week, focusing on Chapter 7. He explained typology, the way Melchizedek represents Jesus, and how the Levitical priesthood was embedded in Israel. Some traits of the Levitical priesthood were: 1. The priesthood and law went hand in hand 2. Priests served from ages 25 to 50
- Priests had to be of the tribe of Levi
- They were chose by lineage, not character
- Could not be a king and a priest
We then discussed how Jesus could not have been a Levitical priest, as He was from the tribe of Judah. Instead, He was chosen by God because of His moral character. Jesus fulfilled the Ten Commandments completely and is the final king and priest.
We referenced Genesis 14 and Psalm 110 to help us better understand this section of Scripture.
"When God's people live as exiles, how do they remain faithful to God?"
We paused our series in the book of Hebrews this week while Jerell preached on Jeremiah 29 and the Letter to the Exiles. This section of Scripture discusses the Babylonian exile, and Jerell explained that, "God wanted Israel to be a distinct nation that would receive God's blessing so that they could be that unique blessing to the nations that surrounded them." In response to the above question, we discussed three ways to react when exiled: 1. Retreat 2. Fight 3. Conform
Jerell then explained the ways to respond to these reactions: 1. Take root rather than retreat 2. Seek the welfare of the city rather than fight (seek the Shalom) 3. Rather than conforming, we pray (prayer transforms us and the city)
"We have a high calling. We are called to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and be obedient to Him, but in so doing we are called to be an example to others around us."
Brett continued in our series through Hebrews, covering Hebrews 6:9-20. This section of Hebrews discusses God's promise with Abraham, and how God swore by Himself "since he had no one greater by whom to swear" (verse 13), knowing that Abraham would not uphold his promise. These passages in Hebrews describe how we are unable to save ourselves and that those who have salvation have "ultimate security." Brett explained, "If our eternal security; if our perseverance as a saint depends on me or depends upon you; utter disaster. It wouldn't work. It depends upon the One who is faithful, who could swear by no other. The One who gave an oath to Himself. The One who cannot lie. The One who will bring us home to Him. That's perseverance of the saints."
"Enjoy being in Christ and the safety that that gives you."
Brett continued with our series through the book of Hebrews, and focused on Hebrews 6:4-8. He discussed principles of interpretation when you come to an unclear passage as well as how to know you're saved. In regard to knowing that you're saved, we discussed the following: 1. Do you understand the Gospel? (in its simplicity, severity, and sovereignty) 2. When you understand the Gospel, you repent 3. God saves us completely (it is not our own doing) 4. You will see fruit (changes in your life) 5. You hold fast 6. You persevere until the end
"It's not just knowing things, it's walking in obedience in the things that you know."
Brett continued in our series through the book of Hebrews, and focused on Hebrews 5:11 - 6:3. These passages are calling us to be teachers of the Gospel and is expressing a frustration with the early church not grasping "the basics." Verse 12 reads, "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food." Two questions posed during the sermon were:
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If you're supposed to be a teacher, are you able?
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Are we a church full of people that are different from the culture?
"We have access to God only because of Jesus and always because of Jesus."
Brett continued with our series through the book of Hebrews, and discussed Hebrews 5:1-10 and the requirements of a High Priest, which include:
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Being gifted the role of High Priest
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The High Priest is a God ordained man
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They serve man on behalf of God
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They are self-aware, sympathetic, and gentle in regard to sin
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They are obligated to offer sacrifices on behalf of others and himself
"We have a sympathetic High Priest who represents a sympathetic Father."
Brett continued our series through Hebrews, focusing on Hebrews 4:14-16 and explained the three reasons why Jesus is the perfect High Priest. Jesus is: 1. Perfect 2. Permanent 3. Peculiar (fully God and fully man)
"For Jesus, the rule of His kingdom is marked by the shape of His cross."
Jerell details the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and explains that "only through His death, will the world find eternal life."
"Easter is important because the resurrection is vital."
We were able to meet together at Lone Pine Farms this year, where Brett taught on the story of Easter and how Jesus perfectly fulfilled His purposes that were given to him by the Father. We heard how Jesus meets our disappointment, confusion, and unbelief with peace, patience, and proof.
"Jesus does not bend to what our worldly definitions of power and strength are." Brad taught on the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and explained the role humility plays in our relationship with Jesus. We read through Matthew 21: 1-11 to learn the three ways that Jesus comes to us: 1. On a donkey (in humility) 2. In the flesh ("the Creator becomes part of His creation")
- On a mission (came to overthrow sin as a ruler) We then read Matthew 21: 12-17 to learn the three ways that we come to Jesus:
- As broken people (Jesus has come for the sick)
- Helpless ("we come to Jesus like children")
- Needy (we are not able to provide for ourselves what we need to live")
"Spiritual growth is long obedience in the same direction." This week we took a hiatus from our series in Hebrews and Lew taught from James chapter 5. Focusing on verses 7 through 11, Lew discussed biblical patience and how we should, "Be patient in waiting for the justice of the Lord."
"The God we know is revealed through the Scriptures He breathed for us." Brett continued in our series on Hebrews, focusing on Hebrews 4: 8-13 and Numbers 13 and 14 to provide context. We looked at three typology between these two passages, which are: 1. Joshua and Jesus 2. The Hebrews' rest and God's rest 3. The sword of the Amalekites and the sword of God's Word We then looked at verses 12 and 13 to learn five things about the sword of God's Word: 1. God's Word is living because He is living 2. It's active 3. It's sharper than any two-edged sword (the Scripture is a sword of judgement, and it's second edge is sanctification) 4. It reveals the unseen 5. It partners with God Himself
"We do have to come to a conviction that we can't work to be saved." Brett continued our series in Hebrews, citing Hebrews 4:1-11 and described the five aspects of rest: 1. It's divine; a shared rest with the God of the universe 2. It's secure 3. It's a satisfying rest 4. It's a relational rest 5. It's eternal Hebrews 4:10 says, "...for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his."
"It's your responsibility to guard and check your heart." Brett continued with our series in Hebrews, focusing on Hebrews 3:7-19, and explained how the books of Exodus and Numbers stand as warnings against unbelief that are relevant today.
We can see that in verses 7 - 11, which read: "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years. Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, 'They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.' As I swore in my wrath, 'They shall not enter my rest.'" Brett instructed us to be vigilant concerning unbelief today through the gift of the church community.
"When God looks at us, He sees the righteousness of His Son."
Brett continued his series on Hebrews, discussing Moses in comparison to Jesus, specifically in regard to faithfulness. We focused on Hebrews 3:1-6 and Brett presented us with three types of faithfulness:
- Moses was faithful, but it was a flawed faithfulness
- Jesus' faithfulness was perfect
- Our faithfulness should be focused on the perfect Savior