1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. [14] Let all that you do be done with love.

Quote:

 “The Church was in the world, as it had to be, but the world was in the Church, as it ought not to be.”

~ Moffatt

LIFE ADVICE FROM PAUL:

1.   Stay on guard. 

a.   1 Corinthians 16:13a Watch…

b.   Anything that controls the heart and decisions more than God can become an idol.

c.    Exodus 20:3 

d.   1 Corinthians 6:12

e.   1 Corinthians 10:14 

f.     1 Corinthians 10:21

g.   What you continually surrender to eventually shapes you.

h.   1 Peter 5:8

2.   Stand fast in slippery times.

a.   1 Corinthians 16:13b 

b.   Faith = Good News—Sound Doctrine.

c.    2 Timothy 4:3-4

d.   Galatians 5:1 

e.   No new gimmick—the Bible is the roadmap and guardrails all in One.

3.   Be courageous. 

a.   1 Corinthians 16:13c

b.   Joshua 1:9 

c.    Ephesians 4:14 

d.   To deal with sin that is trying to lurk around us. 

e.   2 Timothy 1:7

f.     To pray bold prayers.

g.   Acts 4:31

4.   Be strong.

a.   1 Corinthians 16:13d 

b.   Ephesians 6:10

c.    Isaiah 40:31 

d.   Philippians 4:13

e.   2 Corinthians 12:9

f.     Paul is not talking about self—strength, but Spirit—strength.

g.   Ephesians 3:16

5.   Do everything with love.

a.   1 Corinthians 16:14 

b.   Without love you are just noisy.

c.    Colossians 3:14 

Main Point: Let the works of the Holy Spirit continue through you that were started in Acts.

1. Every believer has communication with the Lord.

2. Every believer has divine guidance.

3. Every believer has power for service.

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1.          Worry Is unnecessary.

a.          Matthew 6:25

b.          (Because) God is the giver of life. 

c.          Worry focuses on the provision instead of the provider.

d.          If God gave the greater, He WILL provide the lesser.

2.     Worry is illogical because God faithfully cares for His Creation.

         a.   Matthew 6:26-30

         b.   God feeds the birds without their anxiety. (Psalm 147:9, Job 38:41)

         c.   Human beings are infinitely more valuable than birds. 

         (Matt. 10:29-31, Gen. 1:27)

         d.   Worry cannot add anything to our lives. It actually takes away. 

         (Ecclesiastes 6:12, Proverbs 12:25)     

         e.   God’s care is visible in the beauty of Creation. (vs. 29, Psalm 104:24)      

3.     Worry reveals a struggle to trust God’s character. 

         a.   Matthew 6:30-32

         b.   Worry is connected to “little faith”. (Hebrews 11:6, James 1:6-8)

         c.   Worry mirrors the mindset of the world. (vs. 32, Eph. 2:12, Colossians 3:2)

         d.   God knows our needs before we ask. (vs. 32, Psalm 139:1-4, Isaiah 65:24)

4.     Freedom from worry comes from having right priorities.

         a.   Matthew 6:33

         b.   Seeking the Kingdom shifts our focus. (Colossians 3:1-3, Psalm 27:4)

         c.   God’s righteousness shapes our desires. (Rom. 14:17, Matt. 5:6, Psalm 37:4)

         d.   Provision is a promise, not a pursuit. (Psalm 84:11, Philippians 4:19)

5.     Worry is defeated by trusting God one day at a time. 

         a.   Matthew 6:34

         b.   God gives grace for today, not tomorrow. (Lam. 3:22-23, Exodus 16:4)

         c.   Tomorrow belongs to God. (Proverbs 16:9, James 4:13-15)

         d. Each day has enough trouble, and enough grace. (John 16:33, Isaiah 41:10)

Conclusion: Rest in the care of our Heavenly Father.

2.    There is a call to pursue peace.

3.    There is a call to pursue holiness.

4.    There is a call to pursue growing in grace.

Walk in unity (together as one body).

Walk in love (imitating Christ’s sacrifice).

Walk in light (shining truth in a dark world).

Walk in wisdom (living carefully, filled with the Spirit).

When we walk this way, we reflect Christ to the world and bring glory to God in our daily lives.

JESUS’ LAST MOMENTS ON EARTH:

1.    The command to stay with it.

a.    Luke 24:49

2.    They were led by Jesus to the ascension place. 

a.    Luke 24:50a 

b.    Jesus ascends from a place of relationship and miracles.

3.    The approach of Jesus ascending.

a.    Luke 24:50

b.    Jesus’ parting gesture was to bless, not chastise, all the disciples that were there. 

c.     Numbers 6:24-26

4.    The ascension happened during His blessing over them.

a.    Luke 24:51

b.    Jesus ascends as King, Savior, and High Priest. 

5.    The reality and visibility of the ascension.

a.    Acts 1:9-11 

b.    Important to know: This was physical and bodily.

c.     The ascension is not symbolic—it is historical and literal.

d.    In Scripture, a cloud often represents the glory of God: Shekinah.

e.    This gives us certainty and great hope.

6.    The ascension was necessary.

a.    John 16:7

b.    No ascension, no Pentecost.

7.    The worshipful response was surprising and powerful.

a.    Luke 24:52-53

This is different that the responses the disciples had previously:

b.    At the cross they had fear.

c.     At the tomb they had confusion.

d.    At the ascension they had joy.

8.    The ascension meaning for the church today.

Because Jesus ascended:

a.    We have a heavenly advocate.

b.    We have access to God.

c.     We have authority in His name.

d.    We have the promise of power.

e.    We have a coming King.

Luke 24:10-12 

1.    Missing the connection when it matters.

a.    Luke 24:13-16 

b.    There was not an expectation of Jesus showing up.

c.     Revelation 3:20 

2.    Missing the nearness when we need it.

a.    Luke 24:17-18

b.    Their situation caused them to be disappointed. 

c.     John 1:14 

d.    Luke 4:21

e.    James 4:8 

f.      Jeremiah 29:13 

3.    Missing the relation of what they know versus experiencing Jesus. 

a.    Luke 24:19 

b.    His identity.

c.     His calling. 

d.    His work. 

e.    His reputation. Isaiah 61:1

f.      Luke 24:20 

g.    His rejection.

h.    His death.  

i.      His mission.  Luke 19:10

j.      This is where the disconnect happened. 

4.    Missing the point of belief in Christ.

a.    Luke 24:25-26 25 

b.    Romans 10:16-17

c.     2 Corinthians 5:7

5.    Finding Jesus in Scripture.

a.    Luke 24:27 

b.    Ephesians 1:17 

6.    Finding spiritual discernment in your heart.

a.    Luke 24:28-32 

b.    Hebrews 4:12 

c.     1 Kings 3:9

7.    Finding the need for Christian fellowship.

a.    Luke 24:33-35

b.    Matthew 18:20 

c.     Luke 24:36-40 

8.    Finding they were being prepared for mission.

a.   Luke 24:44-49

1.    Simon a Cyrenian, became a symbol of following Christ.   

a.    Luke 23:26 

b.    Simon—in essence—was a disciple of Christ. Carrying the cross, walking the same path.

c.     Luke 9:23

2.    Jesus addressed the women who were following Him.

a.    Luke 23:27-31 

b.    This would mark Jesus’ third lament for the city of Jerusalem.

c.     Luke 13:34-35; Luke 19:41-44

3.    Jesus shows us His heart in the midst of degradation.

a.    Luke 23:32-38 

b.    Isaiah 53:12 

c.     With infinite love and mercy, Jesus cried from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” 

d.    The example of Jesus in this moment is incredible: no resentment; no anger, no retaliation for those responsible. 

4.    Jesus saves one while one was seeking physical rescue.

a.    Luke 23:39-43

b.    He followed the crowd, demanding a sign: If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us. 

c.     Jesus accepted the one because of his belief. 

5.    Jesus yielded His spirit into God’s hands.

a.    Luke 23:44-49 

6.    Jesus was buried by a council member who was a dissenter. 

a.    Luke 23:50-56

b.    Up to this time, Joseph had been a secret disciple of the Lord Jesus. Although a member of the Sanhedrin, he did not agree with their verdict in the case of Jesus. 

c.     In burying the body of Jesus, Joseph also buried himself, in a sense. That act separated him forever from the nation that crucified the Lord of life and glory. 

1. Jesus was taken by the entire religious group to Pilate.

a. Luke 23:1 

b. Romans did not allow Jewish leaders to execute.

2. Pilate hears the accusations of two lies and one truth. 

a. Luke 23:2-3

b. FACTCHECK: Perverting the nation—False.

c. Luke 20:19 

d. FACTCHECK: Forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar—False.

e. Luke 20:25 

f. FACTCHECK: Saying that He Himself is Christ, a King—True but misrepresented.

g. Luke 22:66-70 

h. John 18:36 

3. Pilate knew the truth at this point.

a. Luke 23:4-5 

b. Religious leaders got mad and protested.

c. Luke 23:6-7

d. Pilate pushed off the decision due to a technicality. 

4. Jesus gave the example of there are times to remain quiet. 

a. Luke 23:8-11

b. Herod was looking for some kind of show.

c. Jesus was mocked and treated with contempt. 

d. Luke 23:12 

5. Pilate declares Jesus innocent.

a. Luke 23:13-17 

6. Pilate found out you cannot reason with evil. 

a. Luke 23:18-23

b. Be careful who you are standing next to in a crowd. 

c. Crowd chooses an insurrectionist over the Messiah.

d. Luke 23:19,25 

e. Barabbas represented human will.​

f. Jesus represented God’s will. 

g. Luke 23:24-25 

h. They chose the kind of savior they wanted, not the one God sent.

i. This mirrors the heart of the Gospel: Guilty go free because the innocent takes their place.

1.    Prepare to face what is in your path.

a.    Luke 22:46 Then He said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation."

b.    Prayer is not only reaction—it is preparation.

c.     Jesus knew that prayer strengthens the spirit before the test arrives.

JESUS TEACHES US THAT PRAYING IS PREPARING:

2.    Prepare so you will handle betrayal rightly.

a.    Luke 22:47-48 And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. [48] But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"

b.    We see a contrast here that is important to notice.

c.     Prayer prepares your heart so betrayal does not turn into bitterness.

d.    Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

e.    1 Peter 2:21-23 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: [22] "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; [23] who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

f.      The disciples who slept were unprepared, but Jesus who prayed stood firm.

JESUS TEACHES US THAT PRAYING IS PREPARING:

3.    Prepare to stay close to Jesus.

a.    Luke 22:54 Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed at a distance.

b.    Peter thought he was strong.

c.     Are we honest enough with ourselves about our own weakness?

d.    Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

e.    This is a warning about spiritual overconfidence.

f.      1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

g.    Luke 22:55-60 Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. [56] And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, "This man was also with Him." [57] But he denied Him, saying, "Woman, I do not know Him." [58] And after a little while another saw him and said, "You also are of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not!" [59] Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean." [60] But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.

h.    Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.

i.      Two ways we remember Jesus’ words: 

j.      Doing wrong and feeling conviction.

k.     Luke 22:61-62 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." [62] So Peter went out and wept bitterly.

l.      Listening to the Holy Spirit.

m.   John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

n.    Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You.

o.    We should purpose in our hearts never to distance ourselves from Jesus when pressure comes. 

p.    Luke 22:63-65 Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. [64] And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck You?" [65] And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him.

JESUS TEACHES US THAT PRAYING IS PREPARING:

4.    Prepare to give an answer for who Jesus is. 

a.    Luke 22:66-70 As soon as it was day, the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, came together and led Him into their council, saying, [67] "If You are the Christ, tell us." But He said to them, "If I tell you, you will by no means believe. [68] And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go. [69] Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God." [70] Then they all said, "Are You then the Son of God?" So He said to them, "You rightly say that I am."

b.    Jesus affirms His identity as the Son of God and the Son of Man.

c.     1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

d.    As a Christ follower, be ready for what may come your way.

e.    Matthew 10:32 "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.

1. When spiritual alignment happens with the wrong agenda. 

a. Luke 22:1-2 

b. The plot to betray Jesus.

c. Luke 22:3-6 

d. Judas had a greed problem.

e. John 12:6 

f. “Entered” implies: Willful yielding, alignment with Satan’s agenda.

g. Surrender of moral resistance.

h. James 1:15 

2. The Passover provided the means for Jesus to institute the Lord’s Supper. 

a. Luke 22:7-13 

b. This is where Jesus began the fulfilment to the New Covenant. 

c. Luke 22:14-23 

d. Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, redefining the Passover to symbolize his body (broken) and blood (poured out) for the forgiveness of sins.

3. Jesus teaches the importance of servanthood.

a. Luke 22:24-30 

b. In a dispute over who is greatest, Jesus teaches that the leader must be a servant, which is true greatness.

c. Assurance is given to the Disciples, Jesus promises they will rule with Him in His kingdom.

4. We see the importance of listening to Jesus.

a. Luke 22:31-34 

b. The Word of God warns us of things that can come our way.

Key Scriptural Warnings of Things Not to Do:

• Sexual Immorality

• Wrath and Anger

• Dishonesty/Manipulation

• Hypocrisy

• Judging Unrighteously

• Neglecting God's Word

• Stealing

• Calling Evil Good

c. More instruction on preparation.

d. Luke 22:35-38 

1.    Jesus observes the heart.

a.    Luke 21:1-4

b.    Jesus noted that it is not the portion but the proportion of giving.

2.    Jesus foretold the destruction of the temple.

a.    Luke 21:5-6 

3.    The disciples asked when this would happen.

a.    Luke 21:7 

b.    Like today, people want chronology more than character preparation.

4.    Jesus first gave an age-long picture of events preceding His own Second Advent. 

a.    Luke 21:8 

b.    False messiahs.

c.     Luke 21:9

d.    False rumors/fake news.

e.    Luke 21:10-11

f.      Wars and uprisings. 

5.    Jesus then gave a picture of the fall of Jerusalem and the age that would follow.

a.    Luke 21:12-15

b.    Luke 21:16-18

c.     Luke 21:19

d.    Romans 5:3-4

e.    Luke 21:20-24 

6.    Jesus tells them of the signs that would precede His Second Coming and urged His followers to live in the expectation of His return.

a.    Luke 21:25-28

7.    Jesus clarifies that the Christ following believer will NOT go through the tribulation.

a.    Luke 21:34-36 

1.    We see traps that fail. 

a.    Luke 20:20–21 

2.    The trap of politics.

a.    Luke 20:22-26 

b.    See the wisdom of Jesus.

c.     We learn government has legitimate authority, but God has ultimate authority.

d.    Genesis 1:27 

e.    Therefore, our entire life belongs to Him.

3.    The trap of Theology.

a.    Luke 20:27–33 

b.    Beware of people that raise absurd questions about the Bible. 

c.     Luke 20:34-40 

d.    Jesus affirms the resurrection and God’s power.

e.    God is the God of the living, not the dead.

4.    Resurrection faith becomes a question of “Who?” instead of “Why?”

a.    His theology was not theoretical, it was lived out. 

b.    Question: What if we replaced the question mark with the mark of the Cross—there you have the ultimate answer.

5.    Jesus reveals the Messiah’s identity. 

a.    Luke 20:41-44 

b.    The Messiah is both David’s descendant and David’s Lord.

6.    Warning against religious hypocrisy.

a.    Luke 20:45–47 

b.    Religion can become performance.

c.     Spiritual authority can be abused.

d.    Greater privilege brings greater accountability.

1.        Hunger for truth draws people; rejection of truth exposes hearts. 

a.        Luke 19:47–48 

2.        Jesus’ authority is challenged.

a.        Luke 20:1-8 

b.        Notice the wisdom of Jesus as the Religious Leaders asked this question: 

First, “By what authority are You doing these things?  

Second, Jesus’ Counter-Question: Was John’s baptism from heaven or from men?

c.        If from heaven = Why didn’t you believe him?

d.        If from men = Fear of the people, who believed John was a prophet.

e.        Result: The leaders refuse to answer truthfully.

f.           Principle: If you won’t speak the truth, don’t expect to receive the truth.

3.        The parable of the wicked vinedressers.

a.        Luke 20:9–19

Meaning of the Parable:

b.        Certain Man = God

c.        Vineyard = Israel

d.        Vinedressers = Religious leaders

e.        Servants = Prophets (Isaiah, John, others)

f.          Beloved Son = Jesus

Key Truths:

g.         God entrusted Israel to leaders as stewards, not owners.

h.        The prophets were rejected and mistreated. 

i.            The Son was killed so the leaders could keep control.

Judgment:

j.            Vineyard taken away and given to others.

k.         Rejected Stone becomes the Cornerstone (Jesus confirms by quoting Psalm 118:22).

Two Comings of Christ:

l.           First Advent: Men stumble over His humility and are broken.

m.    Second Advent: The Stone falls in judgment and crushes unbelief.

4.        We see traps that fail.

a.        Luke 20:20–26, 27–40

b.        God is the God of the living, not the dead.

5.        Jesus reveals the Messiah’s identity.

a.        Luke 20:41-44 

b.        The Messiah is both David’s descendant and David’s Lord.

6.        Warning against religious hypocrisy.

a.        Luke 20:45–47

Conclusion:

·      Religious authority without submission to Christ leads to judgment. 

·      True authority belongs to Jesus alone—the rejected Son and reigning Lord.

THE MISSION OF JESUS: 

1.    The King seeks the lost.

a.    Luke 19:1-10 

b.    Jesus initiates the encounter—the seeking Savior. 

c.     Transformative salvation—produces repentance and restitution. 

d.    The King’s mission is rescue, not rejection. 

e.    James 5:19-20

2.    The King entrusts stewardship and accountability.

a.    Luke 19:11-27

b.    The King goes away but will return.

c.     Servants are judged by faithfulness, not position

d.    The King expects obedience and fruit while He is away.

3.    The King is revealed to Jerusalem.

a.    Luke 19:28-40 

b.    Jesus’ kingship is not optional—it is inevitable. 

c.     Heaven demands recognition, if we are silent, creation will cry out. (V.40)

4.    The King weeps over rejection.

a.    Luke 19:41-44

b.    Jesus mourns Jerusalem’s blindness.

c.     Judgment follows rejected grace. (V.43)

d.    They missed the time of His visitation. (V.44)

5.    The King cleanses His House.

a.    Luke 19:45-48

b.    Jesus asserts authority in the Temple.

c.     Worship had been corrupted.

d.    Purpose is restored. 

e.    Where the King reigns, holiness and true worship matter.

1.    The disciples sensed that prayer was a real and vital force in the life of Jesus.

a.    Luke 11:1-4

b.    This continual prayer of confession is part of maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus.

c.     1 John 1:9 

2.    The disciples are taught concerning persistent prayers.

a.    Luke 11:5-8 

b.    Don’t stop praying.

3.    The disciples learn the steps of ask, seek, knock.

a.    Luke 11:9-10 

b.    These three verbs are all present imperatives. 

c.     1 Thessalonians 5:17 

d.    Luke 11:11-13

e.    John 7:37-39

4.    The disciples witnessed divine deliverance but had questions.

a.    Luke 11:14-15 

b.    Beelzebub is the Greek form of the name Baal-zebub, a pagan Philistine god.

c.     Luke 11:16-19 

d.    Acts 19:13-16

e.    Luke 11:20-23

f.      Neutrality with respect to Jesus is not possible.

g.    Luke 11:24-26 

h.    The Lord Jesus Christ must be welcomed into our heart, our life, our home, our total environment.

LIVING READY IN A WORLD THAT IS NOT READY:

1.    Live with integrity before God.

a.    Luke 12:1-3 

b.    Stay on guard against hypocrisy.

c.     Luke 12:4-7

d.    Seriously respect the One who has ultimate authority.

e.    Luke 12:8-12

f.      Question: Who shapes your speech and behavior?

2.    Live with contentment in God. 

a.    Luke 12:13-21 

b.    Question: Is there security in having some wealth on earth?

c.     Luke 12:22-31 

d.    Jesus’ clear direction is to seek the kingdom, not anxiety.

e.    How do you measure success, by what you have or how you serve or what you give?

f.      Luke 12:32-34

g.    Think generosity as evidence of Kingdom trust.

3.    Live with readiness for God.

a.    Luke 12:35-40

b.    Real faith expresses itself in attentive, faithful stewardship.

c.     Luke 12:41-48

d.    Faithfulness is rewarded; negligence is judged.

e.    Faithfulness in small things prepares you for the eternal things.

4.    Live with discernment toward God.

a.    Luke 12:49-53

b.    Jesus’ mission brings division before peace.

c.     There are times when truth will divide a home. 

d.    Luke 12:54-59 

e.    Recognize the spiritual season, respond while there is time.

f.      Don’t delay obedience, discern God’s work now.

1.    Dependence on prayer.

a.    Luke 18:1-8 

b.    Praying versus discouragement. 

c.     The widow is powerless, but persistent.

d.    Prayer that refuses to quit.

e.    Luke 18:9-14 

f.      Humility versus sanctimonious. 

g.    Question: V.8 …when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?

2.    Childlike trust removes hindrances.

a.    Luke 18:15-17 

b.    Encounter with Jesus exposes the obstacle.

c.     Luke 18:18-30

d.    Self-sufficiency blinds people to their true need of God.

3.    True faith opens spiritual sight.

a.    Luke 18:31-34

b.    The twelve missed the message.

c.     Luke 18:35-43 

d.    How did the blind know to call Jesus: Son of David? A title for Messiah. The blind man got it.

e.    True faith, like that of the widow, the tax collector, and the blind man, cries out for mercy. They seewho Jesus is—The Messiah—it results a life of following Jesus. Something His disciples struggled to grasp.

1.     Consider the reality of offenses.

a.     Luke 17:1-2. Offenses (Greek=skandalon) means stumbling block. 

b.     Following Christ does not eliminate offenses but does change how we respond to it.

                                      i.     “Little ones” speaks of young believers, especially children, young people.

c.     The image of a millstone around the neck speaks of severe accountability.

d.     Luke 17:3-4

e.     Correction should always aim toward restoration, not winning an argument.

f.      Forgiveness reflects the heart of God, not the worthiness of the offender.

g.     Ephesians 5:15-18 

2.     Consider faith’s power is in who it trusts, not how much you feel you have.

a.     Luke 17:5-6

b.     The thought of forgiving seven times a day presents a difficulty. 

c.     They felt insufficient in faith for such a display of grace. 

d.     The mustard seed illustrates living, active faith, not passive belief.

e.     Luke 17:7-10

f.      Faith works through obedient service.

g.     Jesus says, do what it is your duty to do.

h.     Our obedience doesn’t place God in our debt. 

3.     Consider that obedient faith becomes grateful faith which leads us to saving faith.

a.     Luke 17:11-19 

b.     Mercy is often requested, but few act. (with grateful faith)

c.     God’s mercy, His healing, should turn into complete worship and devotion in our life.

4.     Consider that the Kingdom of God is in your midst.

a.     Luke 17:20-30

b.     The danger is spiritual distraction, not ignorance.

c.     Luke 17:31-33. Jesus states, there is a danger to looking back.

d.     Following Jesus requires decisive commitment of faith and obedience.

e.     Luke 17:34-37.  Being ready for Christ’s return is personal.

1.    Integrity versus dishonesty.

a.    Luke 16:1-2 

b.    The issue is not money—it is faithfulness and accountability.

2.    Wisdom that the world pushes. 

a.    Luke 16:3-8

b.    Clarification: Jesus commends the steward’s shrewdness, not his unrighteousness.

c.     Worldly wisdom is often strategic but selfish.

3.    Invest for eternity.

a.    Luke 16:9-13 

b.    What you choose now as a priority affects what will happen in your future.

c.     Money is a tool, not a master.

4.    God’s economy versus the world’s economy.  

a.    Luke 16:14-18 

b.    External justification cannot hide internal corruption.

c.     Divorce was an area where Pharisees knew the Law but redefined it for personal benefit. Jesus exposes their pattern of selective obedience.

d.    God evaluates the heart, not religious loopholes.

5.    The rich man failed by missing his greatest opportunity. 

a.    Luke 16:19-31

b.    His failure was not wealth—but ignoring eternal responsibility.

c.     Earthly comfort can blind us to eternal consequences.

d.    Tomorrow is not guaranteed—so the right response is required now.

1.     The setting and the issue.

a.     Luke 15:1-2 

b.     There were objections to God’s mercy.

2.     The shepherd’s compassion. 

a.     Luke 15:3-7 

b.     He does not give up. V.4b

c.     He carries the sheep. V.5

d.     There is Heaven centered celebration. V.7

e.     Matthew 18:14 

f.      God pursues the lost. (through the work of the Holy Spirit).

g.     2 Peter 3:9 

3.     A woman’s determination.

a.     Luke 15:8-10 

b.     The lost coin represents something of value—our soul is of great value.

Three steps are taken:

c.     Lights a lamp. Matthew 6:22 

d.     Sweeps the soul. Psalm 139:23-24 

e.     Intense searching.

4.     A father’s love.

a.     Luke 15:11-19

b.     The younger son got lost in his own rebellion.

c.     Luke 15:20

d.     The father was watching for him—expectation.

e.     Luke 15:21-24 

f.      The father restored his place as son.

g.     Luke 15:25-30 

h.     The older son got lost in self-righteousness.

i.      He was angry at his father giving his brother grace.

j.      This is a works-based mindset.

k.     What is the danger of this mindset?  You can be in proximity to God but far away from His heart.

l.      Luke 15:31-32 

m.   The father’s response is golden—all that I have is yours.

5.     Jesus gave an image of the Heavenly Father being gracious and longsuffering.

a.     2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

b.     Galatians 5:22-23 

1.    Jesus was invited to be watched instead of welcoming Him.

a.    Luke 14:1-6

b.    Mercy or man-made rules?

c.     Compassion over tradition?

2.    Jesus teaches true honor comes from humility.

a.    Luke 14:7-14 

b.    God rewards Kingdom kindness.

c.     Pride wants recognition; humility serves without reward.

3.    Jesus exposes excuses.          

a.    Luke 14:15-24 

b.    Excuses instead of acceptance.

c.     God’s heart seeks the humble, broken, and overlooked. 

d.    Excuses keep people from coming to Christ; half-heartedness keeps believers from going after Christ.

4.    Jesus gives a requirement for true disciples.

a.    Luke 14:25-35 

b.    Count the cost. 

c.     Surrender everything. 

d.    Salt that loses its savor is useless as disciples without commitment are ineffective.

e.    Jesus gives three requirements:

·      Superior love—Christ above family and self.

·      Surrendered life—carrying the cross.

·      Sacrificial commitment—giving up all claims to ownership.

f.      The priority of Christ above all is non-negotiable.  

1.    When something bad happens, it is not always judgment.

a.    Luke 13:1-5 

b.    Jesus points out the real issue is the condition of the heart.

2.    God’s patience is not permission; it’s mercy.

a.    Luke 13:5-9

b.    God’s patience is a time to grow.

3.    Jesus proves that He can loose what Satan tries to bind.

a.    Luke 13:10-17 

b.    Rejoice at the compassion of Jesus, resist getting caught up in questioning why. 

4.    Small beginnings entrusted to God produces oversized growth.

a.    Luke 13:18-21

b.    The witness of Jesus from one person can touch everyone that person meets. 

5.    Jesus tells us to strive to enter through the narrow gate.

a.    Luke 13:22-30

b.    STRIVE means make every effort.

c.     God’s kingdom will include people from every part of the world. Israel’s rejection of Jesus as Messiah would not stop God’s plan.

6.    Know this: Jesus’ life, work, and death would not be determined by kings or some religious people. 

a.    Luke 13:31-35 

b.    Jesus’ life was planned and directed by God. 

c.     His mission would unfold in God’s time.

1.    Jesus speaks of how a person is blessed.

a.    Luke 11:27-28 

b.    This highlights true spiritual blessing — not from physical or emotional ties to Jesus, but from obedienthearing of God’s Word.

2.    Jesus said the sign will be His finished work on the cross.

a.    Luke 11:29-32 

b.    Matthew 12:40 

c.     Jesus references “the sign of Jonah” — a prophetic picture of His death, burial, and resurrection.

d.    This encounter exposes the hardness of heart in that generation compared to the repentance of Nineveh.

3.    Jesus states how the inner part of a person is affected.

a.    Luke 11:33-36 

b.    The focus shifts from asking for signs—external proof—to cultivating spiritual sight—internalillumination.

4.    Jesus exposes the inner carnality.

a.    Luke 11:37-54 

b.    Jesus pronounces woes for valuing ritual, position, and appearance while neglecting justice, mercy, and love for God.

c.     The effect of ignoring inner light = spiritual corruption masked by religious formality.

RECAP

Verses                       Theme                                   Emphasis

V. 27–28                    True Blessedness              Obedience over admiration

V. 29–32                    True Sign                              The Cross over miracles

V. 33–36                    True Light                             Inner purity over outward sight

V. 37–54                    True Cleanliness                 Integrity over hypocrisy

1.    The seventy are sent to represent Christ.

a.    Luke 10:1

b.    Comparison between the 12 (of Luke 9) and the 70 here is:

c.     The Twelve (Luke 9:1–6) were apostolic representatives—sent primarily to Israel. 

d.    Twelve = Israel’s tribes (covenant people). Matthew 10:5-6 

e.    The Seventy expands the opportunity—symbolically representing all believers of all nations.  

f.      Seventy = the nations, refers to Table of Nations (Genesis 10). Extending beyond the twelve tribes to the whole world.

g.    Luke 10:2-16 

h.    There is no shortage of need, only a shortage of willingness.

i.      Luke 10:17-24 

j.      Jesus redirects their joy—that your name is written down in heaven.

2.    The love of God is to go beyond our personal boundary.

a.    Luke 10:25-29 

b.    The lawyer seeks to justify himself by asking, who is my neighbor?

c.     Jesus’ teaching was always about application.

d.    Luke 10:30-35 

e.    The professionals (priest and Levite) see the need but pass by. 

f.      The amateur (Samaritan) sees and stops.

g.    Compassion interrupts convenience.

h.    Luke 10:36-37 

i.      Go and do likewise turns this story into a lifestyle.

3.    The time taken to listen to Jesus.

a.    Luke 10:38-41 

b.    The distraction of busyness.

c.     It’s about being devoted to God’s Word.

d.    Luke 10:42

Conclusion:

·      Represent Christ—every Christ follower is to take on His mission.

·      Reflect Christ’s compassion—every person is an opportunity.

·      Rest in Christ’s presence—sit at His feet every day!

1.    The power of Christ displayed.

a.    Luke 9:37-43a 

                                      i.     A desperate father who the disciples could not help. 

                                    ii.     Jesus points to the root problem: A faithless and perverse generation. 

                                   iii.     Jesus does a powerful deliverance. 

b.    Faith must be in Christ’s power, yielding our weakness to His authority.

2.    The prediction again of Jesus’ suffering.

a.    Luke 9:43b-45

b.    The crowd marveled at His works, but Jesus did not revel in the crowd’s reaction as He was on mission preparing His disciples. 

c.     The disciples did not understand and were afraid to ask about the prediction.

3.    The pride the disciples displayed.

a.    Luke 9:46-50 

b.    Competition instead of cooperation.

c.     True greatness is humble service = Kingdom workers are not competitors but co-laborers.

4.    The resolve of Jesus and the kingdom.

a.    Luke 9:51 

b.    Jesus resolutely set His face toward Jerusalem which reflects His determined mission.

c.     Luke 9:52-56 

d.    A preview of Jerusalem happens—Samaritans refuse Him.

e.    Luke 9:57-62 

f.      Three encounters that show the cost of discipleship: 

g.    Comfort is not the deciding factor. 

h.    Urgency is the deciding factor. 

i.      Loyalty to Jesus is a deciding factor.

j.      Summed up: Following Christ requires full commitment. 

1.     There is hearing the Word, and then there is obeying the Word.

a.     Luke 8:1-3

b.     The reaction to being set free is service.

c.      Luke 8:11

d.     Spiritual warfare. Luke 8:12

e.     Entertainment seeker. Luke 8:13 

f.      Status seeker. Luke 8:14 

If the devil can’t hinder you with difficulties, he’ll choke you with distractions.

g.     Jesus seeker. Luke 8:15 

h.     The state of our heart determines the fruitfulness of God’s Word. Am I shallow, distracted, hardened, or receptive?

i.       Luke 8:16-18 

j.       Faith is not private—what God plants in us must shine through us.

k.     Luke 8:19-21 

2.     There is trusting Jesus in the storms of life.

a.     Luke 8:22-25

b.     Our fear vs. Jesus’ authority.

3.     There is freedom in the power of Jesus.

a.     Luke 8:26-33

b.     Jesus confronts legion—no power of darkness is greater than Christ.

c.      Luke 8:34-39 

d.     The fear of people vs. the witness of God’s delivering power.

4.     There is a faith that reaches out to touch Jesus.

a.     Luke 8:40-42

b.     Jairus watches as Jesus started heading toward his home and gets interrupted.  

c.      Luke 8:43-48 

d.     Applying faith moves you to reach for Jesus. He honors the personal touch of belief.

e.     Luke 8:49-56 

f.      Even when Jairus heard his daughter was dead, he kept walking with Jesus.

1.    The disciples are sent with power and authority.

a.    Luke 9:1-6 

b.    The words here are dynamis (power, ability) and exousia (authority, right).

c.     Jesus transferred His own authority over demons and disease. 

d.    This is significant: He doesn’t just teach them what to do; He empowers them to actually do it.

e.    Mission is not about self-sufficiency, but trust.

2.    The world is confused about Jesus’ identity.

a.    Luke 9:7-9 

b.    Herod hears about Jesus and is unsettled. 

c.     Curiosity about Christ is not the same as faith in Him.

3.    Jesus provides abundantly for His people.

a.    Luke 9:10-17

b.    The problem: The crowd is hungry in a desolate place. 

c.     The solution: Feed them, but they don’t have enough. 

d.    God takes what we have and uses it greatly when surrendered to Him.

4.    Peter confesses Christ, but Jesus redefines Messiahship as suffering.

a.    Luke 9:18-22

b.    Jesus turns the question personal. Faith is not based on what others say, but on personalconviction.

c.     This confession marks a turning point—the disciples recognize His true identity, but they don’t seem to yet understand His mission.

5.    Discipleship means daily surrender.

a.    Luke 9:23-27 

b.    The cross is not an accident; it is God’s plan.

c.     Daily cross = discipleship is ongoing surrender, not a one-time act.

6.    The Transfiguration confirms Jesus as the glorious Son.

a.    Luke 9:28-36 

b.    This is a glimpse of His divine glory (like Moses on Sinai). 

c.     Moses and Elijah appear.

d.    Moses represents the Law. 

e.    Elijah represents the Prophets. 

f.      Together, they represent the whole Old Testament pointing to Christ.

g.    The cross is not defeat but rather the fulfillment of God’s plan. God is saying, Jesus is the beloved Son—listen to Him.

FOUR TRUTHS JESUS TAUGHT:

1.    Great faith has great expectation.

a.    Luke 7:1-10 

b.    Understanding authority.

c.     Understanding belief. 

d.    John 14:13 

2.    Great compassion moves one to great action.

a.    Luke 7:11-17

b.    Weeping touches Jesus.

c.     Mary weeping. John 11:33-35 

d.    Jairus’ House. Luke 8:52 

e.    Mary Magdalene. John 20:11,14-16 

f.      Jesus weeping. Luke 19:41

3.    Great affirmation follows great service.

a.    Luke 7:18-23

b.    We are blessed when we stand with Jesus.

c.     Luke 7:24-28

d.    The world measures by power, position, and recognition.

e.    John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

f.      Luke 7:29-35

g.    People can be in church and not repent because they feel they live right.

4.    Great worship brings about great forgiveness.      

a.    Luke 7:36-39 

b.    Full belief produces extravagant worship.

c.     True worship is humble worship.

d.    Luke 7:40-48; Luke 7:49-50 \

e.    To hear Jesus say, your faith has saved you, is everything!

1.    Jesus is Lord of all–including the Sabbath and our lives.

a.    Luke 6:1-5 

b.    Jesus connected His work on earth to His authority and divinity.

c.     The Sabbath was made for man’s blessing.

d.    Luke 6:6-11 

e.    God desires mercy over sacrifice.

2.    Jesus demonstrates that prayer precedes decisions. 

a.    Luke 6:12-13 

3.    Jesus explains the blessings in God’s Kingdom.

a.    Luke 6:20-23 

b.    Kingdom values invert worldly values—live for eternal rewards.

4.    Jesus gives woes of worldly living.

a.    Luke 6:24-26 

b.    Rich without God.

c.     Full without God. 

d.    Laughing without God. 

e.    Seeking the praise of man. 

f.      We need a shift of perspective.

g.    2 Corinthians 4:17-18 

h.    Matthew 6:19-21

i.      Romans 8:18 

j.      Hebrews 12:2

k.     Kingdom values reverse worldly priorities.

5.    Jesus says to love radically.

a.    Luke 6:27-36

6.    Jesus says judge yourself before you judge others.

a.    Luke 6:37-42 

b.    We need humility in relationships.

7.    Jesus explains what obedience looks like and proves. 

a.    Luke 6:43-49

b.    Obedience is the foundation of discipleship.

1.    The call to trust Jesus. 

a.    Luke 5:1-3 

b.    The Word of Jesus precedes the work of Jesus.

c.     Luke 5:4-5 

d.    Faith often requires stepping beyond our experience.

e.    Luke 5:6-7

f.      Obedience leads to overwhelming blessing.

g.    Luke 5:8-11 

h.    A real encounter with Jesus produces humility and surrender.

2.    The call to compassion.

a.    Luke 5:12-13 

b.    Jesus is willing to touch the untouchable.

c.     Luke 5:14-16

d.    True ministry flows out of prayer and dependence on God.

3.    The call to forgiveness.

a.    Luke 5:17-19 

b.    Faith sometimes requires determined persistence.

c.     Luke 5:20-21 

d.    Luke 5:22-26 

e.    Jesus’ authority to forgive is confirmed by His power to heal.

4.    The call to follow.

a.    Luke 5:27-29

b.    Jesus calls people right where they are but demands they leave their old life.

c.     Luke 5:30-32 

d.    Jesus came for those who admit their need for Him, not the self-righteous.

5.    The call to new life.

a.    Luke 5:33-35 

b.    Jesus brings new joy, not just old rituals.

c.     Luke 5:36-39 

d.    His kingdom is a new work, not a patch on the old.

e.    The danger of clinging to the old is resisting the new.

f.      The Spirit’s work requires new wineskins—hearts made new.

g.    The Greek word translated “NEW” in relation to WINE is “NEOS” But the word translated “NEW” in relation to WINESKINS is KAINOS and literally means “RENEWED.”

1.     Stand Firm in Temptation.

a.     Luke 4:1-13 

b.     Be filled with the Spirit before entering life’s battles.

c.     Fight lies with truth—memorize needed Scripture.

d.     John 4:34 

e.     Psalm 24:1 

f.      James 4:7 

g.     1 Peter 5:8-9 

h.     1 John 4:4 

i.      One of the single biggest lessons Jesus taught us: Jesus overcame temptation by relying on God’s Word and the Spirit’s power.

2.     Embrace the mission of Jesus.

a.     Luke 4:14–21

b.     Jesus came to bring good news, healing, freedom, and hope—and He calls us to join Him.

c.     Seek opportunities to serve the hurting.

d.     Live mission minded where God has placed you—workplace, neighborhood, family.

3.     Expect Rejection, Stay Faithful.

a.     Luke 4:22-30

b.     Don’t let rejection derail your obedience.

c.     Understand the Gospel can offend—it challenges pride and self-sufficiency.

d.     Keep speaking truth in love while facing them.

4.     Minister in the Authority of Jesus.

a.     Luke 4:31-37 

b.     Jesus has power over sin, sickness, and Satan—and He gives His followers authority in His name.

c.     Luke 4:38-40 

d.     Remember, ministry is about His power, not ours.

e.     Luke 4:41 

f.      Don’t shrink back from spiritual opposition—pray with boldness.

g.     Luke 4:42-44 

1.    The Voice in the Wilderness.

a.    Luke 3:1-6

b.    God's prophetic word breaks into history.

c.     We see that God speaks during political and spiritual oppression.

d.    Political oppression: Rome ruled with violence and heavy taxation. The people of God were under foreign domination.

e.    Spiritual corruption: The high priesthood, meant to be a holy office, was compromised by politics and power. Annas and Caiaphas operated more like politicians than priests.

f.      Isaiah 40:3-5 

2.    The message of repentance. 

a.    Luke 3:7-9 

b.    Repentance is more than words—it’s a change of life.

c.     Luke 3:10-14 

d.    Repentance must affect your relationships, finances, and integrity. 

3.    There is One who is greater.

a.    Luke 3:15-18 

b.    There is humility in true ministry.

c.     Jesus’ coming will bring judgment. 

d.    Jesus doesn’t just come to bless but also to separate truth from falsehood, and the faithful from the counterfeit.

4.    There was conflict and there was the Christ.

a.    Luke 3:19-22 

b.    The faithful witness faces opposition, but Christ is revealed.

c.     John confronts sin. 

d.    Jesus is baptized.

Conclusion:

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus through preaching repentance, challenging injustice, and pointing people to the Messiah. His message still applies today: repent, bear fruit, look to Jesus.

1.    We see devotion in the ordinary.

a.    Luke 2:21-24

b.    God works through ordinary obedience.

c.     Faithfulness in small things leads to spiritual growth.

2.    We see the opening of eyes that see salvation.

a.    Luke 2:25-35

b.    God reveals His promises to those who wait on Him.

c.     Waiting on God does not mean inactivity—it’s about faith-filled expectation.

d.    God honors spiritual hunger with divine revelation.

3.    We see worship continue in seasons of waiting and pain.

a.    Luke 2:36-38 

b.    Even in hardship, widowhood, and loneliness, we can remain faithful.

c.     Our pain doesn’t disqualify us from purpose.

4.    We see growth happens in seasons.

a.    Luke 2:39-40

b.    Spiritual maturity takes time.

c.     God develops people in stages—not shortcuts.

5.    We see how we can lose sight of Jesus in the routine. 

a.    Luke 2:41-50 

b.    Spiritual carelessness can cause us to lose intimacy with Christ.

c.     We are to be intentional about staying close to Jesus.

6.    We see the need for submission to advance.

a.    Luke 2:51-52 

b.    Humility and obedience precede promotion.

c.     Growth involves submission to God and godly authority.

d.    You don’t rush into wisdom and favor—you grow into it.

Faith-filled belief results in magnifying God and reshaping how we view morality, possessions, and generations. Mary and Zacharias give us Spirit-inspired songs that reveal a transformed perspective.

FAITH AND BELIEF MOVE YOU CLOSER TO THE LORD:

1.    Mary’s belief gave birth to worship.

a.    Luke 1:45-47 

b.    Her soul magnified the Lord.

c.     Faith leads to expression, not just emotion.

d.    John 3:30

2.    Faith magnifies God in the way we view life.

a.    Luke 1:48-50

b.    The moral compass.

c.     The fear of the Lord shapes moral clarity. 

d.    The economic compass.

e.    Luke 1:51-53

f.      True fulfillment is spiritual, not material.

g.    Matthew 5:6 

h.    The generational compass.

i.      Luke 1:48b,55

j.      We are to view life through the lens of legacy and covenant.

3.    Obedience leads to freedom we need to speak God’s message.

a.    Luke 1:57,59-64 

b.    Luke 1:67-79 

c.     Christ is the sunrise that brings spiritual awakening.        

FAITH AND BELIEF MOVE YOU CLOSER TO THE LORD:

4.    Belief gives us clarity to see life rightly.

a.    Psalm 24:1 

b.    Luke 1:80 

c.     Morally — we submit.

d.    Economically — we steward.

e.    Generationally — we sow.

·      The author of this Gospel account, Luke, was a doctor, a Greek, and a Gentile Christian. 

·      His Gospel was directed to a Gentile audience—the very first sentences of his letter reflect this. 

·      Matthew begins with a genealogy; Mark opens with a concise statement that moves into the gospel story immediately; John gives a theological treatise. 

·      Luke begins with a few words to justify his writing and to assure the reader of the reliability and accuracy of his account. 

·      This follows the pattern of the great Greek and Hellenistic historians, who would explain their work in a short preface. 

·      Luke’s opening verses prove that he truly believed that he, along with the other evangelists, was recording history.

Luke 1:1-4

LUKE’S ACCOUNT OF INTRODUCING CHRIST:

1.    The request made in prayer.

a.   Luke 1:5-13a 

b.   What is the motive of Zacharias’ prayer? 

2.    The revelation of a son.

a.   He will be called John. Luke 1:13b 

b.   He will become a Nazirite. Luke 1:14-15

c.    He will serve as the Messiah’s forerunner. Luke 1:16-17 

3.    The reluctance to believe.

a.   Luke 1:18 

b.   Similar to Abraham, Zacharias only looked at the human scope, rather than the God scope.

4.    The rebuke.

a.   Luke 1:19-20 

5.    The restraint.

a.   Luke 1:21-23 

b.   Numbers 6:24-26

6.    The reign of Jesus is established.

a.   Luke 1:24,26-33 

b.   The announcement of Christ birth came from God through a messenger—angel.

c.    Luke 1:34-37 

d.   The importance of the virgin birth.

e.   The nature of God is established. Luke 1:37 

7.    The blessing of fulfillment.

a.   Luke 1:39-45 

b.   We see divine interaction here, Elizabeth knew Mary was carrying the Messiah through revelationand spiritual enablement. 

2. She perished even though she was warned.

3. She perished even though she made an attempt to escape.

4. She perished even though she left hanging around the sodomites.

TWO THINGS STAND OUT:

First, many times God allowed a desperate situation to arise before presenting His message or providing His deliverance. 

Secondly, He always called upon a faithful servant to “stand in the gap,” making intercession to Him on behalf of the people, and to be His agent through whom He performed His work. (Ezekiel 22:30)

SIX HISTORICAL DIVISIONS ARE APPARENT:

1.     The Persian Era (Dates back to 536 B.C. but coincides from 397-336 B.C.)

a.     Daniel 5:30-31, Daniel 7

b.     The rise of the synagogue as the local center of worship can be traced back to this period. 

2.     The Greek Era (336–323 B.C.)

a.     Alexander the Great, in many respects the greatest conqueror of all time, was the central figure of this brief period. 

b.     This process, called Hellenization, included the adoption of Greek culture and their polytheism. 

3.     The Egyptian Era (323–198 B.C.) 

a.     Daniel 8:21-22 

b.     Four Nations: Ptolemy, Lysimachus, Cassander, and Selenus. 

c.     Worship was influenced to become more external than internal, a notion that had a lasting impact upon Judaism.

4.     The Syrian Era (198–165 B.C.)

a.     Ezekiel 5:5 I have set Israel in the midst of the nations, with countries all around…

5.     The Maccabean Era (165–63 B.C.) 

6.     The Roman Era (63–4 B.C.)

The rise of Jewish Sects began:

·       Pharisees – Emphasized law and oral traditions

·       Sadducees – Aristocratic, temple-focused, denied resurrection

·       Essenes – Separatists, possibly connected to Dead Sea Scrolls

·       Zealots – Political revolutionaries

Scriptures and Literature

·       Septuagint (LXX) – Greek translation of Hebrew Scriptures

·       Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha – Jewish writings from the period

Transition to the New Testament

·       The scene was set during those 400 years as God worked in the background preparing the right time!

·       Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son…

·       Gospel opens with John the Baptist— “the voice crying in the wilderness”

·       Jesus enters a world shaped by:

o   Roman political rule

o   Greek culture

o   Jewish religious divisions

o   Strong Messianic expectation

Key Takeaways:

·       The “Silent Years” were spiritually and politically formative, not inactive

·       God was preparing the world for the coming of Christ

·       Understanding this period enhances comprehension of the Gospels’ context

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. [2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. [5] And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. [6] And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. [7] Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? [8] And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 

Acts 2:12-18

[12] So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” [13] Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.” [14] But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. [15] For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. [16] But this is (that which) was spoken by the prophet Joel: [17] ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. [18] And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.

THE EFFECT OF PENTECOST:

1. The Change.

Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

Acts 2:3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.

What filled them was changed.

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Their speech was changed.

James 1:5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.

THE EFFECT OF PENTECOST:

2. The Contrast.

Acts 2:12-13 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” [13] Others mocking said, “They are full of NEW WINE.”

Peter before and after.

Matthew 14:30 But when (Peter) saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

Matthew 16:23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Matthew 26:58 But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.

This is that!

Acts 2:14-15 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. [15] For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. [16] But THIS IS THAT which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

Acts 2:17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh…

THE EFFECT OF PENTECOST:

3. The Commitment.

Acts 2:17-18 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, SAYS GOD, THAT I WILL POUR OUT OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL FLESH; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. [18] And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.

Be a willing vessel.

2 Timothy 2:21 Therefore, if anyone CLEANSES himself from what is DISHONORABLE, he will be a VESSEL FOR HONORABLE USE, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

God isn’t looking for perfection—He’s looking for surrender.

Acts 2:46 So CONTINUING DAILY WITH ONE ACCORD in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,

THE EFFECT OF PENTECOST:

4. The Call.

Acts 2:39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and TO ALL WHO ARE AFAR OFF, as many as the LORD OUR GOD WILL CALL.”

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, BUT WHAT I DO HAVE I GIVE YOU: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

God is seen on your life.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control…

God speaks supernaturally through you.

Acts 2:4 And they were all FILLED with the Holy Spirit and began to SPEAK with other tongues, AS THE SPIRIT GAVE them utterance.

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all FILLED with the Holy Spirit, and they SPOKE the word of God with boldness.

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they SPOKE with tongues and prophesied.

God will work through you.

John 14:12 (Jesus said) I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me WILL DO THE SAME WORKS I HAVE DONE, AND EVEN GREATER WORKS, because I am going to be with the Father.

Philippians 2:13 for it is GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU TO WILL and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Ephesians 5:15-20 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. [18] Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT, [19] speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

The fire of Pentecost did not go out—it spread. It changed fearful followers into bold witnesses. It transformed fearful hearts into faith-filled vessels. And it can still do the same today.

[4] And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; [5] for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” [6] Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” [7] And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. [8] But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” [12] Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. [13] And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. [14] These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. [15] And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty)…

UNDERSTANDING BAPTISM:

1. The distinction of baptism.

Acts 1:4-5 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” (Jesus) said, “you have heard from Me; [5] for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Baptism: baptizo means to immerse; submerge; make a partaker of; to overwhelm.

Salvation: The Holy Spirit baptizes me into the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:13 “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body…”

Water Baptism: The minister baptizes me into water.

Matthew 28:19 (Jesus said) “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

God never intended to give you a purpose without providing the empowerment to carry out your purpose!

Holy Spirit Baptism: Jesus baptizes me into Holy Spirit.

Mark 1:8 “I baptize you with water, but He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit”

John 1:32-33 Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon Him. 33 I didn’t know he was the One, but when God sent me to baptize with water, He told me, ‘The One on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’

Acts 2:37-39 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “(1) REPENT, and let every one of you (2) BE BAPTIZED in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall (3) RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

UNDERSTANDING BAPTISM:

2. The surrender of baptism.

Acts 1:13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James.

The upper room became a place of reconciliation .

Human nature will deny Jesus under heavy stress.

Human nature is capable of greed to sell yourself out.

Matthew 21:12-15 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. [13] And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” [14] Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. [15] But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant.

Acts 1:8 (Jesus said) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The supernatural power of the Holy Spirit is about keeping with a spiritual law which supersedes human nature.

UNDERSTANDING BAPTISM:

3. The continuation to baptism.

Acts 1:14-15 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. [15] And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty)…

The word continued signifies persevering and constant attention.

Luke 24:49 (Jesus said) Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

The continuation of prayer and supplication placed them at the point of being filled with supernatural power .

Acts 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on these truths, may we cultivate unity through heartfelt prayer and open our hearts to the same life-changing power that transformed the early church, enabling us to fulfill our divine purpose and shine brightly for Christ in every aspect of life!

[5] “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ [6] But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. [7] Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. [8] And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: [9] of sin, because they do not believe in Me; [10] of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; [11] of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. [12] “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. [13] However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. [14] He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. [15] All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

GOD’S WORK IN YOUR LIFE:

1. God envisioned your life before you ever took a breath.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

John 16:12 I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

2. Jesus embodied your example.

John 16:14-15 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. [15] All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. 

1 Peter 2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.

3. The Holy Spirit empowers and surrounds your walk.

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever…

Romans 8:11,16 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. [16] The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?

1. The Holy Spirit continues the work of transformation that Jesus began.

John 16:8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Transformation begins with acknowledgement.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Titus 3:5b …He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

2. The Holy Spirit confirms God’s truth to us.

John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

The Spirit doesn’t just teach truth—He is truth's voice inside of you.

3. The communion of the Holy Spirit ignites our passion for God’s presence.

2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

John 4:23-24 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. [24] God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Romans 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Conclusion:

The Holy Spirit is not a doctrine to study, but a divine Person to know. He is God’s empowering presence in your life, shaping you into the image of Christ, unveiling the Father’s plans, and calling you deeper into the life you were created for. 

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

[1] It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; [2] and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. [3] Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, BECAUSE AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT WAS IN HIM; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.

Quote:

“God didn’t call you to a life of comfort. He called you to a life that counts. Don’t just spend your life. Invest it. Live with eternity in mind, not ease. Run your race so that at the end, you hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 

—Skip Heitzig

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

We are engaged in spiritual warfare against the forces of evil. 

We need divine empowerment and steadfastness. 

YOUR SPIRITUAL COURAGE WILL BE TESTED:

1. You will be challenged on your relationship with God.

Daniel 6:4-5 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. [5] Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”

Deep spiritual courage goes beyond physical bravery.

2. You will face a strategy coming against you.

Daniel 6:6-9 So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever! [7] All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. [8] Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” [9] Therefore King Darius signed the written decree.

Spiritual warfare.

This is the battle between good and evil from the forces of evil against believers.

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Spiritual opposition.

External resistance that believer’s encounter when trying to live out their faith. Societal pressure, persecution, or a personal attack.

Isaiah 54:17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.

Spiritual difficulties.

Challenges that arise in one’s faith journey, such as periods of doubt, discouragement, or trials.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Spiritual attacks.

Direct and intentional effort to weaken a believer’s faith through temptation, deception, or fear.

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

3. You choose convictions over compromise.

Daniel 6:10a Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God…

Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

4. You choose faithful consistency.

Daniel 6:10b … as was his custom since early days.

Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

5. You choose to be willing to suffer for righteousness’ sake.

Daniel 6:11-12 Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. [12] And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king’s decree: “Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.”

Proverbs 21:3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Daniel 6:19-23 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. [20] When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” [21] Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! [22] My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” [23] The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

Conclusion:

If you are faithful to the Lord, He will give you the courage to face what comes your way!

[8] Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. [9] And he said to his people, “Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; [10] come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.” 

[22] So Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, “Every son who is born you shall cast into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive.” 

Exodus 2:1-2

[1] And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. [2] So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months.

I believe God opens up these core values inside mothers:

1. A DIFFERENT LOVE. (A love that is unconditional, selfless, and compassionate) 

2. A PROTECTIVE MENTALITY. (Guardian instinct, commitment to their safety) 

3. A COURAGEOUS HEART. (Having an inner strength, a bravery that perseveres to do what is right)

COURAGE THAT COMES FROM LIVING IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD:

1. Courage to defy evil and unjust authority.

Exodus 1:22 So Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, “Every son who is born you shall cast into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive.”

Exodus 2:1-2 And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. [2] So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months.

True righteousness may call us to defy things that contradict God’s Word.

Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.

Proverbs 31:8-9 Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. [9] Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.

COURAGE THAT COMES FROM LIVING IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD:

2. Courage to let go and trust God.

Exodus 2:3-4 But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank. [4] And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.

Letting go of what we can’t control and trusting God with our families, careers, and future requires deep faith.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; [7] and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

COURAGE THAT COMES FROM LIVING IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD:

3. Courage to act with faith in unseen outcomes.

Exodus 2:5-9 Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it. [6] And when she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” [7] Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?” [8] And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” So the maiden went and called the child’s mother. [9] Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him.

Hebrews 11:23 By FAITH Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they WERE NOT AFRAID of the king’s command.

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Conclusion:

True courage comes from obeying God, which empowers us to: 

Stand against unjust actions, 

Release control in trust, and 

Act in faith even when outcomes are unseen.

The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

LESSONS FROM THIS PSALM:

1. We should learn we can’t have part-time faith and expect full-time victory.

Psalm 27:1-3 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? [2] When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. [3] Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident.

Full-time faith = confidence in the Lord.

LESSONS FROM THIS PSALM:

2. We should learn the one thing most needed in our life.

Psalm 27:4-6 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. [5] For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. [6] And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

LESSONS FROM THIS PSALM:

3. We should learn to trust in God’s faithfulness—relying on Him as the ultimate source of security and belonging.

Psalm 27:7-10 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. [8] When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” [9] Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation. [10] When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take care of me.

Feelings of being abandoned —being all alone—leads to a dark place.

LESSONS FROM THIS PSALM:

4. We should learn to be of good courage and to dark on the Lord.

Psalm 27:11-14 Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. [12] Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence. [13] I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. [14] Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Waiting on God does not mean being passive; rather, it is an active commitment to life’s challenges in following the plan God has for us.

It seems Jesus Christ, in His experience, is giving us His advice from heaven based on His own experiences in trusting His Father’s plan.

Conclusion:

• Faith Must Be Full-Time for Victory 

• Desiring God’s Presence Above All Else 

• Trusting in God’s Faithfulness 

• Waiting on the Lord with Courage

a. Every tree is known by its fruit. 

b. Fruit doesn’t lie. 

c. You can’t fake fruit forever. 

2. The Heart is the Source of All Behavior. 

a. The mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 

b. We don’t have a speaking problem—we have a heart problem. 

c. Real transformation is internal, not external. 

3. Good Treasure Produces Good Fruit. 

a. What we store in our heart determines what we produce. 

b. Guarding the heart is essential. 

c. Feeding the spirit vs. feeding the flesh. 

4. The Call to Be Fruitful Trees. 

a. Fruitfulness is evidence of salvation. 

b. We are called to be rooted in Christ. 

c. Our fruit is for others. 

Conclusion:

Jesus didn’t come just to improve our behavior—He came to change our hearts. 

A good tree produces good fruit because it’s healthy at the root. The gospel doesn’t ask you to try harder but to surrender deeper.

It's hard to pray because it requires humbling ourselves, getting over ourselves, and coming to the end of our stubborn and sinful selves.

For the Christian, praying is supposed to be like breathing, easier to do than to not do. We pray for a variety of reasons. For one thing, prayer is a form of serving God (Luke 2:36-38) and obeying Him.

Why do we need to develop a prayer life?

We pray because God commands us to pray (Phil. 4:6-7).

Christ and the early church exemplified prayer for us (Mark 1:35; Acts 1:14; 2:42; 3:1; 4:23-31; 6:4; 13:1-3). If Jesus thought it worthwhile to pray, we should also.

Another reason to pray is that God intends for prayer to be the means of obtaining His solutions in various situations.

•       We pray in preparation for major decisions (Luke 6:12-13)

•       To overcome demonic barriers (Matthew 17:14-21)

•       To gather workers for the spiritual harvest (Luke 10:2)

•       To gain strength to overcome temptation (Matthew 26:41)

•       To obtain the means of strengthening others spiritually (Eph. 6:18-19).

Prayer Defined!

Prayer should not be seen as a means of getting God to do our will on earth, but rather as a way of fulfilling God’s will on earth. God’s wisdom far exceeds our own.

Prayers unprayed will remain unanswered. 

Prayer is our means of “plugging into” God’s power; it is our means of defeating Satan and his army that we are powerless to overcome by ourselves.

The most basic definition of prayer is “talking to God.”

Prayer is the primary way for the believer in Jesus Christ to communicate his emotions and desires with God and to fellowship with God.

All prayer must be offered in faith (James 1:6), in the name of the Lord Jesus (John 16:23), and in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26). 

We pray to make requests, seek guidance, and ask for wisdom. God loves this exchange with His children, just as we love the exchange we have with our children. Fellowship with God is the heart of prayer. Too often, we lose sight of how simple prayer is supposed to be.

[1] Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. [2] And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. [3] His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. [4] And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. [5] But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. [6] He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. [7] And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” [8] So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. [9] And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. [10] Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

WHAT DOES THE RESURRECTION MEAN TO YOU?

1. You can have hope.

Matthew 28:5-6 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. [6] He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Eyewitnesses testify that Christ was raised from the dead. This gives assurance that spiritual death has been conquered for all who will believe.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Revelation 1:18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Jesus holds our hope in His hands .

John 10:28 (Jesus said) And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

WHAT DOES THE RESURRECTION MEAN TO YOU?

2. You can experience power.

Matthew 28:1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.

Mary Magdalene was seriously committed to Jesus—that is why she was there on the third morning while the inner circle disciples were lost.

Matthew 27:59-61 When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, [60] and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. [61] And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

Proximity is important—it will keep you from getting lost.

Luke 8:1-2 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, [2] and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities-Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons,

Mary Magdalene gained a new identity as a devoted follower of Jesus, showing the transformative power of encountering Christ. She was no longer defined by her past, but by her faith and relationship with the Savior.

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

WHAT DOES THE RESURRECTION MEAN TO YOU?

3. You can experience joy.

Matthew 28:7-10 (The angel said) And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” [8] So they went out quickly from the tomb with FEAR (emotional awe) and great JOY (overwhelmed with gladness), and ran to bring His disciples word. [9] And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “REJOICE!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. [10] Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

Jesus told them to rejoice—affirming their joy and inviting them to fully enter it.

The resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a fact; it’s a reason to celebrate.

Conclusion:

• You can have hope today! 

• You can experience the power of Jesus delivering you from sin’s bondage! 

• You can experience joy in the midst of all that is going on in this world! 

Matthew 16:26 (Jesus said-paraphrase) Look, does it make sense to truly become successful, but then to hand over your very soul? What is your soul really worth?

[1] Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [2] looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

THE JOURNEY:

1. The shout.

Matthew 21:8-11 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. [9] Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!” [10] And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” [11] So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Psalm 47:1-2 Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! [2] For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.

Praising the Lord keeps our attention on His victory rather than on our weakness.

Psalm 92:4 For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands.

THE JOURNEY:

2. The meal.

Matthew 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took BREAD, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” [27] Then He took the CUP, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. [28] For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; [24] and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.” [25] In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

THE JOURNEY:

3. The stumble.

Matthew 26:31-32 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to STUMBLE because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ [32] But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Matthew 24:10-12 (Jesus) And then many will be OFFENDED, will betray one another, and will hate one another. [11] Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. [12] And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

Hebrews 12:1a Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us…

Psalm 56:13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Isaiah 40:30-31 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

THE JOURNEY:

4. The prayer.

Matthew 26:36-39 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” [37] And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. [38] Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” [39] He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

The prayer of following God’s plan will always work.

THE JOURNEY:

5. The turn.

Matthew 27:20-23 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. [21] The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” [22] Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” [23] Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”

Hebrews 12:3 For CONSIDER HIM who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become WEARY and DISCOURAGED in your souls.

1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Conclusion:

Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Romans 8:34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

TRUTHS ABOUT JESUS:

1. The contemplation of Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb.

Isaiah 53:5-7 But He was wounded for OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, He was bruised for OUR INIQUITIES; The chastisement for OUR peace was upon Him, And by His stripes WE are HEALED. [6] All WE like sheep have GONE ASTRAY; WE have turned, every one, to HIS OWN WAY; And the LORD has laid on Him the INIQUITY of US ALL. [7] He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; HE WAS LED AS A LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER…

The Passover lamb is the foreshadowing of Christ.

Exodus 12:1-13 (Summary) God commands Moses and Aaron to establish a new beginning for Israel, marking the first month of their year. Each household is to take a spotless, one-year-old male lamb and sacrifice it at twilight. THE LAMB’S BLOOD MUST BE APPLIED TO THE DOORPOSTS AND LINTEL OF THEIR HOUSES AS A SIGN OF PROTECTION. That night the angel of judgment will pass through Egypt that night, striking down all firstborns—both human and animal—as an act of judgment against Egypt’s gods. Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

The Lamb became a symbol of atonement.

Hebrews 10:10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the SACRIFICE OF THE BODY OF JESUS CHRIST, once for all time.

Romans 5:8-10 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Much more then, having now been JUSTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD, we shall be SAVED FROM WRATH through Him. [10] For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

2. The shadow of the cross was cast over the entire ministry of Jesus.

John 1:29b …Behold! The Lamb of God…

Behold = we are to see Jesus as the Lamb of God.

John’s knowledge of Scripture and revelation from God enabled him to call Jesus the Lamb of God:

Before the world began.

1 Peter 1:19-20 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN, but now in these last days he has been REVEALED FOR YOUR SAKE.

Animal slain in Eden to cover the nakedness of the first sinners.

Genesis 3:21 And the LORD God made clothing from animal skins FOR Adam and his wife.

Ram that became the substitute in Isaac’s place.

Genesis 22:13 Then Abraham LOOKED UP (Behold) and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering IN PLACE OF HIS SON.

3. The sacrifice that would have the capacity to forgive sin and cleanse every sinner.

John 1:29c … who takes away the sin of the world!

Galatians 3:13 But Christ has RESCUED US from the curse pronounced by the law. When He was hung on the cross, He TOOK UPON HIMSELF THE CURSE for OUR WRONGDOING. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 For He MADE HIM who knew no sin TO BE SIN FOR US, that WE MIGHT BECOME the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God in Him.

Philippians 3:8b-9 …that I may gain Christ and BE FOUND in him, NOT HAVING A RIGHTEOUSNESS OF MY OWN THAT COMES FROM THE LAW, but that which is THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST—the righteousness that comes from God on THE BASIS OF FAITH. 

Hebrews 10:12-13 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a SINGLE SACRIFICE FOR SINS, GOOD FOR ALL TIME. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 

Revelation 5:5-6 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” [6] And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, STOOD A LAMB AS THOUGH IT HAD BEEN SLAIN… 

Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; FOR YOU WERE SLAIN, AND HAVE REDEEMED US TO GOD BY YOUR BLOOD out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 

Revelation 12:11 And they OVERCAME HIM (Devil) BY the BLOOD OF THE LAMB and by the WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY (our confession of faith)…

Conclusion:

The questions for us today: 

What will we do with this truth? 

Will we behold Him, embrace Him, and allow His sacrifice to transform our lives?

1. The nature of mankind.

Matthew 16:21a FROM THAT TIME (Marks a turning point—final preparation begins) Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to JERUSALEM (1. Place prophesied by Zechariah. 2. God’s Presence in the Temple. 1 Kings 8:10-11 Glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord)…Matthew 6:21b …and SUFFER MANY THINGS (rejection, beatings. Isaiah 53—Suffering Servant) from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and BE KILLED, and BE RAISED THE THIRD DAY (For a human king, this would be the end. For Jesus, death would be the beginning—raised to life). 

Matthew 16:22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to REBUKE Him (he sought to protect Jesus—having just confessed Him as the Christ), saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; THIS SHALL NOT HAPPEN TO YOU!” (Represents mankind’s limited view—do we limited Jesus’ impact on our life—this is why we trust God and His plan/will) 

Matthew 16:23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, SATAN! (Adversary) You are an OFFENSE (stumbling block) to Me, for you are not MINDFUL of the THINGS OF GOD, but the THINGS OF MEN.” (Not having the mind of Scripture or the Spirit. Jesus is pointing out the reason He must die, the carnal mind) 

THREE THINGS JESUS TEACHES IN THIS TEXT:

2. The nature of the cross.

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone DESIRES to come after Me (strong feeling that leads to a God commitment), let him deny himself (pushing aside self-ambition to prioritize God), and TAKE UP his cross (cross is a metaphor for complete devotion), and FOLLOW ME (Let Jesus lead).

THREE THINGS JESUS TEACHES IN THIS TEXT:

3. The nature of God.

Matthew 16:25a For whoever DESIRES (A person can allow that strong feeling lead to self-commitment) to SAVE his life will LOSE it…

Self-preservation leads to self- destruction.

Matthew 16:25b-26 …but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what PROFIT is it to a man if he GAINS THE WHOLE WORLD, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in EXCHANGE for his soul? (Is there anything worth more than your soul?)

Self-denial leads to self-fulfillment.

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels (the hope we have), and then He will REWARD EACH ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS.

The way of the cross is for the present, the reward will come in the future.

Conclusion:

We see a God of mercy and love that reaches where we are and gives us the opportunity to follow Jesus! 

1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast for a thousand of his lords, and drank wine in the presence of the thousand. 2 While he tasted the wine, Belshazzar gave the command to bring the gold and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple which had been in Jerusalem, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. 3 Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple of the house of God which had been in Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. 4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone. 

5 In the same hour the fingers of a man’s hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. 6 Then the king’s countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other. 7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke, saying to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing, and tells me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck; and he shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.” 8 Now all the king’s wise men came, but they could not read the writing, or make known to the king its interpretation. 9 Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, his countenance was changed, and his lords were astonished. 

10 The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came to the banquet hall. The queen spoke, saying, “O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your countenance change. 11 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers. 12 Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.” 

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. 

Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

UNDERSTANDING WE NEED FROM THIS STORY:

1. The sovereignty of God over human kingdoms.

Daniel 5:18-21 (summary) O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom and majesty, glory and honor. But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. He was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen… he lost his mind… until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men and appoints over it whomever He chooses.

2. The consequences of losing godly boundaries.

Daniel 5:22-23 “But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this. 23 And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.

Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Daniel 5:24-28,30 (summary) The message and interpretation: Mene means ‘numbered’—God has numbered the days of your reign and has brought it to an end. Tekel means ‘weighed’—you have been weighed on the balances and have not measured up. 28 Upharsin means ‘divided’—your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” The consequence: That very night Belshazzar, the Babylonian king, was killed.

3. The need for retaining your sanctity and fidelity.

Daniel 5:11-12,16-17 (summary) There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him… Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams… Daniel told the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another…

1 Peter 1:13-16, 21-23 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

John 8:31-32 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Allow the Word to sanctify your heart and mind.

Allow the truth to guard your heart.

Allow a continuous filling of truth into your life.

2 Timothy 3:13-17 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Conclusion:

Know that the Sovereignty of God is over all human kingdoms. 

Understand that there are consequences when you lose godly boundaries. 

Do what it takes every day to retain your sanctity and fidelity toward God.

13 For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 

Scripture from the Holy Bible reminds us of a powerful truth—through Christ, we have victory! It is in Him that we experience and live out the victory of God’s Kingdom.

LIVING IN THE VICTORY OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD:

1. God has released us from the power of darkness.

Colossians 1:13a For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness…

The word DOMAIN in Greek is exousias, which translates to power or authority in English.

Kingdom here is not a territory but of authority.

Spiritual liberation from the domain of Satan.

John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Ephesians 5:8-11 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

2. God has transferred us into the Kingdom of His Son.

Colossians 1:13b … and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

This means our spiritual position has changed. From darkness to Light.

The Light impacts our:

Awareness.

Matthew 6:22-23 (Jesus said) “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Protection.

Exodus 14:13-14 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14 The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

Purity.

John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

3. God has forgiven us through the blood of His dear Son.

Colossians 1:14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Hebrews 9:22b …without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.

Romans 3:24-25a And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith…

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Colossians 2:13-15 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

This is how we live in victory in the Kingdom of God!

Conclusion:

Are you living in the VICTORY of the Kingdom of God?

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting… 

Philippians 3:10-12

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. [12] Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my GOAL, but I PRESS on to TAKE HOLD of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

AT THE CROSSROADS OF LIFE, WHICH WAY IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD?

1. How do I navigate when life becomes complex? 

Saul . 

Acts 9:1-4a Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground… 

The complexity of Saul of Tarsus: 

• By birth a Jew. 

• By conviction a Pharisee. 

• By citizenship a Roman. 

• By education a Greek.

2. How do I choose when my emotions are tugging me a certain way? 

Damascus Experience. 

Acts 9:4b-6 heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 

The place of the confrontation that re-orders your purpose. 

Ananias. 

Acts 9:10-14 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 

The place of pushing through to trust in the Lord.

3. How do I exert the influence that others deserve? 

Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 

Philippians 3:10-12 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 

The complexity of Paul shifted to One message after his Damascus Road experience: 

• By grace became a Christian. 

• A missionary 

• A theologian 

• An evangelist 

• A pastor 

• A teacher 

• An author of Books that help us even to this day.

Conclusion:

John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as high as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). 

Main Point:

The Kingdom of God cannot be fully known intellectually because if it could, it wouldn’t be heavenly. But there is good news, it CAN be experienced!

TRUTHS ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD:

1. Thy kingdom come.

Matthew 6:10 (Jesus teaches us to pray) Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Pray with intention for God’s will to be done in your life and in the world around you. This helps align your action with His purposes.

The worship of God, the sovereign rule by God, and the performance of His will are all a reality of heaven. The prayer is that these conditions might exist on earth as they do in heaven.

Romans 14:17 (Paraphrase) For the kingdom of God (brings God’s will in where our dedication is not toward following rules that don’t bring us) righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

TRUTHS ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD:

2. The kingdom is within you.

Luke 17:20-21 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

Christ living in cultivates an inner makeover.

Romans 8:6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 14:18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.

TRUTHS ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD:

3. The keys of the kingdom.

Matthew 16:15-19 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Keys of the kingdom are divinely authorized resources that grant us authority and access.

Isaiah 22:22 The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut, and no one shall open.

Your world is not supposed to be ruling you; you are supposed to be ruling your world through utilizing heaven to help you live on earth.

2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Romans 14:17 (Paraphrase) For the kingdom of God (through its authority provides us) righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Revelation 1:18 (Jesus said) I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Conclusion:

Follow Jesus and obey His teachings and you will experience righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

March 2, 2025

Mark 4:26-29 (Jesus said)

26 And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” 

Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest… shall not cease.”

In our text, there are three dynamics are seen: 

Potential 

Process 

Patience 

The Kingdom of God on earth is God’s reign and rule manifested through Jesus Christ, transforming lives and advancing His will! 

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE:

1. A person who sows seeds.

Mark 4:26-27a And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day… 

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE:

2. The seed has potential.

Mark 4:27b … the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 

The seed has everything in it to reach its full potential—given the right environment, it will grow. 

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE:

3. The one who scatters the seed releases the potential.

Mark 4:28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.

TAKEAWAYS:

1. The Kingdom can neither be forced nor coerced.

Mark 4:27c-28 …he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself… 

You sow in FAITH… TRUST for growth… and have PATIENCE with the process!

TAKEAWAYS:

2. The Word contains its own generative power.

James 1:21b …humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. 

1 Peter 1:23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

TAKEAWAYS:

3. When the time is ripe, it will be harvest time. 

Mark 4:29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” 

John 4:35 (Jesus said) Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!

Conclusion:

Jesus declares a harvest from the seeds sown! 

Question is, why are we not sowing seeds?

Main Theme: God calls His people to reverence, repentance, and renewed covenantal faithfulness.

1.    The tragedy of disrespecting God.

a.    Malachi 1:2-5 

b.    We see God’s love and sovereign choice.

c.     We see God’s name despised and unacceptable worship.

d.    Malachi 1:6, 7-10

e.    Do we lower standards in our worship?

f.      Malachi 1:11-13

2.    The corruption in leadership and covenant.

a.    Malachi 2:1-2, 7-9 

b.    Failures in the calling to be faithful teachers and spiritual leaders.

c.     God’s covenant with Levi demanded reverence, instruction, and purity.

d.    Malachi 2:10-12 

e.    Spiritual compromise and faithlessness in marriage.

f.      Malachi 2:13-16 

g.    Marriage is a covenant, not just a contract.

3.    God’s coming refinement and call to faithfulness.

a.    Malachi 3:1-5 

b.    Judgment comes not just for pagan sin but for covenantal hypocrisy.

c.     Malachi 3:6-12 

d.    God speaks of tithing and trust = worship, gratitude, and faith in provision.

e.    Malachi 3:13-17 

f.      Two Kinds of Worshippers:

Group 1: Treat God like a spare tire.

Group 2: Fear the Lord—God hears and honors them.

4.    The coming Day of the Lord.

a.    Malachi 4:1-2; Luke 1:78-79; Malachi 4:4-6 "Remember the Law of Moses, my servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments. [5] Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. [6] And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."

b.    Remember the Law: Hold to God’s Word during delay.

The Book of Zechariah divides into two main parts:

Chapters 1–8: Visions and messages during the rebuilding of the Temple.

Chapters 9–14: Prophetic oracles with apocalyptic and Messianic themes.

Zechariah 1:1-3 In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, [2] "The LORD has been very angry with your fathers. [3] Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Return to Me," says the LORD of hosts, "and I will return to you," says the LORD of hosts.

EIGHT NIGHT VISIONS (As if God pulled the curtain back on the spirit world):

1.    God’s Presence and Protection – The vision of the man among the myrtle trees. 

Zechariah 1:14-17 

2.    Judgment and Deliverance – The four horns and four craftsmen. 

Zechariah 1:18-21 

3.    Future thickly populated and secure – Man with a measuring line.

Zechariah 2:3-5 

4.    Messianic Prophecy – The vision of Joshua the High Priest. 

Zechariah 3:1-4 

Zechariah 3:6-7 

5.    Spiritual Empowerment – The lampstand and olive trees. 

Zechariah 4:6 

6.    Judgment against Wickedness – The flying scroll. 

Zechariah 5:2-4 

7.    Wickedness removed from the land – woman in the basket. 

Zechariah 5:7-8 

8.    Final Victory – The four chariots.

Zechariah 6:5 

EXHORTATIONS & RESPONSES:

1.    Rituals without righteousness are meaningless. (Zechariah 7:5-7)

MESSIANIC PROPHECIES & APOCALYPTIC THEMES:                   

1.    First Oracle emphasizing Messiah’s first advent.

Zechariah 9:9 

2.    Second Oracle emphasizing Messiah’s second advent.

Zechariah 12:2-4; 12:10; 13:6; 14:1-8; 14:20-21 

1.    Call to rebuild the Temple.

a.    Haggai 1:1-4 

b.    Rebuked for misplaced priorities. 

2.    Failure to rebuild resulted in dissatisfaction.

a.    Haggai 1:5-11 

b.    Ezra 4:1-5 

c.     The fight against you will try to get close to you frustrating you. 

3.    The encouragement moved the people to resume work on the Temple.

a.    Haggai 1:12-15

4.    Haggai encouraged the people with the assurance of the Lord’s presence.

a.    Haggai 2:1-5

b.    Haggai prophesied that the glory of the future Temple would exceed that of the past.

c.     Haggai 2:6-9 

5.    Disobedience renders sacrifice unacceptable.

a.    Haggai 2:10-14 

b.    Holiness isn’t transferred by proximity, but defilement is.

6.    Obedience becomes turning point.

a.    Haggai 2:15-19 

b.    Obedience brings cleansing and covenant blessings.

c.     Ezra Connection: Shows the spiritual transformation that led to renewed building.

d.    Ezra 5:2 

7.    Promise to Zerubbabel for the royal line to continue.

a.    Haggai 2:20-23 

1.     Tribulation is a reality for all who are not ready when the rapture takes place.

a.     Zephaniah 1:2-3 

b.     Revelation 6:15-17

2.     Zephaniah points out sin of Idolatry and types of sinners, backsliders and those who never were saved.

a.     Zephaniah 1:4-6 

3.     Judgment and wrath come against rebellion and rejection of the Lord.

a.     Zephaniah 1:7-18 

4.     There is a call to repentance.

a.     Zephaniah 2:1-3 

5.     There will be a remnant protected on the Day of the Lord.

a.     Zephaniah 2:7-9 

b.     There is also a warning.

c.     Romans 11:17-23

d.     Zephaniah 2:10-15 

6.     The space between rebellion and redemption.

a.     Referred to as Armageddon.

b.     Zephaniah 3:1-7 

7.     Faithfulness will gain you purification in His plan.

a.     Zephaniah 3:8-20 

b.     There will be rejoicing over the Second Advent of Christ.

c.     Zephaniah 3:14-20

1.    The questioning stage.

a.    Habakkuk 1:1-4 

b.    When there are questions, the Lord replies if we will listen.

c.     Habakkuk 1:5-7 

d.    God uses everything in creation for His plan.

e.    Habakkuk 1:11 

f.      God used the Babylonians as an instrument to bring correction to Judah.

g.    Habakkuk 1:12-13 

THREE STAGES OF HABAKKUK’S BOOK:

2.    The trusting stage.

a.    Habakkuk 2:1-4 

b.    Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:37-38

c.     The Habakkuk context: How to live when things are difficult.

d.    When times are uncertain, learn to trust God.

e.    Psalm 18:2; Psalm 91:2; Psalm 56:3 

f.      Habakkuk 2:20 

g.    Habakkuk moved from questioning God to trusting God.

h.    Psalm 5:11 

i.      There is a correlation between trusting God and rejoicing in God.

THREE STAGES OF HABAKKUK’S BOOK:

3.    The praising stage.

a.    Habakkuk 3:1,19

b.    Chapter 3 becomes a song where Habakkuk is rejoicing and praising God.

c.     Habakkuk 3:2-3 

d.    Since God has been faithful in the past, I will trust Him in the present and in the future.

e.    Habakkuk 3:17-19

f.      Habakkuk moved from confusion to consolation.

g.    From being perplexed to finally being at peace.THREE STAGES OF HABAKKUK’S BOOK:

1.    The questioning stage.

a.    Habakkuk 1:1-4 

b.    When there are questions, the Lord replies if we will listen.

c.     Habakkuk 1:5-7 

d.    God uses everything in creation for His plan.

e.    Habakkuk 1:11 

f.      God used the Babylonians as an instrument to bring correction to Judah.

g.    Habakkuk 1:12-13 

THREE STAGES OF HABAKKUK’S BOOK:

2.    The trusting stage.

a.    Habakkuk 2:1-4 

b.    Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:37-38

c.     The Habakkuk context: How to live when things are difficult.

d.    When times are uncertain, learn to trust God.

e.    Psalm 18:2; Psalm 91:2; Psalm 56:3 

f.      Habakkuk 2:20 

g.    Habakkuk moved from questioning God to trusting God.

h.    Psalm 5:11 

i.      There is a correlation between trusting God and rejoicing in God.

THREE STAGES OF HABAKKUK’S BOOK:

3.    The praising stage.

a.    Habakkuk 3:1,19

b.    Chapter 3 becomes a song where Habakkuk is rejoicing and praising God.

c.     Habakkuk 3:2-3 

d.    Since God has been faithful in the past, I will trust Him in the present and in the future.

e.    Habakkuk 3:17-19

f.      Habakkuk moved from confusion to consolation.

g.    From being perplexed to finally being at peace.

1.    The character of the God who brings judgment.

a.    Nahum 1:1 

b.    In the prophets, a burden is a heavy message of weighty importance, heavy in the sense that it produces sorrow or grief.

2.    The wrath of a merciful God.

a.    Nahum 1:2-3,6-8 

b.    Why would God send Jonah 125 years earlier to preach?

c.     Jonah 3:4 

d.    God’s mercy is about His namesake.

e.    Isaiah 48:9 

f.      Ezekiel 20:44 

g.    Psalm 109:21

h.    Romans 5:8

3.    The case against Nineveh drifting back into old ways.

a.    Nahum 1:14-15 

b.    From revival to ruin.

c.     Hebrews 2:1-3

What are some threats that cause drifting?

d.    Busyness is a relationship killer.

e.    Culture creep. 

f.      Beware of counterfeit substitutes. 

g.    2 Timothy 4:7 

4.    The consequences of drifting away from God.

a.    Nahum 2:6

b.    Nahum 3:7 

c.     Nahum 3:19 

5.    The lesson we can learn is not to get weak internally.

a.    Nahum 2:10

The name Micah—a shorter form of Mîkāyāh and Mîkāyāhû—(who is like Yahweh / Jehovah) announces the fact that the prophet was a servant of the one true God, the God of Israel.

WE WILL BREAK DOWN MICAH’S PROPHECY DOWN INTO THREE SECTIONS:

1.    Identity the problem.

a.    Micah 1:1-6 

b.    Idolatry. Micah 1:7 

c.     Injustice. Micah 2:1-5 

d.    Deception (by the prophets). Micah 3:5-7, 8 

e.    Corruption (Among civil and spiritual leaders). Micah 3:9-11 

f.      Division (within families). Micah 7:6 

2.    See the practice.

a.    Micah 6:3-5 

b.    Numbers 22:1-3,5-6 

c.     Balak, like all warriors in the ancient world, believes that the outcome of battles is determined by the gods; therefore, he believes the curse will enable him to defeat the Israelites.

d.    Micah 6:6-8 

3.    Understand the promise.

a.    Micah 7:15-17 

b.    Micah 7:18-19 

c.     The Jewish practice of Tashlich, means the symbolic casting off of sins.

d.    What if we would learn to throw the worst of ourself to God in repentance knowing He will cast our sins into the depths of the sea. 

a.     Jonah 1:1-2, 3, 4 

b.     So why would he flee? He did not want to submit. 

c.     Why do storms come?:

d.     Correction. Psalm 107:23-31 

e.     Direction. Acts 27 Shipwrecked on Malta.

f.      Maturation. Matthew 14:28-31 

g.     Jonah 1:15-17 

h.     We can run from God, but we cannot hide from God.

2.     The Prophet’s prayer.

a.     Jonah 2:1 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the fish's belly. 

b.     Pray from where you end up.

c.     Jonah 2:2; Psalm 120:1; Psalm 86:13 

d.     Jonah 2:3; Psalm 88:6

e.     Jonah 2:4; Psalm 31:22; Psalm 138:2

f.      Jonah 2:5; Psalm 69:1-2 

g.     Jonah 2:6; Psalm 30:3 

h.     Jonah 2:7; Psalm 107:5-6 

i.      Jonah 2:8; Psalm 31:6 

j.      Jonah 2:9; Psalm 50:14 

k.     Jonah 2:10

l.      We can run to God because He is a God of second chances.

3.     The Prophet’s preaching.

a.     Jonah 3:1-6 

b.     We are to run with God’s message of hope because anyone can repent and be saved.

c.     Jonah 3:10

d.     God showed outrageous grace.

4.     The Prophets anger.

a.     Jonah 4:1-11 

b.     Jonah failed to consider compassion for the Ninevites.

c.     What is your reaction when you run into God?

Conclusion:

·       You cannot be a recipient of God's grace but not a dispenser of it.

1.    Obadiah was charged with delivering a message from God.

a.    Obadiah 1:1 

2.    Obadiah shared that God vowed to level their prideful and arrogant stance.

a.    Obadiah 1:2-4

b.    Ezekiel 28:17 

c.     Proverbs 16:18 

3.    Obadiah told them of pillage along with loss of wisdom and strength.

a.    Obadiah 1:5-9 

b.    Proverbs 11:14 

4.    Obadiah states their refusal to help a brother in need.

a.    Obadiah 1:10-11

b.    James 4:17

5.    Obadiah points out how they rejoiced over the Israelites misfortune.

a.    Obadiah 1:12 

b.    Proverbs 17:5 

c.     Romans 12:15 

6.    Obadiah highlights how they resorted to selfish behavior and took advantage of the Israelites while they were down.

a.    Obadiah 1:13-14 

7.    Obadiah speaks of the day of the Lord and the reversal of fortunes.

a.    Obadiah 1:15-21

Conclusion:

James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:10 

God has an agenda for His kingdom. Embrace your place in the King's plan.

—Herbert F. Stevenson

HIGH POINTS:

1.    The pronouncement of judgment against eight nations. Amos 1:3 

a.    Damascus. Amos 1:3-5

b.    Gaza. Amos 1:6-8

c.     Tyre. Amos 1:9, 10

d.    Edom. Amos 1:11, 12

e.    Ammon. Amos 1:13-15

f.      Moab. Amos 2:1-3

g.    Judah. Amos 2:4, 5

h.    Israel. Amos 2:6-16

HIGH POINTS:

2.    The reminder from God of His past mercies.

a.    Amos 2:9-11 

HIGH POINTS:

3.    The authority and reasons for the judgment of Israel.

a.    Amos 3:3, 7, 13-15 

b.    Amos 4:1,11 

c.     Amos 5:14-15, 21-23 

HIGH POINTS:

4.    The five visions of judgment.

a.    Vision 1: The Locusts. – Judgment restrained by God’s mercy. Amos 7:1-3 

b.    Vision 2: The Fire.  – Destruction withheld again. Amos 7:4-6 

c.     Vision 3: The Plumb Line. – God’s standard of righteousness. Amos 7:7 9 

d.    Vision 4: The Basket of Ripe Fruit. – Israel’s time of judgment has come. Amos 8:1-3,11 

The day of the Lord is not used to describe a specific time as much as it is mentioned to correlate a time of judgement—a time that belongs solely to the Lord.

JUDGEMENT AND CALL TO REPENTANCE: 

1.     The locust and its severity.  Joel 1:1-4 

2.     The effect upon: 

a.     Drunkards. Joel 1:5-7 

b.     Priests. Joel 1:9 

c.     Farmers. Joel 1:11-12 

d.     Joel. Joel 1:19-20, Joel 1:14 

3.     The coming Day of the Lord brings Judah low. Joel 2:1-5 

a.     There is a call to repentance. Joel 2:10-12

RESTORATION AND FUTURE HOPE:

1.     Change your heart. Joel 2:13 

a.     God desires genuine transformation rather than mere ritual. Isaiah 57:15; Joel 2:15-17

2.     The promise of restoration. Joel 2:25-27 

a.     No matter how much we have lost—spiritually, emotionally, or materially—God can restore and bring newlife.

3.     The prophecy of God pouring out His Spirit on all people. Joel 2:28-32 

4.     God’s judgment will vindicate His people. Joel 3:1-7 

1.    God asks Hosea to marry a prostitute by the name of Gomer.

a.    Hosea 1:2 

2.    To illustrate the kind of people the Israelites have become. 

3.    To illustrate the kind of God that God is

Overview of Hosea:

1.    The need for the knowledge of God. 

a.    Hosea 4:1 

2.    The lack of the knowledge of God’s Word.

a.    Hosea 4:6 

3.    The Lord loves those He disciplines and blesses those who acknowledge Him.

a.    Hosea 6:1-3 

4.    The Lord wants relationship, not religion; adoration, not obligation; love, not duty. 

a.    Hosea 6:6 

5.    The Lord won’t cover over what we cover up.

a.    Hosea 7:1-3 

6.    The Lord warns about living a “mixed life.”

7.    The Lord warns about transgressing against His Covenant.

a.    Hosea 8:1-6

8.    The Lord warns about forgetting about reaping what we sow.

a.    Hosea 8:7 

9.    The Lord warns that a divided heart is a defeated life.

a.    Hosea 10:2-12

b.    Hosea 11:1-11

c.     Hosea 12:1-8

d.    Hosea 13:1-11

Take Aways:

1.    Like Gomer, we are all guilty of unfaithfulness to God.

2.    God never stops loving us. He takes an active role in pursuing us.

a.    Hosea 3:1 

b.    Jeremiah 31:3 

c.     Hosea 2:14a 

3.    Sometimes the wilderness is the only place we can really hear God.

a.    Hosea 2:14b 

b.    Hosea 1:10b 

c.     Hosea 14:7-9

1. We have a promise that becomes reality.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by FAITH, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

2. We have access to God.

Romans 5:2a through whom also we have ACCESS BY FAITH INTO THIS GRACE IN WHICH WE STAND…

Ephesians 2:13-14 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,

3. We have a glorious hope.

Romans 5:2b … and REJOICE IN HOPE of the glory of God.

1 Peter 1:3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,

OUR FAITH AND GOD’S GIFT OF LOVE:

4. We have  strength in tribulation.

Romans 5:3-4 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

5. We experience God’s love through the promised Holy Spirit.

Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the LOVE OF GOD HAS BEEN POURED OUT IN OUR HEARTS BY THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO WAS GIVEN TO US.

John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever- 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God

Conclusion:

Rest in the truth that we are His children! 

Know that His love is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit and LIVE in that love!

1. The Pharisee invited Jesus into his home but reacted with cynicism.

Luke 7:39-43 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!” 40 Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.” “Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied. 41 Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. 42 But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?” 43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.” “That’s right,” Jesus said. 

Cynicism can lead to a hard heart, making it difficult to worship Jesus. 

Matthew 13:15 (Jesus said in the parable of the Sower) For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.’ 

Cynicism relies on human perception; faith requires trusting God beyond what we can see. 

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

2. The immoral woman came in with humility and expressed a repentant dedication. 

Luke 7:37-38 When a certain immoral woman from that city heard He was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. 38 Then she knelt behind Him at His feet, weeping. Her tears fell on His feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing His feet and putting perfume on them. 

She understood the  cost of worship. 

Luke 9:23-24 Then (Jesus) said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 

Philippians 3:7-9 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 

She shows you don’t have to be fearful to approach Jesus in worship. 

Matthew 11:28 (Jesus said) “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 

Ephesians 3:12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.

3. Jesus confronts Simon and affirms the woman.

Luke 7:39-43 (Summary) Simon asked Jesus to have dinner with him, a certain immoral woman heard He was eating there, brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. She knelt behind Him at His feet, weeping, tears falling on His feet. She wiped them with her hair. She kept kissing His feet and putting perfume on them. The Pharisee said to himself, “If Jesus is who He says He is, He would know this woman touching Him is a sinner!

Simon was evaluating Jesus rather than worshipping Him.

The woman gave all of herself in selfless devotion.

Luke 7:44-48 Then (Jesus) turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. 47 “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” 48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Jesus shows that He values inner loving expression over outward superficial expression.

Conclusion:

Religious pride can blind us to our own need of grace! 

Luke 7:50 …Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 

1 John 4:7-8

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 

THE BIBLE INSTRUCTS US THAT LOVE IS A GREAT EXPRESSION!

1. Love, as described in the Bible, is an intense and transformative force that transcends human understanding.

1 John 4:7-10 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But ANYONE WHO DOES NOT LOVE DOES NOT KNOW GOD, FOR GOD IS LOVE. 9 God SHOWED how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love-not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

2. It is both powerful and unyielding, characterized by its enduring nature and its ability to overcome all obstacles.

1 John 4:11-12 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and HIS LOVE IS BROUGHT TO FULL EXPRESSION IN US.

1 Tim. 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Matthew 7:12 (Jesus said) Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

When you think about your expression in life:

You consider that the clothes you wear makes a statement about your lifestyle, who you are. When in reality, your expression of love is what really makes the statement about your lifestyle.

THREE TRUTHS ABOUT YOUR EXPRESSION OF LOVE:

1. To love as you should, you set your heart and mind on the reality of heaven.

Colossians 3:1-4 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Love activates our focus on what truly matters.

2. To love as you should, you cut the cord to your lurking sinful nature.

Colossians 3:5-9 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

Love empowers us to embrace our new identity.

3. To love as you should, wrap yourself head to toe with God’s love.

Colossians 3:10-14 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

Love is the ultimate catalyst that unites all virtues (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience).

Love is the foundation of harmony in our relationships, plus it fuels every good work. Without love, our actions lose their eternal value.

Conclusion:

Love is the central force that transforms us, enabling us to live out our faith and grow into Christlikeness. It directs our focus, strengthens our relationships, and reflects God’s glory in our lives.

And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” 

1 Kings 18:1 (The promise of rain)

And it came to pass after many days that the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.”

EXAMPLE OF DETERMINED PRAYER:

1.Persistent prayer brings results.

1 Kings 18:41-44

41 Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the SOUND OF ABUNDANCE OF RAIN.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, 43 and said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” So he went up and looked, and said, “There is nothing.” And SEVEN TIMES he said, “Go again.” 44 Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “THERE IS A CLOUD, AS SMALL AS A MAN’S HAND, RISING OUT OF THE SEA!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’”

2. God  follows through on what He begins.

1 Kings 18:1 (The promise of rain) 

And it came to pass after many days that the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, PRESENT YOURSELF to Ahab, and I WILL SEND RAIN on the earth.” 

1 Kings 18:45 Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and THERE WAS A HEAVY RAIN. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. 

3.  Empowerment comes by the hand of the Lord. 

1 Kings 18:46 Then the hand of the LORD came UPON Elijah; and he girded up his loins and RAN AHEAD of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. 

Acts 1:8 (The Promise) But YOU SHALL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME UPON YOU; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

1. Giving away our devotion.

2. Giving ear to someone who twists Scripture.

3. Giving room to controlling spirits.

4. Giving in to going through the motions.

5. Giving up on spiritual growth.

THE APPLICATION FOR US:

1. Remember the commendation to two of the churches: 

Endurance through tough times and persecution by exercising spiritual discernment.

Faithfulness despite having little strength.

2. Listen to the Spirit of God so that you will overcome.

1. Jesus declares His reign and position.

2. Jesus’ appearance speaks to what He does.

3. Jesus declares He holds the keys of our life.

Jesus is the conqueror, sustainer, and judge.

4. Jesus instructed John to write the revelation of what he has 

 seen, what he now sees, and what will be seen.

The mystery is being revealed.

1.  Faith in God’s promises.

Joshua 6:2 And the LORD said to Joshua: “See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. 

Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. 

Faith is the foundation for spiritual growth. 

Our choice: Trust in God’s Word or in human-reasoning.

2.  Obedience to God’s  instructions. 

Joshua 6:6-7 Then Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD.” 7 And he said to the people, “Proceed, and march around the city, and let him who is armed advance before the ark of the LORD.” 

Joshua 5:13-15 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?” 14 So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?” 15 Then the Commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so. 

2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

3. Victory through God’s power. 

Joshua 6:20 So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

1. Naaman learned the process of  spiritual transformation.

2 Kings 5:10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” 

There was initial resistance . 

2 Kings 5:11 But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’ 

Then there was humility that led to his healing. 

Spiritual growth requires faith and trust in God’s processes. 

2 Kings 5:14 So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. 

Complacency emerges when we expect immediate results without persistence, which leads to frustration and stagnation. 

Spiritual growth involves repeated and consistent acts of faith. 

2 Kings 5:17-18 So Naaman said, “Then, if not, please let your servant be given two mule-loads of earth; for your servant will no longer offer either burnt offering or sacrifice to other gods, but to the LORD. [18] Yet in this thing may the LORD pardon your servant: when my master goes into the temple of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow down in the temple of Rimmon-when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the LORD please pardon your servant in this thing.”

2. Elisha proved the process of trusting God’s power instead of himself. 

2 Kings 5:15-16 And (Naaman) returned to the man of God, he and all his aides, and came and stood before him; and he said, “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.” 16 But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. 

Spiritual growth develops when we recognize and glorify God’s power rather than seeking personal credit. 

A spiritual plateau can occur when pride and self-reliance replace dependence on God.

3. Gehazi showed the danger of complacency and becoming plateaued. 

2 Kings 5:20-21a But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian, while not receiving from his hands what he brought; but as the LORD lives, I will run after him and take something from him.” 21 So Gehazi pursued Naaman… 

Spiritual complacency can lead to justifying small compromises, while a plateau can make us vulnerable to sinful desires. 

2 Kings 5:21b-23 …When Naaman saw (Gehazi) running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him, and said, “Is all well?” 22 And he said, “All is well. My master has sent me, saying, ‘Indeed, just now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the mountains of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of garments.’” 23 So Naaman said, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and handed them to two of his servants; and they carried them on ahead of him. 

Greed and dishonest self-serving behavior stagnate growth and bring  consequences.

2 Kings 5:27 Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.” And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow.

The New Covenant is the promise that God will forgive sin and restore fellowship with those whose hearts are turned toward Him. Jesus Christ is the mediator of the New Covenant, and His death on the cross is the basis of the promise (Luke 22:20). 

The Old Covenant that God had established with His people required strict obedience to the Mosaic Law. Because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), the Law required that Israel perform daily sacrifices in order to atone for sin. 

New Covenant predicted by Jeremiah

The prophet Jeremiah also predicted the New Covenant. “‘The day will come,’ says the Lord, ‘when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. . . . Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:17) and to establish the New Covenant between God and His people. The Old Covenant was written in stone, but the New Covenant is written on our hearts. 

New covenant predicted by Ezekiel

Ezekiel lists several aspects of the New Covenant here: a new heart, a new spirit, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and true holiness. The Mosaic Law could provide none of these things (see Rom. 3:20).

Features of the New Covenant

•       It is primarily made with the nation of Israel (Jer. 31:31)

•       It offers forgiveness of sins to many (Mt. 26:28)

•       Jesus is its Mediator (Heb. 9:15)

•       Its work of forgiveness covers those under the old covenant and before (9:15)

•       It is everlasting (13:20)

•       It confirms the promise made in Eden, to Abraham and to David (Rom. 15:8)

•       It preceded the old covenant by 430 years, but was not ratified until Christ came (Gal. 3:17)

•       Today, believers celebrate the new covenant by baptism, which associates them with the sacrifice of Christ (Rom. 6:3-6; Gal. 3:27-29; Ps. 50:5)

•       Those in a covenant relationship with God should have God’s laws written in their hearts and minds and walk in faith to the Kingdom (Heb. 8:10; 2:20-22).

Changes Made in the New Covenant

1: Removal of the sacrificial law in the New Covenant

2: Change of priesthood

3: Removal of the physical temple

4: The availability of the Holy Spirit

5: A change of heart

6: Better promises

7: Salvation is offered to non-Israelites

The Davidic Covenant refers to God’s promises to David through Nathan the prophet and is found in 2 Samuel 7 and later summarized in 1 Chronicles 17:11–14 and 2 Chronicles 6:16. This is an unconditional covenant made between God and David through which God promises David and Israel that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come from the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah and would establish a kingdom that would endure forever.

Key Promises made to David

First, God reaffirms the promise of the land that He made in the first TWO with Israel (the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants). This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:10, “I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. 

God then promises that David’s son will succeed him as king of Israel and that this son (Solomon) would build the temple. This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:12–13, " I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name.”

“I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (verse 13), and “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (verse 16). What began as a promised that David’s son Solomon would be blessed and build the temple turns into something different—the promise of an everlasting kingdom. Another Son of David would rule forever and build a lasting House. This is a reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, called the Son of David in Matthew 21:9.

Why is David so Important?

The stories of David weren't preserved and crafted merely out of historical interest. This story of David's humble origins came to epitomize the ideal king. A ruler who wasn't exalted over Israel by human expectations or standards. Rather, he was elevated by God's own grace and anointing!

The Mosaic Covenant is a conditional covenant made between God and the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-24). It is sometimes called the Sinai Covenant but is more often referred to as the Mosaic Covenant since Moses was God’s chosen leader of Israel at that time. The pattern of the covenant is very similar to other ancient covenants of that time because it is between a sovereign king (God) and his people (Israel). 

The Mosaic Covenant was centered around God’s giving His divine law to Moses on Mount Sinai. In understanding the different covenants in the Bible and their relationship with one another, it is important to understand that the Mosaic Covenant differs significantly from the Abrahamic Covenant and later biblical covenants because it is conditional in that the blessings that God promises are directly related to Israel’s obedience to the Mosaic Law. If Israel is obedient, then God will bless them, but if they disobey, then God will punish them. The blessings and curses that are associated with this conditional covenant are found in detail in Deuteronomy 28. The other covenants found in the Bible are unilateral covenants of promise, in which God binds Himself to do what He promised, regardless of what the recipients of the promises might do. On the other hand the Mosaic Covenant is a bilateral agreement, which specifies the obligations of both parties to the covenant.

The Mosaic Covenant is especially significant because in it God promises to make Israel “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Israel was to be God’s light to the dark world around them. They were to be a separate and called-out nation so that everyone around them would know that they worshiped Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. It is significant because it is here that Israel received the Mosaic Law that was to be a schoolmaster pointing the way towards the coming of Christ (Galatians 3:24-25).

Also, the sacrificial system of the Mosaic Covenant did not really take away sins (Hebrews 10:1-4); it simply foreshadowed the bearing of sin by Christ, the perfect high priest, who was also the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-28).

The purpose of the Mosaic Law was to accomplish the following:

(1)   Reveal the holy character of the eternal God to the nation of Israel (Leviticus 19:2; 20:7–8).

(2)   Set apart the nation of Israel as distinct from all the other nations (Exodus 19:5).

(3)   Reveal the sinfulness of man (cf. Galatians 3:19). Although the Law was good and holy (Romans 7:12), it did not provide salvation for the nation of Israel.

(4)   Provide forgiveness through the sacrifice/offerings (Leviticus 1—7) for the people who had faith in the Lord in the nation of Israel.

(5)   Provide a way of worship for the community of faith through the yearly feasts (Leviticus 23).

(6)   Provide God’s direction for the physical and spiritual health of the nation (Exodus 21—23; Deuteronomy 6:4–19; Psalm 119:97–104).

Reveal to humanity that no one can keep the Law but everyone 

The Abrahamic Covenant is an unconditional covenant. The actual covenant is found in Genesis 12:1-3. The Ceremony recorded in Genesis 15 indicates the unconditional nature of the covenant.

Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18)

Melchizedek is a mysterious figure who is described as both the King of Salem

and a priest of "God Most High." He brings to conquering Abram a royal

feast of bread and wine. The king of Sodom, apparently, brought nothing worth mentioning to the meeting.

Theophany

Many Bible scholars speculate that Melchizedek may be what is referred to as a theophany: the Lord taking human form for a specific purpose before His arrival on earth as Jesus.

What does Genesis 15:17 mean

After God completes His prophecy about Abram's descendants, He returns to the covenant ritual that began with Abram dividing and arranging the halves of the animals God had instructed him to bring (Genesis 15:9).

In the dark, two items move between the halves of the animals. One is a

smoking fire pot, something that served as an oven in Abram's day. The

other is a flaming torch.

In the narrative itself, we're not told what these two items represent. However, fire is often associated with God's judgement and His holiness.

Circumcision

All males in Abraham's line were to be circumcised and thus carry with

them a lifelong mark in their flesh that they were part of God's physical blessing in the world.

Why Circumcision?!

The biblical explanation for this commandment states quite clearly that the circumcision acts as an outward physical sign of the eternal covenant between

God and the Jewish people. (Col 2: 11-12)

Sarah

Sarah is literally "beyond" a woman's normal ability to Conceive describes herself as worn out and her husband is old.

1. A covenant in the ancient world was similar to what we in the modern world would call a contract, treaty, or will.

Meaning of the Names of the Seth to Noah

1. Man appointed mortal sorrow (The fall of man).

2. The blessed God shall come down teaching (Torah given to Moses).

3. His death shall bring the despairing rest and comfort (death of Jesus and fulfillment of Matt 11:28-29)

The Days of Noah

The biblical account of Noah begins in Genesis 6. Approximately 1600 years have passed since the creation of Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:26-17).

As the earth's population exploded in number, it also exploded with evil.

Earth's Population During the Days of Noah

1. Some estimate a pre-Flood population of more than 2 billion. Although it is difficult to obtain an actual value of world population at the time of the flood, 5 to 17 billion people would appear to be reasonable populations, with an average of around 10 billion.

Noahic Covenant

1. The Noahic Covenant has several distinguishing features. First, it is an unconditional I covenant. Second, it was made to Noah and all his descendants as well as "every living creature" and the earth in general (Genesis 9:8-10). Third, it was sealed with a sign, the rainbow.

2. When the ark of "Gopher" wood (mentioned only here) was at length completed, according to the command of the Lord, the living creatures that were to be preserved were sent by God to the ark and entered into it.

3. The judgment threatened now fell on the guilty world, "the world that then was, being overflowed with water, Perished" (2 Peter 3:6). The ark floated on the waters for 150 days and then rested on the mountains of Ararat.

4. As a sign and witness of this covenant, the rainbow was adopted and set apart by God, as a sure pledge that never again would the Earth be destroyed by a flood.

Terah the father of Abraham

1. Terah is known in the Bible as the father of Abram (known later as Abraham), who in turn received the covenant promise of God regarding the future birth of

His Son, Jesus. Terah is mentioned in Jesus's genealogy in Luke 3:34.

1. The Bible is a remarkable collection of ancient writings that Christians believe to be God's revelation to people.

The Bible can be understood as a compilation of cohesive contractual agreements, commonly referred to as covenants, that illustrate

the binding nature of God's love demonstrated throughout

the events and history of the world. (AHV)

The Covenant Thread

1. There is one constant thread in the tapestry of the Bible.

a. That Thread is God's Love verbalized through His covenant with mankind!

2. What is a Covenant? It's an agreement between God and his people, in which God makes promises to his people and, usually, requires certain

conduct from them.

Adamic (Edenic) Covenant

1. The Adamic Covenant can be thought of in two parts: the Edenic

Covenant (innocence) and the Adamic Covenant (grace).

The Edenic Covenant is found in Genesis 1:26-30; 2:16-17

a. Edenic Covenant - In Genesis, it was not explicitly called a Covenant;

however, it is later referred to as a covenant in Hosea 6:7.

b. The Edenic Covenant is an example of a Conditional covenant....

Protoevangelium: Proto - First Evangelium - Good News

Both the Edenic Covenant & Adamic Covenant are significant for several

reasons.

First of all, they, establish a pattern to be repeated throughout the Scriptures:

1) Man sins.

2) God Judges the sin,

3) God bestows grace and mercy by providing a way to redeem man and restore man's relationship with God.

Second, the covenants show us that sin always has consequences.

The Edenic Covenant and Adamic Covenant are God's marriage

Ceremony to Mankind!

1. Gold signified royalty and temple worship.

2. Frankincense and myrrh are used to make medicine and as incense.

3. Through the gift of Jesus, there is hope for the future, guidance for the present, and salvation from the past.

1. The humility that wrapped the greatest Gift.

Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The prophecy of His simplicity.

Isaiah 53:2 (foretold of Jesus) For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.

God’s plan for this Gift.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

Philippians 2:5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

2. The awe of those who recognized the Gift.

Philippians 2:6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 

Luke 2:20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. 

Matthew 2:11a And when (the Wise Men) had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him… 

The awe is in revelation.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

3. The indescribable gift of Christ.

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 

John 1:14 (John would describe Jesus) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 

John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 

The meaning behind the wrapping.

Philippians 2:7 rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Luke 2:12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

What matters most is our response to God’s gift.

Luke 1:38 Mary, who said, “Let it be to me according to your word”

Conclusion:

What is your response to God’s Gift to us? 

Have you lost your awe of Jesus? 

Today, you can unwrap Him again and experience the awe afresh and worship Him by giving Him your whole life!

1. We learn to seek God above all else.

2. We learn ambition can cloud judgement and lead to moral compromise.

3. We learn to follow God's guidance in faith.

1. The meaning of Jesus' birth: Peace.

2. The description of Jesus.

Savior: The Rescuer, bringing salvation.

Christ: The Anointed One, chosen to fulfill God's plan.

Lord: God Himself, who comes to dwell with humanity.

1. Revival is about reversing spiritual decline.

2. Revival is driven by the Word.

3. Revival brings an overwhelming, consuming focus on unseen things.

4. Revival brings a strengthening of faith.

5. Revival in us will prompt us to step out in faith.

1. We bring an examination of the heart.

Is there a war within?

Is there peace within?

2. We bring the cultivation that produces growth.

The helps us keep thankfulness from fading.

It happens with an active faith.

3. We bring the language of love that shapes our speech and actions.

Thankfulness becomes prevalent.

Praise and Thanksgiving enables intimate communication.

1. Praise as a continual thought pattern.

2. Praise as a testimony of God's goodness.

3. Praise brings confidence and joy.

4. Praise invites God's presence and protection.

5. Praise is the power within your control.

2. God's design. - For relationship, and priority on God.

3. The power available to us. - God's Word, to speak life to what has lost breath, take deep breaths of God's Word.

1. That we know God is working things out according to His purpose.

2. That we are to be conformed to the image of Jesus.

3. That we should not allow a legalism or performance mentality to hinder our purpose.

1. Study God's Word.

2. Seek God in prayer.

3. Listen to the Holy Spirit.

4. Seek Godly counsel.

5. Observe circumstances and doors God opens.

1. When you set your focus on getting to Jesus, nothing should stop you.

Desire . They had a desire to see their friend healed, believing that Jesus could help him.

Dedication. They were committed to their friend situation—to go the extra mile.

Determination. Despite the crowd blocking their way, they didn’t give up. They were so determined they did something radical.

2. When Jesus sees your faith, He takes action.

Faith is the channel for God’s power to work in us.

3. When you let common reasoning overtake your faith, you hinder what Jesus wants you to receive.

4. When you believe and let Jesus do what He has the power to do.

5. When you trust in Jesus, you will see things you haven't seen before.

1. Faith is not an emotion.

2. Faith comes by revelation.

3. Faith and revelation connect and result in a life of worship.

1. There must be an urgency of obedience.

Obedience requires immediate action.

You must leave the past behind.

God will give you divine protection.

2. There is a need to remember the works of God.

Forgetting God's works leads to doubt and eventual disobedience.

There are consequences of disobeying God.

3. There must be a transformation through faith to move from our past.

There is a need for a spiritual awakening.

Your witness becomes your move from your past.

God has a new mission for those who move forward in Him.

1. Jairus humbly requested Jesus’ presence in his need.

2. The woman with the issue of blood, pursued the presence of Jesus.

3. When Jairus heard his daughter had died, he kept walking with Jesus.

4. Jesus demonstrates clearing distractions. 

5. While there were differences, Jesus brought about the healing because of the faith of both people.

What do you need to exercise faith about in your life right now? 

Remember radical faith involves going back to the root of our faith, which is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

1. Pray and watch.

2. Arm yourself to make progress.

3. Be steadfast in your commitment to God.

1. Elimelech - His name meant my God is King.

2. Naomi - Her name meant pleasant.

3. Ruth - Her name meant companion.

Lessons we learn from this story about radical faith:

1. Human reason must be predicated on God's truth principles.

2. Human appetites often tragically dictate our choices and direction.

3. Spiritual common sense dictates we examine our hearts before we choose.

1. Societal/Cultural expectation - In this world there is pressure to not reveal your faith in Jesus.

2. Mordecai's expectation - Mordecai had taught faithfulness to her people.

3. Esther's own expectation - Seeking God and His wisdom will help us have the courage to take action.

4. Divine expectation - The Lord has an expectation of us to trust Him.

1. The atmosphere for spiritual strength and using the armor of God.

Praying always with all prayer = all kinds at all times.

And supplication = intense and focused prayer.

In the Spirit = relying on the Spirit for guidance and power.

Being watchful to this end = against preoccupation by being alert.

With all perseverance = with Steadfastness and endurance, not giving up.

And supplication for all the saints = stresses the need for earnest, specific prayers supporting others through intercession.

2. The results will be receiving from the Spirit the words to share.

Open my mouth boldly = Proclamation with courage and clarity.

3. The purpose was not engulfed by his location.

Ambassador in chains = Paul's heart and mind were fixed on his responsibility.

4. The communication path used was reassuring.

The faithfulness of Tychicus.

Grace and Peace = essential cornerstones for the Christian life.

1. There is some emphasis words used in our text that are not part of the armor.

a. Take up: Purpose of assisting, to occupy, to establish.

b. Withstand: Not to be swept off our feet by something.

c. Having Done All: The prerequisite in order to face the warfare.

d. Taking: To use in particular situations, as demands.

2. Belt of Truth: Integrity and honesty.

3. Breastplate of Righteousness: Living a life of virtue and justice.

4. Preparation of the Gospel of peace: Mindset of readiness to embrace and share hope.

5. Shield of Faith: Core beliefs are trust and confidence.

6. Helmet of Salvation: A mindset assured in your identity and purpose.

7. Sword of the Spirit: Wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

1. The call given is to be strong spiritually.

2. The call given is to prepare for battle.

3. The call given is to realize the nature of who fights against us.

1. If our faith is real, it will prove itself at home in our relationships.

2. The role of servants and masters.

3. If our faith is real, how can we live in mutual respect and obedience in the marketplace?

1. Voluntary submission is different than inferior submission.

2. Love is not dominant or controlling.

3. The mystery of Christ and the church, oneness, as represented in marriage.

4. A reminder of our roles.

1. Acting wise instead of being foolish.

2. being filled with the Spirit.

3. The influence of the Spirit has a cause and effect.

4. The instruction of the Spirit leads to valuing others.

1. Instructed to imitate God by walking in love.

a. Follow God's example in loving others and forgiving others.

b. Our basis of our Christianity is exemplified in Christ's sacrifice.

2. Instructed to avoid darkness.

a. As a believer, we are not to give any room for these behaviors.

b. Understand that your behavior reveals a heart close or far from God.

c. Deception leads to disobedience which shifts us from God's design.

3. Instructed to live as children of light.

a. Our identity in Christ transforms us from darkness to light.

b. living as light means discerning what pleases God - Honesty, Goodness, and Truth.

c. Exposing darkness rather than participating in it.

d. God's light reveals what's hidden in darkness.

e. This is a call to spiritual awakening.

1. There is a call to live worthy of our calling.

2. There are seven unifying elements that are the basis to our unity.

3. There are gifts for unity and service from Christ.

4. There are different ministry roles in the body.

5. There is growth needed to mature in Christ.

1. We are introduced to the stewardship of the mystery.

2. We now have the mystery revealed.

3. We now know why Paul was converted to his ministry.

4. We now see how God reveals His eternal purpose.

5. We now understand why we have boldness and confident access.

1. Freedom from alienation by His blood.

Gentiles were considered aliens from the commonwealth of Israel.

The Sacrificial death of Jesus bridges the gap.

2. Peace by reconciliation through Christ.

Christ as peace broke down the dividing wall of hostility.

This resulted in the Mosaic Law's role in separation nullified.

3. Foundational unity in the body of Christ.

Equivalent standing as part of God's family.

Believer's position as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

1. Understanding our condition and our position.

Because of Christ's resurrection, we are made alive.

Sin (hamartia) means to missing the mark. The perfect standard of God.

Trespass (paraptoma) means overstep or cross God's boundary.

2. Understanding what dominates my life.

When you repented, you turned around.

You were held captive by the world and its ruler.

You choose who you serve.

You were dominated by sinful longing.

3. Understanding God's motivation in His provision of mercy.

Mercy is the great reach of His love.

Grace is the currency by which we are saved.

The transaction from death to life in Christ Jesus raises us positionally.

4. Understanding the greatness of His gift to us.

Our salvation, our rescue, from spiritual death is all God's work.

This is the character and design of grace.

His grace, our faith, changes everything.

5. Understanding that God created us for greater potential.

God has the plan; you supply the yes!

1. Prayer of intercession for an enlightened heart.

2. Prayer that they would know God.

3. The eyes of the inner man opened to truth that is needed.

4. The power of life.

5. The proof of life.

1. Spiritual blessings from the Father.

a. Chosen in Christ

b. Predestined for adoption

c. The Father's grace is the foundation for our spiritual blessings.

2. Spiritual blessings from the Son.

a. Redemption through His blood

b. Riches of God's grace

c. The mystery of His will

3. Spiritual blessings of the Holy Spirit

a. Based on trusting Christ with your life

b. sealed with the Holy Spirit

c. The Holy Spirit as a guarantee

1. Faith is dynamic.

2. Faith is agreement.

3. faith is enactment.

4. Faith is something God will increase.

5. Faith is something people can encourage us in.

6. Faith is something you can position yourself to grow.

1st Image - In Ezekiel 47, the Lord gives a vision of water flowing out of the temple.

2nd Image - In John 7, Jesus is at the Feast of Tabernacles.

Contemplating Both Images:

This river flowed out of the dry places all the way to the Dead Sea.

When the Spirit is flowing, people who are empty can be filled.

When the Spirit is flowing, people who are hurting can be healed.

1. The obedience that gives God pleasure is produced by the power of His grace through faith.

2. The power of God's grace that saves through faith is the same power of God's grace that sanctifies through faith.

3. There are different kinds of faith in the Bible:

Common grace, enabling grace, saving grace, justifying grace, serving grace and sustaining grace.

4. The grace of God works in many ways in us:

Grace provides access to God to communicate and fellowship with Him.

Grace disciplines and trains us in a way that honors God.

Grace helps us in our every need.

Grace helps us gain the ability to forgive.

1. God expressed His confidence in Joshua.

2. God promised success if he stepped out.

3. God assured Joshua that no one could stop him.

4. God said, depend on this Book - Speak it, think it, do it.

1. Revival is not just reformation.

2. Revival I the restoration of our spiritual life.

3. Revival has a demand for righteousness.

4. Revival brings peace when we express the fear of the Lord in our walk.

5. Revival is present when mercy meets truth.

6. Revival begins when we recognize our need and pray.

1. Jesus taught us how to solve division.

2. Jesus taught us how to have peace.

3. Jesus taught us to love God first by seeking His Kingdom.

What do you do in the test? You pull out the umbrella of God's Word.

2. Times of Triumph

 The rain will stop, deliverance will come, the giant will fall, and you will enter your “promised land.” Don’t give up at 40. 41 is coming.

1. The enemy strategized to isolate the young people.

2. The enemy planned to indoctrinate them

3. The enemy attempted to change their identity.

What we can learn from Daniel's crisis:

1. God gave Daniel favor because of his faithfulness.

2. God gave Daniel influence.

3. God gave Daniel vitality because he gave himself to God.

1. Assurance of deliverance for us who are in Christ.

2. Assurance of the work of the Holy Spirit in us.

3. Assurance of God's unconditional love revealed in Christ.

1. When you encounter Christ don't turn loose.

2. What you have been can be changed by a touch of the Lord.

3. When you trust God, what you put in motion will come back with a good harvest.

• He lost his awareness of his divine destiny.

• He misused God’s divine gift. 

• Because of all this, he became temperamental and revengeful.

Lessons From Samson:

1. Things can go wrong when we are overconfident in ourselves.

2. Our lives move in the direction of our strongest thought.

3. We see the results of losing the mindset of Christ.

1. When you feel attacked, move your position to higher ground.

2. When you feel tired, reach out to someone to agree with you in prayer.

3. When the fight reaches you, hold up the banner of God.

1. To welcome children.

2. To point children in the right direction.

3. To engage children in God's Word.

4. To train children to follow Jesus.

5. To help children develop an informed and active faith.

1. The Word declared at Pentecost was meant to all generations.

2. The Word includes sons and daughters prophesying.

3. The Word moves us to live authentic holy lives that serves as an expressive example to the next generation.

1. The foundation of God's peace.

Here is why it is so important:

Having your feet prepared in the Gospel confirms you are moving in the right direction.

Having your feet prepared in the Gospel confirms you can stand against the enemy.

Having your feet prepared in the Gospel confirms you can know peace.

2. The wholeness of God's peace.

We need God's peace to calm our body, soul, and mind.

3. The faithfulness of God's peace.

Prayer is the main way we keep our mind on the Lord.

1. What is spiritual submission?

It is presenting yourself to be a living sacrifice.

2. Who is spiritual submission for?

All believers are called to be set apart for His purpose.

3. Why have spiritual submission?

Obedience, protection, freedom, and direction.

4&5. When and Where to have spiritual submission:

We are called to submit daily, in all things.

6. How to be spiritually submitted:

we make a choice to crucify our self.

1. He gave Himself.

2. He finished.

3. He's alive!

4. He's faithful!

5. He's coming back!

1. This was God's plan.

2. This was God's way.

3. This was the return of God's glory.

• He has a mind.

Romans 8:27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

• He has a will.

Corinthians 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

• He has love.

Romans 15:30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.

• He can be grieved.

Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

HELPER: DESCRIBING THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ROLE IN ASSISTING AND AIDING BELIEVERS.

•  Advocate : One who pleads or defends another’s cause or need.

• Comforter : Encourage, bring strength, and peace to the hurting.

• Counselor : Signifying guidance, wisdom, and support.

1. He struggled to pass the test.

2. He struggled with tension of the moment, so he became distant.

3. He struggled to trust in this life altering moment.

Jesus comes with reassurance:

1. Your future doesn't have to be determined by your failures.

2. Jesus restores and reconnects.

3. Jesus was restoring Peter's commission and He reset his destiny.

1. Jesus introduces the Helper sent to teach and remind us.

2. Jesus makes us aware of spiritual warfare in this world.

3. Jesus acknowledges that Satan is coming at Him.

1. Some worshiped Him, but some doubted.

2. Some chose routine over revelation.

3. Some missed the opportunity to receive transformative power.

Important aspects of a heartfelt relationship with God:

1. Learn to listen.

2. Consistent to listen.

Experience God as you listen.

Jesus uses a story to state what is important to hear.

1. Two lives.

2. Two destinations.

3. Two requests.

4. Two understandings.

1. Gideon's fleece demonstrated his lack of trusting God.

2. Gideon tested God, the God tested Gideon.

3. Gideon heard God and experienced victory.

1. He fell into self-doubt.

2. He tried to put God in a box.

3. He felt God's conviction.

God's Response:

1. He questions our action.

2. He demonstrates His multiplicity.

3. He will reignite your purpose.

1. Don't refuse to listen.

2. Don't refuse to believe.

3. Don't refuse His command.

1. He is the God of peace.

2. He is The Great Shepherd of the sheep.

3. The blood of the everlasting covenant.

4. He will make you complete in every good work to do His will.

5. God works in us!

1. Christ never changes who He is.

2. Christ never changes His principles.

3. Christ never changes His power.

4. Christ never changes His promise.

5. Christ never holds back His presence when we praise.

1. The Kingdom is speaking, don't refuse to listen to the Lord.

2. The Kingdom is now. "Kingdom" means the rule and sovereign government of God.

3. The Kingdom to come.

4. The Kingdom life is continuous promise, acceptable worship, and overriding fire.

5. The kingdom in action through love and hospitality.

1. We have a choice to climv or not.

2. We can come to a mountain of provision.

3. We experience a multitude of joyful angels when we come to Mount Zion.

4. When we come to Christ, we are registered in Mount Zion.

5. We will see God as He resides in Heaven.

6. We are made perfect when we go rot Heaven.

7. We must know that Jesus made Heaven possible.

1. God disciplines us because He loves us.

2. God disciplines us for our good.

3. God disciplines us for our growth and development.

4. God disciplines us so we will make the right effort in our relationships.

5. God disciplines us so we will be prepared to choose well in our reactions.

6. God disciplines us so we will be responsible in our choices.

1.        Remember our heroes.

2.        Remove our hindrances.

3.        Run the race.

4.        Focus our faith.

5.        Emulate Jesus’ example.

6.        Keep your courage.

1. Faith factor - Hebrews 11:1

2. Faith clarified - Hebrews 11:2-3

3. Faith commended - Hebrews 11:4-5

4. Faith rewarded - Hebrews 11:6

5. Faith characterized - Hebrews 11:7-12

6. Faith in hope - Hebrews 11:13-16

7. Faith patriarchs - Hebrews 22:17-22

8. Faith endures - Hebrews 11:23-29

9. Faith wins - Hebrews 11:30-40

1. The Tabernacle Formation

a. The Courtyard - bronze altar and laver of cleansing

b. The Holy Place - lamp stand, table of bread, and altar of incense

c. The Most Holy Place - the Ark of the Covenant

2. The Tabernacle Function

a. Daily ministry of priests in the holy place

b. Annual Day of Atonement by the High Priest

3. The Tabernacle Fulfillment

a. The way into the Holy of Holies is by Jesus.

b. What the Old Testament high priest did every year with the blood of animals, Christ did once and for all with His own blood.

c. Christ's sacrifice was eternal and obtained lasting redemption.

1. A covenant is a promise from God to His people.

2. A covenant when applied to faith has great meaning.

3. There is sharp contrast between the Old and New Covenants.

4. The Old has gone, and the New has come.

1. The Melchizedek mystery.

He was a type of Christ, not an early appearance of Jesus.

He was a king and priest, as Jesus would be.

2. The divine promise.

Perfection means the completion of God's plan of salvation.

The law was weak in that it could not save or bring about inward change.

3. The permanent priesthood.

Jesus lives forever as the holy one.

Jesus saves completely!

1. the caution not to fall away.

2. The conviction to stand firm.

3. The consistent hope we have is backed up by God's promises.

4. The confident hope we have is secure in Christ.

1. Repentance from acts that lead to death.

2. Faith in God.

3. Instruction about baptisms.

4. The laying on of hands.

5. The resurrection of the dead.

6. Eternal judgment.

1. When maturity stops, we regress.

2. Maturity requires one to chew.

3. Maturity is a journey, not a destination.

1. To represent the people.

2. To offer gifts and worship.

3. To deal gently with people.

4. To keep oneself cleansed.

5. To serve humbly.

6. To pray faithfully.

1. The nature of God's Word - The Word is alive.

2. The power of God's Word - Penetrates the soul and spirit.

3. The accountability of God's Word - In the past and future.

Three factors about our High Priest:

1. The exemplary character of our High Priest.

2. The compassion of our High Priest.

3. The confident call of our High Priest.

Old Testament Examples of Rest

1. The Promised Land.

2. Creation and the Cross.

3. Sabbath and Salvation.

1. Consider Jesus, fix your thoughts on Him.

2. Consider the superiority of Jesus versus Moses.

3. Consider the faithfulness of Jesus over His house - where He dwells.

4. Consider the warning to be faithful.

5. Consider our need to hear God and obey.

2. We must adhere to rather than ignore God's Word.

3. We must realize that God authenticates His Word through His people.

4. We must see our role in this world through Jesus Christ.

5. We must experience the power of salvation.

6. We then live in the Lord's protection and help to navigate this world.

1. We must not have an unbalanced view of Jesus versus anything else in our life.

2. We must know that the angels worshipped Jesus because He is the Son of God.

3. We must know that Jesus is the exalted king.

4. We must know that Jesus is the Lord of righteousness.

5. We must know that Jesus is eternal.

6. We must know that Jesus is the ultimate conqueror.

We must know that angels have their assignments.