Sunday, July 30, 2023 Living Hope Romans 8: 38-39 38 For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 1: 2-3 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 1 Peter 1: 6-7 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved in various trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes, even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ Job 1: 20-21 20 Then Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down on the ground, and worshiped. 21 He said, “Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, and naked will I return there. Yahweh gave, and Yahweh has taken away. Blessed be Yahweh’s name.”
Sunday, July 24, 2023 The Judgement Seat of Christ Romans 14: 10-12 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” 12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. 2 Corinthians 5: 9 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Hebrews 9: 27-28 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Ephesians 2: 8-10 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Romans 2: 11 For God does not show favoritism Matthew 22: 35-40 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 24: 12-13 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Proverbs 4: 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 1 Thessalonians 2: 19 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Revelation 2: 10 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. 1 Corinthians 9: 24-25 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Sunday, July 16, 2023 The End - Why The Second Coming Matters We Are in a War Revelation 5: 9 You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 2 Peter 1: 3-4 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. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. We Win Revelation 21: 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth Genesis 1: 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Revelation 22: 1-3 On each side of the river stood the tree of life…No longer will there be any curse Revelation 21: 3-4 Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ’He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. We win because of Jesus’ sacrifice Revelation 5: 9 You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 12: 10-11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Revelation 21: 5-8 It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty, I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulphur. This is the second death.
Sunday, July 9, 2023 The End - Trying To Figure It All Out 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-14 13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-3a Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him.2 Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. 3 Don’t be fooled by what they say. Acts 1: 6-8 6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Matthew 24: 36-44 36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. Matthew 24: 36-44 40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. 42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Luke 21: 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near! 3 ways to be ready Becoming more like Jesus Reaching out with the Good News Refusing to trivialize Jesus’ return
Sunday, July 2, 2023 Will It All End? 3 Things: The shape of history The end in the beginning The beginning of the end Genesis 1: 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” Revelation 21: 1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. Isaiah 65: 17 See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. Revelation 21: 3-4 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Sunday, June 25, 2023 Life Together - Hospitality 1 Corinthians 12: 15-16, 21-23 15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. 1 Peter 4: 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Genesis 18: 1-2 1 The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. Revelation 3: 20 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Matthew 25: 34-38, 40 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Luke 14: 12-14 12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Are there things you enjoy that you can invite others into to create community? If you have been hurt or disappointed in community, are you able to forgive and begin to practice hospitality again? Are you prepared for the difficulties of creating community and being hospitable? What do you need to do to be ready? What can you do to be more welcoming to others in your life?
Sunday, June 18, 2023 Living Together - Trouble with the Truth Miroslav Volf ‘The belief in an all-knowing God should inspire the search for truth; the awareness of our human limitations should make us modest about the claims that we have found it, however. We ‘know in part’ (1 Cor. 13:12) first because we are finite beings. We ‘know in part’ second, because our limited knowledge is shaped by the interests we pursue and filtered through the cultures and traditions we inhabit.’ John 8: 31-32 If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Ephesians 4: 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 5: 15-16 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. 1 John 3: 18 let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. Proverbs 27: 6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted Theodore Roosevelt People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Psalm 51: 5-6 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
Sunday, June 11, 2023 Life Together - Living in Truth Psalm 86: 11-13 Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead. Jeremiah 17: 9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Acts 5: 1-4 1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. 3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” Colossians 3: 9-10 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Proverbs 15: 1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Ask God for an undivided heart To rely on the Holy Spirit when we are tested and tempted to be deceitful Ask God to help us create a community where people are loved, valued, honoured, and feel like they belong Teach to us speak with love and gentleness to one another without compromising the truth
Sunday, June 4, 2023 Life Together - Problems with Promises John 14 :21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them. John 15: 9-14 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. Proverbs 3: 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 14: 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. - we lie to ourselves to justify wrong behaviour ’And now, beloved, let us bind ourselves with willing bonds to our covenant God, and take the yoke of Christ upon us. This taking of his yoke upon us means that we are heartily content that he appoint us our place and work, and that he alone be our reward. Christ has many services to be done; some are easy, others are difficult; some bring honor, others bring reproach; some are suitable to our natural inclinations and temporal interests, others are contrary to both. In some we may please Christ and please ourselves; in others we cannot please Christ except by denying ourselves. Yet the power to do all these things is assuredly given us in Christ, who strengthens us. Therefore let us make the Covenant of God our own. Let us engage our heart to the Lord, and resolve in His strength never to go back. Being thus prepared, let us now, in sincere dependence on His grace and trusting in His promises, yield ourselves anew to Him.“
Sunday, May 28, 2023 Life Together - Promises Proverbs 10: 9 9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Romans 12: 10 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves Ephesians 4: 1-3 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. People ‘choose not to quit when the going gets rough because they promised once to see it through. They stick to lost causes. They hold onto a love grown cold. They stay with people who have become pains in the neck. They still dare to make promises and care enough to keep the promises they make. If you have a ship you will not desert, if you have people you will not forsake, if you have causes you will not abandon, then you are like God.’ - Louis Smedes, The Power of Promises ‘Commitments and promises that have been tested and proven are at the root of our ability to trust one another, and without some measure of trust, it is difficult to do much of anything. Promises are deeply connected to our ability to sustain hope, and broken promises and betrayals are the stuff of tragedy - great and small, epic and very personal.’ - Christine Pohl, Living Into Community 2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Proverbs 3: 3-4 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man.
Sunday, May 21, 2023 Life Together - Envy Matthew 20: 11-15 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’ 13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous? ‘Envy is the pain that arises from another’s good fortune. And because of this the envious man is never without pain, never without grief of mind. And the worst of the sickness of soul is that the sufferer cannot make it known; but with bowed head and downcast eyes he suffers torment, he grieves, he perishes of his affliction. Asked of what he is suffering, he is ashamed to reveal his disease and confess, “I am envious and bitter; the gifts of my friends are a torment to me. I grieve at my brother’s happiness….” For this is what he must say if he would tell the truth’ Basil, Bishop of Caesarea Romans 1: 29-31 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Galatians 5: 19-21 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Proverbs 14: 30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. James 5: 16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed John 15: 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 1 John 4: 16-18 God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Sunday, May 14, 2023 Life Together - Gratitude “There is a ‘secret to happiness,’ and it is gratitude. All happy people are grateful; and ungrateful people cannot be happy. We tend to think that it is being unhappy that leads people to complain, but it is truer to say that it is complaining that leads to people becoming unhappy. Become grateful and you will become a much happier person.” - Dennis Prager Psalm 92: 1-2 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening Ungrateful – Complaining - Envy Psalm 13: 1-6 O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? 2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? 3 Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. 4 Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall. 5 But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. 6 I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me. 1 John 1: 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Sunday, May 7, 2023 Life Together John 17: 20-23 20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. 22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Galations 5: 22-23a 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Acts 4: 32-35 32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
Sunday, April 23, 2023 Safe in the Lord Psalm 20: 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world. Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 9: 9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 16: 1 Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. 2 Timothy 1: 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. Deuteronomy 31: 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13: 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Revelation 1: 8 I am the Alpha and the Omega,“ says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. Philippians 1: 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. John 1: 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
Sunday, April 16, 2023 Christian Convictions - Part 8 A general outline of Paul’s Letters: Grace I thank God for you Hold fast to the gospel For the love of everything holy, stop being stupid Timothy says hi 2 Timothy 2: 16-18, 24-25 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 1 Corinthians 8: 4-8 4 So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 7 But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. 8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. 1 Corinthians 8: 9-13 9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.
Sunday, April 2, 2023 Christian Convictions - Part 6 7 Sayings of the Cross Forgiveness Luke 23: 32-34 32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals–one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Paradise Luke 23: 39-43 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Caring John 19: 25-27 25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw hi mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” from that time on, this disciple took her into his home. Never Forsaken Matthew 27: 45-46 45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) Full Atonement John 19: 28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Luke 22: 42 Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. John 18: 11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Completely Finished John 19: 30 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Hebrews 4: 3 His works have been finished since the creation of the world. Revelation 13: 8 The Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. Romans 10: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Commitment Luke 23: 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Sunday, March 26, 2023 Christian Convictions - Part 5 Important Elements Instructions to the Corinthians They had divisions and different factions in the church (1 Corinthians 1: 10) They were caught up in worldly jealousy and quarrelling (1 Corinthians 3: 3) They were not bringing proper church discipline on a man who was sleeping with his father’s wife (1 Corinthians 5: 1-6) They were suing each other and taking each other to court (1 Corinthians 6: 1-6) They were getting rowdy and drunk during the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11: 17) They were not acting right with regard to spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12: 1-13: 13) Proverbs 4: 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Ephesians 6: 10-14 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. 2 Corinthians 5: 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Psalm 23: 3 He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 1 Timothy 6: 11-12 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called. Announcement Hearing God 6 week seminar Tuesdays @ 6:30pm April 18 - May 23 Bring a Notebook and Pen
Sunday, March 19, 2023 Christian Convictions - Part 4: Essential Beliefs Mark 3: 1-6 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” 4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. 5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. Psalm 103: 2-3 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, Review: 3 essential elements of faith. Personal Elements 1 Corinthians 8: 7-8 7 But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. 8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Important elements: see last week Essential elements 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, Essentials in the book of Acts To the crowd at Pentecost: Acts 2: 14-40 To the crowd at temple: Acts 3: 12-26 To the Sanhedrin: Acts 4: 8-12 To the synagogue at Antioch: Acts 13:16-41 To the Athenians: Acts 17:22-31 6 Essentials of Faith God exists! Hebrews 11: 6 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Jesus is Lord Romans 10: 9 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Jesus rose from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15: 3-8 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. We are saved by grace. Ephesians 2: 8-9 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. We must be born again. John 3: 3 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Persevere in the faith. Hebrews 3: 14 14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.
Sunday, March 12, 2023 Christian Convictions: Essential, Important, Personal 0:08 Introduction 0:24 Ricky Gervais 2:51 Tough Questions Why do bad things happen to good people? How can a loving God send people to hell? How can you trust the Bible? Why didn’t God answer my prayers? If God is good, why does He allow evil? 4:20 John 1: 14 The Word (Jesus) became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 10:07 Answering the Tough Questions with the 3 elements of faith Essential, Important, and Personal 11:45 1 Corinthians 15: 1-4 I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures 13:56 Corinthian Church having issues They had divisions and different factions in the church (1 Corinthians 1:10) They were caught up in worldly jealousy and quarrelling (1 Corinthians 3:3) They were not bringing proper church discipline on a man who was sleeping with his father’s wife (1 Corinthians 5:1-6) They were suing each other and taking each other to court (1 Corinthians 6:1-6) They were getting rowdy and drunk during the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17) They were not acting right with regard to spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-13:13) 21:57 1 Corinthians 8: 4-8 4 So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 7 But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak,it is defiled. 8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. 25:40 Back to the 3 elements of faith 29:39 Closing Prayer
Sunday, March 5, 2023 Psalm 103: 1-3 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases Ephesians 1:7 In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 1 John 1: 8-9 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Matthew 6:14-15 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Luke 6: 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.
Sunday, February 26, 2023 Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Colossians 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Colossians 2:8-10 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:11-13 In him, you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins. Colossians 2:13-14 He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
Sunday, February 12, 2022 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. Soul = psuche Any action initiated by the soul = psuchikos Natural, sensual, worldly, unspiritual, without the spirit, or to follow their natural instinct. 1 Corinthians 2: 14-15 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 15 The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments Jude 16-19 16 These people are grumblers and fault finders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. 17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. James 3:15-16 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual (soulish), demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:17 - 4:10 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Sunday, February 5, 2023 Abiding in His Presence Matthew 28:20 Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Ephesians 4: 29-32 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another,forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-19 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. John 15:4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. Psalm 100:4-5 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Sunday, January 29, 2023 Today the sermon started with Brian Smith giving his testimony. Duke University - Tips for Peace of mind The absence of suspicion and resentment. Not living in the past. Not wasting time and energy fighting conditions you cannot change. Force yourself to stay involved with the living world. Refuse to indulge in self-pity. Cultivate the old-fashioned virtues–love, humor, compassion and loyalty. Do not expect too much of yourself. Find something bigger than yourself to believe in. Psalm 29: 10-11 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Judges 6:22-24 22 When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, he exclaimed, “Alas, Sovereign Lord! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!” 23 But the Lord said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” 24 So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. Peace at home Proverbs 17:1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. Proverbs 30:33 For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Encourage one another and build each other up Peace at work Colossians 3:23-24 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Peace in things you cannot control Romans 8 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Matthew 10 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Colossians 1 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
