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Berean Bible Fellowship Church - PA
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Committed to Growing in Christ

Berean Bible FellowshipApr 07, 2022

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43:03
Jesus the Better Adam: Part 2 Luke 4:1-13

Jesus the Better Adam: Part 2 Luke 4:1-13

Big Idea: Jesus is the Better Adam because where Adam failed, in the temptation in the Garden, Jesus prevails, in the temptation in the Wilderness.

The ____________________________ of the Temptation
Luke 4:1–2 (ESV) — 1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.
WILDERNESS (Heb. miḏbār, ˓arāḇâ, yešîmôn; Gk. erēmiˊa, érēmos). In general, [the wilderness is seen as a] geographical region beyond the limits of civilization and widely perceived as disorderly and inhospitable. Such areas include desert wastelands (Deut. 32:10; Ps. 106:14), thorny patches (Judg. 8:7, 16), rocky or mountainous regions (1 Sam. 23:14, 25–26), forests (Ezek. 34:25; cf. Isa. 32:15), and pasturelands (Gen. 36:24; Jer. 9:10 [MT 9]).
Most notable in the Bible is that wilderness between Egypt and the promised land of Canaan in which the Israelites wandered for forty years, the period of the “wilderness wanderings” recalled repeatedly in both the Old and New Testament (e.g., Ps. 78:52–54; Amos 2:10; Acts 7:36; 13:18; Heb. 3:17). This was the “great and terrible wilderness” (Deut. 1:19; 8:15; cf. 2 Cor. 11:26) where the Israelites were convinced they would die (Exod. 14:11–12), for there they had neither food (16:2–3) nor water (15:22; 17:1; Num. 21:5).

The wilderness, or desert, is a place of destitution and danger.

Gen. 2:4-17


Jesus is the better Adam because no matter the disadvantage, Jesus prevails where Adam fails.

The _______________________ of the Devil

__________________
Luke 4:2–3 (ESV) — 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”

The question here is not an inquiry after the truth, but rather it is intended to bring the truth into question.

Deuteronomy 8:3 (ESV) 3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
____________________
Luke 4:5–7 (ESV) — 5 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.”
Daniel 4:17, 34-35
____________________
Luke 4:9–10 (ESV) — 9 And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’

Jesus’ responds accordingly to the devil’s perversion of God’s purposes. Jesus does not test God with his Word, He trust God in His Word.

Question to Consider
In what ways do you see the tactics of the devil in your life? How should you respond?
Mar 27, 202440:08
Jesus the Better Adam Luke 3:21-4:2

Jesus the Better Adam Luke 3:21-4:2

Big Idea: Jesus is the Better Adam because Jesus is the Better Son, well beloved by God the Father.

Two Connections between Jesus and Adam.
Jesus is the _______________________ Adam
Luke 3:22 (ESV) — 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:38 (ESV) — 38 the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

Luke sets this story up as an epic contrast between Jesus the Son of God, and Adam the son of God.

The key issue, however, involves the differences in names between David and Jesus in the two genealogies. Thirty-eight names are different, and most important is the difference in the name of the alleged grandfather of Jesus. According to Matt 1:16 it was Jacob, but according to Luke 3:23 it was Heli.
Some suggest that Matthew gives us the genealogy of Joseph, the legal father of Jesus, while Luke gives that of Mary, the actual line of Jesus. This understands Joseph, the son of Heli as ‘Joseph, the son of Heli by marriage’.

As Eve was the mother of all the living (Gen. 3:20) so Mary would be the mother of the One who would make all things alive.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) — 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
At the heart of the Good News is this reality, God is redeeming humanity through humanity, by entering into humanity, and initiating a new kind of humanity.

Jesus is the ___________________ Son
Luke 3:21–22 (ESV) — 21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

The highest priority in God the Father’s mind, is displaying the glory of the Son. Everything else is subservient to that end. The reason Jesus’ glory is ultimate is because he is the Excellent One, in whom the Father is well-pleased.

Colossians 1:16 (ESV) — 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Ephesians 1:11–12 (ESV) — 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Romans 5:12-21

Here is the great news of the gospel, you are no longer condemned in Adam, you are free in Christ, the old has passed away, and you are a new creation in Christ.

Questions to Consider
What is the connection between Adam and Jesus in this text? Why is it significant?
Is it hard for you to believe that God the Father is well pleased with you because of Christ’s perfect obedience? What are ways you try to earn the Father’s favor? Why is this wrong?
In what ways do you delight in God? How might you further develop your relationship to the Father through the Son?
Mar 27, 202443:17
Do You Get Jesus? Matthew 21:1-19

Do You Get Jesus? Matthew 21:1-19

Guest Speaker: Mark Campbell

Mar 13, 202452:50
Responding to the Preaching of Repentance Luke 3:12-22

Responding to the Preaching of Repentance Luke 3:12-22

Big Idea: Everyone responds to the gospel differently. The way we responds determines whether we belong to the Kingdom of Christ or the kingdom of this world. There are only two types of people. Those who embrace Jesus as savior and those who do not.

Two Responses to the Preaching of Repentance;
The _______________________ Response (Excitement)
Luke 3:15 (ESV) — 15 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ,

When the people heard John preach, they were excited for what was to come. So much so, that they think he might even be the Christ. The reason this message sparked so much anticipation in the people is because of what it said about the kingdom of Christ. In their minds, this meant those in positions of authority would no longer be taken advantage of them.

The purpose of the Law is to mirror our unrighteousness because it mirrors the righteousness of God. To be precise, the reason it reflects our own unrighteousness is because as we look into the Law of God and we see how perfectly righteous He is, we realize, or at least we should realize, how short we fall from God’s perfect righteousness. (Rom. 3:23)

Among Palestinian Jews of the first century, a form of ritual cleansing was practiced, one which undoubtedly constituted the foreshadowing of Christian baptism. The unearthing of hundreds of mikvaot (ritual cleansing pools) …testify to the widespread practice of both proselyte baptism and ritual cleansings… A typical use of the mikveh would find a Gentile who had embraced Judaism and accepted circumcision walking into the mikveh, citing the shema (Deut. 6:4), …and then immersing himself in the pool.
Baptism is an identifier of who you belonged to.
It is no doubt that John is referring here to the practice of separating those who belong to the Kingdom of Christ and those who belong to the kingdom of darkness. He makes a direct connection to the baptism of the Holy Spirit being applied to the wheat and stored for the day of redemption and the baptism of fire being applied to the chaff as they burn with unquenchable fire on the day of judgement.

The ___________________ Response (Rejection)
Luke 3:19–20 (ESV) — 19 But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, 20 added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.

Mark 6:16–20 (ESV) — 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

John not only has the crowd in mind here when he declares that Christ is a winnowing fork, he also has this religious and political elite in mind. Their response proved that they did not belong to Christ’s kingdom. Their response, no matter how complicated, proved that they would rather be comfortable and secure, then to follow Jesus. And they went to great lengths to secure that comfort.

Luke 3:17 (ESV) — 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Questions to Consider
To which group do you belong? Praise God that he has saved you by his Spirit?
To whom is God calling you to preach the message of repentance? Pray that he might attend your preaching with the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Mar 08, 202420:19
Preparing the Way for the Savior Luke 3:1-14

Preparing the Way for the Savior Luke 3:1-14

Big Idea: John preaches repentance to remove the most obtrusive obstacle in coming to Jesus; our own self-righteousness.

John’s goal is to prepare the way for the Messiah. In order to do so, he has to remove the greatest obstacle we have to Jesus’ saving ministry. And that obstacle is our own self-sufficiency.

Two sources of self-sufficiency that keep us from trusting in Christ;
______________________ (heritage)
Luke 3:8 (ESV) — 8 Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.

Romans 3:10-18 (ESV) —10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God… 13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” 14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” …18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

The quickest and most unimpeded way to the Savior is through a proper understanding of our dire situation.

In your natural state, you are liable to God’s judgement. All men, women, and children, born into this world are guilty.

___________________ (hard work)
Luke 3:10–11 (ESV) — 10 And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” 11 And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

The whole point in presenting the Law here is to show the audience that their real problem is not, first, what they do but their corrupt hearts.

Luke 18:18–23 (ESV) — 18 And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’ ” 21 And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.

Jesus intended to make the rich young ruler sad to reveal his real source of allegiance and worship. His desire wasn’t first and foremost to gain eternal life, his desire was to add to his wealth. Here is the reality, before we can come to Jesus, we first have to recognize our need for Jesus.

And that is one of the purposes of the Law. The law beats us down, in order to build us up in Christ. The law is a reflection pool that shows us just how deep and pervasive our corruption is because it shows us just how high and holy God is.

Repentance is the wide-open path to the Savior!

Questions to Consider
What is the Lord calling you to repent of? What does repentance look like in the life of the Christian?
Are there ways you are tempted to water down the gospel? In what ways might you be careful to preach repentance to those you are seeking to win to Christ?
Feb 29, 202442:44
Growing in Strength and Wisdom Luke 2:39-52

Growing in Strength and Wisdom Luke 2:39-52

Big Idea: Jesus grew in the strength and wisdom of the lord because he was enthralled with God’s ways and he was fully engaged in the process.
Two ways Jesus grew in the strength and wisdom of God;
Jesus was __________________ with the Ways of God.
Luke 2:49 (ESV) — 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

[Mary and Joseph] followed their custom on the occasion when Jesus was twelve years old. It was at thirteen years of age that a Jewish boy could become a ‘son of the commandment’ or full member of the synagogue (cf. Mishnah, Aboth 5:21; Niddah 5:6). He would then assume all the responsibilities implied in his circumcision. For some observances at any rate the Mishnah provides that a boy should be taken to the observance a year or two before he turned thirteen so that he might be prepared (Yoma 8:4), and there may have been something of this on the present occasion (though it is equally possible that Jesus went up every year; we do not know).


Luke 2:42 (NASB95) — 42 And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast;

Jesus was quite enthralled with the ways of God. He literally gets lost in the magnificence of God.

Jesus remained in Jerusalem, at the temple. This was the place that satisfied his soul. He wanted to learn as much as he could about the Scriptures and the promise of salvation. Thus he was irresistibly drawn to the house of God. He wanted to stay in his Father’s presence, lingering at the place where his heart could echo the joy he had always experienced as the eternal and preexistent Son.

Jesus wanted to be in the house of God because of his deep and personal relationship with the Father. Like a boy who longs to be by his father’s side, so Jesus longed to be with his Heavenly Father.

It should have been no surprise that Jesus was in God’s house, just like it ought to be no surprise to find his people in his house.

Jesus Asked ________________________ Questions about God’s Ways.
Luke 2:46–47 (ESV) — 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

Jesus possessed a hunger for knowledge of God’s ways. He was not content simply to be in God’s house. He was going to take every advantage to grow in the strength and wisdom of the Lord. And to do so he had to be engaged in the process.

Questions to Consider
What are some things about God that enthrall you? How might we continue to grow in our awe of who God is and what He does?
Do you feel “at home” with God’s people? Why or Why not? What holds you back from worshiping and having fellowship with God’s people?
How might you be engaged in your growth of God’s ways? What are good questions to ask?
Feb 21, 202439:07
To Fulfill All Righteousness: Part 2 Luke 2:22-38

To Fulfill All Righteousness: Part 2 Luke 2:22-38

Big Idea: Jesus did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them. We find in out text this morning that he literally embodies all that the Law signified and is directly identified by a prophet and prophetess of God. Further establishing we have every reason to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Luke 24:44 (ESV) — 44 Then he (Jesus) said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
The ______________ ________________to Jesus as the Christ
Luke 2:22 (ESV) — 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord

Everything that the Lord instituted in the Old Testament was intended to point us to Jesus. Jesus embodied all that the Law promised, literally.

Luke 24:27 (ESV) — 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
The ________________ ________________ to Jesus as the Christ
Luke 2:25 (ESV) — 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
Luke 2:36 (ESV) — 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,

Two similarities between Simeon and Anna:
Advanced in Age
Whether “eighty-four” is meant to signify Anna’s age or the years of her widowhood is uncertain. Judith was devout (Jdt 8:4–8) and lived to be 105 years old (Jdt 16:23).

Luke 2:29 (NIV) — 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

“Abraham, “the father of us all” (Romans 4:16), was a waiting man; his faith, a waiting faith. As his seventies turned to eighties turned to nineties, he waited. As he moved through Haran to Canaan to Egypt and back, he waited. As his body weakened and his wife grew gray, he waited.
God could have brought Isaac sooner, or he could have given the promise later. Instead, he sent Abraham into the wilderness of waiting for twenty-five years. Waiting was part of God’s good plan for Abraham. And so it is with us.” –Scott Hubbard
DesiringGod.com

God knows best, and God fulfills his promises in the best timing.
Devoted to God
Simeon and Anna were devoted to God’s ways, in the waiting.

What we learn is that both prophet and prophetess had all of their hopes and expectations fulfilled in Jesus. And how much more impactful was it for these servants of the Lord to wait on the Lord and receive the blessing of answered prayer, than to just give up. Also, how much more of an impact did their faithful waiting have on those they encountered. Don’t get impatient, beloved, trust in the Lord.

Questions to Consider:
It what ways does the Law point us to Christ? In what ways do the Prophets point us to Christ?
What are some things that the Lord is calling you to wait on? How is he calling you to be faithful, while you wait?
Feb 14, 202439:20
To Fulfill All Righteousness Luke 2:21-27

To Fulfill All Righteousness Luke 2:21-27

Big Idea: Jesus is Lord! He calls us to submit ourselves to his good and perfect will. We quickly learn that the biblical worldview teaches us that life is not all about us. We are not the lords and ladies of our lives. Jesus is the ultimate authority and he is calling us to embrace his good ways. The glory of the good news of Jesus is that through the Spirit we delight to walk in his ways.

Psalm 97:9 (ESV) — 9 For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
4 things, from the text, that teach us that life is not about us:
What they ________________ name the baby
Luke 2:21 (ESV) — 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Matthew 1:21 (ESV) — 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

What they _________________ do for purification
Luke 2:22 (ESV) — 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses…

Leviticus 12:1–8 (pg. 84)

On the one hand, we bring into the world one who bears the image of God and is a potential worshiper of the most high. On the other hand we bring into the world one who inherits the sinfulness of Adam and has the potential to be a terror to society and an object of God’s wrath. Parenthood may seem like a mere earthly endeavor but on the contrary, it has eternal consequences. And the process of purification in the Law of Moses was a way to remind God’s people of this tension.
Who they _____________________ give their son to
Luke 2:22–23 (ESV) — 22 …they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”)
There was a second reason why Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple: “to present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). The purification of the mother was tied to the presentation of her son. This too was part of God’s law, going all the way back to the exodus. God said to Moses, “Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine” (Ex. 13:2). With these words, God laid his rightful claim to the life of every firstborn son in Israel. Yet parents were still allowed to raise their own children. All they had to do was acknowledge God’s sovereignty by redeeming their sons with a sacrifice (Ex. 13:13–15), which was offered not long after the children were born. When parents presented their children to God, they were setting them apart for his service.

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) — 9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
What they __________________________ sacrifice
Luke 2:24 (ESV) — 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

Psalm 24:1–2 (ESV) — 1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, 2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.
Job 41:11 (ESV) — 11 Who has first given to me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine.

We are not Lord of our money. What we do with our money is not up to us, it is subject to the Lord.
Feb 07, 202440:58
A Life Devoted to God Romans 12:1-8

A Life Devoted to God Romans 12:1-8

Guest Speaker Mike Kings

Feb 01, 202433:47
6 Responses to the Gospel Luke 2:15-21

6 Responses to the Gospel Luke 2:15-21

Big Idea: What does the Good News of Jesus mean to you? We find several responses from those who surrounded the events of Jesus’ birth in our text. What might we learn from them?

6 Responses to the Good News of Jesus as Savior:
___________________
Luke 2:15 (ESV) — 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

Obedience is always the true indication that the truth of something has taken hold in the heart.
James 2:26 (ESV) — 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

John 10:37–38 (ESV) — 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”

___________________
Luke 2:16 (ESV) — 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

Psalm 51:7–12 (ESV) — 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
___________________
Luke 2:17 (ESV) — 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.

Good news is not to be kept to ourselves. When we have ascertained its truth, we are to tell it to others, and we are especially to tell the goodness of salvation. Tell it, O you who know it in your own hearts by blessed experience! Tell it, though it will sometimes be with broken accents in the feebleness of your flesh, yet even then tell it in the ardor of your heart’s affection, and God will bless your testimony, and others will learn the good news through you. (Charles Spurgeon, Sermons, vol. 52, sermon 3177)
___________________
Luke 2:18 (ESV) – 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

God is beyond our limited capacity to make sense of what he has done, but that does not mean that what he is doing is not real. God is bigger and more powerful than our finite ability to make sense of His world.
___________________ and ____________________
Luke 2:19 (ESV) — 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

The hen that straggles from her nest when she sits a-brooding produces nothing; it is a constant incubation that hatches the young. So when we have only a few straggling thoughts, and do not set a-brooding upon a truth, when we have flashes only, like a little glance of a sunbeam upon a wall, it does nothing, but serious thoughts (through the Lord’s blessing) will do the work. (Thomas Manton, Several Sermons upon the 119th Psalm)
___________________ and ___________________
Luke 2:20 (ESV) — 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Question to Consider: How might this text challenge you to respond to Jesus as Savior?
Jan 18, 202447:57
Jesus is Savior Luke 2:11, 21

Jesus is Savior Luke 2:11, 21

Big Idea: The message declared by the angel on Christmas is that Jesus is Savior. But what exactly did Jesus come to save us from. He came to save us from sin; its penalty, its power, and its presence.

3 Things that Jesus rescues us from:
Jesus saves us from the _____________________ of our sin.
Colossians 2:13–15 (ESV) — 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.



Romans 2:12–16 (ESV) — 12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.


Jesus saves us from the ________________________ of our sin.
Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Romans 6:1–14 (ESV) — 1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.



Jesus saves us from the __________________________ of our sin.
1John 3:2-3 (ESV) 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.



Colossians 3:1–4 (ESV) — 1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Jan 04, 202445:49
Salvation to the Least of Us Luke 2:1-14

Salvation to the Least of Us Luke 2:1-14

Big Idea: Everything about the birth story of Christ points us to a very significant reality; Jesus came to offer sinners to the least of us. His salvation is for those who humble themselves, recognize their dire situation, repent of their sin, and trust in His life, death, and resurrection.

4 Things that Point us to the Reality that God’s Salvation in Jesus is for the least of us:
____________________ back to Bethelhem
Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

What is significant about Bethlehem is that Bethlehem is not very significant.

Micah 5:2 (ESV) — 2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

_______________________ to the Shepherds
Luke 2:8-9 (ESV) — 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.
Shepherds were outcasts, and thus their presence at the manger shows that salvation is for everyone. We tend to romanticize the shepherds, especially since there are so many good shepherds in the Bible, but they did not enjoy a very good reputation in their day. Because they lived out in the fields, they were unable to keep the ceremonial law, and thus they were treated as unclean. They were also regarded as liars and thieves, which is why their testimony was inadmissible in a court of law. Shepherds were despised. With the exception of lepers, they were the lowest class of men in Israel.
The salvation that Christ offers is not one reserved for high-society. It is for the meek and the lowly, the outcasts and the sinners, for you and for me.

______________________ for a Crib
Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:16 (ESV) — 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.


Philippians 2:6–8 (ESV) — 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.


_____________ ______________ by the Heavenly Hosts
Luke 2:13–14 (ESV) — 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Luke 18:9-14
Dec 29, 202333:53
Zechariah’s Prophecy Luke 1:67-80

Zechariah’s Prophecy Luke 1:67-80

Big Idea: Zechariah regains his ability to speak and he prophesies concerning the events taking place. Jesus is the one who fulfills the promise to David. He is our conquering King. He has come to defeat our enemies. Our greatest and first enemy is sin. Jesus is our redeemer who died on the cross to free us from our sin.

The Prophecy ___________________________
Luke 1:67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying…

Prophecy is God directly _____________________ the significance of events in human history.


In Luke 1:67-79, we see not merely a historically inspired telling of the events (narrative) but God’s explanation of those events (prophecy).

The Prophecy __________________________
Luke 1:68–70 (ESV) — 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, 70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,

2 Samuel 7:1–17 (242)


The promise to David has both an immediate or “temporary” fulfilment and also a far and more permanent fulfillment.

The Prophecy __________________________
Luke 1:69–71 (ESV) — 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, 70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71 that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us;

Here is why it is so important to establish the nature of prophecy from the promise that is given to David concerning his heir. What we see in our text for this morning is that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the heir promised to David and that he ushers in a kingdom that is eternal, that is one that last forever, and that kingdom is both spiritual and physical. Or to say it another way, there is an immediate and far fulfillment to Jesus’ kingship. To say it another way, there is an initial phase to this deliverance already accomplished and an ultimate phase to this deliverance, not yet accomplished.

The first enemy to be defeated is sin.
In the biblical conception of it—we shall not be able to say it too emphatically—salvation broadens its beneficent reach to cover every evil that afflicts the afflicted race of man. And that with the best of reason. For in the center of its center, in the heart of its heart, salvation is deliverance from sin, and accordingly it is deliverance from all the evils that find their roots in sin. Every evil of every kind that has ever entered the sphere of human life is consequent on sin and but the manifestation of sin’s presence and power in humanity. (B. B. Warfield, “Jesus Only,” The Saviour of the World)

Scripture to Ponder:

Ephesians 2:1–7 (ESV) — 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Dec 21, 202342:44
The Privilege Lost, the Promise Fulfilled, The Privilege Restored Luke 1:18-25, 56-66

The Privilege Lost, the Promise Fulfilled, The Privilege Restored Luke 1:18-25, 56-66

Big Idea: God is a God of Redemption. The account of Zechariah teaches us that God is never finished with us. He graciously meets us in our moments of doubts and calls us to trust in Him. This leads us to praise His glorious name.

The ___________________ Lost
Luke 1:20 (ESV) — 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”

When we doubt the Lord, we naturally lose the privilege of testifying to His goodness and grace.

Isaiah 42:6 (ESV) — 6 “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations,

Acts 13:44-49

The consequence, both naturally and directly, of rejecting the Lord’s provision and disbelieving the Lord’s promises is losing the privilege of proclaiming him to the nations.


The ____________________ Fulfilled
Luke 1:57–58 (ESV) — 57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

Israel’s rejection of the Messiah, or your friends and neighbors rejection of Jesus, says nothing about Jesus’ intrinsic power to save.

Romans 9:6–8 (ESV) — 6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.

Here is the reality beloved, in principle, God is real, Jesus Christ saves, and the Spirit transforms, regardless if any one believes it or not.


The _____________________ Restored
Luke 1:63–64 (ESV) — 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God.

Zechariah’s lapse of faith did not indefinitely disqualify him from proclaiming the Lord’s goodness. Much like Peter’s three-fold denial of the Lord did not disqualify him from serving in the Lord’s army. As Zechariah trusted the Lord in this act of faith, he is restored and his powers of tongue returned and he praises the Lord.


Questions to Consider
In what ways is the Lord calling you to trust in him? How might you take the opportunity to praise the Lord this week with your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers?
In what ways do you see yourself in Zechariah? What would a prayer of confession and faith look like in your times of doubt?
Dec 14, 202343:46
God Blesses the Humble: Part 2 Luke 1:46-56

God Blesses the Humble: Part 2 Luke 1:46-56

Big Idea: God is to be magnified because he looks upon the humble and acts on their behalf. The greatest act that God has ever done on behalf of mankind is the sending of Jesus to be the Savior of the world.

Psalm 113

Mary ______________________ the Lord
Luke 1:46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
Mega-luno:

Psalm 34:1–3 (ESV) — 1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!

1Kings 18:26-29, 36-39 (279)

Exodus 2:23–25 (ESV) — 23 During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.

God is not merely one who looks upon the state of humanity, God acts toward that state. God takes the initiative. God swoops down and picks us up. He does not let us continue to wallow in the mud, He bends down and takes us in His arms and wipes off our faces. It is not only that God knows us, it is not only that takes interest in us, it is that God acts our behalf.

The Lord __________________ __________ the Humble
Luke 1:50 (ESV) — 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

The fear here is one that is not incited by harm necessarily (not to say that isn’t completely inappropriate), but one that is brought on by the greatness of our God.

Psalm 33:13–22 (ESV) — 13 The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; 14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, 15 he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. 16 The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. 17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue.
18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, 19 that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. 22 Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

It is the Lord that saves. God looks down, from his high and lofty throne in the heavens of heavens and He looks upon those who look to him. He looks to those who look away from themselves, and trust in his mighty and saving hand.

Luke 5:31–32 (ESV) — 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”


Questions to Consider
What is your response to knowing that God takes an interest in you? In what ways have you seen God act on your behalf?
In what ways is the Lord calling you to humble yourself before Him and to seek His good provision for your situation?
Take time this week to magnify the Lord and to tell of all the things He has done for you.
Dec 07, 202344:35
God Blesses the Humble: Part 1 Luke 1:39-46

God Blesses the Humble: Part 1 Luke 1:39-46

Big Idea: God is abundant in his mercy and grace and he bestows upon his creation many gifts, both physical and spiritual. The ultimate gift is the Lord Jesus Christ. Mary serves as the vessel to bring the fullness of God into the world, that is the Jesus, the savior and redeemer of mankind.

God is a God of infinite resources and gives to His creatures good and glorious things for us to enjoy out of His abundant mercy and grace.

Genesis 1:28 (ESV) — 28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Revelation 22:12–14 (ESV) — 12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.

What does it mean to be __________________________?
The blessing of God is seen in a __________________ of provision, either _____________ or _____________________, that comes as a ________________ or _________________ result of God’s favor toward humanity, based solely on His loving grace.

Psalm 89:11 (ESV) — 11 The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
1 Chronicles 29:11 (ESV) — 11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.

Gen. 1:20-23, 1:26-28, 9:1, 12:1-3, 13:2, 13:5-6, 15:5-6, 24:1

Proverbs 10:22 (ESV) — 22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
In what way is Mary _________________________?
Luke 1:42 and she (Elizabeth) exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

As a movement of sheer grace and favor, the Lord choses Mary to bring the savior of the world, into the world, not because she is worthy of such an honor, but because the Lord is abundant in his kindness and mercy.

Galatians 3:16 (ESV) — 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.

Jesus was the promised seed (singular) that would come from Abraham’s many offspring (plural).

1 Timothy 6:17–19 (ESV) — 17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Philippians 4:11–13 (ESV) — 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.


Questions to Consider
In what ways have you been blessed by God? How should this lead you to worship?
Think of the many spiritual blessings that come to you in Christ. Why should Jesus be at the center of your worship this Christmas season?
Nov 30, 202340:53
4 Reflections on Thankfulness from Col. 3:12-17 Col. 3:12-17

4 Reflections on Thankfulness from Col. 3:12-17 Col. 3:12-17

Big Idea: The practice of thankfulness is sourced in the salvation we enjoy in Jesus Christ, curbs our natural desire to complain, comes from a heart that has been transformed by the gospel, and is to be sought after as a regular habit of God’s saints.

Psalm 106:1 (ESV) — 1 Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
4 Important Biblical Reflections on Thanksgiving from Col. 3:12-17:

Thankfulness is ________________ in Christ
Col. 3:12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

Sanctification is not about becoming something we are not, it is growing into who we are in Jesus.

Luke 5:37–39 (ESV) — 37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39 And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’ ”

Un-Thankfulness (discontentment) is __________________ in the Flesh
Col. 2:13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Thankfulness is so crucial in the Christian life because our natural hearts are so prone to complaining.

Philippians 2:14–15 (ESV) — 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

The fallen human heart is constantly wanting for more. The grass is always greener on the other side, right? Not right!

Thankfulness is an ___________________________
Col. 3:12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another…
Compassionate hearts: To have compassion is to have a deep sensitivity to the needs of others.
Kindness: Kindness is to provide for the deepest needs of another because you have been so moved by their situation.
Humility: Humility is to put yourself on the same level as another.
Meekness/Gentleness: Meekness or gentleness is to approach someone or to deal with someone with a controlled and leveled spirit.
Patience: patience is the ability to forebear with others faults.

One of the clearest displays of Christ in us is deference to others.

Phil. 2:4-8; Mark 12:41-44; 2Cor. 8:1-5
Thankfulness is an ___________________________
Colossians 3:15 (ESV) — 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Questions to Consider
What are some things you are thankful for? How might you share your blessings with others?
Nov 24, 202342:42
How our Eschatology Motivates Us to Preach the Gospel to All Nations

How our Eschatology Motivates Us to Preach the Gospel to All Nations

Guest Speaker: Timothy Bertolet

Nov 16, 202344:21
God Chooses a Humble Servant to Bring Forth the Glorious King Luke 1:26-38

God Chooses a Humble Servant to Bring Forth the Glorious King Luke 1:26-38

Big Idea: In our text we are introduced to Mary and Jesus. Everything in this passage suggests that Mary is insignificant in light of worldly standards. God chooses that which is most insignificant to bring forth the most significant figure in all of history, Jesus the Son.

Mary, a _____________________ Servant
Luke 1:26–27 (ESV) — 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.

Mary was an unsuspecting vessel of God’s wholly undeserved and unmerited favor.

Mary had been “graced” by God in that she had been chosen to bear God’s Son (1:31, 35). She had not been chosen for this task because she possessed a particular piety or holiness of life that merited this privilege. The text suggests no special worthiness on Mary’s part.

1 Corinthians 1:26–31 (ESV) — 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Mary was a humble servant of the Lord and her desire was to see the Lord Jesus Christ magnified in all things.
Jesus, the ___________________________ King
Luke 1:30-32 (ESV) 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,

Jesus = ____________________ ______________________

Luke 2:49 (ESV) — 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

Hebrews 9:11–14 (ESV) — 11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Isaiah 53:1-6

Jesus is the greatest man who ever lived because He is the Savior of the World, He is the Son of God, and He is the King of Kings.
Questions to Consider
What is significant about Mary? How does this encourage us toward service in Jesus Christ?
What is significant about Jesus? How does this encourage us toward worshiping Jesus Christ?
Nov 09, 202340:26
The Imperfect Faith of Zechariah Luke 1:18-25

The Imperfect Faith of Zechariah Luke 1:18-25

Big Idea: Zechariah struggles to believe that God will answer his prayers. He focuses on his circumstances instead of the ability of God to fulfill his promises. He serves as a reminder that if we trust in God He will never disappoint us.

Zechariah’s _____________________________ to Believe
Luke 1:18 (ESV) And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”

Luke 1:18 (NASB95) — 18 Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.”

Gen. 15:1-8

According to John Chrysostom, the famous preacher from Constantinople, “Zechariah looked at his age, his gray hair, his body that had lost its strength. He looked at his wife’s sterility, and he refused to accept on faith what the angel revealed would come to pass.”

Zechariah believed in God’s power in principle but not in practice. He believed in God’s goodness in theory, but not in actuality.

Gabriel’s _________________ and __________________ Presence
Luke 1:19 (ESV) And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
Angelos =
Euangelio =

Luke 20:9-18

The good news or the gospel encompasses all that God has done and continues to do for his people throughout all of human history.

Romans 1:16–17 (ESV) — 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
God’s ______________________________ of Zechariah’s Speech
Luke 1:20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”

The consequences of unbelief can often be more than we can bear. What Zechariah is teaching us is that it is better to believe God in what seems impossible than to refuse to believe and suffer the consequences. God is worthy of our trust in Him.


Questions to Consider
Why did Zechariah struggle to believe God? What circumstances are you facing that might seem impossible for God to overcome? How is he calling you to trust in Him?
What were the consequences of Zechariah’s unbelief? What does this tell us about trusting in God’s promises?
Nov 02, 202346:52
Setting the Stage for the Savior: John’s Mission Luke 1:13-17

Setting the Stage for the Savior: John’s Mission Luke 1:13-17

Big Idea: As John serves as the forerunner to Christ, his mission is to call a people to repentance in order to receive divine Grace.

John’s ____________________________
Luke 1:13 (ESV) — 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

Jo-Hanna =
John 1:14–17 (ESV) — 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth… 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Following Jesus requires that we sacrifice earthly pleasures in order that we might receive the life that He offers. Not necessarily because the sacrifice warrants the reward, but because the reward is found in the sacrifice.

Luke 18:29–30 (ESV) — 29 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”

John’s _____________________________
16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

The preaching of the gospel requires that we turn our backs on one thing and turn ourselves toward another.
The call for repentance on the part of man is a call for him to return (šûḇ) to his creaturely (and covenant) dependence on God…
Malachi 1:6; 2:10; 4:5-6

Unless a vessel is empty, it cannot be filled.
John’s ________________________________
Luke 1:17 (ESV) and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

Luke 5:31–32 (ESV) — 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

“I have a great need for Christ, and I have a great Christ for my need.”
–Charles Spurgeon

The reality of the Good News is not to say we shouldn’t live righteously, the reality of the Good News is to say, we can’t live righteously without Jesus.

Questions to Consider
What are some things that God is calling on you to sacrifice in order to experience more of God’s presence? Why is this impossible without Jesus?
How might you trust in what Jesus has accomplished, in His death and resurrection to set aside those earthly pleasures and pursuits?
Oct 26, 202337:10
Setting the Stage for the Savior: God’s Faithfulness Luke 1:5-17

Setting the Stage for the Savior: God’s Faithfulness Luke 1:5-17

Big Idea: God picks up his plan of redemption by initiating the coming of the Messiah in the promise to Zechariah.

God’s Faithfulness in ______________________________
Luke 1:5 (ESV) — 5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea…

Zechariah =

God’s Faithfulness in ______________________________
Luke 1:5–7 (ESV) — 5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

The childless-ness of Zechariah and Elizabeth was not due to their lack of righteousness, nor was it due to a lack of prayer; it was due to the plan of God, who had something so much greater in store for them.


In this case, Elizabeth was barren for the glory of God. God was not punishing her, but planning a miracle that would get his people ready for salvation (and also bring Elizabeth great joy). God had something special in mind, and the best way to show that John was a special child was to bring him from a barren womb. So Elizabeth was suffering because of the way that God wanted to be glorified through her life.
God’s Faithfulness in ______________________ ______________________
Luke 1:13 (ESV) But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

Malachi 3:1 (ESV) — 1 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.
Malachi 4:5 (ESV) — 5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.

Jo-Hanna =
Luke 1:17 (ESV) — 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts (repentance) of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

The message of grace is always preceded by the message of repentance.

Repentance is recognizing our in-ability to achieve self-atonement or self-righteousness, and a casting ourselves on the Savior at every turn for our justification and righteous living.

John 6:63 (ESV) — 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.


Questions to consider
What is significant about the Lord visiting Zechariah?
What do we learn about God’s plan for our lives from this account?
In what ways is the message of repentance compatible with the message of grace?
How does repentance work in the life of a believer?
Oct 20, 202337:46
The Gospel of Luke: An Introduction Luke 1:1-4

The Gospel of Luke: An Introduction Luke 1:1-4

Big Idea: Luke begins his gospel by authenticating its content and shows us that we have every reason to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and Son of Man.

Luke 1:1–4 (LSB) — 1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those, who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, handed them down to us, 3 it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in orderly sequence, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty about the things you have been taught.

Author: Luke the _________________ of Paul
Philemon 23–24 (ESV) — 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
2 Timothy 4:11 (ESV) — 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.

Luke may not have been a first-hand witness of Jesus earthly ministry, but he certainly was of Jesus’ heavenly ministry. And Luke’s account is not done independent from the work of the Apostles, but is done in subjection to the work of the Apostles.


Luke’s acknowledgment that he compiled his account from various extant sources does not invalidate the claim of divine inspiration for his work. The process of inspiration never bypasses or overrides the personalities, vocabularies, and styles of the human authors of Scripture. The unique traits of the human authors are always indelibly stamped on the book of Scripture. Luke’s research creates no exception to this rule. The research itself was orchestrated by divine Providence.
We have every reason to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, that he was absolutely unique in all of history, and that we have an accurate account of his life and ministry before us.
Audience: The _____________ _____________ Theophilus
Luke 1:3 (ESV) it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus
Theo-philus =

What we have before us beloved, is a well-constructed and meticulously order account from a capable historian and comrade of the Apostle Paul. Everything about this Gospel account indicates that it would stand up the strictest scrutiny from any earthly critic. From the elevated style, to the competent author, to the respected recipient, each gives this gospel a genuine quality.
Purpose: ________________________ in Jesus’ life and ministry
Luke 1:3–4 (LSB) — 3 it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in orderly sequence, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty about the things you have been taught.

Along with written sources, various oral traditions no doubt also played a part in the Third Gospel’s composition. Some of these oral traditions were of the kind that circulated throughout the church in the form of parables, pronouncement stories, stories about Jesus, and so forth. Some, however, may have been oral recollections shared with Luke during his time in Judea (Acts 21:7–27:1). Perhaps during this period many of the traditions contained in Luke 1–2 and Acts 1–8 were obtained.
Luke 1:63-66, 4:14, 4:36-37, 5:13-15, 7:15-17, 8:38-39

Luke, by the authority of the Spirit, bolsters the accounts of the Apostles, by submitting his own investigative work. We have every reason to believe that Jesus is the Christ.
Oct 20, 202342:07
The Holy Spirit: Part 2 The Spirits Work in Salvation 2Cor. 3:17-4:6

The Holy Spirit: Part 2 The Spirits Work in Salvation 2Cor. 3:17-4:6

Big Idea: The Holy Spirit is directly involved in our salvation. He calls us to Christ and continues to empower us to reflect His glory on this earth.

God the Holy Spirit
5-1 The eternal Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of the same substance and equal in power and glory with the Father and the Son… He is the only efficient agent in the application of redemption. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment, moves them to repentance, and regenerates5 them by His grace, enabling them to embrace Jesus Christ by faith.
5-2 The Holy Spirit indwells all true believers, baptizing them into one body, of which Christ is the head. He, the divine Comforter, Intercessor, and Advocate, empowers the believer for service.

The Holy Spirit ____________________ Us ______________________
2 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV) — 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Genesis 1:2 (ESV) — 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

The same God, who spoke the earth and all of creation into existence by the Spirit, speaks into our hearts to give us the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:2–5 (ESV) — 2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction…

The Holy Spirit ______________________ Us __________________________
2 Corinthians 3:17–18 (ESV) — 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

In Christ, we are freed from the law but compelled by the Spirit.
Elutheria: to be free from ____________________ ____________________

Colossians 2:20–23 (ESV) — 20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

Our obedience to Christ is not something we must do, it is something we want to do.

Hebrews 10:23–25 (ESV) — 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Questions to Consider
Why should we have confidence when we preach the gospel to our friends and neighbors?
What the difference between being constrained and being compelled? Can you see this in your everyday life? In what ways?
What does it look to be compelled by the Spirit in your service to Christ?
Oct 05, 202345:32
The Holy Spirit: Part 1 John 14, Gen. 1

The Holy Spirit: Part 1 John 14, Gen. 1

Big Idea: The Holy Spirit is the Third person of the Trinity and directly responsible for carrying out God’s will on the earth. He is to be esteemed and worshiped as God.

Nicene Creed on the Holy Spirit: We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.

God the Holy Spirit
5-1 The eternal Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of the same substance and equal in power and glory with the Father and the Son. By Him the prophets were moved to speak the Word of God, and all writers of the Holy Scriptures were inspired to record infallibly the mind and will of God. He is the only efficient agent in the application of redemption. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment, moves them to repentance, and regenerates5 them by His grace, enabling them to embrace Jesus Christ by faith.

The Holy Spirit is a ______________________ _____________________
John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

John 15:26-27; 16:7-11

The Holy Spirit is the Third person of the Trinity who is actively carrying out God’s plan in the world around us and therefore worthy of our adoration and praise. He is God. He is equal in essence with both Father and Son yet distinct in person. He is active in creation. He is bringing salvation to the world. He is sanctifying God’s people.

The Holy Spirit has a _______________________ _____________________
The Holy Spirit is the member of the divine God-head that executes God’s plans on earth.
Genesis 1:1–2 (ESV) — 1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

rauch:

“At the very beginning of the process of creation, we meet the Holy Spirit working to craft a home for living creatures… Genesis [1] is not describing a violent wind but depicting the Spirit as the agent of God’s nurturing presence in the primeval, uncultivated wilderness. This tender image communicates that the Spirit of God cared for creation in its infantile state and brought it to life and completion… As we read in the text that follows how God repeatedly spoke and sovereignly shaped the universe (Gen. 1:3-31), we are to understand that the Spirit accompanied the creative word at every stage of creation.” –Joel Beeke; Systematic Theology

Isaiah 61:1–2 (ESV) — 1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor… to proclaim liberty to the captives… 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God…
Ezekiel 11:5 (ESV) — 5 And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and he said to me, “Say, Thus says the Lord…
2 Samuel 23:2 (ESV) — 2 “The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me; his word is on my tongue.

From the immaculate conception (Luke 1:35), to Jesus’ baptism (Luke 3:22), to the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4:1) to Jesus’ earthly ministry (Luke 4:14-19; Acts 10:38), to His death (Heb. 9:13) and resurrection (Rom. 1:4; Eph. 1:19-20), the Spirit of God was with Christ every step of the way carrying out God the Father’s plan for the redemption of sinners, in and through Jesus the Son.

Questions to Consider
How have you typically viewed the Holy Spirit? How does seeing the Spirit of God as a person help you better relate to the third person of the Trinity?
In what ways have you seen the Spirit of God in work in your life and in the lives of those around you? How might you be more conscientious of the Spirit’s work around you?
Sep 28, 202339:47
In the Classroom Of Contentment Philippians 4:10-13

In the Classroom Of Contentment Philippians 4:10-13

Guest Speaker: Brian Seay

Sep 21, 202342:38
Our God: Merciful, Gracious, and Just Exodus 34:4-9

Our God: Merciful, Gracious, and Just Exodus 34:4-9

Big Idea: Our God is both Merciful, Gracious and Just. God delights in showing mercy to sinners and forgiving their sin but must also deal with the judgement we deserve. The plan to redeem sinners is realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

God the Father
3-1 There is but one living and true God,1 immanent, transcendent, infinite in being and perfection, pure spirit,2 invisible, immutable,3 eternal, almighty, all wise,4 most holy, most free, most loving, most gracious, most merciful, longsuffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin,5 the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, and withal most just and terrible in His judgments, hating all sin. He will by no means clear the guilty.

Our God is Most ____________________ and ______________________.
Exodus 34:6 (ESV) The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,

It pleases God to show mercy.
Micah 7:18 (ESV) — 18 Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.
Ephesians 2:4 (ESV) — 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,

“God is more inclinable to mercy than wrath. Mercy is his darling attribute, which he most delights in…”
Ezekiel 18:23 (ESV) — 23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?

“God’s longsuffering speaks of his being perfectly placid in himself and toward sinners in spite of their continual disobedience and disregard for his warnings. God does not ‘lose his temper’ but rather acts calmly with proper affection according to his eternal sovereign plan.” –John MacArthur

Our God is Withal __________________________.
Exodus 34:7 (ESV) keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

God judges and he judges justly.
Psalm 9:7–8 (ESV) — 7 But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, 8 and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.

Romans 2:12-16; 3:21-26

God’s abundant mercy and grace has not only dealt justly with the punishment we all deserve, but He has also renewed us to live holy and righteous lives.

Titus 2:14 (ESV) who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.


Questions to consider
Is it a comfort to know that the God of the universe cares for you?
How has God shown his mercy and grace to you?
How does the reality of God mercy and justice affect the way you evangelize?
Sep 14, 202348:21
Our God: Most Holy, Most Free Isaiah 6:3, Daniel 4:35

Our God: Most Holy, Most Free Isaiah 6:3, Daniel 4:35

Big Idea: God is always acting toward his own glory. Because God is the self-existent one, he operates free from any influence or pressure outside of himself and is wholly committed to the praise of His glory.

God the Father
3-1 There is but one living and true God,1 immanent, transcendent, infinite in being and perfection, pure spirit,2 invisible, immutable,3 eternal, almighty, all wise,4 most holy, most free…

God is ___________________________ Holy
Isaiah 6:3 (ESV) And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”

“Probably the most common explanation of the term ‘holiness’ is that to be ‘holy’ means ‘to be separate from’, ‘to be cut off from’, ‘to be placed at a distance from’. And so we often say that God’s holiness means that he is separate from sin and therefore separate from us. There is a good measure of truth in this. But in my own view it starts from the wrong place. It describes the Creator’s attribute of holiness from the viewpoint of the creature; it describes his purity from the standpoint of the sinner. And ultimately that is to do our thinking the wrong way round…
Any description we give of what God is like in himself… must meet a simple test. For anything to be true of God as he is in himself it must be true quite apart from his work of creation, quite apart from our existence…It must be true of God simply as he always existed as the eternal Trinity… What then is God’s holiness? What do we mean when we say ‘Holy Father’ and ‘Holy Son’ and ‘Holy Spirit’ and ‘Holy Trinity’? We mean the perfectly pure devotion of each of these three persons to the other two. We mean the attribute in the Trinity that corresponds to the ancient words that describe marriage: ‘forsaking all other, and cleaving only unto thee’ — absolute, permanent, exclusive, pure, irreversible, and fully expressed devotion.”
-Devoted to God; Sinclair Ferguson

Isaiah 42:8 (ESV) 8 I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.

When we speak of God’s holiness we are saying in essence that God always acts in consistency with the praise of his glorious being.
Psalm 148:13 (ESV) — 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.


God’s is __________________________ Free.
Daniel 4:35 (ESV) — 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”

When we say that God is the most free, what we mean to say is that God wills and acts apart from any outside influence, but acts only in relation to Himself.

Romans 6:6 (ESV) — 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

God extends his loving kindness and goodness to us because of who He is and not because of what we are.
Titus 3:4–5 (ESV) — 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy…

Questions to consider
What does it mean for God to be holy? How does this help you conceive of what God has called you to do in sanctification? In what ways can you think of your actions as for God?
Who is God calling you to love freely? How does the love of Christ compel you to do so? (2Cor. 5:14)
Sep 07, 202346:13
The Wisdom and Knowledge of our God Romans 11:36-38

The Wisdom and Knowledge of our God Romans 11:36-38

Big Idea: God is the Almighty, Sovereign, Ruler of the universe. God’s knowledge and wisdom are perfect, and so God’s ways are perfect. Since God knows all things, he rules in truth and righteousness.

God the Father
3-1 There is but one living and true God,1 immanent, transcendent, infinite in being and perfection, pure spirit,2 invisible, immutable,3 eternal, almighty, all wise,4 most holy, most free, most loving, most gracious, most merciful, longsuffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin,5 the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, and withal most just and terrible in His judgments, hating all sin. He will by no means clear the guilty.

God’s _________________________ is perfect
Romans 11:33 (ESV) — 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!


God’s wisdom and knowledge is beyond searching out, and it is also full to the brim.

Psalm 147:5 (ESV) — 5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure (infinite).


God knows all things perfectly.
Job 37:14–16 (ESV) — 14 “Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God. 15 Do you know how God lays his command upon them and causes the lightning of his cloud to shine? 16 Do you know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge,

God knows every possible thing.
“Since God knows himself, he knows all he is capable of doing, all possible worlds that he might create, and all possible histories his providence might direct. There are many things that God does not do, but could do. He might have sent twelve legions of angels to rescue Christ from crucifixion, but he did not (Matt. 26:53). He is able to raise up children of Abraham from the very stones, but he does not (Luke 3:8). There are infinite possibilities that the mind of God contemplates, though he ordains only one world history.” –Joel Beeke; Reformed Systematic Theology

God knows us perfectly.
Psalm 139:1–6 (ESV) — 1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

“Wisdom is God’s infinite knowledge at the service of his holy will.”
God’s ___________________________ are perfect.
Romans 11:33 (ESV) — 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

All God’s works are perfect, because God possess the most perfect and full understanding of everything that he has, and has not, created. He is at the center of the Universe.

Questions to Consider
Do you believe this morning that God is more knowledgeable then you? More wise than you? How might this cause you to respond to Him?
What is the Lord calling upon you to trust him for this morning in your life? Do you believe that God is able to work all things for your good?
Aug 31, 202346:56
Our God Almighty Psalm 8

Our God Almighty Psalm 8

Big Idea: God is the Almighty, Sovereign, Ruler of the universe. And he grants men a measure of that sovereignty over the creatures He has made to display, in small part, the extent of his mastery over the universe.

God the Father
3-1 There is but one living and true God, immanent, transcendent, infinite in being and perfection, pure spirit, invisible, immutable, eternal, almighty…

God is _________________________ All Creation
Psalm 8:1 (ESV) O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

God is sovereign king and ruler over all things. He directs the affairs of all his creation with precision and intention.

Psalm 147:4–5 (ESV) — 4 He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. 5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.

God governs all things according to his power and wisdom. All things are in place and working as God has determined. (Psalm 107:25; 148:7-8; Jonah 1:4; Matt. 10:29-30)

1Sam. 17:1-4, 10, 38-39, 45-47

The sovereignty of our God, does not merely extend to the elemental principles of our created order. It extends even to the actions and conquests of men. (Psalm 33:13-17; Isaiah 40:22-23)
Man is __________________ All Creatures (as God has ordained)
4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? 5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

We are so insignificant in relation to God, but we are also very significant in relation to the rest of creation. God has made man to be an image and representation of his majestic rule over all things.

Genesis 1:26–28 (ESV) — 26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

We, that is mankind, being made in God’s image, with the all the attributes that he has so graciously communicated to us, are a rudimentary representation of the sovereign control that God exercises over all creation. God has given us dominion, that is rule and authority, over all creatures, (Gen. 1:26-28) in order that we might display in part the magnitude of the dominion and majesty of our God.

Job 38:4–7 (ESV) — 4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6 On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, 7 when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Questions to Consider
Does the truth of God’s majesty bring you comfort? Why or why not?
How do you see a small picture of God’s rule over creation in the things that he has made you responsible for? (home, work, hobbies, children)
In what ways might we give praise to God for this most excellent role in creation?
Aug 24, 202345:12
The Simplicity of our God Deut. 6:4-5

The Simplicity of our God Deut. 6:4-5

Big Idea: Our God is one, which is to say that God is not composed of parts. He is not a complex being, that is made up of many parts, but all that God is He is in a complete and harmonious union.
“I now see that I spent most of my life in doing neither what I ought nor what I liked.”
– Screwtape, The Screwtape Letters

God the Father
3-1 There is but one living and true God, immanent, transcendent, infinite in being and perfection, pure spirit, invisible, immutable, eternal…

The ________________ of our God. (without parts)
Deuteronomy 6:4–5 (ESV) — 4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

“The principle claim of divine simplicity is that God is not composed of parts… A part is anything in a subject that is less than the whole and with which the subject would be really different than it is.” –James Dolezal

“In God to be is the same as to be strong, or to be just, or to be wise, or whatever is said of the simple multiplicity, or multifold simplicity, whereby we signify his substance.”
—Augustine


Isaiah 45:5 (ESV) — 5 I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God…

It is possible to understand v. 4 in several ways, but the two most common renderings of the last clause are: (1) “The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (so NIV) or (2) “The Lord our God is one Lord.” The former stresses the uniqueness or exclusivity of Yahweh as Israel’s God and so may be paraphrased, “Yahweh our God is the one and only Yahweh” or the like. This takes the noun ʾeḥād (“one”) in the sense of “unique” or “solitary,” a meaning that is certainly well attested. The latter translation focuses on the unity or wholeness of the Lord. This is not in opposition to the later Christian doctrine of the Trinity but rather functions here as a witness to the self-consistency of the Lord, who is not ambivalent and who has a single purpose or objective for creation and history.78 The ideas clearly overlap to provide an unmistakable basis for monotheistic faith. The Lord is indeed a unity, but beyond that he is the only God. For this reason the exhortation of v. 5 has practical significance.

“[God] is a simple, uncompounded Being, without diverse members, and altogether like, and equal to Himself, since He is wholly understanding, and wholly spirit, and wholly thought, and wholly intelligence, and wholly reason, and wholly hearing, and wholly seeing, and wholly light, and the whole source of all that is good.” –Irenaeus, Against Heresies 180 A.D.

Because God is undivided in his nature, we should be undivided in our worship. Because God is one in his nature, we should be one in our worship. Because God is wholly unified in his nature, we should be wholly unified in our worship.

Matthew 22:35–40 (ESV) — 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Aug 17, 202342:58
The Wisdom of the Savior King Matthew 4:25-5:3

The Wisdom of the Savior King Matthew 4:25-5:3

Guest Speaker: Mike Kings

Aug 10, 202335:60
Nature of God: Eternal and Immutable Psalm 90, 102

Nature of God: Eternal and Immutable Psalm 90, 102

Big Idea: God is eternal, which means he is always present. There is no past or future with God for God always is. This means then that God is unchangeable.
God the Father
3-1 There is but one living and true God, immanent, transcendent, infinite in being and perfection, pure spirit, invisible, immutable, eternal…

If God being spirit means that he is everywhere present, God’s eternality means that he is always present (tense).

Isaiah 40:12-17, 21-23, 27-28

Our God is ________________________. (without time)
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Numbers 21:4-7 (pg. 120)

John 8:58 (ESV) — 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

God has always been and always will be, because God is always present.

Deuteronomy 33:26–27 (ESV) — 26 “There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty. 27 The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, ‘Destroy.’

Our God is _____________________________ (without change)
Psalm 102:25–28 (ESV) — 25 Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 26 They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, 27 but you are the same, and your years have no end.

God does not change. If God has no beginning, then he is never advancing. And if God has no end, He is never diminishing. God always is.

God’s Covenant in Christ never changes.
Hebrews 13:20 (ESV) — 20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
God’s love, forgiveness, mercy, compassion, and justice, never change.
Psalm 103:17 (ESV) — 17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children,
God’s Word never changes.
Isaiah 40:6–8 (ESV) — 6 A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
God’s salvation in Christ never changes.
Ephesians 1:3–6 (ESV) — 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
God’s wrath against sin never changes.
Matthew 25:46 (ESV) — 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Jul 27, 202347:33
Nature of God: Infinite in Being Psalm 145:1-3; Exodus 3:14

Nature of God: Infinite in Being Psalm 145:1-3; Exodus 3:14

Big Idea: God is beyond measure!
God the Father
3-1 There is but one living and true God, immanent, transcendent, infinite in being and perfection…

Our God is ________________________. (beyond measure)
Psalm 145:title–3 (ESV) — A Song of Praise. Of David. 1 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. 2 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. 3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.

As created beings there always exists a boundary that we reach when extoling our favorite food, or place, or activity, or person, etc. But this is not the case with God. There is no end to the praise that we will offer to God because God has no end.
Rev. 4:1-11 (pg. 967)

Psalm 145:3 (NET) — 3 The Lord is great and certainly worthy of praise! No one can fathom his greatness!
Psalm 145:3 (NIV) — 3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

Job 38:1–11 (ESV) — 1 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: 2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6 On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, 7 when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8 “Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb, 9 when I made clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, 10 and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors, 11 and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?
When we say that God is infinite, we are saying that God is __________ ___________.

1 Kings 8:12–13 (ESV) — 12 Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. 13 I have indeed built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.”
1 Kings 8:27 (ESV) — 27 “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!

Our God is infinite in ________________________. (self-existent)
Exodus 3:13–14 (ESV) — 13 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ”

God therefore told him His name, or, to speak more correctly, He explained the name יהוה, by which He had made Himself known to Abraham at the making of the covenant (Gen. 15:7), in this way, אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה, “I am that I am,” and designated Himself by this name as the absolute God of the fathers, acting with unfettered liberty and self-dependence (cf. pp. 46–47).

There is nothing outside of God that compels Him to be anything other than what He already is.

The Divine Infinity is the, “…bottomless profundity of essence (existence), and full confluence (coming together) of all kinds and degrees of perfection, without bound or limit.” –John Howe
Question to consider
How should you respond this week to the reality of God’s infinite being?
Jul 13, 202344:54
Our God: Transcendent and Immanent Selected Scriptures

Our God: Transcendent and Immanent Selected Scriptures

Big Idea: The God we commune with is both far beyond our experience and yet near to us in our experiences. We serve both a sovereign and sympathetic King.

Doctrine may divide, but it is because doctrine defines.
“The study of religious truth ought to be undertaken… with a view to the improvement of the heart. When learned, it ought not to be laid on the shelf, as an object of [contemplation]; but it should be deposited deep in the heart, where its sanctifying power ought to be felt. To study theology, for the purpose of gratifying curiosity… is an abuse of what ought to be regarded as most holy.” – John L. Dagg; Manual of Theology

Doctrine _____________ who we believe God to be so that we can love and worship him more _________________ and more _________________.

Trinity
2-1 There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God, the same in substance, eternally equal in power and glory.

God the Father
3-1 There is but one living and true God, immanent, transcendent, infinite in being and perfection, pure spirit, invisible, immutable, eternal, almighty, all wise, most holy, most free, most loving, most gracious, most merciful, longsuffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin, the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, and withal most just and terrible in His judgments, hating all sin. He will by no means clear the guilty.

Our God is ________________________. (Creator)
Transcendent:

Psalm 135:5–7 (ESV) — 5 For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. 6 Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. 7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
Our God is ________________________. (Covenant Keeper)
Immanent:

Acts 17:24–25 (ESV) — 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.

“The technical term used to speak of God’s involvement in creation is the word immanent, meaning ‘remaining in’ creation. The God of the Bible is no abstract deity removed from, and uninterested in his creation. The Bible is the story of God’s involvement with his creation, and particularly the people in it.” - Wayne Grudem; Systematic Theology

God commits himself to the created order.

Psalm 34:18 (ESV) — 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 147:3 (ESV) — 3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Because God is transcendent he is ___________________ over our circumstances, because he his immanent he is ___________________ to our circumstances.

Questions to Consider
How might the scriptures listed above comfort you in the midst of hardship?
In what ways are you trusting God with your circumstances?
What would a prayer of trust look like in the midst of your circumstances?
In what ways is God using your circumstances to draw you closer to himself?
Jul 06, 202345:58
Jesus Christ: The One True God Part 2 1John 5:20-21

Jesus Christ: The One True God Part 2 1John 5:20-21

Big Idea: Jesus is the true one because Jesus is God and therefore we should give ourselves to Jesus and keep ourselves from idols at all costs.

Jesus is _____________________
1 John 5:20–21 (ESV) — 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Alethinos: to be _________________ or genuine

John 14:6-11; 17:3


Though the Arians have attempted to elude this passage, and some agree with them at this day, yet we have here a remarkable testimony to the divinity of Christ. The Arians apply this passage to the Father, as though the Apostle should again repeat that he is the true God. But nothing could be more frigid than such a repetition. He has already twice testified that the true God is he who has been made known to us in Christ, why should he again add, This is the true God? It applies, indeed, most suitably to Christ; for after having taught us that Christ is the guide by whose hand we are led to God, he now, by way of amplifying, affirms that Christ is that God, lest we should think that we are to seek further; and he confirms this view by what is added, and eternal life. It is doubtless the same that is spoken of, as being the true God and eternal life. I pass by this, that the relative οὗτος usually refers to the last person. I say, then, that Christ is properly called eternal life; and that this mode of speaking perpetually occurs in John, no one can deny.
The meaning is, that when we have Christ, we enjoy the true and eternal God, for nowhere else is he to be sought; and, secondly, that we become thus partakers of eternal life, because it is offered to us in Christ though hid in the Father. The origin of life is, indeed, the Father; but the fountain from which we are to draw it, is Christ.

My confidence in Christ and motivation for righteousness is not necessarily in what I know but who I know.
Ephesians 4:20–32 (ESV) — 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Idols are __________________________
1 John 5:21 (ESV) — 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Isaiah 40:18–31

Idolatry in our day, and in John’s day, is any thought, philosophy, strategy, or tactic that ___________________ the power of Jesus, the true one, to save to the uttermost.

Jesus is our savior because he is the true God. Protect that at all costs!
Questions to consider
What thoughts, philosophies, or strategies outside of the saving power of Jesus have you adopted? What might it look like to forsake those idols and turn back to Christ?
Jun 30, 202343:44
Jesus Christ: The One True God Part 1 1John 5:19-20

Jesus Christ: The One True God Part 1 1John 5:19-20

Big Idea: How should we pray for unbelievers? We should pray that God would grant them understanding so that they might see their sin for what it is. And we pray that they would see Jesus as the true Son of God and give themselves over to Him.

How should we pray for unbelievers?
God would grant them _________________________________
1 John 5:20 (ESV) —20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us (believers) understanding…

What sets believers and unbelievers apart is that God has granted understanding to those who believe.

Ephesians 4:17–19 (ESV) — 17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.

Unbelievers are; 1. ____________ in their minds, 2. ____________ in their understanding, 3. ______________ from the life of God, 4. ______________ ignorant, and 5. _____________________ in their hearts.

Paul does not speak of merely a “hard” heart, but a “hardened” heart. The word in Greek implies a certain stubbornness and reflects the consequences of opportunities being resisted. Repeatedly making wrong choices causes the heart to become callous, making it ever more insensitive to God’s will and ways. This sclerosis of the heart is the result of deliberate choices repeatedly made against the life ordained by God…
Romans 1:18–32 (ESV) — 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

They _________________________________ the trueness of Jesus Christ.
1 John 5:20 (ESV) —20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” -C.S. Lewis
Dianoia: to think through

John 6:44–45 (ESV) —44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me—

Questions to Consider
How should we pray for unbelievers?
Why cannot unbelievers see their sin for what it is? What does coming to Christ do for them?
Would you take a moment and pray for the unbelievers in your life?
Jun 22, 202341:17
Prayer for Spiritual Growth: Part 2 1John 5:16-19

Prayer for Spiritual Growth: Part 2 1John 5:16-19

Big Idea: The Bible calls us to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, that God would deliver them from their ongoing sin, on the basis of the life that He has given them in Christ. What a blessing to know God continues to transform our hearts into the image of his Son.

Two categories of sin: sin that does not lead to death vs. sin that does lead to death.

We Should Pray for ____________ that ____________ to Life
1John 5:16 (ESV) If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.

Sin is any ______________, _______________, _______________, or ______________ that goes against who God is in his essence.

Matthew 5:27–28 (ESV) — 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Sin is not merely an issue of our actions; it is also an issue of the heart.
Ephesians 1:16–19 (ESV) — 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might

God is not finished with any of us. God is never finished with any of us.
John 15:1–4 (ESV) — 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

We Should Not Pray for ________________ that ______________ to Death.
1 John 5:16–17 (ESV) — 16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.

Sin that leads to death, is sin that is committed by ___________________.

1 John 5:18–19 (ESV) — 18 We know (oida) that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. 19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

1John 3:4-10

The unbeliever is sinning and his sin plunges him further and further into death. He is like a car careening toward the edge of a cliff with no guardrail.

Questions to Consider
What is sin that does not lead to death? What is sin that leads to death?
Why should we pray for the first and not for the second?
Do you spend a lot of time in your prayers, praying for others? If so, what are you praying for?
How might you take advantage of the prayers of the righteous to help you in your battle over sin?
Jun 15, 202343:39
Be Strengthened for the Mission 2 Timothy 2

Be Strengthened for the Mission 2 Timothy 2

Guest Speaker: Brian Seay

Jun 08, 202339:24
Prayer for Spiritual Growth 1John 5:14-15

Prayer for Spiritual Growth 1John 5:14-15

Big Idea: The Bible calls us to pray in accordance with God’s revealed and purposed will. Prayer is surrendering our will to God’s will and embracing all that God has for us unto eternal life.

Romans 8:26–27 (ESV) — 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

How do we ask in prayer according to God’s will? We ask according to God’s…
__________________________ (Revealed) Will
1 John 5:14 (ESV) — 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

God’s revealed will is that which God has revealed to us as _______________, _______________, and __________________ to Him in His Word.

When the Bible speaks of the will of God, it does not always mean the decretive (purposed) will of God. The decretive will of God cannot be broken, cannot be disobeyed. It will come to pass. On the other hand, there is a will that can be broken: “the preceptive will of God.” It can be disobeyed. Indeed, it is broken and disobeyed every day by each one of us.
The preceptive will of God is found in his law. The precepts, statutes, and commandments that he delivers to his people make up the preceptive will. They express and reveal to us what is right and proper for us to do. The preceptive will is God’s rule of righteousness for our lives. By this rule we are governed.
It is the will of God that we sin not. It is the will of God that we have no other gods before him; that we love our neighbor as we love ourselves; that we refrain from stealing, coveting, and committing adultery. Yet the world is filled with idolatry, hatred, thievery, covetousness, and adultery. Here the will of God is violated. His law is broken.
Psalm 16:7-11; 119:1-8

We must ask in accordance with God’s…
_______________________ (Decretive) Will
God’s purposed will are all those things that God purposes to come to pass according to his __________________ design for His own __________________ and the ultimate _______________ of his creatures.

Psalm 135:6 (ESV) — 6 Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.
Daniel 4:35 (ESV) — 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”

Acts 2:22–23 (ESV) — 22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.

When we ask God in prayer, we must ask in accordance with his revealed will and in anticipation of his purposed will. At the very heart of asking God in prayer is surrendering ourselves to both his revealed will and his purposed will.

Questions to Consider
What is the difference between God’s preceptive will and his purposed will?
How does the preceptive will inform our prayers? How does the purposed will inform our prayers?
In what ways is God calling you to grow in Christ? Are these circumstances hard? What do we know about God and how does this help us submit to Him?
What is God seeking to teach you through his purposed will for your life?
Jun 01, 202342:04
Eternal Life to Those Who are Believing 1John 5:13

Eternal Life to Those Who are Believing 1John 5:13

Big Idea: John writes so that we might know what eternal life is and how we might walk in it by faith.

2 Questions concerning the content of John’s Letter to the churches;
What have we ________________________ from the Apostle John?
1 John 5:13 (ESV) — 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

Oida: ____________________ knowledge. Oida is to be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information.

Philippians 3:10 (ESV) — 10 that I may know (ginosko) him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,


John gives us an unadulterated knowledge of what it means to be a child of God, unpolluted by emotions or experiences. His statements are the purest form of Christianity and to see the realities which he presents in your own life is to be able to know, without a doubt, that you belong to Christ.


The ______________________ of eternal life is an ongoing embrace, by the power of the Holy Spirit, of the person and work of Jesus the Christ, who transforms our inner man so that we love God and neighbor, which manifests itself in keeping God’s commandments and sacrificing ourselves for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

How Do We _______________________ to Receive It?
1 John 5:13 (ESV) — 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

indicative — The mood in which the action of the verb or the state of being it describes is presented by the writer as real. It is the mood of assertion, where the writer portrays something as actual (as opposed to possible or contingent on intention).

This letter… was written for believers. John’s desire for them is not that they may believe and receive, but that having believed, they may know that they have received, and therefore continue to have (present), eternal life

The theology of the indicative asserts that your joy-filled obedience as a Christian flows from the righteous character you have been given in your union with Christ.

Eph. 1:3-6; 2:8-10

What we have in this letter from John is both a declaration of and a dedication to the life of Jesus Christ in salvation.

Questions to Consider
What does John do for us in this letter? Why is that important?
Why should we read our bibles? How does that sustain our Christian walk?
What might it look like to rely on the life of Christ in us when faced with temptation?
May 24, 202347:48
The Manifestation of the Spirit: The Internal Testimony 1John 5:6-10

The Manifestation of the Spirit: The Internal Testimony 1John 5:6-10

Big Idea: God testifies to the surety of Jesus as the Son of God. The Father testified at Jesus’ baptism, Jesus testified in the Crucifixion, the Spirit testifies in our own hearts and minds.
You have every reason to believe that Jesus is the Christ, Son of God and Savior of the world.
Deuteronomy 19:15 (ESV) 15 “A single witness (testifier) shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses (testifiers) or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.

John 5:36, 15:26, 17:1-5, 19:31-37

3 Testimonies concerning Jesus as the Son of God:
The ___________________ Testifies
1 John 5:6 (ESV) 6 This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood…

We need therefore to find an interpretation of the phrase which makes water and blood both historical experiences ‘through’ which he passed and witnesses in some sense to his divine-human person. The… most satisfactory interpretation… takes water as referring to the baptism of Jesus, at which he was declared the Son and commissioned and empowered for his work, and blood to his death, in which his work was finished… The author is stressing the unity of the earthly career of Jesus Christ. He who came (from heaven, that is) is the same as he who passed ‘through’ water and blood...

Matthew 3:13–17

Psalm 2:7 (ESV) 7 I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.

Isaiah 42:1 (ESV) 1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.

The ____________________ Testifies
1John 5:6 (ESV) 6 This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood...

You have every reason to believe that Jesus is the Son of God because Jesus really died on the Cross for your sins.
The ________________________ Testifies
1 John 5:6–8 (ESV) 6 This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.

Romans 8:16 (ESV) 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Beloved, you have every reason to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Questions to Consider
How can we be certain that Jesus is the Son of God?
Do you ever doubt the reality of Jesus Christ? Where should you turn?
How might this effect the way you talk to others about Jesus?
May 11, 202343:32
Raised with Christ  Ephesians 2:1-10

Raised with Christ Ephesians 2:1-10

Guest Speaker: Paul Corona

May 04, 202343:22
The Manifestation of the Spirit: Delight in God’s Law 1John 5:1-5

The Manifestation of the Spirit: Delight in God’s Law 1John 5:1-5

Big Idea: As born again believers, our desire is to keep God’s commandments because it is the expression of Christ in us.

3 Reasons we should keep God’s Commandments:
We have been _____________ ______________
1 John 5:1 (ESV) — 1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.


Romans 1:16–17 (ESV) — 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Our life on this earth in the keeping of God’s commandments and the loving of the brother is sourced in the work that God has accomplished in us and the work he desires to do through us by our exercising of faith.


God’s Commandments are _______________________
1 John 5:2–3 (ESV) — 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments…

Psalm 119:1-16


God’s Commandments are not ______________________
1 John 5:3–4 (ESV) 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.


Matthew 23:4 (ESV) 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.


Galatians 2:19–21 (ESV) 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

When we were dead in sin, the law was something that was placed upon our shoulders, as a weight to carry. In the new birth, the law is placed within our hearts as something to be expressed. (Jeremiah 31:33)


In Christ, we no longer obey the law because it is an external weight bearing down on us, but because it is the inner expression of the new man within us.

Questions to Consider
What does it look like to exercise faith in Christ for your sanctification?
What desires of the old man are you putting to death because of your new life in Jesus?
Apr 27, 202342:18
The Manifestation of the Spirit: Love Part 2 1John 4:12-21

The Manifestation of the Spirit: Love Part 2 1John 4:12-21

Big Idea: God loved us, in order that we might love others. We, as Christians, were re-created by God to love, and when we love, we experience God afresh. This should be the ultimate motivation for our loving others.

Two Ends (Purposes) for our Re-Creation:
Re-created to _________________________ God’s Love
1 John 4:12 (ESV) 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

Telos:

The end goal of the active and initiating love of God, the end of the coming of Jesus to die for our sins, and the end goal of the indwelling Holy Spirit, is that we might display the glory of God in the love that we exercise toward our brothers and sisters in Christ and to the world.


1 Timothy 6:15–16 (ESV) 15 …he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.


We were not only made to experience God’s love, but to experience it again and again and again as we exercise it toward others.

Re-Created to ___________________________ God’s Love
1 John 4:16 (ESV) 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides (is abiding) in love abides (is abiding) in God, and God abides (is abiding) in him.


The Greatest Motivation for loving others is experiencing God in the exercising of that love.


Application: Every time you sacrifice your time and energy, every time you deny yourself in order to serve someone else, every time you actively seek out others in need and give of yourself, every time you secure the greatest benefit for those around you, you are exercising God’s love in you and therefore are experiencing God in the action.


1 John 4:20–21 (ESV) 20 If anyone says, “I love (am loving) God,” and hates (is hating) his brother, he is (being) a liar; for he who does not love (is not loving) his brother whom he has seen cannot love (is not loving) God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.




Questions to Consider
What is your motivation for loving others? How is experiencing God a better motivation than fear of punishment?
How are you loving your brothers and sisters in Christ? How are you loving your neighbor? How is this demonstrating the love that God first extended to us?

Apr 20, 202339:15
The Manifestation of the Spirit: Love 1John 4:7-12

The Manifestation of the Spirit: Love 1John 4:7-12

Big Idea: God calls us to love, even as he loved us. This is made possible by the Spirit of Christ that dwells within us. And this love is an active and initiating love. One that seeks others out to do for them what will bring about their ultimate good.

1 John 4:7–12 (ESV) 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

Two Aspects of God’s Love
God’s Love ___________________
1 John 4:9 (ESV) 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.


John 12:24 (ESV) 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.


True love is compelled to move toward the recipient of its affection to secure for it that which is best, and this does not come easy. In love, God committed himself to mankind, to secure that which is best for humanity, eternal life, through the death of his Son Jesus. God acted in love by sending. God acted in love by sacrificing. God acted in love by securing our best.

God’s Love __________________________
1 John 4:10 (ESV) 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.


Love is found in God’s nature and not in a response to our natures.

Luke 15:3–7 (ESV) 3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.


Perfected:





Questions to Consider
What does it look like to love those around you?
How might you initiate with those around you to do them good?
What would it look like to act on behalf a specific brother or sister in Christ?
What does this kind of love look like toward the unbelievers in your life?
What does this kid of love look like toward you spouse, children, parents, etc?
Apr 13, 202332:07
The Manifestation of the Spirit: Overcoming the World 1John 4:4

The Manifestation of the Spirit: Overcoming the World 1John 4:4

Big Idea: One of the greatest manifestations of the Spirit in the life of believers is in their ability to see the truth of Jesus Christ. This is a result of the Holy Spirit conquering our spiritual blindness and the hardness of our hearts through the new birth so that we might see Jesus for who he is.

Two things we learn from 1John 4:4;
We have _________________________ the world
1 John 4:4 (ESV) — 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

The context of 1John 4:4 is the ability of the believer to discern between the spirit of the anti-Christ, which is in the world, and the Spirit of God, which is in the Apostles.

Revelation 2:7 (ESV) — 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’
Revelation 2:26 (ESV) — 26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations,
Revelation 3:21 (ESV) — 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Revelation 21:7 (ESV) — 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

In the new birth God overwhelms, like a superior force on a battlefield, your sinful and depraved mind, heart, and will, and he brings with him the Spiritual artillery necessary to defeat your spirit of rebellion and rejection and causes you to see Jesus for who he is and as a response you give yourself to him.
1 Corinthians 12:3 (ESV) — 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

Luke 24:44-46; Acts 16:13-14

We _____________________________ the ruler of this world
1 John 4:4 (ESV) — 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Job 1:7 (ESV) — 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.”
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) — 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

What we do on Sunday morning, or throughout the week, is no joke. It is not something to be trifled with. What we do is serious, especially if we are fully committed to declaring the truth of God’s Word and taking that truth to the darkest recess of this world.

2 Kings 6:15–17 (ESV) — 15 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Questions to Consider
Why is it important to read 1John in its context? What do we learn in this text?
Are you encouraged by this reality? Why or why not?
How does this passage encourage you to preach the gospel to others?

Apr 06, 202346:20
God's Hope for Rest Isaiah 33:17

God's Hope for Rest Isaiah 33:17

Guest Speaker: Mike Kings

Mar 30, 202323:24
The Manifestation of the Spirit: Identifying False Spirits 1John 4:1-6

The Manifestation of the Spirit: Identifying False Spirits 1John 4:1-6

Big Idea: How are we to discern between the spirits of the teachers that we encounter on a regular basis? John gives us two tests that we should apply to every one who claims to be “from God” in order to discern whether they are a genuine teacher of God’s Word or a false teacher.  

Acts 17:16-21

Two tests to discern between the spirit of the world and the Spirit of Christ;

  1. ___________________  ________________________ Test

1 John 4:2–3 (ESV) — 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God…

Anyone who does not recognize the physical birth and corporeal (material) existence of the Second Person of the Trinity, the man Christ Jesus, does not come from God and therefore should be put in his proper place. 

If at any moment, you demote and diminish the person and work of Jesus Christ you are not from God.

Discerning between these spirits is our personal responsibility.

  1. ___________________  _________________________ Test

1 John 4:6 (ESV) We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 

1John 1:1-4

How do we hear from God? We listen to preachers as they expound the truth of the Apostles and Prophets. The Spirit of God in us, attaches itself to the Spirit of God in the text of Scripture and is satisfied that it has heard from God.

2 John 10 (ESV) — 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 

2 Corinthians 11:1–6 (ESV) — 1 I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! 2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. 5 Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. 6 Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things. 

Acts 17:11 (ESV) — 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 

Questions to Consider

  • What are some of the predominant worldly philosophies of our day? Are you familiar with them? How do they contradict the teachings of the Bible?

  • How might you familiarize yourself with the fundamental knowledge of Jesus Christ? What book might you read? What “statement of faith” might you memorize?

  • Are you satisfied in the Scripture? How might God be calling you to repent of your lack of trust in the sufficiency of Scripture? What specifically might you need to turn away from?


Mar 23, 202345:53
How Lonely Sits the City; How like a Widow Has She Become Lamentations 1

How Lonely Sits the City; How like a Widow Has She Become Lamentations 1

Guest Speaker: Mark Shaeffer

Mar 17, 202336:58