Advent - Tell
Go Tell It On The Mountains!

Let them shout for joy from the tops of the mountains.
 Let them give glory to the LORD and declare His praise in the coastlands. Isaiah 42:11-12

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.

While shepherds kept their watching
O’er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a holy light.

The shepherds feared and trembled,
When lo! Above the earth,
Rang out the angels chorus
That hailed the Savior’s birth.

Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation
That blessed Christmas morn.

Answering the great questions of life

• Origin – Where did I come from?

• Meaning – Why am I here?

• Morality – How do understand what is right or wrong?

• Destiny – What happens to me when I die?

Living Ready

• Ready to see Jesus!

• Ready to face the world, to occupy until He comes.

• Ready to respond to life “in season and out of season.”

• Ready to make a defense for my faith.

• Ready to give an answer for the hope dwelling within me.

• Ready to face the world as Jesus’ ambassador.

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Christianity has changed our world for the good!

• God is Creator

• God is love

• God is with us

• God’s wisdom is life

• Humanity is God’s design

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5

Advent - Know

Mary, did you know?
Isaiah 9:6-7

The Light Has Come
Advent Candles

• 1st Prophecy – Hope

• 2nd Bethlehem – Faith

• 3rd Shepherd – Joy

• 4th Angel – Love

• 5th The Christ – Anointed

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased. Luke 2:10-14

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. Luke 2:21-32

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby you kiss the face of God.
Mary did you know?

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the Great I Am

There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:7

Advent - O Come!

A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. Luke 2:25-32

O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel

Immanuel Has Come

• Romans 8:23 — We still “groan within ourselves”

• 1 Corinthians 1:7— We still “wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ”

• 1 Thessalonians 1:10 — We still wait for final deliverance “from the wrath to come”

• Galatians 5:5 — We still “wait for the hope of righteousness”

Already and Not Yet!

• Ephesians 1:7-8; 4:30

• 2 Corinthians 6:2-10

• “The Christian life oscillates between these two poles: the overflowing joy of the “already” redeemed and the tearful yearning of the “not-yet” redeemed. Not that we ever leave the one or the other in this life. We are “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” – John Piper –

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign:
Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, 
and she will call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

The Messianic Titles <Latin>

• O Sapentia (Wisdom)

• O Adonai (God)

• O Radix Jesse (Stem or root of Jesse)

• O Clavis David (Key of David)

• O Oriens (Dayspring)

• O Rex genitium (King of the Gentiles)

• O Emmanuel (God with us)

• This Latin acronym S.A.R.C.O.R.E.

  • Read in reverse is ERO CRAS = “I will be with you tomorrow”

O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go.

O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe.

O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o'er the grave.

O come, O Key of David, come
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road
and bar the way to death's abode.

O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light.

O come, O King of nations,
bind in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5

Advent Candles - The Light has come

1st Prophecy – Hope

2nd Bethlehem – Faith

3rd Shepherd – Joy

4th Angel – Love

5th The Christ – Anointed

Advent - Hark!

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased. Luke 2:14

Joy To The World

Psalm 98

• Last Sunday we considered this Christmas carol as Isaac Watts “imitation” of the last half of Psalm 98

• This Psalm is a call to Praise the Lord for His Righteousness

• G.K. Chesterton - “The serious business of heaven is joy”

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

• Originally titled “Hymn for Christmas Day”

• Written in 10 short stanzas

• By Charles Wesley in 1739

Hark! the herald angels sing,

Glory to the new-born King!

Peace on earth, and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled.



Joyful, all ye nations, rise,

Join the triumph of the skies;

With th' angelic host proclaim,

Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King!”
Christ, by highest heaven adored:
Christ, the everlasting Lord;

Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the favored one.
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail, th'incarnate Deity:

Pleased, as man, with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King!”
Hail! the heaven-born Prince of peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die:

Born to raise the son of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King!”

Come, Desire of Nations, come
Fix in Us thy humble Home
Rise, the Woman’s Conqu’ring Seed
Bruise in Us the Serpent’s Head

Now display thy saving Pow’r
Ruin’d Nature now restore
Now in Mystic Union join
Thine to Ours, and Ours to Thine

Adam’s Likeness, LORD, efface
Stamp thy Image in its Place
Second Adam from above
Reinstate us in thy Love

Let us Thee, tho’ lost, regain
Thee, the Life, the Inner Man
Oh! to All Thyself impart
Form’d in each Believing Heart

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5

Advent - Joy
Season of Advent

Joy To The World

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Psalm 98

• This Christmas carol is Isaac Watts “imitation” of the last half of Psalm 98

• This Psalm is a call to Praise the Lord for His Righteousness

• The music is from George Fredrick Handel

Joy To The World, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy To The World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods,
rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Mary’s Joy

And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38

• Mary’s Joy = “may it be done to me according to your word.”

• This is called a “fiat” from <Latin> = “let it be done”

• A fiat is an arbitrary/uncertain or authoritative command or order to do something; an effectual decree. (i.e. A royal fiat or a presidential fiat)

• It is an authorization, permission or (official) sanction. (i.e. A government fiat or to rule by fiat.)

Luke 1:35

• “The angel’s fiat – “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.”

• Blaise Pascal “Not only do we only know God through Jesus Christ, we only know ourselves through Jesus Christ; we only know life and death through Jesus Christ. Apart from Jesus Christ we cannot know the meaning of our life or death, of God or ourselves.”

Grateful For The Fleas

I love the LORD, because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2

I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise,
I will say this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice for He has made me glad. Psalm 100

To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and call upon the name of the LORD. Psalm 116:17

Rejoice always; 
pray without ceasing; 
in everything give thanks;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Rekindle a heart of gratitude

• For God remedy for our failures – Genesis 3:15

• For God’s light—His truth in our lives

• For God’s grace in the storms of life

• For Jesus’ church

• For the people who make a difference

Count your blessings!

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
 Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your joys instead of your woes;
 Count your friends instead of your foes.

Count your smiles instead of your tears; 
Count your courage instead of your fears.

Count your full years instead of your lean; 
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.

Count your health instead of your wealth;
 Count on God instead of yourself.

Living Ready - Part 4

No Victory without a Battle
No Testimony without a test!

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this? John 11:25-25

Real Life

Acts 14:19-23

• “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

• Real life includes:

  • Trials & Tests

  • Difficulties & Tribulations

  • Irritations & Frustrations

Mysteries & Monsters

Romans 8:28

• “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

• “The man who has not suffered, what does he know anyway?” --- Rabbi Abraham Heschel

• “Never trust a Christian leader who does not walk with a limp.” --- A.W. Tozer

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence 1 Peter 3:15

Living Ready - Part 3

Matthew 5:13-16


Salt of the earth


Light of the World

The Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking,
but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17

Matthew 5:1-12

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the gentle,
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall bne called sons of God.

Blessed are those who have been persecuted
for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence 1 Peter 3:15

Living Ready - Part 2

Selected by the Father
Sprinkled by the Son
Sealed by the Holy Spirit Ephesians 1:1-8

Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence 1 Peter 3:15

4 Propositions

• God exists

• God is all powerful

• God is all-good

• Evil exists

What many believe!

• The Church is an organized religion with a political agenda.

• The Church is judgmental and negative.

• The Church is dominated by males and oppresses females.

• The Church is homophobic.

• The Church arrogantly claims all other religions are wrong.

• The Church is full of fundamentalists who take the whole Bible literally.

“Sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart”

• Be ready to prove zealous for what is good.

• Be ready to suffer for the sake of righteousness.

• Be ready to be bold and fearless in the face of their rejection.

• Be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you.

• Re ready, stay filled with the Holy Spirit, so you will answer with gentleness and reverence.

• Be ready to “keep a good conscience.”

Living Ready

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. Revelation 22:16-17

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

The Rapture of the Church

• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

  • “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren”

• 1 Corinthians 15:50-52

  • “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet”

• Luke 19:11-12 “Occupy until I come”

Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence 1 Peter 3:15

Thin Places

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-18

The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:16-17

• Genesis 1 & 2 – Creation story

• Genesis 3:8 – walking in the garden

• Genesis 28 – Jacob’s open heaven

• Acts 10 – Cornelius & Peter

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

• How to draw near:

  • Hebrews 4:14; 7:25

  • Philippians 3:7-11

  • 2 Peter 1:4

  • 2 Corinthians 1:20-22

• God is impressed with our faith, not our feats.

  • Hebrews 11:6

  • 2 Chronicles 16:9

  • Jeremiah 33:3

  • Daniel 11:32

• God’s invitation for intimacy

  • Like two sides of a coin

  • His will and/or purpose

  • Our response

  • John 14:21

  • John 14:1

  • Proverbs 3:5-6

Face To Face

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-18

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; 
I have made the Lord God my refuge, 
that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28

Draw near to God
and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” John 14:18-21

• Genesis 32:20

• Exodus 33:11

• Deuteronomy 34:10

• Numbers 12:8

• Deuteronomy 5:4

For now we see in a mirror dimly, 
but then face to face;
now I know in part,
but then I will know fully
just as I also have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

• Exodus 33:20 “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!”

• John 1:18

• 1 John 4:12-14

Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:3-4

The Nearness of God

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-18

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; 
I have made the Lord God my refuge, 
that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28

Our walk with God and the intimacy He desires is always tempered by our desire and ability to see Him in life:
—in His glory through His creation

—in His works within creation

—in His Word

—in His church (our spiritual family)

Draw near to God
and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” John 14:18-21

Walking With God

• Our walk with God is a walk of discovery, obedience, and faith.

• First, God’s general revelation seen:

  • in the beauty of creation

  • the sensitivity of our conscience that convicts our own hearts.

  • This awareness produces the “awe” and the “ought” within our spirit

  • Two witnesses that stand and testify of our heart before God.

• Second, in the specific revelation of God’s Word realized in His Son, Jesus the Christ.

• Our relationship with God always has two sides in order to produce a sense of intimacy:

  • Like two sides to a coin

  • His will and/or purpose

  • Our response.

• The reality of knowing is realized in our relationships:

• The three key components are time – trust – tenderness

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD Jeremiah 29:11-13

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” John 10:27

• This is the heart of our intimacy with God — God knows and we respond to know!

• 
Sensing His presence and resonating with His speaking voice is the result.

And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” John 1:43

• How am I to be “led by the Spirit.”

• What is the “Spirit of adoption.”

• How can I experience and know the testimony of the Holy Spirit.

• How does the Lord “disclose Himself to us.”

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, 
that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

Intimacy

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-18

O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child rests against his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me. O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forever. Psalm 131

Father … Abba

Intimacy With God

• Faith in the knowledge of His attributes

• Faith in His promises

• John 14:7 – Jesus told Philip “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”

• John 14:9 “He who has seen Me has seen the Father”

Walking With God

• “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God”

• “You will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.”

• “I believe” = “I trust” = “I obey” = “I love”

• “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.”

Our walk with God and the intimacy He desires is always tempered by our desire and ability to see Him in life:
—in His glory through His creation

—in His works within creation

—in His Word

—in His church (our spiritual family)

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” John 14:18-21

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD Jeremiah 29:11-13

And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” John 1:43

• How am I to be “led by the Spirit.”

• What is the “Spirit of adoption.”

• How can I experience and know the testimony of the Holy Spirit.

• How does the Lord “disclose Himself to us.”

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, 
that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

Trust

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-18

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. John 14:18-21

Walk With God

• “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God”

• “You will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.”

• “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.”

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD Jeremiah 29:11-13

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” John 10:27

• This is the heart of our intimacy with God — God knows and we respond to know!

• 
Sensing His presence and resonating with His speaking voice is the result.

And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” John 1:43

• How am I to be “led by the Spirit.”

• What is the “Spirit of adoption.”

• How can I experience and know the testimony of the Holy Spirit.

• How does the Lord “disclose Himself to us.”

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, 
that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28

Holy Spirit Testimony

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:14-18

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” John 14:18-21

People of Promise  - Part 7
Jesus’ Presence

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30

Jesus Christ: To Know Him and to Make Him Known

Walk With God

• Genesis 5:24 – Enoch
• Deuteronomy 6:5 – the Shema
• Job and his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar
• Elihu’s assumptions – Job 33:4-6, 12-13

PEOPLE OF PROMISE - PART 6
Jesus’ Victory

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. John 10:27-30

Promises

• We are a blessed people!
• We are promised to be blessed and we are blessed to be a blessing!
• The promise of God is faithfulness! 
• The purpose of God is fellowship.
• Fear God
• Find His promise
• Claim our inheritance
• Turn the battle over to the Lord
• Praise Him in advance

Jesus said, “I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.”
1. Consider the revelation of Jesus’ victory over the enemy of our souls.
2. Remember Jesus’ promises of His protection.

Jesus’ Finished Work

• Isaiah 63:8-9
• Malachi 3:1
• Revelation 19:11-13

Our Enemy Bound

• Revelation 20:1-3
• Revelation 1:18
• Genesis 3:15
• 1 John 3:8b
• Matthew 4:10-11
• Acts 10:38
• Luke 11:16-26
• Matthew 8:28-29

I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me. Acts 26:18

Jesus’ Promised Security

• John 10:27-30
• 1 John 5:18-20
• 1 John 2:13
• Matthew 16:18

When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:17-2

PEOPLE OF PROMISE - PART 5
Resurrection
1 Corinthians 15

Promises

• We are a blessed people!
• We are promised to be blessed and we are blessed to be a blessing!
• The promise of God is faithfulness! 
• The purpose of God is fellowship.
• Fear God
• Find a promise
• Claim your inheritance
• Turn the battle over to the Lord
• Praise Him in advance

I Corinthians 15:20-22

• Death has been defeated!  Jesus is alive!
• Vss 20-22 “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”
• I Thessalonians 4:13-18

Answers About Resurrection

• 1 Corinthians 15:35-38 – Answered in similitude
• 1 Corinthians 15:39-41 – Answered in application
• 1 Corinthians 15:42-50 – Answered in explanation
• 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 – Answered in mystery

PEOPLE OF PROMISE - PART 4
Take A Stand
2 Chronicles 20

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:4-

It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:11-1

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:12-1

Jehoshaphat’s Response

• Don’t Respond in fear but in faith!
• 2 Chronicles 20:3
• Psalm 27:3
• Faith expressed in creed is “I believe.”
• Faith expressed in relationship is “I trust.”
• Faith expressed in reality and love is “I obey.”
• Find a promise that fits your situation and stand in prayer.
• 2 Chronicles 20:9
• King Jehoshaphat remembered Solomon’s prayer of dedication and the Lord’s promise of 2 Chronicles 6.
• Claim your inheritance and stand your ground.
• 2 Chronicles 20:11
• Resist all claim jumpers
• Turn the battle over to God.
• 2 Chronicles 20:14-17 
• Do NOT fear or be dismayed!
• Praise God for the victory in advance.
• 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 
• Transformed from dreadful fear and alarm to joyful triumph!

Take A Stand

• Fear God
• Find a promise
• Claim your inheritance
• Turn the battle over to the Lord
• Praise Him in advance

Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them.
~ E. Paul Harvey

PEOPLE OF PROMISE - PART 3
The Kingdom Constitution of King’s Kids
Matthew 5:1-12
Fortunate!

The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying Matthew 5:1-2

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

• You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. 
• With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
• Being poor in spirit denotes the fact of sin and a broken relationship with God.
• This is someone that is keenly aware of their need in the spiritual dimension.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

• When we see what God sees, then our hearts break with His. 
• There is a raw sense of the injustice in this broken and cursed world.
• He comforts us in our pain and moves us to minister to others in theirs.
• “They that mourn” also means to repent of sin with an awareness of sin’s consequences that produces grief in the heart.
• We awaken to the clarity of the opposite intent of the Creator in His creation.

Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

• Those who choose humility and meekness over authority and power yield to personal ambition and begin to desire God’s will that will result in His promises.
• Gentleness is the quality of intended graceful action.
• Meekness is power under control.
• Matthew 11:28-30

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6

• The restoration of all things results in the inheritance of the saints and the comfort of all those who mourn the losses of the rebellious world. 
• To “hunger and thirst after righteousness” signifies the strong desire to become more Christ-like.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Matthew 5:7

• Gentleness will rule rather than violence.
• His Kingdom principals extend God’s incredible compassion and His mercy even now.
• Mercy is granted and received as the “merciful” show an attitude of forgiveness.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

• Complete satisfaction will finally be realized in being in right standing with God. 
• Making our hearts fully God’s, in all we think, say and do. 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

• “The peacemakers” exert a calming influence in the storms of life.
• This is one who intentionally breaks the cycle of revenge and retribution.
• We are to choose to not respond to iniquity with iniquity.

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12

Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22

People of Promise - Part 2

Blessings
Matthew 5:3
Blessings at the end of your rope.

“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” of God.’” Numbers 23:19

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

He has shown thee, o man what is good, And what does the Lord require of thee. But to do justly and to love mercy, And to walk humbly with thy God. Micah 6:

The Revelation – 7 Visions

• The Book of 7’s (7 x 7 times)
• 7 Visions—7 facets of the same jewel
• 7 churches– 7 Spirits – 7 golden lamp stands – 7 stars – 7 angels
• 7  lamps of fire – 7 Spirits of God – 7 seals – 7 horns – 7 eyes – 7 ascribed honors to the Lamb – From the seventh seal flow the 7 angels – 7 trumpets – 7 thunders
• 7 signs – 7 horns – 7 heads – 7 plagues – 7 angels

So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Hebrews 4:9-10

Blessings in Revelatio

• Revelation 1:3  ““Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”
• Revelation 22:7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
• Revelation 1:3
• Revelation 14:13
• Revelation 16:15
• Revelation 19:9
• Revelation 20:6
• Revelation 22:7
• Revelation 22:14

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls for My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-3

People of Promise

God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Numbers 23:19

It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

The Good Life

He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

“Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.” ~ Charles Spurgeon

God’s Presence

• Matthew 6:33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
• Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

He has shown thee, o man what is good,
And what does the Lord require of thee.
But to do justly and to love mercy,
And to walk humbly with thy God.
So, sing hallelujah . . . sing hallelujah,
Sing hallelujah . . . there’s joy in the Lord.
Sing hallelujah . . . sing hallelujah,
Sing hallelujah . . . there’s joy in the Lord.

Our Mission is GO!

But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. Genesis 6:18 NKJV

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. But if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite your whole territory with frogs.”” Exodus 8:1-2 NASB

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NKJV

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Psalm 32:8 NKJ

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. Matthew 28:19-20 NKJ

What Is GO Mode?

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Matthew 22:30-31 NKJV

As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Acts 13:2 NKJ

"Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!" Mark  2:11 NL

3 Vital Focuses: 

1. GO Personally
2. GO Locally
3. GO Globally 

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT

Every Opportunity  Matters …

Search Me, Oh God
I Corinthians 11:23-32

Psalm 139

• Vss 1-6 – God’s unlimited knowledge = omniscience
• Vss 7-12 – God’s universal presence = omnipresence
• Vss 13-18 – God’s creative imprint = omnipotence
• Vss 19-24 – God’s immutable holiness as the universal Judge

“There are many ways to fall down; there is only one way to stand up straight.” ~ G. K. Chesterton

Last Words - Part 7
"Into Your Hands"
Luke 24: 44-46

Jesus’ Last Words From The Cross
Final Acts - Final Hours - Final Words

• Jesus’ Ministry
  • “Father forgive them” 
• Jesus Compassion
  • “Today you will be with Me in paradise”
• Jesus’ Concern
  • “Behold your mother”
• Jesus’ Suffering
  • “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” 
• Jesus’ Humanity
  • “I Thirst.”
• Jesus’ Completion
  • “It is finished.”

Concluded Crucifixion

• Rome’s Motives and Passover Politics
  • John 19:31-37
• Tangible Darkness and the Torn Curtain
  • Luke 22:53
  • Joel 2:30-32
  • Amos 8:9-10
  • Isaiah 13:6-11
  • Exodus 10:21-23
  • Mark 15:38

The 7th Word

• Luke 23:44-46
  • Psalm 31:5
• Jesus’ final prayer
  • John 13:3 “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God”
  • Authority – Identity – Destiny

Comfort and Conclusion

• Philippians 3:10
  • To know Him and the power of His resurrection
  • Acts 14:22 – We enter the Kingdom through tribulation
• Jesus gives us life and teaches us how to die.
  • Remember that God reigns! - Acts 4:27-28
  • Remember that God grieves! - Psalm 116:15
  • Remember that our spirit lives on! - 2 Corinthians 5:1-9
  • Remember that God’s hands are open to you!

Last Words - Part 6
"It Is Finished"
John 19:28-30

Jesus’ Last Words From The Cross
Final Acts - Final Hours - Final Words

• “Father forgive them”
  • Jesus’ ministry of intercession
• “Today you will be with Me in paradise”
  • Jesus’ ministry received
• “Behold your mother”
  • Jesus’ concern and provision
• “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?”
  • Jesus’ dark day of the soul
• "I Thrist"
  • John 7:37
  • The Living Water is poured out

It Is Finished (Tetelestai)
Pain In Full

The Passover Cups

• The cup of Sanctification
• The cup of Deliverance
• The cup of Redemption
• The cup of Righteousness

The 5th Cup
God's Wrath

Resurrection means the worst thing is never the last thing. 
~ Author Frederick Buechner

Our High Priest
Romans 5:6-11
Hebrews 4:14-16

Last Words - Part 5
"I Thirst"
John 19:28-29

 “For my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” Psalm 69:21b

Jesus’ Last Words From The Cross
Final Acts - Final Hours - Final Words

• “Father forgive them”
  • Jesus’ ministry of intercession
• “Today you will be with Me in paradise”
  • Jesus’ ministry received
• “Behold your mother”
  • Jesus’ concern and provision
• “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?”
  • Jesus’ dark day of the soul

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”        But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:3

Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life. John 4:13-1

“Our Lord was not a martyr; He was not merely a good man; He was God incarnate. He came down to the lowest reach of creation in order to bring back the whole human race to God, and in order to do this He must take upon Himself, as representative of man, the whole massed sin of the race.” — Oswald Chambers

John 3:16
For God – the greatest giver
So loved – the greatest motive
The world – the greatest need
That He gave – the greatest act
His only Son – the greatest gift
That whosoever – the greatest invitation
Believes in Him – the greatest opportunity
Should not perish – the greatest deliverance
But have everlasting life – the greatest joy

Last Words - Part 4
Feeling Forsaken
Matthew 27:45-49

Jesus’ Last Words From The Cross
Final Acts - Final Hours - Final Words

• “Father forgive them”
  • Jesus’ ministry of intercession
• “Today you will be with Me in paradise”
  • Jesus’ ministry received
• “Behold your mother”
  • Jesus’ concern and provision
• “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?”
  • Jesus’ dark day of the soul
• “I thirst”
  •  Jesus’ humanity remembered
• “It is finished”
  • Jesus’ ministry fulfilled
• “Father, into Your Hands”
  • Jesus’ comforted in the Father

He will swallow up death for all time, and the Lord God will wipe tears away from all faces, and He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:8

We live and die; Christ died and lived! ~ John Stott

For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 16 They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:15-17

Our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel 2 Timothy 1:8-11

My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; And by night, but I have no rest. Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:1-

Jesus Christ: Our great High Priest

• Hebrews 4:14-16
• Matthew 3:13-17

Feeling Forsaken?

• Jesus was NOT forsaken by His Father!
• Jesus is our great High Priest  
• Jesus swallowed up sin, death and the grave!

Brighten the Corner

“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not man, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether slave or free.” Ephesians 6:7-8

“For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24

“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” Titus 3:

“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good…” Titus 2:

“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.” Titus 3:1

“Always give yourselves fully to the Lord, because you know that your labor is the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:5

“God comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4: 16-1

Last Words - Part 3
"Behold, Your Mother"
John 19:25-27

Jesus’ Last Words From The Cross
Final Acts - Final Hours - Final Words

• “Father forgive them”
  • Jesus’ ministry of intercession
• “Remember Me”
  • Jesus’ ministry received
• “Behold your mother”
  • Jesus’ compassion
  • He provides for His mother as her first born
• “My God, My God”
  • Jesus’ dark day of the soul
• “I thirst”
  •  Jesus’ humanity remembered
• “It is finished”
  • Jesus’ ministry fulfilled
• “Father, into Your Hands”
  • Jesus’ comforted in the Father

Resurrection means the worst thing is never the last thing. ~ Frederick Buechner

We live and die; Christ died and lived! ~ John Stott

Mary and Mother’s Day

• Selected by God
• The 2nd Eve, the mother of the last Adam
• She was “blessed among women!” 
• She was God's vessel for the fulfillment  of the Genesis 3 proto-prophecy of God’s remedy for sin and death.
• A difficult calling
  •  Luke 2:22-35   
  • “Do whatever He tells you to do!”
  •     Luke 8:19-21
  • “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”
  • “Be it done unto me according to Your word.”

Last Words - Part 2
"Remember Me"
Luke 23:32-43

Jesus’ Last Words From The Cross
Final Acts - Final Hours - Final Words

• “Father forgive them”
  • Jesus’ ministry of intercession
• “Remember Me”
  • Jesus’ ministry received
• “Behold your mother”
  • Jesus’ compassion
  • He provides for His mother as her first born
• “My God, My God”
  • Jesus’ dark day of the soul
• “I thirst”
  •  Jesus’ humanity remembered
• “It is finished”
  • Jesus’ ministry fulfilled
• “Father, into Your Hands”
  • Jesus’ comforted in the Father

Resurrection means the worst thing is never the last thing. ~ Frederick Buechner

We live and die; Christ died and lived! ~ John Stott

The thief dying in sin.
The thief dying to sin.
Jesus dying for sin!

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10

“Today, you will be with me in paradise.”

Psalm 22 & 1 Peter 3:18-20
7 Truths:

1. The brevity of his life
2. The hope of the afterlife
3. His guilt before God
4. The revelation of Jesus Christ
5. Jesus’ power to save him
6. He was unable to save himself
7. It's never too late to ask for mercy and receive salvation

Which side of the cross are you on?

Last Words
"Father Forgive Them"
Luke 23:34

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”     Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?”     Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” Acts 2:36-39

Jesus’ Last Words From The Cross
Final Acts - Final Hours - Final Words

• A final prayer of forgiveness
  • “Father forgive them”
• A plea honored
  • “Remember Me”
• A request of love
  • “Behold your mother”
• A question of suffering
  • “My God, My God”
• A confession of humanity 
  • “I thirst”
•  A call of deliverance
  • “It is finished”
• A cry of completion
  • “Father, into Your Hands”

“Words of chance muttered by a desperate martyr? No. Words of intent, painted by the Divine Deliverer on the canvas of sacrifice.” --- Max Lucado

“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

How did Jesus keep from retaliation?

• 1 Peter 2:21-24
• John 13:1-3
• Authority
• Identity
• Destiny

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:11-14

Skeptics & Disciples
Luke 7

• John the Baptist had questions!
  • Luke 7:18-23
• “Be not faithless; for, if we are faithless, we are Christless and graceless, hopeless and joyless; let us therefore say, Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief.” —  Matthew Henry
• The opposite of faith is not doubt but unbelief!
• Faith is not the absence of doubt but the overcoming of doubt.
• Doubt your doubts, they are based on another faith.
• Their awful unbelief, That makes them doubt: Comes from their nature, Bringing doubt about.

“There lives more faith in honest doubt than in half the creeds.” Alfred Lloyd Tennyson

Wisdom is vindicated by all her children. Luke 7:35

• Luke 7:24-35
• “What did you go out into the wilderness to see?”
  • They accused John of being a zealous and religious fanatic.
  • They accused Jesus of being licentious and sinful hypocrite

3 Barriers to Faith
Ignorance
Cynicism
Empiricism

My Lord & My God
John 20:24-29

My Shepherd
My King
My Savior
My Lord
My God

Thomas’s Revelations
John 11:16 – “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.”
John 14:5 – “How do we know the way?
John 20:28 – “Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 

• Luke 7:11-17 – the widow of Nain
• “The Fear of Isaac” – Genesis  31
  • Fear is not an attribute of God, but it is an attribute of those who know Him.
• Psalm 106:21-22 “They forgot God their Savior, Who had done great things in Egypt, wonders in the land of Ham and awesome things by the Red Sea.”

O Lord, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; The earth is full of Your possessions. Psalm 104:24

• Peter, James & John’s Revelation
  • Luke 5:8-11 “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
• Nathanael Calling
  • John 1:46 “How do we know the way?
• The Parable of the Two Debtors
  • Luke 7:40-50
• Do you have any idea how much Jesus loves you and how much you have been forgiven?
• Like Thomas, “My Lord and my God.”

My Savior - Part 2
Luke 23:39-46

What kind of Savior is Jesus?

Therefore He is able also to save forever (to the uttermost) those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. 1 Peter  3:18-20

• Luke 16:19-31 – Lazarus and the rich man
• Revelation 1:18 – “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.” 
• Ephesians 4:7-10 – “He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.”

My Shepherd
My King
My Savior (part 1&2)
My Lord
My God

• Psalm 23
  • reveals the Shepherd of our souls! 
• Psalm 24
  • reveals Jesus our King of glory!
• Psalm 22
  • reveals Jesus between heaven and earth!
• Psalm 22: 1-21a
  • Describes Jesus’ passion
• Psalm 22: 21b
  • “It is finished!”
• Psalm 22:22-31
  • Preaching to the choir!

My Savior
Mark 16:1-8

My Shepherd
My King
My Savior
My Lord
My God

• Peter 5:4 “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”
  • Jesus, The Chief Shepherd of our souls.
• Psalm 23 — reveals what kind of Shepherd! 
• Psalm 24 — Jesus our King of glory!
• Palm 22 — Between heaven and earth! 

What kind of Savior is Jesus?

Our Messiah
But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises. Hebrews 8:1-2

Our Savior 
Hebrews 4:14-16 - Our High Priest
Matthew 4:4 – His God Breathed Word
Hebrews 7:22 – Our Guarantee

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:11-14

Genesis 3:15
Ephesians 2:4-10

My King
John 12:1-19

“Behold, your King is your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” John 12:1-19

My Shepherd
My King
My Savior
My Lord
My God

What kind of King is Jesus?

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25 

• Our Messiah – Genesis 3:15
• John 11:49-53
• Vs 50 “You know nothing at all, nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.”
• Our Messiah – the anointed One
• John 12:1-19
• Vs 7 “Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial.”
• Psalm 118:26
• Zechariah 9:9

Our King
A heavenly perspective

Incarnation and Resurrection
Christmas and Easter

• Psalm 24:1-2 - Who to worship 
• Psalm 24:3-6 - Who may worship 
• Psalm 24:7-10 - Who is our King
• Revelation 19:11-16
• John 12:27-33
• Colossians 2:15
• Isaiah 11:1-5

My Shepherd
1 Peter 5:4

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:4

My Shepherd
My King
My Savior
My Lord
My God

What kind of Shepherd is Jesus?

Luke 15:3-7

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. John 10:27-28

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. Psalm 23:1-6

Verse 1 - “The Lord is my shepherd”

• This is Relationship    
• Jehovah Rohi    = The God Who sees me

Verse 1 - “I shall not want” 

• This is Provision (supply)    
• Jehovah-Jireh = My Provider    

Verse 2 - “He makes me to lie down in green pastures”

• This is Peace    
• Jehovah-Shalom

Verse 2 - “He leads me beside the still waters”

• This is Rest
• Jehovah-Shalom

Verse 3 - “He restores my soul” 

• This is Healing    
• Jehovah-Rophe = “The Lord Our Healer”

Verse 3 - “He leads me in the paths of righteousness”

• This is Guidance
• Jehovah- Tsidkenu = “The Lord Our Righteousness”

Verse 3 - “For His Name’s sake”

• This is Purpose    
• Jehovah-Elohim = “Lord God”
• Matthew 6:9-13—His Kingdom, His will.

Verse 4 - “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death”

• This is Testing    
• From conception to the grave! 

Verse 4 - “I will fear no evil” 

• This is Protection
• Jehovah-Nissi = “The Lord is my banner”

Verse 4 - “For You are with me”

• This is Faithfulness    
• Jehovah-Shammah= “The Lord, He is there!”

Verse 4 - “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” 

• This is Discipline
• This is Protection

Verse 5 - “You prepare a table before me in    the presence of my enemies”

• This is Hope
• This is Presence
• Jehovah-Sabaoth – “The Lord of Hosts”

Verse 5 - “You anoint my head with oil”

• This is Consecration
• Jehovah-M’Kaddesh – Who makes holy

Verse 5 - “My cup runs over”

• This is Abundance
• Jehovah-Jireh – My provider

Verse 6 - “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever”

• This is Promise—Blessing—Security--Eternity
• Jesus – My Shepherd

Jesus reveals Himself:

• To Ephesus – the loveless church
  • He holds the stars in His right hand and walks among the candlesticks
• To Smyrna – the persecuted church
  • He is the first and last, who was dead and is alive
• To Pergamos – the compromising church
  • He is the sharp two-edged sword
• To Thyatira – the corrupt church
  • He is the Son of God with eyes as fire and feet as bronze
• To Sardis – the dead church
  • He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars
• To Philadelphia – the faithful church
  • He that is holy and true and has the key of David
• To Laodicea – the lukewarm church
  • He is the Amen, the faithful and true witness

Life Verse

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Testing or Tempting - Part 4
Hebrews 4:12-16

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Deuteronomy 30:19

Choose life!

Jesus’ Temptation

• Matthew 3:13-17
  • John 13:1-4  Authority—Identity—Destiny 
• Matthew 4:1-11
  • The Bread - Lust of the flesh
  • The Bravado - Lust of the eyes
  • The Bow - Boastful pride of life

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You’; and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him. Matthew 4: 1-10

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. James 1:12-1

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10

Testing or Tempting - Part 3
Deuteronomy 30:19-20
Choose life!

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. James 1:12-15

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10

Testing or Tempting - Part 2
Mark 1:40-45
James 1:12-18

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm

Choices

• Deuteronomy 30:15-20
• Choose life!
• The source of our wisdom will determine the course of our lives.  

Testing or Tempting
James 1:12-18

Choices in James 1:2-8

• “Consider it all joy” 
  • Choose to set my circumstance in the right category
  • Remember “Joseph in Egypt” and Romans 8:28
• “let endurance have its perfect result”
  • Romans 5:1-5
• “let him ask of God” 
  • The wisdom of God’s speaking voice is available to those who draw near to Him, Jesus said “My sheep hear my voice.”
• “ask in faith without any doubting” 
  • We choose what and who to believe!

Choices in James 1:9-11

• “But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position” 
  • Trust God and serve Him right where you are
  • James 4:10 “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”
• “the rich man is to glory in his humiliation”
  • Wealth is a responsibility! 
  • Luke 12:48 “Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!”

Free Will

• Volitional creatures:
  • Angels (unknown ramifications) 
    • Isaiah 14
    • Ezekiel 28
    • Revelation 12:3-4
• Volitional creatures:
  • Animals
    • They are limited within creation but affected by it.
    • Design—programmed (ROM) = instinct
    • Romans 8:18-22
• Volitional creatures:
  • Human Beings 
    • Genesis 1:26 
      •  Made in His image and likeness
    • Genesis 2:16-17
      •  Life or Deat

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1

Tuning In - Part 5
Run With It!
Habakkuk 2:1-3

I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved. Habakkuk 2:1

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:1

Cornerstone - We are blessed to be a blessing, and there-fore, are to walk in our destiny with a vision that is generational, relational , and practical.

• Blessing
• Destiny
• Generational
• Relational
• Practical

Real courage is applying God’s faithfulness in the past to our dreams of the future, these will determine our decisions for the present.

Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint (NKJV)
Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained (NASB)

Then the LORD answered me and said, “Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run.” Habakkuk 2:2

For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:

Wait For It

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. 1 Corinthians 13:

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8: 2

Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him. Psalm 105:1

Behold, as for the proud one, his soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:

Tuning In - Part 4
Dwell
Psalm 91

The Secret Place
Psalm 91

• Confession: God’s Protection
• Confidence: God’s Deliverance
• Conclusion: God’s Salvation

Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. John 10:27-28

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-29

“Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-1

Psalm 91:1-2
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD,
“My refuge and my fortress, 
My God, in whom I trust!”

Psalm 91

Vss 1-3    —Conditions—Confession: God’s Protection
Vss 4-13    —Promises—Confidence: God’s Deliverance
Vss 14-16 — Testimony—Conclusion: God’s Salvation

Psalm 17:8-9
Keep me as the apple of the eye;
hide me in the shadow of Your wings
from the wicked who despoil me,
my deadly enemies who surround me.

Presence = Protection

Psalm 91:14-16

• Conclusion: God’s Salvation
• God speaks from His secret place

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-29

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” John 15:7-1

Tuning In - Part 3
Rest
Hebrews 4:1

Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. Hebrews 4:1

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. John 10:27-2

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-2

Hebrews 4:1-7

• We have a promise and a blessing
  • an invitation to enter into the presence of  our God.
• We can come short of receiving what He has for us!
• We have had good news preached to us.
• Romans 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
• Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things

Walking It Out

• Matthew 4:4
• James 3:13-18
  • Earthly – the voice of the mob, the majority, or conventional wisdom
  • Natural – the voice of human reason, the not so common sense
  • Demonic – the satanically inspired voice of deception producing death
• Psalm 119:11 “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.”
• Psalm 71:17-21
• II Chronicles 7:12-15
• Psalm 91

Tuning In - Part 2
Mahanaim
Genesis 32:1-2

Now as Jacob went on his way, the angels of God met him. Jacob said when he saw them, “This is God’s camp.” So he named that place Mahanaim. Genesis 32:1-2

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. John 10:27-28

“God is not silent. It is the nature of God to speak.” --- A. W. Tozer

The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD’S throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. Psalm 11:4

Jacob’s Story:
Genesis 25:19-26 – Rivalry of a 2nd born
Genesis 25:27-28 – Dysfunctional family
Genesis 27 – Isaac’s blessing
Genesis 28-33 – Jacob’s long way home

My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord or loathe His reproof, for whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:1

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:1

Tuning In
John 10:27-28

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. John 10:27-28

“God is not silent. It is the nature of God to speak.” 
*** A. W. Tozer

“The chief danger that confronts the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, heaven without hell.” ***William Booth

The Word

• Genesis 1:1-4
• John 1:1-5
• Hebrews 1:1-3

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:1

Noise is everywhere! - What will you listen to?

• James 3:13-18
  • Sources of wisdom 
    • Earthly – the voice of the mob, conventional wisdom
    • Natural – the voice of human reason
    • Demonic – the satanically inspired voice of deception
• 1 Corinthians 2:14-16

But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. Matthew 4:23-24

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah  41:10

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in God the Lord we have an everlasting Rock. Isaiah  26:3-4

The Fear of the Lord

• Proverbs 14:26
• Proverbs 19:23
• Exodus 3:5
• John 4:28-29
• Mark 4:41
• Mark 5:40

Advent

1st    Waiting for His coming  – God is Hope
2nd   Messiah is coming  – God is Love
3rd    Christmas – God has Come
4th    Rejoice – God is Joy
5th    God keeps His promises – God is peace  

Feast of the Epiphany

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

A Prophetic People
Luke 1:67-80
Zacharias’ Prophecy

John the Baptist - “Jehovah is gracious”

“Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD. He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse.” Malachi 4:5-6

You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth. Revelation 5:10

Prophetic Utterances

• The angels (messengers)
  • Luke 1:11-17; Luke 1:30-37; Matthew 1:20-25
• Elizabeth – Luke 1:42
• Mary – Luke 1:46-55 The Magnificat
• Simeon – Luke 2:29-35
• Anna - Luke 2:36-38

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant— As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old— Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; to show mercy toward our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to Abraham our father, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days. Luke 1:67-7

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways; to give to His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:76-7

We are a Prophetic People

• 1 Corinthians 8:2-3
• Romans 7:18
• 2 Timothy 1:12
• Romans 8:28
• 2 Corinthians 5:1

Jesus did not die to make bad men good, but to make dead men alive!

Christmas is an indictment before it is a delight.

Blessed are Those Who Believe
Luke 1:45

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord. Luke 1:45

Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the place of the dead. The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Jesus did not die to make bad men good, but to make dead men alive!

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit! Psalm 32:1-2

Bondslaves

• Zacharias and Elizabeth 
• Mary – Luke 1:26-38 “Be it done unto me according to Your Word.”
• Joseph – Matthew 1:18-25 “he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.”

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7

The Magnificat
Mary’s hymn of praise to the Lord.
Luke 1:46-55

Nothing Is Impossible With God
Luke 1:37

For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37

Gospel Of Grace - Part 14
Boast In The Lord
Galatians 6:11-18

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Boasting in the flesh!

• Galatians 6:12-13 = motive
• Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh.

What is my motive?

• To avoid ridicule in our service for Christ?
• To take pride in what impresses others?
• Matthew 23:1-12

But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:1

1 Corinthians 1:20-25
1 Corinthians 2:1-2
Romans 1:16-1

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:2

Grace people boast in Jesus!

• Ephesians 2:8-10
• Matthew 6:33
• Psalm 86:12-13
• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
• Matthew 5:16
• 1 Peter 4:16

Gospel Of Grace - Part 13
Thanksgiving In The Household of Faith
Galatians 6:6-10

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Galatians 6

• Forgiveness breaks the cycle of revenge
• Repentance opens the door for restoration
• Restoration is God’s work of salvation

We are empowered to:
    refuse revenge—risk reconciliation—and restore relationships

The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. Galatians 6:6

The Tithe (Tenth)

• The first fruit offerings – the 1st 10%
• Malachi 3:8-12
• 1 Corinthians 16:2
• 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-

4 Laws of Sowing & Reaping

• Fruit    
  • The fruit of our actions won’t always come quickly.  But, all things remaining equal, the produce will come eventually!
• Planting    
  • The harvest will be what was    sown!
• Multiplication
  • The harvest will be more than was planted!
• Action
  • Even though yesterday’s actions are irreversible, tomorrow’s are not!

Don’t Lose Heart

• Restore gently
• Watch yourself
• Carry each others burdens
• Test your own actions
• Share good things with your teacher
• Don’t be deceived – God is not mocked – sow/reap
• Do good to all, especially the household of faith

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

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15 NLT

• Be Ready
• Hope
• Sanctify / Honor / Worship
• Meekness / Courtesy
• Who Asks
• We Are All Different
• Know Your Audience
• Be Prepared
• You Have More Than One
• Give The Holy Spirit Room

How To Share Your Testimony
C. S. Lewis Institute

• Before, How, and After
• Choose Your Format
• Write It Out
• Leading Into Your Testimony
• The Close

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Galatians 6

• Forgiveness breaks the cycle of revenge
• Repentance opens the door for restoration
• Restoration is God’s work of salvation

We are empowered to:
    refuse revenge—risk reconciliation—and restore relationships

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load. Galatians 6:1-5

“But for the grace of God Go I”

Jesus’ Exhortations

• Luke 6:35-38
• Matthew 7:1-6

Gospel Of Grace - Part 11
Live By The Spirit

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, 
challenging one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:25-26

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Galatians

• Chapters 1 & 2 – A narrative — personal 
• Chapters 3 & 4 – A discussion — doctrinal
• Chapters 5 & 6 – An exhortation — practical

Galatians 6

• Forgiveness breaks the cycle of revenge
• Repentance opens the door for restoration
• Restoration is God’s work of salvation

We are empowered to: refuse revenge—risk reconciliation—and restore relationships

How To be Miserable!

• Think about yourself. 
• Talk about yourself.
• Use "I" as often as possible. 
• Mirror yourself continually in the opinion of others. 
• Listen greedily to what people say about you. 
• Expect to be appreciated. 
• Be suspicious. 
• Be jealous and envious.
• Be sensitive to slights. 
• Never forgive a criticism. 
• Trust nobody but yourself. 
• Insist on consideration and respect. 
• Demand agreement with your own views on everything. 
• Sulk if people are not grateful to you for favors shown them. 
• Never forget a service you have rendered. 
• Shirk your duties if you can. 
• Do as little as possible for others.

The Divine Vision
Acts 26:1-20

Our God
The God of History
The God of the Covenant
The God of Blessing
The God of Mercy
The God of Mission

Blessed to be a blessing!
The Biblical Mandate: The non-negotiable responsibility binding on all those who receive the  benefits of God’s covenant with Abraham, to share those same benefits with the other families (nations) of the earth.

1. As the Father sent Jesus so He sends us!
2. Why, to open their eyes.
3. So that they may turn from darkness to light
4. To tur from the dominion of Satan to God
5. So that they may receive forgiveness of sins
6. So that they may receive an inheritance 
7. To be among those who have been sanctified by faith in Jesus

God’s Book The Basis of Mission

1. God’s Purpose
2. God’s Plan
3. God’s People
4. God’s Covenant
5. God’s Messiah
6. God’s Messenger
7. God’s Message

Umbrella Faith

Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

“If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.  Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24

The Faith of the Centurion
Matthew 8:5-13

Evidence

• Truth Project
  • Hypothesis
  • Theory
  • Law
• Evolution

I do not have enough faith to believe that there is not a God.

But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:18-20

Dimensions

• Infinity
  • Width
  • Height
  • Depth
• Eternity
  • Time

Matthew 25:31-46
Eternity of Life or Eternity of Punishment

Root and Meaning of Eternity and Everlasting Life
Continuous Duration Lasting All Future time

• Romans 6:23
• 1 John 5:11–13
• John 5:24
• John 14:2–3
• John 3:16

Gospel Of Grace - Part 10
The Fruit of the Spirit Is Love
Galatians 5:16-26

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:6-7

Characteristics of Fruit:

• Fruit is birthed by abiding
• Fruit is fragile
• Fruit must remain fresh
• Fruit reproduces itself
• Fruit is attractive
• Fruit is nourishing
• Fruit quenches the thirst

Galatians

• Chapters 1 & 2 – A narrative — personal 
• Chapters 3 & 4 – A discussion — doctrinal
• Chapters 5 & 6 – An exhortation — practical

This Gospel of Grace Revealed:

• Galatians 5:1 “It was for freedom that Christ set us free”
• Galatians 5:5 “For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.”
• Galatians 5:6 “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love
• Galatians 5:16 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit is Lov

•  Love – Greek = agape = unconquerable benevolence. 
  • “It means that no matter what a man may do to us by way of insult or injury or humiliation we will never seek anything else but his highest good. 
  • It is therefore a feeling of the mind as much as the heart; it concerns the will as much as the emotions. 
  • It describes the deliberate effort - which we can make only with the help of God - never to seek anything but the best even for those who seek the worst for us.” (Barclay)
• Joy – Greek = eirene 
  • Not the joy from earthly things but of the Spirit of God.
  • We are not bound to or dependent upon temporary circumstances!
• Peace – Greek = chara
  •  Not just freedom from trouble but everything that makes for a man's highest good
  • “A tranquility of heart which derives from the all-pervading consciousness that our times are in the hands of God." (Barclay)
  • Philippians 4:7 – The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.
• Patience  (longsuffering)
• Kindness, goodness
  • These two words are closely connected with the added idea of generosity in goodness.
  • Faithfulness – God’s reliability developed in us.
  • Gentleness – a teachable spirit, meekness.
  • Self-control and not for selfish reasons.

Galatians 5:24-26

• Galatians 2:20
• Romans 6:5-7 “For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.”
• “If you belong to Christ—heirs according to the promise”

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Gospel Of Grace - Part 9
You Do What You Believe
Galatians 5:16-21

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:6-7

Galatians

• Chapters 1 & 2 – A narrative—personal 
• Chapters 3 & 4 – A discussion—doctrinal
• Chapters 5 & 6 – An exhortation—practical

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Galatians 5:16-18

Vs 19 “Now the deeds (sinful acts) of the flesh are evident” while Vss 16-17 “the desire of the flesh (sinful nature) are hidden”

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

Acts (Deeds) of the Old Sinful Nature

• Sensuality —illicit sex—(immorality, impurity, sensuality)
• Superstition —religious heresy—(idolatry, sorcery)
• Temper —social conflict—(enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions)
• Excesses —“drunkenness, carousing, and things like these”

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. I Corinthians 6:17-2

GOSPEL OF GRACE - PART 8
Walk In The Spirit
Galatians 5:16-21

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:6-7

Galatians

•  Chapters 1 & 2 – A narrative —personal 
•  Chapters 3 & 4 – A discussion —doctrinal
•  Chapters 5 & 6 – An exhortation —practical

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Galatians 5:16-18

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien as to be hated needs but to be seen; yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, we first endure, then pity, then embrace. – Alexander Pope

Walk In The Spirit

• 1 Corinthians 13:12-13
  • “For now we see in a mirror dimly”
•  John 14:1-6; 25-29

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

Gospel of Grace
Galatians 5:1-15

So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

This is a plea for sanity and a return to grace.

If you belong to Christ — you are heirs according to the promise!

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Falling from grace

• Galatians 5:1-12
• Salvation is not a reward for the righteous but a gift for the guilty!

For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. Galatians 5:5

But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:1

If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. John 8:3

Gospel of Grace
Galatians 3 & 4

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise Galatians 3:28-29

If you belong to Christ — you are heirs according to the promis

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-

This is a plea for sanity and a return to grace.

• Galatians 4:19 “My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you”
• Galatians 4:28 “And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise.”

Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. Galatians 4:1-7

Gospel of Grace
Galatians 3:22-29

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Galatians

•  Chapters 1 & 2 – A narrative — personal 
•  Chapters 3 & 4 – A discussion — doctrinal
•  Chapters 5 & 6 – An exhortation — practical

But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. Galatians 3:22-24

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9-1

Breakpoint
Chuck Colson “It’s the Eichmann in all of us.”

But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:25-29

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 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. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:3

Gospel of Grace
Galatians 3:1-9

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Galatians

• Chapters 1 & 2 – A Narrative — personal 
• Chapters 3 & 4 – A Discussion — doctrinal
• Chapters 5 & 6 – An exhortation — practical

You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? Galatians 3:1

Galatians 3

• 3:1-5 – exhortation back to faith.
  • Faith expressed in creed “I believe”
  • Faith expressed in relationship “I trust”
  • Faith expressed in love (reality) “I obey”
• 3:6-9 – A reminder
• 3:10-12 – The curse
• 3:13-14 – The Gospel of Grace
• 3:15-18 – A legal explanation
• 3:19-22 – All has been reserved for faith in Jesus!
• 3:23-29 – Why the Law?

Gospel of Grace
Galatians 2:11-21

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Galatians

• Chapters 1 & 2 – A Narrative
  • —personal
• Chapters 3 & 4 – A Discussion
  • —doctrinal
• Chapters 5 & 6 – An exhortation
  • —practical

I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ,   for a different gospel. Galatians 1:6

The True Gospel
—The absolute and distinctive doctrine of Jesus Christ, that the eternal salvation of the soul is altogether of Divine grace in Christ, apart from religious observances and human merit-works of every kind.

Galatians 2:11-21

• 1st paragraph
  •  Vss 11-13
  • Discipleship: 
    • Confrontation
    • Fear
    • Hypocrisy
• 2nd paragraph
  •  Vss 14-16
  •  Discipleship:
    •  Justification 
    •  Romans 3:19-20
    •  Ephesians 2:8
• 3rd paragraph 
  •  Vss 17-21
  • Discipleship:
    •  Death to self
    •  Alive to God

Gospel of Grace
Galatians 1:3-5

Grounded - Guided - Guarded

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

Galatians

• Chapters 1 & 2 – A Narrative
  • personal (pertaining to Paul)
• Chapters 3 & 4 – A Discussion
  • doctrinal (pertaining to the gospel of grace)
• Chapters 5 & 6 – An exhortation
  • practical (pertaining to the believers)

I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ,   for a different gospel. Galatians 1:6

Paul’s Personal Testimony

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

“In Christ”

• Our Source:
  • 1 Corinthians 1:30-31
• Our Position:
  • Ephesians 1:3-8
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

“In Christ”

• Our Source:
  • 1 Corinthians 1:30-31
  • Romans 6:23
  • 1 Corinthian 15:22
  • 2 Corinthians 1:20-22

Strong Tower - Rest

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. Hebrews 4:1

Receive God’s intention and His provision:

Strong Tower—Run
Strong Tower—Return
Strong Tower—Restore
Strong Tower—Righteous
Strong Tower—Rest

Returned and Restored

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” Psalm 91:1-

The Secret Place

Psalm 91

• Confession: God’s Protection
• Confidence: God’s Deliverance
• Conclusion: God’s Salvation

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” Psalm 91:1-2

Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings from the wicked who despoil me, my deadly enemies who surround me. Psalm 17:8-

Angels

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14

II Kings6:17
Exodus 23:20
Romans 16:20

Strong Tower

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

Receive God’s intention and His provision:

Strong Tower—Run
Strong Tower—Return
Strong Tower—Restore
Strong Tower—Righteous
Strong Tower—Rest

Returned and Restored

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13

“In Christ”

The righteous run into it and are saved.

• Our Source:
  • 1 Corinthians 1:30-31
  • Romans 6:23
  • 1 Corinthian 15:22
  • 2 Corinthians 1:20-22
• Our Position:
  • Ephesians 1:3-8
  • Romans 8:37-39
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17-2
• Our Identity:
  • Galatians 3:26-27
  • Ephesians 2:1-10
  • 1 Corinthian 1:2-

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:1

The name of the Lord is a strong tower
The righteous run into it and they are saved.
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be the name of the Lord most high

Strong Tower

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

Receive God’s intention and His provision:

1. Strong Tower—Run
2. Strong Tower—Return
3. Strong Tower—Restore
4. Strong Tower—Righteous
5. Strong Tower—Rest

Sin, a rupture of communion!
Jesus welcomes our return.

Primary Needs:

Security (stability or certainty)
Self-expression (purpose, adventure, options)
Support (community or family)
Significance (purpose—life matters)

Returned and Restored

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13

Remember and Return

Zechariah 9:9-12

7 Promises

1. A shout of triumph
2. An announcement of His coming
3. A pronouncement on their enemies
4. Peace to the nations
5. The domain of His Kingdom
6. Provided by the blood covenant. 
7. Delivered from the waterless pit

I love You, O Lord, my strength. 
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

They will live securely, and no one will make them afraid. Ezekiel 34:28

Safety isn’t the absence of danger or suffering, 
it is finding rest in the middle of it.

We need the strong tower!

• We live in a world where most people are spiritually empty.
• We live in a crowded world and most people are lonely.
• We live in a world filled with guilt.
• We live in a world of fear!

Hebrews 1

Strong Tower

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

Receive God’s intention and His provision:

1. Strong Tower—Run!
2. Strong Tower—Return!
3. Strong Tower—Restore!
4. Strong Tower—Rest!

Sin, a rupture of communion!
Jesus welcomes our return.

Primary Needs:

Security (stability or certainty)
Self-expression (purpose, adventure, options)
Support (community or family)
Significance (purpose—life matters)

Strong Tower

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13

“Away then all fears! The Kingdom is safe in the Kings hands.”
-- Charles Spurgeon

Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer. 
From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; 
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 
For You have been a refuge for me, 
a tower of strength against the enemy. 
Let me dwell in Your tent forever; 
Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Psalm 61:1-4

Hear my cry Oh God . . . attend unto to my prayer.  
From the ends of the earth . . . will I cry unto to Thee.  
When my heart is overwhelmed . . . lead me to the Rock that is higher than I, so much  higher than I
For Thou has been a shelter unto me . . . a strong, strong tower against the enemy. Psalm 61:1-

Pentecost

Acts 2:22-24

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13

And in that day you will say, “Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted.” Praise the LORD in song, for He has done excellent things; Let this be known throughout the earth. Isaiah 12:4-5

Crisis of Faith
John 20:19-29

It's Not About Money

Justice and Mercy

The LORD is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations. Numbers 14:18

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:16-17

Scripture reveals that the release of God’s wrath is measured by grace for our benefit, and we will yet realized it as mercy.

• Genesis 2:16-17
• Romans 6:23
• Ezekiel 33:10-11
• Deuteronomy 30:19-20

anthropomorphic (like man)
phenomenological (observable)

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:11-14

Not Another Thing!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:1-4

Prayer

• Prayer is not a duty, but a relationship.
• Prayer intimately brings us face to face with God.
• Prayer exposes our desperation and dependence on God.
• Prayer expresses our surrender and sacrifice to God.
• Prayer includes our gratitude to God and our trust in God.

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit Ephesians 6:18

• 127 times in the New Testament!
• <Greek> = proseuche
  • to express your desire or need
  • with a sense of closeness or intimacy
• I Samuel 1:11 -- Hannah vowed a son to the ministry
• Acts 12 – Disciple prayed for Peter’s release

5 Words

• Prayer         – Exchange
• Supplication     – Acknowledge a heartfelt need 
• Thanksgiving     – A sense of gratitude from the heart 
• Requests     – Pouring out our expectation
• Known         – Boldness

Philippians 4:4-7 “Don’t worry about anything – and that means nothing at all! Instead, come before God and give Him the things that concern you so He can in exchange give you what you need or desire. Be bold to strongly, passionately, and fervently make your request known to God, making certain that an equal measure of thanksgiving goes along with your asking. You have every right to ask boldly, so go ahead and insist that God meet your need. When you pray, be so bold that there is no doubt your prayer was heard. Broadcast it! Declare it! Pray boldly until you have the assurance that God has heard your request!”
Rick Renner’s – “Sparkling Gems”

The 1st Resurrection

Sacred Commandments

• Water Baptism and Communion
• Matthew 28:18-20
• Romans 6:1-7

The 1st Resurrection

• Colossians 2:6-15
  • Vs 6 – Have you received Christ?
  • Vs 7 – Get rooted!
  • Vs 8 – Be careful.
  • Vss 9-10  – Be informed.
  • Vss 11-15 – Be delivered!

Moreover the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live. Deuteronomy 30:6

The 1st Resurrection

• Revelation 19 - 20
  • Chapter 19
    • The fourfold Hallelujah’s
  • Chapter 20 
    • Christ’s finished work!
    • 1 John 3:8; Colossians 2:15

Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years. Revelation 20:6

To Be Holy
1 Peter 1:13-16

The Victorious Lamb
Luke 24:1-9

The Lamb of God

Isaiah 53:1-7, 10

• The Lamb is the key symbol for Jesus in the Book of the Revelation!
• The Unveiling pages 60-61 (referencing)
• Revelation 19:9; 22:1-3; 5:6, 12-14; 7:10, 17; 13:8

Resurrection means the worst thing is never the last thing. – Frederick Buechner

Salome at the Tomb
www.godtube.com/watch/?v=WGWWZGNX

From the Foundations of the Earth

• Genesis 3:15 – God’s promised remedy
• Genesis 3:21 – God’s first covering
• Leviticus – God’s temporary sacrificial system
• Law and the Prophets 
  • Revealing the holiness of God
  • Exposing the sinfulness of man
  • The mirror of God’s Word

“Our task, as image bearing, God-loving, Christ-shape, Spirit-filled Christians, following Christ and shaping our world, is to announce redemption to a world that has discovered its fallenness, to announce healing to a world that has discovered its brokenness, to proclaim love and trust to the world that knows only exploitation, fear and suspicion.”  -- N.T. Wright

Equipping Evangelist
Hal Linhardt Evangelistic Ministries

The Last Supper
Matthew 26:26-29

The Lord’s Supper

• Passover
• Covenant
• Relationship
• Remember

Church Growth
Ephesians 4:11-16

Growing the church, not in numbers, but growth as a Christian.

Church Growth
Ephesians 4:11-16

Growing the church, not in numbers, but growth as a Christian.

The Spirit of Revelation - Part 4
Ephesians 1:17-19

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe  Ephesians 1:17-19a

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. Hebrews 1:1-3

The Spirit of Revelation
God’s Desire
God’s Deliverance
God’s Direction
God’s Disclosure

Already Revealed

• 1 Corinthians 2:6-10
• 1 Corinthians 4:1
• Psalm 25:14
•  Mark 4:11
• Romans 16:25-27

God is Self-Revealing

•  Revelation 1:1-3
• The Unveiling: The Book of Sevens
•  2 Thessalonians 1:7-8
•  Hebrews 4:1-2
• Mark 4:11

He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. John 14:2

Revelation is central to Christianity

The Spirit of Revelation - Part 3b
Ephesians 1:17-19

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe Ephesians 1:17-19a

The Spirit of Revelation
God’s Desire
God’s Deliverance
God’s Direction
God’s Disclosure

Faith

• Faith Comes     – Romans 10:17  
• Faith Grows      – II Thessalonians
• Faith Works      – James 2:22  
• Faith Speaks     – Romans 10:6

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:12-1

Increased Faith

• Genesis 3:4-6
• James 1:13-16
• Habakkuk 2:4
  • “But the righteous will live by his faith.”
• I John 2:15-17

The Lie

• God can be ignored.
• God’s part can be taken.
• Man can make his own rules for success.
• Resulting in:
  • Man began doubting God’s Word
  • He began to believe that there is no accountability with God.
  • He began to question God’s goodness
  • He began to attempt to live independently

How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations! But you said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” Isaiah 14:12-14

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.
Psalm 139:23-2

The Spirit of Revelation - Part 3
God’s Desire
God’s Deliverance
God’s Direction
God’s Disclosure

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:12-13

... while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe Ephesians 1:15-19a

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

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-2

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-2

The Spirit of Revelation
Matthew 3-4

 ... while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe Ephesians 1:15-19a

It is finished!

The Spirit of Revelation
1 Corinthians 2:6-10

... while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe Ephesians 1:15-19a

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18

It is finished!

• Matthew 27:50-51
• Genesis 3:15
• From the Fall to the Fulfillment
  • Temptation
  • The Lie!

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. James 1:13-16

Exploits
The people who know their God will display strength and take action. Daniel 11:32b

Vision
We are blessed to be a blessing, and there-fore, are to walk in our destiny with a vision that is generational, relational , and practical.

Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint NKJV
Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained NASB

Remembering: Real courage is applying God’s faithfulness in the past to our dreams of the future, these will determine our decisions for the present.

A church that is doing WELL
W - Worshipping
E - Evangelizing
L - Learning
L - Loving
Acts 2:41-47

Favor Comes From The Lord
Proverbs 8:35

What is favor?
Do I Have It?
How Do I Get it?

• Favor is defined as:
  • The fruit of God’s presence in our lives
  • Being acceptable and pleasing to God

For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. Proverbs 8:35

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands. Proverbs 90:17

How do I receive this favor?

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19

His Favor, What does it look like?

• Luke 2:52 “Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
  • Jesus’ process of maturing and growing and becoming continued to improve and others admired Him.
  • He wasn’t improving in His divine nature as He was fully God and fully man. 
  • But, He was proceeding in His human nature, increasing in stature and growing in age.
  • His soul increased in wisdom—Jesus learned obedience as He listened to the Father.

Remember Jesus Pronouncement!

• Good news to the poor!
  • Those with the humility to acknowledge their need. 
  • “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 5)
• Release of the captives!
  • These are those that have been waiting for over 4,000 years for the remedy promised in the Garden of Eden and Adam’s fall. 
  • Jesus has come to set the captives free and following His death He descended into the place of the dead and proclaimed their liberty and lead them into the presence of the Father.
• Recovery of sight to the blind!
  • Humanity without God stumbles around in the dark.
  • Jesus is the light which has come into the world. 
  • He is God’s unveiling!
• Freedom for the oppressed!
  • Those that are bound by demonic lies and death
  • Those addicted to the false comforts of this world
  • True freedom is found in Jesus Christ.
  • This is the favorable year of the Lord!

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. James 1:17-18

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20

Psalm 121

The Favorable Year of the Lord
Luke 4:16-21

A Fresh Start — A New Beginning

• The strength of a man's virtue should not be measured by his special exertions, but by his habitual acts.
  — Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) 
• The second half of a man's life is made up of the habits he acquired during the first half.
  —  Fyodor Mikhaylovich Dostoyevski (1821–1881) 

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 
James 1:22-25

Transformed by the Word of God

• Roman 12:2 – Not conformed but transformed
• 1 Timothy 4:7-8 - Discipline for the purpose of godliness 
• Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny. --Samuel Smiles (1812-1904)

Seeking the Lord

• Cornerstone Church Fast until January 22nd. 
• A Daniel Fast  (exclude meat—sweets—stimulating drinks)
• Three steps:
  • Be specific
  • Fast as a spiritual commitment
  • Reflect your inner desire with outer discipline.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 
Matthew 5:6

The Friend of Deplorables
Mark 2:13-17

Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6

2017 Fast – Three Purposes:

• For repentance for sin
• To clear the spiritual air
• An inward preparation for receiving the grace we need, the strength to do what the Lord has directed.