Here we find no scenery, no manger, no baby Jesus

No Bethlehem, no wise men, no angels, no shepherds

But … we find the true meaning of Christmas!

Answers the question: what is Christmas all about?

Why do we celebrate Christmas?

Packed into seven verses. we have

5 truths about Jesus that stand out:

I. HE ABANDONED A SOVEREIGN POSITION VV.6-7

II. HE ACCEPTED A SERVANT’S PLACE V.7

III. HE APPROACHED A SINFUL PEOPLE VV.7-8

IV. HE ADOPTED A SELFLESS POSTURE V.8

V. HE ASCENDED A SUPREME PRINCE VV9-11

Here we see a life of humility, service, sacrifice and obedience

He embodied all that He taught

He left behind a tremendous challenge for us all

He purchased a salvation for all who believe and repent!

I. SIMEON’S EXAMPLE vs 25-26

His character is summed up in two words -“just and devout.”

Vs. 25 “Just”—that is his character before men.

Vs. 25 “Devout”—that is his character before God.

Vs. 26 He was “Waiting for the Consolation of Israel”. - waiting for the Messiah

Vs.29 “Servant”

II. JESUS AT THE TEMPLE, vs 27-35

Vs. 27-28 “do for Him according to the custom of the law”.

A. Simeon’s Song vs.29-33

- Simeon’s prayer of humble submission vs.29

It was a prayer of complete and joyful resignation. “Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace.”

The Formula for Peace SEEING JESUS!

He brings salvation for all peoples vs. 30-31.

“My eyes have seen Your Salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples.”

Salvation is a Person, not something you do.

B. Simeon’s prophecy vs.34–35

- He is The Stone that Divides: vs 34

- He is The Sign that was Opposed: vs. 34

- He was The Sword of Suffering for His Mother vs.35

Lessons

#1. We Must Seek to Share Christ (vs.30-32)

#2. We Must Seek to Live out our Christian Lives Daily (vs.35)

#3. WE Must be Willing to Pay the Price that is asked of us.

Value of the Old Testament

Same God in Old and in New

Popularity of “decisionism”

Weakness of it is this =

Salvation is a work of grace!

Context of I Kings 18

Prophets of Baal versus Elijah …

Key text > verse 37

That they may know God AND

That it was God who turned their hearts!

God & Father of the Lord Jesus

God revealed fully in Christ

I. Importance of Knowing Him

John 17:3 and Jeremiah 9:23-24

II. Importance of Knowing God Turns Hearts v.37

Look good in verse 39 …

It is ALWAYS the Lord who turns man’s heart

John 6:44, 65

Acts 3:24-26

Lydia in Acts 16:14

James 1:17-18

That is grace!

Everybody has problems ...

Easy to get overwhelmed

God’s promises can seem meaningless

Our problems can seem bigger than God

Many are self inflicted and very real

Isaiah 40 — Israel had made bad choices

Failed to consult with God

Facing destruction and death

They needed God more than ever

I. POWER OF GOD VV.9-10

Power to perceive and persevere

II. WISDOM OF GOD VV.12-15

A hard road when you go alone

III. GRACE OF GOD V.11

Read it slowly and carefully

Feel the compassion and tenderness of God

Big problem and little god OR

Big God and little problem?

God is bigger than your problem!

All of us have lost loved ones in death

Never easy to say goodbye

Every person who has ever lived, has died!

Only two exceptions: Enoch and Elijah

Questions about Heaven abound

Bible teaches reality of Heaven

Satan is active in repudiating this truth

1ST LIE - BIBLE SAYS LITTLE ABOUT HEAVEN

Wrong! actually it says a lot.

2ND LIE - YOU LEARN ABOUT HEAVEN FROM PEOPLE

WHO HAVE GONE THERE

Wrong again! Only believe the Word!

3RD LIE - JUST SPEND ETERNITY IN THE CLOUDS

Wrong a third time! Who said that?

4TH LIE - HEAVEN WILL BE BORING

Anything and everything but boring!

According to Jesus in John 14, Heaven is

A Place

A Prepared Place

A Privileged Place

A place of worship, work, service, reunion and wonder!

Only way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ!

Saving faith is a … saving grace

Our obedience does not merit salvation

But conversion leads to obedience

Obedience is never a condition for our salvation

But is always a consequence of our salvation

I. OBEDIENCE AND LOVE GAL. 5:6

Q: Do you obey Christ our of love or duty?

Your love for Him doesn’t lessen your duty to Him

We obey out of love AND duty!

II. OBEDIENCE AND LAW GAL. 3:23 & 5:18

Are we no longer under the law?

Q: What is the relationship between law and grace?

Not under law in a ceremonial sense

Not under the law as a means of justification

III. OBEDIENCE AND GRACE

Unsaved man has two major problems:

1. He is a sinner

2. As he is, he is unfit for heaven

No justification by works: Gal. 2:16; 3:10-11

Our justification is found only in the person

and work of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Familiar and tender words of Jesus

Verse 1 is an imperative, a command

Words of comfort and consolation

They were upset and troubled deeply

What is gonna happen now?

On the eve of the cross …

We all have troubled hearts at times, don’t we?

We worry about:

I. THOUGHT OF DEATH

HEB 2:15

II. FAMILY Psalm 127:1

Well being, health, next Dr appt

III. SOCIETY Phil. 4:6-7

Economy, jobs, healthcare, weather, etc

COVID, shortages, etc

IV. CHURCH Matthew 16:16-18

Future of the church?

How long will it endure?

APPLICATION:

1. Believe in God — of the OT and NT

2. Believe in Christ __ His word, His truth, His life

3. His presence v.1

4. His preparation v.2

5. His parousia v.3

Proverbs filled with principles about

navigating life

Text deals with laziness and lions

Many make excuses for their behavior

One is that he is afraid of lions on the street

Lions are big, strong animals

Can weigh up to 500 pounds

Can run up to 50 mph

Can eat a human in one sitting

Don’t use lions as an excuse for laziness

Difference between an excuse and a reason

Excuses are everywhere

Away with all the excuse-making

Laziness is sinful and dishonoring to Christ

Turn to Luke 14:16-24

Adam and Eve in Genesis 3

Saul in I Samuel 15

What Jesus said in Matthew 25:24-30

The only Lion you need to fear is in Rev. 5:5

Jesus is the Lion from the tribe of Judah!

Forgiveness is very important to the Christian

Have a responsibility to forgive others

Bible has a lot to say about the person and character of God

I. GOD IS FAITHFUL

Trustworthy; Accountable; Dependable

I Cor. 1:9 and 10:13

II Tim. 2;13

II. GOD IS FORGIVING

I John 1:7-9

Psalm 130:3-4

III. GOD IS FORGETFUL

Not a flaw or fault

But an act and choice

Intentional and purposeful

Every single solitary sin — gone!

Reflects His strength and grace

Psalm 103:12

Isaiah 38:17; 43;25

Micah 7:19

Hebrews 8:12

All because of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Application:

We will be judged as a steward of His blessings

We must forgive others

We must be filled with gratitude and praise

We must honor and serve Him!

COVID 19 and Omicron has impacted everything

known to man

Especially our educational system

I. Learning Modalities: 4 major types

1. Visual

2. Auditory

3. Tactile

4. Kinesthetic

Each has its own strengths and weaknesses

II. Worship Modalities

Online learning? worship? Good, better than nothing

But always best to be present — why?

When all our senses are gathered in same place,

at same time, with one another, better learning takes place!

III. Spiritual Modalities > Matthew 11:28-30

“weary” = worn out, given out, total exhaustion

“rest” = cessation from action, freedom from labor

“yoke” = a metaphor for submission

“learn” = to find knowledge

to receive instruction

to be informed in order to do something

Spiritually > must have knowledge AND experience

Must know and do in order to serve

Failing to do so creates a real danger! II Tim 3:1-7

Greatest study you can ever do is to study

the person and character of God

Mind boggling and life changing

God is … many, many things

God is infinite = without limitations

No boundaries, over and beyond us

Infinity = a hard term to define

The LORD transcends time and space

Inexhaustible and abundant

God NEVER runs out of anything! And that is why:

I. SEEK HIM FOR HELP Psalm 34:4

II. STRENGTH FOR THE WEARY Isaiah 40:28-31

III. SUSTAINER FOR THE HUMBLE II Chronicles 16:9

IV. SAVIOR OF THE LOST Luke 19:10; Psalm 107:4-7

Do you have any needs in your life?

Is this God able to meet your needs?

Will you ask Him?

Familiar with the word?

= state of deep unconsciousness

a lethargic inertness

lifeless

alive, but barely

unresponsive to environment

Comatose is not somewhere you want to be!

Many Christians are in a spiritually comatose state

Physically alive and barely spiritually alive.

Church at Thessalonica was comatose

to the truths of God

Context of I Thessalonians 5

Especially the Second Coming

How do you self diagnose? Take test?

Q1: HOW OFTEN DO YOU HEAR THE WORD OF GOD?

Psalm 19

Q2: HOW OFTEN DO YOU SPEAK TO GOD?

Hebrews 4:12

Q3: DO YOU COMMONLY SEARCH FOR ANSWERS TO PRAYER?

John 14:13-14

Q4: DO YOU EVER PAUSE FOR WORSHIP?

Hebrews 10:25

YOUR answers will definitely determine if

you are comatose or not!

Do you know what “wonky" means?

= Shakey, tottering, feeble

The Worship Center?

We come to give worship, to offer Him something

Quote from Charles Spurgeon

I. DEFINITION OF WORSHIP

Honor to a superior being

To show reverence and respect

The Biblical God in a Biblical way

II. DANGER OF NON-BIBLICAL WORSHIP

Flip Wilson and the Church of What’s Happening Now

1. Cain and personalized religion Jude 11A

2. Balaam and profitable revelation Jude 11 B

3. Korah and popular revolution Jude 11C

III. THE DEMAND FOR BIBLICAL WORSHIP

JOHN 4:23-24

In spirit and in truth!

What does "the face of God” mean?

1. Important term to know!

It means =

2. “Coram Deo” = Latin phrase used by Luther

= Before the face of god

We are to live life in presence of God

Sometimes …God “hides His face…?” vv. 8-9

Why?

I. TO DISCIPLINE THOSE HE LOVES

Hebrews 12:5-6

II. TO TEACH US THE VALUE OF HIS PRESENCE

II Cor. 4:3-6

III. TO SHOW US OUR WEAKNESS

Jude 24-25

IV. TO REMIND US OF OUR GREAT SALVATION

Isaiah 50:10

Do you live a life of Coram Deo?

That is what being a Christian means!

Life is filled and flooded with questions

All kinds of questions we must face

Questions, questions, questions everywhere:

Must be answered …sooner or later!

Answered by you and you alone

1st Question: Who is the LORD?

The Biblical answer is:

I. Sovereign Creator Psalm 33:6-9

II. Faithful Sustainer Colossians 1:15-20

III. Gracious Redeemer Luke 19:10

IV. Righteous Judge Acts 17:30-31

2nd Question: What is your response?

Pharaoh spurned it, hardened his heart Ex. 8:32

The LORD confirmed it Exodus 9:12

Romans 11:7 = hardened, insensible

= Dumb as a rock!

How you respond to those questions

will determine your eternity!

Older folks no longer recognize the world

in which they live

Very different from long ago

Racing toward destruction

Proverbs 17:15; Isaiah 5:20

Illustrate: many, many examples of this craziness

All human history is divided between

God’s mercy versus God’s judgment

II Peter 2:4-9 shows us this

Brought out very clearly in Ephesians 4 as well

4:17-19 = humanity without Christ

4:22-24 = what salvation does to people

4:20-21 = dividing line is knowing Christ

A world gone crazy!

I. SELFISH V.17B

II. SENSELESS V.18

III. SHAMELESS V.19

IV. SENSUAL V.19

V.10 — But You have learned Christ!

You can never over-emphasize the importance

of the cross

One major truth is Jesus disarmed the Devil

To better understand that truth we must first

consider the truths of vv.13-14

1. Legally Condemned

2. Debt of Sin Nailed

3. Sin Debt was Cancelled

4. Record Set Aside

5. Sins forgiven

6. Made alive

Then … something else happened!

Jesus disarmed the powers of Satan

No more condemnation

No more accusing of the brethren

No more fear of death

V.15 — a public spectacle

A real triumph, a victory procession

I John 3:8 and I John 5:4

That is the triumph of the Cross!

Resurrection is at the very foundation of

the Christian faith

Without it, there is no Gospel?

Ever had any doubts? Serious questions?

Honest inquiries?

If so, I want to help you better understand!

The Christian faith is:

I. A HISTORICAL FAITH VV.3-4

Grounded in historical fact

More than an idea, religious fabrication

Hundreds gave witness to the Resurrection!

II. A REASONABLE FAITH V.4-7

Easter is a time stamp

Careful and reasonable thought

The tomb was empty — where was the body?

III. A GRACE FAITH VV.9-10

We appropriate these truths by grace through faith

We must see our need for grace

Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 10:17

God confronts us by grace through the Resurrection!

Did the Resurrection really happen?

It will challenge your head and your heart

Romans 10:8-13

Story of Queen Bloody Mary and Sir Thomas Cranmer

Given a second chance

Burned alive at the stake for his beliefs

Our God is a God of second chances

Never underestimate His grace!

Seen in many Bible characters

Focus today is on Simon Peter

Three questions to consider:

1. Have you ever been ashamed of Jesus?

2. When are you most tempted to be ashamed?

3. What can you do about it when you are ashamed?

Peter wept bitterly; he regretted his sin

A look at his later life: Acts and I Peter 3:14-16

When Lord gives you a second chance —- seize it!

The Gospel is a Gospel of grace

It can be cheapened through compromise

Every Christian is a disciple

Only question is: am I a real one or not?

Luke 9:57-62 and 14:25-33

Does that mirror your commitment?

Churches used to be different

True disciples put Jesus Christ first in their lives

Context of Matthew 16 - verse 24 is a crucial verse

I. PRINCIPLE OF SELF-DENIAL V.24

Involves repentance and obedience

Abandonment of anything that hinders our

walk with Christ

II. PRIORITY OF CHRIST FIRST V.26

But …. we are busy and involved in many things

Must put Christ first

III. PERSPECTIVE OF A COMING JUDGMENT V.27

You will be held accountable as an individual

For what "you have done”

Our problem isn’t belief — but pure selfishness

Answer is repentance and faithfulness!

Motherhood is not what it used to be …

Biblical motherhood is being desecrated

But God’s truth hasn’t changed

“No nation is greater than its mothers

for they are the makers of men”

Titus 2:1-5

Many great mothers in the Bible =

Context of I Samuel similar to America today

Tremendous need for male leadership

Hannah provided Israel with one!

Hannah possessed three graceful traits:

I. RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH HER HUSBAND 3:1-2

Important relationship!

Children learn from parent’s relationship

They shared worship v. 3

They shared love vv. 4-5

They shared feelings vv. 7-8

II. RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD VV. 9-10

III. RIGHT RELATIONSHIP IN HOME VV.19-21

Read v.22 — why?

Dedicated her child to the Lord!

Need more mothers like Hannah!

One of the greatest truths in the Bible

Some may disagree and complain

I contend that the truth is real

God always answers prayers!

Many Bible references:

II Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 33:3: Phil. 4:6-7

Context of Matthew 7 - Sermon on the Mount

To ask =

To seek =

To knock =

Sometimes, God’s answers are:

I. DIRECT

Hezekiah in II Kings 20:1-6

II. DENIED

Sometimes, God says no

Ps.66:18 and Isaiah 1:14-18

III. DELAYED

John 11:28-35; Prov. 3:5-6; Isaiah 40:28-31

IV. DIFFERENT

Isaiah 55:8-9

GOD ALWAYS ANSWERS PRAYERS!

Importance of loving your country

Importance of loving Christ

Many struggle with their commitment to Christ

They are hesitant, indecisive and wafflers

Context of I Kings 18

Conflict between prophet Elijah & King Ahab

Really between Lord God and false idols

Contest & conditions

Very relevant for today v. 21

Elijah’s God is:

I. ALMIGHTY GOD V. 21

II. JEALOUS GOD Exodus 20:5 & 34:10-15

III. DEMANDING GOD V. 21

IV. CONSUMING FIRE VV. 38-40

V. GRACE V.17

Every day > a choice is made!

To whom or what is your allegiance?

Are you a waffler or a worshiper?

There is no in-between!

Bible not held in same esteem as it once was

Today, it is despised and hated by many

Yet — outside Christ Himself, God’s greatest gift

Why do people hate the Bible?

Context of Hebrews 4:12

I. ITS CLAIM OF INSPIRATION II Tim. 3:16-17

II. ITS DOCTRINE OF CREATION Gen. 1:27

III. ITS DOCTRINE OF SIN Romans 3:23

IV. REALITY OF HEAVEN & HELL John 14:1-3

V. EXCLUSIVITY OF JESUS CHRIST John 14:6; Acts 4:12

VI. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD Psalm 115:3

God owes no man anything!

What are your thoughts about the Bible?

Do you agree with these teachings?

Do you love the Bible?

Have they impacted you life?

Your life answers that question clearly!

Quote of J I Packer in Knowing God

God is the Creator of all

But not the Father of all

John 1:11-13 tells us why this is true

We need to be defined by the Word of God

Six truths to tell yourself every day

Write them on a note card

Put them on your refrigerator door

When God is your Father, you can say:

1. I AM A CHILD OF GOD II Cor 6:17-18

2. GOD IS MY FATHER Eph 3:14-16

3. HEAVEN IS MY HOME John 14:1-3

4. EVERY DAY IS ONE DAY NEARER Eccl 3:1-4

5. MY SAVIOUR IS MY BROTHER Mark 3:31-36

6. EVERY CHRISTIAN IS YOUR BROTHER Rom 8:16-17

High School graduation

Cam Rahn Bay in Vietnam

Hospital procedure

Nothing compared to the loneliness of Paul

Last recorded words of Paul

Often we focus on vv.6-8

Almost as compelling are the words in vv. 16-18

What was his attitude?

I. HIS FORGIVENESS V.16

Forsaken by everyone but the Lord

II. HIS FOCUS V.17

But the Lord was there

The One he persecuted and blasphemed

The One who died on Calvary for him

No Christian ever dies alone!

III. HIS FUTURE V.17B-18

Deliverance & preservation

To God alone be the glory!

Do you think everything is fine in America?

What do you think is our real problem?

You would get a multitude of answers!

Let’s ask Jesus in Mark 7

I. HEARTS WITHOUT GOD V.21

II. LIVES WITHOUT PURPOSE

III. HOMES WITHOUT DISCIPLINE

IV, FAMILIES WITHOUT FATHERS

V. CHURCHES WITHOUT TRUTH

Man’s real problem is a heart problem

America is burning and on fire

Rotten to the Washington core — a heart problem

America will never be righteous until we fix that

And …only Jesus Christ can do that!

Perseverance and fruitfulness are important

But for some, it becomes a struggle

And ultimately, they turn away from the truth

Bible abounds in warnings:

John 6:63-66; 15:2; I Cor. 9:24-27

II Thess. 2:3; Hebrews 10:29; I John 2:19

Context of II Timothy 4

Why do some turn away and forsake the truth?

I. LIFE’S CARES, RICHES AND PLEASURES

Luke 8:14

II. LOVE FOR THIS PRESENT AGE

II Timothy 4:10

III. LEAVING A GOOD CONSCIENCE

I Tim. 1:18-20

IV. LURED AWAY BY WORLDLY DEFILEMENTS

II Peter 2:19-22

What’s the antidote? solution?

It is always Jesus!

Doxology not sung as much anymore

Bible filled with doxologies

OT > I Chronicles 16:28-31

Psalms …each major section ending

NT > Matthew 28:19-20 > Baptism

One God — revealed in three persons

Father, Son and Holy Spirit

I. GOD THE FATHER v.4A

Speaks of the eternality of God

The inescapable God!

II. GOD THE SPIRIT v.4B

#7 = completeness, wholeness

Isaiah 11:2

Applies salvation

III. GOD THE SON v.5

1. The faithful witness

2. The first born of the dead

3. The ruler of kings

4. The Savior

Every true Christian is blessed by the Trinity!

Names are important

Do you know why?

They have value, worth, and significance

God gave His Son a name > Jesus

That name is of tremendous eternal value!

I. SALVATION Matthew 1:21-23

Deliverance and rescue

II. JUSTIFIED & SANCTIFIED

I Corinthians 6:9-11

III. HEALING

Acts 3:1-10

IV. PRAYER

Matthew 18:19-20 & John 14:13-14

V. SECURITY

John 17:11-12 and 10:27-30

VI. TOTALITY OF LIFE

Colossians 3:17

Grand conclusion > Philippians 2:9-11

Humility and Exaltation!

The blessed, wonderful name of Jesus!

The Christian life can get burdensome

Many Christians are bearing heavy burdens

Bible has a lot to say about burdens

Psalm 55:22 contains a great promise

Note three primary truths:

I. OUR RESPONSIBILITY V. 22A

“cast” = to throw, to fling

Give our burdens to the LORD

Burden : two words used in the NT: Gal. 6:1-5

One word means “weighted down, anxieties”

Another word means “personal, individual"

II. HIS RESPONSE V. 22B

He will sustain you

Sustain = to hold, to provide, to nourish

III. THE RESULT V.22C

“will never permit the righteous to be moved”

Will not allow you to falter or fail

Turn to Matthew 11:28-30

Ever been in a place where you just didn’t care?

When you have lost … almost all interest?

Ever felt like quitting church altogether?

Ever doubted your very own salvation?

Context of Romans 12:3-11

Verse 11 is the key verse

“not lagging in diligence” = don’t be neglectful

“fervent in spirit” = boiling hot, deeply committed

"serving the Lord” = doing something

Must ask the really hard questions:

I. AM I LIVING WITH UNCONFESSED SIN IN MY LIFE?

Ps. 66:16 and Isaiah 59:1-2

II. AM I NEGLECTING GOD’S MEANS OF GRACE?

The church and its ordinances? Bible?

III. WHAT FILLS MY MIND DAILY?

Matthew 6:25-33; II Timothy 1:7; I John 2:15-17

Do you have the spiritual blahs?

Do you want to get rid of them?

Practice v. 11

Big meal > big nap > good thing!

Big meal > drive car > get sleepy >

Not a good thing

Also, it is very easy to drift spiritually

Can result in devastating effects

One reason churches are limping along

V. 1 - must be very careful about drifting

I. THE OBVIOUS 2:1

To drift = to float, to glide

To be careless leads to drifting

II. THE OFFER 2:3

Cannot neglect the offer of salvation

It is a great salvation

Deliverance, rescue, preservation

Neglect leads to bad consequences

III. THE OPPOSITE

The way to not be a drifter?

Hebrews 2:1; 3:1-4; 3:6-8

3”12-13; 4:11, 16; 10:23-25; 12:1-2, 25

Don’t be a drifter! Be a disciple!

Doctors, auto mechanics and plumbers …

All share one thing in common

Do you know what it is? One critical similarity!

Man - universally has a problem - sin!

Question 1:

Question 2:

Context of II Timothy 2:1-2

Only the Bible and its Gospel has the right answer!

I. MAN = Romans 3:10-19

II. GRACE = Ephesians 2:5-9

III. GOD = Romans 9:15

IV. LORD JESUS CHRIST = Acts 4:12

V. FAITH = James 2:19

Does this make sense to you?

Gospel is the greatest story ever told!

The ONLY answer to man’s sin problem!

Everywhere we look, people are noisy

We live in a wild, wide world of constant noise!

Led and fed by technology

What is missing in our noisy world is quietness

Quietness is an art, a grace

And everybody needs some — critical to survival!

Context of Isaiah 30:15-17

They were unwilling to have quietness!

I. AN AWARENESS OF GOD V.15B

There is a God and He cares

He is able to help

II. AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF OUR NEED OF GRACE V.15

Can be humbling but very beneficial

Israel was unwilling to be quiet and trust the Lord

III. AN ACCEPTANCE OF HIS STRENGTH VV.15-16

We are not smart enough …

We need His strength!

Phil. 4:13 and Luke 22:31-34

It is a Biblical command!

= To praise, to exalt, to worship

Seen in many passages > Deut.8:7-10

I Chronicles 29:10-13; Psalm 100:4

A pslam of David … written in old age as

he reflects back upon his life

Why should we bless the Lord?

5 reasons why we should bless Him!

I. FOR ALL HIS BENEFITS V.2B

II. FOR ALL OUR FORGIVEN INIQUITIES V.3A

III. FOR HEALING ALL OUR DISEASES V.3B

IV. REDEEMS LIFE FROM DESTRUCTION V.4A

V. CROWNS US WITH LOVINGKINDNESS V.4B

How often do you bless HIM?

Last time you blessed the Lord?

Experienced all these blessings in your life?

Then, why not bless Him? RIGHT NOW!

Doctors, plumbers and auto mechanics have ONE important thing in common

Do you know what that is?

Man has a problem: heart problem

Issue is urgent and needs immediate attention

1st Question: certainty of salvation?

2nd Question: why should God let you into heaven?

Most people would say ….. 

Context of II Timothy 2 =

I. GOD =

II. MAN =

III. GRACE =

IV. LORD JESUS CHRIST =

V. FAITH = 

That is the greatest story ever told!

And that is THE question God is asking you today!

Do you personally know this story?

Has it changed your life?

Context of II Corinthians

Familiar with the term “cat-fishing”?

More than a fish with long whiskers

I. THE NATURE OF CATFISHING  

A definition = Creates a false identity

Pretend to be something they are not

Christianity is not exempt ...

Jesus addressed it in Matthew 15:7-12 & 23:13-27

II. THE NEED OF THE WORLD   V.14

World needs real and authentic people

We make our fragrance known by our lives

Needed everywhere

V.17 = peddlers, hucksters

Men & women who peddle the Word of God

We all like being around real people

Unattractive to those “who are perishing”  v.15B

“aroma of death?” =

III. THE NAME OF CHRIST    V.16B

Nobody is sufficient! We all need Christ!

What type of needs do you have in your life?

Physical? Financial? Spiritual?

We are a people with multiple needs

Did you know that God has no needs?

Context of Acts 17 … Apostle Paul

Identifies with their religious interest

Meets them where they are and

Proceeds to tell them about our great God!

I. THE ASEITY OF GOD VV.22-23

= total independence

II. THE SIMPLICITY OF GOD V.25

Simple = opposite of compound

He simply IS …

III. THE TRINITY OF GOD V.27

Determines boundaries

Doesn’t need anything

This God issues a command > v.30

There is a judgment to face v.31

The response? Mock, delay or believe!

Bible has much to say about rejoicing

Phil. 4:4 and I Thess. 5:16

The OT talks about the need for rejoicing

Law > Deut. 27:7

Prophets > Isaiah 61:10

Psalms > 9:1-2; 97:12; 107:42

Tucked away in Matthew 5 is a tremendous truth

I. THE REALITY OF PERSECUTION VV.10-12

We all suffer in different ways and times ...

II. THE REASONS TO REJOICE WHEN PERSECUTED

1. It proves our citizenship Phil. 3:17-20

2. It puts your faith on display James 1:12

3. It produces character Romans 5:3-4

4. It prepares you for service II Cor. 1:3-9

5. It praises the Lord I Peter 1:3-9

6. It promotes longing for heaven Heb. 12:27-28

III. THE REWARD OF PERSECUTION V.12

Blessed = makarios = happy, content, well off

Forces us to rely on the LORD!

Reward > compensation > the Lord Himself

The Fall Season s a great time of year

Change of seasons is always good

Some love the Fall B/C of Halloween

Bible says absolutely nothing about Halloween!

But Church History says a lot about October 31

Sola Scripture = By Scripture alone

Sola Gratia = By Grace alone

Sola Fide = By Faith alone

Solus Christus = By Christ alone

Soli Deo Gloria = To glory of God alone

The “alone” is important — very much so

Context of Ephesians 1

I. THE PARTICULARITY OF JESUS VV. 3-7

Every spiritual blessing found in Jesus alone

Look at those specific blessings in vv. 4-7

II. THE PLAN OF JESUS VV. 8-10

Will of God always related to plan of God!

III. THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY VV.12-14

Note verses 6, 12, and 14

We have an inheritance

Sealed with Holy Spirit of promise

This Christ is the Jesus of the Bible!

Love is a really strong emotion ...

Do you love the Lord Jesus Christ?

Many only have a faint idea of who He is

Lord = Master, Ruler, King

Jesus = Jehovah is my salvation

Christ = Messiah, Chosen, Anointed

“Anathema” = accursed; devoted to destruction

Seven ways you can really tell:

I. YOU LIKE TO THINK ABOUT HIM

II. YOU LIKE TO HEAR ABOUT HIM

III. YOU LIKE TO READ ABOUT HIM

IV. YOU LIKE TO PLEASE HIM

V. YOU WILL BE LIKE A FRIEND

VI. YOU ARE JEALOUS FOR HIS NAME

VII. YOU ALWAYS LIKE TO BE WITH HIM

Your answer to that simple question will

determine your eternal destiny!

The simple answer in ABSOLUTELY YES!

But …many disagree in various ways

Was Jesus wrong in making this statement?

Everything of eternal value focuses on the Church

It is the Church of the Triune God

Church is called by many names in the New Testament

I choose just three:

I. THE PEOPLE OF GOD I Peter 2:9-12

Not building or a structure but a people

Called by the Lord Himself

II. THE BODY OF CHRIST Ephesians 1:22-23

I Cor. 12:27

How important is YOUR body to your existence?

Case closed!

III. THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT II Cor.6:16

I Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19

Where we meet God

Where we come to worship

Where we come to pray

Where we come to hear the Word

If the Church is unnecessary - then so is GOD!

Should be grateful for the unique American holiday

Good to re-visit days gone by

Psalm 100 provides us with 5 things we must do!

Imperatives, words of action, participation

I. MAKE V.1

To give a loud blast

To give a shout out …to the LORD

Always produces results

II. SERVE V.2

= To labor; to toil; to render service

Marked by faithfulness & loyalty

III. COME V.2B

= to approach, to come before

Forever and always the invitation of the Lord

IV. KNOW V.3

To know someone intimately

Jeremiah 9:23-24

V. ENTER VV.4-5

= to come in and go out

always with “thanksgiving"

Do you ever think about Hell?

When and if you do … what do you think?

is Hell a literal place or symbolic?

What about a lake of fire?

Hell = a place where not one ounce of God’s

grace and goodness is present!

I. WORDS USED FOR “HELL" IN NEW TESTAMENT

1. Hades = 10 X > place of the departed dead

Luke 16:22, 25; Acts 2:27-31

2. Tartaros = 1 X > abode of disobedient angels

II Peter 2:4

3. Gehenna = used 12 X in NT; 11 by Jesus

> Trash pile, garbage dump, dead animals

The Hell of all Hells