Ablaze Church Sermon Podcast (Audio)

The book of Esther is a beautiful portrayal of courage in the face of danger and the triumph of good in the face of powerful sinister forces. This weekend we follow a beautiful young Jewish virgin who becomes the queen of a pagan Persian empire. God has a plan and Esther will play an important role in saving her Judean people from destruction.

God used Esther, a Jewish exile, as His instrument in setting her people free from annihilation and fromthe hatred of others in the land of Persia. The book of Esther never mentions God's name, yet God clearly orchestrates every event in the book. We find Him in the faith of Mordecai, in thedetermination of Esther, and in the One to whom the Israelites earnestly turn to in prayer andfasting for three days.

Paul is facing death so he impresses upon young Timothy the importance of carrying on where Paul will leave off, preaching the Word of God faithfully. Paul talks about how people with itching ears will want their leaders to talk about only what they want to hear. Paul encourages Timothy to be sober-minded, to endure suffering, to do the work of an evangelist, thus fulfilling his ministry to teach sound doctrine.

Paul writes about temptation that specifically attacks the leaders of a church. The temptation clearly also applies to all Christians. Paul mentions two men of the Old Testament who were corrupt and opposed God's Word. Today we must be very careful because there are those who oppose the truth found in the Bible. That is why Paul clearly states that, “All of Scripture is breathed out by God.”

Using many comparisons like a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer, Paul encourages Timothy to find faithful men who are willing to share in the work of serving the Lord by teaching others the Word of God. He warns them not to get bogged down in quarrels or to give into temptations of the flesh, but to be generous and kind to all

Paul's last letter that he ever wrote was to young Timothy who was Paul's replacement and representative to the churches of Asia Minor. Despite that Paul was facing the end of his ministry because of his imprisonment and persecution, he managed to send a letter that encouraged Timothy in his ministry and Christian hurches to show boldness, endurance, and faithfulness in the face of false teachings.

Paul describes fighting the good fight as an act of faith. A Christian is always engaged in an ongoing contest in which sound doctrine advances against the forces of darkness and evil in our world. This fight of faith does not earn us salvation, but because we know the prize earned by Jesus for us, we fight on in good faith taking hold of eternal life.

Today we celebrate Trinity Sunday. We confess and believe in our God who is three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. On this Sunday, as on all Sundays, we confess the great mystery of the Holy Trinity. We will also take a close look at Paul's instructions for the Church of Ephesus.

God daily and richly provides us with all that we need. Paul teaches to reject God's good gifts or to receive them without thanksgiving is a sin against God's graciousness. Paul prepares his listeners to contend against false teachers and silly myths. Paul shares that the reading of Scripture is the key to combat falsehoods and disinformation.

Paul offers a summary of prayer in the life of the worshipping community. Prayer is strongly encouraged for all people, emphasizing especially prayer for those who exercise authority over us. Along with emphasis on prayer, Paul gives proper qualifications for service within the Christian church and spiritual leadership.

We begin a new series this weekend called, “Paul's Word to Timothy.” Timothy was, in every way, Paul's spiritual son. Young but gifted, Timothy had been assigned to lead the church at Ephesus. The congregation that gathered in Ephesus needed order in worship as well as doctrinal correction. It was also plagued with false teachers. This letter from Paul guided and counseled young Timothy in his duties.

In Chapter Four, Jonah came to realize that God was going to spare Nineveh from destruction. Several days had elapsed since Jonah had begun preaching that Nineveh would be overturned if they did not repent. When Nineveh repented, Jonah became very angry. His anger is mentioned several times by God. In contrast, God is “slow to anger and abounds in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression of sin” (Ex. 34:6-7).

The people of Nineveh hardly seem like prospects for responding to God's Word because they were not Jewish, yet they did turn from their sin, fasted, and put on sackcloth. Upon seeing their turn from evil, God relented from sending disaster. We thank God that His Word bore the fruit of repentance in Nineveh and in our lives.

Have you ever asked, “How low can you (or I) go?” It is just a figure of speech, but it definitely has a scary meaning behind it. In our reading from Jonah Chapter 2, we will see how low a prophet of God is allowed to go. Some might say, “You can't get any lower than Jonah.” God wanted Jonah to go to Ninevah, but he ended up below sea level. The good news is, that after three days in the belly of a great fish, Jonah finally reconsidered going to Ninevah.

We begin a post-Easter new series, based on the Old Testament book of Jonah. This is one of the most compelling and well-known stories in the Bible. It is full of drama, action, human interest, and practical lessons for Christians and for the Church today as it teaches us to remain true to our calling and mission. When we drift away from it, God may intervene dramatically to get us back on track.

Easter is not merely a one-day celebration, it is a fifty-day season from the Day of the Resurrection of our Lord to the Day of Pentecost. During the Easter Season, we have a tradition to greet one another with a special Easter greeting and response, “Alleluia Christ is Risen!” “He is risen indeed! Alleluia!”

Beginning with Chapter 14 of Mark we learn about how desperate the Jewish leaders were to find a way to execute Jesus quickly and quietly before He gained full support for His mission. Yet, God is at work even in these events using the opposition of His enemies for the fulfillment of His plan of salvation for mankind. The Lord is likewise at work in the events of our lives today bringing about good even amid suffering. We must trust that He has a plan for all that happens in our lives.

Rather than being an external regimented, dry list of rules, Jesus describes the commandments as being centered on loving God and our neighbor. We are told that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our being; that is, with all our heart, soul, and mind. This Jesus calls the most important commandment. Then Jesus shares what is the second most important commandment, which is to love our neighbors as ourselves. These two commandments Jesus sees and explains as the heart of the Old Testament, revealed by the law and the prophets.

Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem is the place He openly accepted messianic titles and at the same time fulfilled many Old Testament messianic prophecies. The disciples and the crowds expected Jesus to establish an earthly kingdom. The express purpose of Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem was to usher in God's plan of salvation for mankind. Jesus entered Jerusalem in humility to fulfill the plan of salvation by laying down His life for sinners.

The transfiguration was an event where Jesus showed the light of His heavenly divinity. Jesus was metamorphosized before three of the disciples to display His divine glory and to prepareHis disciples for His death and resurrection. At this historical event, two Old Testament figuresappeared, Moses and Elijah, to verify who Jesus was and what was to happen to Him.The glory of Jesus reminds us that He freely chose death and resurrection for our sakes. Thisshould make us all the more want to listen to Him.

The Pharisees were that Jewish sect or part which laid utmost stress on the strictest outward observances of the law, including the traditions of man. In fact, many Pharisees and Scribes held traditional law over and above God's law. Jesus exposes their self-righteousness as arrant hypocrites. The Pharisees and Scribes expected the disciples and Jesus to follow their ritual practices. Jesus quotes Isaiah to rebuke their hypocrisy and then gives them a concrete example of their false piety. He describes how they fail to follow the fourth commandment, “to honor your father and mother” so they can follow man-made observances.

John the Baptist was beheaded by King Herod Antipas. According to the New Testament, Herod Antipas was ruler of Galilee under the Roman Empire. He had imprisoned John because he had publicly reproved Herod for divorcing his first wife and unlawfully taking his sister-in-law as his second wife. Her name was Herodias. She had a grudge against John for speaking against the marriage.

In the reading for this week, Jesus comes upon a man who has many unclean spirits within him. When asked his name, he said, “My name is Legion.” This man called Legion treats Jesus with more respect and honor than the Jewish people who live in the nearby country. From this historical account of Jesus casting out many demons from this man, we learn that Jesus has power over demons; yet, the people who saw the miracle wanted Jesus to leave and they wanted nothing to do with Him. The people begged Jesus to leave, while the healed man begged Jesus to go with him.

As far as we know, the first parable spoken by Jesus is the one about the sower. The parable is typical of the Palestine region where the grain is sown by hand. Jesus calls for close attention to the meaning of this parable, for it reveals a “secret” of the Kingdom of God. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. The lesson or mystery Jesus reveals is for His followers – not for those who do not believe. The exposition for this parable is revealed by Jesus in Chapter 4 of Mark.

Jesus asks a very important question in Mark Chapter 3, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” He answers the question by pointing out that people who do the will of God are His, “brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:35). This weekend we will take a close look at the crowds that follow Jesus and what they say about Him. Included in these crowds are His physical mother and half brothers.

In Mark Chapter 2, Jesus outrages His critics called the Pharisees by calling Matthew the tax collector to follow Him. Furthermore, Jesus then eats with Matthew and other equally “defiled” people according to the Pharisees. This story invites us to reflect on whether we are more like the “defiled” people of this story, or like those who criticized Jesus. Thankfully we will read about Jesus who brings healing and forgiveness to all, even well-known sinners and smug hypocrites. In Chapter Two of Mark, we learn of Jesus' authority over sickness, sin, and critics.

It is believed Mark wrote his Gospel for the benefit of gentile readers. Important issues for gentiles are carefully inserted into his Gospel. That is why the Gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels and why he seldom refers to the Old Testament. This weekend at Ablaze, we will look at Mark, Chapter 1, verses 29-40. Jesus heals many who were sick and casts out demons. He preaches in Galilee and casts out demons, and He cleanses a leper.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. In addition to Jesus, Mark features three main groups of people: the disciples, the crowds, and the religious leaders of the time whom all misunderstood Jesus. It is believed that the writer of the Gospel of Mark was a close associate of Peter the apostle, and he may have based much of his Gospel on Peter's preaching as well as his personal eyewitness of the events of the time.

Jesus celebrated “First Fruits” in the most appropriate manner by rising from the dead on that day. Easter represents the whole point of Christianity as Christ rose from the dead, so shall we. He is our, “First Fruits” proof of God's promise to bring us back from the dead, “So it is with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable” (1 Cor. 15:42).

Ever since that fateful day in Eden, temptation has been the primary factor that leads men and women away from God. Temptation affects everyone. It does not matter who you are, how strong, how knowledgeable, how Biblical, or how respectful you are; temptation is out to get you. Temptation is the lure of attraction, the pull toward pleasure, the seduction of the will to abandon what we know is right and to indulge in the act of the moment that seems immediately satisfying. Temptation is attractive; otherwise, it would not be tempting. It is also very dangerous and deadly.

Solomon wanted to be able to discern between good and evil so he could act in obedience to God's will. Such discernment required a mind capable of analytical judgments. Solomon knew a heart that listens to the Lord could supply the basis for making correct decisions. His desire was to conform to the Lord's way and for the willpower to act accordingly. That is why Solomon said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Along with Solomon, this week we will learn how to overcome confusion with wisdom from God.

May we never forget that we, through faith, have been integrated into the body of Christ that we may help, encourage, and move into action, as a body of believers rather than as individuals. To grow faith that dispels fear, we need other people of faith. This is the power of symbiosis among Christians, a mutual beneficial relationship between people of faith.

The peace that Jesus offers us is not a promise to remove the pain and difficulties in our lives. Those troubles are always a part of daily living. Someday when Jesus returns, all our troubles will be gone; until then, He offers a peace that is calm, unafraid, unruffled, and confident because we place our lives in His hands. When we trust the Lord, nothing can harm our innermost being, nothing can shake us from the intimate connection we have with the Lord. Through our saving faith, despite external circumstances, we have a peace that cannot be destroyed and is beyond our understanding.

There really is no limit to what evil the human heart can conceive. So before we try to confront the evil outside of us, we need to examine the evil within every heart. It is Jesus who pulls no punches when describing the evil that comes out of the human heart. The bad news is that we all have evil inside of us. The good news is that Jesus Christ, in His goodness and mercy, overcame that evil for us by dying on the cross and then offering us His righteousness as a free gift that can only be received by faith. Through the gift of faith our hearts can overcome the evil within. All glory, for overcoming evil, be to Him!

The prophet Habakkuk is a prophet of comfort and strength to a very weak nation. Because of the peoples' sins, the land that they inhabit will be taken away from them. Habakkuk calls the people to find strength in the Lord, their God, and trust Him with a steadfast faith. Habakkuk questions why evil existed and why the Lord permitted evil to afflict His people. The Lord's answer may not completely satisfy our sense of fairness or goodness. Through Habakkuk we too are called to steadfast faith when we are going through difficult times and weaknesses in life. We find His strength in knowing the Lord works through evil circumstances for our good, just as He worked through Jesus' suffering and death for our salvation. No matter what opposes you, take joy in the God of your salvation who is your strength.

The phrase “David and Goliath” has taken on a more popular meaning denoting an underdog situation, a contest where a smaller, weaker opponent faces a much bigger, stronger adversary and wins. Most people are led to believe the smaller weaker one was David, the shepherd boy, and the stronger was the giant named Goliath. Actually, the smaller, weaker opponent was Goliath who faced the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the creator of the heavens and the earth. Goliath faced a bigger opponent and did not even realize it. He defied the armies of the living God, and in doing this, Goliath sealed his fate. God almighty enabled a little shepherd boy to enjoy the victory, but the battle was won by the Almighty.

One day a lawyer asked Jesus a question in order to trap Him and make Him look bad. The lawyer, who was an expert in religious laws of the Jews, asked, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?” (Matt. 22:36) God did give the Israelites a great variety of laws including moral, ceremonial, and civil laws. In fact, the Jews had 613 laws that they proclaimed as important.

The firstborn of both man and beast within the nation of Israel belonged to the Lord. This type of consecration was a formidable challenge for the people. It meant that they had to first yield their lives to the Lord. There was a special case when it came to a donkey. The donkey was not acceptable as a sacrifice. The people were to redeem the firstborn male donkey by sacrificing a lamb or by breaking the donkey's neck, thus killing it without spilling blood.

In Chapter 17 of the Gospel of John, we have a prayer that Jesus prays to the Father in Heaven on behalf of the Church. He asks that His disciples would be united in being sent into the world to show to the world that Jesus is the Savior of the world. The goal is not to unify all churches, but to populate heaven. Jesus wants people of the world to see the witness Christians make of the truth about Jesus. Whenever Christians ignore God's Word, they foster divisions within the Church and diminish their witness. But Jesus is the truth that will unite His Church, glorify the Heavenly Father, and enable His people to fulfill their calling in a troubled world.

In Chapter 17 of the Gospel of John, we have the longest prayer of Jesus ever recorded called, “The High Priestly Prayer”. This prayer is rich in theological insight as to what the Lord wants His Church to be doing. In the first part of the prayer, Jesus asks that the Father be glorified through the Son and that those who know the Father, through the Son, would also glorify the Father and that they would keep His Words.

We all have the same number of hours in each day; yet our use of these hours can be so different. We all have the ability to prioritize; yet what we think should be first may not even make it on a list for others. Effective life management is putting things first moment-by-moment, day-by-day, while fellowship with Christ is allowing Him to decide what “first things” are!

It's that time again to celebrate. Let's be sure we keep Jesus as the focus of the season and celebration. Decorations, gifts, and family gatherings are wonderful, but pale in comparison with the best gift the world has ever been offered. Will be it received? Will it be opened up and used?

St. Paul writes to the Philippians about a Peace that passes understanding, and to the Romans the fact that since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By nature, we sinners are at odds with God. But by grace we are no longer enemies, but cherished children and friends. The grace of God delivers pardon for the soul's disturbance, and replaces that with the peace that his pardon provides. Peace is God's Christmas gift to the world, but it's not just for Christmas. It keeps on giving year-round. Let's not let the gift remain unwrapped and not experienced.

Christmas is just around the corner. Christmas is not just the presents, lights, food and traditions. It was Jesus. Feelings don't last. Jesus does. In fact, one of the Royal Titles that Isaiah 9:6 mentions about the Messiah is “Everlasting Father.” Jesus lasts. Forever. He is eternally one with the Father and has eternally committed Himself to our salvation. His presence doesn't just come and go. It lasts.

The "Mighty God" title puts Jesus in a class all by himself. He is not just some spiritual superstar or exalted avatar. He is God. Every attribute of God applies to Jesus. He is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Only He has the qualifications to be the Savior of the world. His coming into the world is the most profound miracle of all. The impossible has happened, God became man yet remained fully God.

Do you need counsel and direction in your life? In Jesus, we have a Wonderful Counselor. He is willing to wisely direct our lives, forgive and correct our errors, and lead us into an abundant life. It begins when we admit, or confess, that we have problems and need Someone much wiser than we are. Then we go to His Word for biblical wisdom to guide and empower us.

THe Bible story follows Jesus in Luke 17, when there were 10 men afflicted with dreaded leprosy. Jesus did for them what Jesus typically does: He heals them. Their lives are restored! How joyful they must be and how eager to get back to normal life. But 9 of the 10 forgot something. They forgot to thank Jesus. We are close to a Day of National Thanksgiving, a summons issued by the United States government to do more than eat turkey and enjoy the blessings we have here. It is a call to give thanks, remembering all the blessings we have and where theyh came from. Most people can articulate what they are thankful for. At the same time not that many will articulate who they are thankful to.

The word Apocalypse brings several things to mind. Its actual meaning is a revealing or disclosure. The last book of the New Testament is frequently called The Apocalypse. It reveals some features of the final struggle and the second coming of Jesus.In popular culture, it implies global catastrophic destruction. Several Hollywood movies include “Apocalpyse” in their titles and plots include doomsday ranging from a destructive asteroid headed for the earth to overwhelming swarms of zombies threatening the collapse of society.Want the real story? It's in the Bible.

Paul wrote that we should always be alert and aware. The Father of Lies is never far off and always looks for where we are vulnerable to deceptions. In an age that tells us there is no real or objective universal truth, we keep our focus on Jesus, who is the truth, and the Bible, which is God's Word of Truth to us.

The Protestant Reformation was launched by Martin Luther on October 31, 1517 by posting 95 theses for debate on the community bulletin board, the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Saxony, Germany. These documents went viral and in a short time nearly everyone was aware that something was happening that would change everything. The rest is history. This action by Luther began a process that restored attention to the completed work of Jesus for us in the Cross and Resurrection, and underlined the biblical teaching of salvation by grace through faith alone. This is the issue on which the Church stands or falls. It is the core of what we preach and teach at Ablaze Church.

The Protestant Reformation was launched by Martin Luther on October 31, 1517 by posting 95 theses for debate on the community bulletin board, the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Saxony, Germany. These documents went viral and in a short time nearly everyone was aware that something was happening that would change everything. The rest is history. This action by Luther began a process that restored attention to the completed work of Jesus for us in the Cross and Resurrection, and underlined the biblical teaching of salvation by grace through faith alone. This is the issue on which the Church stands or falls. It is the core of what we preach and teach at Ablaze Church.