Messages from Calvary Baptist Church in Canton, Michigan
Sunday Service 11/21/21 : JOHN—Raising of LazarusPhil WoodmanKey Passage: John 11Jesus WaitedJohn Mark Comer said “Hurry is violence on the soul. We get sucked into the tyranny of the urgent, not the important.”Going going going doesn't allow our soul to breathe. Do you feel that? Especially as we approach the holidays. The pace of everything picks up doesn't it?Maybe before jumping into anything, the best thing we could do would be to stop, seek our Father in heaven and be filled by the Spirit to prepare ourselves for what's ahead of us whether it be a crisis, a busy season, or simply the day ahead of us so that we can function out of the fullness of God, rather than depending on the strength of man.That is not the point of the story, but something we would probably benefit greatly from if we put it into practice. There was purpose to Jesus waiting. So that God would be glorified.Martha BelievedShe knew, she believed…but Lazarus' death was still final in her mind.Which is a little interesting because Jesus had already raised someone from the dead….twice! But both of these times, the person was still in their home and had been dead for a few minutes or hours. Like they might not be fully dead. And Mary and Martha had not been present for those occurrences. I'm sure they probably heard about them, but they took place in Galilee far from their home.Jesus Was Deeply MovedWe see the humanity and emotional side of Jesus on display in this passage. We hear of his deep love for his friend that leads him into certain danger to visit. We see mourning and sadness as Jesus weeps, but he is ultimately led to anger.B.B. Warfield writes: “It is death that is the object of his wrath, and behind death him who has the power of death, and whom he has come into the world to destroy. Tears of sympathy may fill his eyes, but this is incidental. His soul is held by rage: and he advances to the tomb, in Calvin's words, [slide] ‘as a champion who prepares for conflict.'”Where have you put him? Let's go.Mary and Martha Believed in a New WayDeath is the physical result of what sin does in the spiritual realm. God grieves and mourns those who are spiritually dead. And just days later he would do something about it to show his power over death and sin once and for all.Do you KNOW Jesus as the resurrection and the life? Can you clearly state how Jesus has made you alive and transformed you from death to life? How is God making you new each day? If you can't see how Jesus has changed you, is it possible that you know Jesus, but you don't KNOW Jesus? Like Mary and Martha, your faith may be sincere, but limited.In this season of thanks, what are we, what are you doing to proclaim the life we have experienced in Christ to those needing resurrection from the spiritual death they live in? It moved Jesus to tears and made him angry to the point he needed to do something about it. May God move in our hearts that we are lead to DO something to help people experience Jesus and have the opportunity to move from death to life.Jesus is the resurrection and the life. I pray you KNOW that and have experienced that life.
Peace - God in Our Midst12/27/20 - Dave RiddleKey Passage: Isaiah 9:6Prince of PeaceShalom: a very broad term that means health, security, tranquility, good condition, success, comfort and more. An unconcerned state of peacefulness.Matthew 10:34-39 - do not suppose that I have come to bring peace...Jesus is our number one priority, and that will lead to division.eirene: a national state of tranquility, harmony, and safety. In a Christian context: the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvationConfidenceJohn 16:33 - you are going to have suffering, but you can have confidence because Jesus has conquered the world!RestMatthew 11:29 - Take up my yoke and you will find rest.(Re)ConnectionRomans 5:1 - since we have been justified we have peace with God through Jesus.Invitation (A Gift)John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.Philippians 4:7 - peace that surpasses all understanding.Challenge (A Calling)Colossians 3:15 - let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, as members of one body you were called to peace.Romans 12:18 - as much as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.Hebrews 12:14 - pursue peace with everyone.Orientation (A Fruit) Galatians 5:22-23 - peace is a fruit of the Spirit, not something we can create or attain on our own.Peace be with you!
Joy - God in Our Midst12/20/20 - Dave RiddleKey Passage: Luke 2:10Joy is Not the Same as HappinessHappiness and unhappiness are circumstantial.Joy is a deep-rooted state of ongoing delight inspired by God himself.1 Peter 1:8Joy is CommandedAn imperative, an exultation, a command.Philippians 4:4We always have a reason to have joy, even when we’re unhappy or disillusioned.Joy Takes Some CommitmentColossians 3:2Is your primary focus on the here and now, or on things above?Joy Can Become An OrientationGalatians 5:22Joy manifests as we walk in the Spirit.Living JoyfullyRemember how you’re lovedGod loves you with an everlasting love!Remember who you are and whose you are.1 John 3:1Remember your identity. Nothing can change your identity in Christ1 Peter 2:9-10Remember what you have1 Peter 1:3-6New birth ( you are a new creation)Living hopeAn InheritanceJohn 15:11 - I have told you this so that my joy may be in you.The joy of the Lord is our strength.
Wrapping Up Romans10/04/2020 - Dave RiddleKey Passage: Romans 16:25-27Now to him... be the glory forever! Amen.Romans 16:25, 27Glory = doxa (δόξα) Him who is able to strengthen you...Romans 16:25dynamos (δύναμαι)= able. to be able, have power whether by virtue of one's own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or customstērizō (στηρίζω) = strengthen. To set fast. To turn resolutely in a certain direction. Good NewsRomans 16:25euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) = a good message. Good news!Divine Revelation Romans 16:25-26A secret or mystery revealed. Something that had been kept hidden.Ours eyes have been opened to the truth of Jesus.Divine MandateRomans 16:26epitagē (ἐπιταγὴν) - an injunction , decree, command or mandate. By implication, authoritativeness....to the only wise GodRomans 16:27We have no shortage of access to facts and opinions.God is the only one who is wise.sophos (σοφῷ) - Wise. To have skill or expertise. To best form plans and use the best means for their actual execution. How do we walk more deeply in this truth?Understand his word betterLive empowered by the power of the Holy Spirit.Walk together in community and unity.
Water to WineThe Gospel of John - Part 4 - 8/30/20Key Passage: John 2:1-12It’s a party!John 2:27 days of festivities!The highlight of their lifeWe’ve got a problem.John 2:3They ran out of wineA huge embarrassment I know a guy.John 2:5“Do whatever He tells you...”The first of seven signs John 2:11sēmeion (σημεῖον) - an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally:—miracle, sign, token, wonder.phaneroō (φανερόω) - to make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown.A sign for his followers to reveal his true identity.How is Jesus inviting you to take a deeper step of faith?
The First Five DisciplesThe Gospel of John - Part 38/23/20Key passage: John 1:35-51What are you looking for?John 1:38Come and seeJohn 1:39You will be called PeterJohn 1:42Follow me!John 1:43Follow = akoloutheō How do you know me?John 1:48The Role of “Others”Who are the “others” in your life who pointed you to Christ?Who was your John, Andrew, or Phillip?Who are you pointing to Jesus?Customized ConnectionHe connected with each disciple in an individualized way.He wants to connect with you in an individualized way too!Balance of invitation and challenge Come and see - invitationFollow me - challenge You will be called “rock” - challengeThe Necessity and Power of RevelationJohn knew Jesus was the messiah through the revelation of the Holy SpiritLikewise for Andrew, Phillip, and Peter
John the BaptistThe Gospel of John - Part 28/16/20Who are you? John 1:19I’m not the Messiah - v. 20I’m not Elijah - v. 21I’m not “the Prophet” - v. 21I am a voice crying out in the wilderness “make straight the way of the Lord” v. 23Where are you from?God sent meJohn’s miraculous birthLuke 1:5-25What are you here to do?I came as a witness to testify about the light. John 1:7Why are you doing this?The Messiah is coming!John 1:26-27The Messiah is Jesus!John 1:29-31How do you know that?The Holy Spirit‘s incredible sign. John 1:32-34
Look UpThis is a season of resetHelping people follow Jesus togetherHelp people become like Jesus Luke 6:40Walking as He walked1 John 2:6Our Up Relationship is PrimeMark 12:30Worship Romans 12:1The heart of worship is loving God with our entire being.Latreia (Greek: λατρεία) - worship or service. To kiss (in the same way a dog licks its master). To revere, to adore.John 4:24 - worshipProskyneo (Greek: προσκυνέω) - to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverenceRevelation 19:4Our Worship is a Response 1 John 4:19 - we love because he first loved us.Our Worship Must be RealMark 7:6 - Honoring God with our hearts, not just our lips. 1 Samuel 15:22 - obedience not sacrificeYou are Loved 1 John 3:1 - You are His child!The Life You LiveJohn 14:15 - love results in obedience1 John 5:3a - keep His commandsActs 13:22 - a person aligned with God’s heart.
Lean InDave Riddle - 7/19/20koinōnia (Greek: κοινωνία) - fellowship, association, community, intimacy, joint participation (the share which one has in anything), communion. Living in koinōnia = Love An Order or Command to Love OthersMark 12:31 - love others as much as you love yourself.John 13:34 - love others the way Jesus loves us.1 John 3:23 - love others as He commanded us.Response 1 John 4:11, 19 - our love is a response to the love Jesus has shown to us.IntegralNecessary for yielding completeness1 John 4:12 - our faith becomes more complete as we walk in love.Maturity and Progression1 Peter 1:22-23A sincere love. Not merely pretending to love others.Earnestly, fervently, constantly loving one another.1 Corinthians 13 - love is foundational. Without it, our actions are meaningless.ConfirmationJohn 13:35 - This is how all people will know that we are truly followers of Christ.Intimacy A relationship that goes deeper than “we go to the same church”.Requires vulnerability.Might require taking some risks.InvestmentHelping people follow Jesus together.Connected and Contributing to One AnotherNot living in an individual reality, but a “One Another” reality.Love one anotherLive in harmony with one anotherForgive one another Honor one another...And many many more Over 100 occurrences in scripture.Only possible through the power of the Holy SpiritHow is God calling you to take the next step towards koinōnia?1 Peter 1:22-23
This service is split up into multiple segments of teaching, worship, and prayer.
Memorials“Therefore these stones will always be a memorial for the Israelites.” Joshua 4:7 CSBzakar: to pierce, to impress (on the memory), to remember or be remembered, to recollect, to commemorate.zikrown: a memorial, reminder or remembrance. It is an object reminder or token act by which something is brought to mind. Why do we need them?We’re prone to forgetDeuteronomy 4:9Deuteronomy 6:12Joshua 4:6-7Judges 2:10What are their features?They’re a StatementJoshua 4:24They’re EnduringJoshua 4:7They’re DistinctiveJoshua 4:8Communion as a memorial
Power Within- 2 Corinthians 4:16 - We are not ekkakeō (ἐκκακέω) - to be utterly spiritless, to be wearied out, exhausted- 2 Corinthians 4:7-9- Galatians 2:20- Lamentations 3:19-24 Useful Struggle- 2 Corinthians 4:17 - “incomparable” - hyperbolē (ὑπερβάλλω) - metaphorically, superiority, excellence, preeminence- James 4:14b- 2 Corinthians 12:10 Different Point of View - 2 Corinthians 4:18
Like a Mother, Our God is... Life-Giving • Genesis 2:7 Loving & Providing • Isaiah 49:14-15 • Matthew 28:20 Gentle & Comforting • Isaiah 66:13 • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Ferocious & Intense• Hosea 13:8 Compassionate & Invested • Luke 13:34 • Matthew 9:36
Easter SundayDave Riddle - 4/12/20Key Passage: John 20:1-29I am saved from the darkness of confusion and enter into the light of a new callingJohn 20:14-18I am saved from the darkness of fear and enter into the light of a new presence and peaceJohn 20:19-22John 16:33I am saved from the darkness of doubt and enter into the light of a new beginning. John 20:24-29You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9, NLT)
What is Christ’s Kingdom?Dave Riddle - 4/5/20Key Passage: John 18:33-36Jesus’ Kingdom is…PresentMatthew 4:17 at handMark 1:15nearLuke 17:20-21In your midstMatthew 28:20With you always…A GiftJohn 3:3 PowerLuke 1:35His life began in powerPower = dynamis (δύναμις)Romans 8:11 The Holy SpiritProblemsIsaiah 53:3He experienced the full gamut of what it means to be human.Matthew 5:10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven…John 16:33in this world you will have trouble…PurposeTo proclaim the kingdom!Matthew 4:23teaching, preaching the good news, and healing.Mark 1:15, Mark 9:35, Luke 4:43PerfectionHebrew 4:15He was tempted in all ways and yet He was sinless.Matthew 4:48Our calling as wellHebrews 12:2Revelation 21:3-5aPerfect relationshipAll things made perfectly new.
The Recipe for Spiritual UnityDave Riddle - 3/29/20Key Passage: Philippians 2:1-4Our Motivation for Spiritual Unity (Philippians 2:1)Encouragement in Christ Encouragement = paraklēsis (παράκλησις)Coming alongside someone to give them assistance, comfort, or console.Consolation of Love Consolation = paramythion (παραμύθιον)Speaking closely with someone. Giving comfort and solace. The word used for a mother who holds and comforts a crying child.Fellowship With The Spirit Fellowship = koinōnia (κοινωνία)a partnership. invested in a shared relationship. Implies a commitment. A word of deep intimacy.Affection and Mercy Affection = splagchnon (σπλάγχνον)Referring to one’s deep emotions. A heart of affection and tender mercy. Mercy = oiktirmos (οἰκτιρμοί)emotions, longings, pityThe Posture of Unity (Philippians 2:1-2)Thinking the Same Way Fully alignedLikemindedHaving a common understandingHaving the Same Love To love others equally.Characterized by our love for one another.1 John 3:14United in Spirit The only occurrence of this word in the New Testament.Living harmoniously. United in SpiritBeing in full accord.living in selfless harmony with others.Intent on One Purpose Similar to “Thinking the Same Way”“One-minded”emphasizing our pursuit or intentions.These four principles are complementary and inseparable.How Spiritual Unity is Lived Out (Philippians 2:3-4)In Humility In Humility = tapeinophrosynē (ταπεινοφροσύνῃ)Having a humble opinion of one's self1 Corinthians 10:241 Corinthians 13:5Leviticus 19:18Mark 10:45
Jesus is with us in this boatDave Riddle - 3/22/20Key Passage: Mark 4:35-41“Let’s take a boat ride.”Mark 4:35Jesus knew what they were getting into.What Jesus didn’t say was “you guys go, and I’ll meet you later”.He got in the boat with them.Storms were not unusual for the sea of Galilee Mark 4:37 megas lailapsmegas - big, huge, great, oversized.lailaps - whirlwind, tempest, violent winds“It is never a single gust, nor a steadily blowing wind, however violent; but a storm breaking forth from black thunder-clouds in furious gusts, with floods of rain, and throwing everything topsy-turvy.”“Don’t you care?”Mark 7:38God understands us absolutely and completely.“Hush be still”Mark 7:39From chaos to calm.Psalm 107:24-30“Why are you afraid?”Mark 4:40A great question for us too. Why are we afraid?Fear is not something to be ashamed of.“Fear will always knock at your door, just don’t invite it to come and stay”Fear can alert us to danger.Fear can’t have the last word and it can’t be our guide.“Do you still have no faith?Mark 4:40These disciples had been with Jesus a long time.They had witnessed him do incredible things.Mark 4:41 - The followers were very afraid…Fear will be with us.David - “When I am afraid I will trust in you”not if, but when.Fear will be there, but will we allow it to have the last word?“Who is this?”Mark 4:41An important question for them, and for us!The most important question we can ask.
Hope in the Midst of FearDave Riddle - 3/15/20Key Passage: 2 Corinthians 1:4Life can be difficult, Uncertain, Painful and ScaryJohn 16:33 - we will have troubleMatthew 6:34 - Don’t worry about tomorrow… each day has enough trouble of its own.Our God is Lord of AllIsaiah 46:10He is present in our struggleEmmanuel: God with us.2 Corinthians 1:4 - He’s the one who comforts us in all our trouble…There is hope beyond the struggleJohn 16:33 - In this world you will have trouble… I have overcome the world.Seize This Opportunity!Trust in GodPsalm 56:3 - When I am afraid, I will trust in you.John 14:1 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.Grow in your faithJames 1:2 - Consider it pure joy when you face trials… because the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 1 Peter 1:3-7Be there for one another2 Corinthians 1:4 - Comfort those in trouble with the comfort we have received from God.Show God’s LoveMatthew 5:13 - Salt and lightMatthew 22:39 - Love your neighbor as yourself.
Just a Couple More Things...Dave Riddle - 3/08/20Key Passage: Romans 16:17-23CautionRomans 16:17 - “Now I urge you brothers and sisters to watch out...” “Urge”: parakaleō (παρακαλέω) - to admonish, exhort, entreat, beseech, or beg. “Watch out”: skopeō (σκοπέω) - to take aim at (spy), to consider, take heed, mark. Romans 16:17 - watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles... Divisions, disunity... Obstacles: skandalon (σκάνδαλον) - a trap, snare, any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall. Romans 16:18 - ...such people do not serve our Lord but their own appetites. Serve: douleuō (δουλεύω) - to be a slave, serve, do service Slaves to their own desires Romans 16:18 - ...they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words. Avoid: ekklinō (ἐκκλίνω) - to deviate; to shun or turn away from, to go out of the way, avoid. Separate yourselves from such people. EncouragementRomans 16:20 - The God of peace will soon crush Satan. Not just caution, but encouragement! Victory is on the way! Psalm 8:16 - everything is beneath God’s feet. Romans 16:21-23 - greetings from Paul, and his entourage. Timothy: Paul’s protege Tertius: Paul’s administrative assistant. Gaius: Paul’s host A reminder that they are all in this together.
The Apostle’s Loving SaluteDave Riddle - 3/01/20Key Passage: Romans 16:1-16The Wonderful Messenger - PhoebeRomans 16:1 - I commend to you our sister Phoebe...Romans 16:2 - welcome her and assist her as she did the same for me.“Servant”: diakonos (Greek: διάκονος) - servant, deacon, helper.An important partner in Paul’s ministry entrusted to deliver this important message.The Gutsy Couple - Priscilla & AquilaRomans 16:3-4a - my coworkers who risked their own lives for mine...They discipled and invested in Paul early in his ministryRead more about them in Acts 18Romans 16:4b - not just significant to Paul, but to all the gentile churches.The Dedicated Friends - Many people!Romans 16:5-15 - a long list of names.A Few Takeaways from this list of peopleDiversity / UnityDiverse: Both Jews and gentiles.Diverse: Significant class diversityThis list includes names that were popularly used for slaves.Also included are people of influence and power, including possibly people in Caesar’s own household.Diverse: among the men there are also 9 women mentioned (4 women singled out for their hard work).United: Brothers and sisters in ChristUnited: one church united despite their differences.Depth of RelationshipThese are people who Paul has spent time and served with.Not shallow acquaintances.Strength of CharacterRomans 16:7 - “noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles...”Apostle: two ways to interpret this word:Strict: the 12 core disciples of Jesus (minus Judas plus Matthias). Paul is often included in this group as well.General: all those sent out by Jesus.A better translation would probably be: “outstanding among the apostles”Missionaries sent out by Jesus, included among the more general definition of the word “apostle”.What do we take away from this list of names?An incredibly diverse list like this reminds us of how the gospel unites us despite our differences.It cuts through our differences and brings us together.
Paul’s Apostolic Travel PlanDave Riddle - 2/16/20Key Passage: Romans 15:22-29What WasRomans 15:23b - ...I have strongly desired for many years to come to you...He never allows his personal desires to override his calling.Taking the gospel to those who had never heard it was Paul’s primary objective.What IsRomans 15:23a - But now I no longer have any work to do in these regions...There was still a lot of work to be done, but Paul’s work was finished.He had planted churches, trained leaders, and empowered believers.Romans 15:25 - Right now I’m traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints...Why was the church in Jerusalem so impoverished?Potentially as a result of their extreme generosity (as seen in Acts 2 & 4).Romans 15:26-27Paul acknowledges the importance of the Jerusalem church in the planting and thriving of churches all around the Mediterranean.He is asking now for those churches to bless the Jerusalem church in the midst of their great need.What‘s NextRomans 15:28 - I will visit you on the way to Spain.Spain was one of the furthest reaches of the Roman government at the timeMany Jews, few Christians.A place ripe for the gospel.A tremendously long and difficult journey.Romans 15:24 - I hope to see you when I pass though and to be assisted by you...He isn’t staying long.He anticipates being “filled up” by their fellowship and support.What’s For SureRomans 15:29 - ...I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.He takes the focus off himself and places it on Jesus.What do we take away?Paul’s preoccupation with the GospelThe importance he places on people in need.The importance Paul places on the mutual benefit we have in building each other up.
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