Calvary Baptist Church

The first chapter of the Gospel of Mark introduces us to Jesus' early ministry in Galilee. In rapid fire fashion, the Lord Jesus is introduced, and the purpose of His ministry is stated (1:1-15). This is followed by the call of His first disciples and a series of miracles illustrating His authority, power and compassion (1:16-45). These momentous events caused such a stir in Galilee that Jesus and His disciples were forced to leave the area. After some time away, Jesus returned to His "home city" (Matthew 9:1) and resumed His preaching. The scribes and Pharisees were waiting for Him. Mark records a series of five separate conflicts Jesus had with these religious leaders. Interestingly, the first and fifth conflicts center around Jesus' authority and power to heal. The middle three center around food, fellowship, and provision for His followers.

David's last poem was a summation of God's call and leading in his life. David acknowledged his shortcomings, but knew God had made a covenant with him. What a blessing to know God's promises to us never fail even when our promises fall short. We'd love to have you with us tonight as we continue our study in the life of King David.

In chapter seven, the Apostle Paul has declared, "the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good" (7:12). The problem is that a person is weak through the flesh. His sinful nature is incapable of keeping the law. Chapter eight introduces the law of the Spirit. "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death" (8:2). Jesus told Nicodemus, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again'" (John 3:6,7). When a person is born "of the Spirit," he takes on a new nature. A person who is "born again" has a new nature, but he wrestles with the old nature as Paul descriptively shows in Romans 7:13-25). In Romans 8:5-12, Paul contrasts the law of the flesh and the law of the Spirit. There are two natures and two "mindsets." One leads to destruction and the other to life and peace.

Mark presents Jesus as Servant. His narrative moves with energy and purpose. He is concerned with the WORKS of Jesus. The key word is "immediately" (straightway, KJV). "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).

Mark 1: 1-14 The Gospel of Mark stands as a testimony to the fact that failure does not mean the end of usefulness to the Lord. John Mark was the son of a woman of means and position in Jerusalem (Act 12:12). His friendship with Peter was very close (I Peter 5:13). Mark traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:5). He deserted the missionary party for some unexplained reason (Acts 13:13). Paul and Barnabas had a heated argument and parted company because of Barnabas's insistence to bring Mark on the second missionary journey. Twelve years later, Paul acknowledged Mark as a fellow-laborer (Colossians 4:10-11). Mark apparently ministered in Rome (I Peter 5:13: ll Timothy 4:11). Tradition has it that he founded the church in Alexandria, Egypt and died a martyr's death. Mark presents Jesus as Servant. Mark is concerned with what Jesus did. His concern was the WORKS rather than the WORDS of Jesus. He omitted or abbreviated many of the conversations found in Matthew and Luke. Mark covers in chapter one what it takes Matthew eight chapters to cover.

As David looks back on his life-long journey with God, he is ever mindful of God's love and protection. Be with us tonight as we continue our study of King David.

In the first four chapters of Romans, we understand the Gospel, how to become a Christian through faith in Christ Jesus. In chapters five through seven we understand our identity as Christians. Romans chapter eight describes the blessed security we have in being a Christian. In Romans 7:21-24, the Apostle Paul describes the law of sin as the evil in human nature that seeks to destroy us. He introduces the law of God which delivers the Christian from the law of sin and death. A Christian is "in Christ Jesus." Paul uses this prepositional phrase over 160 times in his epistle. When a person believes in Christ Jesus, our Savior enters into him (John 14:23-28). More importantly, the believer is "in Christ." His life is totally immersed in his Savior's. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus conquers the law of sin and death. The Holy Spirit is mentioned eighteen times in chapter eight of Romans.

The Apostle Paul concluded his letter to the Philippians with a burst of praise followed by a salutation and benediction. The peace of God and provision from God were great promises to a beleaguered congregation. Christians were encouraged to let God's glory and grace shine through them.

Philippians 4:14-20 In 4:11, Paul wrote that in whatever situation he found himself, he had learned to be "independent of circumstances" (Greek word used only once in N.T.). However, he wasn't belittling the blessings the Philippians had sent his way. In fact, he stated that they had a part in evangelizing the Roman palace guard (1:5-14; 4:22). In true Pauline fashion, he was seeking blessings from God to those who gave for the "furtherance of the gospel" (1:12). The spirit of giving is a hallmark of true Christianity. It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

Fittingly, the history of King David recorded in II Samuel nears its end with two beautiful psalms. In the first, David declares his total dependence on the God of heaven for his stability, his safety, and his strength. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in this great man's life. Message: Scripture Reading: II Samuel 23

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (II Corinthians 5:17). In chapter six of Romans, Paul speaks of our total immersion into the life of Christ. We are "baptized" into the life of Christ. In chapter seven, Paul used the covenant of marriage to illustrate a Christian's unity with Christ. However, in this unity, there is still the battle with the old nature. In his exasperation, Paul cries out, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from this body of sin? I thank my God—through Jesus Christ my Lord" (7:23,24)! The "therefore" in Romans 8:1 brings us to the great transition. The "law of God"(7:22) is the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" (8:2). The Christian is "in Christ" (8:1-8). He dwells with Christ (8:9-28). He will never be separate from Christ (8:29-39). Romans 8 reveals the Holy Spirit whom Jesus promised He would send to the believer (John 14:25). There are eighteen references to work of the Holy Spirit in this chapter.

The Secret of Contentment Philippians 4: 10-13 Paul's epistle to the Philippians is not only a letter of encouragement, but it is also a thank you letter for their loyal support. Paul ended his epistle expressing gratitude for how the Lord used them to meet his mental, physical and spiritual needs. In doing so, he reveals what God has taught him in trials along the way.

"The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult, and left untried" (G.K. Chesterton). The Greek word for virtue (arete) is used only four times in the New Testament. * Paul uses the word one time in all his epistles (Philippians 4:8). Peter uses the word three times (I Peter 2:9; II Peter 1:3,5). The word in classical Greek "denotes whatever procures pre-eminent estimation of a person or thing" (W.E. Vine). It was an intrinsic eminence or moral goodness belonging to the gods. Writing to the Philippians, Paul uses the term only in 4:8. He says if there is "any virtue." He is careful not to imply that Christians can attain moral goodness from within. He is setting forth the ideal of moral goodness that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ. In writing to fellow Jews, Peter uses the word in the sense that Jesus Christ is the pre-eminent Person who is the ideal.

No matter how many times the Philistines were defeated, they continued to war against Israel. Things haven't changed in three thousand years. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in II Samuel

When Paul wrote: "But where sin abounded, grace abounded more" (5:20), he anticipated those who would take that statement out of context. In chapters six and seven he asks three questions and gives definite answers to those who think grace is a license to live sinful lives.

Philippians 4:4-7 The Philippian Christians were facing difficulties on two fronts. They were living in a city known for its coarseness and hostility to the Gospel. They were also having inner conflicts which threatened their very existence. False teachers were a threat to the Gospel (3:17-19), and disagreements among believers were a threat to their testimony in a hostile world. The secret to the "peace of God" (4:7) from the "God of peace" (4:9) is determined by how one thinks.

The Philippian Christians were facing difficulties on two fronts. They were living in a city known for its coarseness and hostility to the Gospel. They were also having inner conflicts which threatened their very existence. False teachers were a threat to the Gospel (3:17-19), and disagreements among believers were a threat to their testimony in a hostile world. The secret to the "peace of God" (4:7) from the "God of peace" (4:9) is determined by how one thinks.

There was famine in the land, and King David sought the Lord for the reason. When God gave the answer, David did not seek Him for the cure. There was great sorrow as a result. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in II Samuel.

Romans 7: 1-6 In chapter six of Romans, Paul used baptism to illustrate a Christian's conversion. When one accepts Jesus Christ as Savior, he has died to self (repentance) and is totally immersed into the life of Christ. The flesh is reckoned as "dead" to sin (6:11) and the Christian now walks in "newness of life" (6:4). He is "not under law, but under grace (6: 14). In chapter seven, Paul used Biblical marriage to illustrate the new relationship a Christian has with Christ. The Christian has forsaken the world and is one with his Savior. He walks "in newness of Spirit and not in oldness of letter."

A key mark of a mature congregation is when its members can disagree with one another and still love and work with one another. Paul exhorts the beleaguered saints in Philippi to develop the ministry of reconciliation (II Corinthians 5:17-20).

The fragile peace that was secured after the death of Absalom was quickly shattered by Sheba's rebellion. David's reign was threatened again by internal strife. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in the life of King David. II Samuel 20

Having given us an extensive explanation of the Gospel in chapters 1-5, Paul pre-emptively answers two questions concerning the believer's life in Christ. First, "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound" (6:1)? Second, "Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace" (6:15)? The answer to both questions is a resounding, "NO!" In verses 2-14, Paul finds it unfathomable that one who has been delivered from the slave market of sin would want to return. A believer's life in Christ is superior to anything the world has to offer. The answer to the second question is much darker. Sin still has its consequences, and its end is still death.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ has high expectations for those who receive it. Paul has exhorted his readers to let their conduct be worthy of the name by which they are called (1:17-26). A hostile world would be watching for identifiable characteristics of those who believe in Him. Paul now presses his appeal for unity and humility as the Philippians were to be a Christ-like testimony to those around them.

The battle has been won, but the nation is still divided. King David was tasked with reuniting his people and reestablishing order. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in the life of this great, but flawed man.

Does salvation give a Christian a license to sin? If God's grace abounds when we sin, then why should we not continue to sin so His grace can continue to abound. The repetition of the word "know" (vs. 3,6,11) indicates Paul wanted Christians to understand that doctrine and duty go hand in hand. A child of God is to act like a child of God. In Romans 5:12, Paul made a transition from "sins" as action to "sin" as a principle. Sin, in all its forms, should not reign over a child of God.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ has high expectations for those who receive it. Paul has exhorted his readers to let their conduct be worthy of the name by which they are called (1:17-26). A hostile world would be watching for identifiable characteristics of those who believe in Him. Paul now presses his appeal for unity and humility as the Philippians were to be a Christ-like testimony to those around them.

Leadership requires leaders to lead, even in the midst of personal loss. David's deep sorrow in the death of his son was causing great confusion after great victory. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in the life of King David.

The Effects of the fruit of righteousness On People 1. On the whole palace guard (1:12; 4;22) 2. On fellow saints (1:14) 3. On fellow preachers (1:15-18) In People 1. Confidence in adversity (1:14) 2. Confidence in the Holy Spirit (1:19,20) 3. Confidence in mission (1:21-24) 4. Confidence in the future (1:25,26) 5. Confidence in conduct (1:27-30)

Paul's letter to the Philippian Christians was intensely personal. It had been some ten years since Paul had started this first church on European soil. Paul, in his Roman captivity, had learned of the persecution in which the church was suffering. He used his present situation to encourage his fellow believers to live victoriously in their plight. In order to grasp Paul's passion for the ministry, let us dig deeply into his thoughts using methods of Bible study: Exegesis: the act of drawing out the meaning of a specific text to determine what the author originally intended to communicate Hermeneutics: concerns interpretation; establishing principles or rules for understanding and interpreting texts Homiletics: the art and science of preaching, specifically the study of composing and delivering sermons

Although history seems to be filled with coincidences, the fact is that there are no coincidences with God. Seeming happenstance is always God's providence. Be with us tonight as we continue our study of King David.

Having shown us the revelation of God's wrath upon unrighteousness, Paul has revealed to us the Gospel of God's grace through faith. A person condemned by sin can be declared righteous by his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Not only so, but much more, a person is given access through faith into the very throne room of God where He invites the believer to dwell through prayer and fellowship with Him. A believer is reconciled to his Maker and secures the blessings of salvation not only in this life but throughout eternity. One of the most crucial passages in the word of God is verses twelve through twenty-one of chapter five. It ties the book of Genesis to salvation. "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin...." Was there one original man? Were Adam and Eve historical personages? Was there death on earth before man sinned? Did God actually create male and female? Who were the only two men to walk the face of the earth who had no human fathers? Does any of it matter?

The Effects of the fruit of righteousness On People 1. On the whole palace guard (1:12; 4;22) 2. On fellow saints (1:14) 3. On fellow preachers (1:15-18) In People 1. Confidence in adversity (1:14) 2. Confidence in the Holy Spirit (1:19,20) 3. Confidence in mission (1:21-24) 4. Confidence in the future (1:25,26) 5. Confidence in conduct (1:27-30)

In most of his epistles Paul asserts his position as an apostle of Jesus Christ as he writes with apostolic authority. However, as he writes to the beleaguered Philippians, he writes as a friend. His purpose is to encourage the Philippians in their walk with Christ in a cruel world. Although Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he wrote with joyful optimism. "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (1:6). He prayed that their love would abound and that they would be "filled with the fruits of righteous which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" (1:11). What are "the fruits of righteousness"?

History is often determined by the counsel a leader was given. The long account of Absalom's rebellion turned on a single verse. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in the life of King David.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith...." Paul has presented to us the gospel of Christ (1:16). He has made clear two revelations: "the righteousness of God" (1:17), and the "wrath of God" against all ungodliness (1:18). He has shown all the world is guilty before God (3:19) and "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (3:23). But he has also revealed "the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe" (3:22). He has introduced to us some very blessed words: Grace: God's unmerited favor Righteousness: God's standard of perfection Redemption: a price that is paid Justification: a judicial act in declaring debts forgiven Propitiation: satisfaction that a debt is paid Imputation: an accounting term meaning something was given Reconciliation: a change in relationship from enemy to friend

As Jeremiah prophesied Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians. Jeremiah watched as the city was starved into submission and then burned. The inhabitants were treated mercilessly--many were slaughtered, the rest taken captive back to Babylonia. Jeremiah surveys the city and is inspired of God to write. Lamentations (which means "loud cryings") is a set of five poems or elegies. It can be called "an elegy written in a graveyard." The chapters, except the middle one (chapter 3) have the same number of verses, that is, twenty-two, and the third chapter has three times the number of the others, that is, sixty-six. This is because there are twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet. In chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4, each verse begins with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The third chapter runs in triplets and the first verse of each triplet begins with the corresponding Hebrew letter. The fifth chapter has 22 verses but does not follow the same pattern.

Intro to Lamentations

In war, many times it is difficult to distinguish friend from enemy. Passion and deception can rule the day. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in the life of King David. Scripture Reading: II Samuel 16

In chapters one through four the Apostle Paul revealed the Gospel of Christ. The two great revelations Paul made in Romans 1:16-18. First, the righteousness of God can only be attained through faith. Second, the wrath of God is revealed on all ungodliness and unrighteousness. A vivid picture is painted of man's ungodliness and how he is a slave of sin. We are taken to the courtroom of the Almighty where everyone is guilty before God. Beginning in chapter 3, verse 21, we are introduced to the righteousness of God. This righteousness can only be attained through faith in the provision God has made. We are introduced to several legal terms: Grace: God's unmerited favor Righteousness: God's standard of perfection Redemption: a price that is paid Justification: a judicial act of declaring debts forgiven Propitiation: satisfaction that a debt is paid Imputation: an accounting term meaning something was given Chapters five through eight introduce us to what God does in and through the believer once he is saved. A key word is RECONCILIATION. The believer is no longer an enemy of God but has begun a new relationship with his Savior. "Therefore, having being justified by faith...." We now see the great blessings that come from this justification.

"You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended (purpose) by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful" (James 5:11). The frustrating fact in the book of Job is that his counselors were not wrong in what they said. The problem was that they did not present God in the proper manner. To them, God was a mean-spirited Being who exacted punishment. Not once do we see them present God's whole counsel, "...that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." Not once did they pray with or for Job. They had a head knowledge but lacked the spiritual insights that an ambassador of the Lord needs to bring God's healing to the soul. Four times in two verses (42:7,8), God reveals Job's relationship with Himself. In identifying Job as "My servant," our Lord vindicates and rewards His servant.

Please note: The 1st seven minutes and 55 seconds sufferer from an unidentified interference. It may be difficult to understand. We apologize. "You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended (purpose) by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful" (James 5:11). The frustrating fact in the book of Job is that his counselors were not wrong in what they said. The problem was that they did not present God in the proper manner. To them, God was a mean-spirited Being who exacted punishment. Not once do we see them present God's whole counsel, "...that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." Not once did they pray with or for Job. They had a head knowledge but lacked the spiritual insights that an ambassador of the Lord needs to bring God's healing to the soul. Four times in two verses (42:7,8), God reveals Job's relationship with Himself. In identifying Job as "My servant," our Lord vindicates and rewards His servant.

Absalom's rebellion cast a dark cloud on David's reign as king of Israel. Be with us tonight as we examine how it had a lasting effect on so many.

There will be no unrighteousness in heaven. Therefore, only those who are righteous will go there. Paul has established the fact that "the is none righteous, no, not one" (3:10). All the world is guilty before God (3:19). Beginning in Romans 3:21, Paul introduced to us the way a person can be declared righteous. He has introduced several terms: Grace: God's unmerited favor Righteousness: God's standard of perfection Redemption: a price that is paid Justification: a judicial act of declaring debts forgiven Propitiation: satisfaction that a debt has been paid

Can God create something that He Himself cannot destroy? The answer is, absolutely not! Job was humbled by the myriad of questions God had asked about His creation. God ends His questions with two animals He created which would bring terror to anyone who would be confronted by them. The behemoth (40:15-24) was (now extinct) a land animal which was practically indestructible by man. It was part of God's creation. God now brings His questioning to a climax with an animal which takes on supernatural proportions. Leviathan!

From Romans 1:1 to 3:20 Paul reveals the wrath of God upon all ungodliness. It is firmly established that we are all ungodly. Beginning in 3:21, and through the rest of the epistle, Paul expounds on the remedy, the good news of redemption in Christ Jesus. This good news is proclaimed to all, both Jew and Gentile, who believe. "But now" (3:21) God reveals His righteousness and how it can be attained by all who believe. There are several terms Paul introduces and expands upon in the following chapters: Grace: God's unmerited favor Righteousness: God's standard of perfection Redemption: a price that is paid Justification: a judicial act of declaring debts forgiven Propitiation: satisfaction that a debt was paid There is one more important word that Paul will introduce. Forgiveness of sin has been paid through the shed blood of our Savior. A child of God is forgiven, but he is not innocent. Then, how does one become "righteous?" The answer is IMPUTATION! "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted (imputed) to him for righteousness" (4:3).

Whirlwinds and Dinosaurs Job 40 In chapter 39, our Lord questioned Job about twelve animals He had created. These animals were common animals which roamed the earth in Job's day. In God's second discourse (chapters 40 and 41), two other mysterious animals are described. Behemoth and Leviathan have more verses (forty-four) devoted to them than the other twelve combined. The obvious question is why God gave so much attention to these fearsome animals in this climactic portion of His message to Job.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than the sparrows" (Matthew 10:29-31). In God's questions to Job, eight verses deal with the creation week, twenty-seven with the physical world and its functions, and thirty-three with the nature of animals. These thirty-three verses give clear testimony of God's providential care for all His creation (Morris). The questions God asks Job imply a care for His creation which is far beyond man's comprehension. Job had noted that one could learn about the reality of our Creator by the study of animals (12:7-10). God now mentions twelve animals.

Absalom's exile left David with a dilemma. His indecision left the king vulnerable to manipulation. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in the tragedy that consumed the last years of David's reign. Message: Reading Scripture: 2 Samuel 14

"But now...." What a turning point! Paul has stated two revelations of God in Romans 1: 16-18. In verse 16, the righteousness of God has been revealed. In verse 18, the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness. God will judge all of us according to truth, according to our deeds, and according to the Gospel (2:1-16). The Jew has no advantage over the Gentile. "There is none righteous, no not one (2:17-3:18). Paul's conclusion is that the law merely sets a standard that no one can reach (3:19-20). "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (3:23). God's hatred of sin demands justice. "But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed." How does one become righteous in the court room of God?

Job 38: 12-38 God interrogated Job with a list of seventy-seven questions. In doing so, God invited Job to explore His creation. His opening questions are calls to examine the earth He created (vs.3-11). His next series of questions deal with the functions of the "cosmos" (vs.12-38).