Calvary Baptist Church

"He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But to as many who received Him, to them gave He the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name..." (John 1:10-12). "He was despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). Jesus had established quite a reputation in Galilee. He had cast out demons, healed the lame and sick, cleansed lepers, raised the dead, and preached to large crowds. Jesus was now preparing to send His apostles on their first foray into a hostile world without His physical presence (6:6b-13). In His preparation, He took the apostles to His hometown where they saw firsthand the hostility they were likely to experience in their ministry for Him.

To be "in Christ" (8:1) is to be joint heirs with Him in eternal glory. In the epistle to the Ephesians, Paul prays "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe..." (Ephesians 1:17-19). "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered in the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (I Corinthians 2:19). The blessings God has in store for those "in Christ" are beyond our present comprehension. The Holy Spirit gives us a "guarantee (earnest) of our inheritance" (Ephesians 1:13). We can sing with boldness: Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. (Fanny Crosby) There is, however, an unpleasant reality for Christians. There is "the sufferings of this present time" (8:18). We live in a fallen world. When Adam sinned, the whole creation was thrown into chaos. Victory comes to the Christian when we realize "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

"Who can this be" (4:41)? The apostles were learning very quickly who Jesus was. He had calmed the sea, cast out demons and healed a woman. A desperate man had come to Jesus begging Him to heal his daughter. The situation went from difficult to impossible. The child was dead. Only God had power over life and death. Is Jesus God?

The story of two mothers and one son is the most well-known displays of King Solomon's wisdom. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in the life of Solomon.

There was no rest for the disciples. After a harrowing trip across the lake, the men encountered another multitude of people seeking Jesus. For the fourth time in chapter 5 we see someone begging Jesus (vs. 11,17,18,23). A prominent man and a destitute woman came to Jesus. One has a daughter and the other is a daughter. In this we see two acts of faith.

If God asked, "Ask! What shall I give you?," for what would you ask? Solomon's answer pleased the Lord. Be with us tonight as we begin our study in the life and times of King Solomon. Reading Scripture: 1 Kings 3: 1-15

"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home in Him" (John 14:23). When a person is "in Christ Jesus," he has been led by the Holy Spirit into a union which involves the Trinity. He is called by the Spirit, saved by the Savior, and declared righteous by the Father. To be "in Christ Jesus" (8:1) is to be "led by the Spirit" (8:14), who leads us to "cry out, Abba Father." Paul uses the Roman law of adoption to illustrate our new relationship with God the Father. To be adopted a child was brought into a Roman court, his former relationships would be dissolved, and the new father would declare the privileges of being joint heirs with the other children. Paul shows how life in the Spirit provides intimacy with the Father.

What a voyage! When Jesus got into the boat with His disciples, they had no idea what a wild voyage they would be taking. First, they feared for their lives in a violent storm. When they reached their destination, they were confronted by a man who was the terror of the town. They had survived a storm they could see. Now, they were confronted by a demonic world they could not see.

Launch Out Into The Deep Our Lord takes people from all walks of life and uses their backgrounds, talents and weaknesses to perform His work through them. He took common fishermen and made them fishers of men. He took their boats and performed some of His most enduring miracles which teach us great truths. The apostles' boats were His boats. He took command of their possessions. He led them from the shallows of the seashore to the deep waters of faith. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:8:10).

The peaceful transfer of power is a relatively modern concept in governments. Even as Solomon was destined to become king following his father's reign, there was much turmoil and danger in the court. Be with us tonight as we have begun a new study in the book of 1 Kings.

There are four significant miracles recorded in the Gospels which involve the boat(s) Jesus ordered (3:9) His apostles to have available and the miracles He performed through their obedience. Luke records the first miracle with the miraculous draught of fish (Luke 5:1-11). The calming of the storm is the second miracle (Matthew 8:19-22; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25). Jesus and Peter walking on water (Mathew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:14-21) is the third incident. The second miraculous draught of fish (John 21:1-23) concludes the Gospel of John. These "boat miracles" differed in details and omissions according to the perspective of each Gospel writer. In Mark's record of the calming of the storm, Jesus' power over His creation is emphasized.

"For the intention of all God's hiding—which hiding is an integral part of His revealing—is not to conceal, but to reveal. Sometimes the best way of making a thing known to men is to veil it in a measure, in order that the very obscurity, like the morning mists which prophesy a blazing sun in a clear sky by noon day, may demand search and quicken curiosity and spur to effort. He is not a wise teacher who makes things too easy" (Alexander Maclaren). The parables Jesus told were easy to hear, but profound in meaning. He cautions that the words He spoke were not just for marginal discussion, but were for radical decision. He states "Listen!" (4:3). Now He states, "Take heed what you hear" (4:24).

Jesus was under no illusion as to why He was drawing great crowds. Miracles of healing and casting out demons attracted much attention. There were three groups of people in the crowds. There were the curious hearers. Then, there were those who believed Him but were uncommitted in following Him. Finally, there were His disciples who had submitted to His teaching. The purpose of His parables is stated in Mark 4:11,12. Many would hear, but only those who believe in Him could understand the depth of His teaching. Those who were not committed to following Him cannot understand (Psalm 25:14). The parable of the sower is the only parable recorded by all three synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). It is always the first parable and serves as a pattern for those which follow.

The Gospels are a proclamation of the "good news" of the Lord Jesus Christ, not a biography. He came to "seek and to save that which is lost" (Luke 19:10). Matthew states that His very name defines His mission: "for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:26). Jesus is the promised Messiah. In his Gospel, Matthew quotes or alludes to the Old Testament sixty-five times stressing that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises. In straight-forward fashion, Matthew states the circumstances of Jesus' birth. "Now this is what happened" (1:18).

Opposition to Jesus' ministry came in many forms. The crowds found Jesus and His disciples refreshing themselves in an unnamed person's residence. The familiar press of the crowds caused familiar problems.

Mark 3: 7-19 Knowing the hostility of the Pharisees, our Lord withdrew from Capernaum and sought more secluded areas around the Sea of Galilee. His withdrawal was not for fear. His purpose was to give Himself an offering for sinners. No one would deter Him from His path to the cross.

The book of II Samuel ends with a sad episode near the end of King David's reign. However, in all the confusion, we see God's hand at work and His plan for the coming Messiah. Be with us tonight as we continue our study in the life and times of a great, but flawed man.

The angel came to the shepherds with "the glad tidings of great joy." The term glad tidings (or good news) comes from the Greek word from which we get "evangelism." The Greeks used to proclaim news of victory or some other happy event. The angel came to the shepherds and proclaimed the good news of Jesus' birth. The promised Messiah had finally come! A world darkened by sin had received sin's remedy. In the Gospels and the book of Acts, the gospel (good news) was proclaimed. In the epistles, the gospel is explained. Paul alone uses the word over sixty times. "Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ; called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God...." "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:1,16).

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)