Gardendale Nazarene Sermons

Guiding in the TruthActs 8:26-39Acts 8:1-31 Saul agreed with putting him to death. On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. 3 Saul, however, was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison.Acts 8:4-84 So those who were scattered went on their way preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6 The crowds were all paying attention to what Philip said, as they listened and saw the signs he was performing. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.Scattered Christians transform their flight into a missionary tour.Acts 8:26-4026 An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip: “Get up and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is the desert road.) 27 So he got up and went. There was an Ethiopian man, a eunuch and high official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to worship in Jerusalem 28 and was sitting in his chariot on his way home, reading the prophet Isaiah aloud.29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go and join that chariot.”30 When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you're reading?”31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the Scripture passage he was reading was this:He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb is silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth.33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who will describe his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.34 The eunuch said to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about—himself or someone else?” 35 Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning with that Scripture.36 As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there's water. What would keep me from being baptized?” 38 So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip appeared in Azotus, and he was traveling and preaching the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea.Running Well1. Running well is found in two keywords- guidance and obedience.2. The Holy Spirit leads us by helping us listen, understand others' needs, and respond at the right time.3. When we follow the Holy Spirit, it changes us and makes a difference in other people's lives too.Who are we sending off to read their Bibles alone on a deserted road? Or, are we the ones to track them down, join them in their chariot, and talk about how Scripture finds itsmeaning in the gospel of Jesus Christ?

The Temple and PresenceActs 6:1-7:2a, 44-60"You were running well. What happened?"Galatians 5:7What prevents you from running well?Galatians 5:13-14Acts 6:1-7Acts 6:8-15Acts 7:44-60Acts 6:5, 8, 10"...Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit...""...Stephen, full of grace and power...""...they were unable to stand up against his wisdom and the Spirit..."Stephen had faith in Jesus as His Savior.Through that faith, he was given the gift of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.Grace is being healed by Christ's unlimited, unmerited, unearnable love.What Christ had done in him, didn't end with Stephen, but grew into grace in his life.Faith got him started.Grace kept him growing.Power was the result.

Lost HopeLuke 24:13-35Luke 24:13-3513 Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. 15 And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. 16 But they were prevented from recognizing him. 17 Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you're having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.18 The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn't know the things that happened there in these days?”19 “What things?” he asked them.So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. 21 But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it's the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, 23 and when they didn't find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn't see him.”25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Wasn't it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.28 They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. 29 But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it's almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.30 It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Weren't our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” 33 That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, 34 who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.Luke 24: 30 It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight.stuck"I had hoped that...""stop walking and look discouraged...""...are prevented from recognizing him.""we were hoping..."It is at the table, we are reminded the very HOPE of the world is in our midst.

The Resurrection of our Lord!Luke 24:1-12“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?”How often, in the struggles of our lives, do we find ourselves 'seeking the dead'–looking for hope, peace, or purpose in things that cannot give life?Galatians 2:20 In Christian life, one should always seek the living God.

"I want to see..." Luke 18:31-19:10Luke 18:9-14Luke 18:18-23Luke 18:24-2724 Seeing that he became sad, Jesus said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”26 Those who heard this asked, “Then who can be saved?”27 He replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”What is the fundamental orientation of your soul? Luke 18:35-19:1-1035 As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging. 36 Hearing a crowd passing by, he inquired what was happening. 37 “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him.38 So he called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Then those in front told him to keep quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”40 Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to him. When he came closer, he asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?”“Lord,” he said, “I want to see.”42 “Receive your sight,” Jesus told him. “Your faith has saved you.” 43 Instantly he could see, and he began to follow him, glorifying God. All the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.1 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. 4 So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since he was about to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today it is necessary for me to stay at your house.”6 So he quickly came down and welcomed him joyfully. 7 All who saw it began to complain, “He's gone to stay with a sinful man.”8 But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, I'll give half of my possessions to the poor, Lord. And if I have extorted anything from anyone, I'll pay back four times as much.”9 “Today salvation has come to this house,” Jesus told him, “because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”Zacchaeus & the Blind Man• Zacchaeus was 'small in stature.'• "Salvation (soteria) has come to this house..."Acts 28:28 Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”• What does the word 'salvation' mean in Luke's writing?“Today salvation (soteria) has come to this house,...because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”“Your faith has saved (sozein) you.”Acts 4:9-129 If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man, by what means he was healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing here before you healthy. 11 This Jesus isthe stone rejected by you builders,which has become the cornerstone.12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”"There is salvation (soteria) in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved (sozein).”"There is healing (soteria) in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be healed (sozein).”

During Your LifeLuke 16:19-31What is the fundamental orientation of your soul? Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”Luke 16:14-1514 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and scoffing at him. 15 And he told them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly admired by people is revolting in God's sight.What is the fundamental orientation of your soul? Luke 16:19-3119 “There was a rich man who would dress in purple and fine linen, feasting lavishly every day. 20 But a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, was lying at his gate. 21 He longed to be filled with what fell from the rich man's table, but instead the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 One day the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torment in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off, with Lazarus at his side. 24 ‘Father Abraham!' he called out, ‘Have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this flame!'25 “‘Son,' Abraham said, ‘remember that during your life you received your good things, just as Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that those who want to pass over from here to you cannot; neither can those from there cross over to us.'27 “‘Father,' he said, ‘then I beg you to send him to my father's house— 28 because I have five brothers—to warn them,so that they won't also come to this place of torment.'29 “But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.'30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said. ‘But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'31 “But he told him, ‘If they don't listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.'”Luke 16:29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.'What is the fundamental orientation of your soul? If you don't have something to point you to the truth, you will inevitably be lost. Our wealth can blind us.What unblinds us? • We are to keep listening to the voice of God in Scripture.• We are to keep seeking. Seeking leads to seeing.  2 Corinthians 5:14-1914 For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.16 From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective. Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective, yet now we no longer know him in this way. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! 18 Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us.

The Value of Being FoundLuke 15:1-32Luke 15:1-21 All the tax collectors and sinners were approaching to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”Tax CollectorsSinnersPhariseesScribes Jesus(we can assume the disciples)Holiness is found when you are in relationship with the Holy.John 14:6-7Luke 15:3-10Rejoice with meJoy in heavenOver one sinner who repentsRejoice with meJoy in the presence of God's angelsOver one sinner who repentsLuke 15:11-3211 He also said, “A man had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.' So he distributed the assets to them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. 14 After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing. 15 Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to eat his fill from the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him anything. 17 When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I'll get up, go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19 I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.”' 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son.'22 “But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let's celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' So they began to celebrate.25 “Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he summoned one of the servants, questioning what these things meant. 27 ‘Your brother is here,' he told him, ‘and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'28 “Then he became angry and didn't want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.'31 “‘Son,' he said to him, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'”Luke 15:17-19"Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you." (This was his confession of sin.)"I am no longer worthy to be called your son." (This affirmed the consequences of his sin.)"Make me as one of your hired men." (This was his offer to make pay back/make amends.)Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him."Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you." "I am no longer worthy to be called your son." Luke 15:22-24

One Year Left(Luke 13:1-9, 31-35)Luke 13:1-51 At that time, some people came and reported to him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 And he responded to them, “Do you think that these Galileans were more sinful than all the other Galileans because they suffered these things? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well. 4 Or those eighteen that the tower in Siloam fell on and killed—do you think they were more sinful than all the other people who live in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well.”Luke 13:6-96 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree that was planted in his vineyard. He came looking for fruit on it and found none. 7 He told the vineyard worker, ‘Listen, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it even waste the soil?'8 “But he replied to him, ‘Sir, leave it this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 Perhaps it will produce fruit next year, but if not, you can cut it down.'”Luke 3:7-97 He then said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. And don't start saying to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”"...produce fruit consistent with repentance." (3:8a)"Perhaps it will produce fruit next year, but if not, you can cut it down." (13:9)Luke 13:31-3531 At that time some Pharisees came and told him, “Go, get out of here. Herod wants to kill you.”32 He said to them, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I'm driving out demons and performing healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete my work.' 33 Yet it is necessary that I travel today, tomorrow, and the next day, because it is not possible for a prophet to perish outside of Jerusalem.34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 See, your house is abandoned to you. I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord'!”Genesis 2:1 So the heavens and the earth and everything in them were completed.Jesus' ministry remains unaffected by outside forces.Jesus' statements in Luke 4 are not dependent on the kingdoms of this world."...produce fruit consistent with repentance." (3:8a)"Perhaps it will produce fruit next year, but if not, you can cut it down." (13:9)Luke 13:8-9“But he replied to him, ‘Sir, leave it this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. Perhaps it will produce fruit next year, but if not, you can cut it down.'”

Who is my Neighbor?Luke 10:25-42Luke 9:51 When the days were coming to a close for him to be taken up, he determined to journey to Jerusalem.Luke 9:51 ESV When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.Luke 10:25-4225 Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”26 “What is written in the law?” he asked him. “How do you read it?”27 He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.”28 “You've answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.”29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”30 Jesus took up the question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion. 34 He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on olive oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him. When I come back I'll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.'36 “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”37 “The one who showed mercy to him,” he said.Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”38 While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet and was listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”41 The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”"And who is my neighbor?""Who am I to love?"What does it mean to pull these two stories together?Luke 10:25 Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”Ephesians 5:18 And don't get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit:Luke 10:25-2825 Then an expert in the law stood up to test him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”26 “What is written in the law?” he asked him. “How do you read it?”27 He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.”28 “You've answered correctly,” he told him. “Do this and you will live.”Luke 10:37 “The one who showed mercy to him,” he said.Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”What does it mean to pull these two stories together?Here is the great central truth in life:You are loved by God now and forever.

This morning, we are joined by our District Superintendent, Rev. Arnie Wilson.

Being at the Feet of JesusLuke 7:36-50Similar Stories:Matthew 26:6-13Mark 14:3-9John 12:1-8Luke 7:36-43As different as the two debtors were, they had one thing in common–both needed forgiveness.Accompany Them with Singing–The Christian Funeralby Thomas G. Long"A good funeral makes it clear that the deceased is a saint, one created in God's own image, a prism through whom we have seen refracted the grace of God.When Christians look at other people and “see for real,” they do more than look for the lovable qualities that can be found…in most people. They look at them, and at themselves, in the light of Jesus Christ. All of us in the faith, fragmented as we are, nevertheless belong to Jesus Christ. Seeing each other as saints is not finally about our virtues, but his. This is what Paul was talking about when he said that we no longer even look at people “from a human point of view.” The reason? We look at people not only as they are to the naked eye, but as they are when illuminated by the love of Christ, “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Cor. 5:17).At a funeral, everything is aimed at this kind of “seeing for real,” at recovering and celebrating the true identity in Christ of the brother or sister who has died. We have already done this at baptism. There we insisted that despite all of the ways that the world may seek to distort this person's true identity, indeed despite all of the ways this person herself or himself may forget and waste this identity, nonetheless this is and will remain a child of heaven, a daughter or son of God. We do the same at a funeral. Those who have died are not essentially “divorced people,” “alcoholics,” “rich,” “poor,” “bank presidents,” “AIDS victims,” “golfers,” “veterans,” “secretaries,” “children with Down syndrome,” “people with Alzheimer's,” or any of the other labels they may have borne; these people are first and foremost saints of the living God, made holy by Jesus Christ.And so there we are, and there they are—the single mom, the auto mechanic, the man who cannot put things back together with his children—broken human beings and new creations, flawed people and fellow saints all, traveling companions on the way of Christ."Luke 7:44-5044 Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she, with her tears, has washed my feet and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but she hasn't stopped kissing my feet since I came in. 46 You didn't anoint my head with olive oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfume. 47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that's why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”49 Those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?”50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”What if we see forgiveness in the biblical sense of release?Jesus detaches the woman from her past, freeing her from what held her captive so she can step into a life-giving future.Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.

It's HappeningLuke 7:18-35Luke 7:18-1918 Then John's disciples told him about all these things. So John summoned two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”Matthew 11:2-32 Now when John heard in prison what the Christ was doing, he sent a message through his disciples 3 and asked him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”Luke 7:20-2320 When the men reached him, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask you, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'”21 At that time Jesus healed many people of diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and he granted sight to many blind people. 22 He replied to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news, 23 and blessed is the one who isn't offended by me.”Luke 4: to preach good news to the poorto proclaim release to the captivesrecovery of sight to the blindto set free the oppressedto proclaim the year of the Lord's favorLuke 7:The blind receive their sightthe lame walkthose with leprosy are cleansedthe deaf hearthe dead are raisedthe poor are told the good newsLuke 7:24-3524 After John's messengers left, he began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? See, those who are splendidly dressed and live in luxury are in royal palaces. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written:See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.28 I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John, but the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”29 (And when all the people, including the tax collectors, heard this, they acknowledged God's way of righteousness, because they had been baptized with John's baptism. 30 But since the Pharisees and experts in the law had not been baptized by him, they rejected the plan of God for themselves.)31 “To what then should I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to each other:We played the flute for you,but you didn't dance; we sang a lament, but you didn't weep!33 For John the Baptist did not come eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!' 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' 35 Yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”Stages of Growth:Self-Focused- You are driven by the pursuit of rewards and the avoidance of punishment.Motivation=Personal GainGroup-Focused- You begin to see yourself as a part of a group. Groups have rules and expectations.Motivation=Being a 'good member'Others-Focused- You have a desire for the well-being of others outside of your own well-being.Motivation=love and the well-being of othersPhilippians 2:3-43 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.

Heartbreak, Faith, HealingLuke 7:1-17Luke 7:1-171 When he had concluded saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 A centurion's servant, who was highly valued by him, was sick and about to die. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, requesting him to come and save the life of his servant. 4 When they reached Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for you to grant this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.”6 Jesus went with them, and when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, don't trouble yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I didn't even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,' and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,' and he does it.”9 Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.” 10 When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant in good health.11 Afterward he was on his way to a town called Nain. His disciples and a large crowd were traveling with him. 12 Just as he neared the gate of the town, a dead man was being carried out. He was his mother's only son, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the town was also with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said, “Don't weep.” 14 Then he came up and touched the open coffin, and the pallbearers stopped. And he said, “Young man, I tell you, get up!”15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Then fear came over everyone, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited his people.” 17 This report about him went throughout Judea and all the vicinity.DeathFaithCompassionLoveSurvivalSecurityBelongingStatusWhen we are faced with death/survival, may we hear,  “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live." John 11:25When we are faced with a lack of faith/security, may we hear, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." Matthew 6:33When we are faced with the need for compassion/belonging, may we hear, "I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father." John 15:15bWhen we are faced with a longing for status/love, may we hear, "As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love." John 15:9

Sabbath HealingLuke 6:1-16Luke 4:31-3731 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbath. 32 They were astonished at his teaching because his message had authority. 33 In the synagogue there was a man with an unclean demonic spirit who cried out with a loud voice, 34 “Leave us alone! What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 35 But Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be silent and come out of him!” And throwing him down before them, the demon came out of him without hurting him at all.36 Amazement came over them all, and they were saying to one another, “What is this message? For he commands the unclean spirits with authority and power, and they come out!” 37 And news about him began to go out to every place in the vicinity.Sabbath is:A day set apart for rest, modeled on the creation storyA reminder that humans are meant to inhabit the world. We recognize its completeness.Mark 2:27 Then he told them, “The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath.About preparation. It affects the structure of the week.Central to our identity– Your value is not in what you produce.Luke 6:1-111 On a Sabbath, he passed through the grainfields. His disciples were picking heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 3 Jesus answered them, “Haven't you read what David and those who were with him did when he was hungry— 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat? He even gave some to those who were with him.” 5 Then he told them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”6 On another Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. A man was there whose right hand was shriveled. 7 The scribes and Pharisees were watching him closely, to see if he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they could find a charge against him. 8 But he knew their thoughts and told the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand here.” So he got up and stood there. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you: Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 After looking around at them all, he told him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did, and his hand was restored. 11 They, however, were filled with rage and started discussing with one another what they might do to Jesus."I ask you: Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do evil, to save a life or restore it?"Sabbath is not merely a day of rest, but a marker of identity and communal unity. Why do we come to worship? DutyDiversionActs 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”δύναμιςdunamisdynamisDynamiteGod promises to be with us, and there will be dunamis- the power to be changed, healed, convicted, guided, and blessed.

Confrontation of Sin Luke 5:1-11 Luke 5:1-11 1 As the crowd was pressing in on Jesus to hear God's word, he was standing by Lake Gennesaret. 2 He saw two boats at the edge of the lake; the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the land. Then he sat down and was teaching the crowds from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we've worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I'll let down the nets.” 6 When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets began to tear. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus's knees and said, “Go away from me, because I'm a sinful man, Lord!” 9 For he and all those with him were amazed at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, Zebedee's sons, who were Simon's partners. “Don't be afraid,” Jesus told Simon. “From now on you will be catching people.” 11 Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed him. Jesus revealed Himself to Peter in the most practical way possible– right in the middle of his life. Luke 5:5-6 5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we've worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I'll let down the nets.” 6 When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets began to tear. Our Paraphrase: Luke 5:5-6 5 "Master, I've worked hard at running my life my way and it hasn't really worked out. But if you say so, I'll try listening to You." 6 When they did this, they realized they weren't the experts they thought they were and Jesus' way was greater than they could have imagined." Luke 5:8-11 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus's knees and said, “Go away from me, because I'm a sinful man, Lord!” 9 For he and all those with him were amazed at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, Zebedee's sons, who were Simon's partners. “Don't be afraid,” Jesus told Simon. “From now on you will be catching people.” 11 Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed him. Our Paraphrase: Luke 5:8-11 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus's knees and said, "Master, leave me alone, I am so far from You and I can't handle your holiness." 9 For he and all those with him were amazed at what happened when Jesus was in their boat,10 and so were James and John, Zebedee's sons, who were Simon's partners. “Don't be afraid (I have good news for you),” Jesus told Simon. “From now on you will be working with Me- bringing people to the Father.” 11 Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed him.

Healing Ministry Luke 4:14-30 Luke 4:14-15 14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity. 15 He was teaching in their synagogues, being praised by everyone. Luke 4:16-30 16 He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. As usual, he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him, and unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written: 18 The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. 20 He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.” 22 They were all speaking well of him and were amazed by the gracious words that came from his mouth; yet they said, “Isn't this Joseph's son?” 23 Then he said to them, “No doubt you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Doctor, heal yourself. What we've heard that took place in Capernaum, do here in your hometown also.'” 24 He also said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25 But I say to you, there were certainly many widows in Israel in Elijah's days, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months while a great famine came over all the land. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them except a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. 27 And in the prophet Elisha's time, there were many in Israel who had leprosy, and yet not one of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” 28 When they heard this, everyone in the synagogue was enraged. 29 They got up, drove him out of town, and brought him to the edge of the hill that their town was built on, intending to hurl him over the cliff. 30 But he passed right through the crowd and went on his way. How did we get from vss. 15 & 22 to vs. 28? Jesus' good news transcends the 'us vs. them' boundaries and this has the potential to become a major stumbling block for people. Luke 4:21 He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.” Salvation is here and now! Are you poor?  Are you captive?  Are you blind?  Are you oppressed?  Well, the Lord's acceptance/favor is on you!

“What should we do?” Luke 3:1-22 Luke 3:1-9 "...a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins," (vs.3) "Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance." (vs. 8) Luke 3:10-14 10 “What then should we do?” the crowds were asking him. 11 He replied to them, “The one who has two shirts must share with someone who has none, and the one who has food must do the same.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He told them, “Don't collect any more than what you have been authorized.” 14 Some soldiers also questioned him, “What should we do?” He said to them, “Don't take money from anyone by force or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.” "What should we do?" • Crowds- turn from a life of withholding to a life marked with generosity • Tax Collectors- turn from the world's ethics to God's ethics • Soldiers- turn from the power of your position to contentment Luke 3:15-20 15 Now the people were waiting expectantly, and all of them were questioning in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I am is coming. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing shovel is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with fire that never goes out.” 18 Then, along with many other exhortations, he proclaimed good news to the people. 19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and all the evil things he had done, 20 Herod added this to everything else—he locked up John in prison. Luke 3:21-22 21 When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. As he was praying, heaven opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in a physical appearance like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.” Quote:  "The first step toward God is a step away from the lies of the world. It is a renunciation of the lies we have been told about ourselves and our neighbors and our universe. The usual biblical word describing the no we say to the world's lies and the yes we say to God's truth is repentance. It is always and everywhere the first word in the Christian life. John the Baptist's preaching was "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mt 3:2 RSV). Jesus' first preaching was the same: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mt 4:17 RSV). Peter concluded his first sermon with "Repent, and be baptized" (Acts 2:38 RSV). In the last book of the Bible the message to the seventh church is "be zealous and repent" (Rev 3:19 RSV). Repentance is not an emotion. It is not feeling sorry for your sins. It is a decision. It is deciding that you have been wrong in supposing that you could manage your own life and be your own god; it is deciding that you were wrong in thinking that you had, or could get, the strength, education and training to make it on your own; it is deciding that you have been told a pack of lies about yourself and your neighbors and your world. And it is deciding that God in Jesus Christ is telling you the truth. Repentance is a realization that what God wants from you and what you want from God are not going to be achieved by doing the same old things, thinking the same old thoughts. Repentance is a decision to follow Jesus Christ and become his pilgrim in the path of peace. Repentance is the most practical of all words and the most practical of all acts. It is a feet-on-the-ground kind of word. It puts a person in touch with the reality that God creates." –Eugene Peterson A Long Obedience in the Same Direction

Necessary Faith Luke 2:41-52 Luke 2:41-52 God is the hub of every relationship. God, our Father, is a part of every encounter or relationship. Our value is not found in how other people see or respond to us. Our value is found in the third member of the relationship. God has uniquely gifted you. It is our role to culture that gift with God.  God is at the center of all our relationships. He is the foundational hub connecting us to others, guiding and shaping every interaction. God, our Father, is present in every encounter. In each relationship and experience, God's presence is a constant, offering wisdom and love. Our worth is determined by God's view of us, not by others' opinions. Our true value comes from our relationship with God, not from how others perceive or treat us. God has given you unique gifts, and it's our responsibility to nurture them with Him. Recognize and cultivate the talents God has placed in you, growing and developing them in partnership with Him.

Temple Visit  Luke 2:21-38 Luke 2:21-24 21 When the eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus—the name given by the angel before he was conceived. 22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord) 24 and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons). Luke 2:25-32 25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel's consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord's Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said, 29 Now, Master,you can dismiss your servant in peace,as you promised. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation. 31 You have prepared itin the presence of all peoples— 32 a light for revelation to the Gentilesand glory to your people Israel. • Jesus will bring about salvation for all people. • There are words of hope for all people, giving new hope and vocation to the people of Israel. • What is this vocation? To be a light! Luke 2:33-35 33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:36-38 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. 38 At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. What Can We Hear in This Passage as We Enter a New Year? • God's Work Is for Everyone The testimony of God's power and love extends to all people, no exceptions. • Even a Small Glimpse of Jesus Inspires Worship No matter how small or fleeting, every encounter with Jesus gives us a reason to sing and celebrate. • We Are Blessed and Hopeful As we step into the new year, we do so with confidence, knowing that God is present and actively working in our lives. Questions to Carry into the New Year: • How Will I Share My Story? • What is the unique testimony I can give about the Jesus I have seen? • How Will I Wait Well? • What can I do today, right now, to live faithfully as I wait for God's promises to unfold?

For our fourth Sunday of Advent, we have a special service with a short sermon from our pastor.

This morning, we have our children's Christmas program and a short message from our pastor.

The Prophecy of Hope Joel 2:12-13, 28-29 Basic Structure of Prophetic Proclamation: • Announcement of Disaster • Call to Repentance • Acts of Repentance • God's Response to Repentance Announcement of Disaster: Joel 1:1-4 1 The word of the Lord that came to Joel son of Pethuel: 2 Hear this, you elders; listen, all you inhabitants of the land. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your ancestors? 3 Tell your children about it, and let your children tell their children, and their children the next generation. 4 What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten. Call to Repentance: Joel 1:13-14 13 Dress in sackcloth and lament, you priests; wail, you ministers of the altar. Come and spend the night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God, because grain and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God. 14 Announce a sacred fast; proclaim a solemn assembly! Gather the elders and all the residents of the land at the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord. Acts of Repentance: Joel 1:19-20 19 I call to you, Lord, for fire has consumed the pastures of the wilderness, and flames have devoured all the trees of the orchard. 20 Even the wild animals cry out to you, for the river beds are dried up, and fire has consumed the pastures of the wilderness. Announcement of Disaster: Joel 2:1 Blow the ram's horn in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the residents of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; in fact, it is near— Joel 2:11 The Lord makes his voice heard in the presence of his army. His camp is very large; those who carry out his command are powerful. Indeed, the day of the Lord is terrible and dreadful—who can endure it? Call to Repentance: Joel 2:12-13 12 Even now—this is the Lord's declaration—turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. 13 Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster. Acts of Repentance: Joel 2:17 Let the priests, the Lord's ministers, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Have pity on your people, Lord, and do not make your inheritance a disgrace, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?'” God's Response to Repentance: Joel 2:18 Then the Lord became jealous for his land and spared his people. 19 The Lord answered his people: Look, I am about to send you grain, new wine, and fresh oil. You will be satiated with them, and I will no longer make you a disgrace among the nations. Joel 2:28-32 28 After this I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions. 29 I will even pour out my Spirit on the male and female slaves in those days. 30 I will display wonders in the heavens and on the earth: blood, fire, and columns of smoke. 31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. 32 Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, for there will be an escape for those on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, as the Lord promised, among the survivors the Lord calls. Three Questions that Arise from Joel: What is the response of the people of God? “Turn to me with all your heart…” (2:12) Who does God want you to be at this point in time?   At this point in time, God wants you walking with Him, not walking away from Him. How do we turn to the One who ultimately gives life?  God's ultimate desire is for life- “I will pour my Spirit on ALL humanity…” “To call upon the name of the Lord” means announcing allegiance to the Lord (specifically to be a follower of Jesus Christ)

Hope in the Lion's Den Daniel 6:6-27 Jeremiah 36:31 I will punish him, his descendants, and his officers for their iniquity. I will bring on them, on the residents of Jerusalem, and on the people of Judah all the disaster, which I warned them about but they did not listen.'” Daniel 1:1-2 1 In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and laid siege to it. 2 The Lord handed King Jehoiakim of Judah over to him, along with some of the vessels from the house of God. Nebuchadnezzar carried them to the land of Babylon, to the house of his god, and put the vessels in the treasury ofhis god. O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Daniel 5:30-31 30 That very night Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans was killed, 31 and Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of sixty-two. Daniel 6:1-10 Revelation 21:1-4 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. 3 Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God's dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. Daniel 6:11-28 The Story of Daniel in the Lions' Den Helps Us See: • The powers of this world can and do come against the power of God. • Blamelessness (vs. 22) and trust (vs. 23) are the keys to successful survival in the face of questioning our deepest convictions. • The Law of God is the only immutable law. • This story is as much about the future (eschatological) as it is historical.  __________________ has been conspired against.  __________________ was found guilty when he did nothing wrong.  __________________ was given a death sentence.  __________________ was locked away, presumed dead, never to be heard from again. The sealed tomb was returned to, expecting death, and the unexpected was found–LIFE! We are people who live in the hope that the current reality doesn't define the future. The future of the Lions' Den is the hope of "O come, O come, Emmanuel..."

A New Covenant Jeremiah 36 Jeremiah 36:1-7 1 In the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Take a scroll, and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations from the time I first spoke to you during Josiah's reign until today. 3 Perhaps when the house of Judah hears about all the disaster I am planning to bring on them, each one of them will turn from his evil way. Then I will forgive their iniquity and their sin.” 4 So Jeremiah summoned Baruch son of Neriah. At Jeremiah's dictation, Baruch wrote on a scroll all the words the Lord had spoken to Jeremiah. 5 Then Jeremiah commanded Baruch, “I am restricted; I cannot enter the temple of the Lord, 6 so you must go and read from the scroll—which you wrote at my dictation—the words of the Lord in the hearing of the people at the temple of the Lord on a day of fasting. Read his words in the hearing of all the Judeans who are coming from their cities. 7 Perhaps their petition will come before the Lord, and each one will turn from his evil way, for the anger and fury that the Lord has pronounced against this people are intense.” Jeremiah 36:19-31 19 The officials said to Baruch, “You and Jeremiah must hide and tell no one where you are.” 20 Then, after depositing the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, the officials came to the king at the courtyard and reported everything in the hearing of the king. 21 The king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it from the chamber of Elishama the scribe. Jehudi then read it in the hearing of the king and all the officials who were standing by the king. 22 Since it was the ninth month, the king was sitting in his winter quarters with a fire burning in front of him. 23 As soon as Jehudi would read three or four columns, Jehoiakim would cut the scroll with a scribe's knife and throw the columns into the fire in the hearth until the entire scroll was consumed by the fire in the hearth. 24 As they heard all these words, the king and all his servants did not become terrified or tear their clothes. 25 Even though Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah had urged the king not to burn the scroll, he did not listen to them. 26 Then the king commanded Jerahmeel the king's son, Seraiah son of Azriel, and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to seize the scribe Baruch and the prophet Jeremiah, but the Lord hid them. 27 After the king had burned the scroll and the words Baruch had written at Jeremiah's dictation, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 28 “Take another scroll, and once again write on it the original words that were on the original scroll that King Jehoiakim of Judah burned. 29 You are to proclaim concerning King Jehoiakim of Judah, ‘This is what the Lord says: You have burned the scroll, asking, “Why have you written on it that the king of Babylon will certainly come and destroy this land and cause it to be without people or animals?” 30 Therefore, this is what the Lord says concerning King Jehoiakim of Judah: He will have no one to sit on David's throne, and his corpse will be thrown out to be exposed to the heat of day and the frost of night. 31 I will punish him, his descendants, and his officers for their iniquity. I will bring on them, on the residents of Jerusalem, and on the people of Judah all the disaster, which I warned them about but they did not listen.'” We are the community that accepts the burden of struggling with this text on behalf of all humanity–sometimes working with it, sometimes struggling against it. We have the text—or better yet, the text has us. It reveals the world as it truly is: alive and full of wonder, yet marked by brokenness, loss, and sin. But it also reminds us that this is a world where God continually speaks.

The Glowing Coal Isaiah 6:1-8 Isaiah 6:1-10 1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphim were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies; his glory fills the whole earth. 4 The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke. The Threefold Holy • God is holy in heaven and on earth. • God is holy over all the creatures of the universe. • God is holy and without sin. God cannot tolerate the sin of mankind. 5 Then I said: Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Armies. When Isaiah comes face-to-face with God's holiness, confession is the natural outpouring. 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. 7 He touched my mouth with it and said: Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for. The Threefold Holy • God is holy in heaven and on earth. • God is holy over all the creatures of the universe. • God is holy and without sin. God cannot tolerate the sin of mankind. • God is holy and the savior of His people. 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking: Who will I send? Who will go for us? I said: Here I am. Send me. 9 And he replied: Go! Say to these people: Keep listening, but do not understand; keep looking, but do not perceive. 10 Make the minds of these people dull; deafen their ears and blind their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their minds, turn back, and be healed. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 4 “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates. Deuteronomy 6:12-14 12 be careful not to forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. 13 Fear the Lord your God, worship him, and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you, Isaiah 6:10 Make the minds of these people dull; deafen their ears and blind their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their minds, turn back, and be healed. John 3:19-21 19 This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. 21 But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.” • Salvation is God's work, not ours. No one can earn salvation through self-effort or by "turning over a new leaf." It's a gift only God can give. • Only God's burning, transforming love can reach us. His holy, consuming love is the only power strong enough to transform the depths of our self-centered hearts. • Radical sin requires radical love. Humanity's deep brokenness can only be healed by the relentless, life-changing love of a holy and living God.

WE are joined this morning by Rev Randy Jasper.

“I don't have anything…”  1 Kings 17:1-24 1 Kings 16:29-33 1 Kings 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, from the Gilead settlers, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, in whose presence I stand, there will be no dew or rain during these years except by my command!” 1 Kings 17:2-7 2 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 3 “Leave here, turn eastward, and hide at the Wadi Cherith where it enters the Jordan. 4 You are to drink from the wadi. I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.” 5 So he proceeded to do what the Lord commanded. Elijah left and lived at the Wadi Cherith where it enters the Jordan. 6 The ravens kept bringing him bread and meat in the morning and in the evening, and he would drink from the wadi. 7 After a while, the wadi dried up because there had been no rain in the land. God provides even when it comes from an unlikely source. 1 Kings 17:8-24 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 “Get up, go to Zarephath that belongs to Sidon and stay there. Look, I have commanded a woman who is a widow to provide for you there.” 10 So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering wood. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup and let me drink.” 11 As she went to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread in your hand.” 12 But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I don't have anything baked—only a handful of flour in the jar and a bit of oil in the jug. Just now, I am gathering a couple of sticks in order to go prepare it for myself and my son so we can eat it and die.” 13 Then Elijah said to her, “Don't be afraid; go and do as you have said. But first make me a small loaf from it and bring it out to me. Afterward, you may make some for yourself and your son, 14 for this is what the Lord God of Israel says, ‘The flour jar will not become empty and the oil jug will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the surface of the land.'” 15 So she proceeded to do according to the word of Elijah. Then the woman, Elijah, and her household ate for many days. 16 The flour jar did not become empty, and the oil jug did not run dry, according to the word of the Lord he had spoken through Elijah. 17 After this, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. His illness got worse until he stopped breathing. 18 She said to Elijah, “Man of God, what do you have against me? Have you come to call attention to my iniquity so that my son is put to death?” 19 But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him from her arms, brought him up to the upstairs room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. 20 Then he cried out to the Lord and said, “Lord my God, have you also brought tragedy on the widow I am staying with by killing her son?” 21 Then he stretched himself out over the boy three times. He cried out to the Lord and said, “Lord my God, please let this boy's life come into him again!” 22 So the Lord listened to Elijah, and the boy's life came into him again, and he lived. 23 Then Elijah took the boy, brought him down from the upstairs room into the house, and gave him to his mother. Elijah said, “Look, your son is alive.” 24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know you are a man of God and the Lord's word from your mouth is true.” • Fed by ravens • The widow's flour and oil • The widow's son The miracle is that there is more than enough. There is an overflow of abundance that defies royal scarcity. More than enough, guaranteed by God! The Christian Gospel is a summons to leave the fearful world of scarcity and to practice the world of abundance in quite concrete ways. Elijah did not just happen on this desperate woman. He was sent there by God; it was his vocation to go be with her. –Walter Brueggemann The Christian Gospel is a summons to leave the fearful world of scarcity and to practice the world of abundance in quite concrete ways. 

“May You Hear…”  1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:22-43 2 Samuel 7:22-26 1 Kings 5:1-5 1 Kings 8:22-23 22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the entire congregation of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven. 23 He said: Lord God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below, who keeps the gracious covenant with your servants who walk before you with all their heart. 1 Kings 8:27-30 27 But will God indeed live on earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain you, much less this temple I have built. 28 Listen to your servant's prayer and his petition, Lord my God, so that you may hear the cry and the prayer that your servant prays before you today, 29 so that your eyes may watch over this temple night and day, toward the place where you said,“My name will be there,” and so that you may hear the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. 30 Hear the petition of your servant and your people Israel, which they pray toward this place. May you hear in your dwelling place in heaven. May you hear and forgive. 1 Kings 8:41-43 41 Even for the foreigner who is not of your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name— 42 for they will hear of your great name, strong hand, and outstretched arm, and will come and pray toward this temple— 43 may you hear in heaven, your dwelling place, nd do according to all the foreigner asks. Then all peoples of earth will know your name, to fear you as your people Israel do and to know that this temple I have built bears your name. 1 Kings 8:27 But will God indeed live on earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain you, much less this temple I have built. Omnibenevolent- God is all-loving Omniscient- God is all-knowing Omnipotent- God is all-powerful Omnipresent- God is everywhere 1 Kings 8:27 But will God indeed live on earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain you, much less this temple I have built. 1 Kings 8:29 so that your eyes may watch over this temple night and day, toward the place where you said, “My name will be there,” and so that you may hear the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. "My name will be there..." The Temple bears the name of God (1 Kings 8:29) Jesus Christ bears the name of God (John 1:1, 14) The Church bears the name of God (Colossians 3:12-17) Colossians 3:12-17 12 Therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. 14 Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. MSG 1 Kings 8:27-32 Can it be that God will actually move into our neighborhood? Why, the cosmos itself isn't large enough to give you breathing room, let alone this Temple I've built. Even so, I'm bold to ask: Pay attention to these my prayers, both intercessory and personal, O God, my God. Listen to my prayers, energetic and devout, that I'm setting before you right now. Keep your eyes open to this Temple night and day, this place of which you said, “My Name will be honored there,” and listen to the prayers that I pray at this place. MSG John 1:14a The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.

Tending the Flock 2 Samuel 7:1-17 1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.” 2 Samuel 5:4 David was thirty years old when he began his reign; he reigned forty years. 2 Samuel 6:17 They brought the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings in the Lord's presence. 2 Samuel 7:1-17 1 When the king had settled into his palace and the Lord had given him rest on every side from all his enemies, 2 the king said to the prophet Nathan, “Look, I am living in a cedar house while the ark of God sits inside tent curtains.” 3 So Nathan told the king, “Go and do all that is on your mind, for the Lord is with you.” 4 But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: 5 “Go to my servant David and say, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you to build me a house to dwell in? 6 From the time I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until today I have not dwelt in a house; instead, I have been moving around with a tent as my dwelling. 7 In all my journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever spoken a word to one of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, asking: Why haven't you built me a house of cedar?' 8 “So now this is what you are to say to my servant David: ‘This is what the Lord of Armies says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, to be ruler over my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. I will make a great name for you like that of the greatest on the earth. 10 I will designate a place for my people Israel and plant them, so that they may live there and not be disturbed again. Evildoers will not continue to oppress them as they have done 11 ever since the day I ordered judges to be over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. “‘The Lord declares to you: The Lord himself will make a house for you. 12 When your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with a rod of men and blows from mortals. 15 But my faithful love will never leave him as it did when I removed it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and kingdom will endure before me forever, and your throne will be established forever.'” 17 Nathan reported all these words and this entire vision to David. Genesis 2:1-3 1 So the heavens and the earth and everything in them were completed. 2 On the seventh day God had completed his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, for on it he rested from all his work of creation. bet (bayt)- house Bet-hlehem (lachem)- House of Bread "I need to remind you of some things..." 1) I took you... 2) I have been with you... 3) I have destroyed all your enemies... "I've done all this for you, but guess what? I'm not done!" 1) I will make a great name... 2) I will designate a place for my people... 3) I will give you rest... bet (bayt)- house, temple, dynasty At the center of our lives should be the questions:  • What is God doing? • What is God raising up or building?

Lent to the Lord1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1-10Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever seemed right to him.1 Samuel 1:9-119 On one occasion, Hannah got up after they ate and drank at Shiloh. The priest Eli was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord's temple. 10 Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the Lord and wept with many tears. 11 Making a vow, she pleaded, “Lord of Armies, if you will take notice of your servant's affliction, remember and not forget me, and give your servant a son, I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and his hair will never be cut.”We want to know that we are loved, seen, heard, remembered, and known by God."I am making a vow, Lord of Armies, please look at me and see my pain, hear me and remember me, and make me known by answering my prayer by giving me a son..."Truths from the Story of Hannah:• Hannah believed in the future God could create, even when her situation seemed barren and hopeless.• God brings new life from barren places.• Hope rises from hopelessness.• Despair is transformed into thanksgiving and praise.What can we learn from Hannah? 1) We learn to bring our deepest needs to God.• Hannah teaches us that true peace comes from trusting God beyond our control.• New possibility in our lives comes from God, not from us.2) We learn the power of persistence and trust in claiming God's grace.• New possibility in our lives comes from God, not from us.3) The right response to God's grace is to give it back.

Stiff-Necks and Mercy Exodus 32:1-14 Exodus 19:1-6 God (YHWH) is the one who brought you out of Egypt. God is the Deliver. God is the Creator. God is the Life-Giver. God is the Protector. God is the Sustainer. God is the Redeemer. God is the One who set you free from bondage. I have been delivered. I have a loving Creator who calls me 'good' (tov). I have life given to me by God. I am protected. I am sustained and provided for. I am redeemed. I have been set free. Exodus 32:1-14 Three-Part Argument (vss 11-13): 1) "Your people..." (vs 11) 2) "What will the Egyptians (the neighbors) think?" (vs 12) 3) "Remember Your promises" (vs 13) How do we deal with the deep cry of the heart? Exodus 2:23 After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned because of their difficult labor, they cried out, and their cry for help because of the difficult labor ascended to God. You were created for a relationship with the Triune God, and that relationship is lived out through worship and service. Exodus 3:12 He answered, “I will certainly be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I am the one who sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will all worship God at this mountain.” Exodus 7:16 Tell him: The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to tell you: Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the wilderness. But so far you have not listened. Exodus 8:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and tell him: This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. Exodus 8:20 The Lord said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning and present yourself to Pharaoh when you see him going out to the water. Tell him: This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. Exodus 9:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him: This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. You were created for a relationship with the Triune God, and that relationship is lived out through worship and service. We want to know that we are loved, seen, heard, remembered, and known by God. Exodus 2:23-25 23 After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned because of their difficult labor, they cried out, and their cry for help because of the difficult labor ascended to God. 24 God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 God saw the Israelites, and God knew.

Promises of Passover Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8 Exodus 1:13-14 13 They worked the Israelites ruthlessly 14 and made their lives bitter with difficult labor in brick and mortar and in all kinds of fieldwork. They ruthlessly imposed all this work on them. Major Events of Exodus 1-12: • Birth of Moses • Moses flees Egypt • The Burning Bush • Moses returns to Egypt • The Plagues on Egypt (1-9) • The 10th Plague: Death of the Firstborn Exodus 12:1-13 1 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, 2 “This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year. 3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month they must each select an animal of the flock according to their fathers' families, one animal per family. 4 If the household is too small for a whole animal, that person and the neighbor nearest his house are to select one based on the combined number of people; you should apportion the animal according to what each will eat. 5 You must have an unblemished animal, a year-old male; you may take it from either the sheep or the goats. 6 You are to keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembly of the community of Israel will slaughter the animals at twilight. 7 They must take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses where they eat them. 8 They are to eat the meat that night; they should eat it, roasted over the fire along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9 Do not eat any of it raw or cooked in boiling water, but only roasted over fire—its head as well as its legs and inner organs. 10 You must not leave any of it until morning; any part of it left until morning you must burn. 11 Here is how you must eat it: You must be dressed for travel, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. You are to eat it in a hurry; it is the Lord's Passover. 12 “I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night and strike every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, both people and animals. I am the Lord; I will execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt. 13 The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will be among you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. Exodus 13:1-8 It is the business of the church to prophetically create the real world. The first responsibility of the church is to define reality. Exodus 13:14 “In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?' say to him, ‘By the strength of his hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. God (YHWH) is the one who brought you out of Egpyt. God is the Deliver. God is the Creator. God is the Life-Giver. God is the Protector. God is the Sustainer. God is the Redeemer. God is the One who set you free from bondage. Truth: Passover reminds God's people that our definition comes from Him- it is in His defining that we find who we are. I have been delivered. I have a loving Creator who calls me 'good' (tov). I have life given to me by God. I am protected. I am sustained and provided for. I am redeemed. I have been set free.

Today, we are joined by Pastor James as he walks us through the story of Joseph.

Count the Stars Genesis 15:1-6 Genesis 11:27 These are the family records of Terah. Terah fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran, and Haran fathered Lot. Genesis 12:1-3 1 The Lord said to Abram: Go from your land, your relatives, and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you. The Three-Fold Promise: 1. Land- "Go from your land..." (12:1) 2. Descendants- "I will make you into a great nation..." (12:2) 3. The Whole Earth- "...all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (12:3) Genesis 15:1-6 1 After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great. 2 But Abram said, “Lord God, what can you give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 Abram continued, “Look, you have given me no offspring, so a slave born in my house will be my heir.” 4 Now the word of the Lord came to him: “This one will not be your heir; instead, one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “Your offspring will be that numerous.” 6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. What are the unfulfilled promises God has made to you? What are the unfulfilled promises God has made to you? Genesis 15:6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. The primary aspect of 'righteous' is to trust God's future and to live assured of that future even in the barrenness of the present. Romans 4:18-25 18 He believed, hoping against hope, so that he became the father of many nations according to what had been spoken: So will your descendants be.19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body to be already dead (since he was about a hundred years old) and also the deadness of Sarah's womb. 20 He did not waver in unbelief at God's promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 because he was fully convinced that what God had promised, he was also able to do. 22 Therefore, it was credited to him for righteousness.23 Now it was credited to him was not written for Abraham alone, 24 but also for us. It will be credited to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Where are you looking? Often, resignation is where God enters the story with a reminder of His promise.

Life: Health, Growth, and Fulfillment John 6:47-51 Luke 12:23 For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. For life is more than... Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being. There is no life without divine power. John 1:1-5 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. John 6:47-51 47 “Truly I tell you, anyone who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” John 6:47 “Truly I tell you, anyone who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life.  αιώνιος- aiōnios indeterminate as to duration eternal To be aiōnios (eternal) was to be greater than time and decay itself. John 6:47 “Truly I tell you, anyone who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life.  Truly I tell you, anyone who believes (pistis- who puts his/her loyalty in me) has life that is my life and that is a life outside the bounds of decay. John 6:48 I am the bread of life.  I am the bread (the very sustenance) of life. John 6:51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 12:25 The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 15:13 No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends. • Life is found on the Vine (John 15:1-17) • Life is Light: Purpose & Direction (John 8:12-20) • Life is Finding Sustenance in Christ: Bread & Water (John 6:35-40, 47-51, John 4:13-15, 7:37-39)

Fellowship: Sharing One Life Philippians 1:1-11 What does the New Testament mean when it uses the word 'fellowship'? κοινωνία- koinōnia Spatial- commonness, partnership, 'sharedness' Relational- sharing one life Christian partnership, Christian community, Christian sharing 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 4 I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in him in every way, in all speech and all knowledge. 6 In this way, the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, 7 so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful; you were called by him into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. The heart of Christian fellowship is the gospel that draws us in and forms us into one body and life. 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful; you were called by him into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. We can only truly know genuine fellowship with each other when we are restored to proper fellowship with God. Philippians 1:1-11  1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons. 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you,[a] 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you[b] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart,[c] and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. The Gospel is the story of the transforming work of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is the message that God has come to us, and has offered to share His life with us (koinōnia), and to fill us up with Himself. And a key component of that new life with and in Him is living life with others. Our distance from one another signals our distance from God. Fellowship is not an optional benefit of faith, it is a necessity.

Faithful Witness  Revelation 1:1-5 Acts 22:19-21 19 “But I said, ‘Lord, they know that in synagogue after synagogue I had those who believed in you imprisoned and beaten. 20 And when the blood of your witness Stephen was being shed, I stood there giving approval and guarding the clothes of those who killed him.' 21 “He said to me, ‘Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'” μάρτυς, martys 1. a judicial witness 2. a witness to a circumstance 3. a martyr martyr- A witness to the truth of the gospel who gave his/her life for the gospel Revelation 1:1-6 1 The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, whatever he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near. 4 John: To the seven churches in Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has set us free from our sins by his blood, 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. To be a faithful witness: • To bear witness to the TRUTH • Jesus is the standard we look to • We are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) • Scripture is the faithful witness to the interactions of God with the whole creation (Isaiah 43:10-12). • Jesus is the beginning of new life and the Amen (Revelation 3:14). Isaiah 43:10-12 10 “You are my witnesses”—this is the Lord's declaration—“and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.No god was formed before me, and there will be none after me. 11 I—I am the Lord. Besides me, there is no Savior. 12 I alone declared, saved, and proclaimed—and not some foreign god among you. So you are my witnesses”—this is the Lord's declaration—“and I am God. Revelation 3:14 “Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: Thus says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God's creation: Amen- "So be it." To be trusted, to be reliable, sure

Ready, Set, Holy 1 Peter 1:13-25 While the message of holiness is shared by many, it is the heart of the Church of the Nazarene's calling, deeply rooted in the revelation of the Triune God throughout the Old and New Testaments. Holiness is not just an aspect of our faith; it is the very essence of our identity and mission. Philippians 2:1-11 1 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others. 5 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth— 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. "For Paul, then, Christ reveals the essence of God's own character as the one who displays his power through his vulnerable love. " Andy Johnson Holiness and Missio Dei In salvation, we get God. In sanctification, God gets us. 1 Peter 1:13-25 13 Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. 15 But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; 16 for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.17 If you appeal to the Father who judges impartially according to each one's work, you are to conduct yourselves in reverence during your time living as strangers. 18 For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was revealed in these last times for you. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 22 Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly, 23 because you have been born again—not of perishable seed but of imperishable—through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like a flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever. And this word is the gospel that was proclaimed to you.

Believing and Loving 1 John 3:13-24 God, Love, & Scripture: Love Across Testaments: Love is not limited to only the New Testament. Created for Connection: We were created for relationship, rooted in the divine love of God. A Story of Pursuit: The entire Bible is the story of God seeking a relationship with His creation. Motivated by Love: God's seeking is motivated by love. God is Love: Love is the motivating factor for salvation and our lives. 1 John 2:3-6 3 This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commands. 4 The one who says, “I have come to know him,” and yet doesn't keep his commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps his word, truly in him the love of God is made complete. This is how we know we are in him: 6 The one who says he remains in him should walk just as he walked. 1 John 2:3 This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commands. 1 John 3:23 Now this is his command: that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another as he commanded us. 1 John 3:1 See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God's children—and we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn't know him. 1 John 3:13-24 Our Model of Love • God is Father. He loves us and calls us His Children (vs. 1). • Jesus is THE example of sacrificial love (vs. 16). • Love takes shape in real-world action and personal commitment to others (vss. 3:17-18). • Love is central to remaining in the Triune God (vs. 24 & John 15:9-17). Life is found, not in seeing how close I can get to 'the line' without breaking God's law. Rather, life is found in remaining in God's love. We can walk the path Jesus walked because he has first walked it for us. Sometimes we can't find it in us to forgive. Jesus shows us how still to love. We are people who are trying to learn what love really means. Thank God that, with Christ and the saints, we never walk alone. –Sam Wells Learning What Love Really Means: 1. Recognize Your Worth: You are loved, you are holy, you are mine. 2. Commit Fully: Love requires full devotion. Ask yourself, what am I serving? 3. Foster Family Bonds: Love requires treating each other as family. 4. Embrace Forgiveness: Love requires loving those who hurt us and our enemies. Luke 6:27-31 27 “But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If anyone hits you on the cheek, offer the other also. And if anyone takes away your coat, don't hold back your shirt either. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and from someone who takes your things, don't ask for them back. 31 Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them. 

Righteousness: The Proper Standard for Goodness  (Matthew 3:13-17) “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill _____________________.” Matthew 3:13-17 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?” 15 Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him to be baptized. 16 When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.” Ancient Religion vs. Modern Religion 1) Religion was not optional. 2) Religion was not private. 3) Religion was not limited to the spiritual, it was also material. "The biblical writers and the people of God did not associate 'salvation' with heaven, inner peace, or spiritual enlightenment per se. They saw the redemption vision of the gospel in the Old and New Testaments as a world restored to righteousness. Not souls and spirits rescued and reclaimed, but bodies and communities, trees and forests, sky and earth restored to health and vitality. All things made right from the utter wrongness of sin and wickedness." –Nijay K. Gupta To be righteous is to live and behave according to a standard of what is good and right toward the other. Matthew 5:20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. Self-Righteousness • The root of self-righteousness is the belief that your own personal works justify you before God. • Self-righteousness believes that you are good enough or can be if you try hard enough. Matthew 5:21-22 21 “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!' will be subject to hellfire. How do we move towards righteousness? • It starts with hunger and thirst (Matthew 5:6). • We must be people who know what fills us. • This means seeking His kingdom, trusting Jesus the Messiah, walking with Him and following in His footsteps.

The Character of Grace Ephesians 1:3-10 Ephesians 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ. χαρις- charis, grace χαρα- chara, joy χαίρε- chaire, hello, a greeting Mercy is withholding a deserved punishment. Grace is giving a gift that is not deserved. Grace flows out of the very nature of who God is. Grace acknowledges the full implication of sin, yet it does not condemn. The Character of Grace • We are rich because of God's grace. • God's grace is undeserved (which is the very definition of grace). • Grace as calling • Grace as community Ephesians 1:5-8 5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 2:4-10 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, 5 made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! 6 He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. Ephesians 3:2-9 2 assuming you have heard about the administration of God's grace that he gave me for you. 3 The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. 4 By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5 This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace that was given to me by the working of his power. 8 This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, 9 and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. Ephesians 4:1-7 1 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. 7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Grace She takes the blame She covers the shame Removes the stain It could be her name Grace It's the name for a girl It's also a thought that Changed the world And when she walks on the street You can hear the strings Grace finds goodness In everything... ...She carries a pearl In perfect condition What once was hurt What once was friction What left a mark No longer stings Because Grace makes beauty Out of ugly things Grace finds beauty In everything Grace finds goodness in everything

Today, we are joined by our Youth Pastor, James Dolinger

Salvation: Rescued, Reconciled, and Eager  (Romans 10:8-13) Salvation is primarily about God. "To save" comes from the Greek word soter, meaning "to rescue." Salvation is the work of God. The story of Jesus gives content to the word, salvation.  Romans 10:8-13 8 On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. This is the message of faith that we proclaim: 9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and oneconfesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame,12 since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Confess with your mouth Believe in your heart Salvation is not just a destination, it is our vocation. "Salvation isn't just a question of who is saved and who is damned, who will get to heaven and how, but also how we are swept up into participation in the mystery of God who is Jesus Christ." –William H. Willimon Luke 19:1-9 1 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. 4 So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since he was about to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today it is necessary for me to stay at your house.” 6 So he quickly came down and welcomed him joyfully. 7 All who saw it began to complain, “He's gone to stay with a sinful man.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, I'll give half of my possessions to the poor, Lord. And if I have extorted anything from anyone, I'll pay back four times as much.” 9 “Today salvation has come to this house,” Jesus told him, “because he too is a son of Abraham. Points from the Story of Zacchaeus: • Zacchaeus- chief tax collector • "He was trying to see who Jesus was..." • "All who saw it began to complain..." • "I'll give half of my possessions to the poor..." • "Today, salvation has come to this house."

Repentance and Refreshing Acts 3:19-20 Acts 3:12-20 12 When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Fellow Israelites, why are you amazed at this? Why do you stare at us, as though we had made him walk by our own power or godliness? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied before Pilate, though he had decided to release him. 14 You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer released to you. 15 You killed the source of life, whom God raised from the dead; we are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Jesus has given him this perfect health in front of all of you. 17 “And now, brothers and sisters, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your leaders also did. 18 In this way God fulfilled what he had predicted through all the prophets—that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, 20 that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send Jesus, who has been appointed for you as the Messiah. μετανοέω- metanoeō- metanoia to undergo a change in frame of mind and feeling, to repent, to make a change in principle and practice Meta: beyond above over-arching more comprehensive Noia: Greek- nous all that shapes how we see the world a new way of seeing the world that is contrary to anything we've known before Acts 3:19-20 19 Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, 20 that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send Jesus, who has been appointed for you as the Messiah. Mark 1:14-15 14 After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: 15 “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Repentance is a constant turning (and returning) to God and away from _____________________.  A new way of seeing the world that is contrary to anything we've known before. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 16 From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective. Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective, yet now we no longer know him in this way. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! 18 Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ's behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 21 He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Why the Cross? 1 Corinthians 2:2 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 1 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, announcing the mystery of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. 2 I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5 so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom but on God's power. Why did Jesus die on the cross? 1 Corinthians 15:3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, Mark 8:34-35 34 Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it. Why the Cross? • The problem of sin is more than wrongdoing.  It is an infection that has so corrupted the person that we must be retrained how to think, to will, and to live. • The cross is not just a wooden object or a place.  The cross is the context in which God uses the life of Jesus (life, suffering, death, resurrection) to teach believers a whole new way to think and live. 1 Corinthians 1:11-18 11 For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters, by members of Chloe's people, that there is rivalry among you. 12 What I am saying is this: One of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in Paul's name? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one can say you were baptized in my name. 16 I did, in fact, baptize the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't recall if I baptized anyone else. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ will not be emptied of its effect. 18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved. 1 Corinthians 1:28-31 28 God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, 29 so that no one may boast in his presence. 30 It is from him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became wisdom from God for us—our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption— 31 in order that, as it is written: Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. Cruciformity • Living life in the shape of a cross • "It is the ministry of the living Christ, who reshapes all relationships and responsibilities to express the self-giving love of God that was on display on the cross." What does it mean to become like the cross, to become like the Jesus who died on the cross? • Cruciformity is about a Person • Cruciformity is about Dying to Live • Cruciformity is all about Love

The Gospel for Today Philippians 1:12-20 Can we seriously believe that God would establish a plan for us that essentially bypasses the awesome needs of present human life and leave us with our problems: psychological, emotional, social, and global? Can we believe that being saved has nothing to do with the kinds of persons we are?  Philippians 1:3-30 3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer,5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. 12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this, I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don't know which one I should choose. 23 I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better— 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound. 27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God. 29 For it has been granted to you on Christ's behalf not only to believe in him,but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have. Philippians 1:27-28a 27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. Psalm 23:1-6 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name's sake. 4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

The Gospel Received 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 1 Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, so we proclaim and so you have believed. 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 20 But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at his coming, those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when he abolishes all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he puts all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be abolished is death. 27 For God has put everything under his feet. Now when it says “everything” is put under him, it is obvious that he who puts everything under him is the exception. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 1 Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel (euangelion) I preached (euengelisamen) to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached (euengelisamen) to you—unless you believed in vain.  1 Corinthians 15:3-5 3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.  that Christ died, that Christ was buried,  that Christ was raised, that Christ appeared, that Christ ascended, that Christ will come again, that Christ will abolish all rule and all authority and power (and the last enemy is death). 1 John 5:11-12 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life. John 17:3 This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent —Jesus Christ. The Gospel is the story of the transforming work of Jesus the Christ. Jesus is THE example of living this new life.

We are joined this morning by our Youth Pastor, Pastor James.

One in Unity Acts 2:1-4 What do you need this morning?  euangelion- good news, the gospel, an announcement usually pertaining to a victory in battle The good news does not only pertain to what we traditionally refer to as the 'gospel.' It is an announcement of the victory of God. The good news for us on this Pentecost Sunday is:  The Holy Spirit can fill only empty hearts. Luke 24:36-53 36 As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. 38 “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence. 44 He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.” 50 Then he led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 And while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven. 52 After worshiping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they were continually in the temple praising God. "Why are you troubled?" "And why do doubts arise in your hearts?" "You are witnesses of these things." Acts 1:9-14 9 After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.” 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 They all were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. The Holy Spirit can fill only empty hearts. Acts 2:1-4 1 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them. What do you need this morning? 

Essential Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15: 1-26, 51-57 Mark 16:5-8 8 They went out and ran from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid. 1 Corinthians 15:1-26 Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it is I or they, so we proclaim and so you have believed. 12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, “There is no resurrection of the dead”? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain, and so is your faith. 15 Moreover, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified wrongly about God that he raised up Christ—whom he did not raise up, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Those, then, who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. 19 If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone. 20 But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at his coming, those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when he abolishes all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he puts all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be abolished is death. The brute reality is–death is a force. Death is not merely the last breath, death is the enemy (vs.26). God created people as whole people and God cares about whole people. Mark 16:5-8 5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; they were alarmed.6 “Don't be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they put him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.'” 8 They went out and ran from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid. What was supposed to happen in the future has broken into the present.

It All Comes from the Same Place 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 7 A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good: 8 to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, 9 to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of tongues, to another, interpretation of tongues. 11 One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills. 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. Your value is in your created-ness by God. Your value is not based on your gift or giftedness. Gifts, ministries, and activities find their value in how they demonstrate God's Kingdom.  Outline of 1 Corinthians 13: • The Vitality of Love (vss. 1-3) • Description of Love (vss. 4-7) • Eschatological Nature of Love (vss. 8-13) 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 1 If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give away all my possessions, and if I give over my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, 5 is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. 6 Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known. 13 Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love. John 3:16 For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 1 John 4:7-10 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. God is love. Love is the motivating factor of salvation. Love is the motivating factor of our lives. What are you orienting your life?