Good Shepherd Community Church

In this episode of Bible Insights, host Wayne Conrad explores the foundational identity of Jesus Christ through the lens of 1 John 5. Addressing the "doctrinal erosion" that threatened the early church, Conrad breaks down the "triple witness"—the water, the blood, and the Spirit—that confirms Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah.

Today is Ash Wednesday on the Christian Year cycle. A number of Christian group gather for worship for the beginning of Lent. The actual word lent comes from Latin, ver which refers primarily to spring. However, the term as used in church is time of preparation for the coming focus on Jesus' sufferings and death and the glory of his resurrection. Even if you do not observe Lent with fasting and self-reflection the ritual of Ash Wednesday brings before us some vital Biblical truths. Primarily the mark of ash on the forehead carries the truth of our mortality and the need for ongoing repentance in our lives. This podcast looks at the trail of ashes in the Biblical story.

The writings of the Apostle John gives prominence to the idea of overcoming the devil and world system and the old human nature termed our flesh. We are engaged in a spiritual war consisting of many battles. We can overcome the world, the flesh and the devil in union with our Lord Jesus. We conqueror only because Jesus overcame and our faith is in him. However we cannot be passive in this battle. Our faith must be active in the war. The Lord has gifted us with necessary actions that equip us and build us up. These consist of reading the Bible for understanding of the writer's thoughts, praying which is talking to God as expression of our relationship to him and other believers. A major means is attendance and active involvement in the corporate worship of our God and Savior plus active fellowship with our spiritual family, fellow believers. 1 John 5:3-5 For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers (overcomes) the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? NRSV

Christians live with many persuasive voices—religious, cultural, and spiritual—and therefore must not be gullible nor cynical, but discerning. John's command is clear: "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God." The reason for testing is that many false prophets have gone out into the world. False teaching often sounds spiritual and convincing. Discernment, however, is not suspicion; it is love guarding the truth. Several key tests drawn from the text: 1. The Christological Test The primary test concerns the identity of Jesus Christ. True teaching confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh—fully God and fully man. Any teaching that denies or distorts Christ's incarnation, deity, humanity, or saving work reflects the spirit of the Antichrist. Redefining Jesus while using religious language is a mark of error. 2. The Apostolic Test True doctrine aligns with the apostolic witness preserved in Scripture. Those who know God listen to the apostles' teaching; those shaped by the world reject it. Scripture—Old and New Testaments together—is the authoritative standard for testing all spiritual claims. 3. The Reception Test The world often embraces false teaching and resists biblical truth. Fidelity to apostolic truth, not success or charisma, is the true measure. 4. The Goal and Fruit Test The Spirit of truth exalts Christ, produces worship of God, nurtures godliness, and brings assurance through the indwelling Holy Spirit. The spirit of error promotes self-centered independence, false ideas, and deception—even if it appears impressive or spectacular. The ultimate focus must remain on Jesus Christ, his person and work.

1 John is a theologically rich and compact book - essential divine truths are laid out in rapid succession and are often repeated; such is the case in this passage. In only nine verses John puts forth the following doctrines: 1) The Love of God for His People 2) The Reality of the Mutual Abiding of God and the Believer 3) The Gift of the Spirit 4) The Father Sending His Son from Heaven 5) The Profusions [outpouring, extravagances] of the Love of God 6) The Necessity of Brotherly Love It is the Spirit who confirms these realities and necessities in the Christian life. Thanks be to God for such a rich feast for our minds and hearts!

Using Psalm 95 the author of Hebrews warns believers, Christians, of the danger of falling away from following Christ. Two references are recalled of how to Stop the regression by remembering God's Word of promise and the confession of a true faith. "Well, on Saturday, about midnight the pilgrims began to pray; and continued in prayer till almost break of day. Now a little before it was day, good CHRISTIAN, as one half amazed, break out in this passionate speech: "What a fool," quoth he, "am I, thus to lie in a stinking dungeon, when I may as well walk at liberty! I have a key in my bosom called Promise; that will, I am persuaded, open any lock in Doubting Castle." Then said HOPEFUL, "That's good news; good brother, pluck it out of thy bosom, and try." Then CHRISTIAN pulled it out of his bosom, and began to try at the dungeon door; whose bolt (as he turned the key) gave back, and the door flew open with ease: and CHRISTIAN and HOPEFUL both came out. Then he went to the outward door that led into the castle yard; and with his key opened that door also. After, he went to the iron gate, for that must be opened too; but that lock went exceedingly hard: yet the key did open it. Then they thrust open the gate to make their escape with speed; ... Then they went on, and came to the king's highway again; and so were safe." [John Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress] Martin Luther's prayer from Psalm 119:94 ,taught to him by his friend and confessor Stauptiz, when Luther was in torment over his sins,in the movie, I am yours save me. When you know you are moving away from the Lord in your heart and actions recall whose your are. You belong to the Lord Jesus. Confess your sins. Get up!

This passage is one of only two in the New Testament declaring the great description of God's nature and being: "God is love." The riches of divine truth in this passage can be summarized as follows: v. 7 - The Command, the Source and the Power of Love v. 8 – The Unfortunate Truth and the Great Declaration v. 9 – The Manifestation of the Love of God v. 10 – Propitiation Is the Divine Remedy for Our Sin v. 11 – Jesus' Work of Love is our own Model of Love v. 12 – God's Love is Seen in the World When We Love One Another Christ's example of sacrificial love in going to the cross is our model as to the extent of sacrificial love to which we should go in loving our brothers and sisters in the church.

Among all the books that make up the Bible, the Book of Ecclesiastes is unique literature. It is part of the wisdom literature of the Bible. But it is different. Sometimes when people read it they can become sad and feel a sense of loss. The reason may lie in how the word in Hebrew transliterated as havel is translated. The English translations vary. Some render it as "vanity," others as "meaningless" or "futile" and some as "purposeless" A more literal translation would be merest breath (Robert Alter) carrying the idea of a vapor, wind, something real but illusive. The author of Ecclesiastes who says he is a Teacher or Preacher relates how people such as himself try in vain to obtain lasting fulfillment in various things or activities to excess and to the exclusion of God, who alone can give true meaning to life.

In Acts 2:39, the Apostle Peter states that the promise of salvation is for "everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." The only reason a person ever comes to saving faith in Christ is because the Lord sovereignly calls him or her, quickens spiritual life in them, and enables them to repent of sin and believe the Gospel. As verses 40-41 indicate, the called one must respond by coming to Christ and by submitting to Christian baptism. We must share the gospel of Jesus with others, but ultlmately it is God's calling which will bring them to saving faith. He will do it; this is his great work. To him be the glory!

Psalm 86:6-8 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you,for you answer me. There is none like you among the gods, O LORD (Yahweh),nor are there any works like yours. ESV Psalm 50:14-15 Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Pay your vows to the Most High. Call on me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me." This podcast is an An offering of praise to God for his kindness and mercy in answering prayer yesterday in sending help to deliver me and my friend from a serious situation. Bible truth expressed in these verses demonstrated in a personall event.

The psalmist Asaph, the leader of the temple worship, shares a struggle he had in his mind and spirit with his faith. The struggle was a result of a wrong perspective in considering the arrogant unbelievers in contrast with the believer such as himself. He had thoughts that would have harmed the people if he spoken them aloud. He felt hopeless in understanding God's dealings with the unbeliever and with the believer such as himself. However, when he went into the sanctuary of God he understood the end of the wicked and his own future, " afterward you will receive me to glory." Following this revelation he burst into affirmative praise and confession: Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever! An interpretive reading of Psalm 73.

The book of 1 John was written to strengthen believers in their holy faith. It was written to give them the assurance that they belong to God as his beloved children, in spite of their struggle with their own sin. This passage gives believers four grounds or reasons that they can have assurance that they really are saved from their sins and are secure in God. It's because of their "deed-doing," their "truth-keeping," their "love-giving", and their "Holy Spirit-abiding." In other words, the ongoing presence of good works in their lives, their belief in and fidelity to the truths of the Gospel in the Word of God, their sacrificial love for fellow believers, and their continual abiding in the presence and fellowship of the Holy Spirit are marks, evidences, that they possess true and saving faith. When they feel condemned for their sins, they can look at these realities in their lives and rest in the assurance that God has saved them and is working in their lives.

Malachi is the last prophet who ministered to the remnant of the Jews who returned to the land from Persia. See 2 Chronicles 36:15-23. The people have been in the land and have rebuild the temple and their houses. However there are serious problems with the people's relationship to Yahweh, their Covenant Lord. Malachi presents God's message that called for their repentance and His promise to come down himself among in the form of a disputation. It is in the style reverse catechism, that is questions and answers. This podcast only considers chapter 1 using the Christian Standard Bible and the World English Bible.

Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to love God. To love God and our neighbor as ourselves is not only the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets but it is the grand goal of the Gospel. In Genesis 4 Cain demonstrated the opposite of love when he rejected God's prescription for proper sacrifice and hated and killed his brother Abel. But Christ demonstrated true love in that he laid down his life for his people. Thus he demonstrated the principle of sacrificial love that we as his people are to follow. Christian love is affection that is rooted in action which moves us to love God with all of our being and moves us to love others by meeting their spiritual and material needs.

Mankind has this God driven need to designate times, seasons and years. In the Bible the designation of a New Year and its yearly celebration is given in Exodus 12, this month is to be the beginning of a year. Our current custom of marking a New Year on January comes from paganism and the Roman emperor Julius Caesar and it is in honor of the Roman god Janus, the two directional god of beginnings and transitions who faces backward and forward. But what is the Biblical meaning attached to new beginnings? Psalm 90 is the prayer of Moses on such an occasion. O God our help in ages pass and our eternal home. Teach us to number our days and give us hearts and minds of wisdom to number our days.

The appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ will be with great effect. The previous passage speaks of how God's people will be changed into his likeness by entering his presence. Even the very hope of his coming has a purifying effect on his people. In contrast, those who practice sin are guilty of "lawlessness," a succinct description of the nature of sin. But Christ's coming will deal radically with sin. Verse 5 of our passage says that our Lord will also "take away sins." This is accomplished primarily through his death on the cross (Heb. 2:14). His death also empowered him to "destroy the works of the devil" (v.8). Thus as the Holy Spirit applies these benefits to God's people, he engenders inevitable righteousness in their lives as well as love for the brethren.

Although we celebrate the birthdate of Jesus of Nazareth on December 25 it is highly improbable that he was born on this day! The accounts found in Luke and Matthew do not give us an exact day they do relate a timeframe of the year. Consider Luke 2 and the revelation to the shepherds out in the fields at night. No shepherd would have his sheep in the wet cold winter in Israel! This is the season of little grazing grass necessary for their life and health. The time for flocks grazing is the Spring and Summer and early Fall but not Winter. John's gospel directly links Jesus with the fulfillment of the Feast of Israel recorded in Leviticus 23. After Jesus immersion by John and his return from the wilderness the Prophet Forerunner of the Messiah declared- "Look! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29,35 Using the historical indicators identified in the gospel accounts mostly likely Jesus was crucified at the Passover in the Spring of AD 33 on Thursday or Friday April 2 ,3. The shadow of Law meets its completion in Jesus dying as God's provided Lamb for the sins of his people. In like manner Jesus birth is connected to the Fall feast of Trumpets, Atonement and Tabernacles. The Hebrew lived in tents during their journey from Egyptian slavery to the Promised land. God also had his tent erected among them as they traveled. And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it. Exodus 25:8-9 John connects Jesus incarnation with Tabernacles in chapter 1 of his gospel. John 1:1-3,14

In view of Christ's certain coming, three realities stand out for believers. First, they are commanded to abide in Christ, specifically to abide or remain in the true doctrine of Christ and to abide or remain in a Christian lifestyle that reflects the righteousness of Christ. Secondly, they are assured of the certain hope of Christ's return. This will mean their resurrection from the dead and their reception into his bodily presence, as well as the end of sin and evil and death. And thirdly, Christ's appearance confirms our privileged position before him as children of God. He loved us first before we ever loved him, and he sent his Son to die for our sins. He has done all that was necessary to remove our sins and bring us into his everlasting fellowship.

All Episodes Wayne A Conrad The Antichrists Identified Episode Downloads 0 Total 0 Today Description Send us a text Many people throughout Christian history have been fascinated by the identity of the antichrist. The Apostle John is actually the only biblical write to use the term antichrist! He uses it 5 times in his first two letters. Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 1 John 2:18 John must have been remembering the words Jesus had spoken ."Be careful that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will lead many astray. Matthew 24:4 John's concern is the theological identity of the antichrist. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 1 John 4:2-3 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 2 John 7 Thus the spirit of antichrist is found in all those who deny the reality of the incarnation, the coming of the Word, the eternal Son, into human flesh through the virgin birth by Mary of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus became a true human without ceasing to be true deity in his one person for the salvation of sinners.

This week I have had 3 people I know die. I went to one's funeral but the other two were many miles away and 2 were having funerals today at the same time! All this on my birthday. It causes me to remember Psalm 90 verses 3, 9-12 "You return man to dust and say, "Return, O children of man!" ... For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. What does the Bible teach us about the reality of death? The location of the spirits of the dead? And how does Jesus Christ birth, death and resurrection address this issue?

The Apostle John in his first letter writes some intriguing words, "Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you." The old commandment he is referring to is the "Shema," the confession of faith in the one true God to whom we owe full allegiance and devotion. In answer to a scribe's question in Mark 12:28-33 as to what is the greatest commandment, Jesus answers, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. He also relates the second greatest commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (This latter commandment is a phrase attached to a list of various laws in Leviticus 19.) The new component is Jesus' own love for his disciples. He loves us so much that he laid down his life for us on the cross. John 13:1-5, 34f records John's own experience of the love of Jesus shown by his washing their feet. In this context he gives the new commandment, "A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

The Apostle John writes a deeply personal pastoral letter to his spiritual children in Ephesus. He is concerned about the spiritual dangers they are facing both from within and without related to false doctrine and ungodly secular antichrist pressure. He wants to protect and enhance their fellowship with the Father through Jesus Christ. His letter points to several signs or markers to distinguish true from false believers. In verses 12-14 of 1 John the apostle inserts a pause to particularly address the little children, the fathers and the young men in 6 parallel statements. The "little children" designation is used throughout his letter to indicate that they are beloved in the Lord by him. But it can also accent the reality of the first great awareness of newborn Christians. They rejoice in the forgiveness of their sins through Jesus' death and their relationship to God as Father. John then addresses two groups he calls fathers and young men. The fathers seem to refer to mature believers who know the true identity of Jesus Christ as the incarnate Word who has always been with the Father and through whom we know the Father. However, John writes the most to the young men. They are strong, have overcome the evil one. He gives the reason because the word of God abides in them. This middle group bears the brunt of the spiritual battle in which the church is engaged. Although John singles out these particular groups the spiritual realties noted belong to all believers. It appears that John wants to encourage and assure the believers that they do belong to God in Christ.

Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday in America dates back to 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaim the 4th Thursday in November a yearly day of thanks. "It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens." However the tradition of giving thanks to God for his providential care goes back to the Pilgrims who had come over from Holland on the Mayflower. Governor Bradford reports that Plymouth had been stricken with a severe drought. "Upon which," said William Bradford "they set apart a solemn day of humiliation, to seek the Lord by humble and fervent prayer, in this great distress." That same evening it began "to rain with such sweet and gentle showers as gave them cause of rejoicing and blessing God… For which mercy, in time convenient, they also set apart a day of thanksgiving." Our Thanksgiving festival probably goes alway to the Torah indirectly through the Pilgrims having such a feast in 1621. Consider Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Text: 1 John 2:3-11 Title: Keeping God's Old But New Commandment As a pastor to God's people, the Apostle John wrote this letter to strengthen and encourage fellow believers. In this passage he presents three reasons that believers can know that they know God; i.e., know that they are saved from their sins: I. We keep his commandments/Word - v. 3-5 II. We walk in the same way Jesus walked - v. 5-6 III. We love the brothers and sisters in the church - v. 7 -11 True believers in Christ will demonstrate fidelity to God's Word and affection for God's people. Chapters: 0:00 Intro & Scripture Reading (1 John 2:3-11 ESV) 0:43 Opening Prayer 2:55 Context: John as Pastor to Believers 5:07 Real Christianity – Forgiven but Still Sinning 8:30 Jesus Delivers Us from Darkness into Light 11:43 How Do We Know We Truly Know Him? 15:19 1. Keeping His Commandments 23:45 2. Walking as Jesus Walked 29:02 3. Loving the Brothers & Sisters 32:40 Old Commandment Becomes New in Christ 35:36 The Darkness Is Passing – Light Is Shining 38:49 Hatred Has No Place in the Light 44:18 Summary: 3 Marks of Genuine Faith 46:13 Closing Prayer Hashtags: #1John #KnowGod #ObeyJesus #WalkLikeChrist #ChristianLove #LoveOneAnother #LightVsDarkness #BibleSermon #AssuranceOfSalvation #TrueFaith #JesusIsTheLight #Commandments #Sermon #ChristianLiving #GospelTruth

The main idea that drives the Apostle John's first letter is fellowship with God. He makes this clear when he starts his letter. "What we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3 He then addresses the need for knowing the truth about God as light and the truth about our sin as a necessity for true fellowship to exist. He presents 3 false ideas that some have. If we assert the believes that sin is a non entity or that humans do not have a sinful nature or that we have not actually sinned we are not speaking according to truth. We lie about the reality of sin and human nature and actually call God himself a liar! With repentance that is a change in our mind about our sin and God the holy righteous One who has acted on our behalf we can know fellowship with God through Jesus atoning death. John presents Jesus work as the corrective for these false beliefs. " If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. v9 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. v7 John is a realist and says, My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:2 At the letter's conclusion John writes, I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

In this epistle the Apostle John's focus is on the strengthening of fellowship of believers with God and with one another. Verse 5 states that "God is light" - this points to his total perfection infinitely. Thus his people must reflect his nature and strive to conform to his image, though the reality is we still sin. Three times, in verses 6,8, and 10, John writes, "if we say," thus pointing to some erroneous concepts regarding sin: 1) Those who walk in darkness are not in fellowship with God or the brethren. On the contrary, we must walk in the Light, which brings us into Christian fellowship, and such walking also brings us cleansing from sin through Jesus' blood. 2) Those who deny that they are sinful are self-deceived. They must instead confess their sin to receive forgiveness. 3) Those who deny they have committed acts of sin make God a liar and do not possess the indwelling of the Word of God. Jesus Christ himself is the standard for Christian living and behavior, and we must strive to be like him. Though Christian people have not reached perfection, their solemn calling by the grace of God is to be like the Lord Jesus as much as possible.

The Christian message and life begins not with man, humanity, but with the being of God himself. In fact the Apostle John begins with the One who was in the beginning and with whom he had had physical emotional connection. He is writing about the incarnation of the Word in the person of Jesus the Christ. John's letter to the churches begins at the same place as the Gospel of John! Compare 1 John 1:1-5 with John 1:1-4. He writes of the Word, Life and light. In his letter he adds the eternal life and fellowship with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. His climatic statement is- God is Light! At the conclusion of his letter he summarizes in these words, "And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know the true one. We are in the true one—that is, in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." 1 John 5:20 CSV If we are to understand the gospel, and the Christian life correctly then we must begin at the right place. We must begin with God, the God who is Father and Son, Jesus Christ- the true God who is the Holy, the Light!

John the Apostle was the youngest of Jesus' apostles and he had a unique relationship with the Lord Jesus. Both his gospel testimony and his letters to the churches convey a warm pastoral heart of loving care for the Lord's people. One thing I value in his writings is his stated purpose for writing. In his gospel he states, " Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." JZohn 20:30f in his letters of 1 John he states several times why his writing and to whom he is writing. "that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled. JZohn 1:3-4 My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous. 1 John. 2:1-2 He addresses all the people under their spiritual maturations of young believers, adult father believers and young adult believers. To each group he gives a reason such as assurance or encouragement in spiritual warfare. a number of other reasons are given but end his letter with this one. " And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." 1 John 5:20 His letter to them will function in like manner for us who pick up and read.

The Biblical description of a "saint" is not some super-spiritual Christian but all those people whom God has called out of the world and set apart for himself through their faith in Jesus Christ. These people are expected to live holy lives, separated from the world, and reflecting the character of God. They have spiritual union with contemporary believers around the world, as well as with those who are already in heaven. An example of a fellow believer and martyr from the early centuries of the church would be Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, who stood firm in his faith in Christ despite being killed for his belief. The distinguishing and necessary mark of a true believer is personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This faith is marked by ongoing spiritual growth by conforming progressively more into the image of the Savior. Such people are commanded to "run with endurance" the race of life marked out for them, looking to Jesus, "the author and finisher of their faith," as well as to the example of the saints of previous ages, who were faithful to God in the midst of hardships and trials. As a living saint today, each believer has union with all believers who together are Christ's joy.

The various Reformers during the Protestant Reformation restored New Testament worship emphasis especially the centrality of the Bible in the language of the people. Preaching and the public reading of the Scriptures was the focus in the services. They looked to such Bible passages as John 4:24 and Phillippians 3:3; 1 Corinthians 14:16-18,26 and Acts 2:42 for direction. John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." Phil 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them Acts 2:42 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 1 Timothy 2:1-8 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, .. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 2 Timothy 4:1-2 I charge you i..preach the Word

There are a number of very important issues that were addressed by the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Among them is the recovery of biblical spiritual worship offered to God alone. How we worship must be in accordance with God's special revelation first to Israel under Moses and then to the fullness of truth given in the person and actions of Jesus of Nazareth. "The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." John 1:17 This episode looks at God's first revelation under the Old Covenant through Moses. The first 3 commandments God spoke from Mount Sinai concern his worship. God alone is the object of our worship. His worship is exclusive and tolerates no idols. Under the Old Covenant God's worship involved an elaborate priesthood, sacrifices ,vestments , days, ect. An imitation of these practices rose in the history of the church and is seen in the worship practices of Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches. The various Protestant Reformers rejected the use of idols in God's worship. They looked to Christ as the fulfillment of the law and ground worship on the New Covenant spoken of in. the New Testament. "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." 1 John 5:21

The supreme goal and end of all things is the glory of God. God's glory is seen in the magnificence of his creation but it is even more profoundly seen in the salvation of sinners through the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. That God would send his Son from heaven to take upon himself full humanity and then die on Calvary's cross to pay the sin debt owed to God is grace and mercy beyond comprehension. God created the universe out of nothing but when he saves a sinner he enters into his creation in mortal combat with sin, Satan, and death through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The Biblical truth of the all-sufficient saving work of Jesus Christ for his people was recovered at the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. In his work God's glory is fully displayed, and that is to be the supreme focus of the Christian life.

Of all the people groups on the earth, the ancient Hebrew people were the most blessed because God revealed his being and nature to them alone, as well as another vital revelation: they had sinned against him and needed cleansing and forgiveness of their sins. The Law of Moses established the sacrificial system of killing animals whose deaths were a substitute for the deaths that the Israelites deserved for their sin. But the sacrifices of animals was insufficient to cover the peoples' sins. It was a temporary stop-gap measure that would be completed when the Messiah and Savior would come in the future to die for their sins on a cross outside of Jerusalem. The sacrifice of his body was all-sufficient for the complete removal and forgiveness of sin, once for all and eternally.

A "mediator" is someone who stands between two parties and has the interests of both parties at heart - such is our Lord Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament Moses (along with his brother Aaron) stands as the great model of a Mediator between Yahweh and the people of Israel. When the people had fallen into idolatry and immorality while Moses was up on Mt. Sinai, in his anger Yahweh told Moses he would destroy the nation and begin another nation with him. But God relented when Moses implored him to withdraw his hand of judgment and reminded him of his promise to the patriarchs that he would make a great nation of them. In Hebrews 2:10 we read about the suffering of this Mediator, Jesus Christ, which qualified and tested him and confirmed his worthiness for the job God appointed him to. The former Levitical priests under the Old Covenant were imperfect because of their sin, but Jesus was perfectly sinless and rose from the dead so "he ever lives to make intercession for his people" (Heb. 7:25). This Mediator, who was fully human and fully divine, also offered himself up on the cross as the payment for the sins of his people. As our High Priest in heaven he takes our praises and prayers and purifies them and offers them to the Father on our behalf. "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the cross tells me so." Therefore, let us remember our baptismal vows and by his grace serve him with gratitude and consistency.

David in Psalm 145 tells us the greatness of God by declaring what he is and what he has done. By example he shows how to praise God the King. However, he goes further by speaking at the beginning of the psalm of he various ways he intents to lift up the Name of God. Listen for the various ways he is extolling God and we can join him in these actions.

In the first three chapters of the Book of Romans, the apostle Paul lays out the case that all humanity, not only the Gentiles, but also the Jews are guilty before God of sin. Their infection with sin is not shallow, but all pervasive. In this passage in Romans 3 the apostle quotes several passages in the Old Testament, mainly from the psalms, demonstrating how deep-seated sin is in all humanity. This immersion of every human in sin can be seen in that: No one seeks God No one does good. No one is righteous Every person is active and deliberate and cruel in their wickedness. No one fears God. The world with its philosophies and religions has no real solution to this massive spiritual problem; only the Gospel of Jesus Christ recognizes the seriousness of this problem and presents the only solution: the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ whose death on the cross paid the price of his people's sin and provides them with the imputed righteousness of Christ. Salvation from sin cannot be obtained by human works, but is only by the grace of God through faith in Christ for all who believe.

David composed a hymn, a song, extolling the greatness of God in the revelation of his nature, his character displayed in his grace to us. Psalm 145:3 Great is YHWH (Yahweh) and greatly to be praised.

The Psalms of David are so valuable and instructive to God's people in every age. The overarching theme of this psalm is the magnificent greatness of God. The content of this psalm may be structured as follows: I. From whom should Yahweh's praise come? It would come from David himself as well as all of God's people and even all humanity from every age. It will arise from one generation to another as the faith is passed on by faithful teachers and preachers. All the saints of God who call on him, those who fear him and love him will praise him. II. When should Yahweh's praise come forth? David declares it would arise every day as well as forever and ever from him - probably indicating it would continue into the future after his death. David is the model for all God's people to follow. III. Why should Yahweh's people offer him unending praise? It is because of his mighty acts, his goodness to all his creatures, but especially for the perfections of his holy being: he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and steadfast in love, as well as righteous and not neglecting to destroy the wicked. Christians today should follow David's example and be people unswervingly committed to praising and blessing God every day of our lives.

Paul writes in Colossians 3:16, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." These words address participation in Christian assembly and tells us to use Psalms. We should read them, pray them, sing them and teach and preach them. Three recently used psalms demonstrate this. The psalms reviewed are, first of all, Psalm 130, a prayer of lament and petition resulting in a self exhortation and a group exhortation. For the next service we turned to Psalm 105. However, Psalm 105 and 106 are actually one psalm of poetic historical narrative of God's dealings with his chosen people, the Hebrews, Israel. The psalm is an exhortation to praise God and a teaching device to encourage spiritual renewal in light of God's faithfulness. Lastly, we used Psalm 86, a prayer of David in the form of lament and petition to Yahweh, the Lord. It is a heartfelt prayer of deep relationship with God confessing God's uniqueness- You alone are God. There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. 9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. 10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, O Yahweh, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. 12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. 13 For great is your steadfast love toward me

We are not told the specific occasion for David's distress but we can learn from him how to deal with the trials that come our way. He goes to Yahweh in prayer with confidence that God would answer him. Even in the midst of David's personal trials, God's glory and majesty remains unchanged and his worthiness to be worshiped will be recognized by all nations. David's enemies are ruthless, but God's love and faithfulness is steadfast. As David is comforted in his God, so are we as we look to him.

The Lord's Supper , holy Communion is an integral part of Christian worship and the singing done at the Table should be rich in content filled with biblical orthodox teaching as well as praise and prayer. Jesus set the example at inaugural holy meal recorded in Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26. After singing a hymn (probably Psalm 118) they went out to the Mount of Olives. Consider the teaching of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:14-21 and Luke's words in Acts 2:42 and Acts 20:7. The Supper was frequent apparently every First Day of the week when the disciples, the believers came together to eat the Lord's Supper. See 1 Cor. 11 repeated phrase "when you come together". Examples of good hymns to sing at the Lord's Table that express rich biblical teaching and the meaning are cited. From the Baptist Charles Spurgeon, in the 19th century when teaches spiritual presence of the Resurrected Lord Jesus, "Among Us Our Beloved Stands". Alex Motyer, in the 20th century, "O God Your Mercy Moved by Love" and "Behold the Lamb, Communion Hymn" by the Getty's in 2006.

The people of Israel rejoiced in Yahweh because they remembered his mighty acts in their history, especially how he chose them, the least of all the peoples of the earth, to be his very own treasured possession. Then he graciously saved them from starvation when he brought them from Canaan to Egypt. After several hundred years they had grown into a populous nation which the Egyptians feared, so they oppressed them and put them into servitude. Yahweh sent Moses to deliver them out of Egypt, lead them through forty years of wilderness wanderings, and bring them to the Promised Land. God brought them there so they could obey his law and live before him as his special people. When the ancient prophecies of the coming Messiah-Deliverer of God's people were fulfilled in the incarnation of the Son of God, Jesus Christ the Lord, and through his subsequent death, resurrection, and ascension, there was even greater reason to remember the mighty acts of Yahweh seen in the Savior. Through his Son, God has done all that was necessary to save his people from their sins, granting them eternal life and fellowship with himself. God's actions in Christ must be proclaimed by his people throughout their daily lives. We pray for the Lord to open up doors for us in our everyday lives to speak the Gospel to people in our culture whom he brings us in contact with. Both the speaking of the gospel and the receiving of it are works of the Holy Spirit.

The act of worship that is Christian baptism must contain the proclamation of the Word containing its institution and its meaning. A biblical way of enhance this service is to sing Christ centered gospel focused hymns expressing Biblical truth to both the one being baptized and the body of worshippers participating in this gospel ordinance. Psalm 105:2 ESV Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! There are examples of people who upon being baptized responded with rejoicing Acts 8, the newly baptized Ethiopian went on home rejoicing. The converted Philippian jailer upon hearing and believing the good news was baptized and rejoiced greatly with all his household, having believed in God. Acts 16:34 New Testament baptism presents conversion and baptism together. We must not separate what God has joined! The order of human response to God's sovereign move in grace is to repent-believe and baptized. One very important way of worshiping at the observance of baptism is to read appropriate scripture ,comment upon it and sing songs that express the meaning of the act to both the one being baptized and the others witnessing and sharing in this act of worship. Two examples of hymns are "The Servants of God a Baptized and When Jesus Died Upon the Cross

Sermon Outline: I. The Distress of the Psalmist - v. 1-3 II. The Relief of the Psalmist - v. 4-6 III. The Certain Hope of God's People - v. 7-8 As we read this Psalm we see that the psalmist is in great distress and is crying out for the mercy of God. The thing that is overwhelming him is his own sin, his great iniquity. He knows how righteous God is but is comforted in Yahweh's steadfast love and plentiful redemption. So the Psalmist waits in certain hope that God will redeem him as well as all his people from their iniquities. Knowing the Old Testament promises of the Messiah is where his ultimate hope rested: the coming One who would pay the price for the true removal of their sin and guilt. We, too, wait for the consummation of our salvation at Christ's return.

Jesus Christ gave and commanded two ordinances or sacraments for his followers to observe. Both are directly connected to and embody the gospel, the wonderful news of forgiveness and new life with God as our Father through the redemptive actions of Jesus- his life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension into heaven. Through these appointed rites we participate with Christ in his work on our behalf. To counter the all to common low view of the ordinances we must embrace a robust biblical view of their connection with our salvation through union with the Lord Jesu