Hope for the Journey

July 15, 2021Key Verse SeriesRomans 16Episode 63A study of the promises of God based on Max Lucado's book, Unshakeable Hope.

July 7, 2021Key Verse SeriesGenesis 1:1Episode 62

June 29, 2021Psalms SeriesPsalm 19Episode 61The great preacher of London, Charles Spurgeon wrote these words: “He is wisest who reads both the world-book and the Word-book as two volumes of the same work, and feels concerning them, ‘My Father wrote them both.'”Psalm 19 is both the world-book Psalm and the Word-book PsalmTwo Kinds of Diving Revelation1. General Revelation - revelation of God in nature2. Special Revelation - revealing of God in the ScripturesPsalm 19 focuses on both types of revelationGeneral Revelation:  Psalm 19:1-3 (NIV)  1  The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  2  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  3  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.   Three (3) thoughts in regard to General Revelation in Psalm 191st, General Revelation is continuous.  Notice the wording in the 2nd verse.   Psalm 19:2 (NIV)  2  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  2nd, General Revelation is abundant.  Again, look at the 2nd verse.   Psalm 19:2 (NIV)  2  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.   3rd, General Revelation is universal. In other words it is evident everywhere and anywhere.  Take a look at the 3rd verse.   Psalm 19:3-4 (NIV)  3  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.  4  Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,  Special RevelationThe rest of the Psalm reveals what God's Word does for us:Psalm 19:7-14 (NIV)  7  The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8  The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9  The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10  They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11  By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.  12  Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.  13  Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.  14  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. This is why it is so important for us to read the Word, meditate upon the Word, and of course, obey the Word.  

June 22, 2021Psalms SeriesPsalm 91 - Finding Rest in GodEpisode 60Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)  1  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  2  I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." 4 Metaphors for GodThe 1st one is Shelter: a shelter is a place that we go to when we are caught in a storm, a tornado or a flood.  It is where we are safe, where we can rest, where we can find food.  During the Cold War a number of buildings within the community were designated as shelters – they were places that people could go to in case of a nuclear attack.   Shadow: a shadow is like shade.  On a hot day we usually seek out a place of shade to find refuge from the hot sun.  It could be the shadow of a tree or the side of a building.  And not only does it give us a cooler place to rest the shadow protects us from the harmful UV rays of the sun.   The 3rd word is Refuge: another word for refuge is hiding place.  Many ancient castles had places where the inhabitants could hide if the castle was invaded by an enemy.  There were secret passages, hallways, and rooms behind the walls to hide in or to flee.  During the Civil War there were hiding places for slaves who escaped.  And as they traveled north to Canada they would hide here and there on a route called the Underground Railroad.   The final word is Fortress: numerous psalms speak of God being our fortress, such as the 46th Psalm, which was used by Martin Luther in writing the hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.”  Over the years I have visited many forts.  Forts from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, even WWII.  Forts are a place of protection when we are surrounded by enemies.  Now, the question often arises, well, does this mean that we will never experience problems with our enemies and we will never get sick?   And the answer is no.  There will be times when we encounter such struggles and they will have an effect upon us.  However, in the broad spectrum of life God over and over again delivers us from manifold danger.  He is our shelter, our shadow, our refuge, our fortress.  He does cover us with His wings.  Charles Spurgeon, the great 19th century preacher in London wrote this about the 91st Psalm: he said,“The blessings here promised are not for all believers, but for those who live in close fellowship with God.  Every child of God looks towards the inner sanctuary and the mercy-seat, yet all do not dwell in the most holy place; they run to it at times, and enjoy occasional approaches, but they do not habitually reside in the mysterious presence.” 

June 16, 2021Psalms SeriesPsalm 46 – Radical TrustEpisode 59This is the Psalm that inspired the hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.Now, the emphasis in this Psalm is on God and how God alone is our refuge and our help in times of trouble.  Many people think that they will only be secure in this life if they have enough money.  Obviously money is a huge help in times of need, but during the times of real struggle money is not the answer.   Others depend upon their education, or upon their skills, or depend upon their connections (you've heard the saying -- it's not what you know, but who you know).  God is our refuge  Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)  1  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Our ultimate security is found in God.  God is our strength  Psalm 46:1 (NIV)  1  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Sometimes God shields us from troubles like a fortress or a refuge.  But sometimes He doesn't.  And it is during those times that God gives us strength to get through the difficulty, rather than taking us out of the difficulty.  He enables us to get through the storms of life. How can we apply this to our lives? Be still. CeasePsalm 46:10 (NIV)  10  "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  Sometimes God shields us from troubles like a fortress or a refuge.  But sometimes He doesn't.  And it is during those times that God gives us strength to get through the difficulty, rather than taking us out of the difficulty.  He enables us to get through the storms of life. Know that God is God  Psalm 46:10 (NIV)  10  "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  Often times the Hebrew word for ‘know' means to experience.  In other words, we can and will experience God at work in our life if we will be still, if we will wait for God to show up.   

June 8, 2021Psalms SeriesPsalm 11 – Where to TurnEpisode 58 Psalm 11:3 (NIV)  3  When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" When everything around us seems so unstable where do we turn?  Our natural tendency is to do what David's friends suggested to him.  Look at the latter half of the 1st verse. Psalm 11:1 (NIV)  1  … How then can you say to me: "Flee like a bird to your mountain. That's what we often do – flee to the mountain.  In other words we look for ways to escape.  We deny the reality of our troubles.  Or at the very least we try to ignore it.  David questions this suggestion from his friends.  In fact, he shares his response to the circumstances as he verbally questions their thoughts on the matter.  Look again at the 1st verse. What to do when you need help:Take Refuge - Psalm 11:1 (NIV)  1  In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: "Flee like a bird to your mountain. Did you catch what he said?  In the LORD I take refuge.Look Up - David then expands this thought in the rest of the 11th Psalm.  He reminds us here that despite how bad things may appear we do what?  We can look up.  God is in charge.  He is still on the throne.  Notice what he says in the 1st part of the 4th verse.   Psalm 11:4 (NIV)  4  The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. … Know that God sees everything - Psalm 11:4 (NIV)  4  The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them.  Hebrews 4:13 (NLT) 13  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. God sees everything that is going on.  Nothing escapes His attention.  Nothing takes Him by surprise.   Know that God is in control  

June 1, 2021Psalms SeriesPsalm 119 – Four Ways to Depend on GodEpisode 57Psalm 119:176 (NIV)  176  I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.The writer of this psalm was a man of prayer.  He was a man of the Word.  He was diligent in studying the Scriptures.  He was godly in his character.  And yet he writes these words: “I have strayed like a lost sheep”, or as it is translated in the NLT, “I have wandered away like a lost sheep.”With this humble description the psalmist declares that he needs a fresh touch from God.  And in the preceding verses he asked the Lord for 4 things in this final section of the psalm.  Let's discover them together as we examine this portion of the 119th Psalm.  The 1st thing that he prays for is understanding.  Look with me at the 169th verse. Psalm 119:169 (NIV)  169  May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word.  The psalmist prayed for a greater understanding.  2nd, he prayed for deliverance.   Psalm 119:170 (NIV)  170  May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.  The 3rd thing that the psalmist prays for is to have a heart of worship. Psalm 119:171-172 (NIV)  171  May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.  172  May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.  The last thing that he prays for is for power to live an upright life.   Psalm 119:173 (NIV)  173  May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.   

May 25, 2021Psalms SeriesPsalm 119 – Building a Stronger Prayer LifeEpisode 56Four Ways to Build a Stronger Prayer Life based on Psalm 119Learn to pray with a sense of urgency. Develop the ability to pray earnestly, so that your prayer is heartfelt.  Psalm 119:145-147 (NIV) 145  I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees. 146  I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. 147  I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. Develop a regular habit of praying. It needs to be part of our everyday life:  Psalm 119:147-148 (NIV)  147  I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.  148  My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.  Couple prayer with reading the Word. This will ground your praying.  Psalm 119:145-147 (NIV)  145  I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees. 146  I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. 147  I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.  Pray with faith.  Psalm 119:150 (NIV)  150  Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. Psalm 119:151 (NIV)  151  Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true. Recently I came across an interesting statement about prayer written by Max Lucado.  Notice what he says.“Our prayers may be awkward.  Our attempts may be feeble.  But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.”  

May 18, 2021Psalms SeriesPsalm 119 (part 2) – God’s Amazing WordEpisode 564 reasons why the psalmist said that God’s words are wonderful.  Augustine, said, “God’s Word is shallow enough not to drown the young, but deep enough that the greatest theologian will never touch the bottom.”God's word gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:132 (NIV)  132  Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.  We find the mercy of God in his word. Psalm 119:132 (NIV)  132  Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.  God's word gives guidance for our pathway in life. Psalm 119:133 (NLT)  133  Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.  God's word is true, it is reliable. Psalm 119:138 (NIV)  138  The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.  Psalm 119:140 (NIV)  140  Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.  

May 11, 2021Psalms SeriesPsalm 119Episode 55Psalm 119:105 (NIV)  105  Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Four Things We Encounter Made Clearer by the Light of the Word Guidance - The scriptural principles that we find in the Bible can direct our path in life. Psalm 119:105 (NIV)  105  Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.  Comfort - The Scriptures encourage us even when we are suffering.  Psalm 119:107 (NIV)  107  I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word. Worship - The Word of God is very much a part of our worship of God.   Psalm 119:108 (NIV)  108  Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Stability - Be faithful to live out the word, keep trusting and obeying it , even through the struggles of life.  Psalm 119:109 (NLT) 109  My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions. Psalm 119:111-114 (NIV) 111  Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. 112  My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. 113  I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. 114  You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. 

May 4, 2021Psalms SeriesPsalm 1 - Useful or Useless?Episode 54There are two options in this psalm, two directions. Jesus often taught this way. Two foundations we can build our house on - sand or rocktwo gates and two roads Matthew 7:13-14Two portraits in Psalm 1, the blessed man and the wicked man.Blessed Man - what he does not do: not influenced by the culture or lifestyle of cultureDelights in the law of GodLike a strong tree that produces fruit year after yearWicked Man -Like chaffPsalm 1 states here that blessed is the man/woman who steers clear of the influence of the evil of our culture and delights in being spiritually nourished by the Word of God.  But if we are not listening to God’s teachings then we are like chaff.  

April 27, 2021Psalms SeriesPsalm 33Episode 53How to worship God: Psalm 33:1  Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 2  Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 3  Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.Why to worship God:Psalm 33:4  For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.God is always right and trueGod is always faithfulPsalm 33:5  The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. God is righteous and justGod's love is unfailingPsalm 33:6  By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7  He gathers the waters of the sea into jars ; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8  Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. 9  For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.God is powerfulPsalm 33:10  The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11  But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.God is sovereignWhat God does for Us:Psalm 33:12  Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.Psalm 33:18  But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,Resulting Response and Prayer to God:Psalm 33:20  We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22  May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

April 20, 2021Psalms SeriesThe Abundant Blessing Awaiting UsEpisode 52Psalm 23:5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.Grazing in the highlands or Table lands. A place prepared by the shepherd for the sheep.Hospitality of the desert: oil and liquid refreshmentIn the 14th chapter of John Jesus reminds us that He is preparing for that day when we will be in heaven.  John 14:1  "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. 2  In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."Psalm 23:6  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.David loved being in the house of the LordIs it not true that when you are strongly conscious of the nearness of God, whether it be in your private devotions or in the corporate worship setting, that experience inspires your soul and enables you to keep on keeping on.  The 23rd Psalm reveals to us that God is our awesome God and He is our shepherd.  And as our shepherd he wants to give us rest and restoration.  He wants to guide us along the pathway of life.  And if the walk gets difficult He will be there with us every step of the way.  And one of these days we will gather together and feast at God’s table.   In the meanwhile it is a day by day dependence upon God.  We are His sheep and He is our shepherd.  

April 13, 2021Psalms SeriesThe Paths of LifeEpisode 5123:3  he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.Who is leading us in our life? God has a path for each of usGod wants us to be walking on paths of righteousnessWalking through valleys Psalm 23:4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.God's rod and staff Psalm 23:4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

April 6, 2021Psalm SeriesPsalm 23 Part 1 of 3Episode 50

March 30, 2021Easter SundayWhy the Resurrection MattersEpisode 49Two questions regarding the resurrectionWhat does the resurrection mean?Jesus is who he claims he is.  Matthew 16:13-17 (NIV) Equal with God 13  When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"  14  They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."  15  "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"  16  Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  17  Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.                                                   Jesus never claimed to be a great religious leader.  He never claimed to be a great prophet.  But He did claim to be the Son of God.  And by claiming that title – the association was, that He was equal with God. John 14:6 (NIV) The Only Way to God 6  Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus says here that He and He alone is the only way to God.  In other words, contrary to popular belief, not all roads lead to heaven. The resurrection means that Jesus has the power that he claims to have.John 10:18 (NLT) 18  No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”  No one could keep Him in the tomb Why does the resurrection matter?Our sin can be forgiven Romans 3:23-24 (NLT) 23  For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.  24  Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.We can have a purpose for living. Jesus came that we may have life.  Not just life in the future in the glory of heaven, but life in the here and now.  We can have a home in heaven. John 14:1-3 (NIV)  1  "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.  2  In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.  3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 

March 23, 2021Palm SundayThomas – Doubter or Man of Faith?Episode 48John 11:14-16 (NIV)  14  So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead,  15  and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."  16  Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." The NLT explains to us what this other name was all about. John 11:16 (NLT)  16  Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, Haven’t you always heard Thomas referred to as “doubting Thomas,” not “twin Thomas”?  However, the Bible doesn’t say “doubting Thomas” anywhere. Thomas certainly doesn’t sound like someone who was filled with doubt in this passage.  In the 8th verse some of the disciples expressed doubt about the idea of going to Bethany, but Thomas said “let’s roll!” Maybe Thomas deserves more credit than recent church history has given to him.  Maybe Thomas’ problem wasn’t so much doubt, but rather it was honest questioning.  John 14:5-6 (NIV) 5  Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"  6  Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. I tend to think that this was an honest question that Thomas had, not an expression of doubt.  He did not quite understand what Jesus was talking about.  And so Jesus did not rebuke him, but rather He answered Thomas’ inquiry.  John 20:19-20 (NIV)  19  On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 20  After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. John 20:24-25 (NIV)  24  Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.  25  So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." And here is where we get the nickname “doubting Thomas.”  Now, it may very well have been doubt.  But I think it wasn’t so much that Thomas didn’t believe that God COULD bring about the resurrection of Jesus, but rather he was unsure as to whether or not God WOULD bring about the resurrection.  It is hard for us sometimes to believe in the unbelievable.  I think that is what Thomas struggled with.  He knew God could do it, but the question is, would God do it?  Jesus answered this question for Thomas by showing up again in the room where they gathered.Jesus was so patient with Thomas.  Each time He helped Thomas to get the answers to his questions.   Asking questions of God.Thomas had questions, honest questionsSometimes we have questionsNot necessarily a lack of faithJames 1:5 (NLT) 5  If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.Thomas' faith grew stronger from the answers to his questionsTake your questions to GodWait for his answers

March 16, 2021Seven Last Words Series #7Death ConqueredEpisode 47Luke 23:44-47 (NIV) 44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. At this point, according to the gospel of John which we looked at last Sunday, Jesus said “it is finished.” And then in the next breath, vs. 46 …46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. 47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." Three things that we can draw from Jesus' words, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." The relationship with the Father has been restored. "Reunion"The contrast of the hands, being in the "hands of men" for 12 hours and then putting himself into the hands of the father. Jesus did not have his life taken away from him. He willingly gave it up. He gave himself into his father's hands. Jesus was not conquered by death on the cross. On the cross Jesus conquered death. In 1815 Napoleon was on the move. As the emperor of France he had conquered much of Europe and now he had his eyes on England. To try to stop him the British and Prussian armies under the command of the Duke of Wellington met the French army in Belgium. Everyone in England waited for news of the outcome of the battle. This was before instant news on TV or radio, before cellphones or even before the telegram. Eventually a British ship came into the harbor and began to send a signal to the watchman in the cathedral tower. The 1st word was Wellington. The next word was defeated. And then a fog began to fill the harbor so that the ship could no longer be seen. The signal man in the cathedral tower was devastated. Wellington had been defeated. All hope for England was gone. The bad news spread fast from village to village and city to city. The nation was in shock. They would now have to live under the rule of Napoleon. But soon the fog began to fade away and the ship began to send the signal again.Wellington defeated the enemy!All of England rejoiced!On Good Friday it appeared that Jesus had been defeated at the hands of men, but in reality he was in the hands of God. Jesus was not conquered by death on the cross. On the cross Jesus conquered death.

March 9, 2021Seven Last Words Series #5The Purpose of ThirstEpisode 46John 19:28 (NIV) 28 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." John is the only gospel that records the 5th word that Jesus spoke on the cross. And there may be several reasons as to why he penned these words, but let me suggest to you 3 possible reasons as to why this short sentence is in his gospel. John wrote these words to remind us that Jesus said them in fulfillment of the OT prophesies. He points that out at the beginning of the verse. Take a look at it again – the 28th verse. John 19:28 (NIV) 28 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." This is a fulfillment of what is written in the 69th Psalm. Psalm 69:21 (NIV) 21 They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst. To correct Gnostic error that Jesus was only spiritual and not physical. John would often point out details in the life of Jesus that would prove that they were the ones who were incorrect. In his gospel John mentions that Jesus got tired and fell aside in the boat. Jesus got hungry. And here he brings up the fact that Jesus was thirsty. To remind us that Jesus is identifying with us. In his humanness, he understands our experiences of life. Jesus understands what we are going thru as we encounter the issues, the struggles, the everyday demands of life. Spiritual Thirst - because we are created in the image of God, we have a spiritual thirst as well. David expressed that in the 42nd Psalm. Notice what he said. Psalm 42:2 (NIV) 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? When Jesus was talking with the woman at the well he said this: John 4:10, 13&14 (NIV) 10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

March 2, 2021Seven Last Words Series #4The Agony and Ecstasy of the CrossEpisode 45This message deals with the anguish of the cross for Jesus and the resulting ecstasy for us.Matthew 27:46 (NIV) 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This then is the 4th word that Jesus spoke as he hung there upon the cross -- the word of “anguish.” There are times when we feel like God is far away, that He has abandoned us. It is a very real feeling. But we can trust that God will again show up and be at work in our life.Think about this: how could anyone who had such a close relationship with God the Father be forsaken? But that was a very real feeling that Jesus had that afternoon. And not only did he feel it, it was reality. God did indeed turn away. There are basically 2 reasons for what was happening at the 3 o’clock hour. They both blend together, but at the same time they are 2 distinct individual reasons. What are they?· Because of sin. Jesus died on the cross to make a way for our sins to be forgiven. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT) 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ Isaiah 53:5-6 (NLT) 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. · And because of the holiness of God. The 2nd reason as to why God turned away, and that is because God is holy. And being holy He had to turn away.

February 23, 2021Seven Last Words Series #3Looking Beyond OurselvesEpisode 44John 19:25 (NIV) 25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. What Mary experienced at the cross.Luke 2:34-35 (NLT) 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”Mary’s sister was there as well. John doesn’t mention Mary’s sisters’ name, but Matthew & Mark do tell us her name. It was Salome. We learn from Salome to humbly accept rebuke and learn from it. Salome was the one that asked Jesus if her two sons (James & John) could sit on either side of him (places of prestige) when he established his kingdom. Jesus had rebuked her for that request? Well, even though she had been rebuked and perhaps a bit embarrassed she was there by his side at the cross. The main characters of this passage are Jesus, his mother Mary, and John. Take a look at the 26th verse. John 19:26-27 (NIV) 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," 27 and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.In these verses the 3rd word that Jesus spoke is revealed, and that word is “affection.” He expressed affection or caring for his mother. Jesus gives us a wonderful example here in this passage. In the norm we would expect him to be focused on his own suffering. There is a spiritual principle that weaves thru-out the Scripture and Paul mentions it in his letter to the church at Philippi. Philippians 2:3 (NLT) 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.John's faithfulness to Jesus. Oh to be drawn closer to Jesus and to love him more and more. And to be more like Jesus so that we will not focus on ourselves, but rather we will be faithful to focus on others even as Jesus did as he hung there upon the cross. Looking beyond ourselves.

February 16, 2021Seven Last Words Series #2The Word of PardonEpisode 43Luke 23:35-38 (NIV) 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." 38 There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. A study of the two men who were crucified on either side of Jesus. Luke 23:39 (NIV) 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" Luke 23:40-42 (NIV) 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Coming into a relationship with Jesus 1st of all, he acknowledged his own sinfulness. Look again at the first part of the 41st verse. Luke 23:41 (NIV) 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. …The 2nd thing that we find in the words that were spoken by the thief is that he now grasps, comprehends, understands who Jesus is. He testifies that Jesus is sinless. Look again at the 41st verse. Luke 23:41 (NIV) 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." 3rd, we can see in his words that he also recognized the deity of Jesus. In the next verse (the 42nd verse) he says, Luke 23:42 (NIV) 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Then the next thing that we note here is that the thief believed that Jesus could save him. Look again at the 42nd verse. The thief cries out:Luke 23:42 (NIV) 42 … remember me when you come into your kingdom." In this passage we find the 5th and final thing that the thief understood, and that is, he was aware that death was not the end of it all. Luke 23:43 (NIV) 43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."Here’s the 2nd word that Jesus spoke upon the cross. It was the word of pardon. We can receive pardon – we can receive forgiveness for our sins and know that we are a part of the family of God (and one day will be in heaven) because of what Jesus did on Calvary. He was the sacrifice for us. He died for us

February 9, 2021 Ezekiel Series #11God in the Repair BusinessEpisode 42Now, in the 36th chapter the word from God to Ezekiel begins to move away from discipline and move toward the good news of restoration. The change in sermon topic was huge. Goal of discipline is restoration.Eventual restoration was God's plan for Israel too. Ezekiel 11:17 (NIV) 17 "Therefore say: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.' Land being restored Ezekiel 36:8-11The people being restored Ezekiel 36:24-28God's restoration of Israel to himself is a picture of our relationship with God. God chose to offer forgiveness to us because of what Jesus did on Calvary.Prophecy of restoration fulfilled more than once:Under Ezra and Nehemiah when the Jews returned from the Babylonian captivityAnd again in 1948 when the nation we know today as Israel was born.Restoration was the key and God gives Ezekiel a vision of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 to show him this.Bones represented the people of Israel.They were disheartened, discouraged and dry spiritually.The infusion of the Spirit of God resulted in a renewed sense of God's presence and new refreshing spiritual power. Touch Your People Once Again.

February 2, 2021Ezekiel Series #10Choosing Your Theme SongEpisode 41Thus far in our study of this book we have noted that God has had the prophet preach verbal sermons and drama type sermons/visual sermons. Here in the 19th chapter we find that now God is asking Ezekiel to do a musical sermon, in other words, to sing a song. Ezekiel 19:1-2 (NIV) 1 "Take up a lament concerning the princes of Israel 2 and say: …A lament was a common and distinctive type of a song. Normally it was as song that would be sung at a funeral. As you sang this song you would be declaring the virtues of the person who had passed away. But Ezekiel was lamenting people who were still alive. Kind of like the Mafia gathering around you and starting to hum...Usually the song would proclaim the virtues of the person who had died. This song, however, was about the faults of the leaders and kings of Israel who were still alive. In the first verses of the chapter the imagery is that of a mother lion and her cubs. As you read thru the song you will notice that one of the cubs tears at his prey. As a result he ends up being hunted down and carried off to Egypt. Ezekiel 19:4 (NIV) The next cub is even more destructive and he too was captured and taken away by the Babylonians. Ezekiel 19:8-9 (NIV) After this the song moves from the lion cubs to a vine. And the end result was the same. The vine was uprooted and languished in the hot & dry desert. Ezekiel 19:10-12 (NIV) It was a sad song. And the people didn’t want to hear it, just like they didn’t want to hear and see the previous sermons from Ezekiel. Now, in our culture we don’t like sad endings like this. We want the end of the book or the end of the movie to be a happy ending. Well, there was no prospect of a happy ending for the latter kings of Israel & Judah because they had failed to heed the warnings that the prophets had given to them. The same is true for the church today. It happened to the church in the past and it can happen again.Examples:Some of the 7 churches mentioned in the book of RevelationGermany - where the Reformation had its beginnings...most churches empty on Sundays.England - Westminster Chapel pastored by G.Campbell Morgan in the early 1900's with a smattering of people by the end of the century.We need to keep in mind that when we turn away from God (whether as an individual Christian or as the church at large) when we turn away from God there is not a happy ending – there is not a joyful song sung. Now, thankfully God is the God of mercy & grace. When God judged Israel & Judah it was pictured in the OT as if God had pulled the vine out of the ground. However, thankfully God did not dig up the roots. He left a stump, and out of that stump came blessing in the days ahead.But where are you right now in your relationship with God? Are you experiencing a close walk? Or are you acting like the latter kings of Israel & Judah and are not paying much attention to God and you are doing your own thing – maybe even outright disobeying the teachings of God? Think about this for a moment – if Ezekiel were to sing a song about you would it be a song of joy or would be a song of lament?

January 26, 2021 Ezekiel Series #9 Listening to God Episode 40Why is it that some people can sit under the preaching of the Word of God for years and it just doesn’t seem to make much of an impact upon their life? Satan uses a variety of methods to nullify the impact of scriptureBlinding the person (2 Corinthians 4:4)Distractions so don't pay attentionPreoccupied with other thingsIllnessBusynessRelationshipsDetours our thinkingHeard it all before attitudeDon't admit/see our needFalse confidence - God's word won't happenEzekiel 12 (NIV)21 The word of the Lord came to me: 22 “Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel: ‘The days go by and every vision comes to nothing’?2 Timothy 4 (NLT)3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.Conclusion: are we listening and is God’s Word making a transforming impact upon our life?

January 19, 2021Ezekiel Series #8 Has God Left?Episode 39This poignant message from Ezekiel 9-11 examines Ezekiel's vision in which he witnesses the glory of God leaving the temple. From Ezekiel, we turn to the New Testament to hear Jesus's words to the church not only of the first century, but for the church today as well as Pastor Wayne brings the message home for today.In Ezekiel 9 judgement comes on Jerusalem. In Ezekiel 10 witnesses what comes after the judgementEzekiel 10(NIV)10:1 I looked, and I saw the likeness of a throne of sapphire above the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim.2 The Lord said to the man clothed in linen, “Go in among the wheels beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.” And as I watched, he went in.3 Now the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple when the man went in, and a cloud filled the inner court. 4 Then the glory of the Lord rose from above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple. The cloud filled the temple, and the court was full of the radiance of the glory of the Lord.5 The sound of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far away as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when he speaks.He continues to speak of this vision in the next several verses. Let’s jump ahead and pick up the story in the 18th verse. Notice what is written here. Ezekiel 10(NIV)18 Then the glory of the Lord departed from over the threshold of the temple and stopped above the cherubim.19 While I watched, the cherubim spread their wings and rose from the ground, and as they went, the wheels went with them. They stopped at the entrance of the east gate of the Lord’s house, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them.In the 11th chapter we read these descriptive words: Ezekiel 11 (NLT)22 Then the cherubim lifted their wings and rose into the air with their wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel hovered above them.23 Then the glory of the Lord went up from the city and stopped above the mountain to the east.The people had turned their backs on God. We do too when we allow other things, other people to take PRIORITY over God.God sent the prophets to warn - but the warnings were ignored. God sent judgement - still the people did not repent.So God left - and they didn't even notice How this relates to the church today:Revelation 3:20 (NLT)20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.If you look at the context of this verse, the passage is not written for the lost. It was written to the church – specifically to the church at Laodicea. Jesus is standing outside of the church doorWhat does that indicate?Apparently Jesus was not inside the churchBut he wanted to beIs it possible that the church in general in America today is endeavoring to function without the presence of God, the glory of God in their midst? Ezekiel prays when he witnesses the glory of God leaving. The church in America needs to cry out to God in prayer today...invite his wondrous presence to come and bring revival, renewal and restoration.

January 12, 2021Ezekiel Series #7 Where is Your Focus?Episode 38Ezekiel 6:1-2 (NLT) 1 Again a message came to me from the LORD: 2 “Son of man, turn and face the mountains of Israel and prophesy against them. Ezekiel 6:2-4 (NIV) 2 "Son of man, set your face against the mountains of Israel; prophesy against them 3 and say: 'O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Sovereign LORD. This is what the Sovereign LORD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: I am about to bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places. 4 Your altars will be demolished and your incense altars will be smashed; and I will slay your people in front of your idols. Issue: throughout Israel's history they repeatedly worshiped false gods and idols. Wanting it both ways - at times they wanted it both ways. They tried to worship both God and gods. God was not amused. God does not tolerate sharing His honor and glory with some other so called gods. Result - God sent his disciplineMany did not listenNot everyone followed that patternEzekiel 6:8 (NIV) 8 "'But I will spare some, for some of you will escape the sword when you are scattered among the lands and nations.Ezekiel 6:8 (KJV) 8 Yet will I leave a remnant, that ye may have some that shall escape the sword among the nations, when ye shall be scattered through the countries. Remnants:ElijahUnderground churchesA group that remains faithful to the teachings of GodIdols - An idol is anything (or anyone) that has more influence on our thinking and on our lifestyle than God has.Questions to ask ourselves:What has the most influence on my life?What do I give freely of my time, effort and resources to?Is my focus divided?Do I pay attention sometimes to God (when it is convenient) and at other times to other things (idols)?Am I part of the remnant that is faithful to follow the Lord with my whole heart?Where is my focus?

This message, taken from Joshua 1, about entering the unknown with confidence was preached in the year 2019. The principles discovered in the study are still applicable to our setting today. In Joshua 1, the Israelites are about to cross the Jordan River and enter the promised land for the first time. They didn't know what exactly was ahead of them. It was all new territory. A new year is like that. We don't know what is ahead for us.Josh 1:1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide:2 "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them--to the Israelites.Similarities between crossing the Jordan and our crossing the passage of time from one year to the next:leaving behind the familiar and entering the unknownfear can well up in our hearts and minds when facing the unknownWhat prepared the Israelites to cross the river?The fact that they were assured of God's presence. Moses' words to the people before he died and they entered the land: Deut. 31:7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."We have the assurance of God's promises. Knowing the promises and obeying them as well. Joshua 1:7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.The promises and the Word give direction and guidance. The word is "like a lamp unto my feet." Not a big flashlight that shows the whole path, but a lamp. It shows a few steps at a time. example of promises from Philippians 4. Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.(KJV)4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

December 29, 2020 Christmas #3 Losing Jesus Episode 36Luke 2:41-45 (NIV) 41 Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43 After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. Have you ever lost Jesus?Are there times when the joy of the Lord seems to fade?Do you feel like a ship drifting on the water?The English poet, William Cowper once wrote these words: “Where is the blessedness I knew When first I saw the Lord?Where is the soul refreshing viewOf Jesus and His Word?What peaceful hours I then enjoyed,How sweet their memory still; But now I find an aching voidThe world can never fill.” “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.” Key points:None of is immune - it can happen to any of usHow did this happen? They thought Jesus was nearby. Assumed everything was OK.Making it right.

December 22, 2020Christmas #2 Responding to ChristmasEpisode 35The common experiences of the shepherds and the wise men and how they responded to the birth of Jesus.Both received the announcement from God about the birth of Jesus.Shepherds: Luke 2:9-14 (NIV) 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Wise men: Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV) 1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." Both the shepherds and the wise men obeyed God's summons. They both went to Bethlehem to find the Christ child.Shepherds: Luke 2:15-16 (NIV) 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Wise men: Matthew 2:2 (NIV) 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." After receiving and obeying God's summons, both groups discovered that God's Word was true. Their experience culminated in worship. That should be the primary focus of the Christmas season...worshiping the Savior who was born that holy night in Bethlehem.

December 15, 2020Christmas #1 Was Jesus Born for You?Episode 34The Shepherds and the Wise MenLuke 2:8 (NIV) 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. Matthew 2:1 (NIV) 1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 1. Social status: Shepherds – low influence. Wise men – the opposite was true for them. They were trusted by everyone. 2. Financial status: Shepherds – they were poor. Wise men – on the other hand were very wealthy. 3. Educational status: Shepherds – they did not have a formal education, in other words, they didn’t go to school. It is my understanding that most of them probably could not even read. Wise men – they were very educated in the special areas, not just in general education. They were the teachers of their day.4. Proximity: The shepherds were nearby in the fields when Jesus was born. They didn’t have far to go.The Wise men though were far away when Jesus was born, but they too went to see him. Now, the point of showing you these contrasts is this: the story of Christmas clearly reveals to us that Jesus was born for all men and women. John 3:16 (NLT) 16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

December 8, 2020Ezekiel Series #6 Undivided FocusEpisode 33Ezekiel is instructed by God to preach a message on Judgement.Ezekiel 6:2-4 (NIV) 2 "Son of man, set your face against the mountains of Israel; prophesy against them 3 and say: 'O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Sovereign LORD. This is what the Sovereign LORD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: I am about to bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places. 4 Your altars will be demolished and your incense altars will be smashed; and I will slay your people in front of your idols.Israel worships false godsGod sent his disciplineThere was a remnantDefining remnant - small group of people who are faithful to honor the Lord.Examples of remnants.Challenge to us today.

December 1, 2020 Ezekiel Series #5 God’s Watchman – Straighten Up, Or Else! Episode 32Ezekiel gives dramatic sermons (or object lessons) in Ezekiel 4 followed by the solemn warning of chapter 5 (the "or else").Drama sermon #1Ezekiel 4:1 (NIV) 1 "Now, son of man, take a clay tablet, put it in front of you and draw the city of Jerusalem on it. I imagine that the people were spell bound as they watched Ezekiel craving this stone, wondering what in the world he was doing. 2 Then lay siege to it: Erect siege works against it, build a ramp up to it, set up camps against it and put battering rams around it.The message that was being proclaimed by this “drama” was that one day Jerusalem would be surrounded by the Babylonians. 3 Then take an iron pan, place it as an iron wall between you and the city and turn your face toward it. It will be under siege, and you shall besiege it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel. The iron pan symbolized the fact that sin had come between God and the people. Drama Sermon #2Ezekiel was to lay on his side for 390 days. Think about it – Ezekiel patiently laid on his side for 390 days, but eventually his patience ended and he got up. And that is what this drama sermon was about. This is a good spiritual principle for us to remember. There are limits to God’s amazing patience. God explains it all: chapter 5Ezekiel 5:5-8 (NIV) 5 "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: This is Jerusalem, which I have set in the center of the nations, with countries all around her. 6 Yet in her wickedness she has rebelled against my laws and decrees more than the nations and countries around her. She has rejected my laws and has not followed my decrees. 7 "Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: You have been more unruly than the nations around you and have not followed my decrees or kept my laws. You have not even conformed to the standards of the nations around you. 8 "Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself am against you, Jerusalem, and I will inflict punishment on you in the sight of the nations. The point of all of these words is that Ezekiel was warning that God would allow all of this to happen because of their stubbornness in disobedience. The warning from God that Ezekiel preached about in his “drama sermons” is a warning that we need to heed in this day as well.

November 24, 2020 Ezekiel Series #4 God’s Watchman – Keeping the World Right-side Up Episode 31Ezekiel's heavenly vision and return to the exile camp.Ezekiel's call to be a watchman: Ezekiel 3:16-17 (NIV) 16 At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me: 17 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. Definition of a WatchmanResponsibilities of a Watchman Ezekiel 3:18 (NIV) 18 When I say to a wicked man, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood.Responsibility of Pastors and all Christians to be God's watchman. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”Two fold responsibility of today's watchman:Are we enabling the men & women who have heard God’s call (the missionaries – the IW’s) are we enabling them by giving and praying? Are we doing our part in sharing a word from God to those that we encounter in our sphere of influence?

November 17, 2020Ezekiel Series #3 Essential Ministry AssetsEpisode 30As God calls Ezekiel to go and minister to the Jews in exile in Babylon we find two essential elements, or assets given to Ezekiel for ministry. These areThe Holy Spirit (or being filled with the Holy Spirit)The Word of God (or being filled with the Word of God)Ezekiel 2:1-2 (NIV) 1 He said to me, "Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you." 2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. As you read thru the book of Ezekiel you will find that on several occasions the Spirit of God lifts Ezekiel up and gives him the divine power to carry out the task that God gives him to do. This was a supernatural task that God was calling him to do, therefore he needed supernatural enabling. And that supernatural enabling comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. We need to follow the example of Ezekiel. We need to fall on our faces in God’s presence, recognizing that we don’t have the strength, the talent, the insights, or the whatever to faithfully serve Him. We need His enabling. We need His power. We need the filling of the Holy Spirit. The 2nd thing that he was filled with was the Word of God. Look with me at the 7th verse.Ezekiel 2:7-10 (NIV) 7 You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. 8 But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you." 9 Then I looked, and I saw a hand stretched out to me. In it was a scroll, 10 which he unrolled before me. On both sides of it were written words of lament and mourning and woe. Ezekiel 3:1-4 (NIV) 1 And he said to me, "Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel." 2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. 3 Then he said to me, "Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it." So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. 4 He then said to me: "Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak my words to them. The basic idea is this – Ezekiel needed to be filled with the Word of the Lord as he went to preach the Word of the Lord to the people. It is as simple as this – we cannot share the Word of God with others if we do not have an understanding of it ourselves. Whatever our calling is -- if we are going to fulfill that calling that God has for us then we will need His empowering. We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. And we need to have a basic knowledge of the Word.

November 10, 2020Ezekiel Series #2 Encountering the Majestic GodEpisode 29Here in the 1st chapter we find Ezekiel standing near the Kebar River, and as he is standing there he is confronted with an amazing spectacle. He saw the glory of God. This was not a new phenomenon. What is new is the way in which this vision that Ezekiel saw was manifested. Ezekiel 1:27 (NIV) 27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him.Ezekiel 1:28 (NIV) 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell face-down, and I heard the voice of one speaking.No adequate words to describe what he was seeing. We like a God we can put into a box.God is far greater than we can imagine1. The Omnipresence of GodEzekiel 1:16 (NIV) 16 This was the appearance and structure of the wheels: They sparkled like chrysolite, and all four looked alike. Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel.WHEELSRepresent the omnipresence of God: Ezekiel 1:18 (NIV) 18 "Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around. and 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NLT) 9 "The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. … " and Hebrews 4:13 (NLT) 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.2. The Power and Authority of God (omnipotence)Ezekiel 1:26-27 (NIV) 26 Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. 27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him.3. Ezekiel's response to God's revelation of HimselfFalls facedownoverwhelmed by the mystery and majesty of God

November 3, 2020Ezekiel Series (#1 in series)Living in ExileEpisode 28Ezekiel 1:1 (NIV) 1 In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. To be in exile does NOT mean that they are merely living somewhere other than where they would prefer to live – in other words, Jerusalem was their 1st choice. But Babylon was not their 2nd or 3rd choice of places to live at. They didn’t want to live there at all. To be in exile is NOT simply being homeless. No, being an exile means that you have been forcibly removed from your home and there are other people living in your home (probably your enemies). Being in exile is having your life pulled out by the roots and everything has changed. The things that you once took for granted are no longer there. How the Jews responded to being in exile:They WeptPsalm 137:1-4 (NIV) 1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. 2 There on the poplars we hung our harps, 3 for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!" 4 How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land? They DreamedPsalm 126:1 (NIV) 1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Learning to move from weeping to dreaming in our difficultiesGathering together with believersWeep togetherPray togetherStudy God's Word togetherMove from weeping to dreaming

October 27, 2020Colossians Deep Dive (#27 in series)Ordinary People Empowered By an Extraordinary GodColossians 4:7-18 A verbal photograph of all the people involved in ministry with Paul.Tychicus (vs. 7-8) TrustworthyLoyalGood characterServant's heartOnesimus (vs. 9)A changed manAristarchus (vs. 10)mentioned 5 times in ActsExperienced hardship with PaulPrisonerMark (vs. 10)Gave upTrusted by Barnabas againMakes amends with PaulJustus (vs. 11)Encouragement to PaulEpaphras (vss. 12-13)From the church at ColossaeSold out for JesusPrayer WarriorLuke (vs. 14)Commitment Demas (vs. 14)Pulled by the world and gave up, II Timothy 4:9-10Ordinary men that had an impact on the ministry of the early church. God uses ordinary people to accomplish his goals for the ministry.

October 20, 2020 Colossians Deep Dive (#26 in series) Open DoorsColossians 4:2-3 (NIV) 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. I. Pray for Open Doors of Ministry Paul realizes that no matter how much “manpower” you might have, or resources that may be available to you, prayer is vital. He specifies that they pray for an open door. Other places this phrase occurs:1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (NLT) 8 In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost. 9 There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.2 Corinthians 2:12 (NIV) 12 Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, Acts 14:27 (NIV) 27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.How to pray for open doorsFor missionaries, International Workers - divine appointments, To encounter people who are sensitive to spiritual mattersRegardless of why the door is closed we need to pray that the power of God would push back the darkness and the door of ministry would be open. Why to pray for open doorsPaul needed the power of God to be present whenever he preached, if he was to be effective - to be clear, because preaching is not just about words that are spoken. Preaching is the Word of God touching the hearts of people. II. Our Conduct toward OutsidersColossians 4:5-6 (NIV) 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders (or unbelievers or non-Christians) ; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

October 13, 2020Colossians Deep Dive (#25 in series) Have You Given Up on Prayer?These three elements will enrich your prayer life.Colossians 4:2 (NIV) 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Being Devoted - The Greek word for “devoted” means “to be steadfast” or “courageously persistent.” Being devoted or persistent means to keep at it, to not give up when it feels like praying is a waste of time. To not throw in the towel when it seems like God is not answering your prayer. To not stop when it keeps getting harder to find the time or the desire to pray, and it does get harder on occasion. Being Watchful - The NLT uses the words “with an alert mind.” Being alert means to be watching for things that you should be praying for. Are we doing that? Have you noticed things that are happening in the life of your fellow Christians that you can join them in prayer about? Now, not only are we to be alert for prayer concerns in others, but we are to also be watching for the arrows of temptation that are aimed at us. Being Thankful - We need to be thankful for all of the many times that God hears and answers our prayers. It is good for us to say “thank you.”

October 6, 2020Colossians Deep Dive (#23 in series)Decoding the Marriage RelationshipColossians 3:17 (NIV) 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Now, in the next few verses Paul gets very specific about how we can live out the 17th verse. In the 18th verse Paul begins with the ladies. Colossians 3:18 (NIV) 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. The secret for wives that can make a huge difference in your marriage: Your husband needs your unconditional respect. Men feeling like they are not measuring up.Keep up good outer appearance while inner struggle goes onWives are in position to give encouragement, appreciation, respect (which is the form of respect being dealt with here.Colossians 3:19 (NIV) 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. The secret for men that can make the difference in your marriage:Your wife needs your unconditional loveLove is not indicative or passion or emotionA continuous action that reflects a choice. Choose to love your wife regardless of whether or not we have a matching emotion

September 29, 2020Colossians Deep Dive (#22 in series)How to Become a Spiritual Billionaire Colossians 3:16 (NIV) 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly 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. Last week it was the “let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.” This week it is “let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.” The Greek word for “dwell” means to “live in” or to “be at home”. In other words, the Word of God ought to be comfortable in our life. It should feel like it is part of the family. The Bible should not be just an occasional guest in our life. Do you follow what I mean? The Scripture should permeate every part of our life. Handle the word.Hide the Word.Firmly hold the Word.Why we don't spend time in the word:It makes us uncomfortableIt is too hard to understandWe are undisciplinedWe think the Bible is boring

September 22, 2020Colossians Deep Dive (#21 in series)Peace for the Journey Colossians 3:15 (NIV) 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.There are basically 3 applications to this principle of peace. Peace with God. The peace of God. And peace with one another. Peace with God. Reconciliation with God through the peace treaty provided by Jesus.Peace OF God. Colossians 3:15 (NIV) 15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, …" How do we allow the peace of Jesus to rule in our hearts, instead of allowing turmoil and anxiousness to have the upper hand? We pray.1st cry out to God as the man did in the gospel of Mark. Perhaps you recall the story. The man’s son was demon possessed and had problems with convulsions. He explains the situation to Jesus in the 9th chapter. Then 2nd, call for reinforcements. There are times when we need to ask others to pray for us. There are times when our faith isn’t strong enough and so we latch on to the faith of a fellow believer who will join us in prayer. A fellow believer who will walk with us through the struggle that we are encountering. Peace with one another. Congregations need to pay careful attention to the instructions that we find in Paul’s letter to the church at Rome. Romans 12:18 (NIV) 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.We can experience peace with God, and we can experience the peace of God, and we can experience peace with one another.

September 15, 2020Colossians Deep Dive (#11 in series)Putting on the Ritz – God’s WayColossians 3:10 (NIV) 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:12 (NIV) 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.Compassion - Not a superficial compassion or compassion that is expressed in word only. Compassion from deep within, where our heart aches with concern for whomever. Examples of compassion in Bible:Psalm 145:9 9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Matthew 9:36 (NIV) 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.Kindness - Hebrew word for kindness means to treat courteously and appropriately. Greek word means to be pleasant, gracious and gentle.Humility - If you have a humble spirit, you aren't concerned about yourself. You don't care if you get the credit for whatever happens. You don't need to be the person up front. You have a servant's heart. These days we are consumed by ourselves. It is all about me, myself and I. Gentleness - power under control.Patience - to be slow to get angry. Self-restraint in the face of provocation. Willingness to forgive one another.

September 8, 2020Colossians Deep Dive (#10 in series)Changing Out of Your Dirty Clothes Colossians 3:6-9Verses 6-7 explained.DIRTY CLOTHES TO TAKE OFFColossians 3:8 (NIV) 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: …The Greek words in this verse are the ones that are used when describing the taking off of clothing. So, the picture here is that of taking off dirty clothes. Well, Paul is referring to the next list of sins as being like wearing dirty, stained and smelly clothes, and he challenges us to take them off. But for now, what are the “dirty clothes” that we are to take off? Let’s take a look.Colossians 3:8 (NIV) 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.Anger - The Greek word here is speaking of a deep, smoldering, resentful and bitter type of anger. This person doesn’t want to forgive. They want to remain angry. Rage - Rage refers to sudden outbursts of anger. Something happens or something is said and all of a sudden someone is mad at you. Malice - Malice is the vicious nature, which is desiring to do harm to others. One of the ways that we can do harm to others is found in the next word – slander, or blasphemy in the KJV. Slander - When we slander we are tearing a person down. But the Bible teaches that we are supposed to build one another up. What we say may be a lie, but it might not be, but you are saying something that does not need to be said. Often times slander is an insult. Filthy language - There was a time when such language was only heard in a locker room or in a bar. But sadly, dirty language has become quite common within our culture. Such language is abusive and has no place in the vocabulary of a Christian. We need to be careful how we speak of each other and how we speak to each other. Lying - Lying is pervasive. Our government officials lie. Employees at the store lie to the customers. Husbands and wives lie to each other. If you lie, you are reflecting Satan. The Bible says that Satan is the father of all lies. COMING NEXT WEEK - SHOPPING FOR NEW CLOTHES

September 1, 2020Colossians Deep Dive (#9 in series)Dealing With TemptationsA powerful message about what the Bible teaches on sexual issues. There are five temptations mentioned in Colossians 3:5 which are defined in this sermon. The antidote? Put them to death.Colossians 3:5 (NIV) 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires …Sexual Immortality - any sexual activity outside of marriage is forbidden. The word can mean engaging in sexual activity and also refers to engaging in pornography.Impurity or Uncleaness - This refers to the though process. #1 referenced action, this word references that thought patterns that come to our mind. We dream about, think about or ponder it.Lustand Evil Desires (passions) - The third and fourth word go together. Very similar to impurity/uncleaness, but these are mental aspirations wanting to be fulfilled, longing to be fulfilled.Greed - This is the root out of which all the previous sins flow from. Greed comes from two Greek words:wantinghave moreIt means wanting to have more. Greed is an insatiable desire to have more. It could be an insatiable desire for more:prestigemoneypopularitythingssexual thingspleasuredrugsGreed becomes an idol because we are more concerned with a relationship with that (drugs, pleasure...) than we are with a relationship with God.

August 25, 2020Colossians Deep Dive (#8 in series)What Matters Most to You?St. Augustine said, "Christ is not valued at all unless he is valued above all." This message is based on Colossians 3:1-4. The key point in these verses is about setting our hearts and minds on things above. Valuing Christ above all.Eternal things, spiritual things, ought to have a greater influence on our lives than earthly things. More specifically, Paul directs our attention to Jesus.Matthew 6:33 (KJV) 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.How can you tell what is having the most influence on your life?What do you spend the most of your time doing? Where do you spend most of your money? What demands the most of your attention? What are your priorities? Haggai 1:3-4 (NLT) 3 Then the LORD sent this message through the prophet Haggai: 4 “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?They were so intent on fixing up their own homes, they forgot about the house of God. We become so preoccupied with obtaining things, and doing activities that make us happy and enrich our personal being that we don’t always pay much attention to the spiritual realm of life. As humans we tend to be selfish and self-centered. Our world revolves around us. But we need to discipline ourselves to remember that we now have a new life in Jesus. Notice what it says in the 3rd verse.Colossians 3:3-4 (NIV) 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.The things of earth have a huge draw upon us because that is the natural order of things. There is more to life than what we experience in the here and now. Colossians 3:4 (NIV) 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Second Coming and our privilege.Conclusion:Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) 19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. I believe that is Paul’s point here in Colossians. He makes a similar point in his 2nd letter to the church at Corinth. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV) 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.Now, again, this doesn’t mean that we become monks and abstain from everything. No, we do enjoy the blessings of life. Do you think about spiritual matters when you make decisions in life? Do you ever incorporate the spiritual into those earthly decisions?Is most of our effort centered on what we want to do and what makes us happy? Or do we have a longing to be closer to God?This is an on-going re-focusing, an on-going change of attitude. And as we depend upon the power and presence of the Holy Spirit within us we will mature, we will be transformed; we will be more and more able to set our hearts and minds on things above.3vhzEwOnhTVqYt3fBulr

August 18, 2020Colossians Deep Dive (#7 in series)Paul's TED Talk on Being the ChurchIn a day when we live in a culture obsessed with ourselves, it is refreshing to see things through the eyes of a first century apostle who had a no holds bar love for something outside of himself, the church. Paul saw it as God's creation and understood God's purposes for it. Follow along in Colossians 2:1-5 as Paul unfolds three goals for the church that still apply today.Colossians 2:1 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. Paul reveals his heart for the church in this verse. He loved the church so much that he was willing to struggle for her, even for people that he had never met face to face.Paul loved the church, not so much for what the church did for him, but for what he could do for the church. Ask yourself, is it what the church does for me that I am most concerned about, or am I focused on what I can do for the church? In this passage of scripture, Paul lays out three goals that he has for the churches at Colossae and Laodicea. Encouragement - Colossians 2:2 "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart..." Paul wanted them to be comforted, to be encouraged. The Greek word for encourage means to "com along side of." Life can be perplexing, despairing, discouraging, overwhelming. How wonderful it is when someone comes along side of us and walks with us. It is encouraging when someone takes the time to listen to us and pray with us during our time of distress. (cf. I Thessalonians 5:11)Barnabas - "son of encouragement"Are we looking for opportunities to do this? Are we encouraging one another? Paul wanted the congregation to be encouraged.Unity - Colossians 2:2 "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love,..." The KJV uses the words "being knit together in love." The NLT does too. "I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love..." Unity is so important to the good health of any congregation. That doesn’t mean that we will always agree on everything. That’s not likely to happen. But it does mean that we agree to disagree, and instead of allowing those areas of disagreement to pull us apart we work thru our differences because we love one another – because we care about one another in the Lord. Paul's goal for every church. I Corinthians 1:10 "I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose."Philippians 1:27Satan's delight - disunity. Why? Because when there is disunity and disagreement the ministry of the local church is hindered – it is no longer effective, and the testimony of the local church in the community is dismantled. Understanding. Colossians 2:2 "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ." What is the mystery of Christ? Well, Paul gives a glimpse of that mystery in his letter to the young pastor by the name of Timothy. Notice what he wrote in this first letter. The basic attack against Christianity by any cult or any false religion is to deny the true of Jesus. And so Paul’s desire was that the congregation would fully understand the truth of Jesus, the mystery of Jesus. And if they did, then they could stand firm in Jesus.

August 11, 2020Colossians Deep Dive (#7 in series)Struggling in Ministry? Here's HelpAt the end of the 23rd verse of Colossians 1 Paul makes reference to the fact that he was involved in the ministry of the gospel. And as you study the life of the apostle you will discover that he had a heart for ministry; he had a passion for ministry. In this next section of the first chapter of Colossians Paul describes for us four aspects of what ministry is all about. 1st of all we have the source of ministry. Look with me at the 25th verse. Colossians 1:25 (NIV) 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness-- Where does ministry come from?Source of Paul's ministry was GodGod has to be the source of our ministry, whatever that ministry is. Official ministry or individual ministry within the church (Sunday School, board member, committee member...) Behind being asked by the church or a leader, has to be a sense of God. Paul did not volunteer to plant churches, Paul did not volunteer to be a pastor. God called Paul. And that is true for us as well.Each of us has a gift from God. (I Corinthians 12). All of us have been given a talent or ability by God, not for ourselves but for the purpose of edifying the church, encouraging the church, strengthening the ministry of the church. When we use these gifts for the glory of God, then the church can move forward. God gave us these gifts and in that sense, God is calling us to serve him in this capacity or that.Spirit of ministry. Colossians 1:24Paul is saying sometimes ministry in the church is tough, pretty hard. So hard that he is filling in the afflictions that Jesus didn't receive. There are numerous things that come up...unlimited amount of unmet need that can continually demand your attention. Paul sums it all up in one word, "suffer." Ministry is tough, so we need to have a spirit or attitude in ministry if we are going to be able to minister. Jonah - didn't want to lead that Bible study, didn't want to teach, didn't want to be involved in VBS...Moses - I can't do it, call Aaron.Elijah - Lord, I am ready to quitPaul - Attitude. He knew that what he was doing was for God, so he could rejoice. He was doing what God wanted, so he had an attitude of joy. When we remember that ministry is all about others and not about us then we can experience joy regardless of how well things are going or how tough things are at the moment. The sum of ministry, or the GOAL of ministry. Colossians 1:28The sum goal of ministry (the bottom line of ministry) is the spiritual maturity of the believers. That’s why we preach. That’s why we teach. Now, the word perfect here doesn’t mean that you are perfection. It doesn’t mean that you are sinless. It means that you are growing spiritually; you are maturing in your spiritual understanding; you are becoming more like Jesus. The strength for ministry. Colossians 1:29We have a part to play. The Greek word for “labor” or “work” in this verse means to work until the point of exhaustion. Paul gave it his all as he served the Lord. Paul realized that was not enough. We need to give our best effort, but at the same time we need to humbly depend upon God. There are two components involved in ministry – human action and God’s divine enabling power. Let me paint the thought this way, we put the sail up, but then the sail catches the wind of God and moves us forward. We need the wind of God to catch our sail. To come in and enable our effort.

August 4, 2020Colossians Deep Dive (#6 in series)Are You Reconciled?I remember when I was in seminary one of the professors stated the Bible explains the gospel in different ways. What he meant was, the concept is always the same, but it is explained in different ways at different times. Same plan, but different illustrations to help people understand it. The Bible also uses five key words to describe the richness of God's salvation. JustificationRedemptionForgivenessAdoptionReconciliation - in reconciliation, the sinner stands before God as an enemy, but becomes a friend. The word that Paul uses in this part of Colossians (1:19-22) is reconciliation.Why we need reconciliation - the "fall" of Adam and Eve created a rift between man and God. Paul uses the word "alienated" in the 21st verse. Because of this, in and of ourselves it is no longer possible to have a relationship with God. There needs to be a reconciling.Reconciliation - to make friendly againto settle a quarrel to make accounts match (like you balance your bank statement with your check book)How can there be reconciliation between man and God? Dr. John MacArthur finds three aspects of reconciliation in these verses.The plan of reconciliation - Genesis 3:15 and Ephesians 1:4The means of reconciliation - Colossians 1:20, 22The purpose of reconciliation - Colossians 1:22

"Only the truth of Jesus can answer the deepest questions of life." Ravi Zacharias This message looks at, Colossians 1:15-20, which was either an early Christian hymn or a confession of faith. The verses beautifully portray Jesus as preeminent over all. It is one of the richest Christ passages in the New Testament. Pastor Wayne clearly follows each of six thoughts about Jesus that Paul presents in these verses. Paul wrote the letter to correct false concepts about Jesus in his day. The corrections still stand today. Jesus is God. Colossians 1:15 "He is the visible image of the invisible God..." NLT Jesus did not become God at the incarnation, he was and is God as portrayed in John 1:1. Jesus is the firstborn. (Jesus is not created.) Colossians 1:15 "...the firstborn over all creation..." This phrase is indicative of his supremacy over all creation. Firstborn refers to position or rank. Refers to the fact the he is preeminent, above all things. He is king of kings and lord of lords. The NLT translates the concept well, "He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation."Jesus is the Creator. Everything that was created was brought into being by Jesus. Colossians 1:16In Him all things hold together. He keeps everything together, functioning properly and in order. Even the slightest deviation of the rotation of the earth or the distance between the earth and the moon can result in catastrophic changes. What keeps all of this functioning and in order? Jesus.Jesus is the head of the church. Preeminent in the church. Colossians 1:18 "and he is the head of the body, the church." Jesus is the creator of the church. He is the leader of the church. We get our marching orders from him.Jesus is the firstborn among the dead. He is not the first to rise from the dead chronologically, but he was and is the most important one to rise from the dead. It is the only death and resurrection that can have an eternal impact upon our life.