River Valley Community Church Sermons

Mark 11:Palm Sunday – Celebration With A Purpose“Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zech. 9:9).Luke 24:21 - but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem IsraelBeing Disappointed By GodGrieve the LossPsalm 131 - “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?”Ask What Disappointed YouBe honest about what you expected.Realize God Hasn’t Walked Away[Luke 24 – 13-27, 30-32][Acts 2:22-24, 37-38] Three thousand were there that day!He’s the kind of God who welcomes our questions, who can wrestle with us through the confusion and still bless us in the process … He is the kind of God who delights in the plea, ‘Help my unbelief’ and then holds on to us because we can’t hold on to Him anymore. He is the kind of God who can handle all our doubt, all our fear, all our questions if we will simply commit to letting Him. And that is what faith does. Faith does not pretend that it is easy to believe what God reveals about Himself. Faith simply commits to taking the questions back to Him and believes that He will have the answers. – Author Hannah Anderson

There is much for us to model and learn within the chapter, but first, I’d like to situate the chapter: 1 Corinthians 12 outlines the spiritual gifts and the need for unity. In this chapter we find the significance of the unity of the spirit in vs. 4-7 and then a listing of the gifts:The word of wisdom, the word of knowledge,faith, healing, miracles,prophecy, discernment, tongues andinterpretation of tongues.We find in vs. 12 the importance of understanding that although we are each members of the Body of Christ, "For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many are one body, so also is Christ." Chapter 14 is about the operationalizing of the gifts and the order of the church in its conduct.Chapter 13, then, is the bridgebetween receiving Spiritual gifts and using them.In other words, Spiritual gifts used without loveare not useful to us and don’t edify God.Perhaps this is why Paul begins the chapter with such a strong voice. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I have become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”He goes on to mention prophecy, faith, knowledge, and by implication the rest of the gifts, and even socially responsible good deeds like “bestow all my goods to feed the poor,” but “have not love, it profits me nothing.”To say we belong to Christ and yet act without love is to act outside,or better said, in contradiction to the way God acts.Thus, we cannot use the gifts of the spirit and do so outside of love.Love is the bridge we need to put our gifts in motion in the world and not have our efforts sound like a clanging cymbal;in other words, if we want to make love, not noise, act out of love!!!Love is what God wants from us.To love Him and to love one another.So, in this time of COVID-19 let us remember some of the hallmarks of1 Corinthians 13.Love is patient.Love is kind.Love “does not rejoice in inequity but rejoices in truth.” Love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.LOVE NEVER FAILS!!!Let us remember that as we find our footing in this current moment that we have much to believe in and hope for. And yes, we must endure this change, but in doing so we have an opportunity to give God glory and honor by being love…by being kind to those we are cooped up in the house with!!By reaching out often to family and friends.By being patient with others and ourselves. The chapter ends with one of the most powerful axioms of the Bible:“Now abide faith, hope, love these three;but the greatest of these is love.” With the love of God in our heartsWith the words of God on our lipsWith the wisdom of God in our actsWe shine forth in the love that endures all things andbrings light to a shattered, darkened world. Let your love shine!!!

Watch the Live Stream

James 5:13-20 English Standard Version (ESV)The Prayer of Faith13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

The Lord's Prayer11 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say:“Father, hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come.3 Give us each day our daily bread,4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.And lead us not into temptation.”5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

“Is There a Mission in the Mess ?”2/23/2020Mark 4:35-5:20Core Belief: Trinity- I believe the God of the Bible is the only true God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.Scripture: Mark 4:35-5:20Jesus Calms a Storm35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon5 They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” 13 So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.14 The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16 And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17 And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.NOTES:#1 Storms Happen- MK 4:34-37#2- Storms reveal who Jesus is and who we are-MK 4:38-41#3-The storm prepares us for our Mission-MK5:1-20#4 A challenge to the Church

4 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.God's Provision10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Philippians 3:10-21 English Standard Version (ESV)10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.Straining Toward the Goal12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Righteousness Through Faith in Christ3 Finally, my brothers,]rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 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— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.Straining Toward the Goal12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.

Philippians 2:5-12 English Standard Version (ESV)Christ's Example of Humility2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.Christ's Example of Humility2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

“Happy, No Matter What Life Throws At Me”01.12.20Core Belief: Identity in Christ I believe I am significant because of my position as a child of GodJohn 1: 12 But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of GodScripture: Philippians 1: 12-26 The Advance of the Gospel 12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.To Live Is Christ Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.NOTES:

Greeting1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Thanksgiving and Prayer3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

No Notes Available

“Are We Eager?”12/22/19Luke 2:8-21Core Belief: Authority of the Bible I believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command my belief and action.2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.Scripture: Luke 2:8-218 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.The Message of this Passage:From the Ligonier Ministries: “Undoubtedly, we tend to put a heavy emphasis on the lowly circumstances of Jesus’ birth when we retell the Christmas story each year. Certainly this is appropriate, for the Son of God humbled Himself profoundly when He “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:5–8).Christ’s entire life was marked by humiliation, as He moved from a manger in Bethlehem to life as a common person in Nazareth to His ignoble death on the cross. Yet this humiliation led finally to glory. God the Father, because Jesus had been faithful to His mission, exalted Jesus and “bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (vv. 9–11).Our Savior’s glory was veiled by human flesh in His incarnation, and it remained hidden throughout much of His ministry. Yet there were points in our Savior’s life when His glory shone temporarily through the veil. The best example of this is the transfiguration, the moment when Peter, James, and John were granted a vision of the Lord’s glory as it shone through the flesh of the Savior (Matt. 17:1–13).Furthermore, this glory also shone brightly at times when the people might not have been expecting it. In the midst of the humbling conditions of our Lord’s birth (poverty, being unable to find shelter in Bethlehem), there was a special manifestation of the Messiah’s glory to people nearby.The account of this manifestation is found in today’s passage.While Mary and Joseph tended to their son, many shepherds were nearby tending their flocks (Luke 2:8). In those days, shepherds occupied the bottom rung of society’s ladder, and the average citizen of Judea wanted little to do with these keepers of sheep. No one could have predicted that the first people to hear of Jesus outside of His parents would be a motley crew of shepherds. Nevertheless, an angel of the Lord appeared to these men, who got to watch the greatest sound-and-light show of all time (Luke 2:8–9).Understandably, the shepherds were afraid (v. 9), but in this case the glory of the Lord’s presence, which they could otherwise not endure, was a good thing. This was the announcement of the Savior, the One who had come to redeem even society’s outcasts. So, after the angels sang their praises to the Lord, the shepherds hastily traveled into Bethlehem to see the wonderful gift the Father had given to His people (vv. 15–16).The shepherds were eager to see the Savior of the world, and we should be eager to see Him as well. This involves not only coming to Him in our conversions but also seeking His face each and every day of our lives.Though we will not see the fullness of His glory until we see Him face to face in heaven,we will nonetheless come to a fuller appreciation of this glory as we study His Word and pray to Him.Let us be diligent in these means of grace.”Answering Interpretive Questions:We know these events took place after the birth of Jesus, but how does Luke’s interpretation differ from Matthew’s account? Why do you think they are different?Why do you think the first proclamation is made to shepherds?Why is the announcement in v. 11 so significant?Take time to consider all Mary had been through up to this point. What do you think she “pondered in her heart” according to v.19?What does this story teach us about those our culture quickly overlooks?Is there anyone you quickly dismiss, or don’t pay attention to, and how can you change your attitude towards these people in the future?Compare the reactions of the three groups mentioned in 2:18– 20: the onlookers “amazed,” Mary “treasuring and pondering,” and the shepherds “glorifying and praising God.” How do these reactions compare to our modern day reactions to the gospel?Read Revelation 1:13-18. What are the differences between these two images of Jesus?Read Romans 5:1. Even since the birth of Jesus there has not been peace on earth. How would you explain the peace that Jesus brings to an unbeliever?Notes:

“Revolutionary Words”12/15/19Luke 1:46-56Core Belief: Authority of the Bible I believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command my belief and action.2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.Scripture: Luke 1:46-5646 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53he has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.The Message of this Passage:From the Communicator’s Commentary: “Mary’s hymn of response to the angel is the famous Magnificat, so named by the Roman church for the key word in the Latin translation of the first line of this prayer of praise offered by Mary.Mary, in her naturalness, unself-consciousness and humility, was now able to sing about how proud she was that God had chosen her. In her true humility, she praised God that she was especially blessed.There is a danger in trying to spiritualize the Magnificat.These are the most revolutionary words ever spoken.Through the Messiah, the mighty will be brought low; the humble, the lowly, will be exalted.William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury, warned his missionaries to India never to read the Magnificat in public. Christians were already suspect in that country and they were cautioned against reading verses so inflammatory.Jesus, the ultimate revolutionary, completely reverses all human values. What Mary was prophesying about her unborn son is terrifying to the establishment, whoever and wherever they are. They cannot hear these words gladly. We may attempt instead to spiritualize these verses, but deep down we all know that Jesus has come to instigate the kind of revolution we need.Henry James, great novelist of the past, said in Ivan Turgenieff, ‘Life is, in fact, a battle. Evil is insolent and strong; beauty enchanting but rare; goodness very apt to be weak; folly very apt to be defiant; wickedness to carry the day; imbeciles to be in great places; people of sense in small (a comforting thought); and mankind generally unhappy, but the world as it stands is no illusion, no fanaticism, no evil dream of the night; we wake up to it again forever and ever; we can neither forget it nor deny it nor dispense with it; that’s what the world is.’José Ortega y Gasset, one of the greatest of all Spanish writers, said, ‘Before long there will be heard throughout the planet a formidable cry rising like the howling of innumerable dogs to the stars asking for someone or something to take command.’ And that’s why Jesus has come—to take command to lead the revolution, an incredible revolution, unlike Mao’s or Marx’s or Castro’s; a revolution of love.”I was interviewed once by a reporter who had covered Mother Teresa’s visit to Boys Town. I asked him about that visit and her reactions. He said, “They showed her all over the grounds of Boys Town, the dormitories, the classrooms, the gymnasium, the dining hall. At the end of the tour, she turned to the head priest and said, ‘You have all this, but do you really love them?’ Jesus loves us. This is the strategy of this ultimate social revolutionary. And God of the impossible is leading His people in this revolution.Answering Interpretive Questions:Why was it important that Mary was a humble person? What if she had been proud? Could God have used her in the same way? Why or why not?What does Mary do which proves to us she believed what the Angel of the Lord told her?Name some of the things Mary said about God in these words of praise:1.2.3.4.5.6.According to verses 50-53 how does God deal with those who fear him, the humble, and the hungry?In contrast, how does he deal with those who are proud, the rulers, the rich?How does reflecting on God’s attributes affect the way you worship?Someone has said, “You can be too big for God to use, but you can never be too small?How does that square with the teaching of this text?What are some of the telltale signs that we are too proud for him to use?The proof of belief is what you do, not just what you feel. What will you do today as a result of what you have learned in this passage?NOTES:

“Blessed Is The One Who Believes”12/8/19Luke 1:39-45Core Belief: Authority of the Bible I believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command my belief and action.2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.Scripture: Luke 1:39-4539 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”The Message of this Passage:Most good stories– whether in history or fiction – start with a tragedy, with a threat, with something that has gone deeply wrong. And then comes the hero, the one (or ones) who will stand against the threat and try to restore balance and save the day.In the time of Christ, Herod was clearly the threat. He is a pretty good representative of corrupt leaders and the evil and corruption that threaten the people and world God created and loves so much then and now.At this point in the story we are usually introduced to the one who will stand against the evil threatening the world. So, the stage has been set for the conception of John, the wild-eyed prophet who will proclaim without fear or reservation the justice and judgment of God and the coming of God’s messiah. He will die by the hand of another Herod.And of course there is Jesus, who will also die but be raised again, declaring once and for all that the love of God is stronger than the hate of Herod and all like him, and that the life God gives is stronger than the death dealt out by evil of all kinds.Yes, John and Jesus will stand against Herod. But also notice that in this scene Luke describes for us the meeting of two of the main characters and heroines in this story.For in the gathering of these two equally improbable women– one too old to have a child, one still a virgin –we have a foretaste of God’s redemption.What do they do when they are together? They greet one another, comfort and rejoice with each other, and sing songs of love and justice. We will hear Mary’s song next week.But today we will look at Elizabeth’s song of faith and courage, as she is willing to believe not only that the Lord will grant her a child but that in the womb of her young cousin is the one who will redeem the world. She blesses Mary in her song, and she blesses herself, and she blesses us.This isn’t where we expect God to be at work – out in the hill country, among two women armed with nothing but love and song. But when God is on the move, He often is like that, showing up where we least expect God to be, granting mercy rather than punishment, and banishing fear not with strength but with love.So perhaps we should not be surprised that the love and songsthese two unlikely heroines share, will be, as it turns out,powerful enough to make the tyrants of this world shake with fear.That’s just the way God works when He is on the move.Answering Interpretive Questions:How would you define authentic joy? How is it different than happiness?Can you share about a time when you were joyful, even though you weren’t all that happy?Describe the setting of Luke 1:39-45 and what you think this experience meant to both women.What works of God does Mary mention in these verses?What contrasts or role reversals does Mary make in this passage? How do these reflect her feelings about God? About herself?Elizabeth knew Mary was going to be the “mother of my Lord”; how was that possible?Why do you think Mary went to see Elizabeth? Where would you go if the unbelievable happened to you?If you found yourself in Elizabeth’s shoes, how do you think you would have responded to Mary’s visit? Remember you are well past child bearing age and you are 6 months pregnant and your husband, who is a priest, is unable to speak.NOTES:

“Are You Listening?” Luke 1:26-3812.01.19Core Belief: Authority of the Bible I believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command my belief and action.2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.Scripture: Luke 1:26-3826 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.The Message of this Passage:Today, for many of us, the Christmas season is a bit like a well-decorated Christmas tree. There are layers of tinsel and lights and all sorts of decorations and ornaments. If you decorated well, it can be hard, at least from a distance, to tell whether it's a real tree, a fir tree, or a plastic tree.The Christmas message, actually the Christmas season, has become overloaded with all the sentiment and the beautiful traditions of a Hallmark movie.It has become hard for us to determine if the Christmas message is just another myth to warm our hearts in the bleak midwinter or whether it is authentic after all.This is why it is so very helpful to read Luke’s account of the coming of the Lord Jesus.If you look at the first five verses of Chapter 1, you’ll see that Luke is really attentive to show that what happens in this story is grounded in history and is not merely the invention of a storyteller.In verse 2, he is working with eyewitness testimony as he writes this account. It is, he says, “an orderly account...”Concerning the ministry of the Lord Jesus, Luke sets it all in order so that the “most excellent Theophilus” (the man to whom he is writing) “may have certainty,” verse 4, “concerning the things you have been taught.”Luke based his writing on eyewitness testimony, set in order carefully so that we may have certainty.For those of us who are asking questions about the significant issues of our lives and who are struggling to know which way to turn, Luke’s account of the coming of the Lord Jesus will help us find the certainty and answers to the big questions.Christ's arrival is a real-world message that took place in a real place in real-time with real people.Answering Interpretive Questions:If we think about Mary’s human experience of meeting and talking with the angel Gabriel – what do we imagine that experience was?Would we want to have this experience ourselves? Why, or why not?Everyone in this story has a name; no one is an anonymous or generic individual, but a particular individual. What difference does this make in the way we read this text? Is it important? How?Why did Gabriel call Mary “O favored one?” What is he saying about Mary? What is he saying about God?Why is it important for Mary to know “the Lord is with” her? How is this fact related to her status as “favored one?”Why was Mary afraid, and on what basis does Gabriel tell her not to be afraid (v. 30)?Why is understanding OT passages crucial to understanding Gabriel’s message to Mary?To what areas of doubt, fear, disbelief, sorrow, unanswered prayer, brokenness, worry, anger, etc. might you apply the truth in v. 37?Have you ever considered the way God makes promises to His people (e.g., directly, as with Abraham; through angels, as with Hagar, or prophets, like Isaiah; through scripture? How do you relate and respond to God’s promises, and how do the stories of past fulfillments of promises influence the way you relate to God’s promises?NOTES:

“Let’s Go”11/17/19Matthew 28:16-20Core Belief: Church I believe the church is God's primary way to accomplish His purposes on earth today.Ephesians 4:15-16 16 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw Him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and onearth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”The Message of this Passage:From the Ligonier Ministry: “After His resurrection, Jesus visited with His disciples and instructed them for forty days before ascending into heaven (Luke 24:36–49; John 21; Acts 1:1–11). The only event Matthew records following the resurrection, besides the payoff of the Roman guards (28:11–15), is the commission Christ gave His followers on a mountain in Galilee (vv. 16–20).We are not sure when this event occurred during those forty days, but its precise chronological placement is unimportant. Apparently, our Lord told His followers to meet Him in Galilee after His resurrection, and the eleven remaining disciples found Him there (vv. 10, 16).Seeing Christ, many of them worshiped Him, though others doubted (v. 17). This doubt, however, is not to be confused with rejection. Distazein, the Greek verb translated ‘doubted,’ reflects hesitation, not a refusal of truth. The doubting disciples did not doubt whether or not Jesus was the Messiah, they were just unsure how to respond to Him. Being notoriously slow to understand, it may be that some of them had not yet come to grips with the fact that Jesus was (and is) the incarnate God Himself.In Galilee Jesus announced that all authority in heaven and earth was given to Him in His resurrection (28:18). Vindicated as God’s spotless lamb, the atonement for the sins of His people, the Father makes plain even today to all with eyes to see that His Son is the Messiah — whose kingdom has no end. Seated at God’s right hand, the Christ exercises His dominion, subduing His enemies through the preaching of the gospel, proving that He, the God-man, received the name above all names in His resurrection (Phil. 2:5–11; Heb. 1:1–4).John Calvin comments that by nothing other than divine authority, could Jesus ‘command us to promise eternal life in His name, to reduce the whole world under His sway, and to publish a doctrine which subdues all pride, and lays prostrate the whole of the human race.`Only the authority of God Almighty, revealed to us in Jesus and with us by the Holy Spirit enables us to obey the Great Commission, teaching people to cast off self-reliance and put all their hope for salvation in Jesus alone.According to His promise, Christ is with us to the end of the age; thus, we may confidently go forth to fulfill the Great Commission, knowing that He will ensure its success.What is your role in His plan?Are you a gifted teacher who builds up disciples?Do your talents lie in producing goods that enable people to be sent?Are you sharing the gospel with friends and family?Let us go out and obey Christ’s command to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.Answering Interpretive Questions:After the resurrection Jesus gave the “Great Commission” to His disciples multiple times and in various ways. Compare and contrast the different ways that the Great Commission was communicated in the four Gospel accounts and in the book of Acts (Matt. 28:16-20, Mark 16:14-16, Luke 24:45-49, John 20:19-23, and Acts 1:8).How are they the same? How are they different? What additional emphasis do you see in each of the passages that are basic truths of the Gospel message?What do you think the connection is between Jesus’ claim of all authority, and his command to make disciples of all nations?If someone asked you what is so great about the Great Commission? How would you answer?Jesus makes a promise of His own: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” How is this promise an encouragement to you?What exactly did Jesus command in the Great Commission? How would you summarize this whole passage in just a few words (3-5 words)?At that time, all Jesus’ followers were Jews. How did the Jews feel about other people groups? How does Jesus want us to respond to all people?What is the difference between teaching them all Jesus commanded vs. teaching them to obey all I have commanded? What’s the best way to teach obedience?Pray for River Valley, that we would fulfill the Great Commission!Pray that we would become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, and that we would effectively train up faithful followers of Jesus Christ.NOTES:

“Do You or Don’t You?”11/3/19Matthew 26:14-75 and John 21:1-17This Week’s Core Belief: Eternity I believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and to establish His eternal kingdom.John 14:1-4“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”Scripture: Matthew 26:14-75 and John 21:1-17Matthew 26:14-7514 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. …20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”... 56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.57 Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. …_____________________69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” 71 And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” 74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.”And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.John 2121 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. …When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”The Message of this Passage:Today we come to an increasingly dark night for Jesus and the Twelve and especially Peter. Jesus says the disciples will soon abandon Him, just as sheep run when their shepherd is struck down (Matt. 26:31).Once again Jesus reveals that He is fully aware of all that is to happen and, therefore, because He does not try to escape, willingly submits to the evil that will soon be inflicted upon Him. God has a good and noble intent in the death of His Son, but the human executioners seek only destruction.Peter and the others protest that they would never deny Jesus, but this does not change His prediction (Matt. 26:32–35). Still, there is hope for these men because Christ’s going before them into Galilee looks forward to their repentance and restoration (v. 32).Regenerate people can sin grossly, but evil is not the last word for those who truly belong to Jesus.John Calvin comments, “God does not cease to recognize as his sheep those who are driven out and scattered in every direction for a time…at length [they will] be brought back to the fold.”In the second volume of his commentary on Matthew, James Boice says that today’s passage is encouraging because it affirms that Christianity is for weak people (p. 563). Zechariah 13 says that though believers may sinfully abandon their master, He will not abandon them and will present them as a holy people to His Father.For Further Discussion:Do you remember the first time you felt real shame?How often does shame impact your decisions?What weaknesses do you underestimate?In what stage would you place yourself; self-confident, lacking devotion, reacting, following from afar, sitting in the council of the wicked, or loving Jesus?How hard is it for you to accept God’s grace?Have you run from a failure where God would prefer a comma instead of a period?Compare Peter at the end of Matthew (Matthew 26:33-35,40,43,51,69-75) to Peter in the first five chapters of Acts (Acts 2:40-41; 3:6-8; 4:13,31; 5:9- 11,15-16,29,41-42). What accounts for this change?Read Matthew 26:69-75. These verses end with Peter weeping bitterly.Why was this experience so crushing and humiliating for him? How did it change him?Read John 21:15-23. Why did Jesus question Peter’s love three times?How could Peter really love Jesus and deny Him three times and desert Him when Jesus needed him the most?If Jesus asked you these three questions, how would you respond?Notes:

Sermon Notes“A Beautiful Thing”Matthew 26:1-1310.27.19This Week’s Core Belief: Eternity I believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and to establish His eternal kingdom.John 14:1-4“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”Scripture: Matthew 26:1-1326 When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, 2 “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” 3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. 5 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.” 6 Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. 8 And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”The Message of this Passage:From the Ligonier Ministry: “Each night during the last week of His life, Jesus is staying in Bethany, a village about an hour’s walk from Jerusalem (Matt. 21:17). This is probably because the Holy City, filled to the brim with Passover pilgrims, has few vacancies.According to John 12:1–8, the event described in today’s passage takes place in the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, friends of our Lord in Bethany. Mary is the woman who anoints Christ. Since Matthew 26:6 tells us the residence belongs to Simon the leper (most likely a former leper), a number of commentators have surmised that Simon is the father of the three siblings who also live there.Luke records a different, comparable anointing in Galilee (7:36–50). Mary’s ointment (oil) is worth three hundred denarii (John 12:5), a year’s wage for most first-century Palestinians. This indicates that she means to honor the Lord with all that she has when she pours oil on Him (Matt. 26:7). The costly substance is held in an “alabaster flask,” a thin-necked container made from marble.When Mary snaps off the neck of the flask to anoint the Savior, she may intend to mark Him off as the Messiah, since it was commonplace to anoint the kings of Israel (1 Sam. 16:13). It is doubtful that she is aware of the significance Jesus sees in her service (Matt. 26:12). But our Lord’s reference to His burial indicates that His passion is foremost in His mind. This explains His rebuke to His disciples over their concern that Mary has anointed Jesus instead of selling the anointing oil for the sake of the poor (vv. 8–10).Their concern for the impoverished is not wrong, but their priorities are. Jesus is about to leave their presence physically in His death, resurrection, and ascension. His time is short; thus, Mary’s one last act of love before Jesus goes to the cross is not misplaced (v. 11).Still, as the poor among us are easily overlooked, helping them must always be one of the highest priorities in the church (Prov. 14:21, 31). Notably, Jesus says that Mary will be remembered on account of the great service she provided to the Lord.Matthew Henry writes, “The honor of Christ is principally intended in the gospel, yet the honor of his saints and servants is not altogether overlooked. Though we could by no means ever deserve it, God has chosen to honor those who serve Him. We may feel like a dishonored people now, but our exaltation is sure to come if we serve Jesus faithfully.”For Further Discussion:Ask yourself, whom, or what do I love? Who, or what do I trust? Who, or what do I serve? How do these pivotal questions determine your motivations and actions?What was this woman's motivation to take a precious heirloom, break it, and use it for Jesus? Would you have done this?Why were the disciples indignant? How does their anger show their hyper-critical attitude?What do you look to and for in life? What are your motivations and inspirations? What is your good work? How do these questions determine just about every action and reaction you experience in life?What was the response of Jesus to the disciple's indignation?Some opportunities only come once in a lifetime, and if we lose that opportunity it is missed forever. Have you ever missed an opportunity that you felt was lost forever?Why did Jesus say the woman did the right thing? (26:11)Like this woman, it is a beautiful thing to be able to leave the memory of a superb job done for others. What kind of memories are you leaving?Why doesn't Jesus see things the way the disciples do?Why does he not only see nothing wrong with Mary's action but also apparently see in it something wonderfully right?Why does he commend instead of condemning her, and what does that response imply about how you and I are meant to live?If supporting your family, attending to your health, paying your bills, or juggling your present time commitments did not weigh so heavily upon you, what are some of the things you might like to do for Christ's sake?NOTES:

Sermon NotesResponsibility in Waiting10/20/19Matthew 25:14-30This Week’s Core Belief: Eternity I believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and to establish His eternal kingdom.John 14:1-4“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”Scripture: Matthew 25:14-3014 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a trip. He called together his servants and gave them money to invest for him while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of gold to one, two bags of gold to another, and one bag of gold to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities—and then left on his trip. 16 The servant who received the five bags of gold began immediately to invest the money and soon doubled it. 17 The servant with two bags of gold also went right to work and doubled the money. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of gold dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money for safekeeping. 19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of gold said, ‘Sir, you gave me five bags of gold to invest, and I have doubled the amount.’ 21 The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 22 “Next came the servant who had received the two bags of gold, with the report, ‘Sir, you gave me two bags of gold to invest, and I have doubled the amount.’ 23 The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 24 “Then the servant with the one bag of gold came and said, ‘Sir, I know you are a hard man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth and here it is.’ 26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! You think I’m a hard man, do you, harvesting crops I didn’t plant and gathering crops I didn’t cultivate? 27 Well, you should at least have put my money into the bank so I could have some interest. 28 Take the money from this servant and give it to the one with the ten bags of gold. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’The Message of this Passage:From the Ligonier Ministry: Five of the virgins in Matthew 25:1–13 are fools because they believe that the way to eternal life is easier than it really is and do not prepare themselves for the master’s return. Yet as verses 14–30 indicate, the one who thinks the Lord’s way is harsher than it truly is will also be revealed as a fool on the last day.Today’s passage shows what it means to expect the second coming of Christ and ready ourselves for it.Jesus exhorts us to stay awake and be prepared for His return in 24:36–25:13, but those verses give few specific, practical directives for how to wait and equip ourselves properly.The parable of the talents makes it plain that the waiting and preparation Jesus expects is ethical and active. We must work, putting our gifts to use for His glory, which means nothing less than the love of God and neighbor (Micah 6:8; Matt. 22:34–40). Our Father has gifted us abundantly for our own salvation and for our neighbor’s good (John Chrysostom, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, first series, vol. 10, p. 472).A faithful servant in the ancient Near East often became a steward over his master’s household (for example, Joseph; Gen. 39:1–6a) and could be entrusted with enormous resources. This is the background for the parable of the talents; even the servant who is given one talent is entrusted with much as one talent is equivalent to twenty years of pay for a first-century day laborer (Matt. 25:15).Similarly, our Creator has blessed everyone in Christ with spiritual blessings above and beyond our undeserved salvation. Even those who have comparatively fewer gifts are rich in Him and must put their time and talents to work.God sovereignly determines our gifts and graces (v. 15), and, whether we have many or few, He mandates their profitable use. Even those with only one gift have no excuse if they do not use it to bear fruit for the kingdom (vv. 24–30).An inappropriate fear of his master makes the one-talent servant do nothing; similarly, thinking of our Master as a tyrant who demands the impossible will make us fruitless as well.God has not given His people an unattainable goal; the Spirit enables us to please Him (Heb. 13:16). Matthew Henry comments, “Those who think it…vain to serve [the Lord], will do nothing practical in religion.”Far too many professing Christians are content to sit around and not use their time, talent, and moneyfor the kingdom.For Further Discussion:What is the truth contained in the main point of this parable?What does that tell us about GodIf I believed it what would I doWhat motivated the parableHow can I live the parable as part of my lifeWho are the main characters? (v. 14)How does the man determine how much of his goods each servant will receive?Why are two of the servants commended? (vv. 20–23)What is the response of the third servant and why? (vv. 24–25)“A hard man” has the idea of a person who exploits his servants. What is the man’s response? (vv. 26–30)Do you see yourself as highly motivated to kingdom service? If not, why?Since the one-talent servant knew what his master was like and what he’d expect on his return, why do you suppose he neglected his duty? Do we do this as well? Explain.If you came to the end of your race as a Christian right this minute, would you expect to hear the Master’s words as spoken in verse 23? Explain.Further Reading: Luke 19:12–27; Ephesians 1:15–23; Hebrews 12; Luke 4:1–13.Notes:

“Foolish Or Wise, The Choice Is Yours”10/13/19Matthew 25:1-13This Week’s Core Belief: Eternity I believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and to establish His eternal kingdom.John 14:1-4“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”Scripture: Matthew 25:1-131 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of the virgins were foolish, and five were wise. 3 When the foolish ones took their lamps, they did not take extra olive oil with them. 4 But the wise ones took flasks of olive oil with their lamps. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed a long time, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is here! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9 ‘No,’ they replied. ‘There won’t be enough for you and for us. Go instead to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 But while they had gone to buy it, the bridegroom arrived, and those who were ready went inside with him to the wedding banquet. Then the door was shut. 11 Later, the other virgins came too, saying, ‘Lord, lord! Let us in!’ 12 But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you!’ 13 Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour”The Message of this Passage:In the Ligonier Devotional the author writes; “Dr. John MacArthur rightly points out that the story of the faithful and wise servant in Matthew 24:45–51 tells us to be ready in case Jesus comes sooner than we have anticipated (The MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 1,174). The faithless servant boldly sins, believing he can put off changing his ways because he thinks his master will be long in coming (Matt. 24:48–51). A wise servant, however, does not delay his duties since he does not know when his master will return, and he refuses to be caught unawares. He does not put off loving service to his master because today might be his last chance to do what is right.On the other hand, Dr. MacArthur says the parable in Matthew 25:1–13 exhorts us to be ready if Christ delays longer than we expect (p. 1,174).The story is based on a Near Eastern wedding, a scenario familiar to His original audience. After nuptials at the bride’s home, a welcoming party escorts the newly-married couple to the bridegroom’s house for the lengthy reception. The attendants guide these evening processions with their “lamps” (Matt. 25:3–4), which are likely torches made of olive oil-doused cloths mounted on sticks. Wise members of the bridal party carry extra oil in case their torches need to be re-lit.In Jesus’ parable, the bridegroom for whom the ten virgins are waiting is the Savior Himself (v. 1). Jesus is here implicitly claiming to be God incarnate; the Old Testament often pictures the Creator as a groom and His people as His bride (Isa. 54:4–8; Hos. 2:14–20). The bridegroom’s arrival is clearly taking longer than expected, for all ten ladies fall asleep (Matt. 25:2–5). This reveals that although we cannot know the exact time of His return, the fact that Jesus has tarried 2,000 years and counting is not unexpected.The foolish virgins are unprepared for the bridegroom (vv. 8–13). They did not count the cost of being in the processional and did not ready themselves for its delay. Like many others, the foolish girls have not understood the price of discipleship; sacrifice and forethought are required to stand in the day of trial and to be assured that one’s faith is real (Eph. 6:10–20; 2 Tim. 3:16–17; 1 John 5:13).Only the spiritually prepared — the wise virgins — will enter the kingdom.”For Further Discussion:How would you explain the importance of being ready?The bridesmaids were responsible for preparing the bride; so, why would they neglect their responsibility?How does not being prepared cause one to pass up vital opportunities?What does being wise mean to you?What does being foolish mean to you?How does keeping our minds upon Christ as Lord help us be ready for anything, even His return?What does Jesus want you to understand from this parable?According to the teaching of this parable, what is the wisest thing and what is the most foolish thing a man or woman can do in this life?We cannot trust in the spiritual readiness of others. Being ready to enter the kingdom at our Lord’s return is something that we are responsible for as individuals. What does that mean to you? Have you ever blamed someone else for your lack of preparedness?Notes:

Sermon Notes for 10/06/19:Matthew 24:45-51 English Standard Version (ESV)45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“But Concerning That Day…”9/29/19Matthew 24:32-44This Week’s Core Belief: Eternity I believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and to establish His eternal kingdom.John 14:1-4“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”Scripture: Matthew 24:32-4432 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.The Message of this Passage:“While Jesus was certain of His return, He didn’t know the exact time.Consequently, His primary emphasis was on watchfulness.This section is a call for faithfulness as we live in hope. Our motivation in the service of Christ is a meaningful relationship with Him, not a fear of the end and a resultant artificial approach to life. Jesus calls us to be disciples in the world, to serve in the world, to evangelize the world—not to stand apart waiting for His coming.The section tells us that:(1) no one knows the time of His coming;(2) no specific signs mark out the time (vv. 37–39); and(3) no change of involvement in the necessary pursuits of life are to preempt the final separation (vv. 40–44).The emphasis in this last section is on preparedness, for although we associate freely in society we have a different relationship than the rest of society to the Master.There will be a division coming for ‘one will be taken and the other left.’ While this is often spoken of as the “rapture,” the thrust is to ensure our being ready for His coming, for Jesus said He is ‘coming at an hour when you do not expect Him!’”Therefore, we must be ready for Jesus’ return. Readiness, however, is not passive; rather it is active, we are to serve God actively, knowing that Jesus could come at any minute.For Further Discussion:What is the basic purpose of this chapter?How does Daniel's prophecy (7:23-28; 9:24-27; 11:26-29) relate to this chapter?Can we know when the Lord will come again?How could Jesus not know the time (Matt. 24:36)?Do you expect Jesus' return in your lifetime? Why?How can we guard ourselves against complacency in regard to the second coming of Jesus? That is, as the years go by, how can we always keep before ourselves the reality and urgency of the Lord’s return?Notes:

“For Then There Will Be Great Tribulation Part 2”9/22/19Matthew 24:15-31This Week’s Core Belief: Eternity I believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and to establish His eternal kingdom.John 14:1-4“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”Scripture: Matthew 24:15-3115 “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, 18 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 20 Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. 29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.The Message of this Passage:I don’t think there’s any more intriguing, any more fascinating subject than the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. I know of no biblical subject which can create the same amount of curiosity that this subject can create. And really, there are few things in Scripture that are as highly motivating to the believer and to the unbeliever as the sense of reality regarding the second coming of Jesus Christ. Which is one of the reasons, the Left Behind series was so popular and in the 1970’s Hal Lindsey’s book The Late Great Planet Earth was a best seller.The apostle Paul said: “Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” In other words, realizing that Christ will come in judgment and bring a terrorizing holocaust upon the earth, we present the gospel so that men may escape that. Also, Paul said that we labor whether present or absent that we may be in a sense accepted by Him. So we who are believers serve the Lord knowing that someday He’ll come to reward us, and we want to be found faithful.So the second coming of Jesus Christ, both from the standpoint of warning an unbeliever of the judgment to come and of encouraging a believer with the reward to come, is a highly motivating subject. And there’s no place in the Scripture, where it’s presented more wonderfully than right here in Matthew 24 and 25 by the Lord Himself.For Further Discussion:Identify one or two new insights that seemed important to you. Why are they important?Is there a spiritual truth in this section that is especially significant for you?According to Jesus, what will the final days on earth be like?What important warning about spiritual deception did Jesus issue?How will people recognize Jesus’ return?Why were the Jewish people of Jesus' day especially curious about the return of Christ?Why do you think Christians today are especially curious about the return of Christ?Pondering the PrinciplesGod's sovereignty is evident in Matthew 24 and 25. God is in full control of everything that happens--even to the point of leading the Romans against Jerusalem. If God can control major events like that, surely He can control the circumstances in your life! However, you won't always understand the purpose for every situation in your life. The key is trusting in God's sovereignty and His promise that "all things work together for good to them that love God" (Rom. 8:28). In every situation, yield yourself to God, and ask Him to work out His sovereign will, knowing that it will be carried out to His greater glory and your greatest good.Notes:

“For Then There Will Be Great Tribulation”9/15/19Matthew 24:15-31This Week’s Core Belief: Eternity I believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and to establish His eternal kingdom.John 14:1-4“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”Scripture: Scripture: Matthew 24:15-3115 “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, 18 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 20 Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. 29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.The Message of this Passage:I don’t think there’s any more intriguing, any more fascinating subject than the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. I know of no biblical subject which can create the same amount of curiosity that this subject can create. And really, there are few things in Scripture that are as highly motivating to the believer and to the unbeliever as the sense of reality regarding the second coming of Jesus Christ. Which is one of the reasons, the Left Behind series was so popular and in the 1970’s Hal Lindsey’s book The Late Great Planet Earth was a best seller.The apostle Paul said: “Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” In other words, realizing that Christ will come in judgment and bring a terrorizing holocaust upon the earth, we present the gospel so that men may escape that. Also, Paul said that we labor whether present or absent that we may be in a sense accepted by Him. So we who are believers serve the Lord knowing that someday He’ll come to reward us, and we want to be found faithful.So the second coming of Jesus Christ, both from the standpoint of warning an unbeliever of the judgment to come and of encouraging a believer with the reward to come, is a highly motivating subject. And there’s no place in the Scripture, where it’s presented more wonderfully than right here in Matthew 24 and 25 by the Lord Himself.For Further Discussion:Identify one or two new insights that seemed important to you. Why are they important?Is there a spiritual truth in this section that is especially significant for you?According to Jesus, what will the final days on earth be like?What important warning about spiritual deception did Jesus issue?How will people recognize Jesus’ return?Why were the Jewish people of Jesus' day especially curious about the return of Christ?Why do you think Christians today are especially curious about the return of Christ?Pondering the PrinciplesGod's sovereignty is evident in Matthew 24 and 25. God is in full control of everything that happens--even to the point of leading the Romans against Jerusalem. If God can control major events like that, surely He can control the circumstances in your life! However, you won't always understand the purpose for every situation in your life. The key is trusting in God's sovereignty and His promise that "all things work together for good to them that love God" (Rom. 8:28). In every situation, yield yourself to God, and ask Him to work out His sovereign will, knowing that it will be carried out to His greater glory and your greatest good.Notes:

“When Will These Things Be?”9/8/19Matthew 24:1-14This Week’s Core Belief: Eternity I believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and to establish His eternal kingdom.John 14:1-4“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”Text: Matthew 24:3-143 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.The Message of This Passage:This passage is referred to as the Fifth Great Discourse of Jesus, and called "The Olivet Discourse" (Matt. 23:37-24:-35; Mark 13). Jesus is giving us a glimpse into the future and things to come for Jerusalem, most of which was fulfilled in the destruction of the Temple, and He tells us why it will be destroyed (Jer. 13:27; 49:22). The Jewish leadership fell to hypocrisy and personal agendas and the people followed like lost sheep.The Temple was physically destroyed by the Roman army in 70 A.D.; the Romans were the means but not the reason.This passage also gives us a glimpse of what happens when we fail spiritually and refuse to repent, so that our sins accumulate and escalate, while God's grace is seeking to resolve, heal, and reconcile us to Him.Jesus is explaining to us the events and it is not about one event but many to come when He returns to earth in power and glory! Jesus gives us some of the signs that will be warnings of things to come. The call is to watch and to be ready, but not be consumed or worried, for He is still in control. We are to look to Him (Phil. 3:20), not just the signs. We are to trust in Him, not in the times; our faith is in Him, not what will or may happen!For Discussion:What do you do and how do you feel when you hear about all the bad things-the troubles, disasters, tribulations-happening in the world?Why was the Temple destroyed? What do you think Christianity and Judaism would be like now if it had never been destroyed?If you knew the exact time and day Christ would come, How would you live until that time, and why?What can you do to keep from being discouraged when bad things, troubles, disasters, and tribulations happen?What would you do if, all of a sudden, it was against the law to be a practicing Christian, lead a Bible study, or go to church? And if you did, the penalty for the first offense was that all of your property would be seized-and the second time, you would go to jail? That is the way it is in a lot of countries such as the Middle East, India, Pakistan, China, etc!Jesus tells his disciples not to be alarmed when terrible events occur; that this must take place and the end is not yet. How can we apply this to our lives when hearing about difficult current events?How can we be proactive in making sure that our hearts do not grow cold?In 1 Corinthians 15:31, Paul declares “I die daily!” How does this relate to Jesus’ call to endure to the end?Notes:

This Week’s Core Belief: Authority of the Bible I believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command my belief and action.2 Timothy 3:16-1716 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.Text: Matthew 23:13-3613 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. 15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ 17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? 18 And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’ 19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21 And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. 22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 24 You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, 30 saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ 31 Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. 33 You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? 34 Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, 35 so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. 36 Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.The Message of this Passage:From the Ligonier Ministry: “The Greek word from which hypocrisy comes refers to the play-acting involved in the theater. A good actor was a hypocrite, but in time, the word came to describe people who are guilty of intentional forms of deception. More specifically, then, a hypocrite is someone who publicly and indignantly denounces certain sins, while secretly he does them himself. A hypocrite pretends either to be more righteous or less sinful than he really is.In this sense, we do indeed see a lot of hypocrisy in the church. The problem of this kind of hypocrisy has been aggravated in recent years by the scandals that have emerged around a few (not all) television preachers. The world is only too ready to remind us of this.The Christian church is the only institution in the world that declares itself to be a group of people who are sinners. We announce this to the world by our baptism “for the remission of sins.” Since we own up to our sins, including the sin of hypocrisy, it would seem that we would not be attacked for them.Once we are in the church, however, we realize that we are called to stop sinning and conform to the law of God. We are not supposed to scandalize the church by wicked behavior. Because God’s standards are so high and holy, though, believers do fall short of them.In the face of our failure, we can do one of two things. We can take God’s law and try to bring it down to our standards. That is the case all too often today. We live in an unprecedented age of easy-believism, where obedience is not a priority. The goal now is for God to make me rich and happy, not for me to serve Him by giving my life to Him. This is one form of hypocrisy, since we are operating and communicating deceitfully about who God is and what He has called us to do.The other form of hypocrisy is to pretend to live at a higher level of obedience than we actually do. There is so much pressure to achieve a certain level of godliness that if we haven’t achieved it, we may pretend that we have. Either form of hypocrisy is a sin that believers must guard against.”Questions to consider:Does today’s lesson strike close to home? Are there things you advise other Christians to do that you yourself don’t do?Beyond mild hypocrisy, is there some behavior in your life that you are covering up with a veneer of holiness?Why does Jesus pronounce woes upon the scribes and Pharisees? Why does He call them hypocrites? How did they shut off the kingdom of heaven from people?Why does Jesus contrast their tithing of spices with their neglect of justice, mercy and faithfulness?What is the true measure of the character of a person? In what ways do false teachers contaminate others?Why does Jesus say the scribes and Pharisees were guilty as their fathers in murdering the prophets? Why does Jesus call them a “brood of vipers”?Why is the Word of God our authority? What happens when it is not?How and why do beliefs create our actions and show our devotion?Jesus calls us to measure ourselves, that is, to look at ourselves. What is Jesus challenging you to see in yourself?Notes:

August 18, 2019Dr. Vince GaddisChrist is Supreme Colossians 1:15-29 (NKJV)The Preeminence of Christ15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.Reconciled in Christ19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.Sacrificial Service for Christ24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.Notes:

“So Do And Observe!”8/11/19Matthew 23:1-12This Week’s Core Belief: Authority of the Bible I believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command my belief and action.2 Timothy 3:16-1716 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. Scripture: Matthew 23:1-1223 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.The Message of this Passage:The communicators commentary introduces this section of Matthew this way:“Matthew Henry comments, ‘It is a gracious ambition to covet to be really moreholy than others, but it is a proud ambition to covet to appear so. It is good to excelin real piety, but not to exceed in outward shows.’All of us are probably concerned with personal holiness, but are we equally concerned not to show others just how holy we are? Is your service to the church done for God’s eyes or the eyes of other people?The content of this passage concluded Jesus’ public ministry, and also His interchange with the scribes and Pharisees. The passage begins with a message to the crowd about the scribes and Pharisees, exposing them as the false shepherds spoken of by the prophets (Jer. 23; Ezek. 22–23; Amos 7; Zech. 13; Zeph. 3). Jesus’ message to the crowd concerning the Pharisees opens this section (vv. 1–12). In a matter-of-fact statement Jesus said the Pharisees occupy Moses’ seat; they are the legal experts and exponents of the Law; and Jesus affirmed respect for their role in representing the Law, but said the people were to avoid following the practice of the leaders who failed to interface word and deed.The commendation was for their representation of Moses. But Jesus qualified their leadership by several observations:first, they multiplied commands upon individuals which they themselves would not practice;second, they practiced their religious traditions for the recognition they received of men;third, they had respect of person, for they loved chief places in the assembly and wanted to be greeted with honor in society.Jesus condemned their status-seeking, and contrasted their practicewith the New Community that He was creating.The New People of God have one Teacher, the Christ; one level, all are brethren; one Father before whom all bow, the Father in heaven; and one measure of greatness, that of being servants who humble themselves in service. This is a remarkable outline of worship and relationship in the Church, among those called by Christ to be His disciples.”Questions to consider:Read Matthew 23:1-12. What were Jesus' biggest issues with the teachers of the law and the Pharisees?What was Jesus' warning to the people about the teachers of the law and the Pharisees?What motivated the behavior of the Pharisees? (23:5-7)Why is the Word of God our authority? What happens when it is not?How would you explain integrity?Why is it that most prideful people do not see their pride?What is your opinion; is it more important to know Scripture or to follow it?How and why do motives create our actions and show our devotion?Why do most people who are hypocritical seem to be blind to what they are?The Bible makes it clear that integrity is of the utmost importance for the Christian leader. Why is that? What can you do to be a person who is focused on integrity?Notes:

Whose Son Is the Christ?41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, 42 saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” 43 He said to them, “How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying,44 “‘The Lord said to my Lord,“Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet”’?45 If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?” 46 And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

Like a Good Neighbor”07/28/2019Matthew 22:34-40Core Competency: Compassion I believe God calls all Christians to show compassion to those in need.Psalm 82:3-4 3 Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. 4 Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.Text: Matthew 22:34-4034 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him.36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”The Message Of This Passage From the Ligonier Ministries: After the Sadducees fail to confound Jesus, the Pharisees gather together to try and trap Him again, sending one of their own to test Jesus on their behalf. A lawyer, this man’s training in the Mosaic law goes beyond even that of most Pharisees, legal experts in their own right. The question he asks our Savior is likely an attempt to get Jesus to deny one or more laws in the Torah and find proof of heresy.Rabbis hotly debated the lawyer’s question during the lifetime of Jesus. One count lists 613 individual stipulations in the Torah, and Jewish teachers wanted a unifying principle to aid the Law’s application. Christ’s answer to His examiner (vv. 36–39) is not wholly original; others combined the concepts of loving God and neighbor as the greatest duty in the Law. Yet Jesus is the first to combine the two specific texts in today’s passage to prove the point. He quotes from Deuteronomy 6:5, which is part of the Shema that pious Jews still recite daily (Deut. 6:4–9). The injunction to love one’s neighbor is found in Leviticus 19:18.Despite attempts to interpret passages like Matthew 5:17 otherwise, today’s passage indicates that Jesus does not abrogate the Law when He fulfills it. He would not single out passages from the Law as God’s greatest commandments if He wanted to eliminate all principles found in the Mosaic code. Also, Jesus’ answer reveals that love is primarily an action, not a feeling. The commandment to love is an order to do something; thus, we are to love others, serving them even if we do not feel like it. Furthermore, if love for God and neighbor are the commandments upon which the Law and Prophets hang, we cannot somehow separate love from these stipulations and define love in a way that ignores God’s law. Any act the Bible forbids is not love; rather, the Law shows us how to express true love. Paul can say, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Rom. 13:10) and also expect Christians to live out the basic ethical code of the Old Testament (v. 9). Above all, John Calvin comments, Jesus says that “love is the first and great thing that God demands from us, and therefore the first and great thing that we should devote to him.”Questions for Reflection:Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or even yourself, who do you know that believes there is a God, but still has yet to have a personal relationship with Jesus?Knowing that God loves each of us unconditionally, and that His love saved us, how can this fact help motivate you to love others?Do you put conditions on love? Why, or why not?How can we get over the self-imposed rules we generate by putting conditions on love?Think of an experience in which you saw “loving your neighbor as yourself” work out – either in your life – or another’s life.Who do you know who needs a little selfless love?In what sense is this commandment bad news?In what sense is this commandment good news?The absolute love Jesus describes is beyond our abilities. So what do we need to do to love like this? See Galatians 5:14-16,22-23.We grow in love by cooperating with God’s Spirit who lives within us; and we cooperate by practicing the spiritual disciplines, habits such as reading the Word, giving, and serving. What Spiritual Discipline will you work on this week so that God’s Spirit can grow your love?Notes:

“We Will Be Loved Perfectly”7/21/19Matthew 22:23-33This Week’s Core Belief: Authority of the Bible I believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command my belief and action.2 Timothy 3:16-1716 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. Scripture: Matthew 22:23-3323 The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and they asked him a question, 24 saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.’ 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first married and died, and having no offspring left his wife to his brother. 26 So too the second and third, down to the seventh. 27 After them all, the woman died. 28 In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her.” 29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31 And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” 33 And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.The Message of this Passage:From the Ligonier Ministry: Matthew 22:15-40 records three points at which corrupt leaders tried to get Jesus to take positions that He might later regret. Ironically, the various sects these men represented were usually at odds, but they ganged up on Christ, their common foe. Times have not changed; for example, some Eastern Orthodox have joined Muslims in the former Soviet Union to restrict the work of evangelicals. John Calvin writes, “Satan brings together all the ungodly, who in other respects differ widely from each other, to attack the truth of God.”Little, save hatred of the Gospel, united Sadducee and Pharisee. The Sadducees rejected the oral tradition of the Pharisees and denied the resurrection (v. 23). It was once thought that the Sadducees read only the five books of Moses as Scripture, but we are increasingly sure that they received the entire Old Testament canon. Still, the Sadducees affirmed only those tenets directly provable from the Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy), hence Jesus’ use of Exodus 3:6 to prove the resurrection (Matt. 22:31–32).Most Jews disliked the priestly Sadducees, because they embraced Roman customs, accommodating themselves to Rome to maintain their priestly authority. Quarreling with the popular Pharisees did not win friends for the Sadducees, whose contempt for the Pharisaic belief in resurrection is seen in their use of levirate marriage to ask Jesus about the life to come. The need to determine the husband to whom the childless woman belongs in eternity remains even if only two brothers are involved. But the Sadducees spoke of seven men to emphasize the countless hurdles they found to belief in the resurrection. They were inferring that resurrection would force incest (being married simultaneously to many living brothers, Lev. 18:16) and break God’s law. How, then, could they affirm the doctrine?The Sadducees assumed that, if a resurrection were to occur, life would be identical to life today and that it would carry all the problems of this life that we bring into it. That is why Jesus scolded them for misunderstanding the Creator’s power before delivering the truth about the resurrection (vv. 29–30).Questions to consider:Do you prefer to ask questions or to answer them? Why?How do, and why do mere men question God-and hope to win?Why would a person desire to be unconcerned with truth, and only want to argue? Why would a Christian do this?What is the story in today’s Scripture?In reading today’s Scripture and seeing how the Sadducees doctrinal beliefs blinded them from the truth, ask yourself: In what ways can our doctrinal beliefs blind us to the truth?What is Matthew’s purpose in revealing how Jesus harshly tells the Sadducees they have deceived themselves?What can we learn from the challenge by the Sadducees?You cannot worship God and yourself. You will either serve one or the other (Mt 6:24). How easy is it to deceive ourselves when it comes to our Spiritual walk?Christ’s reply to the Sadducees tells us that resurrected life will not be exactly the same as life today. One scholar notes that the absence of marriage and its privileges does not mean that love will cease. Love will be perfected in the resurrection, and we will all love and be loved perfectly (Rev. 21:1–4).Truth is real; all you do is delude yourself and ignore the grace of God when you ignore Truth. How can you embrace the truth of His love today?Read Phil. 2:1-11 and Col. 2:2-3. How can your life be centered on Christ, filled with purpose and meaning, and benefit all those around you?Notes:

“Dual Citizenship”7/14/19Matthew 22:15-22This Week’s Core Belief: Authority of the Bible I believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command my belief and action.2 Timothy 3:16-1716 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. Scripture: Matthew 22:15-2215 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.The Message of this Passage:From the Ligonier Ministry: “Pompey, a famous general during the last years of the Roman republic, brought the territory of Palestine under Rome’s control in 63 b.c. when his support allowed one side in a Jewish civil war to gain victory. From that point on, Israel ceased to be an independent kingdom and was ruled by client kings — like Herod the Great — who were loyal to the caesar. In 6 a.d., Rome began to rule directly that part of Palestine known as Judea through governors, or procurators. With this rule came also a yearly poll tax of one denarius, the normal daily wage, which was levied on every adult from puberty to age sixty-five. Most Jews loathed the poll tax because it symbolized Rome’s control of Judea.This background sets the stage for the test Jesus faces in today’s passage. The Herodians and disciples of the Pharisees come to our Lord “to entangle him,” inviting Him to answer their inquiry about the poll tax by flattering Him insincerely. Most of the time, these two groups could not agree on anything because the Herodians accommodated themselves to Roman rule while these Pharisees represented those who wanted independence. Yet their common enemy is Jesus, and so they unite to test Him regarding the poll tax.As in past episodes, Jesus is in a no-win situation. The Jewish populace will hate Him if He affirms the propriety of the poll tax. Yet if He declares it unlawful, He can be charged with treason. Jesus, of course, sees through the ruse. He asks for the coin used to pay the tax, which for pious Jews should be a special copper coin minted with Rome’s approval, not the silver denarius, which is seen as idolatrous because it depicts the caesar’s image and his title divus et pontifex maximus, Latin for “divine and high priest.” Jesus’ enemies are revealed as hypocrites when they produce the denarius (22:18–21). Those who hate idolatrous coinage are carrying unclean money themselves.Because the coin has the caesar’s image, it is his and should be given back to him. What belongs to God, however, must also be returned to Him (vv. 21–22). This silences the critics of Jesus and shows that His community respects the secular authorities and does not promote rebellion.Our Lord’s teaching is a useful principle for understanding when it is lawful to obey the state. As long as it does not claim for itself the rights that appropriately belong to God, Christians must obey the ruling authorities. This means we obey even when we do not agree with their tax rates, speed limits, or regulation of other parts of our lives. Do you obey the government when no biblical principle is violated even if you do not like the laws of the land?”Questions to consider:What makes the attempted flattery at the beginning of this passage so ironic? How were the Pharisees conducting themselves?How might this interaction between the Pharisees and the Herodians be a foreshadowing of the events to come? The ends are about to justify the means…How much of a say did these Jews in Judea have in how Rome governed them?Why do you think the Pharisees’ disciples and the Herodians response was simply to be marveled and leave? What is it about the simple truth being spoken that is so shockingWhy did the Pharisees and the Herodians think their question would entangle Jesus? What made the question so difficult (even impossible) in their mindsWhy does Jesus call them hypocrites for asking that question?Jesus doesn’t answer their question directly, but his answer does suggest a lot. List two or three implications you see in Jesus’s answer.What is the relationship between rendering to Caesar and rendering to God?Do you ever find it difficult to discern when it is lawful or unlawful to obey the government?Notes:

“The Invitation Has Been Sent”7/07/19Matthew 22:1-14This Week’s Core Belief: Eternity I believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and to establish His eternal kingdom.John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”Scripture: Matthew 22:1-1422 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.” ’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”The Message of this Passage:From the Ligoniers Ministry: Jesus tells a third parable to the Israelite leaders of Jerusalem in today’s passage, repeating some of the themes of the parable of the tenants (Matt. 21:33–46). Like the parable of the tenants, the parable of the wedding feast describes an authority figure who sends emissaries to certain people (21:33–34, 36; 22:1–3). And in the same way, these representatives are rejected, mistreated, and even killed (21:35–39; 22:5–6). Finally, judgment falls upon both the tenant and the one who rejects the invitation, indeed, upon all those who are unprepared for the kingdom (depicted in their lack of fruit and improper dress, 21:43–44; 22:11–14).These similarities mean that the parables also have nearly identical interpretations. God, the king in today’s passage, sends His servants, the prophets, to call His people to come to a feast for His Son (vv. 2–3). Actually, the servants go first to those who once told the king they would be at the party. Two invitations customarily went forth for parties in the ancient Near East. The first one did not list the time and place of the event, it only demanded a response of “Yes, I am coming” or “I cannot make it.” A second invitation then finalized the day and hour. At Sinai, the Almighty invited the Israelites to His banquet (the first invite), and they accepted without knowing when it would be (Ex. 24:1–11). Yet when God sent prophets to announce the day of the Lord and the messianic feast (the second invitation), many Israelites turned down the party (Luke 19:41–44).As with the parable of the tenants, it is those who should be ready for the kingdom that find themselves ill-prepared (Matt. 22:4–8). So the Lord calls on those who have received no invitation — those outside God’s covenant with Israel (vv. 9–10). These foreigners accept the invitation gladly and join those Israelites who are true to Yahweh at the Lamb’s marriage feast (Rev. 19:6–10).Jesus tells us in Luke 12:48 that “everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” The more we have been blessed with, the worse off we will be for rejecting our God’s gracious invitation.For Personal Reflection and Discussion:How would you react if you were invited to a wedding for the son of the ruler or president of your country?What is the meaning behind this parable?What does this passage teach us about God?What does this passage teach us about mankind?What truth can be applied to your life about the gospel?What do you think Jesus is trying to accomplish by telling this story?What type of person would need to hear this story?What is the point that Jesus is trying to make about needing the proper wedding garment? How does this impact the way that we live?What is the meaning of many are called but few are chosen?Do you feel you should be allowed to come to God on your own terms?Notes:

“The Stone That Was Rejected”6/30/19Matthew 21:33-46This Week’s Core Belief: Eternity I believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and to establish His eternal kingdom.John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”Scripture: Matthew 21:33-4633 “Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. 34 When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. 35 And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. 37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ 39 And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” 41 They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? 43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. 44 And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. 46 And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.The Message of this Passage:From the Ligonier Ministries: “As we have seen thus far, Jesus has harsh words for the Jewish leaders, based largely upon their failure to see their need of repentance. The parable of the tenants recorded in reveals a further reason for our Lord’s condemnation of the scribes and elders in their unwillingness to bear fruit for the Creator and thus draw the nations unto Him.Teachers throughout church history have often misused this parable to prove that Gentiles replace ethnic Jews in God’s plan. The transfer of the kingdom from one group to another (v. 43) may imply that Gentiles play a prominent role in the present era. Yet the passage is concerned not with the displacement of Jews in general, but with the inclusion of the new covenant community over against the corrupt leaders of Jesus’ day. Clearly, the parable is based on Isaiah 5:1–7; thus, the vineyard is the old covenant community.Jesus does not say that the vineyard is uprooted; rather, the vineyard’s tenants, those responsible for its upkeep and care, are judged (v. 43). These wicked tenants are ethnic Israelites, but not every ethnic Israelite. Furthermore, the new tenants are not of Gentile stock alone. Jews, like the twelve disciples are also included.God displaces the first tenants because of their abject failure. By grace alone, the Almighty redeemed His people from Egypt and gave them all they needed to bear fruit for His kingdom — to be a light unto the world. Under the old covenant many failed at this task, especially the religious leaders; even worse, they persecuted those servants (the prophets) who exhorted Israel to fulfill her call. But God will be patient until they go past the point of no return and murder His Son (vv. 37–39). By this dreadful deed, the evil tenants will earn their own destruction (vv. 40–41).In fulfillment of Psalm 118:22, the rejected Son is the “cornerstone” — the stone at the corner that joins two walls together. By combining the prophecies of Isaiah 8:14 and Daniel 2:34, 44, Jesus claims to be, as the founder of God’s kingdom on earth, the Lord over all earthly kingdoms. As the “stone,” He will crush all opposition to the kingdom of God. (Matt. 21:42–44).Every professing Christian should read today’s passage as a warning. All who are truly in Christ, of course, cannot finally fall away from grace, but only those who bear fruit for the kingdom are truly in Christ. Believers may vary in the amount of fruit they produce, but there is no such thing as a fruitless believer. Consider this day the fruit you are producing: in the form of good works of service, progress in sanctification, discipleship, and other such things.For Personal Reflection and Discussion:Read verses 33-34. How did the landowner prepare his vineyard? Why did he prepare so thoroughly? Who are the tenants? (45,46) If the landowner represents God, what does this teach about him?What does the landowner expect of the tenants? What shows that they are not the owners, but stewards of the vineyard? What does it mean to be stewards?Read verses 34-40. When harvest time came and the owner sent his servants to get fruit, what happened? (35,36) What does it mean to “collect his fruit”? Who do the servants represent?Read verses 37-39 again. Why did the owner send his son? What did the tenants think and do when they saw the son? What does this reveal about mankind? About God?Read verses 40-46. What will the owner do? Look at verse 42. What did Jesus teach about the rejected stone? What do these things tell us about God’s purpose and work in history?If this had been your vineyard, how would you have responded?Why did the landowner choose to be slow to vengeance? Why is this important? How is this like God? Why is it important for God to be slow to deal with us?Why was Jesus a threat to the power and personal agendas of the leaders? How does He "threaten" people today?Why do people not want to be shown the truth?What did the religious leaders realize when they heard Jesus’ parable? (21:45)

“Lip or Life Service?” Matthew 21:28-32This Week’s Core Practice: Single-mindedness I focus on God and His priorities for my life.Matthew 6: 24, 31-33“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.Scripture: Matthew 21:28-3128 “ But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘ Son, go, work today in my vineyard. ’ 29 He answered and said, ‘ I will not, ’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘ I go, sir, ’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father? ” They said to Him, “ The first. ”Jesus said to them, “ Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.The Message of this Passage:From the Ligonier”s Ministry: “Jesus in today’s passage uses His discussion of John the Baptist’s authority with the religious leaders in Jerusalem as a springboard to explain why judgment is coming upon those covenant-breaking Israelites who believe themselves falsely to be God’s true people. The parable of the two sons is the first of three consecutive parables in which our Lord condemns faithless Israelites.The point of today’s parable is straightforward, namely, that it is better to obey without promising than it is to promise and not obey. As Scripture tells us elsewhere, words mean nothing if there are no deeds to back them up. It is easy to profess the truth, but our Father in heaven also demands that we do the truth as well. Those who initially refuse to submit to God but then turn to Him are His children, not those who honor Him with their lips and yet have hearts that never serve Him.Of course, the priests and elders believe they are represented by the obedient son. Jesus, however, has a different estimation. The tax collectors and prostitutes, those whom the leaders see as farthest from the kingdom, are those who in hearing the preaching of John and Jesus have recognized their poverty of Spirit and repented. John Calvin comments that although they are great sinners, “they are greatly preferable to the scribes and Pharisees in this respect, that they do not continue to the end in their vices, but, on the contrary, submit gently and obediently to the yoke which they had fiercely rejected.” It is the son who does not follow through on his pledge that represents the Jerusalem authorities; they have not seen their desperate need of forgiveness and consequently, have not turned from their sin (v. 32; see 3:7–10).Being able to discern the faithful son is actually an act of self-indictment on the part of the leaders. If they can rightly choose as faithful the son who left his disobedience, surely they must also be able to discern in themselves their own lack of righteousness and need of the Savior. Yet they never acknowledge their guilt. Let us never be so confident in our own goodness that we fail to recognize our need of repentance and forgiveness.For Personal Reflection and Discussion:What is the truth contained in the main point of this parable?What motivated the parableWhat is Jesus’ personal application of the parable? (v. 31)What does this parable teach us about service?In what ways are these two sons similar? How do those similarities apply to Jesus’ listeners and those of us that read this parable today?In what ways are the two sons different? Who do they represent?What do you think is the whole point of this parable?What point is Jesus making in verses 31–32? Why does He sound so harsh here?What does it mean that Jesus says the harlots and tax gatherers will get into the kingdom of God before the chief priests and elders of Israel?This parable is different from some of the others, in that there is no burning of one side, like the wheat and tares, and there is no casting of one side into the place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Is there any significance to this fact? If so, what is it?Where would you place yourself on the spectrum of the older to younger brother? How does this parable specifically apply to us today…to you today?What Core Competencies do you see positively or negatively in the passage? 30 CORE COMPETENCIES10 FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFSTrinity: 2 Corinthians 13:14We believe the God of the Bible is the only true God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.Salvation by Grace: Ephesians 2: 8-9We believe a person comes into a right relationship with God by His grace,through faith in Jesus Christ.Authority of the Bible: 2 Timothy 3: 16-17We believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command our belief and action.Personal God: Psalm 121: 1-2We believe God is involved in and cares about our daily life.Identity in Christ: John 1: 12We believe we have significance because of our position as children of God.Church: Ephesians 4: 15-16We believe the church is God’s primary way to accomplish His purposes on earth today.Humanity: John 3: 16We believe all people are loved by God and need Jesus Christ as their Savior.Compassion: Psalm 82: 3-4We believe God calls all Christians to show compassion to those in need.Eternity: John 14: 1-4We believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and toestablish His eternal kingdom.Stewardship: I Timothy 6: 17-19We believe that everything we are or own belongs to God.10 FOUNDATIONAL PRACTICESWorship: Psalm 95: 1-7We worship God for who He is and what He has done and will continue to do.Prayer: Psalm 66: 16-20We pray to God to know Him, to intercede for others, to let our request be known to Him and tofind direction for our daily lives.Bible Study: Hebrews 4: 12We read the Bible to know God, the truth and to find direction.Single Mindedness: Matthew: 6: 33We focus on the Lordship of Christ and His Priorities for our lives.Spiritual Gifts: Romans 12: 4-5We know and use our spiritual gifts to fulfill God’s purpose in our life and add to the benefit of theBiblical or Transformational Community.Biblical Community: Acts 2: 44-47We fellowship with other Christians to accomplish God’s purpose in our lives,other’s lives, andin the world.Giving Away My Time: Colossians 3: 17We give away our time to fulfill God’s purposes and for the building of His Kingdom.Giving Away My Money: 2 Corinthians 8: 7We give away our money to fulfill God’s purposes and for the building of His Kingdom.Giving Away My Faith: Ephesians 6: 19-20We give away our faith to fulfill God’s purposes and for the building of His Kingdom.Giving Away My Life: Romans 12: 1We give away our life to fulfill God’s purposes and for the building of His Kingdom.10 FOUNDATIONAL VIRTUESJoy: Psalm 95: 1-7I have inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances.Peace: Philippians 4: 6-7I am free from anxiety because things are right between God, others, and myself.Faithfulness: Proverbs 3: 3-4I am faithful to fulfill God’s will for my life.Self-Control: I Thessalonians 5:6I have the power, through the Holy Spirit, to choose to control myself.Humility: Philippians 2: 3-4I choose to show consideration for others above myself.Love: I John 4: 10-12I am committed to love others unconditionally.Patience: Proverbs 14:29I am patient with others.Kindness/Goodness: I Thessalonians 5: 15I choose to do the right things in my relationship with others.Gentleness: Philippians 4:5I choose to be thoughtful, considerate and calm in dealing with others.Hope: Hebrews 6: 17-20It is because of the hope I have in Christ I can cope with the hardships of lifeand with death.Notes:

“By What Authority?” Matthew 21:23-276/9/19This Week’s Core Practice: Single-mindedness- I focus on God and His priorities for my life.Matthew 6: 24, 31-33“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.Scripture: Scripture: Matthew 21:23-2723 And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.The Message of this Passage: The earlier part of this chapter tells of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (vv. 1-11) and his cleansing of the temple (vv. 12-13). The cleansing of the temple brings on the confrontation between Jesus and the chief priests and elders in today’s lesson. Members of the Sanhedrin come to Jesus as He teaches in the temple. Knowing that His actions are a claim to authority over the temple, they want Him to reveal the source of His authority. Only two options are possible: God or man. As usual, they do not want the truth; rather, they only want to trap Him. If Jesus claims human authority, He can be arrested for blaspheming God and His temple. On the other hand, if Jesus claims divine, royal authority, Rome can execute Him for treason. To use current human reasoning, Jesus is in a no-win situation.Jesus answers with a question of His own, a common practice in rabbinic debate. Using an argument, in which a part (in this case, baptism) is used to represent the whole (John’s ministry), Christ asks His opponents about the authority behind John the Baptist (vv. 24–25). If they call John a prophet, they condemn themselves for not following him or Jesus, whom John proclaimed. But to say John’s authority is from men is to face the crowd’s anger. Which now puts them in a no-win situation so they refuse to answer.Thus, John MacArthur writes, “Jesus exposes their own lack of any authority to examine Him” (The MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 1,164). And since they have no standing, Christ has no need to answer them.Matthew Henry comments on today’s passage, saying that “those who imprison the truth they know, in unrighteousness are justly denied the further truths they enquire after.” When we, like the scribes and priests in today’s passage, refuse to submit to the evidence in front of us, we are left with no right to expect further revelation of the truth. Obedience today is the prerequisite for fuller knowledge of the things of God tomorrow.For Personal Reflection and Discussion:What is the context for Matthew 21: 23-32. What was the purpose of the religious leaders questioning Jesus about His source of authority for teaching?Why were they doing this publicly?When is answering a question with a question, rude? When is doing that beneficial?Is an individual obligated to answer all the questions posed to him? Why or why not?Why were the religious leaders afraid to give an honest answer to Jesus? Why were they afraid of the people?Does fear of people’s response sometimes dictate what I say? Do I make decisions with a view to preserving my position and power?Among believers, authority can be misused. Jesus used his divine authority, not to dominate, but to serve. How do I use the authority I have?What is the danger of giving a dishonest answer to legitimate questions?Why does Jesus give such a strong condemnation of those that give lip service to God? (Hypocrisy).Notes:

“Living Consistently!”Matthew 21:18-226.02.19This Week’s Core Behavior: Giving Away My Faith I give away my faith to fulfill God's purposes.Ephesians 6:16-20 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.Scripture: Scripture: Matthew 21:18-2218 In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once. 20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” 21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”The Message of this Passage:From Ligonier Ministries: “How can a good man curse an ‘innocent’ fig tree? they ask. And, if Jesus is omniscient, why does He expect figs when it is not fig season?These objections are easily answered. First, Christ, as God the Son, has authority over His creation and the sovereign right to do with it what He wills. Jesus, therefore, can curse the fig tree if He so desires. Second, understanding what it means for figs to be in season shows us how Jesus can expect fruit when it is not fig season. During springtime, Palestinian fig trees begin producing taksh — Arabic for immature, edible figs. Ripe, sweet figs are harvested in the summer, the season for figs to which Mark’s gospel refers. Lush foliage signals that taksh are present; thus, Jesus rightly expects fruit when He combs through the leaves; yet appearances are deceiving in this case.Our Savior’s curse does more than just express His righteous anger at the lack of figs. Jesus curses the fig tree in the context of His teaching on hypocrisy: He casts out temple merchants who exploit others while claiming to serve God; He must deal with religious authorities who will not recognize John the Baptist’s divine authority (vv. 23–27); He tells a parable that condemns those who pledge service but then do nothing (vv. 28–32). Moreover, the Old Testament sometimes speaks of covenant-breaking Israel as a barren fig tree. Christ’s curse is a foreshadowing of what will happen to hypocrites — those Israelites who, like the fig trees with leaves, promise fruit but fail to deliver.This lesson escapes the Twelve, who are more amazed at the speed with which Jesus’ words come true. Christ does not focus in on hypocrisy; that will come later (vv. 28–32). Instead, He teaches on prayer, informing His followers that believing prayer can accomplish great things (vv. 21–22).”Matthew Henry writes, “The fruit of fig trees may justly be expected from those who have the leaves. Christ looks for the power of religion from those who make profession of it.” The cursing of the fig tree is a sobering reminder of just how much the Lord hates hypocrisy. As Christians we must live consistently with what we say we believe. An unbelieving world is watching us; therefore, let it only see those who practice what they preach.For Personal Reflection and Discussion:How did the withered fig tree incident affect the disciples? (21:20)How does it affect you?What does it mean when Christians just make leaves?How do you see Jesus' sovereignty in this passage?What can you learn from this passage's emphasis to not doubt or worry? Why do you doubt? Why should you not doubt? How can you keep from doubting?How would you illustrate the power and significance of faith?Read Rom. 12:2 and Phil. 4:8: Why is it that without faith, trust, and prayer a Christian can do nothing-no growth, no fruit, no ministry, and no impact?What is the significance of obedience, as applied to faith?Read verses 23-25 reflect on what Jesus might have meant in these verses.God is the source of all change. Moving a mountain is sometimes symbolic of doing something humanly impossible. Jesus was teaching His disciples that with faith, they can accomplish what appears to be impossible (see Philippians 4:13). Does this mean if we ask for anything, God will give it to us? What do you think? Ask yourself: “Is what I am praying for part of God’s will for my lifeWhat can you learn from today’s passage?

“And He Healed Them!” Matthew 21:12-17“5/26/19”This Week’s Core Practice: Worship I worship God for who He is and what He has done for me.Psalm 95:1-7 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 3 For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.Scripture: Matthew 21:12-17And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” 14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “ ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” 17 And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.The Message of this Passage:From the Ligonier Ministries: “Messianic expectations were at a fever pitch after Jesus came into Jerusalem on a donkey, and the next action He performed only added fuel to the fire. We will today look at our Lord’s cleansing of the temple and examine what it teaches us about Christ.Of Herod’s building projects, none were greater than the Jerusalem temple, which he expanded. It sat on what we now call the Temple Mount, an area of some thirty-five acres. Only priests could enter the temple itself, which took up a small part of the mount and was surrounded by three courts: Israelite men could enter the court closest to the temple. Israelite men and women could occupy the next court. But the Court of the Gentiles, which was the court farthest from the temple, was the closest any non-Jew could get to the sanctuary.From around the world, first-century Jews came to the temple at Passover to sacrifice to the Lord. It was impractical to bring sacrificial animals long distances; so, they were available in Jerusalem — for a price. Most Jews also paid the temple tax at Passover, and money-changers were there to convert Roman coinage into appropriate currency: pagan mottos on Roman money made it unacceptable for Yahweh’s house. Though not inherently evil, these practices became occasions for sin. Pilgrims paid exorbitant rates to change money, and sellers exploited those in poverty, overcharging for the poor man’s offering of pigeons and doves (Lev. 5:7). To make things worse, these merchants set up shop in the Court of the Gentiles, making it useless as a place of prayer due to the hustle and bustle the buying and selling created.Therefore Jesus drove out the sellers. These merchants, and the priests who allowed their presence, cared nothing for true worship as long as they could make money and keep up the rituals. Our Savior hated this sacrilege, which kept the nations from learning about the living God in His sanctuary.We cannot underestimate the importance of this act. It showed Jesus as having authority to purify and take charge of the temple, a messianic task that only put Him more at odds with the Sanhedrin.”For Personal Reflection and Discussion:What was Jesus’ point as He refers to Scripture? What had they gotten terribly wrong?Why didn’t Jesus heal the blind and lame before He cleared the temple?What does “Hosanna” mean? What does the name “Son of David” refer to? What were the children announcing as they shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David?” Why were the priests and teachers of the law indignant?If you had been in the temple then, what do you think would have caused a bigger reaction: the healings, or the shouting children? What do you think the priests and teachers were thinking when they asked Jesus about the children?Why do you suppose Matthew ends the conversation so abruptly? What might Jesus have been thinking about as He went back to Bethany? What might the priests and teachers have been thinking? What does Jesus leave you thinking?What aspects of following Jesus have made you feel indignant and how will you ask God to transform that which is terribly wrong into something wonderfully right?How would you define true worship?How do we open ourselves to see the surprises of God?Our Lord had a habit of saying hard things to people and then leaving them. Here in verses 16 and 17 is another instance of that. Some of us in our difficult conversations trying to persuade people that Jesus is King tend to explain from our own reasoning and then badger them until they get it. What can we learn from the Lord's approach here?Does Jesus wielding a whip fit your image of Him? Why is it crucial to know Jesus as the Bible reveals Him, not necessarily as we might want Him to be?Jesus’ cleansing of the temple at the very least, illustrates how concerned He is with the purity of worship. Our corporate praise and prayer is something that is always in need of reformation. Consider the importance of pure worship from a devoted heart when you praise the Lord in private and corporate worship.

“Why Do You Admire Him?” Matthew 21:1-11 May 19,2019 This Week’s Core Belief: Humanity I believe all people are loved by God and need Jesus Christ as their Savior. John 3:16-19 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. Scripture: Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” The Message of this Passage: An article from Ligonier ministries describes these verses this way. “Riding on a humble beast of burden is not the way in which most people would expect a king to enter into His reign, but that is exactly how the Lord of glory entered His. Though almost no one could see it at the time, Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday marked the beginning of the final events that would lead to His exaltation. When we say that almost no one could see it at the time, we are not speaking of what the crowd of Passover pilgrims first thought when they saw Jesus approaching Jerusalem on a donkey. The greatest king in their history, after all, often rode through the Holy City and the Promised Land in a similar manner. Thus, the people who cried “Hosanna to the Son of David!” on Palm Sunday expected a mighty, conquering king, one who would throw off the yoke of their Gentile oppressors just as David had defeated the Philistines centuries earlier. Yet the people failed to see the true import of the Davidic king riding on a lowly beast of burden. Yes, David was a conquering king, but he defeated his enemies not in his own strength but in the strength of the Lord. Moreover, for all of his military prowess, David could not provide permanent rest to his people. After his death, his son Solomon enjoyed peace for a time, but this golden age came to an end when God brought enemies against Solomon to discipline him for his idolatry. The true enemies that had to be defeated were not pagan Gentiles but rather sin and death. This could not be done on a white horse and with great armies. Instead, it took humility, a willingness to take the form of a servant and submit to the punishment that God’s people deserve for their sin. Only by receiving the worst that sin and death could throw at him could the Davidic king “outsmart” our enemies. In thinking that they were gaining the upper hand, sin, death, and even Satan himself did not see that their actions were ultimately working under the sovereignty of God so that His wrath would be satisfied in the death of His Son. They did not see that by killing Jesus they were actually ensuring their own defeat, for the Son of David whom they murdered was stronger than death itself. Passing through death, He conquered it by rising again. Jesus took the worst that His foes could do and triumphed over it. His humble entry into Jerusalem in fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy anticipated His final conquering act.” Taken from Ligonier Ministries For Personal Reflection and Discussion: The laying down of a cloak was a sign of submission. The palm branch was a symbol of nationalism. Discuss some of the dangers of putting a political twist on your religious beliefs. The crowd shouted “Hosanna” which is a Hebrew word meaning “save”. Basically they are saying “Save us son of a king.” From what were the crowds asking to be saved? Read Zech. 14:1-4 & Ps. 48:1-3. Picture yourself as a devout Jew living in Jesus’ day, a Jew who knew the Scriptures well. What significance would you attach to Jesus, who “drew near to Jerusalem and came . . . to the Mount of Olives” (Matt. 21:1)? How do you respond when Jesus doesn’t meet your expectations, even if your expectations were completely wrong? Holy Week is also known as Passion Week. The word Passion comes from the Latin term “Passio” which means suffer. Jesus came as a suffering servant and a triumphant king. In different seasons of your life how do you relate to these two contrasting images of Jesus? What is the difference between honoring Jesus and recognizing Him as the Messiah? How did Jesus know that the animals would be just inside the village? Did He exercise His omniscience (complete knowledge of everything) or did He prearrange to have the animals ready for His need? On what basis did you answer? Why do you think Jesus allowed this kind of worship and public announcing of Himself as the Messiah to happen when he had stopped it so many times before (e.g. Matt. 9:27-31; John 2:4; 7:30; 8:20; 12:23, 27; 13:1; 17:1)? In Matt. 21:1-11 people had a misconception about who He was and what He came to do. Think for a moment about your own life. In what ways do you have misconceptions about Jesus? Just a few questions to start your thinking: Do you think that there are sins you have committed for which He just can’t forgive you? Do you think that there are sins you commit about which He is not really concerned? Do you think His main concern for your life is your happiness? Do you think He is obligated to bless you in certain and specific ways because of your obedience? Do you think (or act like) Jesus’ command to make disciples is for other people but not for you? Do you deny the power of the resurrection directed toward you (Eph. 1:19-20) by living a life unaffected by the gospel? Don’t stop with my questions. Ask God to reveal to you your misconceptions about Jesus and write down what He shows you. Notes:

“We Want Our Eyes Opened!” Matthew 20:29-345-12-19This Week’s Core Virtue: Love - I sacrificially and unconditionally love and forgive others.1 John 4:10-12 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved usand sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another,God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.Scripture: Scripture: Matthew 20:29-3429 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.The Message of this Passage:Today’s passage indicates that Jesus will soon arrive in Jerusalem to complete His Purpose for coming to earth. Leaving Jericho, Christ and His followers begin the ascent 3,000 feet up to Jerusalem, but they do not get very far before meeting two desperate men in need.These blind men, one of whom is named Bartimaeus, beg Jesus to heal them, confessing Him as the “Son of David”, a title loaded with assumptions about who Christ is and His claims to be the Messiah. Knowing that the Messiah is present gives them hope that He will fulfill His call to work miracles and give them sight.Yet the crowd is not happy, to say the least, with these blind men, rebuking them as they cry out to Jesus. They probably feel the beggars are unworthy of the Messiah’s attention since many first-century Jews thought blindness was God’s punishment for sin. It is also likely that they do not want Jesus to “waste His time” on these blind men. Those who believe Jesus might be the Christ would be looking for Him to enter Jerusalem immediately so that He might overthrow the Romans and set Israel over the world.For Jesus, however, it is not a waste of time to stop and meet the needs of individuals such as these two blind men. So moved by compassion he restores their sight. This healing is against the people’s idea of what the Messiah should do, and it is just an indication of stronger opposition to come. The crowd that now does not want Him to help a fellow Israelite will later call for Jesus’ head when He does not live up to their expectations.For Discussion:● Take a moment to read Matthew 20:29-34. What does this story teach us about caring for others?● Read Matthew 20:29-34. Discuss some of the differences found in Mark 10:46-52 and Luke 18:35-43.● How did the men know who Jesus was? How did they address Jesus? What was the status of the blind in Jesus’ day?● Why do you think the crowd reacted this way to the blind men? What did the men do in response to being told to be silent?● By asking Jesus what they did, what did it reveal about their faith in Him?● How quickly did they receive what they had asked from Jesus? What was their response to being healed and given back their sight?● What quality is considered great in the kingdom?● What commendable spirit did the two blind men manifest? (30-31)It can be easy to get so caught up in our plans that we miss the needs of certain individuals among us. As followers of Jesus, we must imitate His compassion and take the time to minister to hurting individuals even if it may sometimes get in the way of our own plans and purposes. How do you make sure people are shown compassion and not forgotten?

This Week’s Core VirtueLove - I sacrificially and unconditionally love and forgive others.1 John 4:10-12 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”The Message of this Passage: Matthew’s gospel has thus far revealed the disciples’ failure to comprehend the full importance of Jesus’ predictions about His death. The first time Jesus mentioned it, Peter protested our Savior’s need to die for His people (16:21–23). Soon after hearing of Christ’s death a second time, the disciples argued about who was the greatest among them, not who was most eager to suffer with the Messiah (17:22–18:6). By now you would think the Twelve would get it, but they don’t, and they display their ignorance again immediately after Jesus predicts His death for the third time (20:17–19).This time, James and John, brothers who are uniquely close to Christ, are the ones who grossly misunderstand what kingdom greatness really means. Their request to sit on either side of Jesus in His kingdom — to have preeminent honor— shows that they miss the point of what it means to be exalted before God. Apparently, though it is futile to do so, James and John are seeking glory without suffering, a crown without the cross. John Calvin comments, “None will be a partaker of the life and the kingdom of Christ who has not previously shared in his sufferings and death.”James and John affirm their readiness to drink from the cup of Jesus. To drink from Christ’s cup means to share in His suffering, though not in precisely the same way, for only Jesus can bear God’s judgement against sin. Perhaps without knowing it at the time, the sons of Zebedee confess their willingness to die for their Master. At first this confession rings hollow, but in time the brothers, by the Spirit’s power, will freely suffer for Christ — James as a martyr and John as an exile. They start out arrogant and ignorant but finally learn, Matthew Henry says, that “religion, if it is worth anything, is worth everything; but it is worth little, if it is not worth suffering for.”For Discussion:Take a moment to read Matthew 20:20-28. What does this story teach us about what it means to serve others?Why are we so driven to seek recognition – especially above others?What gets in the way of us having an attitude of serving others?Jesus changed Jewish perception of a messiah. Why do you think it was difficult for Jesus’ listeners to grasp his revolutionary idea to see a messiah in a new light? Is it difficult for us to understand it today? If so, why? Jesus said they would be drinking from His cup. What was their cup?He came to give His life as a ransom for many. What does that mean?Why do the disciples get angry? What does it show about their hearts? Where in your life do you share their indignation?Why does serving others for our own personal gain enslave us? Why should we be liberated by sharing in Jesus’ cup?Matthew Henry writes, “It is the duty of Christ’s disciples to serve one another, for mutual edification.” This is God’s economy, after all. Having more isn’t winning. Being served isn’t best. Being honored isn’t greatness. The people of Jesus are to follow in the footsteps of Jesus — who “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”.

“Jockeying for Position!”Matthew 20:20-284/28/19This Week’s Core VirtueLove - I sacrificially and unconditionally love and forgive others.1 John 4:10-12 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”The Message of this Passage: Matthew’s gospel has thus far revealed the disciples’ failure to comprehend the full importance of Jesus’ predictions about His death. The first time Jesus mentioned it, Peter protested our Savior’s need to die for His people (16:21–23). Soon after hearing of Christ’s death a second time, the disciples argued about who was the greatest among them, not who was most eager to suffer with the Messiah (17:22–18:6). By now you would think the Twelve would get it, but they don’t, and they display their ignorance again immediately after Jesus predicts His death for the third time (20:17–19).This time, James and John, brothers who are uniquely close to Christ, are the ones who grossly misunderstand what kingdom greatness really means. Their request to sit on either side of Jesus in His kingdom — to have preeminent honor— shows that they miss the point of what it means to be exalted before God. Apparently, though it is futile to do so, James and John are seeking glory without suffering, a crown without the cross. John Calvin comments, “None will be a partaker of the life and the kingdom of Christ who has not previously shared in his sufferings and death.”James and John affirm their readiness to drink from the cup of Jesus. To drink from Christ’s cup means to share in His suffering, though not in precisely the same way, for only Jesus can bear God’s judgement against sin. Perhaps without knowing it at the time, the sons of Zebedee confess their willingness to die for their Master. At first this confession rings hollow, but in time the brothers, by the Spirit’s power, will freely suffer for Christ — James as a martyr and John as an exile. They start out arrogant and ignorant but finally learn, Matthew Henry says, that “religion, if it is worth anything, is worth everything; but it is worth little, if it is not worth suffering for.”For Discussion:Take a moment to read Matthew 20:20-28. What does this story teach us about what it means to serve others?Why are we so driven to seek recognition – especially above others?What gets in the way of us having an attitude of serving others?Jesus changed Jewish perception of a messiah. Why do you think it was difficult for Jesus’ listeners to grasp his revolutionary idea to see a messiah in a new light? Is it difficult for us to understand it today? If so, why?Jesus said they would be drinking from His cup. What was their cup?He came to give His life as a ransom for many. What does that mean?Why do the disciples get angry? What does it show about their hearts? Where in your life do you share their indignation?Why does serving others for our own personal gain enslave us? Why should we be liberated by sharing in Jesus’ cup?Matthew Henry writes, “It is the duty of Christ’s disciples to serve one another, for mutual edification.” This is God’s economy, after all. Having more isn’t winning. Being served isn’t best. Being honored isn’t greatness. The people of Jesus are to follow in the footsteps of Jesus — who “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”.~~~~~~~~~~SERMON NOTES~~~~~~~~~~~