The Webster Bible Church Podcast

Transformative Truth: Being set apart by God for God puts believers in a good place! The Author (v. 1a) For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.  - Galatians 1:13-14 Paul, an apostle – not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead…. - Galatians 1:1 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone…. - Galatians 1:15-16 The Addressees (v. 1b) You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, not now you have received mercy. - 1 Peter 2:9-10 “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” - John 17:15-18 The Assurance (v. 2)

Transformative Truth: God's Word tells us we can KNOW God's will so that we can LIVE God's will The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.  -Deuteronomy 29:29 We believe the counsel of God given to us by the Spirit of God in the Word of God is the means by which the people of God KNOW the will of God For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding... -Proverbs 2:6 He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. -John 8:23 Live in God's will by BEARING fruit in every good work Live in God's will by INCREASING in the Knowledge of God See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ -Colossians 2:8   … continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard… -Colossians 1:23 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. -Colossians 3:12 Giving thanks joyfully to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, -Colossians 1:21-22  

Scripture: Romans 14:13–15:7 Transformative Truth: Christian liberty is to be governed by love. How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. - Hebrews 9:14 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. - 1 Timothy 1:5 Christian liberty is to be governed by love. 1. For the sake of your brother 2. For the sake of Christ's body “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” - Matthew 5:6 “I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” - Paul the Apostle (Philippians 3:9-10 NLT) Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. - Colossians 3:15 NLT Christian liberty is to be governed by love.  3. For the sake of God's blessing Conclusion 1. Our mandate (v. 1) 2. Our mission (v. 2) 3. Our model (v. 3) 4. Our manual (v. 4) 5. Our mantra (v. 7) 

Scripture: Romans 14:1-12 Transformative Truth: Since the Lord welcomes us, we should welcome one another.   Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. - Romans 15:7 How should I relate to fellow Christians whose consciences disagree with mine? The Problem Feel as I feel, think only as I think; Eat what I eat, drink what I drink, Look as I look, do always as I do, Then and only then will I fellowship with you. The Prescription To the strong: 1. Welcome your weaker brother (v. 1). 2. Do not despise him (vv. 3a, 10b) To the weak: Stop passing judgment (vv. 3b, 4a, 10a) Should a man not lay his hand upon his mouth before he criticizes his brethren? When we pass swift, uninformed, unloving and ungenerous judgments, surely we have forgotten that if we speak evil of them, at the same time we speak evil of the Lord whose name they bear. The Principles 1. God welcomes all believers (v. 3) 2. The Lord upholds every believer (v. 4) 3. The Lord is sovereign over every believer (vv. 5-9) “To deny the lordship of Jesus Christ in the life of any believer is to subvert the full work, power, and purpose of His crucifixion and resurrection.” 4. The Lord alone will judge each believer (vv. 10-12).  

Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25 Transformative Truth: For the conscience to function properly, it must be calibrated to Scripture. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.  - Hebrews 10:22 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. - 1 Peter 3:21-22 For the conscience to function properly, it must be calibrated to Scripture. The Calibration of the Conscience Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason – I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other – my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their power of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. - Hebrews 5:14 1. Education 2. Application The Conditions of the Conscience 1. Those who have a guilty conscience and know it. 2. Those who have a guilty conscience and don't know it. 3. Those who have a purified conscience and know it. 4. Those who have a purified conscience and don't know it. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our hearts before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. - 1 John 3:20 The Cross and the Conscience

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-21, Hebrews 9:14, 1 Peter 3:21-22 Transformative Truth: Guilt and shame lose their power at the cross of Christ.   The conscience is your awareness of what you believe is right and wrong. Modern-Day Fig Leaves (Self-Atoning, Self-Protective Measures) • The blame game • Perfectionism and overachievement • Busyness and distractions • Religious duties and good works I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring [seed] and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel. - Genesis 3:15 How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. - Hebrews 9:14 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. - 1 Peter 3:21-22 Guilt and shame lose their power at the cross of Christ. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness... -Isaiah 61:10

Scripture Text: various Transformative Truth: Thank God for the precious gift of conscience! “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” - 1 Timothy 1:5 “I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” - Acts 24:16 THE NEGLECTED CONSCIENCE Part One: What Is the Conscience? They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts. Their consciences confirm this. Their competing thoughts either accuse or even excuse them [tell them they are doing right]. - Romans 2:15 CSB To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. - Titus 1:15 ESV The conscience is your awareness of what you believe is right and wrong.

Transformative Truth: Trust the Transforming Power of the Gospel to Produce Fruit 1. The fruit of faith 2. The fruit of love 3. The fruit of hope

Transformative Truth: Jesus Christ provides the rule that real peace requires. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 Jesus Christ provides the rule that real peace requires. Peace in a Person “Children ought to love the Lord Jesus Christ above all things in the world.”  There is no love so great and so wonderful as that which is in the heart of Christ. Peace through his Provision Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 5:1 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility…. - Ephesians 2:14 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. - Isaiah 26:3-4 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. - Isaiah 26:3-4 Peace that is Perpetual Jesus Christ provides the rule that real peace requires.

Transformative Truth: Jesus Christ is our “Everlasting Father” For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 BLESSED BE THE NAME: Part Three: "Everlasting Father" Isaiah 9:6 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a *voice from heaven* said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." - Matthew 3:16-17 1. Jesus Christ is the founder and head of the household of faith.   Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. - Isaiah 53:10 2. Jesus Christ is the benevolent protector and provider for his people. 3. Jesus Christ will never let us down. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" - Hebrews 13:5-6

Transformative Truth: The infinitely powerful Son of God fights for His people. 1.  "Mighty God" on earth 2.  "Mighty God" in heaven 3.  "Mighty God" in heaven and on earth together

As the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus provides perfect wisdom and care for all who come to him. For to us a child is born, To us a son is given; And the government shall be upon his shoulder, And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 The Prophetic Context Matthew 4:12-13 Now when he heard that John [the Baptist] had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali.... Matthew 4:14-17 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of Gentiles- the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.... - Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder.... - Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 The Preeminent Counselor 1. Jesus is all-wise.  2. Jesus is approachable.  3. Jesus is reliable. 4. Jesus is available. As the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus provides perfect wisdom and care for all who come to him. Applications: 1. Come to Jesus with all your struggles and sins. 2. Listen to Jesus through the Word of God. 3. Walk with Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

Transformative Truth: Celebrate and cultivate gospel-centered relationships in the local church. 1. Recognize our connection in Christ. 2. Root your confidence in God. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. - 1 John 3:2 3. Reaffirm our commitment to one another. a. as partners in the gospel b. through prayer for spiritual growth

Transformative Truth: The One True God of the Bible still Rules and Reigns I. Observation 1) The God of Israel is on His throne 2) The God of Israel defense His honor II. Application 1) Point people to the One True God by first identifying false gods 2) Point people to the One True God by sharing God's word

Transformative Truth: Great people foster gratitude toward God and goodness toward others. A Grand Feast - Esther 9:20-32 1. It was recorded. 2. It was required.  A Great Friend - Esther 10:1-3 1. What he sought 2. What he spoke

Transformative Truth: Believers can fight valiantly, knowing that God is for us. The Victory Declared Esther 9:1 The Victory Described Esther 9:2-19 1. What God's people did for themselves 2. What the governing officials did for them 3. What God Almighty did for them 4. What they gained as a result Believers can fight valiantly, knowing that God is for us.

Transformative Truth: You can expectantly trust God's deliverance! "Old Testament historical narrative is 'a declaration from God about God' (Alec Motyer)..." - Dale Ralph Davis I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Genesis 12:3 Transformative Truth: You can expectantly trust God's deliverance! I want you to fully believe in God's deliverance, which changes everything Esther 8:1-2 I want you to fully rest in God's deliverance, which is sometimes veiled behind human decisions and actions Esther 8:3-12 People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah! Acts 2:22-23, 36, NLT I want you to fully delight in God's deliverance, which brings freedom and joy. Esther 8:13-17 The Jews were filled with joy and gladness and were honored everywhere. Esther 8:16, NLT The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. Romans 6:3-5, NLT

Transformative Truth: God protects his people and punishes those who oppose them. The Request of the Queen Esther 7:1-4 The Rage of the King Esther 7:4-8 The Retribution on the Condemned Esther 7:9-10 1. Identification: Take your stand with Christ and his people. 2. Indignation: View God's wrath in relation to his love. 3. Illusion: Beware of the deceitfulness of sin.

Transformative Truth: The deliverance of God's people spells doom for their enemies. A Sleepless Night - Esther 6:1-3 A Surprising Morning - Esther 6:4-12 A Sobering Assertion - Esther 6:13-14 1.  Marvel at God's providence. 2.  Maintain a right perspective. 3.  Make sure that you're prepared.

Speaker: Matthew H. Fletcher, Senior Pastor Scripture: Esther 5:1-14 Transformative Truth: God uses the humble and the haughty to achieve his purposes. The Positive Effects of Humility Esther 5:1-8 1. Courage 2. Faith 3. Wisdom The Negative Effects of Haughtiness Esther 5:9-14 1. Fragile ego 2. Frequent boasting 3. Foolish Impulse

Transformative Truth: It's better to risk your life than to waste it. Devastating Crisis Esther 4:1-3 Deliberate Care Esther 4:4-17 My role: How does this concern me? My risk: What might this cost me? My reward: Are the consequences worth it? "Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.     I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty." - Exodus 34:6-7a NLT

Transformative Truth: The forces of evil threaten to annihilate God's covenant people. 1. Haman's Promotion Esther 3:1-2a "The providences of God are seldom self-interpreting, and it's usually wrong for us to try and understand what's going on in the immediacy of the moment ... the time frame of the here and now." - Alistair Begg 2. Haman's Pride Esther 3:2b-5 3. Haman's Prejudice Esther 3:6 4. Haman's Proposal Esther 3:7-11 5. Haman's Proclamation Esther 3:12-15a 6. Haman's Presumption Esther 3:15b

Transformative Truth: The best and worst of men can't change the Master's plan. Girls Gathered  vv 1-11 Esther Esteemed  vv 12-18 Plot Precluded  vv 19-23 Lessons Learned   1.   2.   3.

Transformative Truth: With the exception of God, might does not make right. The King's Predominance - Esther 1:1-4 The King's Parties - Esther 1:5-9 The King's Problems - Esther 1:10-12 The Proclamation - Esther 1:13-22 With the exception of God, might does not make right. Practical Considerations 1. A look at our society 2. A look at our selves 3. A look at our Savior

Speaker: Noble Armstrong, Elder Scripture: Psalm 51:1-19 Transformative Truth: True confession involves seeing your sin for what it is, seeing God for who He is, and seeing yourself for who you are. In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. 1 Samuel 11:1 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Psalm 32:3-4 Graphic slide:  Project graphic comparing 2 passages   Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned. Romans 5:12 21 Then Moses called all the elders of Israel and said to them, "Go and select lambs for yourselves according to your clans, and kill the Passover lamb. 22 Take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and touch the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. None of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning. 23 For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians, and when he sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you. Exodus 12:21-23 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:29 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15 True confession involves seeing your sin for what it is, seeing God for who He is, and seeing yourself for who you are. 18 And he shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar that is in the tent of meeting before the Lord, and the rest of the blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar of burnt offering that is at the entrance of the tent of meeting. 19 And all its fat he shall take from it and burn on the altar. 20 Thus shall he do with the bull. As he did with the bull of the sin offering, so shall he do with this. And the priest shall make atonement for them, and they shall be forgiven. Leviticus 4:17-20 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Hebrews 9:13-14 22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:13-14 and 22 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 7-9

Title: Grace Alone Speaker: Bill & Lori Smith, ABWE Missionaries Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 11:5-6, Psalm 130 Transformative Truth:   Receive Grace... Live by Grace... Share HIS Grace SOLO GRATIA (GRACE ALONE) God's grace is _____________________ favor. (Gen. 6:8) God's grace is _______________________ sin debt _________________________________ (Rom. 6:23) God's grace is through ____________________ alone. (John 14:6) God's grace can't be _______________________. (Eph. 2:8,9) God's grace is ______________________________________. (John 1:29) We need to _________________________________________ His Grace. We need to _______________________________________ by His Grace. We need to _____________________________________ share His Grace

Transformative Truth: Believers “pay back” the Lord by magnifying his inexhaustible goodness. 10. I believed, even when I spoke: "I am greatly afflicted"; 11. I said in my alarm, "All mankind are liars." 10. I believed, so [therefore] I spoke: "I am greatly afflicted"; 11. I said in my alarm, "All mankind are liars." The gratitude we show God is itself a gift from God. I'll live for the Lord, and here's how: 1. I will celebrate: I will lift up the cup of salvation. 2. I will supplicate: I will call on the name of the Lord. 3. I will congregate: I will worship in the presence of the Lord's people. 4. I will consecrate: I will dedicate myself to the Lord's service.  Believers "pay back" the Lord by magnifying his inexhaustible goodness.

Transformative Truth: Tell others publicly why you love the Lord personally. "I love the Lord," and here's why: 1. He has heard me Psalm 116:1-2 2. He has rescued me Psalm 116:3-6 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him. - Hebrews 5:7-9 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, "I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise." 13 And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again, "Behold, I and the children God has given me." - Hebrews 2:9-13 Tell others publicly why you love the Lord personally. The theological truth is that every experience of being rescued from death (the experience of Psalm 116) - whether being saved from dying or being raised from the dead - is possible only because of the death and resurrection of Christ. Psalm 116 is ours in Christ, as those who died with him and are raised with him (Rom. 6:1-11). "I love the Lord," and here's why: 1. He has heard me. 2. He has rescued me. 3. He has cared for me. Psalm 116:7

Transformative Truth: It is a great privilege to praise God with his people. You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of God's firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. - Hebrews 12:22-24 Yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One, and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won: O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we, like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with thee. Their Delight in Jerusalem Psalm 122:1-2 Their Description of Jerusalem Psalm 122:3-5 Jerusalem, built as a city should be, solidly united, where the tribes, the LORD's tribes, go up to give thanks to the name of the LORD. - Psalm 122:3  Christian Standard Bible Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? - 1 Corinthians 3:16 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. - Ephesians 2:21-22 NIV Their Dedication to Jerusalem Psalm 122:6-9 "How lovely is the sanctuary in the eyes of those who are truly sanctified!" It is a great privilege to praise God with his people.

Transformative Truth: You are kept safe as you journey through life with Jesus.     Reality #1: The Lord is all-powerful.    Resolution A: I will look to the Lord for strength.   Resolution B: I will look to the Lord for stability.   Reality #2: The Lord is ever-watchful.   Ramification A: I have shade in the midst of difficulty.   Ramification B: I have a shield in the midst of danger.   You are kept safe as you journey through life with Jesus.

Transformative Truth: The church is God's channel of blessing to the nations. 1. The Request for God's Blessing The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. "So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them." - Numbers 6:24-27 2. The Reason for God's Blessing 3. The Results of God's Blessing  "Missions exists because worship doesn't. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man." 4. The Realization of God's Blessing

Transformative Truth: Only the morally perfect get to enjoy God's presence. The Question Asked (v. 1) The Question Answered (vv. 2-5) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. How should we respond to this text? 1. 2. 3.

Transformative Truth: Believers can rest secure, because our God reigns supreme. "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." - Luke 24:44 REST FOR THE STRESSED Psalm 4:1-8 Believers can rest secure, because our God reigns supreme. 1. Call upon the Lord. Psalm 4:1 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. - Hebrews 4:16 2. Confront your enemies. Psalm 4:2-3 3. Counsel your friends. Psalm 4:4-5 a. Be angry. b. Don't sin. c. Search your hearts. d. Be silent. e. Offer right sacrifices. f. Put your trust in the Lord.   Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. - James 1:19 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. - 1 Peter 2:23-24 4. Count on God's peace. Psalm 4:6-8 Believers can rest secure, because our God reigns supreme.

Transformative Truth: Christ has provided the path of blessing for his people. The Way of the Godly Psalm 1:1-3 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. - Joshua 1:8 Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. - Jeremiah 17:7-8 The Way of the Ungodly Psalm 1:4-5 The Watchfulness of the Lord Psalm 1:6 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. - 2 Corinthians 5:21 Four Responses 1. "Amen!" 2. "Oh, no!" 3. "Oh, yes!" 4. Let's go!

Introduction   Proposition: We must be available to take the gospel to all people … to target unreached people and unevangelized places.   Transition: In John 4:27–35, we discover 3 ageless, timeless obstacles to being available to take the gospel to all people … to targeting unreached people and unevangelized places.   Outline   1. Prejudice is a hindrance to availability (4:27) … “Not them!”      Whereas prejudice is a hindrance to the gospel penetrating all nations, Jesus models the universality of God's grace in 4:27.     2. Preoccupation is an obstacle to availability (4:31 to 34) … “Not that!”      The Samaritan woman forgot her …    •Purpose (compare verses 6 and 7 with 28)   •Possession (verse 28a)   •Pride (compare verses 6, 7, and 16-18 with 28 and 29)      The disciples, on the other hand, remembered their food.      Whereas preoccupation is an obstacle to the gospel reaching all people, Jesus emphasizes the priority of the gospel in 4:31-34.     3. Procrastination is a barrier to availability (4:35) … “Not time!”      Whereas procrastination is a barrier to the gospel impacting our generation, Jesus appeals to the urgency of our witness in 4:35.     Conclusion  

Transformative Truth:  Divine love is revealed and expressed by Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Paul prays (1) That God might strengthen us with power through his Spirit in our inner being (Ephesians 3:6-17a) (2) That we might have power to grasp the limitless dimensions of the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:17b-19) Divine Love is revealed and expressed by Father, Son, and Holy Spirit First, to live with an ever-increasing awareness of Divine Love, Consider: Triune love Exists    Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Deuteronomy 6:4) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  2 Corinthians 13:14 WBC doctrinal statement He (God) is inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all honor, confidence, and love. He eternally exists in three persons, who are equal in every divine perfection, and who execute distinct but harmonious roles in the work of creation, providence and redemption. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.  1 John 4:8  "It is common when speaking of the Divine happiness to say that God is infinitely happy in the enjoyment of Himself, in perfectly beholding and infinitely loving, and rejoicing in, His own essence and perfection..."  (Jonathan Edwards) And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;  and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:16-17 Second, to live with an ever-increasing awareness of Divine Love, Consider: Triune love is Expressed "His self-giving affection for his image-bearing creatures and his unselfish concern for their well-being, that leads him to act on their behalf and for their happiness and welfare "  The God who is love - is the Father who sends his Son.   For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly (Son) Romans 5:6 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Father) Romans 5:8 And when he (the Holy Spirit) comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.... (John 16:8 ) Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  John 3:5  You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14, NLT Third, to live with an ever-increasing awareness of Divine Love, Consider: Triune love is Extended In other words, the shape of the Father-Son relationship (the headship) begins a gracious cascade, like a waterfall of love: as the Father is the lover and the head of the Son, so the Son goes out to be the lover and the head of the church. "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you," the Son says (Jn 15:9). And therein lies the very goodness of the gospel: as the Father is the lover and the Son the beloved, so Christ becomes the lover and the church the beloved. That means that Christ loves the church first and foremost: his love is not a response, given only when the church loves him; his love comes first, and we only love him because he first loved us (1 John 4:19) Divine Love is revealed and expressed by Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Transformative Truth:  Without God's grace, sinners are unable to choose salvation. 1. Predestination (Ephesians 1:3-14) 2. Arminianism's argument against God's Sovereign Election 3. God's formula for salvation (Eph. 2:4-10) a. God's grace b. When God “draws” his elect to salvation 4. Saul's conversion 5. Questions about Free Will vs God's Sovereign Election a. What about verses that suggest belief is from Free Will? b. Does God also predestine those who will go to hell? c. Is God's Sovereign Election unfair? d. What about the people from Old Testament times? 6. Application

Transformative Truth:  O God, Your GRACE overwhelms us… And I simply must SAY something!  

Transformative Truth:  Andrew exemplifies how a true disciple of Christ walks with his Lord. Andrew, the Little Brother John 1:29-42 (p. 833) Mark 1:16-20 (p. 785) Andrew, the Big Brother John 6:4-14 (p. 838) Andrew, the Christian Brother John 12:20-26 (p. 845) Matthew 26:36-41 (p. 781)

Transformative Truth: Live for the Lord and the world to come. The River of Life If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive.... - John 7:37-39 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved. - Psalm 46:10 The Return of the Lord The confirmation of his return (v. 7) The consequence of his return (v. 12) Our consideration of his return (v. 20) The Response of the Living As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die? - Ezekiel 33:11

Scripture: Revelation 21–22:6 Secondary Texts: 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Cor. 2:9-10 Transformative Truth: The Book of Revelation is intended to buoy the hopes of God's people in difficult times, and to refocus their hearts and minds so as to truly “love His appearing.” 13 Things that won't be in the New Heavens and The New Earth 1 / 21.1 – No more SEA 2 / 21.4 – No more DEATH 3 / 21.4 – No more MOURNING  4 / 21.4 – No more CRYING 5 / 21.4 – No more PAIN 6 / 21.8 - No cowardly, faithless, detestable, murderous, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolatrous or lying persons 7 / 21.22 – No TEMPLE 8 / 21.23 – No SUN or MOON 9 / 21.25 – No LIMITED ACCESS: 10 / 21.25 – No NIGHT 11 / 21.27 – Nothing UNCLEAN 12 / 21.27 – No one DETESTABLE 13 / 22.3 – No more CURSE!

Transformative Truth:  At the end of all things - what matters is whether or not one stands before God, having had Jesus  take all the just due for their sins on the cross at Calvary – being listed in the Lamb's Book of Life - or standing before God and having to give an account for every act, the motive behind every act,  every wayward, evil or contrary thought, and their unrepentant state in refusing Christ as their sin-bearer and Lord. I. (v. 11) The JUDGE II. (vss. 12-13) The JUDGED III. (vss. 12-13) The JUDGMENTS IV. (vss. 14-15) JUSTICE 3 Takeaways: 1 - There WILL be ultimate justice 2 - Satan, death and sin WILL be eradicated forever 3 - All things WILL be summed up in Christ

Transformative Truth:  Trust God's Absolute Sovereignty in Satan's Absolute Defeat Sovereignty of God: The Biblical teaching that God is king, supreme ruler, and lawgiver of the entire universe Trust God's Absolute Sovereignty in Satan's Absolute Defeat For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13-14 NLT And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, (14) by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.  Colossians 2.13 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over  them in him. Colossians 2:15 Be Alert - Don't be Deceived! See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8 Be Wise - Know the Truth! "It is ever the Holy Spirit's work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan's work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. . . ." - Charles Spurgeon Be Confident - Rest in the victory! What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised-who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?  As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. - Romans 8.31-37

Transformative Truth:  Satan cannot stop the advancement and triumph of God's kingdom! Satan Restrained! Revelation 20:1-3 Saints Reign! Revelation 20:4-6 Satan cannot stop the advancement and triumph of God's kingdom. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. - Matthew 28:18-20

Transformative Truth:  An eternal celebration awaits all the Lord' servants. 1. Praise the Lord for delivering his people! After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” - Revelation 7:9-10 2. Praise the Lord for destroying his enemies! 3. Praise the Lord for dressing his bride! I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. - Isaiah 61:10 NLT “… With fear and trembling your own salvation work out, for God is the [One] working in you both to will and to work according to [His] good pleasure.” - Philippians 2:12-13

Transformative Truth:  Don't live for the city that won't last. The First Voice from Heaven (vv. 1-3) • The Reality of Babylon's Fall • The Reason for Babylon's Fall The Second Voice from Heaven (vv. 4-24) • Rescue (v. 4) • Retribution (vv. 5-19, 21-24) • Rejoicing (v. 20) For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Hebrews 13:14

Transformative Truth:  Don't let the world lure you away from Jesus. Babylon = Worldliness Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. - 1 John 2:15-17 Don't let the world lure you away from Jesus. THE HARLOT 1. Her seductive appeal 2. Her sinful abominations 3. Her satanic alliance 4. Her surprising annihilation THE HERO Don't let the world lure you away from Jesus.

Transformative Truth:  God is right to punish unrepentant sinners – and He will. Bowls Poured God Praised Sinners Persist

Transformative Truth:  All God's deeds are just, righteous, and worthy of worship! I. Worship God for His Victory II. Worship God for His Wrath

Transformative Truth:  To enjoy victory and escape judgment, “follow the Lamb wherever he goes.” HEAVEN: The Music to Be Heard Revelation 14:1-5 HERALDS: The Messages to Be Heeded Revelation 14:6-13 HARVEST: The Moment to Be Had Revelation 14:14-20 So Jesus also suffered outside the [city] gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. - Hebrews 13:12-15