Podcasts about exalting jesus

Text: Hebrews 12:4–11Sermon Title: Disciplined & LovedPreacher: Scott Byers ***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc

Text: Hebrews 12:1–3Sermon Title: For the JoyPreacher: Scott Byers ***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

As David Platt asks, why go to a physical gathering of the church on a Sunday morning? After all, isn't it easier to just watch a service online (as Kent Hughes suggests) or download a sermon podcast? Or just read your Bible and pray by yourself? In this study of 1 Timothy 3:14-16, we examine three reasons why the church matters: because God has a vision for the church, because church is more than a service, and because the church possesses the Truth that can transform us.February 15, 2026Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus by John Stott; 1 Timothy by Philip Graham Ryken; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by R. Kent Hughes & Bryan Chapell; The Letters to Timothy and Titus by Robert W. Yarbrough; Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by David Platt, Daniel Akin, & Tony Merida.

Text: HHebrews 11:32–40Sermon Title: Counted Unworthy: Witnessing the World to ComePreacher: Matthew Holmes***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

What is a deacon? What is their role in the church and who should serve as one? In 1 Timothy 3:8-13, Paul discusses the qualifications of deacons and the benefits of serving well in that particular role. February 8, 2026Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus by John Stott; 1 Timothy by Philip Graham Ryken; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by R. Kent Hughes & Bryan Chapell; The Letters to Timothy and Titus by Robert W. Yarbrough; Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by David Platt, Daniel Akin, & Tony Merida.

Text: Hebrews 11:23–31Sermon Title: The Antidote to FearPreacher: Scott Byers ***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Who should serve as an overseer, or elder, of a local church? After remarking on how this role is a noble one, in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul gives a list of qualifications for those in this office.February 1, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus by John Stott; 1 Timothy by Philip Graham Ryken; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by R. Kent Hughes & Bryan Chapell; The Letters to Timothy and Titus by Robert W. Yarbrough; Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by David Platt, Daniel Akin, & Tony Merida; Discipling by Mark Dever.

Text: Hebrews 11:17–22Sermon Title: Living & Dying In Faith (Pt. 2)Preacher: Scott Byers ***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Pastor Nate Rusticus continues our series through the book of Job. We see a new voice, Elihu, come and share how God speaks through suffering.   Resources: Tyndale commentaries, Job, Francis Andersen, Exalting Jesus in Job, David Allen.

As Paul continues to discuss public worship in 1 Timothy 2:8-10, he mentions two "dispositions" (Robert Yarbrough) that can get in the way of public worship: anger and an undue concern with appearance. January 11, 2026Helpful resources that shaped and informed the 1 Timothy Series: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus by John Stott; The Pastoral Epistles by Osvaldo Padilla; 1 Timothy by Philip Graham Ryken; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by R. Kent Hughes & Bryan Chapell; The Letters to Timothy and Titus by Robert W. Yarbrough; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by Andreas J. Kostenberger; 1 & 2 Timothy/Titus by Walter Liefeld; Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by David Platt, Daniel Akin, & Tony Merida.

As Paul gives his instructions for public worship, he tells Timothy that he should pray for everyone. Why? Well, as he goes on to say in 1 Timothy 2:4-7, we should pray for everyone because God "desires all people to be saved" (1 Tim. 2:4, ESV) and has sent Jesus as a "ransom for all" (1 Tim. 2:6, ESV).November 16, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed the 1 Timothy Series: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus by John Stott; The Pastoral Epistles by Osvaldo Padilla; 1 Timothy by Philip Graham Ryken; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by R. Kent Hughes & Bryan Chapell; The Letters to Timothy and Titus by Robert W. Yarbrough; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by Andreas J. Kostenberger; 1 & 2 Timothy/Titus by Walter Liefeld; Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by David Platt, Daniel Akin, & Tony Merida.

Text: Hebrews 11:8–16Sermon Title: Living & Dying In FaithPreacher: Scott Byers ***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 11:1–7Sermon Title: Faith: Defined & DisplayedPreacher: Scott Byers ***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 10:26–39Preacher: Pete Johnson***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 10:19–25Sermon Title: Hold Fast to ChristPreacher: Scott Byers ***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 10:1–18Preacher: Scott Byers ***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 9:23–28Sermon Title: Between Two Advents Preacher: Scott Byers ***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 9:15–22Sermon Title: The Qualified Mediator Preacher: Paul Burr***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 9:11–14Sermon Title: But When Christ AppearedPreacher: Scott Byers ***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 9:1–10Sermon Title: A Heavenly Portrait of Holy Hospitality Preacher: Matthew Holmes ***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Pastor Nate Rusticus continues our series through the book of Job. We see how Job longed for an arbiter between God and Man, which we got in Jesus Christ. Resources: Tyndale commentaries, Job, Francis Andersen, Exalting Jesus in Job, David Allen. Spoken Gospel: https://www.spokengospel.com/devotionals/job-7-9

Text: Hebrews 8:1–13Sermon Title: The New Covenant: Shadows to RealityPreacher: Scott Byers ***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews (all)***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 7:20–28Sermon Title: Promised, Permanent, Perfect Preacher: Scott Byers ***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Personal Revival, Nation Awakening & Generational ReformationGod hasn't called us to famous, He's called us to faithful. Today in this newest episode of The Torch we focus on the purposes of God and being faithful to the burden of The Lord for our times, our generation and the emerging generation. Our mission is to point people to JESUS, not to us. The church must be the rallying point to see lives transformed, souls won and discipled—make heaven crowded. Above all, JESUS exalted! Join Brian in today's episode as we focus on the primary purpose and mission of the Church that Jesus is building as His resting and dwelling place.We are currently raising funds for our Sanctuary Building that we are building. If you'd like to partner with us in building a resting place for the presence of the Lord, you can give today at: https://www.victoryfla.com/giveFor all the latest on all things from Brian, be sure to check out our website at https://victoryfla.com and follow us on social media.Welcome to The Torch. A podcast with Brian Gibbs, presenting Biblical insights and prophetic perspectives for cultural and current events in this day and age. Contending for personal revival, national awakening and generational reformation. Download our app at: https://victoryfla.com/appFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/victorychurchfla/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorychurchfla/X: https://twitter.com/victorychurchfl/

Text: Hebrews 7:11–19Sermon Title: Perfected for His Presence By the Permanent Priest Preacher: Matthew Holmes***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 7:1–10Sermon Title: Melchizedek & the Messiah (Pt 1)Preacher: Scott Byers***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 6:9–20Sermon Title: AnchoredPreacher: Scott Byers***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 6:1–8Sermon Title: The Antidote to Apostasy Preacher: Scott Byers***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 5:11–14Preacher: Justin Wevers***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 5:1–10Preacher: Justin Wevers***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Exalting Jesus as our first priority

Exalting Jesus and knowing God's will for your life!   Joel Madson, Global Training Network   We exalt Jesus most by knowing God's will and living in a manner that pleases God!   Click on the links below for additional Cascade Church resources. Connect Card: https://cascadechurch.org/connect Give Online: https://cascadechurch.org/give

Text: Hebrews 4:14–16Sermon Title: The Throne of GracePreacher: Scott Byers***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 4:12–13Sermon Title: The Living & Active WordPreacher: Scott Byers***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 4:1–13Sermon Title: The True & Better Rest (Pt. 2)Preacher: Scott Byers***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 3:7–19Sermon Title: The True & Better Rest (Pt. I) Preacher: Scott Byers***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

In 1939, J.R. Tolkin took Robert Dickmans hypothesis one step further in a lecture he delivered titled, On Fairy Stories. In his lecture, Tolkin said the following about fairytales and those who create them: Probably every writer making a secondary world, a fantasy, every sub-creator, wishes in some measure to be a real maker, or hopes that he is drawing on reality: hopes that the peculiar quality of this secondary world (if not all the details) are derived from reality, or are flowing into it. The peculiar quality of the joy in successful Fantasy can thus be explained as a sudden glimpse of the underlying reality or truth. The Gospels contain a fairy-story, or a story of a larger kind, which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories. But this story is supreme, and it is true. Art has been verified. God is the Lord, of angels, and of menand of elves. Legend and History have met and fused.[1] In the Bible, the three great antagonists that we face in our story include the great serpent, the problem of sin, and death (in that order). Satan entered into the Garden as a serpent where the first man and woman enjoyed true love with both God and each other, they were tempted to sin against God by the Serpent. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit that God commanded them not to eat and a curse was pronounced upon all of creation, and ever since that fateful day, sin and death have vandalized the peace we were created to enjoy with God. In the wake of Adam and Eves rebellion and under the shadow of evil and death, God gifted Adam and Eve a promise: The great serpent would one day be destroyed: And I will make enemies Of you and the woman, And of your offspring and her Descendant; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel. (Genesis 3:15) So who or what is the serpent? In The Lord of the Rings, he is the Dark Lord Sauron. In The Wizard of Oz, he is the Wicked Witch of the West. In The Matrix, he is Agent Smith. In The Chronicles of Narnia, he is the White Witch. In Superman, He is Lex Luther. In Star Wars, he is Darth Vader and every evil Sith Lord before and after him. The serpent is Lucifer, the devil, the father of lies, the accuser, and the great dragon. There is another antagonist that is the consequence of our sin and rebellion, and that is death. The word gospel simply means good news, and oh is there good news my dear brothers and sisters! The apostle Paul spoke of it in his epistle to the Romans: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16). The gospel of Jesus Christ from Genesis through the last chapter of Revelation has everything that every great story requires, and it is a story that has the power to not only transform, but to save! The gospel of Jesus Christ is supreme because it is indeed true, and it is seen and heard throughout the 23rd Psalm! The Good Shepherd Guides His Sheep through the Valley of Deep Darkness On resurrection Sunday, we looked at the first part of verse 4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me... Even if your first Sunday at Meadowbrooke was on that day, you should know by now that the Lord of the 23rd Psalm is the Good Shepherd, and His name is Jesus! He is my shepherd; therefore I will not be in need. Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is my bread of life who satisfies my hunger and quenches my thirst (John 6:35)! Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is the Light of the world who lights up the darkness that surrounds me (John 8:12)! Why again will I never ever be in need so long as Jesus is my shepherd? Well... let me tell you: He for me is the resurrection and the life who has promised that not even death can take from me what I already have in Him (John 11:25-26)! Now, just because Jesus is my Shepherd, that does not mean that I am exempt from walking through the valley of the shadow of death. As I said on Easter Sunday, we all must experience the valley of utter darkness that includes suffering, sickness, a broken world, and even death; however, those whose shepherd is Jesus only must walk through it while everyone else must walk in it. For the one who does not know Jesus as the bread of life, the light of the world, and the resurrection of life will never know the kind of hope that transcends the grave. For the one whose shepherd is not Jesus, the grave is deaths victory dance over you, and the news only gets worse beyond the grave. Jesus said, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28). Again, to all who would refuse Jesus as the good shepherd, He warned: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt. 7:1314). Jesus is the narrow gate! For those whose shepherd is Jesus, then the valley of the shadow of death is a temporary experience that you are only passing through. Do you know what that means? It means that there is life at the end of the valley! There is a table, and there is oil, and there is a cup placed into your hand dear Christian that is overflowing with His goodness and faithfulness all the days of your life! At that table, we will hold high that cup and toast: Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:55-57). The Good Shepherd Comforts His Sheep with His Rod and Staff What is the significance of Jesus rod and staff? For starters, He is the one leading us through the deep dark valleys on this side of eternity; while in the valley, we have no reason to fear evil because He is with us, and while with us... He is armed with His rod and staff. In their commentary on the Psalms, Josh Smith and Daniel Akin comment: We are going through the deep, dark valleys because our good shepherd is leading us! The dark valley is part of the path of righteousness.[2] Not to belabor the point I made previously, but what does the dark valley include? It includes pain, it includes suffering, it includes disease, it includes achy joints, it includes persecution, and it even includes death! After all, Jesus did say: In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b). You may be saying in response to this: Pastor Keith, what about what Jesus said in John 10:10? Here is what Jesus said: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. The thief is anything or anyone that promises to give you what only Jesus is able to give, and the abundant life is a life with Jesus. Now, what about the rod and staff? Why not just the rod or only the staff? Why both? The rod was typically used as offensive weapon against any predator that would threaten the sheep from the outside while the staff was used to direct, round up, and pull in the sheep. While the rod is used to protect the sheep from enemies, the staff is used to protect the sheep from themselves. Jesus guides me with His staff, and as He does, He leads me through the valley to the table where He has prepared a feast for me. Because it is Jesus who carries the rod and the staff, I can be confident that Jesus will lead me to where I need to go, or as the apostle Paul put it: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6), and He will use His rod and staff to do it. Or as one person wrote: Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, is no emaciated weakling. Our Shepherd is a warrior, as shepherds had to be. No one can snatch his sheep out of his hand (John 10:28). The muscles of his arm are flexed to defend his flock; he doesnt carry a club for nothing. He is obviously enough for whatever the valley throws at us.[3] What is the point of verse 4? Here is the point: If Jesus is my shepherd, then even in the darkest moments of life I have all that I need because I have Him. Or, as the modern hymn, Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me, so adequately and helpfully states: The night is dark, but I am not forsakenFor by my side, the Savior, He will stayI labor on in weakness and rejoicingFor in my need, His power is displayed To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend meThrough the deepest valley, He will leadOh, the night has been won, and I shall overcomeYet not I, but through Christ in me The Good Shepherd Prepares a Feast for His Sheep in the Presence of Their Enemies So, where is He leading me? Where is He leading you dear Christian? What is waiting for me, and what is waiting for all who are being led by the Good Shepherd? A table that has been prepared by Jesus is what is waiting for His sheep. What is on that table? A feast is what is on that table! What is the meaning of this feast that He has prepared? It is a testament, it is proof, and it is a witness to Gods favor upon His sheep. This, my friend, is the abundant life Jesus provides! Again, another set of verses from Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me rings true! No fate I dread, I know I am forgivenThe future's sure, the price, it has been paidFor Jesus bled and suffered for my pardonAnd He was raised to overthrow the grave To this I hold, my sin has been defeatedJesus, now and ever is my pleaOh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"Yet not I, but through Christ in me Where is the table set for His redeemed to feast? It is set in the place that my enemies are made to watch and not permitted to touch, take, or taunt because of the One who has prepared the table for me. But do not miss that before my enemies and yours, He has anointed us with oil and placed a cup in each of our hands! Besides the fact that in the dry and hot climate of the valley, oil would be used to sooth the skin and wine would be consumed to clear the throat. However, there is more to the oil and the cup! The imagery of oil and wine in the Bible speak of joy and prosperity. Conclusion When I think of the table in Psalm 23:5, I cannot help but think of three feasts mentioned in the Bible. The first happened while the Hebrew people were surrounded by Egypt under the bondage of Pharoh. On the eve of their deliverance they marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb with no defects and feasted on that lamb. After they feasted, God delivered the Hebrews from the bondage of slavery and defeated Pharoh and his army, and then they sang a song known as, The Song of Moses that included this verse: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him... (Exod. 15:2), and concludes with these words: The Lord shall reign forever and ever (15:18). The second feast is the one Jesus celebrated with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion and death. Like Moses and the Hebrews before, Jesus and His disciples sat at a table to the feast of the Passover. During the meal, Jesus and his disciples no doubt recited or even sang the Song of Moses: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation... There were four cups that the disciples drank from during the Passover which were, The cup of sanctification (holiness) to start the celebration and a reminder of the holiness of God. The cup of salvation (deliverance) symbolizing Gods deliverance which was drunk after the retelling of the Exodus story. The cup of redemption (blessing), which was drunk after the meal which represented Gods act of redeeming Israel. The cup of glory (praise) which was drunk at the very end representing the future redemption and coming of the Messiah. It was this cup that Jesus said, Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.... I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Fathers kingdom (Matt. 26:26-29). After that feast, Jesus atoned for sin on the cross and then defeated the curse of sin and death by rising on the third day. Just before He died on the cross, He declared: It is finished (John 19:30)! The third feast has not happened yet, and we learn of it in Revelation 19:7-10; it is the Marriage feast we will celebrate with Jesus as His Bride. I believe that at this coming feast Jesus will pick up the fourth cup and drink it with us. Do you know what will come after that feast? The defeat of the nations gathered against Jesus and the final defeat of Satan. According to Revelation 15, do you know what song all of heaven will sing on that day? Here is what we are told: And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, For Your righteous acts have been revealed. (Rev. 15:34) So, can you guess what comes after the banquet prepared before His people in the presence of our enemies in Psalm 23:5? You guessed it! What comes after is the triumph of the Lamb of God over all that stands against those whom He has redeemed! [1] J. R. R. Tolkien. On Fairy Stories (1939). [2] J. Josh Smith and Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 150, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2022), 175. [3] David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023), 90.

In 1939, J.R. Tolkin took Robert Dickmans hypothesis one step further in a lecture he delivered titled, On Fairy Stories. In his lecture, Tolkin said the following about fairytales and those who create them: Probably every writer making a secondary world, a fantasy, every sub-creator, wishes in some measure to be a real maker, or hopes that he is drawing on reality: hopes that the peculiar quality of this secondary world (if not all the details) are derived from reality, or are flowing into it. The peculiar quality of the joy in successful Fantasy can thus be explained as a sudden glimpse of the underlying reality or truth. The Gospels contain a fairy-story, or a story of a larger kind, which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories. But this story is supreme, and it is true. Art has been verified. God is the Lord, of angels, and of menand of elves. Legend and History have met and fused.[1] In the Bible, the three great antagonists that we face in our story include the great serpent, the problem of sin, and death (in that order). Satan entered into the Garden as a serpent where the first man and woman enjoyed true love with both God and each other, they were tempted to sin against God by the Serpent. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit that God commanded them not to eat and a curse was pronounced upon all of creation, and ever since that fateful day, sin and death have vandalized the peace we were created to enjoy with God. In the wake of Adam and Eves rebellion and under the shadow of evil and death, God gifted Adam and Eve a promise: The great serpent would one day be destroyed: And I will make enemies Of you and the woman, And of your offspring and her Descendant; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel. (Genesis 3:15) So who or what is the serpent? In The Lord of the Rings, he is the Dark Lord Sauron. In The Wizard of Oz, he is the Wicked Witch of the West. In The Matrix, he is Agent Smith. In The Chronicles of Narnia, he is the White Witch. In Superman, He is Lex Luther. In Star Wars, he is Darth Vader and every evil Sith Lord before and after him. The serpent is Lucifer, the devil, the father of lies, the accuser, and the great dragon. There is another antagonist that is the consequence of our sin and rebellion, and that is death. The word gospel simply means good news, and oh is there good news my dear brothers and sisters! The apostle Paul spoke of it in his epistle to the Romans: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16). The gospel of Jesus Christ from Genesis through the last chapter of Revelation has everything that every great story requires, and it is a story that has the power to not only transform, but to save! The gospel of Jesus Christ is supreme because it is indeed true, and it is seen and heard throughout the 23rd Psalm! The Good Shepherd Guides His Sheep through the Valley of Deep Darkness On resurrection Sunday, we looked at the first part of verse 4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me... Even if your first Sunday at Meadowbrooke was on that day, you should know by now that the Lord of the 23rd Psalm is the Good Shepherd, and His name is Jesus! He is my shepherd; therefore I will not be in need. Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is my bread of life who satisfies my hunger and quenches my thirst (John 6:35)! Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is the Light of the world who lights up the darkness that surrounds me (John 8:12)! Why again will I never ever be in need so long as Jesus is my shepherd? Well... let me tell you: He for me is the resurrection and the life who has promised that not even death can take from me what I already have in Him (John 11:25-26)! Now, just because Jesus is my Shepherd, that does not mean that I am exempt from walking through the valley of the shadow of death. As I said on Easter Sunday, we all must experience the valley of utter darkness that includes suffering, sickness, a broken world, and even death; however, those whose shepherd is Jesus only must walk through it while everyone else must walk in it. For the one who does not know Jesus as the bread of life, the light of the world, and the resurrection of life will never know the kind of hope that transcends the grave. For the one whose shepherd is not Jesus, the grave is deaths victory dance over you, and the news only gets worse beyond the grave. Jesus said, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28). Again, to all who would refuse Jesus as the good shepherd, He warned: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt. 7:1314). Jesus is the narrow gate! For those whose shepherd is Jesus, then the valley of the shadow of death is a temporary experience that you are only passing through. Do you know what that means? It means that there is life at the end of the valley! There is a table, and there is oil, and there is a cup placed into your hand dear Christian that is overflowing with His goodness and faithfulness all the days of your life! At that table, we will hold high that cup and toast: Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:55-57). The Good Shepherd Comforts His Sheep with His Rod and Staff What is the significance of Jesus rod and staff? For starters, He is the one leading us through the deep dark valleys on this side of eternity; while in the valley, we have no reason to fear evil because He is with us, and while with us... He is armed with His rod and staff. In their commentary on the Psalms, Josh Smith and Daniel Akin comment: We are going through the deep, dark valleys because our good shepherd is leading us! The dark valley is part of the path of righteousness.[2] Not to belabor the point I made previously, but what does the dark valley include? It includes pain, it includes suffering, it includes disease, it includes achy joints, it includes persecution, and it even includes death! After all, Jesus did say: In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b). You may be saying in response to this: Pastor Keith, what about what Jesus said in John 10:10? Here is what Jesus said: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. The thief is anything or anyone that promises to give you what only Jesus is able to give, and the abundant life is a life with Jesus. Now, what about the rod and staff? Why not just the rod or only the staff? Why both? The rod was typically used as offensive weapon against any predator that would threaten the sheep from the outside while the staff was used to direct, round up, and pull in the sheep. While the rod is used to protect the sheep from enemies, the staff is used to protect the sheep from themselves. Jesus guides me with His staff, and as He does, He leads me through the valley to the table where He has prepared a feast for me. Because it is Jesus who carries the rod and the staff, I can be confident that Jesus will lead me to where I need to go, or as the apostle Paul put it: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6), and He will use His rod and staff to do it. Or as one person wrote: Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, is no emaciated weakling. Our Shepherd is a warrior, as shepherds had to be. No one can snatch his sheep out of his hand (John 10:28). The muscles of his arm are flexed to defend his flock; he doesnt carry a club for nothing. He is obviously enough for whatever the valley throws at us.[3] What is the point of verse 4? Here is the point: If Jesus is my shepherd, then even in the darkest moments of life I have all that I need because I have Him. Or, as the modern hymn, Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me, so adequately and helpfully states: The night is dark, but I am not forsakenFor by my side, the Savior, He will stayI labor on in weakness and rejoicingFor in my need, His power is displayed To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend meThrough the deepest valley, He will leadOh, the night has been won, and I shall overcomeYet not I, but through Christ in me The Good Shepherd Prepares a Feast for His Sheep in the Presence of Their Enemies So, where is He leading me? Where is He leading you dear Christian? What is waiting for me, and what is waiting for all who are being led by the Good Shepherd? A table that has been prepared by Jesus is what is waiting for His sheep. What is on that table? A feast is what is on that table! What is the meaning of this feast that He has prepared? It is a testament, it is proof, and it is a witness to Gods favor upon His sheep. This, my friend, is the abundant life Jesus provides! Again, another set of verses from Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me rings true! No fate I dread, I know I am forgivenThe future's sure, the price, it has been paidFor Jesus bled and suffered for my pardonAnd He was raised to overthrow the grave To this I hold, my sin has been defeatedJesus, now and ever is my pleaOh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"Yet not I, but through Christ in me Where is the table set for His redeemed to feast? It is set in the place that my enemies are made to watch and not permitted to touch, take, or taunt because of the One who has prepared the table for me. But do not miss that before my enemies and yours, He has anointed us with oil and placed a cup in each of our hands! Besides the fact that in the dry and hot climate of the valley, oil would be used to sooth the skin and wine would be consumed to clear the throat. However, there is more to the oil and the cup! The imagery of oil and wine in the Bible speak of joy and prosperity. Conclusion When I think of the table in Psalm 23:5, I cannot help but think of three feasts mentioned in the Bible. The first happened while the Hebrew people were surrounded by Egypt under the bondage of Pharoh. On the eve of their deliverance they marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb with no defects and feasted on that lamb. After they feasted, God delivered the Hebrews from the bondage of slavery and defeated Pharoh and his army, and then they sang a song known as, The Song of Moses that included this verse: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him... (Exod. 15:2), and concludes with these words: The Lord shall reign forever and ever (15:18). The second feast is the one Jesus celebrated with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion and death. Like Moses and the Hebrews before, Jesus and His disciples sat at a table to the feast of the Passover. During the meal, Jesus and his disciples no doubt recited or even sang the Song of Moses: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation... There were four cups that the disciples drank from during the Passover which were, The cup of sanctification (holiness) to start the celebration and a reminder of the holiness of God. The cup of salvation (deliverance) symbolizing Gods deliverance which was drunk after the retelling of the Exodus story. The cup of redemption (blessing), which was drunk after the meal which represented Gods act of redeeming Israel. The cup of glory (praise) which was drunk at the very end representing the future redemption and coming of the Messiah. It was this cup that Jesus said, Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.... I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Fathers kingdom (Matt. 26:26-29). After that feast, Jesus atoned for sin on the cross and then defeated the curse of sin and death by rising on the third day. Just before He died on the cross, He declared: It is finished (John 19:30)! The third feast has not happened yet, and we learn of it in Revelation 19:7-10; it is the Marriage feast we will celebrate with Jesus as His Bride. I believe that at this coming feast Jesus will pick up the fourth cup and drink it with us. Do you know what will come after that feast? The defeat of the nations gathered against Jesus and the final defeat of Satan. According to Revelation 15, do you know what song all of heaven will sing on that day? Here is what we are told: And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, For Your righteous acts have been revealed. (Rev. 15:34) So, can you guess what comes after the banquet prepared before His people in the presence of our enemies in Psalm 23:5? You guessed it! What comes after is the triumph of the Lamb of God over all that stands against those whom He has redeemed! [1] J. R. R. Tolkien. On Fairy Stories (1939). [2] J. Josh Smith and Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 150, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2022), 175. [3] David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023), 90.

Text: Hebrews 3:1–6Sermon Title: The True & Better MosesPreacher: Scott Byers***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 2:10–18Sermon Title: The Death of DeathPreacher: Scott Byers***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 2:5–9Sermon Title: Jesus: The True & Better AdamPreacher: Scott Byers***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 2:1–4Preacher: Matthew Holmes***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 1:5–14Preacher: Scott Byers***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020.Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017.Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021.To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Text: Hebrews 1:1–4Preacher: Scott Byers***Hebrews Series Resources***Primary Commentaries:Schreiner, Thomas R. Hebrews: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary. EBTC. Lexham Press, 2020. Mohler, R. Albert Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. CCE. Broadman & Holman, 2017. Devotional/Further Study:Kruger, Michael J. Hebrews For You. GWFY. The Good Book Company, 2021. To learn more about Gospel Life Church visit www.gospellifemn.org.

Our mission at Northpoint Community Church is to LOVE GOD WELL! Under the leadership of Pastors Denny Rodney and Sarah Duron, we uphold this mission through our 4 pillars; we exalt Jesus consistently, love each other completely, build His church community, and serve humanity compassionately. Connect with us online at ncc.team or follow us on Instagram & Facebook @ccnorthpoint.