Podcasts about through faith in jesus

On Easter Sunday, we wrapped up our Miracles of Jesus series with the most powerful miracle of all—the resurrection of Jesus.

Through faith in Jesus, we become partakers of eternal life and unending hope! By Pastor Shawn Lyons.

Through faith in Jesus, we are friends of God.

As Christians, it's vital that we understand this truth: our relationship with God is not based on our works, but in the finished work of Christ. Through faith in Jesus and what He has accomplished on our behalf, His righteousness becomes our righteousness. God chose freely before we were ever born to send His son to do this for us. God Himself chose to give us this life-transforming gift of grace! As we continually embrace Him, our lives will become more and more a reflection of His amazing grace.

Through faith in Jesus, we can live forever in the presence of God.

As we gathered for our last morning service of the year, we took a moment to reflect on the four powerful themes of Advent: Peace, Joy, Hope, and Love. These are not just words for the Christmas season but gifts we carry as followers of Jesus every day of the year. Our reflection was anchored in the beautiful and redemptive words of Romans 5:1-11 (NLT): “Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us...” This passage reminds us of the incredible work of Christ—bringing peace, joy, hope, and love into our lives through His life, death, and resurrection. Let's explore these themes as they appear in the text: Peace “We have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” (Romans 5:1) Through faith in Jesus, we are brought into peace with God—a peace that surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds as we live in Christ (Philippians 4:7). This peace is not just the absence of conflict but a deep assurance of God's presence and reconciliation in our lives. Have you experienced this peace? Where has God's peace met you this year? Joy “We confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.” (Romans 5:2) Joy isn't just happiness; it's a supernatural strength that sustains us even in trials. As Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us, “The joy of the Lord is your strength!” This joy flows from our relationship with God and helps us rejoice, even in the face of challenges. What brings you joy? When have you felt the joy of the Lord sustaining you? Hope “…our confident hope of salvation.” (Romans 5:5) Hope anchors us, giving us strength to persevere. It's rooted in God's promises and the assurance of our salvation. This hope “will not lead to disappointment” because it is rooted in God's faithfulness. Take a moment to reflect on where you've seen hope in your life this year. How has God's hope sustained you? Love “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8) God's love is at the heart of the Christmas story. As John 3:16 reminds us, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son...” This love is vast, incomprehensible, and available to everyone. How have you experienced God's love this year? How can you reflect His love to others? These Themes are for Every Season Peace, joy, hope, and love aren't just for Christmas—they are woven throughout scripture and are gifts we can carry into every moment of our lives. As we close this year, let's ask ourselves: Where have I seen God's peace, joy, hope, and love in my life? How can I share these gifts with others as we step into a new year? We'd love to hear your stories of peace, joy, hope, and love. Whether it's a moment of quiet assurance, an unexpected blessing, or a testimony of God's faithfulness, your story can inspire and encourage others. Here's to carrying these gifts into 2025 and beyond.

All of us have an aversion to judgment. We don't like the thought of being judged by other people, so we typically don't go looking for it. In fact, we do everything that we can to avoid being judged by others. If we are that averse to judgment from classmates, co-workers, or family members, than how much more fear ought we have of Judgment Day, when God will judge the living and the dead? The Bible reveals to us a little bit about Judgment Day, enough that we can picture it - standing before Jesus, who has authority to judge. So, a worthwhile question to ask is: How does my Judge view me? Should I be terrified of this? On our own... Yes! Absolutely! But, you are not on your own. God sent his Son Jesus for this very purpose. Through faith in Jesus, you will be judged not on the basis of your own works, but on what Jesus has done FOR YOU! Knowing this allows us to say and mean, "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" If you enjoy these sermons, please SUBSCRIBE! This causes others to have the opportunity to see this content. Thank you!

God is able to deliver us from whatever we walk through. #theloriclineshow Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org! ~~~ Do you ever sing in the rain? I don't either, but I'm starting to think we should! Here's why, I was in the car rider line to pick up my girls from school. It was pouring rain. As I get closer I'm seeing kids using umbrellas, hoodies and backpacks to try to cover their head as they make their way to their car. Then I see this boy. He is not even walking fast. He's almost kinda struttin' a little. Is he not getting wet? Yes, he is. Does he not care? No, apparently not! I'm having this conversation with myself, in the car of course. As he gets closer to me, I see he's singing, in the rain! This kid was in his own little world. Earbuds in, hair dripping wet and he did not care one bit. He was walking, had a song in his ears and he was singing every word. As he walked by my car I said out loud to myself, “he's just singing in the rain”! You know what, it made me smile! He was soaking wet, walking along, singing his song. I want to be like that kid. I want to sing in the rain and not care that I'm getting wet. You know why he didn't care, he was way more focused on the song than the rain. Do you have a song to sing today? I don't know if you're walking in sunshine or a heavy downpour, but do you have the JOY of the Lord? I'm not talking about fake smiling, sweep the pain under the rug, I'm fine talk. I'm talking about peace in your heart and hope for tomorrow, even in the rain, kind of joy that only comes when you know God is WITH you. Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Here in Isaiah 43, God is reminding Israel, to not be afraid. He knew the journey ahead for them would be rough. They would face many obstacles along the way, but He would be with them and He would deliver them. God is still making a way for us. Through faith in Jesus we have the promise and hope of heaven. This world is not my home! So in a way, like that boy singing in the rain, I'm in my own little world a bit. I can walk out each day and no matter what comes my way or tries to bring me down, I can keep on walking with a song in my heart. That's mountain moving kind of faith. You see a mountain and yes it's big and yes you don't see a way around it, but God is WITH you! Remember Daniel's friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego in the Old Testament? Go read Daniel chapter three. They were FULL of faith. They were ‘singing in the rain' kinda boys. They weren't gonna bow to the king's idol. NO! The King asks, ‘and who is the God who will deliver you from my hands?' “O King” they said, “we have no need to answer you in this matter. Our God is ABLE to deliver us, but even if He does not, we will not worship your God.” Yep, they were thrown into the fire. The guys that threw them in died it was so hot. But those boys, I can just imagine them walking around singing in the fire with Jesus right there beside them. Remember those words back in Isaiah? I will be with you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Those boys had faith in that promise, so they just kept on walking. That's the truth. Trust the Lord with all you're walking through. He will walk WITH you and he'll even give you a song to sing. I'm Lori Cline.

In the Messiah Galatians 2:11-21 by William Klock We're all familiar with the image of the two masks, side-by-side, representing tragedy and comedy—one face frowning and the other smiling.  The image represents the theatre, whether it's on playbills, or carved on the outside of a building, or use to mark the location of a theatre on a map.  That image is something that goes all the way back to ancient Greece.  Back then all the actors were men, there was no makeup, and many people sat far enough away that it was hard to see who was who.  So that the audience would know who was on stage and what they were about, the actors held masks in front of their faces—a bit larger than life and with exaggerated features and expressions.  The Greeks had a name for this sort of acting and it's come straight into English: hypocrites—hypocrite, hypocrisy.  By St. Paul's day the word had evolved beyond describing actual actors in a play.  It still did, but it commonly referred to someone who was playing a deceitful game of false pretences and pretending to be someone they really weren't. As we move on in Galatians 2, Paul levels this charge at Peter.  Not very long before Paul got word of what was going on in the Galatian churches and wrote this letter, Peter had travelled up to Antioch from Jerusalem.  This was a church of both Jews and gentiles and hat may be why Peter visited.  As we saw last week, Peter and Paul had agreed that Peter had been sent to the Jews and Paul to the gentiles, so here's Peter going to visit the Jews in Antioch. You would think after what had happened when Paul visited Jerusalem, after he stood firm against the “circumcision party” and found that he and Peter were ultimately in agreement with each other, you would think this visit to Antioch by Peter would have gone smoothly, but it did not.  Look at what Paul write in Galatians 2:11-14. But when Cephas [again, that's Peter's Greek name just like Paul is Saul's Greek name] came to Antioch, I stood up to him face to face.  He was in the wrong.  Before certain persons came from James, Peter was eating with the gentiles.  But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, because he was afraid of the circumcision people.  The rest of the Jews did the same, joining him in this play-acting.  Even Barnabas was carried along by their sham.  But when I saw that they weren't walking straight down the line of gospel truth, I said to Cephas in front of them all: “If you're a Jew, but you've been living like a gentile, how can you force gentiles to become Jews?”   This issue of Jews and gentiles just wouldn't go away.  Paul thought it was settled after his visit to Jerusalem, but then it happened again when Peter came to visit in Antioch, and now, like a cancer, it's spread to the churches in Galatia.  No doubt, the agitators in Galatia had already told the churches there their version of what had happened in Antioch, so now Paul tells them what really happened. Before all this, Jewish and gentile believers in Antioch—and Galatia, for that matter—gathered as one people to worship, to pray, and maybe most importantly, to eat the Lord's Supper.  It helps to remember that in those early days, the Lord's Supper was part of or at least attached to an actual meal where the people would fellowship with each other.  This gathering together, this eating together was a profound living out of the power of the gospel.  When Jesus died and rose again, he dealt with sin and that put everyone, Jew and gentile alike, on an even footing.  There was no longer clean and unclean, just and sinner: all in Jesus were clean and just.  And this bringing together of the two peoples, it was God's new creation made visible in the life of the early church—a powerful witness of the gospel itself. We might not think much of it, but it was a big deal.  Jews had been raised, steeped in observance of the law.  Gentiles were sinners and their food was unclean—even their fellowship was unclean.  Think of Peter and his vision in Acts of the sheet let down from heaven full of unclean animals and the Lord telling him to eat.  Revulsion had been instilled in Peter from his birth.  There was a massive “ick” factor.  Our culture, in contrast, has become so accepting of everything that there's not much left we can compare it to, but maybe you can think of the current conspiracy theories about Klaus Schwab telling everyone to “Eat ze bugs”.  It gets people worked up, because of the deeply ingrained revulsion we have in our culture to eating bugs.  It would have been something like that for Jews to fellowship with, to eat with gentiles. On the other end of things, the gentiles knew full well about those Jewish weirdos and their over-the-top purity laws.  Jews were everywhere spread through the Greco-Roman world, so the pagans encountered them regularly in daily life and in business and were well aware of the revulsion they had to eating with them.  So, that the early Jesus people were not only gathering together to worship and pray, but also gathering together around the same table to share bread and wine.  It was a really big deal.  It got everyone's attention. And so Peter came to visit Antioch and, Paul says, he worshipped and he prayed and he came to the Lord's Table with his gentile brothers and sisters.  Everything was fine.  And then the cancer that Paul thought had been stomped out in Jerusalem, the cancer came to Antioch.  Certain people from James came.  Paul doesn't elaborate on what that means, since the Galatians probably knew who those people were.  Maybe they were sent by James.  Probably they came and claimed authority from James that they didn't really have.  Whatever the case, they carried the cancer with them.  Paul calls them “circumcision people”.  They had some connection with the pseudo-family members who had been smuggled into the meeting in Jerusalem and who had insisted that Titus be circumcised.  And Peter caved into their pressure.  He “drew back” and “separated himself” and then when the other Jews in Antioch saw Peter do that, they followed suit.  Even Barnabas.  We get a sense of Paul's shock and dismay that even his partner Barnabas whom he knew knew better, even he went along with this sham.  This is where Paul uses that play-acting term.  Peter and Barnabas and the other Jews acted like hypocrites.  They knew better.  But under pressure from these agitators they withdrew and gathered separately.  They put up masks to placate the agitators and in doing that—not realising what they'd done—they become the people-pleasers so despised by their tradition.  They were gospel people, but to keep the peace they held up anti-gospel masks in front of their faces. Paul knew that this wasn't the real Peter—or the real Barnabas for that matter. They knew better.  Peter had known this for years before Paul had.  The real Peter behind the mask, the real Peter knew in his bones that the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection created one family in which Jews and gentiles stood on equal footing in the Messiah.  This new reality wasn't easy for Jews steeped for a lifetime in torah to adjust to.  There was a massive “ick” factor to overcome.  But the gospel is a powerful thing and so is God's Spirit and adjust they had.  And now, inexplicably to Paul, Peter and the others were dividing what Jesus had made one. Paul says that they weren't walking the straight line of gospel truth.  The word is orthopodeo—where we get our word “orthodpaedic”.  The gospel draws a straight line and they should have been walking it, but they weren't.  So Paul says to Peter, “Look here, you're a Jew, but you've been living like a gentile.”  He means that Peter's been eating with gentile believers and that almost certainly also means that Peter's been eating gentile food that was off-limits to Jews.  “So then,” Paul asks, “How can you force gentiles to become Jews.” Peter probably would have answered that, no, he wasn't trying to force anyone to be a Jew.  They could each just do their own thing.  But that brings up images of the temple, where Jews could enter the temple court, while gentiles were stuck outside in the Court of the Gentiles—they weren't really members of the community, of God's people.  That's why Paul is so insistent here.  There is one people—and Peter knew this and Paul knew—there is one people in Jesus the Messiah, not two.  In the Messiah.  This new community is defined not by ethnicity or ethnic markers but messianically by faith in Jesus and nothing else.  If we're going to divide it up again, well, what's the point?  To do so undermines the gospel itself and we might as well just throw in the towel. So beginning at verse 15 Paul lays out the argument he gave Peter, because it's this same gospel-killing cancer that has infected the Galatian churches.  They need to hear it too.  So Paul writes in verse 15: We are Jews by birth, not “gentile sinners”. For Jews there were two groups of people on this earth: the just or righteous—the Greek word carries both those meanings—and sinners.  Jews were the just, the righteous, chosen by God and marked out by obedience to the torah.  Everyone else was a sinner and this is why they kept themselves separate.  But, Paul goes on: But we know that a person is not declared “righteous” by works of the [Jewish] law, but through the faithfulness of Jesus the Messiah.   So God had chosen the Jewish people and then gave them his law so that be living it, they'd be set apart.  It's what marked them out as different from gentile sinners.  And they expected that one day, the Lord would send his Messiah and the Messiah would vanquish the gentile sinners and lead the righteous into God's new age.  But instead—and this was what Paul had to work through after meeting the risen Jesus—instead, the Messiah came and sinners crucified him.  That wasn't how anyone thought the whole Messiah thing would go.  Ordinarily, being crucified would mean Jesus wasn't really the Messiah.  Other men claimed to be the Messiah, they were killed, and that was the end of their messianic claims.  But then God raised Jesus from death.  In doing that he overturned the charge of false messiah laid against him and proved that Jesus was, in fact, the real deal, the Messiah.  Jesus did, in fact, inaugurate God's new age, his new creation.  So why did he have to die?  That's when Paul—and the others—realised that as much as torah provided both a righteous way of living and a means of atonement when they failed to be 100% obedient—there was more to righteousness that torah could never provide.  The very fact that torah was necessary to set apart God's people, highlights that both Jew and gentile alike are subject to the slavery of sin and death.  So Jesus the Messiah let sin rise up and do its worst at the cross, then rose triumphant over it.  Jesus did something that torah could never but do, but in light of Jesus Paul realised, it was something torah had been pointing to all along. Now, there's an unspoken subtext going on here that we need to understand.  Remember that Messiah mean's God's anointed king—the king.  And for Jews, a king represented his people.  So what was true of a king is also true of his people.  This is why godly kings brought blessing on Israel and wicked kings brought curses and ultimately exile.  A king represents his people.  Paul likes to talk about being “in the Messiah” and when he says that, this is what he's getting at.  We'll need to know this as Paul goes on. So as much as Paul and his fellow Jews had always thought that righteousness came through the law, it turns out that God had something greater in store.  A greater righteousness, true righteousness comes through the faithfulness—through the faithfulness of the Messiah.  Jews had been faithful to torah and to the Lord's covenant and that faithfulness marked them out as the “righteous”, but their faithfulness to God was but a shadow of the loving, gracious, self-giving faithfulness to God that Jesus displayed on the cross.  That's the faithfulness that has created a new people of God, a new and “righteous” or “just” people defined by faith in Jesus.  So Paul goes on: That is why we too believed in the Messiah, Jesus: so that we might be declared “righteous” on the basis of the Messiah's faithfulness, and not on the basis of works of the [Jewish] law.  On that basis, you see, no creature will be declared “righteous”.   Peter and now the Galatians had forgotten what it was all about.  Peter seems just to have wanted to avoid conflict—which we see is a problem in other places in Peter's story, not least at Jesus' trial.  For the Galatians it was likely fear of persecution.  Remember that in the ancient word, “religion” wasn't some nice box you opened up on Sunday, and then closed up the rest of the week.  It wasn't something you did in private.  The gods were everywhere and a part of every aspect of life.  The fastest growing cult of the time was the cult of Caesar and if you weren't part of that, well, you were disloyal and unpatriotic.  Jews had a special exemption from all this pagan stuff, but these gentile converts to Christianity were in a tough spot.  When they became Christians they withdrew from all this paganism.  They stopped going to the temples and offering incense to Caesar and doing all the other little things people did throughout daily life and that got them into trouble.  So since Jesus was the Jewish Messiah and following him was sort of a new way of being Jewish, they claimed the Jewish exemption and pretty soon the “real” Jews were insisting that if they were going to call themselves Jews, they'd better at least by circumcised.  But once they did that and strayed off the straight line of gospel truth, they started to forget what the gospel was all about. So Paul reminds Peter and he reminds the agitators in Galatia: this greater righteousness found in the faithfulness of the Messiah, remember, this is why we believed in him!  In light of Jesus death for sins on the cross—remember?—we realised that in the end, torah won't cut it.  Righteousness is found in the faithfulness of King Jesus.  He goes on in verses 17 and 18: Well, then, if in seeking to be declared righteous in the Messiah, we ourselves are found to be sinners, does that make the Messiah an agent of sin?   This is the accusation of the agitators and of the “people from James”.  As part of living out the life of the gospel, Paul and Peter have been eating and fellowshipping with gentiles.  The agitators, stuck in the old, pre-Jesus and pre-gospel way of Jewish thinking, for them that makes Peter and Paul and all the others to be “sinners”—because they're disregarding torah and the boundary markers that have always been there.  If eating with gentile believers for the sake of the Messiah makes them sinners, then that would make the Messiah an agent of sin.  Paul's trying to show them how absurd their accusations are.  No, he's saying:   Certainly not!  If I build up once more the things which I tore down, I demonstrate that I am a lawbreaker. They've forgotten that Jesus has changed everything.  Jesus' death has dealt with sin—for both Jew and gentile.  Gentile believers are no longer sinners.  They're clean.  Paul's reminding them that the boundary markers of God's people have changed because of that.  What now counts is being “in the Messiah”.  They're trying to rebuild what the old walls and in doing so they're undermining the very saving gospel in which they've trusted.  It's a senseless thing to do.  It's like calling the police chief to help you bury the body of the guy you just killed.  It's not going to end well for you. So now, finally, we get to Paul's familiar and glorious text about incorporation into Jesus the Messiah.  Look at verse 19: Let me explain it like this: Through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God.  I have been crucified with the Messiah.  I am, however, alive—but it is no longer I; it's the Messiah who lives in me.  And the life I do still live in the flesh, I live within the faithfulness of the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.   I think the best way to see this is as Paul telling the story of the Messiah's death and resurrection as his own story.  This is what it means to be “in the Messiah”. Notice how Paul doesn't just dismiss the law, torah.  One of the first heresies—and one that pops up perennially in church history—was the teaching of Marcion who dismissed the law and the whole Old Testament as irrelevant.  For Paul, though, you can't have the new covenant without the old.  Torah was building towards Jesus and the cross and the giving of the Spirit all along.  So Paul doesn't just say he died to law—which we might think means the law doesn't matter.  He says that through the law, he died to the law.  In Jesus the law fulfilled its purpose and so in Jesus, Paul is now fully alive to God.  How does that work.  Well, Jesus was crucified and in that he dealt with sin.  Remember, again, that the king represents his people.  So Paul says, he has been—in Greek it's literally—"co-crucified” with the Messiah.  Through faith in Jesus, through identification with the Messiah, Paul has died to sin.  And then he says, “I am—however—alive.”  Of course he is.  If he is in the Messiah, if he has been co-crucified with the Messiah, then he has also been co-raised with the Messiah.  I am alive—but—it is no longer I; it's the Messiah who lives in me. Brothers and Sisters, notice how Jesus has changed Paul's identity.  That's what he's getting at here.  By faith he has been incorporated into the Messiah so that even though he still lives in the flesh—that final day when we will be made completely new still awaits us—but even though Paul still lives in the flesh, because he is in the Messiah, he now lives within the faithfulness of the Messiah—the son of God—and now Paul makes it more personal—not just that the son of God died, but that he loved me and gave himself for me.  This isn't just abstract theology.  Jesus, the son of God, was faithful to fulfil torah, and gave himself not just generally for humanity (although that is true), but he gave himself for Paul—for me—for you—out of love, again for you, for me.  Sometimes we need that reminder.  All the theology, all the explanation, all the argumentation to bring false teaching and false gospels to heel is necessary, but in the midst of all that, never forget that Jesus died for you, for me, because  he loves us—not just that he loves humanity as a whole in some general sense, but that he knows and loves each one of us.  He died for you.  He rose for you.  And he's baptised you into his own Holy Spirit so that you can share in his resurrection life. Paul drives home this very personal aspect of the gospel.  Peter knew this.  The Galatians new this.  And that makes it all the more powerful when he ends his argument saying in verse 21: I don't set aside God's grace.  If “righteousness” comes through the law, then the Messiah died for nothing.”   He's reminded them that in his grace, God sent his son to die for you.  But if you start rebuilding that old wall, if you start acting like “righteousness”—he means membership in the community of God's people—if you start acting like “righteousness” comes through the law and the old boundary markers, then what you're really saying is that Jesus died for nothing.  Whether Jews and gentile would eat together might seem like a small thing, but it wasn't.  Eat separately undercut the very foundation of the gospel.  That's not really an issue for us today—although there are some modern-day groups that do add torah to Jesus.  But Paul would have the same thing to say to anyone today who would divide up the people of God or who would exclude these people or those people based on something added to the gospel.  Our identity, Brothers and Sisters, whatever it was in the past or whoever the world around us tell us we are, our real identity, the identity that matters is in Jesus the Messiah and nothing else.  We have died and now live in Jesus. This is especially relevant to us today in the mist of our post-modern culture.  Our world is rapidly tribalizing over identity: things like race and sex and sexual orientation.  The new thing is creating our own identities contrary to those that God had given us.  In other cases we've turned our sins into identities.  And we find these identities so powerfully defining that we bring them into the church and we hyphenate ourselves.  We're black-Christians or we're white-Christians.  There's an ongoing controversy about those who call themselves gay-Christians.  But Paul reminds us that if we are by faith in the Messiah, we have but one identity.  We have died with the Messiah and while we still live, it is no longer we—whatever our colour or language or sex or past sin—it is the Messiah who lives in us—because he loves each of us so dearly that he gave himself for us.  Brothers and Sisters, that's the straight line of the gospel.  Come to the Tablet this morning.  Eat the bread and drink the wine and be reminded that Jesus died and rose again for you and that in him, you have died and been raised.  His life, his faithfulness, his love and grace and mercy are now your identity.  No more masks, no more play-acting, just Jesus the Messiah. Let's pray again our Collect: Lord, give your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Embracing freedom from the flesh requires prioritizing what's truly important in the midst of tempting moments. Through faith in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, we receive the power to resist the flesh's demands, cultivate self-control, and fix our hearts on eternal things. By surrendering our desires daily, we can experience the transformative power of dying to ourselves and living for God. Daily surrender leads to daily transformation

There is a process we see in Acts 2 that will determine your destiny here on this earth. Through faith in Jesus, your eternal destiny has been determined. When you follow Jesus, there is a process that will determine your earthly destiny. But in order for this process to take place, you must begin.

Through faith in Jesus you can stand before the heavenly court with a clear conscience. You have been wrapped and clothed with Him.

Through faith in Jesus, we access the blessings of the covenant. Through our relationship with Jesus, we experience the grace of our covenant-keeping God.

Through faith in Jesus, we access the blessings of the covenant. Through our relationship with Jesus, we experience the grace of our covenant-keeping God.

The final verses in the book of Romans (Romans 16:25-27) end with a song of praise. In this doxology, Paul reminds readers that the gospel is about Christ alone, and the entirety of Scripture points to him. Through faith in Jesus, God made a way for unrighteous people to become righteous. Although we are disobedient and rebellious, God has reached down into our helplessness and saved us from our sin. The Gospel of Jesus Christ demands a response - there is no room for neutrality. We can turn away, or we can respond by living lives marked by gratitude and praises - lives of doxology. May 19, 2024 Guest speaker: Danny Schillero

Synopsis: In the conclusion to Paul's letter, he personally greeted and commended fellow Christians and faithful labourers in the service to the LORD. Through faith in Jesus who is wisdom for us, believers are enriched by close relationships with God and other believers. We are called to take heed to ourselves that we live for God's glory by obeying the Gospel. Verses in order of appearance: Romans 16:1-2 Romans 16:3-9 John 3:16 C.H. Spurgeon quote from Lectures to My Students: "Neptune had long been shining before he was discovered and named; and you and I brethren, may remain unknown for years, and possibly the world may never discover us; but I trust that our influence, like that of Neptune, will be felt and recognised, whether we are seen of men, or only shine in solitary splendour to the glory of God." Romans 16:10-16 Ephesians 1:3-4 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 Luke 7:45 Romans 16:17-20 Acts 15:1-2 1 Timothy 4:16 1 Corinthians 14:20 Romans 16:21-24 Romans 16:25-27 John 2:19-22 Romans 6:23 Acts 6:7 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 Deuteronomy 9:7 Luke 22:19-20

The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as history's most profound event, offering hope and eternal life. We witness how Mary Magdalene's unwavering faith leads her from despair to encounter the risen Savior, Jesus Christ. Despite obstacles and doubts, Mary's experience shows us that in times of hopelessness, turning to Jesus reveals the path forward to hope. Her transformation demonstrates the reality of the resurrection—a truth validated by eyewitnesses and recorded in Scripture. In essence, the resurrection offers not only hope but also personal transformation. Through faith in Jesus, we find meaning and purpose. As we celebrate Easter, let us remember that the resurrection is not just a historical event but a living reality that continues to shape our lives today.

From Guilt To Glory Rom 3:24-26 #RTTBROS #Nightlight From Guilt To Glory Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Romans 3:24-26 Paul Chappelle writes about Judge Horace Gray of Boston who would later go on to serve as a Justice on the Supreme Court once said to the man who escaped conviction on a technicality: "I know that you are guilty and you know it, and I wish you to remember that one day you will stand before a better and wiser Judge, and that there you will be dealt with according to justice and not according to law." God's justice is always perfect and infallible, unlike the flawed justice of man. He sees every sin and wrongdoing, and while His punishment may sometimes be delayed out of His grace to allow for repentance, it is ultimately unavoidable. God's justice, though sometimes slow, is thorough and inescapable. Yet despite being a just God, He is also abounding in love and mercy towards us. So great is His love that He sacrificed His own Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins. Through faith in Jesus, His righteousness is imparted to us, making us fully justified and blameless in the eyes of God. When He looks upon those who have placed their trust in Christ, He no longer sees their sin, but only the perfect righteousness of His Son. This incredible gift of justification should fill our hearts with joy and compel us to share this good news with all who will listen. Find joy and peace in the marvelous gift of salvation and justification that God in His mercy has freely given you through faith in Christ. Our Podcast, Blog and YouTube Links https://linktr.ee/rttbros Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out. https://linktr.ee/rttbros

God is able to deliver us from whatever we walk through. ~~~ Do you ever sing in the rain? I don't either, but I'm starting to think we should! Here's why, I was in the car rider line to pick up my girls from school. It was pouring rain. As I get closer I'm seeing kids using umbrellas, hoodies and backpacks to try to cover their head as they make their way to their car. Then I see this boy. He is not even walking fast. He's almost kinda struttin' a little. Is he not getting wet? Yes, he is. Does he not care? No, apparently not! I'm having this conversation with myself, in the car of course. As he gets closer to me, I see he's singing, in the rain! This kid was in his own little world. Earbuds in, hair dripping wet and he did not care one bit. He was walking, had a song in his ears and he was singing every word. As he walked by my car I said out loud to myself, “he's just singing in the rain”! You know what, it made me smile! He was soaking wet, walking along, singing his song. I want to be like that kid. I want to sing in the rain and not care that I'm getting wet. You know why he didn't care, he was way more focused on the song than the rain. Do you have a song to sing today? I don't know if you're walking in sunshine or a heavy downpour, but do you have the JOY of the Lord? I'm not talking about fake smiling, sweep the pain under the rug, I'm fine talk. I'm talking about peace in your heart and hope for tomorrow, even in the rain, kind of joy that only comes when you know God is WITH you. Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Here in Isaiah 43, God is reminding Israel, to not be afraid. He knew the journey ahead for them would be rough. They would face many obstacles along the way, but He would be with them and He would deliver them. God is still making a way for us. Through faith in Jesus we have the promise and hope of heaven. This world is not my home! So in a way, like that boy singing in the rain, I'm in my own little world a bit. I can walk out each day and no matter what comes my way or tries to bring me down, I can keep on walking with a song in my heart. That's mountain moving kind of faith. You see a mountain and yes it's big and yes you don't see a way around it, but God is WITH you! Remember Daniel's friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego in the Old Testament? Go read Daniel chapter three. They were FULL of faith. They were ‘singing in the rain' kinda boys. They weren't gonna bow to the king's idol. NO! The King asks, ‘and who is the God who will deliver you from my hands?' “O King” they said, “we have no need to answer you in this matter. Our God is ABLE to deliver us, but even if He does not, we will not worship your God.” Yep, they were thrown into the fire. The guys that threw them in died it was so hot. But those boys, I can just imagine them walking around singing in the fire with Jesus right there beside them. Remember those words back in Isaiah? I will be with you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Those boys had faith in that promise, so they just kept on walking. That's the truth. Trust the Lord with all you're walking through. He will walk WITH you and he'll even give you a song to sing. I'm Lori Cline.

God has always been at work. Whether through Abraham or Elijah, Gideon or Moses, God was working. But it wasn't merely to build a kingdom on earth. His is an eternal kingdom with people clothed in justice, mercy, witness, grace, and love. Through faith in Jesus all these are ours. That's what actually does work.

It is often the pain in our own lives or the problems in the world around us that make us feel like God is not close. But the times actually provide a unique opportunity to experience God's presence. For the people of Israel, God most powerfully revealed His presence when things were at there worst. They came to know God as the One who is always with them to guide and protect them. Through faith in Jesus, we can come to know God in the same way, no matter what we face.

It is often the pain in our own lives or the problems in the world around us that make us feel like God is not close. But the times actually provide a unique opportunity to experience God's presence. For the people of Israel, God most powerfully revealed His presence when things were at there worst. They came to know God as the One who is always with them to guide and protect them. Through faith in Jesus, we can come to know God in the same way, no matter what we face.

Through faith in Jesus, we are brought back into fellowship with God and can go boldly before Him. ~~~ Moms, do you track your children? Some of you are immediately tracking with me right now with this question, while others might need a bit more explaining. You see, I like to know where my girls are at ALL times. Actually I like to know where all of my family is at all times. I do this with the ‘find your friends' app or by sharing locations so at any given time I can look at my phone and see where my people are. If my daughters are on a field trip with their school or at an away volleyball game, I can see they made it. I can then get directions to their exact location if I need to. If my husband is traveling, I can see where he is having a nice dinner out while I am home allowing my girls to eat cereal for dinner. My sister travels a good bit and I love to check on her whereabouts often and ask her about her trip, especially that one time it looked like she was in the middle of the Arkansas river. The location was a little off. She was fine. I like to be with those I love. I don't like times we are apart or separated. Until we are all back together, knowing where they are is the next best thing. The Father loves us even more. At creation, in the garden, man and woman were made for fellowship with the Father. Adam and Eve walked with the Lord in the cool of the day. There was perfect peace. They knew God and had no reason to doubt His love. They were FULLY alive not knowing death. They were in perfect communion and nothing separated them. After the Fall, when sin entered into the world through their disobedience, fellowship was broken. They hid. They believed a lie and doubt set in. For the first time ever, because of sin, they were separated from the Father. We are born into that same sin. Because of God's great love for us, He made a way. Redemption and restoring fellowship was always the plan. Ephesians 2:4-5 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. God never wanted sin to separate us. He saw us and our location right in the middle of our sin and made a way to bring us back. I'm thankful for His gift of grace through Jesus Christ. It's the only way. I love how throughout the Old Testament God says, “I will be your God and you shall be my people”. My sin no longer separates me. I'm no longer lost and far away, I am brought back home. I am His and He is mine. Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Through faith in Jesus, we are brought back into fellowship with God. I can now come boldly to His throne of grace. He walks with me and talks with me each day and nothing can ever separate me from His love. I can dwell in His presence and trust and know He is good. And one day he will return for his bride and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever! He is MY GOD and I AM HIS. I am thankful today that my sin no longer separates me from God. Because of Jesus, I am not far away. I have been brought near. That's the truth. Maybe check your spiritual location. Know where you are today. God wants you to be near His heart and made new. I'm Lori Cline.

Help me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | Patreonhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comEpisode 29: The Peace of God (Mark 11:1-11)Welcome to another episode of "The Gospel of Mark" podcast, today we'll be delving into a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, from the unique perspective of Mark's Gospel.The Triumphal EntryOne of the most iconic images of Jesus is that of Him riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, surrounded by a cheering crowd. This event has come to be known as the Triumphal Entry or Palm Sunday, but today, we want to focus on the deeper significance of Jesus choosing to enter Jerusalem in this way.Mark's Unique PerspectiveWhile it's common to associate Jesus riding a donkey with humility and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, Mark's Gospel takes a somewhat different approach. Unlike other Gospel accounts, Mark doesn't emphasize the Messianic aspects or reference Old Testament scriptures in this context. The Symbolism of the DonkeyIn the ancient world, when a king entered a city riding a horse, it signalled war and conquest. However, if the king entered on a donkey, it symbolized peace. Jesus, in His first coming, rides a donkey, signifying His mission of bringing peace.The Reaction of the CrowdAs Jesus enters Jerusalem, people spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road before Him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" They anticipate a political savior who will free them from Roman rule. However, their perception of salvation differs from the spiritual peace that Jesus offers.Peace with GodWe explore two aspects of peace in the New Testament: peace with God and the peace of God. Through faith in Jesus, we gain peace with God, reconciling us to Him.The Peace of GodThe peace of God goes beyond understanding and guards our hearts and minds. It is acquired by prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, aligning our desires with God's will.Letting Peace RuleWe should let the peace of God rule in our hearts and relationships with others. God values peace so much that He allows for certain exceptions, like divorce in cases of unfaithfulness, to protect our peace.A Transformative MessageIn conclusion, God wants us to experience both peace with Him and the peace of God. Peace isn't the absence of conflict Cast Yourself InCast Yourself In tells the amazing stories of Jesus' extraordinary work in the Muslim...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFurther Discipleship Training Courses Free at;linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mccandless-68353b16Podcast Archive also athttps://www.youtube.com/c/JeremyRMcCandlessThe LIFE Podcast - The Bible Project | FacebookMy Amazon Author Pageamazon.com/author/jeremymccandlessJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Good News for those suffering from anxiety: Jesus Christ has overcome every root of fear and worry that springs up as anxiety.  Through faith in Jesus, your anxiety, and the roots that cause it, can be overcome!  Listen to Fr. Jon to learn more.

Romans 6 explores the concept of crossing a line and the significance of tangible expressions in that moment. Baptism draws a line in the water, symbolizing the transition from death to life. Through faith in Jesus, we can cross the line and experience new life. -- Download the One Crossing app: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecrossing.net/app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecrossing.net/giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Helping people come to an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the vision of The Crossing, based in Quincy, IL with multiple locations throughout Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa.

In Psalm 1, the blessed man is described as one who avoids the counsel of the wicked, the path of sinners, and the company of scoffers. However, there is also an active element to his blessedness. He delights in God's law and meditates on it day and night. Biblical meditation is not passive, but rather intentional and immersive. The result of this active engagement with God's word is depicted as a flourishing tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit and never withering. In contrast, the wicked are like worthless chaff blown away by the wind. The psalmist emphasizes that the wicked will not stand in judgment or among the righteous, while the Lord knows the way of the righteous. The psalm points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the blessed man, who accomplished what we cannot on our own. Through faith in Jesus, we can live in freedom, knowing that he has rescued us and given us the gift of salvation. By looking to Jesus and delighting in God's law, we can live a life that brings glory to God. Edgerton First Reformed Pastor Mark Groen Dwell in the Word Podcast Feed Sermon Podcast Feed Instagram Facebook Weekly Virtual Bulletin

The DevilWelcome to another segment of the Foolishness of Preaching. I would like to start off with something kind of funny. One bright, beautiful Sunday morning, before the church service starts, the congregation sit in their pews and talk about their lives and their families. Suddenly, at the altar, Satan appears! Everyone starts screaming and running for the front entrance, trampling each other in their determined efforts to get away from the devil. Soon, everyone is evacuated from the church except for one man, who sits calmly in his pew. This confused Satan a bit. Satan walks up to the man and says, "Hey, don't you know who I am?" The man says, "Yep, sure do." Satan says, "Well, aren't you afraid of me?" The man says, "Nope, sure ain't." Satan, perturbed, says, "And why aren't you afraid of me?" The man says, "Well, I've been married to your sister for 25 years."The devil is a serious topic that deserves respect and caution. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."The devil, also known as Satan, is a real and powerful spiritual being who seeks to deceive, destroy, and separate us from God. In today's sermon, I want to share with you three important truths about the devil and how we can overcome his schemes.First, the devil is a liar and a deceiver. John 8:44 tells us that the devil is the father of lies. He seeks to deceive us into believing that sin is pleasurable and that God's ways are restrictive and burdensome. The devil also tries to convince us that we are alone and hopeless, that God doesn't care about us or that we are unworthy of His love. However, we can overcome the devil's lies by holding onto the truth of God's Word and by prayerfully seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.Second, the devil seeks to tempt us into sin. James 1:14 says, "but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed." The devil uses our own desires and weaknesses against us, tempting us to give in to sin and disobedience. However, we can resist the devil's temptations by putting on the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, and by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome.Lastly, the devil is a defeated foe. While he may still have some power and influence in this world, we know that his ultimate defeat has already been secured through Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:15 says, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Through faith in Jesus, we have victory over the devil and can resist his schemes.Now, I want to extend an invitation to each of you. If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to do so today. Through faith in Jesus, we have the power to overcome the devil and his schemes.Let us pray together: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the victory we have in Jesus Christ over the powers of darkness. We ask for Your protection and guidance as we face the devil's lies and temptations in this world. For those who have not yet received Jesus as their Lord and Savior, I pray that they would make that life-changing decision today. In Jesus' name, Amen.If you have made the decision to follow Jesus today, please don't leave without speaking with one of our pastors or leaders. They would love to guide you through this important step in your spiritual journey and help you grow in your newfound relationship with Christ.Remember, the devil is a real and powerful spiritual being, but through faith in Jesus, we have the power to overcome his schemes. As 1 Peter 5:8-9 reminds...

The people of God are never far from trouble and hardship, but regardless of our circumstances, we can say with confidence along with David, “I shall not be shaken.”  Because of Christ's finished work on the cross, we can find our hope in the promises of God—not in what he can give us in this life, but in who he is. Through faith in Jesus, we can know forgiveness of our sins, and the fullness of joy that salvation in him brings. For this unshakeable security, we only need to run to Jesus, our refuge.  April 2, 2023

In this episode we discuss the almighty question: How do we reach salvation? Through faith in Jesus? Do we need good works too? This episode features a rigorous debate between the Orthodox Church vs. Evangelical. Get ready for some fire! Enjoy!

Through faith in Jesus, we know we have confidence to approach God in our lives and in prayer. We know we are in Christ and have eternal life; this knowledge from God leads us to live a life for God!

Andrew Baker | Romans 3:19-26 — From the Garden of Eden to the present day, humankind longs to be ‘enough'. But as Paul makes clear, we have all fallen short and nothing we can get or do will ever justify us before a truly just God - nothing except His free gift: Through faith in Jesus, His righteousness is given to us. By His blood, the universal longing is ended. Through the finished work of the Cross, it is finished.

Jan 22, 2023 It is impossible to talk about purpose without talking about whose we are–who we belong to. Through faith in Jesus, we become children of God. We don't just simply get a fresh chance at life, we have a new identity as a child of God. Lean in as we look at what it looks like to fit into God's family.  As you listen in, you will be:  1. Challenged to learn the values, privileges, and responsibilities of being in God's family  2. Encouraged to let go of needing to achieve your place in God's family

Thursday, 19 January 2023   “and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. Acts 13:39   In the previous verse, Paul stated, “through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins.” This is the heart of the matter. Jesus didn't come to exalt Israel over Rome. He didn't come to give the people ease and comfort. He didn't come to do a thousand things that people think of when they think of their earthly lives and how the Messiah could make them better. Rather, Paul focuses on the forgiveness of sin. This aligns with John's words from his first epistle –   “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8   Like Paul, John highlights the problem, sin. But he also identifies the source of the problem, the devil. Complete clarity of why the story of the fall of man in the very first pages of Scripture is realized. Everything about what is recorded after that is a part of God's workings to highlight this, to show that it must be resolved for harmony to be restored between Him and man, and how He would bring that about.   Paul now calls that fact forward, saying, “and by Him.” This is speaking of Jesus. He is “this Man” of the previous verse. He is the One “whom God raised up and saw no corruption” of the verse before that. Paul is revealing to the Jews, and also any Gentiles in attendance, the purpose of Jesus' coming.   As this is his argument, then it means that everything referring to the Messiah in their Scriptures will support his words. The historical stories, the prophecies, the songs, the genealogical listings, the love stories, and all else are anticipating this great role of the Messiah and those things will in some way be connected to this fact. The words of Scripture cannot be disassociated from the overall purpose of Scripture. And so, to highlight this in the fullest and most poignant manner , Paul continues by saying that “everyone who believes.”   The word pas is a word of totality. It can refer to people, geographical locations, the words of Scripture, and so on. In this case, it is being used to identify people. This is obvious because Paul just said, “through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins.” Thus, it is identifying the category – human beings. In saying “everyone who believes,” it thus extends beyond the Jews to all people without distinction. No matter who hears the words, all are included in the action which is that they are “justified from all things.”   The word Paul uses, dikaioó, is connected to the idea of the forgiveness of sins from the previous verse. Simply, it means “approved.” However, it carries with it a legal and authoritative sense. As the words are connected to forgiveness of sins, Paul is saying that through Jesus, all charges against a person, and the punishment that should be meted out because of them, are cleared.   The slate is wiped clean and total forgiveness is realized. Without Jesus, there is defeat because of sin. But with Him, there is victory and vindication. With this stated and revealed to the ears of his audience, Paul next provides a contrast to Jesus. In doing so, he will highlight exactly what was stated above: that everything in Scripture is ultimately anticipating the great role of the Messiah. He does this by saying that the word of Jesus provides man's needed justification “from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.”   Bengel is correct in saying that the words about Jesus, “in Him,” are the antithesis of “the law of Moses.” Moses is the standard set forth by God for justification. That is stated explicitly in Leviticus 18 –   “You shall observe My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I am the Lord your God. 5 You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 18:4, 5   The law was given, and it promised life. With it set before Israel, it was then provided about fourteen hundred years to be worked out. The record of the people, both individuals and as a collective, was carefully kept so that Israel could see they needed something else, something even greater than the law to live. The law only brought about the realization of more sin and thus, more condemnation.   Therefore, Paul is not only speaking to the Jews sitting there, but he is speaking to the Gentiles who were curious about the religion of the Jews. If they had the words of promised life for obedience to their laws set before them, and if that law was unable to bring about a state of justification to them, then the Gentiles would be crazy to ignore Paul's words and place themselves under the law.   *The law is the standard. *The law is unable to provide what it offers because the law only highlights sin. *Jesus provides what the law cannot provide because He had no sin and committed no sin under the law.   Because Jesus fulfilled the law through obedience to it, including His death, He embodies the law. In other words, in Him is life – the life promised in Leviticus 18. Through faith in Jesus, that life is imparted to the believer because justification is imputed to him. Forgiveness is realized, the slate is clean, and eternal life is the result. This is the gospel that Paul is meticulously explaining to the ears of his audience.   Life application: If only those who follow the Judaizers and Hebrew Roots Movement cults would think through what Paul is saying to those in the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia, they would run as quickly as they could to Jesus. They would shun what these heretics offer, which highlight sin, condemnation, and death. Instead, they would hold fast to Jesus which means justification from sin, a declaration of righteousness, and life.   Jesus! It is all about Jesus. In Him and in Him alone comes the forgiveness of our debts and a return to paradise. Who cares about how “holy” you appear because of your dietary restrictions, the days you observe, or the feasts you participate in? These are just shadows and types of the coming Christ. They can never make a person holy. But Jesus can and He will. Just come to Him by faith. This is what God asks of you.   Heavenly Father, forgive us for attempting to earn what You have already offered. Forgive us for our arrogance and pride in trying to do better than what You have done. The perfection of Christ and of His work is all we will ever need to be right before You. So, Lord, help us to hold fast to Him and to Him alone as we await our renewal. And may that day be soon! Amen.

Jacob Richardson teaches that the arrival of Jesus brings great joy and great worship. Through faith in Jesus, we can experience joy in every moment of life.

In this Advent series, we are looking at the differences between the first and second coming of Jesus. In His first Advent, He came as a humble servant, fulfilling prophesies of the Messiah who would come to Earth to suffer and die to heal His people from sin and suffering. When He returns, He will come as a battle-ready groom, prepared to rescue His bride from His enemies and reign as a victorious King. In the first sermon of this series, we looked at how Jesus will return as a judge to separate His people from His enemies, like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. In Luke 13:22-30, Jesus teaches that He will return in order to judge the world and that the gate to heaven is narrow; the only people He will allow into heaven are those whose righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees. The good news of the Gospel is that when we turn to Jesus in faith, He imparts His righteousness to us as a free gift and He establishes us as blameless and holy. Through faith in Jesus, our righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees. For those who believe, the judgement of Jesus is not something to be feared, it's something to long for. This Christmas, may our celebration of the first coming of Jesus stir our longing for His second coming.

In this Advent series, we are looking at the differences between the first and second coming of Jesus. In His first Advent, He came as a humble servant, fulfilling prophesies of the Messiah who would come to Earth to suffer and die to heal His people from sin and suffering. When He returns, He will come as a battle-ready groom, prepared to rescue His bride from His enemies and reign as a victorious King. In the first sermon of this series, we looked at how Jesus will return as a judge to separate His people from His enemies, like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. In Luke 13:22-30, Jesus teaches that He will return in order to judge the world and that the gate to heaven is narrow; the only people He will allow into heaven are those whose righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees. The good news of the Gospel is that when we turn to Jesus in faith, He imparts His righteousness to us as a free gift and He establishes us as blameless and holy. Through faith in Jesus, our righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees. For those who believe, the judgement of Jesus is not something to be feared, it's something to long for. This Christmas, may our celebration of the first coming of Jesus stir our longing for His second coming.

Through faith in Jesus, we are eternally declared not guilty of any sin and righteous in the sight of God.

Our Bible Reading of the Day is James 2:14-26. Through faith in Jesus, God not only forgives us of our sins but He also declares us to be as righteous as Jesus Himself. This is called the doctrine of justification. Sinners, Jews and Gentiles alike, have a new status as God's people because they have been declared righteous in Christ. The Book of James is concerned with the works that come out of a justifying faith. This letter teaches us that works always and necessarily accompany saving faith; good works are evidence of a faith that justifies. Being justified by faith, God's people are empowered through the Holy Spirit to live a life of loving God and loving their neighbors as themselves. We are saved by faith alone, but our faith produces good works. 

Is there a storm raging in your soul? Teaching Pastor Robert Watson looks at what the Bible says about spiritual warfare. The chaos in our minds comes from the battle for our spirits. Through faith in Jesus and attention to His Word, we can overcome the forces that work to break us down.

Is there a storm raging in your soul? Teaching Pastor Robert Watson looks at what the Bible says about spiritual warfare. The chaos in our minds comes from the battle for our spirits. Through faith in Jesus and attention to His Word, we can overcome the forces that work to break us down.

Title: The Sacraments Text: Various FCF: We often struggle to see use the sacraments as God intended us to. Prop: Because God has given the sacraments as a sign and seal of our atonement in Christ, we must partake in faith expecting to be assured of our sonship to God. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Philippians chapter 3. So I am up here a little earlier than I usually am aren't I? That is because, as was mentioned earlier during announcements, we have quite a different service this morning. Today is one of those unique opportunities that we have to celebrate both sacraments in our church on the same day. Many churches do the Lord's Supper every week. The Lord did not give us instruction on how often we are to have the Lord's Supper, so we, as you know, only do the meal quarterly. And baptism is a sacrament that we cannot actually plan. Baptism occurs only once in the lifetime of a Christian; therefore, it is naturally limited in frequency by that fact. So, for God to align for us both a baptism and the Lord's Supper on one day is an opportunity I can't pass up to teach once more on the concept of a sacrament – and what they mean to the body of Christ. But the reason I am speaking now in the service, is because I want to focus on each Sacrament separately. First, we will focus on Baptism, and after we have our baptism, we will then come back to the word and focus on the Lord's Supper. That's right – I am going to have a two-part message occurring in the same service. Don't worry – both parts are not 45 minutes each. I saw alarm on many of your faces. It will be ok everyone. This is a topical sermon of course, which means not only are we are going to see a lot of scripture today, but we will approach scripture differently than we normally do. When we go through textually, we are asking God to show us truth – and He decides what we see in that text. Topical sermons ask questions and then look to the Word for answers. [Slide 2] The primary questions we will attempt to answer this morning are 1 – What is a Sacrament? 2 – What are the Sacraments? 3 – Is Baptism a Sacrament? 4 – How do the Sacraments differ from one another? Unfortunately, before we can approach the first question we must answer some preliminary questions. And that is where we will begin this morning – but before we do, let me pray and ask the Lord to guide us. Transition: To begin this morning, I want to remind ourselves of the observations we have made in II Peter thus far. We have seen that God has supplied to His children all they need to become partakers in the divine nature, and to come to the glorious excellence that He has called us to. Yet we see that there are some who make a good showing, who confess truth, who leave the filth of the world through the knowledge of Christ, yet return to be enslaved to their sin. So, the direction I want to start us on this morning… is by asking the question how does God keep us? If saving faith is enduring and working faith – How does God make sure our faith endures and works? Or, to say it more succinctly… I.) [Slide 3] How does God perfect our faith? a. Let's look at Hebrews 12:1-2. i. [Slide 4] For our faith to endure there are a few things that are necessary in this passage. ii. First is laying aside every weight. These weights are often looked at as sins, but since he says every weight and sin, we cannot conclude that the weights themselves are sin. Most likely in the context the writer of Hebrews is referring to their insistence to go back to the Levitical system of sacrifices. Meaning that the writer of Hebrews is not just talking about sins, but also about anti-faith objects. Things that you are trusting in for a right standing before God. Namely, your own merit. iii. The second aspect of the put-off put-on principle is to run with endurance the race that has been set before us. But how are we to do that? iv. We must keep our eyes on Christ. Why? v. He is the pioneer, author, originator, or best example our faith. vi. He is also the finisher, completer, or perfector of our faith. vii. Why is he the completer of our faith? viii. Because being united with Him – He has finished His work. He was incarnated, he obeyed the Lord, He died for sinners, He was raised again, and is now sitting at the right hand of God making intercession for us. ix. We can run the race with confidence because He has already completed it. x. So, the perfecting of our faith is accomplished in Christ. b. [Slide 5] Let's look at II Peter 1:2 i. This is a passage that should be very familiar to us. ii. Peter asks that grace (God's divine power to help us to be what we could not be without Him) and peace (God's divine comfort and assurance of our status with Him) would be multiplied to us in what? iii. In the knowledge (the deep, personal, intimate understanding) of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord. iv. It is by our growing in the deep, intimate, personal knowledge of Christ that we can grow in union with Christ. That we make our calling and election sure. That we as Ephesians says will grow up into Christ and be mature in Him. Or as Romans says that we will be pressed into or conformed to Him. c. So how does God get his children from justification to glorification? How does He keep them growing up into Christ? How does He make sure as Jesus says, He does not lose any of His sheep? d. By giving His dear children grace to endure and peace to endure confidently. e. And that grace and peace are multiplied to us, how? f. Through the deep, personal, growing, intimate knowledge of Christ. g. [Slide 6] Philippians 3:1-11 brings all this together, but because it is a longer passage – we'll have to turn there. i. Paul's one goal is to know Christ, because He has paved the way to righteousness. His faithfulness has become our faithfulness. His righteousness our righteousness. ii. And to know Him in His death, the power of his resurrections is then to, as he says, somehow attain to the bodily resurrection. Transition: So the next natural question is… II.) [Slide 7] How can we know Him in this way? a. Since as Hebrews has said, he has run the race before us, to learn of Him we must follow Him. b. [Slide 8] And in following Him – what has He said of Himself? Let's look only to the gospel of John and we will find more than enough. c. He is called the Word, so we must listen to Him as the fullest revelation of God. (John 1:1-18) d. He is called the fountain of living waters, so we must drink Him. (John 4:5-26; 7:37-39) e. He is called the bread of life, so we must eat Him. (John 6:22-59) f. He is called the light of the world, so we must follow Him out of the darkness. (John 8:12-30) g. He is called the door so we must enter through Him. (John 10:1-10) h. He is called the good shepherd so we must listen and obey Him. (John 10:11-18) i. He is called the way to the Father, so we must pray in His name and by His provision. (John 14:1-14) j. He is called the truth, so we must hear and believe only Him. (John 14:1-14) k. He is called the life, so we must live as He lived. (John 14:1-14) l. He is called the vine so we must be bound to and abide in Him. (John 15:1-17) m. Through the study of the Word of God, through preaching of the word of God, through prayer, through Christian fellowship and intentional discipleship to teach people to observe all that the Lord has commanded. We know Him more and more through these means. n. And in knowing Him more and more, God's grace and peace are multiplied to us. So that we may what? o. [Slide 9] As it says in Ephesians 4… so that we may grow up into the full stature of Christ. Namely, so we may be like Him. For if we are becoming more like Him now… we will certainly look forward to the blessed hope of being truly like Him in the age to come. And as Paul said in Philippians that we might somehow be raised from the dead as He was. p. That is why historically, the church has called these practices, the ordinary means of grace. Not grace to justify us, but grace to sanctify us. To grow up into into Christ. q. We as God's people, ask for grace when we need help. And God has supplied vehicles or avenues whereby He communicates grace to us. Namely in knowing and following Christ. Transition: [Slide 10(blank)] So, God grows His people into Christlikeness by giving them grace as they know Jesus Christ more and more. And the Word of God, prayer, and Christian fellowship are avenues that He has provided for us to know Him more. But where do the sacraments come in here? Well… now we are ready to ask our first question. III.) [Slide 11] What is a Sacrament? a. Where does the word Sacrament appear in the bible? i. It doesn't. Just like the word trinity. ii. It is a combination of the Latin word for sacred and the Greek word for mystery – but often we think of a mystery as a secret that no one knows. More likely it means mystery in the sense that Paul does, in that it is a divine and spiritual thing, not fully revealed in totality to us. It is mysterious. It is mystical. iii. Sacrament means – holy spiritual mystery. iv. Yet the teaching of the sacraments, both their command and the symbolism behind them are virtually everywhere in the New Testament and are shadows of other ordinances God had in the Old Covenant. b. A good definition of sacrament is as follows i. [Slide 12] A Sacrament is a sign set apart and commanded by Christ that declares to His people the promise of the gospel, namely that He grants us freely the remission of sin and life eternal – not for our sake – but because of the work of Christ on the cross. These symbols do teach and assure us that the whole of our salvation depends upon that one sacrifice of Christ and they also, by the Spirit's work, more fully unite us to the One sacrificed. ii. I tried to underline the important parts on the slide. I stopped. Because the only words not underlined were conjunctions. So… it is all important. iii. But if I had to put it more succinctly… iv. [Slide 13] A sacrament signifies the inward spiritual reality of Christ's atonement for us and seals that reality on our consciences, building our faith in Him alone, and thus further uniting us to Him. v. This brings us to our next primary question... c. [Slide 14] What are the Sacraments? i. Different branches of Christendom have varied numbers of Sacraments. ii. Based on the definition above – many items that are viewed as Sacraments were never actually ordained by Christ Himself. Some are not actually signs of the new covenant or of Christ's atonement. iii. As we whittle away at all that is viewed a Sacrament, we come really to 2 Sacraments that remain. iv. [Slide 15] Baptism and the Lord's Supper. d. [Slide 16] How do the Sacraments differ from the ordinary means of Grace? i. What makes these unique or special? ii. Baptism and the Lord's Supper differ from the ordinary means of grace in that they were specially instituted by Christ to represent and apply to believers the benefits of the new covenant by visible and outward signs. iii. The ministry of the Word, prayer, and Christian fellowship may be avenues that God gives grace through – but the sacrament is symbolic, pertaining to the atonement, and ordained of Christ to communicate and apply the benefits of that atonement to His people. iv. In the ministry of the Word, prayer, and fellowship with believers we can see a natural connection between our participation in these means and God's growing us through them. Not saying that we earn God's grace in any way… But there does seem to be a more obvious connection between reading God's word and God equipping us for His will and work. The same goes with prayer and Christian fellowship. v. But in the Sacraments, there is truly nothing special about the water, the bread, or the juice. And by simply washing, eating, or drinking – we cannot begin to explain how God grows us in it. Yet God uses common things as symbols of deep spiritual truths to declare to His people what He has done for them in Christ and to assure them that they are His by binding them to Christ all the more. Transition: [Slide 17(blank)] Now, over the last few years, we've talked at length about how the Lord's Supper is a Sacrament. But what are the symbols of baptism? What do they mean? How do we know that God grows us in baptism? In short… IV.) [Slide 18] How do we know that Baptism is a Sacrament? a. When we looked into the Lord's Supper as a Sacrament, we encountered the unique challenge that there is actually not a lot written about the Lord's Supper in the scriptures. So, while we were able to piece together the spiritual reality behind the symbols and how the sacrament declares and assures these truths with us as believers, we had to scour almost every passage we could. b. Baptism gives us the opposite problem. There is a plethora of information about baptism in the New Testament. So, our challenge becomes organizing and utilizing the information we need to establish whether or not baptism is a Sacrament. c. [Slide 19] Revisiting our definition of a sacrament the first thing we must prove from scripture is that Christ has set apart this sign. So, our question is, does Christ command all believers to be baptized? i. [Slide 20] Before Jesus began his earthly ministry, He was baptized by John the Baptist in Matthew 3. When John protested, saying he had no need to do this since it was a baptism unto repentance, Jesus said to baptize Him to fulfill all righteousness. ii. Early in Christ's ministry, recorded for us in John 3, Jesus's disciples were baptizing those who were repenting of sin. This is a key concept to understand. John's baptism was for the repentance of sin. Jesus' disciples were continuing and expanding John the Baptist's work. iii. In Matthew 28, before His ascension, Jesus commands his disciples to go and make disciples. In that process they are to baptize them in the name of the triune God and teach them to observe all that Christ has commanded. So baptism and teaching them obedience are part of the discipleship process. iv. In Mark 16 Jesus says that the one who believes and is baptized will be saved: but those who do not believe will be condemned. v. So, it seems that Jesus really did institute this practice both by affirming John's use of it, and by commanding his disciples to continue using it. vi. And we see in several examples in Acts that His disciples obeyed His command. d. Let's take the second part of the definition of sacrament. i. [Slide 21] “declares to His people the promise of the gospel, namely that He grants us freely the remission of sin and life eternal – not for our sake – but because of the work of Christ on the cross.” ii. Do we see that this is true of Baptism? iii. [Slide 22] Look at Acts 2:38 – Peter declares to the people in Jerusalem, at the start of the church, to repent of their sin. Further, he says that every one of them must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. What does that mean? In the name of? It means on account of, or for the sake of, because of. iv. And then he says for the remission or forgiveness of sins. We balk at this statement because it seems like, as it did in Mark 16, that Peter is saying baptism is necessary for sins to be forgiven… and in a way it is. But not because of the water of the baptism or their submission to it. v. Rather it is because of the faith they now have in what the symbol signifies. That for Christ's sake, we are made new. We are changed. They are being baptized on his account or for His sake. Meaning – they believe. This is where forgiveness of sins comes in. Not the sign, but the thing signified. vi. And then he says that you will receive the Holy Spirit. And we have to ask… so do we receive the Spirit after we are baptized or before? Again – Peter is not focusing on the act of water baptism but rather the thing signified in that baptism. Meaning the Spirit of God indwells upon a believer receiving faith from God in the atonement of Jesus Christ. e. [Slide 23] And that leads us to the next part of the definition of a sacrament… “These symbols do teach and assure us that the whole of our salvation depends upon that one sacrifice of Christ” f. What are the symbols of baptism and how do they teach and assure us that all our salvation depends on Christ? And this my friends, is really where the plethora of information on baptism comes in. g. Did you know that in the New Testament there are at least 9 baptisms? i. There is the baptism of Moses. I Corinthians 10 tells us that the Israelites were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. ii. There is the baptism of Noah where 8 people were baptized into the flood waters, mentioned in I Peter. iii. There is the baptism of John – As we noted it was for the purpose of repentance of sins Mentioned in Matthew 3. iv. There was Jesus' baptism which was to fulfill all righteousness also in Matthew 3. v. There is the baptism of the Holy Spirit which is predicted by John the Baptist to be a baptism that Jesus brings – first mentioned in Matthew 3 but also in other places in the New Testament. 1. Acts 2:38 2. Ephesians 1:13-14 3. I Corinthians 12:13 vi. There is baptism into the sufferings of Christ, mostly in Mark 10 where two disciples came asking for a place of honor in the kingdom. Jesus asks them if they can endure the baptism he is will be baptized with? They said they could probably not knowing what he meant. Then Jesus said, that indeed they would follow Him in His sufferings. As all God's true children do. vii. There is baptism into fire or judgment. In Matthew 3, John predicts that this is another baptism that Christ will bring. He will secure his wheat into the barn but burn the rest. In II Thessalonians 1 Christ will return with a flaming fire inflicting vengeance. But in this He will spare His own. viii. There is the baptism into Christ that believers are said to experience. In Romans 6 we are baptized into his death. Buried with him. And raised with Him to walk in new life. We are baptized into one body – namely the body of Christ in I Cor 12:12. Through faith in Jesus we are baptized into Christ and have put on Christ in Galatians 3:26-27 so that now all who are in Christ are one. And in Colossians 2, a new circumcision has occurred where our sinful flesh is cut off as Christ's body was cut off from life. We are buried with Him and raised with Him. ix. Lastly, there is baptism into water for believers x. And there are other baptisms mentioned that probably refer to ritual washings so I have excluded them. h. Perplexingly, even though there are 9 baptisms – Paul says that there is only 1 baptism in Ephesians 4. So to which baptism does he refer? Looking at the context, it is fairly obvious that he means the baptism into Christ. What does that mean? i. After careful consideration, being baptized into Christ actually accomplishes all of these baptisms. i. Noah and Moses were types of Christ, who led their people to safety by their obedience to God. ii. John's baptism not only pointed forward to Christ's work, but Christ Himself was baptized by John. iii. Jesus entered the waters of baptism not to repent but to receive the Spirit of God, obey the Lord, and yet become sin for us and die our death so that we could receive His life. iv. Being baptized into Christ means we will suffer for His name, but escape His judgment. v. Since Christ sends the Spirit to His people, when we are baptized into Christ we are baptized with the Spirit of Christ. vi. So, all these baptisms are accomplished by us being immersed into, covered with, or united to Christ by faith. vii. Therefore, water baptism of believers is the symbol of this baptism. That we are baptized into Christ. Into His baptism, into His life, into His death, into His burial, into His resurrection, into His glory. viii. Water baptism is the symbol of our being declared righteous. Because in justification we are clothed with Christ, treated as if we have the same standing before God as He does – though we are still sinners. Our sins are washed away and remitted, placed on Christ instead. Our accounts are switched. ix. So, water baptism is both commanded and symbolizing the work of Christ's atonement. j. And the symbols do not end there. We know that the Spirit washes us with regeneration and that we are birthed into a new birth by Spirit and by water. These images also convey a sign and thing signified kind of relationship between baptism and our justification. k. All we have left is to prove that baptism is a Sacrament is to show that baptism “by the Spirit's work, more fully unite(s) us to the One sacrificed.” i. For this we go to I Peter 3:20b-22 ii. In this passage we see that Peter assures us that just like the 8 people who were aboard the ark were saved by or through their baptism, so we are also saved through our baptism. iii. Not by the washing of dirt by water… but the pledge, or answer of a good conscience to God. iv. Just as water washes dirt away, we know that baptism into Christ's death and resurrection washes our sins away. v. And because of this pledge we have a good or clear conscience toward God. We walk away from our water baptism which is a symbol of our baptism into Christ, knowing that our conscience is clear – not because of our own righteousness, but because of the righteousness of Christ which we have received by being baptized into Him. vi. Secondly, in Matthew 28, as the mark of a true disciple being made by other disciples, water baptism is one part of that process, the other part is obedience to all that Christ commanded. vii. Thirdly, since Christ did precede us in baptism both in the symbol and in the thing signified, we unite to Him by faith and follow Him also in both the thing signified and the symbol itself. viii. Finally, our baptism into Christ achieves our baptism into a family, a community, a body of believers that began with Adam and Eve and who God is still drawing from all nations. A body that is invisible, but will one day be gathered again. And so, as the sign of that truth – in water baptism when the baptized comes up out of the water, they experience the welcome and joy of a family of people who are also baptized into Christ. And we with the Spirit declare and assure all present that Christ alone has made us new. l. Therefore, I conclude, that water baptism of believers is indeed a sacrament of holy significance. A gift of God's whereby we all can build our faith in Christ, know and be united to Him more, and be given grace by God. m. [Slide 29 (end of first part)] And so, let us do just that. As Elliott and I prepare, we'll have Jerry come forward to lead us in prayer this morning before the offering. [SERMON BREAK = PART 2 FOLLOWS] Transition: [Slide 1] So this morning as we turn our attention away from baptism to the other sacrament of the Lord's Supper, we must answer the last of our primary questions… V.) [Slide 2] How do the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper differ from one another? a. If both sacraments by definition are signs and symbols of the atonement of Christ meant to declare and assure us of our standing with God and to multiply grace to us through a deeper unity with Christ… why do we need two? How do they differ? What do each declare to us that the other does not? b. [Slide 3] As we've seen, Baptism correlates to our justification. That once for all Christ was slain for us, transmitting us from death to life and creating in us a new nature. c. From that definitive point in our lives we are forever changed and made new. d. Therefore, in the sacrament of baptism, so long as it is believer's baptism, it is to be undergone once until we are delivered safely into the Kingdom of God. e. [Slide 4] But the Lord's Supper is a sign of the atonement of Christ in relationship to our sanctification. f. This sign communicates to us the ongoing nature of the saving work of Christ, in that we are sustained by and kept for glory in the continued feeding of our souls on the intimate relationship we now have with God the Father as a direct result of the atonement of Christ. That in His body we are brought close, and that in His blood we are made pure. That through His body we can approach the Holy God, Yahweh His name, and by the blood of the lamb we do not enter as a criminal but as a Son or daughter. g. The sign of baptism communicates to us the deliverance from who we were and promise of who we are now. The sign of the Lord's Supper communicates to us the assurance of who are now and promise of who we will be. h. Both Sacraments teach and declare to us by physical signs how the atonement justifies and sanctifies us… so that we may hope in the promise that the same God who justified us and is now sanctifying us, will one day glorify us… in Christ. Transition: And now knowing the emphasis of the Lord's Supper on our present walk with the Lord, I feel I must clarify and even warn all here this morning VI.) [Slide 5] Who is worthy to partake of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper? a. With Baptism, we saw that those who have made a convincing profession of faith are to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. b. Are the conditions for who is worthy the same for the Lord's Supper? c. The answer is both yes and no. d. [Slide 6] The reason we can answer yes is because beyond justification, there is no additional requirements of any who would partake of the meal. e. All who are God's children are encouraged and even commanded to take part in the feast. f. [Slide 7] However, the reason we can also answer no, is due to the correlation the Lord's Supper has with our sanctification. g. As we have noticed in our recent study of II Peter, God is the one who preserves and continues to grow us in Him. But if we are enslaved again to sin, then we prove that our natures have not actually changed. h. And so it is not by mere convincing profession that we may partake of the Lord's Supper. For Peter suggests that the false teachers of his time had this convincing profession. Yet were abusing the Lord's Supper and using it for opportunities to spread sin. i. Instead, it is the ongoing nature of that profession of faith – the ongoing result of justification that must be present to be worthy to partake. j. So who is NOT worthy to partake of the Lord's Supper? i. [Slide 8] If you are not a believer, you must not partake. This is a holy and symbolic meal of something that God has done in His people. Not only does it profit you nothing to partake, but it also risks your own health and even life to partake in an unworthy way. You blaspheme the body and blood of Christ by partaking when you have not yet partaken of the spiritual truth signified in the meal. So if you are an unbeliever here today, in all shapes and forms, I would caution you, do not partake. ii. [Slide 9] If you are a professed believer here today, but are currently overcome by a sin in your life that you have no intention of leaving. If you are actively pursuing a sin for which you do not wish to forsake. Then you also should not partake. Not because you must be perfect to feast with us – but because God's true children hate sin and love God's law. And to deliberately keep on sinning after receiving knowledge of the truth only gives you a fearful expectation of judgement that will consume the enemies of God. To you I say, not just not to partake… but to repent! Forsake your sin and cry out to the Lord for His mercy. And if in hearing this call to repent, the Spirit has moved you to do just that… even today you may join us in the feast. But I caution you – do not flippantly repent so you may partake. The Lord who sees all things knows your heart. iii. [Slide 10] Lastly, if you believe that eating this meal will in some way wipe away your sins or absolve you of God's punishments, or contribute in any way to either earning your justification before God, or getting on God's good side, I'd encourage you to not partake with us today. For you are in error and you do not know the truth. Christ alone saves and nothing we do contributes to that. Nor can it. k. [Slide 11] So who IS worthy to partake of the Lord's Supper? i. You are a believer struggling to get victory over a sin. ii. You are a believer feeling disconnected from Christ iii. You are a believer feeling disconnected from other believers iv. You are a believer who desires to live a life more like Christ v. You are a believer who wishes to obey Christ vi. You are a believer who desires to proclaim Christ's atonement with your life. vii. You are a believer who wants to celebrate the mercy and grace of God as He gives it. viii. [Slide 12 (end)] Why is it only those who are broken and needy that qualify for this meal? ix. Because that is what the Lord's Supper is for. Meals in general are for the hungry. For the weak. For the thirsty. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they will be, what? FILLED! x. Jesus Himself said that He did not come to seek the healthy but to help the sick. xi. And the scriptures tell us that God's true people agree with God about their own sin. They see themselves as wholly deficient and unable to make restitution for their sin or to please God. xii. What does that mean? If you are weak, broken, needy, struggling, hurting, failing, desperate for Him… this meal is for you! Come and Feast! xiii. Jesus said His body is for you. He said this cup is for you. Come and Feast! xiv. The Lord's Supper is a gift to us… His people. So that we may remember our Lord, commune with Him and with one another, grow in grace and victory over sin, and hope in the day when we will eat the marriage supper with Christ. So, Come and Feast! So, l will pray. After that, we will remain here for a short time as we have not only welcomed Elliott as a member of the invisible church today – but will also receive him into membership of our visible church today as he makes a covenant with us and we with him. After that time, we'll gather upstairs and go to the Lord's Supper. those who are worthy to partake please join us upstairs. Grab the elements for yourself and have a seat. There is a song we will sing and that is printed out on the back of your bulletin – so make sure to grab one on your way up if you haven't. If you are not planning to join us – for any reason – please quietly slip out when we transition upstairs. Let me pray.

The Sin of Achan And The Communal Effects Of Sin Joshua 7 Main Point of the Sermon: When we sin, we not only damage ourselves, but also our community and God's name. Introduction For many years in my life I shared the popular opinion that my actions were between me and God. As long as I didn't directly hurt someone else, I thought my sin was perhaps less severe to God and no one else's business. But I had a rude awakening in my early twenties when I realized that my sin not only caused deep wounds for me, it caused great pain and left many scars on those I loved. You see, when you belong to a family, or when you are in covenant with someone, perhaps marriage, every action, both good and bad, affects the relationship. Whether it's what you do with finances or with your time or your body, our actions either serve and bless the other person or they bring pain and curse to the other. The same is true in our relationship with God and his church. When we put our faith in Jesus, we are joined to God in Christ, similar to a marriage. And we're also joined to one another, to the church, Christ's body. We are family, which means our behavior is never private. What you do is not between you and God. What we do, both good and bad, has massive effects on both God's name and our community, which means that your behavior is everybody's business. I want to show you from the book of Joshua the communal effects of our sin and remind you of the Good News of Jesus in light of our sin. Context: Let me remind you of who Joshua is and where this book fits in the Bible. Joshua was Moses's right hand man. And while Moses was forbidden to enter the Promised Land because of his sin, God anointed Joshua to lead them in. So Joshua records Israel entering and occupying the land God promised to them. That promise goes all the way back to Genesis 12, where we meet Abraham, a pagan moon worshiper, whom God chose and took out of Babylon and made a covenant with. In the vows of the covenant, God promised to create a people from him that would be God's special possession and through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed. He also promised to give them land from which they would bless the rest of the world. But from Abraham to Joshua is a long history of unbelief, fickleness, and disobedience from Israel yet steadfast love and faithfulness from God. After God delivered Israel out of Egypt, he gave the Law through Moses, which were the covenant terms of the relationship. In other words, the Law showed an unholy Israel how to be in relationship with a holy God. So after Moses died, Joshua led the people and miraculously crossed the Jordan, and began to destroy the wicked nations who possessed the Promised Land according to the Lord's command. The first city they were called to destroy because of its great sin, was Jericho, a major city. How did they destroy it? Oh… by marching around it seven days in a row and then shouting loudly. You know, like all of us win battles. We just yell at it and it crumbles. The walls miraculously fell down and Israel took the city. God was clearly with his people as he promised. But Joshua had given his fighting men important instructions before they took the city: 18 But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction…lest you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it (Jos 6:18). God had instructed Israel to destroy everyone and everything except for Rahab and her family and the precious metals which God preserved for his temple. But one man disobeyed the Lord. Here's where we pick up in the story. Verse 1: But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel. #1 Achan's sin affected Israel like Adam's sin affected humanity. Notice here, right off the bat, that God counts one man's sin against the entire community. Though Achan is pinpointed as the sinner, we are told that “the people of Israel broke faith” and that “the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel.” If you are already offended at God and see him as unjust and angry for holding one man's sin against an entire community, let us consider again who God is and who we are and what's going on here? First, who is God? Well, the Bible says that God is the Creator of all things. He not only makes us and everything that exists, but defines the purpose for all that he made. God is also holy. We just sang those words together. Holy, holy, holy. When we sing those words, we echo the song of heaven which the angels constantly shout to one another, declaring God's utter uniqueness, his purity, and perfection in being, character, and actions. What about people? People are fundamentally dependent on God. The Bible says we live and move and have our being in God (Ac 17:28). This means that we thrive in a relationship with God and die without him. Further, the Bible teaches that all of mankind was separated from God when sin entered the world through Adam, our first father, because of his disobedience. Heaven and earth were once united, but humanity was banished from that place because a holy God cannot dwell with unholy people. Like the son of a wicked king, forever exiled from the kingdom for his father's behavior, we too were born outside of relationship with God and outside of his presence because of one man's sin. As they died, we too will justly die for our sin. But God's holiness drove him to pursue us and rescue us. So, what's really going on here with Israel? Israel is Abraham's offspring. The nation is like Adam 2.0 and the Promised Land is like the garden of Eden 2.0. God set apart this people to become holy by his Word and his presence. Similar to our union with Adam, Israel had union as one people of God. That means if one person obeyed, there were benefits for all, and if one person disobeyed God, there were consequences on all. We see this clearly laid out in Deuteronomy 28, which says, 9 The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him. 10 However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you….” So, when we see God's anger burning against the people of Israel for Achan's sin, it is because God's people, called to be holy and to dwell with God in his holy place, are no longer holy and able to be in relationship with God because of the stolen things in the camp. If one man is unholy, it is as if the whole community is unholy. It is as if they have all cheated on him and the covenant is broken. Israel had become as impure and unclean as Jericho and all the nations of the earth because of this one act of disobedience. So, God's wrath was towards them and his presence no longer went with them. That's what we'll see in the next point. #2 Israel is defeated and devoted to destruction because of its unholiness. In verse 2 we're told that Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai to spy out the land and prepare for the next conquest. At the spies request, Joshua sent a small army to Ai because it was a small city. Israel, having just conquered a massive city went with confidence that God was stronger than any of their enemies. But verse 4 says that “they fled before the men of Ai… 36 of their men [were killed]… and the hearts of the people melted and became as water.” Verse 6 tells us that Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothes and fell to their faces before God until evening, crying out, why would you send us here to destroy us? What will come of your great name?” There's something beautiful about this scene. Joshua and the elders take responsibility for the people. They go before the Lord for an entire day seeking to understand what went wrong. They are concerned also that the name of Yahweh will be blasphemed. But listen to the response of the Lord in verse 10: “Get up! Why have you fallen on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; God's response to Joshua gives the impression that Joshua was in the wrong. It seems that Joshua is quick to question God's faithfulness and slow to recognize their unfaithfulness. How many times do we find ourselves questioning God's faithfulness when we are met with trials and pain that is unexpected? How quick we are to judge God as unfaithful and how slow we are to check our own hearts for unfaithfulness. Nonetheless, God answers Joshua and mercifully explains why this happened and how to remedy the situation. In verse 12, God says, because the people had stolen and lied and broken covenant with God, “…the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies. They turn their backs before their enemies, because they have become devoted for destruction. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you. When God was with Israel, when he blessed them, they could do all things. But Israel's unholiness hindered God's presence from going with them. Without God they would have no strength and would even have God against them as their enemy. They would perish apart from God as God would hand them over for destruction. This is exactly what he meant when he promised curses for disobedience. Friends, we don't want God to be against us. We need him to be with us and for us. But sin destroys the relationship with God and necessitates his justice. God was just to turn his wrath towards Israel. He cannot have a double standard and accept Israel who was committing the same acts as the wicked cities for which they were being destroyed. I need you to see that one man's sin had consequences for 36 families who lost husbands and fathers. Further, one man's sin brought God's wrath, his curses, upon the people. “I will be with you no more.” What a horrifying and deadly thought? Does the thought of God not being with you terrify you? It should. Even more, one man's sin crushed the momentum of the people. The people's hearts melted within them. Rather than being filled with confidence in their God and his promises, they thought they were toast. Who would want to go fight after that? So what was the solution? God told Joshua in verse 12, “I will be with you no more unless you destroy the devoted things from among you.” #3 The death and destruction of the unholy can appease God's wrath. So God told Joshua to consecrate the people the next day, that is purify or make holy. Here again is the theme of holiness. God is telling his people that in order for him, a holy God, to be present with them, they must become holy again by purging the sin from them. Verse 16 tells us that Joshua rose early to bring the people before the Lord tribe by tribe, family by family, and man by man. One by one Joshua cast lots before the Lord to determine who had committed the sin. He essentially threw dice to see who God would pinpoint as the sinner. Can you imagine this scene? The entire community of Israel, a couple million strong, all standing together before the ark of the covenant where God's presence dwelled. It would be a terrifying and unforgettable moment. It is clear from this story that God knows precisely who committed the sin, but in trying the entire community before the Lord, the people would have come to fear the Lord and remember this moment as an example of God's righteous and all-knowing judgment. We're told that, first, Judah was taken, or better translated “were caught or captured” by the Lord. Then, the clan of the Zerahites. Then Zabdi. And finally Achan was caught by the Lord. Achan must have been shaking and sweating uncontrollably at this point. God had just pinpointed him out of a couple million people and identified him through the casting of dice. Don't you know that God sees your sin? We pretend that God doesn't see, that he doesn't know, that there are no consequences for our sin. But friends, God sees every single one. He keeps record of every single sin we commit against him. There is nothing hidden from God. We live our lives daily before the face of God. Achan too thought he could hide just as Adam and Eve did when they had sinned against God. And he hid until he was caught. Notice the similarities of the description of Adam and Eve's sin in Achan's response to Joshua: “Truly I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I did: 21 when I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them. And see, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath” (Genesis 3:6). Adam (and Eve) and Achan saw something good and beautiful, coveted it, or desired it for themselves, though it was forbidden; they took it; they hid; and ultimately they died. All sin is just a of these stories. When Achan stole the gold and silver and the cloak, he was ultimately stealing what belonged to God. He considered his happiness as more important than God and the welfare of his people. When we sin, we too steal from God. We determine that something is more desirable than God, more important than God. When we take something that God has forbidden we are saying to God, this is my god, this is more precious to me than relationship with you. All sin is idolatry. Sin is about allegiance. When we sin, we are rejecting allegiance to God and pledging allegiance to self and other things. So we steal from the glory and worship that only God deserves every time we sin. #4 Because sin affects the entire community, it's the entire community's role to deal with sin. Notice in verse 22 how the community gets behind dealing with the sin. Joshua sends messengers who discover the hidden things in Achan's tent. Then in verse 24, were told that Joshua with all Israel took Achan, the stolen items, and all of his family and possessions outside the camp, saying, “Why did you bring trouble on us? The Lord brings trouble on you today.” And all Israel stoned him and his entire family with stones. And burned them with fire, covering them with a heap of stones. This is a tragic moment but one that would have reminded every person who threw a stone of God's just and holy anger and the death that would come on them if they followed the same path. So how should we live in light of this story? This story is a warning and charge for us to be holy. It's a warning. This story was recorded for remembrance. Even as the heap of stones in the Valley of Achor (trouble) would remind the people for generations to come that sin brings trouble on all, this story is a warning to everyone who reads it. Friends, our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The God of the New Testament is the same God as the old. God is still a holy God who will not put up with sin. He does and will punish those who walk in unrepentant sin. And the church, the New Covenant people of God are still charged to be a people holy unto the Lord. We don't have a pass to sin sometimes because of Jesus's work on the cross. No! God still expects full obedience from us. Jesus raised the bar for us, didn't lessen it. He said if your hand or eye cause you to sin, cut it off, gouge it out! This story shows us that partial obedience is still disobedience. Achan fought valiantly in the battle of Jericho, following the commands of the Lord up until this moment of compromise. He probably destroyed many things in obedience to God. Maybe he even piled up many pieces of gold and silver. But it did not matter. Partial obedience is still disobedience to the Lord. I'm afraid that many of us act like we are our own judges. Rather than working from the standard of God's holiness and perfection, we compare ourselves to others: I'm not as bad as that person. I never hurt anyone. Or, I've done all this for you God, so shouldn't I be allowed to have this? We compromise with the Lord and don't surrender all to him because we have convinced ourselves that we are better judges than God and that he has withheld from us so we must take matters into our own hands. We're really not much different than Achan at all. Maybe his family was struggling financially. But he didn't trust God to provide for him. Maybe you are lonely. But instead of trusting God, you surrender to the embrace of someone outside of marriage. We're tired, so instead of going to Jesus for rest, we cling to other forms of entertainment or food or alcohol or other substances for relief and comfort. I could go on and on with examples. And how do all these little compromises affect the church today? Let me answer in the words of Paul from 1 Corinthians 12. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (v. 26-27). Through faith in Jesus we become united to Christ as one body. Every individual becomes like a different member of a single body. And Paul says, when one of those members suffers, all suffer together. You understand this well. If your back is jacked up, everything in your body is thrown off. You can't hardly move. You don't hardly want to talk. You just want to lay on your back and sleep. In the same way, if one member is honored, or thrives, the whole body rejoices together, like we did a couple weeks ago when Eric, Jonny, and Nolan were baptized in our presence. What this means is that when you are thriving in this community and bearing fruit for this community, it is credited to the entire community and Christ looks beautiful to the world. But when one member of this body is given to sin, the entire body is affected. Not only is Christ made to look ugly before others because of your behavior, but the whole body loses out on the gifts that you bring. Not only does sin hinder you from serving and loving others in your full capacity because of shame or foolish living, it drags down the body in severe ways. Friends, when you walk in unrepentant sin, it demands others time, emotional capacity, and energy. It's not just you who are being hindered by your sin, but the entire community experiences the pain of coming around a wounded member to try to nurture it back to health. Rather than being on mission, your community is forced to pursue you and fight for your soul and call you to repentance. Rather than moving to new levels of maturity and fruitfulness and knowledge of God, we keep dealing with the same basics. Sin kills momentum. We wonder why people aren't coming to faith. Part of the reason is because we just keep cleaning up the same sin messes in the church. Further, God's church is blasphemed because of unrepentance and hypocrisy of God's people. Jesus is a byword. I heard someone last week mock the church as a place where abuse is safe and unquestioned. It made me sick to my stomach. And a close family member just shared with me this weekend that she left the church at a young age because of the hypocrisy of her pastor. How can we tell someone we are a Christian and then behave dishonestly or arrogantly? How can we call ourselves Christians and go sleep around during the week? How can we call ourselves Christians and live for our own selfish motives while ignoring the poor and the lost. Church, this must not be. Joshua's job, as the chosen leader over Israel, was to exhort the people to obey God's Law and also to punish those who disobeyed. My job as an appointed shepherd of your souls is to exhort you to obey the Lord completely, to be wholly devoted to the Lord and also to rebuke you and correct you when you walk in sin. But it's not just my job because I'm just one part of this body. We're all in this together. We need each other. Friends, this is why we take church discipline so seriously. When sin is left undealt within our community, the whole community is tainted and affected. Slowly, those seeds of unholiness seep into the community until we are all desensitized by sin. But when someone is disciplined before the community for unrepentant sin, we see and fear the consequences of our sin and fight to remain holy unto the Lord. It is our duty to deal with sin in our community. This is why we have DNA groups that deal with the nitty gritty details of our temptation and sin. I think we are often too quick to assume that God would never punish a Christian for sin like he did Achan. But Church, consider Ananias and Sapphira, two of the earliest members of the church, who dropped dead before Peter for lying to the Holy Spirit and to the church about an offering that they had given to the Lord. (Ac 5:1-11). Or consider the church of Corinth, who Paul says had members who had died or were sick because of their irreverent and unholy behavior around the Lord's Supper (1 Cor 11:30). Paul refers to these individuals as belonging to the church and warns them as Christians to repent of their sin. God still disciplines his children. Sometimes that comes in the form of a challenging circumstance so that we learn to wait on the Lord and grow more mature in an area, and sometimes that discipline is a merciful wakeup call that hits in major or minor physical ways or financial ways or otherwise. I could give you many personal examples and examples of close family and friends who have experienced this reality. Please do not hear me saying that your suffering is certainly a result of some sin you committed. Scripture will not allow us to believe that. I'm only saying that God sometimes uses suffering to shake us out of something more deadly, out of eternal separation apart from God because we choose our sin. I need you to understand the difference in the fatherly discipline of the Lord, even though sometimes severe, and the wrath of God. While discipline is always for our benefit and a warning to us to repent of sin, God's wrath is full and final. It is punishment that not only kills, but also condemns to eternal separation from God in hell. While all Christians should expect the discipline of the Lord, we do not have to fear the wrath of God unless you prove yourself not to be a Christian by living in unconfessed and unrepentant sin (c.f. Hebrews 10:26-31). Here's why we don't have to fear God's wrath. It says in verse 26: “The Lord turned from his burning anger.” God's wrath can be appeased. This is where the Gospel of Jesus comes in. God doesn't wish to destroy you or any sinner! His love drove him to give his only Son as our substitute, so that we wouldn't have to perish like Achan. Romans 6: 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly… God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!10 God's wrath has been appeased by the blood of Jesus, who willingly died in our place on the cross. He took the curse we deserve that we might have the blessings that he alone deserved. This is true for everyone who puts faith in Jesus. So, while there are still clear effects of sin on the entire church family when someone sins, I don't believe that God holds the sin of one Christian against the entire church in the same way because of the sacrifice of Jesus. 1) We are under a different covenant with God and one another, not by virtue of our race, or adherence to the Law, or anything else, but only by faith in Jesus. 2) That means that God's wrath has been appeased by the blood of Jesus and his righteousness has been counted to you and I so that when he looks at his us he sees Jesus's righteousness, not our sin. Think of what incredible mercy has been poured out on you, that when you and I deserved the fate of Achan, we enjoy this place of peace with God. In light of that mercy, I want to exhort you today with Peter's words. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”[a17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. It's right to fear God. It's right to fear the consequences of sin. But fear cannot be our chief motivator. We must be motivated by the incredible love of the Father that wanted us and rescued us while we were still sinners. Church, I believe that as we turn from sin and pursue greater levels of holiness as a community, we will see an outpouring of the Spirit like we haven't seen before. We will see more prayer, more baptisms, greater levels of worship, of unity and love. So, we've seen that choosing sin not only damages you and your relationship with God, it damages the church, and God's name in the world. God takes sin seriously. It put Jesus to the cross for us, and it will put all who reject him to death and hell. So I plead with you, if you don't know Jesus or are walking in unconfessed and unrepentant sin, repent today. Come and talk with me or someone else here right now and get right with God and find joy in God's forgiveness and mercy in Jesus. Benediction: 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. (1 Peter 1:29)

So today's passage, which you just heard read — Galatians Chapter 5, verses 16–26 — includes some amazing facts about the Holy Spirit, and my goal in this sermon is to tell you seven of them. I wanna tell you seven facts about the Holy Spirit so that you might have more of his power in your life, and so that we might have more of his power in our church. And if you just heard me say that I have a seven-point sermon, you heard me right. We should get started. Let's pray:Father, this morning I want to preach about your Holy Spirit, and I want us to hear about your Holy Spirit, in the power of your Holy Spirit. We ask for his power in Jesus's name, amen. Okay, for point #1, I want to start with caveat. It's simply that: 1. The Spirit-filled life is the Christian life. And the reason I want to start here is because I don't want to give the impression that anything we're talking about today is some kind of far-fetched, super-spiritual, unrealistic ideal. It's not. There are four verbs in this passage related to the Holy Spirit:Paul commands us to “walk by the Spirit” (verse 16)He says we are “led by the Spirit” (verse 18);He says we “live by the Spirit” (verse 25)Hey says we “keep in step with the Spirit” (also verse 25)And this walking and living and being led by the Spirit, and this keeping in step with the Spirit, all of that is what makes a life that is filled by the Spirit. What Paul describes here could be summed up as the Spirit-filled life. And we shouldn't think of the Spirit-filled life as something way out there that we hope to reach one day if we just work hard enough! But actually the Spirit-filled life is the life that is yours by faith in Jesus Christ right now. To be a Christian is to have the Holy Spirit; and to live the Christian life is to live by the Spirit. So I want to be clear that this passage is for every single one of us in here who trust in Jesus, no matter where you are in your faith. This is about the Christian life. #1: The Spirit-filled life is the Christian life.2. The Holy Spirit empowers the church to walk the road of love. I want you to see the connection between verse 16 and the verses that come before it, which we looked at last week. Last week we talked about the dichotomy that emerges in Chapter 5. It's like there are two different roads — the road of strife and the road of love — and we, as the church, must choose the road of love. We walk down the road of love. We, through love, serve one another. But HOW do we do that? How actually do we love others? The answer is the Holy Spirit. Look at verse 16:Verse 16 starts with the little phrase “But I say,” and when Paul uses this phrase it carries the idea of more like “This is what I'm saying!” Paul uses this phrase to emphasize something he's about to say in relation to what he's said before it. So think back to last week. I want you to hear how this is all connected. Last week, to paraphrase Paul, he says, Don't walk down the road of strife, but walk down the road of love —What I'm saying is this: walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Did you hear that? Verse 16 explains what came before it. How we walk down the road of love is to walk by the Spirit. Our passage this week continues the dichotomy that emerged last week, except now we're not looking at two roads, but two ways: the flesh or the Spirit. The road of strife and dissension and conflict is traveled by the flesh; but if we're going to walk down the road of love, it's going to be by the Spirit … who produces the fruit we see in verse 22. But for now I just want you to see the connection between this week and last week. All that we talked about last week concerning the road of love — not indulging the flesh, through love serving others, embracing the depths of love — all of that is empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers the church to walk the road of love. 3. The Holy Spirit empowers individuals for the corporate good. Now, I'm basically gonna skip this point for the sake of time and because I wrote a letter to you about this on Friday, in the email. (So far less than 45% of you have read it, so go check that out.) But in short, we need to know that when Paul talks about the struggle between the Spirit and the flesh, he's talking about a struggle in the individual members of the whole church. We each as individuals must battle our flesh and fight our sin, and when we do that effects good for the whole church. The Holy Spirit empowers individual members for the good of the corporate body.4. The Holy Spirit makes evident in us a deep, historical struggle.Verse 17:For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep YOU from doing the things YOU want to do.So there's a struggle here between the Spirit and the flesh, and before we keep going let me explain a little bit more about what the word “flesh” means. I realize the word “flesh” is kinda like Christian jargon. If a small group of us as Christians got together today and someone said, “I'm really battling my flesh,” we'd all get what that person means; but if you say that same sentence tomorrow in a work-meeting, people will probably recommend you see a dermatologist. What Christians shaped by the Bible mean by “flesh” is not what most people mean, so then what do we mean? When Paul uses the word “flesh,” what's he saying?Well, ultimately the context has to determine the meaning. … And sometimes the word “flesh” can just refer to physical existence in this life. This is how Paul used the word in Galatians 2:20. He says: “And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God…” Paul is talking about his physical life in this world; “flesh” means his bodily life here. But then there are other times when Paul uses the word “flesh” to mean our sinful, fallen nature — that's what he means in Galatians 5, and that's how we use the word “flesh” most of the time. Our flesh is our sinful nature, and this is actually part of a central theme in all of Paul's letters.This is a super dense topic; there are several big books written about this, but I'm gonna try to explain it to you in about five minutes, okay?So I need you to track with me here … or bear with me here.Central to Paul's TheologyIt's important that we understand that “the flesh as sinful nature” — and the conflict between the Spirit and the flesh — that is fundamentally a historical conflict.The Bible teaches us that this world, because of Adam's sin, is fallen. The world is broken and under a curse, and we as humans are also broken and under a curse. We are sinners. We are part of this fallen world, under Adam. Well, when Jesus came to save us, he came into this world as the true and better Adam. Jesus came to create a new humanity for a new world — and that new world is his kingdom that will ultimately be experienced in the new creation to come. So:in Adam you have fallen humanity in the order of the old world. then in Jesus you have new humanity in the order of the new world. The old world is current, the new world is future … Except that when Jesus was crucified and then raised from the dead, that's when the power of the old world was broken, and the power and life of the new world invaded this old world. Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended, and he sent his Holy Spirit to fill his people. And the Holy Spirit is the power and life of the new creation at work in this old creation. The Holy Spirit is the resurrection power of Jesus here now — and WHERE IS HE here now? IN YOU.The Holy Spirit is in you who trust in Jesus. So the new world, the new creation, has overlapped into this current world, and the overlap is happening in us. The Holy Spirit makes us new creatures in Christ so that we are no longer under the old humanity that's of the old world; but now we are under the new humanity that's of the new world.That's what Paul is saying in verse 18 when he says, “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” The law was part of the old age. It was part of the order of the old world. Same thing in verse 24. Paul tells us the fruit of the Spirit and then he says “against such things there is no law.” He means in our new humanity, under the order of this new world, we're not governed by the law and its demands, but we are led by the Spirit.Now we belong to Jesus. Through faith in Jesus we are declared righteous by God; we are saved from the wrath to come; we have a bright and glorious future.Not Yet PerfectedBut here's the thing: we still live in this old world for now, in these old bodies. We have our flesh — our sinful, fallen nature.We are spiritually resurrected and made new, but we are not yet perfected — because our full, consummated redemption will be the redemption of our bodies at the end-time resurrection when Jesus returns and makes all things new.Until then, there's the overlap. There's a struggle. The struggle, fundamentally, is historical. It's a struggle between the new creation and the old creation — there are two worlds, two humanities, in conflict; the old is passing away, the new is taking over — and that struggle gets played out mainly in us.The struggle in you — the struggle in us — between the Spirit and the flesh is actually the frontlines of a deep, historical, cosmic struggle between the new creation and the old. And I just think that's something we should know. Because we've all felt the conflict here. Now you know where it's coming from. This is central to Paul's theology: The Holy Spirit makes evident in us a deep, historical struggle.5. The Holy Spirit is our answer to the flesh. So there is a deep, historical struggle going on here, but where the rubber meets the road for us, personally, is that we still have the capacity to sin, and we still do sin. Although we are new creatures in Christ, although we are part of a new humanity in Christ, there are still are times when we we THINK and/or THINK and/or DO things that are sinful. Sometimes we think or speak or do wrong.Anybody have any idea what I'm talking about? We all get this. There's a conflict in here:The desires of the sinful nature in me, verse 17, are against the desires of the Holy Spirit in me;and the desires of the Holy Spirit in me are against the desires of the sinful nature in me;— because they are opposed to each other. The Holy Spirit and my flesh are each trying to hinder the other.That's the struggle, and put this way, it might sound like the Spirit and the flesh are just trading punches. We might think that the Spirit and flesh just go back and forth with even hits.But that's not actually what Paul says. Look at verse 16. Now verse 17 is describing the struggle, but it's actually verse 16 that tells us the answer to the struggle. Because of this struggle in verse 17 — because this struggle exists — Paul says before it in verse 16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will by no means gratify the desires of the flesh.”The answer to this struggle — the way that we're not just stuck in a back and forth battle — is that we can actually walk by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit can lead us. Paul says “Walk by the Spirit” and then that comes with the promise: “and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”These words are important: Notice that Paul doesn't say the sinful flesh will disappear. The flesh is still there, and it still has its desires, but if you walk by the Spirit you will not gratify those desires. You will not give in, as it were. And Paul means that in the strongest possible terms. This is an emphatic negation. In the original, it's like Paul is saying you most certainly, absolutely will not!Paul says, Hey, look, there's a struggle in each of us. And it's the struggle of two worlds colliding. It's a deep, historical struggle. But, it's not an even match. If you walk by the Holy Spirit, you will absolutely not gratify the desires of your sinful flesh. Yes, there's a struggle, but the Holy Spirit is the answer to the struggle!What this means for us as Christians, practically, is that when it comes to our struggle against the flesh, it's not like the outcome is still undecided on who wins. It's not like we need something else, or we're waiting for something else. We have the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is the answer to the flesh. And #6 …6. The Holy Spirit produces in us a new character.So the Holy Spirit is not just holding back our flesh, but actually, the Holy Spirit is applying his new creation power in our lives. He is effecting new qualities to emerge in our character, called the fruit of the Spirit. Paul names: love, joy, peace,patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.And while it's true that there are certain personalities that might correlate with certain of these fruit, it's important that we know the fruit of the Spirit are not personality traits. These are not natural behaviors. That list of natural behaviors in verses 19–21. Paul calls that list the works of the flesh, and it's really just a sampling of the kinds of sins in the world. We know it's not an exhaustive list because at the end of the list in verse 21 Paul says “and things like these.” So there's a lot of sin in the world, from sexual immorality to jealousy, from sorcery to division, from orgies to envy and more — and any one of these sins, Paul warns us, will condemn you to hell.But the fruit of the Spirit, that's something very different. The Spirit's activity and power in our lives actually changes our character, like, verse 22:Love, joy, and peace — There's the new capacity to truly love. At the foundation it's always love for God because he first loved us, and then it's to love others, and loving others is what Paul has in mind here. And he mentions love first, I think, because it's the source for all the other fruit. Love is the true non-negotiable.And then we have this joy that anchors us. Joy doesn't mean that everything is pie-in-the-sky, but it means that we have a glad contentment that knows, no matter what, God is for me.And peace — that's like the melody of our souls, because we're not hustling anymore. We're not starving for something out there, because we know in Christ we're whole.In verse 22 there's also patience, kindness, and goodness — Patience includes forbearance and long-suffering, but I think's more than that. Patience doesn't just mean that we put up with stuff, but it means we have such a confidence in God that we don't try to do God's work for him. We know how to wait.Kindness — do you say hey to people when you pass them? Do you smile at other human beings? Kindness means you have a friendly heart. And no, again, this is not a personality trait; it's the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life. The Holy Spirit produces in us a disposition that is warm toward other people.Goodness — the word goodness here is the idea of generosity. It means you give. It means your first impulse is not to grip down and say “Mine” but it's to say, “There.”There's also in verses 22 and 23 faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — Faithfulness means you are reliable and consistent, not just in your discipleship, but in your relationships;Gentleness is humility. It means you're not rushing into the room swinging your elbows, but you're attuned to the people who are around you and to the moments you encounter.Self-control is last, I think, because it's like the command center for all the other fruit. Self-control is how you wisely harvest and manifest the different fruit at the time that matters. That's important, right?Don't think of the fruit of the Spirit as character that's random and unpredictable — we don't sit back and think: I really hope I get a patience apple today! That's not how it works. We don't just passively wait for the fruit to show up, but we want it and we're praying for it. We are passive in the sense that the Spirit produces the fruit, but we're also active in that we harvest the fruit and use it and show it. As the fruit grows in us, we grow in the fruit. And that brings us to verses 24–25, and to the seventh and final point.7. The Holy Spirit applies to us the power of the cross.Verse 24:And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.Have y'all ever heard people talk about “life verses” before? The idea is that there's a verse or a statement in the Bible that's so clear and helpful about God or the Christian life that you take the verse, memorize it, and come back to again and again; it becomes kind of like a banner over your life. The Book of Galatians has several verses that could be that. We looked at Galatians 2:20 several weeks ago. Paul says:I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. And the life that I now life in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Think about that for the next 50 years! There's also Galatians 6:14, which we're gonna look at on Easter Sunday. This book has several great, potential “life verses,” and I think Galatians 5:24–25 could be one.What Paul says here in these two verses basically encapsulates the effect of the gospel in our lives. Look at this:Your Life-Change MomentFirst, notice how verses 24–25 are connected to the fruit of the Spirit in verses 22–23. Paul tells us the fruit of the Spirit, and when he says: “against such things there is no law.” Remember he's saying that the fruit of the Spirit are part of a different kind of living. Like we've talked about, they're part of a new world, not the old world. And then verse 24 comes next as an explanation. It's like Paul is saying:Hey, the fruit of the Spirit is not part of the old way of life (they're not of the flesh) but they're part of the new way of life (they're of the Spirit) — what I mean is that those who belong to Jesus have crucified the flesh …Paul is saying, the reason, Christian, you bear the fruit of the Spirit and not the works of the flesh, is because the flesh has been crucified. The way verses 22–23 are possible is because verse 24 has happened. Paul means here precisely what he said in Galatians 2:20. The flesh, the “old you,” was crucified with Christ. Because by faith you are united to Jesus, when he died on the cross your old self died with him. And that is actually what changed your life. Behold the CrossI love to hear the stories of God's work in people's lives. I love testimonies. Because everybody who trusts in Jesus has some story of how it happened. Somehow, there was a conversion, whether it was gradual or dramatic. At some point every Christian went from not believing to believing, and with that, oftentimes, there's life-change. We were doing this thing or operating that way, but now, because of Jesus, we have changed. That's why it's called conversion, because there's a change. And I love those stories.Well this morning, I wanna suggest to you that the real life-change moment for you, Christian — though you come to experience it today — the real life-change moment happened to you two-thousand years ago on a Roman cross when Jesus died in your place. That is what makes the difference in your life. See, your conversion, your trusting in Jesus, your being united to Jesus by faith, what's happening there is that Holy Spirit is opening your eyes and giving you new life to embrace what Jesus has already done for you! Our old self was crucified at the cross of Christ, and now we live by the Spirit who makes us understand the cross of Christ! Galatians 5:24–25 is repeating Galatians 2:20 but from the perspective of the Holy Spirit's work.The main work of the Holy Spirit in your life is to make you see the glory of Jesus. The Holy Spirit makes you look at the cross and see there the wisdom of God and the power of God and love of God. The Holy Spirit makes you look at the cross and say, “Because of that, it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” And Christ lives in me — Christ lives in you — by the Holy Spirit who makes the cross of Christ wonderful to us. That's what living in the Spirit and keeping in step with the Spirit is about. The Holy Spirit applies to us the power of the cross — which is where, Christian, your life was changed. The cross is your new-life origin story. Which means this: the Spirit-filled life is the cross-centered life. Which means: the Spirit-filled life is the cross-centered life is the Christian life.Church, I want you to know that the cross of Jesus Christ is your everything. Jesus died for you. He died for your sins. He took God's wrath in your place. The old you is no more. The Holy Spirit tells us the cross is where your new life begins.That's what we remember here at the Table.The TableAll that we've been talking about really does lead to this moment.Because this morning as we receive the bread and cup, I want to invite you to glory in the cross of Christ. We're gonna sing the song “There Is a Fountain,” which is a song that was written 250 years ago to help us revel in the cross. And if you do, if the cross is your hope, if you trust in Jesus, this bread and cup is for you. Take and eat and drink, and, by the Holy Spirit, behold the wonder of the cross.

The Jewish people of AD 65 were seeking perfection before God by practicing the law of Moses - the old testament carried out by the priests. However, the law can't make anyone perfect, it only revealed their imperfections...their sinfulness. The good news of the new testament of grace is that Jesus took our sinfulness at the cross and now offers us his perfect righteousness. Through faith in Jesus we are made perfect before God. He is the final priest that makes us perfect! For Brad's books and other resources on grace, see the information below. Brad's books are all available on Amazon in Paperback. Books: https://www.amazon.com/Brad-Robertson/e/B08746JQSK/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 Addicted To Grace: A New Life Awaits - https://www.amazon.com/Addicted-Grace-New-Life-Awaits/dp/0578407760 Forgiven and Cleansed: 1 John 1:9 In Context - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N3NBPPR Return to Grace: A Commentary on Galatians - https://www.amazon.com/Return-Grace-Commentary-Brad-Robertson/dp/B08HV8HRTC Strategic Church: Reaching The World With Grace - https://www.amazon.com/Strategic-Church-Strategy-Reach-World/dp/B08733MRWW The Story of Grace: Your Life Will Never Be The Same - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692084940 Website: https://www.gracereach.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bradr1966 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClip-czxRgZbxtWg-w2YL7A Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gracereach-podcast-with-brad-robertson/id1503583444 (You may listen to Brad's podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Anchor, Google Podcasts, and most all podcast platforms.) If you would like to donate to Brad's ministry, Gracereach, to help reach more and more people with the good news of God's grace. click here: https://www.gracereach.org/donatetogracereach Thank you!

Our sin has severed our relationship with God. All of us have done it. We've all sinned. We've failed to meet God's standards of perfection. So "the soul that sins will die," is not just a theological concept, it's a profound truth with which we must all deal. And because of that we fall short of God's glory. But the word in Romans 3 is actually properly translated, "praise." All have sinned and fallen short of [earning, receiving] the praise of God. But hear what God says to Jesus at his baptism: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Sounds like praise to me. And want to hear the best part of all? Through faith in Jesus we are credited with Jesus' righteousness! We who are baptized into Christ are clothed with Christ. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. To do so required that he fully participate in the human experience. So he did - including being baptized along with a bunch of sinners. Now that he has begun that mission in public, the Father praises him. Jesus will not fall short. Nor will any who put their faith in him.

Through faith in Jesus you will inherit heaven one day...

Slimy--- disgustingly immoral, dishonest, or obsequious. Romans 3:23 For All Have Sinned And Fall Short Of The Glory Of God Without Jesus, We Are Slimy. We Are Disgusting, Sinful Creatures. We Were Born This Way. Apart From God, We Are Subject To Eternal Damnation. However, God Loves Us Unconditionally, In Spite Of This. God Sent His Son To Save Us From Ourselves. Now Our Salvation Is Secure, Through Faith In Jesus !!! Hallelujah !!! In This Series, Slimy In Nature, We Will Dive Into The Concepts Of Sin, God's Laws, His Nature, And His Everlasting Love For His Most Prized Possessions: Us!!! In This Episode, We Examine The Basics Of Sin, Its Origin, And Lessons That Can Be Learned From The Fall Of Man. Tune In !!! God Bless !!! Stay Awake !!! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/awakeministries/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/awakeministries/support

Through faith in Jesus, you can have hope, peace, joy, and love. WebsiteMeet Pastor Chet

So, never forget who you are. Through faith in Jesus you are the one who possesses the enemy's gate. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/betty-stallings/message

The birth of Jesus is good news of great joy for all people - including you - for countless reasons! In part 2 of The Introduction of the King, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Matthew 1 & 2 and Luke 2. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesUnderstanding the Text The Miraculous Birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7) Announcement to the Shepherds (Luke 2:8-21) Presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:22-38) Flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:1-18) Return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23; Luke 2:39-40) The Boy Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52) Why Is the Birth of Jesus Good News of Great Joy for All People? Through faith in Jesus, we have… total forgiveness of sin and deliverance forever from eternal judgment – Hell perfect righteousness and the gift of eternal life – Heaven the blessings of God's daily presence and providential care the promise of heavenly reward the promise of the resurrection of the body unto glorious immortality the promise that we will live and reign with Christ on a new Earth forever Applying the Text Is your faith in Jesus? Is your goal in life above all else to know Christ? Do you live each day in the great joy of biblical hope?

Big Ideas1. Jesus changes usPaul's story is a dramatic example of what is true about everyone Jesus saves. Paul experienced a radical transformation so extreme that other believers were reluctant to trust it. How could the man who persecuted Christians now be preaching the Gospel? There is only one explanation: When Jesus saves us, he also changes us. Through faith in Jesus, we are saved from the consequences of sin and its power over us. This freedom from sin is found only in Jesus and always results in a radically different lifestyle.2. Faithful ministry often brings fierce opposition Paul's testimony and conversion served as a compelling example of the power of Jesus and his Gospel. He was also a vigorous Gospel teacher and preacher, which resulted in many people coming to faith in Jesus. None of this was welcomed by the Jewish leaders. In fact, as with Jesus, they sought to kill Paul in order to shut down the Church and its ministry. Though this type of extreme opposition is foreign to most of us, persecution is increasingly becoming a more normal reality for many Christians in our country. This is because faithful ministry is often met head-on with opposition from the world. Nobody is indifferent to the claims of Jesus. 3. Conflict outside the Church, peace within the ChurchTwice in this text, Luke refers to murderous threats and attempts made against Paul. These threats were also intended to intimidate anyone who would support or agree with Paul and his ministry. Consequently, these threats, which were aimed at Paul, also hit the Church. However, the Church continued to experience peace and growth. Study Questions1. How did the Church initially receive Paul? What changed their position?2. How has Jesus freed you from enslaving sins? What areas currently need growth in terms of obedience?3. What, if any, opposition have you faced as a Christian? What elements of the Christian faith currently bring the fiercest opposition from the world?4. How can the Church simultaneously face opposition and experience peace and growth?

Big Ideas 1. Jesus changes us Paul's story is a dramatic example of what is true about everyone Jesus saves. Paul experienced a radical transformation so extreme that other believers were reluctant to trust it. How could the man who persecuted Christians now be preaching the Gospel? There is only one explanation: When Jesus saves us, he also changes us. Through faith in Jesus, we are saved from the consequences of sin and its power over us. This freedom from sin is found only in Jesus and always results in a radically different lifestyle. 2. Faithful ministry often brings fierce opposition Paul's testimony and conversion served as a compelling example of the power of Jesus and his Gospel. He was also a vigorous Gospel teacher and preacher, which resulted in many people coming to faith in Jesus. None of this was welcomed by the Jewish leaders. In fact, as with Jesus, they sought to kill Paul in order to shut down the Church and its ministry. Though this type of extreme opposition is foreign to most of us, persecution is increasingly becoming a more normal reality for many Christians in our country. This is because faithful ministry is often met head-on with opposition from the world. Nobody is indifferent to the claims of Jesus. 3. Conflict outside the Church, peace within the Church Twice in this text, Luke refers to murderous threats and attempts made against Paul. These threats were also intended to intimidate anyone who would support or agree with Paul and his ministry. Consequently, these threats, which were aimed at Paul, also hit the Church. However, the Church continued to experience peace and growth. Study Questions 1. How did the Church initially receive Paul? What changed their position? 2. How has Jesus freed you from enslaving sins? What areas currently need growth in terms of obedience? 3. What, if any, opposition have you faced as a Christian? What elements of the Christian faith currently bring the fiercest opposition from the world? 4. How can the Church simultaneously face opposition and experience peace and growth?

Big Ideas1. Jesus changes usPaul's story is a dramatic example of what is true about everyone Jesus saves. Paul experienced a radical transformation so extreme that other believers were reluctant to trust it. How could the man who persecuted Christians now be preaching the Gospel? There is only one explanation: When Jesus saves us, he also changes us. Through faith in Jesus, we are saved from the consequences of sin and its power over us. This freedom from sin is found only in Jesus and always results in a radically different lifestyle.2. Faithful ministry often brings fierce opposition Paul's testimony and conversion served as a compelling example of the power of Jesus and his Gospel. He was also a vigorous Gospel teacher and preacher, which resulted in many people coming to faith in Jesus. None of this was welcomed by the Jewish leaders. In fact, as with Jesus, they sought to kill Paul in order to shut down the Church and its ministry. Though this type of extreme opposition is foreign to most of us, persecution is increasingly becoming a more normal reality for many Christians in our country. This is because faithful ministry is often met head-on with opposition from the world. Nobody is indifferent to the claims of Jesus. 3. Conflict outside the Church, peace within the ChurchTwice in this text, Luke refers to murderous threats and attempts made against Paul. These threats were also intended to intimidate anyone who would support or agree with Paul and his ministry. Consequently, these threats, which were aimed at Paul, also hit the Church. However, the Church continued to experience peace and growth. Study Questions1. How did the Church initially receive Paul? What changed their position?2. How has Jesus freed you from enslaving sins? What areas currently need growth in terms of obedience?3. What, if any, opposition have you faced as a Christian? What elements of the Christian faith currently bring the fiercest opposition from the world?4. How can the Church simultaneously face opposition and experience peace and growth?

Big Ideas 1. Jesus changes us Paul's story is a dramatic example of what is true about everyone Jesus saves. Paul experienced a radical transformation so extreme that other believers were reluctant to trust it. How could the man who persecuted Christians now be preaching the Gospel? There is only one explanation: When Jesus saves us, he also changes us. Through faith in Jesus, we are saved from the consequences of sin and its power over us. This freedom from sin is found only in Jesus and always results in a radically different lifestyle. 2. Faithful ministry often brings fierce opposition Paul's testimony and conversion served as a compelling example of the power of Jesus and his Gospel. He was also a vigorous Gospel teacher and preacher, which resulted in many people coming to faith in Jesus. None of this was welcomed by the Jewish leaders. In fact, as with Jesus, they sought to kill Paul in order to shut down the Church and its ministry. Though this type of extreme opposition is foreign to most of us, persecution is increasingly becoming a more normal reality for many Christians in our country. This is because faithful ministry is often met head-on with opposition from the world. Nobody is indifferent to the claims of Jesus. 3. Conflict outside the Church, peace within the Church Twice in this text, Luke refers to murderous threats and attempts made against Paul. These threats were also intended to intimidate anyone who would support or agree with Paul and his ministry. Consequently, these threats, which were aimed at Paul, also hit the Church. However, the Church continued to experience peace and growth. Study Questions 1. How did the Church initially receive Paul? What changed their position? 2. How has Jesus freed you from enslaving sins? What areas currently need growth in terms of obedience? 3. What, if any, opposition have you faced as a Christian? What elements of the Christian faith currently bring the fiercest opposition from the world? 4. How can the Church simultaneously face opposition and experience peace and growth?

Through faith in Jesus, we have access to the Almighty God and all His stuff. Because we are His children, we are also His heirs. Listen now as Pastor Rob and Carolyn discuss the freedom and blessings that come with faith in Jesus Christ alone.   One by One is the Podcast Ministry of Quench Life Christian Fellowship. To learn more about QLCF, visit quenchlife.org. To support our ministry as we spread the Gospel, visit quenchlife.org/giving. Quench Life is also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube! 

Luke 8:1-3:3 - Pastor Ken preaches about how important it is to listen and hear our Lord Jesus Christ. Are you hearing the value of the seed? Through faith in Jesus we are forgiven and given eternal life. What is sown in us is a miracle.

Daily Lectionary: Numbers 16:41-17:13; Luke 20:1-18 "When then is this that is written, 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him." (Luke 20:17-18) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. It starts to mess with our prideful sinful nature when other people receive praise and honor while we do not. Well, no one gets more praise than Jesus. The Father has given Him the position of all power and authority. People are therefore easily offended by Him. In fact, Jesus is so important that He is described as the "cornerstone." This is a fascinating word and usually refers to a foundation stone. In fact, whenever we sing the hymn, "The Church's One Foundation" we are reminded that Jesus is indeed our foundation and we build upon Him, our Rock (Matthew 7:24-25). However, there is another sense of "cornerstone," and that is a keystone that is not below us on the ground, but above us in the ceiling. It is a stone towards which all other stones are aligned. This stone determines the integrity of the building. So the cornerstone might be below you, by your feet, or above you, over your head. In this light, God warns against pride and rebellion, especially when people reject the Word of Christ. Depending on the extent of our rebellion against Jesus, we might either stumble and fall over our Savior, or even worse, be crushed by Him in judgment. Christ is Savior and He is also Judge. If we reject Him, we reject God's building, God's holy place, God's house. Thank God that He in His great love and mercy, has led you through His Word and Sacrament not to reject His Word, not to be like those in the vineyard who rejected God's prophets and Jesus. Instead you embrace Christ who has made you one of His living stones (1 Peter 2:5), built up with your brothers and sisters into His spiritual house, a royal priesthood. Through faith in Jesus, you do not stumble over Him, but you bow before Him. You are not crushed by Him, but you are raised up by Him. Jesus gives you a firm foundation and a perfectly aligned shelter. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. LORD Jesus, You are the stone that the builders rejected. But on the third day, You became the cornerstone. By Your Word and Spirit, open our hearts to receive You as the beloved Son sent from the Father so that we might always embrace suffering as the means by which we enter into Your glory; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch

Original Broadcast: June 2014 ''Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me' (Matthew 25:34-36).'' Jesus speaks the words we want to hear to the sheep on His right. "Come, you who are blessed by My Father." Through faith in Jesus, we have been blessed by God the Father. This blessing comes from the holy Trinity. The Father sent the Son to die for the sins of the world. The Father and the Son send the Holy Spirit so that people can believe in His atonement. "Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Being blessed by God the Father, the sheep are able to walk into the kingdom prepared for them. Prepared from the foundation of the world. The kingdom of Eden. Paradise re-established for believers. The kingdom has been prepared for you. Jesus also says, "In My Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again to take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also" (John 14:2-3). Prepared from the foundation of the world, Jesus comes back to bring us into the Paradise of Eden. Where we were created to live forever. Now we have that eternal life as an inheritance. Because we believe and follow Him. Amen.

Through faith in Jesus as God’s Christ, we become children of God. Being a Christian isn’t a matter of pledging allegiance to a set of doctrines or religious rules and rituals. In fact, when we trust Jesus Christ, God is able to do something quite amazing through our lives!

Jesus responds to our faith: Mark 2:1-13During Jesus' ministry of 3 years, He healed the sick, multiplied food that fed thousands, raised the dead, cast out demons from people, and performed other miracles. Obviously, He was very popular and people would seek Him out. One day He was preaching at a home, and the house was packed inside and out with people including the religious scribes who were highly educated in the law. Hearing that Jesus was in town, four friends who had faith that Jesus could heal their paralyzed friend brought him on a stretcher-bed to the house. Seeing that they couldn't even get to the door they went on top of the house and took apart the roof. They pulled their friend up and lowered him on his stretcher right in front of Jesus. Jesus, seeing the faith of these men that they were confident that He could heal their friend, said to the  paralytic, “your sins are forgiven.”The religious scribes were offended by what Jesus said and in their hearts and minds were thinking that Jesus was speaking blasphemy because only God could forgive sins. Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, asked them, why they were questioning His authority and power to forgive sins? He said to them, which is easier, to say “Your sins are forgiven or Rise, take up your bed and walk?”  To prove He had the authority, right, and power to forgive sins, He told the paralytic to take up his bed and walk. The man instantly jumped from his bed, picked it up, and walked out of the house. All were amazed and praised God for the miracle.   What moved Jesus was the faith of the friends who didn't allow an obstacle to get in their way. The door to Jesus was blocked with people, so they found another way to get to Him. Today, you and I can reach Jesus because He is with us always.  He is the answer when life throws obstacles and challenges in our way. Through faith in Jesus and His Word, we can come to Him knowing that He has forgiven us of our sins and He responds to our faith. As the friends took action we must put action to our faith as well. What obstacle or challenge are you facing today?(James 2:14-26; Mark 11:23-24)Personal Development Tip of the Week: Do you set goals for your life? I made a video on this not too long on how effectively set and achieve goals. Check it out here below! Prayer for the week:  Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's new week ahead. Thank God it's Monday lord and thank you for all the blessings you have coming our way. Bless this individual to continue to trust you and the season you are taking them through. Bless them to remember that your words are for yes and Amen and you are bringing great things into their life this week in Jesus name amen! -Dayne PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry. Subscribe at litwithprayer.substack.com

This week we stare into the incredible wonder of our abiding security in Christ. Through faith in Jesus, He is in us, we are in Him, and we are hidden with Christ in God. Our hope and future are fixed, knowing that when Christ—our life—appears, we will appear with him in glory!

During a trip to the temple, Peter and John, in the name of Jesus, miraculously healed a man who was crippled from birth. Pastor Dan reminds us to identify both with how the lame man was spiritually broken, and with how he was made brand new in Christ. Through faith in Jesus, we are a new creation!

When my wife and I moved to the Los Angeles area, I began power walking down to the Manhattan Beach pier on most days. That's a three-mile round trip from our home and involves climbing several steep hills. At first, the trek was quite taxing, and I couldn't imagine going any farther. In my mind, I saw that pier as my terminus, the point where I had to turn back if I was going to have the energy to make it home. But an interesting thing happened. Over time, as my fitness increased, I began to see beyond the pier. I found myself able to walk farther along the beach before heading back. And now, I no longer see that pier as the end of my route. It's just a landmark on a longer journey. As a Jesus-follower, a similar thing happened regarding how I see death. Because of the grace of Christ, I no longer view it as the end of my life. It doesn't mark the conclusion of my hopes, dreams, expectations, and desires. It's just a milestone I will pass along my eternal journey. And that's what Jesus was referring to in John chapter 8 verse 51. He was continuing his response to a verbal assault from the religious leaders. He told them that anyone who keeps his word will not see death. And I'd like to stop and consider the three key words in that statement: anyone, keep, and see. First, take note that he addressed the promise to anyone. And that had to include the Jewish leaders he was addressing and had just accused of seeking to kill him. Imagine that! Even after exposing their hatred toward him, he still offered them a pathway to the grace of God. And if that's true, then his invitation clearly extends to every one of us. Second, this promise is available to those who keep his word. Jesus was clarifying that there's a difference between those who receive his message and those who keep it, between those who hear it and those who hold on to it. It's not enough to just be acquainted with it, we need to embrace it. And finally, he said those who do will not see death. It's clear from the following verses (52-55) where he ceded the point that Abraham and the prophets have all died, that he wasn't saying his followers wouldn't die physically. Instead, he was promising that they would no longer see death in the same way. They would view their lives as extending beyond it into eternity. Instead of marking life's final boundary, it would be seen as merely a mile-marker along a wondrous journey in relationship with him toward an infinite horizon. Hebrews chapter 2 verse 15 tells us that part of the victory of Christ's cross was the release of all those who have been bound by a fear of death. Jesus has defeated it on our behalf and made it possible for us to see beyond it and experience the security that comes from knowing the journey continues. Through faith in Jesus, we can all find rest in the peace of that promise right now.

Message for 10.20.19 | God has already offered you the greatest miracle, His grace. Through faith in Jesus, God's undeserved favor and forgiveness flows into your life. Because of His grace, you can join the party.

Video Message for 10.20.19 | God has already offered you the greatest miracle, His grace. Through faith in Jesus, God's undeserved favor and forgiveness flows into your life. Because of His grace, you can join the party.

Video Message for 10.20.19 | God has already offered you the greatest miracle, His grace. Through faith in Jesus, God's undeserved favor and forgiveness flows into your life. Because of His grace, you can join the party.

The Lord's Prayer – Part 7 “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” (Matt. 6:9-15) Whenever we come to God in prayer we begin by acknowledging his heavenly majesty and power. That is why we say “Our Father in Heaven”. We know he is holy and transcendent, but we have personally experienced his fatherly kindness. By sending his Son, the Father made a way for us to be adopted into his family. Through faith in Jesus we pray as children The post “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” (Matthew 6:9-15) appeared first on Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA).

In the sermon this past Sunday, we looked at the part of the Gospel Story where the rescue begins to takes place. The first four books in the New Testament, referred to as the Gospels, contain the story of God’s Son stepping down from His throne and into our world to become flesh and live a perfect life of obedience to the Law of God in order to rescue us. Through faith in Jesus alone, His perfect obedience becomes our perfect obedience. Everything that is required of us to enter Heaven was accomplished through Jesus and He gives it to us as a gift to be received by grace alone. When we place our trust and our faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven and He makes us righteous.

In the sermon his past Sunday we continued the Advent series, The Real Tree of Christmas, by looking at the Tree of Promise. In Genesis 12, God makes a promise to Abraham, that through his family tree God will bless all other family trees. The Gospel of Matthew opens the nativity story with a genealogy that introduces Jesus as the promised descendent of David and Abraham. Through faith in Jesus, God promises to bless the nations by undoing the curse of sin and death. What does it mean that God has sent Jesus to rescue you? Can you think of a time where you were required to follow God and trust Him based on faith alone?