Month: September 2022

The Crucifixion of Christ

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Hello again! Yesterday, Pastor Alan taught from John 19:1-37 about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included the outline and links to the Scriptures he references. Enjoy!

The Crucifixion of Christ

John 19:1-37

Introduction: What is the most important thing about Christianity? 1 Corinthians 15:1-5 tells us that it is the death, burial, resurrection, & post-resurrection appearances of Christ.

  1. The Rejection of Christ as King (John 19:1-5)
    • They mock Him.
      • Crown Him, but with a crown of thorns
      • Clothe Him in royal purple
    • Mocking Him is even more than just rejecting (turning away from) Him.
  2. The Reality of Christ as King (John 19:6-11)
    • Pilate needed a reason to crucify Jesus.
      • He is finally convinced that Jesus’ kingship makes Him an insurrectionist, a threat to Caesar.
  3. The Reality of Christ Brings a Decision (John 19:12-16)
    • The Jewish people made their decision:
      • They’d rather have the world (earthly king/Caesar) & all its oppression than the Kingdom of God & all its freedom.
  4. Jesus’ Crucifixion as King of the Jews (John 19:17-22)
    • Pilate wrote “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek on a sign tacked to the cross.
  5. Jesus’ Crucifixion as a Fulfillment of Prophecies (John 19:23-37)
  6. Jesus Accomplished His Work (John 19:30)
    • Tetelestai (It is accomplished/finished.)
    • The debt of our sin is fully paid in Christ (Hebrews 9:26-28)

Conclusion: Christ finished everything necessary for the forgiveness of our sin on the cross. That was what was accomplished–nothing more, nothing less! The cross was the power for our forgiveness. The resurrection is the power for everything else. The cross itself doesn’t by itself empower you for living out the Christian life. Christ died for the forgiveness of our sins, but He rose to conquer death and impart us with His promised eternal life.

Jesus’ Arrest & Betrayal, pt. 2

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Last Sunday, Pastor Alan taught from the final part of John 18, when Pilate spoke with Jesus and asked his ultimate question, “What is truth?” To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included the outline and links to the verses referenced. Enjoy!

Pilate’s Ultimate Question

John 18:33-40

Reason for John’s gospel? John 20:30-31

What is eternal life? John 17:3

  1. Jesus demands we answer for ourselves what we have come to think of Him, not what others have told us to think.
  2. Jesus demands we take accountability for the choices we make in life.
    • John 18:35
    • Pilate was the ultimate “buck passer.”
  3. Jesus answers the question of kingship that the Jews were trying to catch Him on.
    • John 18:36
    • He is a King, but not a threat to Caesar.
    • His kingdom is not of this world.
  4. In Jesus’ kingdom, it’s not about the world’s view of a powerful king.
    • John 18:37-38
    • It’s about the reign of truth.
      • Those who are aligned with Jesus’ kingdom listen to His truth.
      • Others say, “What is truth?”
  5. We all have a choice as to whom we identify with.
    • John 18:39-40
    • The world wants Barabbas (evil/lawlessness/destruction).
    • The Christian wants Jesus (Truth/Life).

Conclusion: There is such a thing as objective truth! Christ is the Truth. It’s never a matter of whether Christ is or isn’t the Truth. It’s only a matter of whether we will answer the question, “What is truth?” with the declaration of Christ: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.”

Application: It’s clear that Christ is the King of His kingdom. This calls us to the kingdom living outlined in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus’ model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), and the High Priestly Prayer (John 17). The call is to be kingdom people who know that Jesus is the Truth.

Jesus’ Arrest & Betrayal, Pt. 1

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Good afternoon! A few Sundays ago, Pastor Alan continued his lessons in the Gospel of John by teaching from John 18. He took us through the first part of Jesus’ arrest and betrayal. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve included the outline, along with links to the verses referenced for you. Enjoy!

Jesus’ Arrest & Betrayal, pt. 1

Introduction: Acts 4:26-28 helps us to understand what is going on in John 18:1-32. Here we see what Jesus allowed to happen to Himself for us!

  1. Jesus is in total control of the events that will unfold.
  2. Jesus’ death would fulfill the prophetic words of Caiaphas.
  3. Peter’s Initial Denial
    • John 18:15-18
    • Just one more proof that Jesus knew how everything would unfold, down to the exact details.
  4. Jesus wasn’t secretly plotting the overthrow of Rome or destruction of the temple.
  5. Peter’s 2nd & 3rd Denials
    • John 18:25-27
    • Peter was warming himself by the fire during his three denials of Jesus.
      • John 21:9, 15-17 – Jesus is by a fire on the shore while He asks Peter three times if Peter loves Him.
      • Three denials by a fire; three affirmations by a fire.
  6. Pilate first meets Jesus.

Conclusion: Jesus controlled every outcome of His situation. He knew every thought and intention of those involved in His arrest, bogus trial, and crucifixion. He was not a helpless victim or martyr. He orchestrated the plan of our salvation.

Application: Don’t be anxious and afraid of a threatening world. Trust in Christ.

Matthew 10:16-42

5 Reasons Why (we shouldn’t be anxious): [from John Piper’s What Jesus Demands of the World]

  1. We belong to Christ.
  2. Truth will win out.
  3. The worst thing that can happen to us: physical death.
  4. He knows everything about us intimately.
  5. Our lives are valuable to God.