Pastor Alan returned to Colona for the summer with a message all about grace. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. As usual, I’ve included Alan’s notes and links to Bible Gateway for the Scriptures referenced.
Living in Grace – Mind the G.A.P. (Grace Alters Perception)
What is grace? It is all we are in Christ, not based on merit, but given to us by God the Father through Christ and the Spirit. 1 Peter 5:10
Where is grace found? In Christ who is full of grace and truth and gives us grace upon grace. A greater grace. John 1:14-17
3 Stages of Grace
Grace at the point of saving faith.
The point is this, salvation is never earned. It is a gift.
Grace as the means of Christian living. James 4:6. God gives more grace!
You can never live as God intends you to if your focus is on what you are doing for God instead of what He is doing for you. “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Part of the future grace is our glorification. Revelation 21:6.
Will you drink from the living water given freely?
Conclusion: Grace reminds us we need to talk more about what God has done, and is doing, for us and less about what we are doing for Him.
The following Sunday was Pentecost, and Pastor Alan shared an awesome message about the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, due to a technological failure, it did not get recorded. So, I am going to do the best I can and share Alan’s study notes here.
Pentecost – Acts 2
What was Pentecost?
The background of harvest festivals and giving of the law on Mount Sinai is the important backdrop to what is happening.
The festival is called Shavout (the Feast of Weeks/Harvest).
Marked the early grain harvest.
Shavout has the same Hebrew root as Sabbath.
שָׁבוּעַ shabuaʿ – seven or a week
Shavout means 7×7 (49)
Pentecost is Greek for 50
The giving of the law was marked by wind, trumpets, fire, and smoke.
The setting: There are one hundred and twenty of Christ’s followers gathered in one place. They had been told by Christ earlier that the Spirit would come so there was no doubt an anticipation.
The supernatural: There are three things describing the Spirit’s coming.
A sound like a violent rushing wind. vs 2
Tongues of fire that rested on each individual. vs 3
The ability for the crowd that shows up to hear the Jewish Galileans in their own language (i.e. their native tongue).
These people were from all areas of the Mediterranean basin.
Side-note: This phenomenon is not the gift of tongues that Paul talks about to the believers in Corinth.
What can we imply and apply from this supernatural event?
The Spirit comes in power to give power, like the noise of the powerful wind.
The strange language phenomena is not drunken speech. It’s only nine o’clock in the morning.
The explanation:
He quotes with slight alterations, from the prophet Joel and Ezekiel.
The point is the time has come and God is pouring out his Spirit on all people, and those people will prophesy (speak forth about the things of God – Prophecy is more about “forth-telling” than “foretelling”).
Luther said, “The knowledge of God, through Christ, which the Holy Spirit kindles and makes to burn through the word of the gospel.”
The Spirit Working Through the Sermon (Acts 2:37-47)
There is repentance when the Spirit moves.
There is salvation where the Spirit moves.
There is baptism where the Spirit moves.
There is devotion and communion where the Spirit moves.
Knowing our congregation is mostly on the other side of the hill of life, Pastor Jed spoke for a few weeks on the importance of flourishing in older age. 😊 To listen to these messages, simply click play on the appropriate audio player below. Also included are Jed’s study notes with links to Bible Gateway for the Scripture.
Also, Pastor Jed blessed us with a musical service for Mother’s Day. I did my best to put together a medley of the songs he sang and placed the audio at the bottom of this post. While the recording quality isn’t great, I do hope you enjoy! ❤️
Flourishing in Older Age, Part 1
Psalm 91:14-16“With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 92:12-15“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” See also Isaiah 46:4
To achieve success: to prosper. A flourishing business.
To be in a state ofactivity or production: The artist flourished around 1850.
To reach a height of development or influence: The company flourished with record profits under the new owner.
Remember our Father Abraham:
Genesis 15:15to Abraham“And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.”
Genesis 25:8“Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good oldage, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.”
Galatians 3:8-9 We which are of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Verses 13-14 –“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
Make a commitment to God to entrust your life to Him, every day until your last breath. This means spirit, soul (mind, will, emotions, conscience) and body.
3 John 2 – “prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers.”
Next Week: “Steps to Flourishing in Old Age.” What is our responsibility?
Flourishing in Older Age, Part 2
How do you as Christian personally approach flourishing in older age?
Place your life in His hands (Psalm 31:14) and trust him to cause you to flourish in your older years. Pray to God to give this to you in your life.
3 John 2– Make a commitment to God to entrust your life to Him, daily until your last breath. This means spirit, soul (mind, will, emotions, conscience), and body. Have faith and hope that the Lord will sustain and preserve you in older age.
Give God’s Word first place in your life: Read it. Meditate upon it. Memorize it. Speak it. Live according to it. It is your food, your life.
John 6:63; Psalm 1; Jeremiah 17:7-8. See also Psalm 119:159 “See how I love your precepts; preservemylife, Lord, in accordance with your love.” “Preserve my life” is mentioned many times in Psalm 119, a psalm about God’s Word.
2 Corinthians 4:13-18– outward decay vs inward renewal day by day achieving for us an eternal weight of glory. Look not at the things that are seen (temporal) but at the unseen things (eternal).
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – glorify God in your bodies, honor God with your bodies by (a) living a pure life physically and sexually, (b) practice healthy nutrition and hydration, (c) have regular exercise and activity (within your limits), (d) maintain a heathy weight, (e) get enough sleep and observe sabbath rests, (f) avoid things that are not good for the body (alcohol, drugs, etc.), and (g) limit risky behaviors.
Pastor Jed shared this message a few weeks after Easter (sorry it’s taken me so long to get things up-to-date…I’m trying!) about the power of the resurrection of Christ. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included Jed’s study notes with links to Bible Gateway for the Scriptures.
The Power of the Resurrection
Romans 10:9-10 – believing and confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord and was raised from the dead is essential to our salvation.
Acts 2:23-24“God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him.”
Acts 2:31-33 – JC was raised to life and exalted to the right hand of God. He received the promise of the HS and poured the HS out on us.
The POWER of God (Holy Spirit) raised Christ from the dead.
Romans 8:10-11 “But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
Ephesians 1:19-23 – Paul’s prayer – that we may know Him better including His power.
KJV and ASV – the exceeding greatness of His power.
NIV – His incomparably great power to us who believe.
GOOD NEWS – how very great is his power.
New Living Translation – incredible greatness of God’s power.
AMP – “what the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His [active, spiritual] power is in us who believe.”
Philippians 3:10 – “I want to know you and the power of your resurrection.”
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from sin, the curse, and death was God’s single greatest display of His power. This is the power that is now working IN US!
This is this same resurrection power that works in us day by day:
I Corinthians 15:3-8, 12-22 – speaks of the futility of our faith if Christ was not resurrected from the death.See also verses 35-55 – Our eventual resurrection from the dead totally, with a glorified resurrection body. See verses 49 and 56.
Pastor Alan took a Sunday to address the concept of repentance, to help explain what true repentance is and why it is so important to us as Christians. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes I took during his message, with links to Bible Gateway for the Scriptures referenced. Praying this is a blessing to you!
Repentance
Biblical repentance means to turn from something (sin) and to Someone (Christ).
Happy Resurrection Day! Pastor Alan is back and brought us a fabulous message about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. To listen to this message, simply click on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes I took during the message, so I hope they help. Praying this message is a blessing to you on this beautiful Easter Sunday.
Good afternoon! Pastor Jed just finished up a wonderful series on the Holy Spirit. All six of the messages are included in this post. To listen to a message, simply click play on the audio player for that part of the series. Also included are Pastor Jed’s study sheets (although, due to a minor clerical error, I didn’t have a sheet for part 2 – I did my best to get the verses Jed referenced and other important info down for you), as well as links to Bible Gateway for Scriptures he references. Praying you are blessed!
The Holy Spirit, pt. 1 – The Holy Spirit Throughout the Bible
The history of the Person, role, and work of the Holy Spirit (HS) in God’s plan is revealed throughout the Bible, from Genesis 1:1-2where the HS was at the very beginning as the “active agent” of creation to Revelation 22:17“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” In between, the HS is noted EVERYWHERE in the Bible.
God is the Triune God, the “Trinity” who is revealed and seen throughout the Bible. There are three Persons of the “Godhead”: 3 in 1 and 1 in 3. A mystery!
Not “separate” or “many” gods but One God Who is comprised of 3 equal, different Persons who have different roles and different levels of authority, but are all the same Lord. All are Life, Light, and Love. All are God!
All 3 Persons of the Trinity are spiritual beings (Jesus became a man and now has a glorified body).II Corinthians 3:17-18
All 3 are eternal, worthy, holy, loving, omnipotent(all powerful), omniscient (all knowing), and omnipresent(present everywhere).
The Father is Spirit and is the One in authority, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, the Director and Administrator Who sits on the throne of heaven.
Jesus is the Son existed at the beginning as a spiritual being who became took on the form of man, was crucified as our sin-bearer, and is now the risen, glorified, and exalted Lord, Savior, Redeemer, Healer, Forgiver and Shepherd.
A gift to us from the Father and the Son, the HS indwells us and gives us grace, power, and guidance to live the Christian life. He is the active agent of God in our lives but is often ignored or relegated to the “back burner.”
The Holy Spirit, pt. 2– The Power of the Holy Spirit
To watch the video of Mr. Rogers’ testimony before the Senate Subcommittee hearing, click here.
The Holy Spirit appeared as a dove at the baptism of Jesus, and the Father spoke – the Triune God (Matthew 3:13-17).
All three persons of the Trinity are:
eternal
worthy
holy
omnipotent (all-powerful)
omniscient (all-knowing)
omnipresent (everywhere all at once)
The Holy Spirit is a Person, not a “thing.” He is the “work horse” who is the Creator. The HS has the Executive function in the Trinity, i.e., He executes (conducts or carries out) the will and works of God. Like the Father and the Son, the HS wants to be known/wants you to know Him, that is, having a daily,intimate, experiential knowledge of the HS versus just knowing about Him.
Matthew 9:17 – Wine in the Bible is a type or symbol of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). When Jesus says you can’t pour new wine into old wineskins, He is explaining why the HS could not be poured into people in the OT: because of man’s sin and unrighteousness. A new wineskin must be created (a born-again, worthy vessel) first before it can be filled with the fine wine of the Spirit.
Believers are now that new wineskin, that tabernacle, that temple (1 Corinthians 6:19) of the Holy Spirit.
Other symbols of the person and the work of the HS in the OT:
oil
water
fire
wind
clouds
The Holy Spirit played a vital role in the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:35).
The Holy Spirit led Jesus out to the wilderness to be tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1).
Luke 4:16-21: Jesus’ public ministry began with a declaration that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him.
If it was important for Jesus to have the Holy Spirit while He ministered on earth, how much more important is it for us to have, know, walk with, be led and guided by the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit, pt. 3 – The Holy Spirit in John’s Gospel
The 4 Gospels are full of the Holy Spirit (HS). However, there seems to be more of a concentration of Jesus’s words regarding the HS in the Gospel of John.
John 3:5-8 – Being born of the Spirit: Spirit gives birth to spirit (spiritual rebirth).
John 3:34 – The Father gave the Spirit to Jesus without measure, without limit.
John 4:23-24 – Woman at the well – “the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, God is spirit, his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
John 6:63, 68 – The Spirit gives life; God’s word is full of the Spirit and life.
John 7:37-39– An open invitation to receive the HS (drink freely)
John 14:15-18– Jesus asked the Fatherto give us this gift of the HS. He is the: (a) Paraclete (one called alongside to help), (b) Advocate (def.: one who defends or maintains a cause or proposal, one who supports or promotes the interests of a cause or group, one who pleads the cause of another). (c) The Spirit of Truth and (d) will be with you and in you. Keeps the presence of Jesus in our lives.
John 14:25-27 – The Father sent this Advocate in Jesus’ Name. The HS will (a) teach us all things, (b) remind us of the God’s Word, and (c) bring peace (Galatians 5:22 – the fruit of the spirit is peace).
John 15:26-27 – The HS actually goes out (proceeds forth) from the Father. He will testify of Jesus Christ and helps us to testify of the Lord. Acts 4:27-31, II Tim 1:7
John 16:7-10 – Jesus had to return to the Father so that the HS could be sent to us. The HS will convict or prove the world to be in the wrong about sin, righteousness, and judgment.
John 16:13-15– The Spirit of Truth (a) comes to guide us into all the truth. (b) He only will speak only what he hears the Father and Jesus speaking. “The Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” (c) The Spirit always agrees with the Father, the Son and the Word of God. He will never do anything contrary to God or His Word. “He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.” and (d) will tell you what is yet to come.
The Holy Spirit, pt. 4 – The Holy Spirit in Acts
John16:7-10Jesus had to return to the Father so that the Holy Spirit (HS) could be sent to us. The HS convicts (or proves) the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment. AND 16:13-15. The Spirit of Truth comes to guide us into all the truth. He only will speak only what he hears the Father and Jesus speaking. The Spirit always agrees with the Father, the Son, and the Word of God. He will never do anything contrary to God or His Word. The HS will tell you what is yet to come.
Luke 24:45-49Jesus stated that he was going to send what the Father has promised. Wait for Him. When He comes, He will “clothe” with power from on high. The word power in the Greek “dunamis,” like the English word dynamite.
Acts 1:6-9Jesus did not answer the disciples’ question. “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power (dunamis) when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 2:1-4 The day of Pentecost when the HS was poured out as never before. THIS was bringing the presence and the kingdom of God to the earth.
Acts 2:14-21 Peter filled with the HS (same man who denied Jesus X3) preached to them, quoting from the book of Joel. Then he cited the HS in verse 33. The HS testified through them to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The Acts of the Apostles? No! This book is an account of the Acts of the HSthrough the Apostles.
“We don’t need the HS. He came to give birth to the church and help establish it.”
The Father is the same yesterday, today, and forever. James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:5
The HSis the same yesterday, today and forever.
“You are focusing too much on the Holy Spirit.” No! In church history. He has largely been ignored and underutilized. We need Him now more than ever!
The Holy Spirit, p. 5 – Essential Points
The Holy Spirit (HS) is God’s seal of ownership in our lives.
The fact that the HS lives in us (1) makes us “sanctified” which refers to the process by which believers are “set apart” by God for His holy purposes. Romans 15:16; I Peter 1:2; Romans 1:2-4. (2) is God’s seal of ownership of believers and a guarantee of what is to come. II Corinthians 1:22; II Corinthians 5:4-5.(3)is the sign of and testifies to the fact that we have been adopted by God into sonship. By the HS, we can now relate to God as our Father. Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 4:4-7.
He is the POWER of God to witness to and live our lives for Christ.
Truly live the abundant life in Jesus Christ. John 10:10
To overcome sin and to successfully live the Christian life. Romans 8
To live in victory above sin (Romans 8), the world, the flesh, the devil, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the (boastful) pride of life. I John 2:16
To experience God’s resurrection power in our mortal bodies. Romans 8:11
The HS helps us to know the Father and the Son. HS gives us wisdom and knowledge through the Word and by direct leading and guidance.
Ephesians 1:17 – “to know Him better.” The Holy Spirit allows us to intimately know the Father and the Son. Ephesians 3:14-19; Colossians 1:9-11. The HS is the Spirit of Truth. John 14:16; 26, 16:13-15. He receives from the Father and the Son what He is to make known to us, revealing God’s ways, things, and thoughts so we can know/understand what God has freely given us. I Corinthians 2:6-16.
The Holy Spirit, pt. 6 – The Holy Spirit in Us
The Holy Spirit now LIVES WITH and IN US! Like JC, the HS has come to forever make his home in us as His tabernacle or temple, that is a place of habitation (where someone lives). John 14:16-18 V. 17 “But you know him, for he lives with you and will bein you.”
The HS is God’s seal of ownership in our lives. We are“sanctified” by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:16, I Peter 1:2. He is called “the Spirit of Holiness.” Romans 1:2-4. Sanctification is the process by which believers are set apart for a holy purpose. It is a position before God as well as a growth process.
II Corinthians 1:22“He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
II Corinthians 5:4-5“Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
Pastor Jed has taken us through a terrific series looking at the names of God. Each of the messages can be found below with the audio and Jed’s study sheets. I’ve also included links to Scripture that Jed references on his study sheets. Those links will take you to the corresponding verse(s) at Bible Gateway. Praying this series blesses you as much as it has blessed us here in Colona.
A name “identifies” someone; it carries significance. meaning, and history. A name reflects personal identity, familial connections, and cultural heritage. Parents often choose their children’s names for their meanings. God chose names in the OT: Adam, Eve, Abram/Abraham, Sarai/Sarah, Isaac. Also, the Names/titles of Jesus.
Why does God have so many names? It is His means of revelation: revealing Himself, His character, His attributes, His will, His works, etc. so that we might know Him, acknowledge Him, and worship Him. His names reflect God’s relationship with humanity. His names are a PLEDGE of Himself to humanity!
Genesis 1:1– El – Hebrew for “God” which occurs over 248 times in the OT. El is the root word for Elohim which is the very first name/title of God in the Bible. It describes God’s greatness and glory and reveals His power and authority. The second part “ohim” points to His creativity/creative power. Shown in Genesis 1-3.
He is the God who makes covenants with those He has created. A covenant involves a binding agreement between two persons. God spoke His covenants.
Genesis 5: 23-24, 27 – Methuselah means “Man of the dart” or “His death shall mean judgment.” He lived for 969 years and then came the flood, God’s judgment upon mankind. After the flood, the rainbow was a promise of His covenant with Noah to never destroy the earth again with water.
Isaiah 42: 1-2, 6-7 – The New and Better Covenant through Jesus Christ. Elohim made this covenant with all humanity through His Son who was also a perfect man. Jesus is the Mediator of this new covenant. Hebrews 8:6 and 9:15. It was a covenant sealed with blood, with His life. Last Supper: “This is the cup of the New Covenant in my blood.” (Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20 and I Corinthians 11:25).
God has many Names. This is one of the ways that God REVEALS Himself, His character, attributes, will, works, etc. so that we might know Himmore fully. His names are also a PLEDGE and a PROMISE of Himself to humankind.
El – is Hebrew for “God, the One True God of Israel.”
EL SHADDAI – the All Sufficient One. Derived from(a)field which produces crops in abundance. (b) breast, i.e., the Many-breasted One meaning abundant provision, nourishment, and productiveness.God shows His all-sufficiency by turning nature around and providing miracles that are contrary to natural events.
ADONAI – The Master, Owner, LORD who owns His people, His servants, and protects, provides for, and directs them. This name signifies ownership and reflects our responsibilities to Him as His servants who are owned by God. We must allow Him the room to control our lives, and we then submit to, obey, and serve Him.
Exodus 21:1-6– a “bond servant,” a freely voluntary servant for life. Adonai is the God who totally owns His people and whose servants have chosen to serve Him because they love Him. He protects, provides for and directs them. Beautiful illustration of the Father-Son relationship between God the Father and the Son.
Philippians 2: 6-8. Consider Jesus’ struggle in the garden of Gethsemane.
Exodus 3:10-15 Yahweh (Hebrew) which was the common form of the name of God used by the Jews. Verse 14 – Derived from the Hebrew chavah which means to live, to be, or being. Translated “I AM THAT I AM,” or “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.” This namebrings Him forth (a) in the present tense, the God of the Now, and (b) in a personal way: Who He is – the One True God who is self-existent, unchangeable (James 1:17, Psalm 102:27), and eternal. He is the intimate God Who is ever revealing Himself through His Names, Word, and Spirit.
Jehovah is the Latin derivation of the Hebrew name Yahweh which precedes other Names of God that reveal His role. I AM eternally exists to be our ____________.
Romans 3:10-18, 21-24 – We are all unrighteous and fall short of the glory of God. We cannot earn His righteousness through ourselves or our own good works. Jehovah Tsidkenu made it possible for us to be righteous in His sight through faith in Christ Jesus (See also Matthew 6:33; I Corinthians 1:30; II Corinthians 5:21).
Covenant Names of God, pt. 4
John 3:16 – Imagine Yahweh/Jehovah, the Great “I AM THAT I AM” had a One and Only Beloved Son and that He freely gave His Son to us and for us. John 3:16 and Matthew 3:17
Colossians 1:15-20 and Ephesians 1:19-23 describe this Son in His fullness, His glory, His power, His position of authority – all of Who He is and what He has. “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him”and “raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”
Philippians 2:9-11 – “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.”
John 1:14, 16– The Great I am Jehovah summed up everything that He that He has revealed through His many Covenant Names and put Himself in the “package” or form of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Name “Jesus Christ” itself embodies and encompasses the entire scope, significance, and power of God’s Names.
Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, which mean “Jehovah is Salvation” or “Jehovah Saves.” Christ (Greek) and Messiah (Hebrew) both mean “Anointed One.” In John 18: 1-3, Jesus declared “I AM” – Yahweh/Jehovah.
Seven times Jesus said “I AM” in the New Testament:
His Name encompasses and sums up every Covenant Name of God and includes salvation from everything that sin plagued us and provides love, grace, mercy, promise, health, power, authority, dominion over the devil, etc.
II Peter 1:2-4– Reassures the believer that they are not missing anything essential for living a life that pleases God. As a part of our inheritance in Christ, the Father has given us accessto and use ofHis Name: Jesus Christ.
In the Gospels, Jesus introduced and spoke of Almighty God as His “Father” which was often offensive to religious Jews.
Matthew 6:7-9 – He taught His disciples to pray “Our Father” and to relate to God as their Father.
John 20:17 – After His death and resurrection, He said, “I am returning to my Father and your Father.”
Jesus discusses His relationship to the Father in John 14:6-12, When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we become “born again” because God the Father gives us a second spiritual birth (John 3:3-8, II Corinthians 5:17) by His Holy Spirit. God literally becomes our “Heavenly Father”, and we become His very children (Ephesians 3:14-15; I John 3:1). Unlike many earthly fathers, our Heavenly Father is now a perfect, accessible, close, loving, kind, forgiving, trustworthy “Parent” who is intimately acquainted with us, helps us, answers our prayers and wants us to know Him. (Matthew 7:7-11, John 17:3,Eph. 1:17).
II Corinthians 1:19-22 – The Father gives us the Holy Spirit to show His seal of ownership of us and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, as a guarantee of what is to come.
Romans 8:14-18, Galatians 4:6-7 – God sent the “Spirit of Sonship” into our hearts to dwell there. The Holy Spirit causes us to cry “Abba” to our Father which is a very tender, intimate name to address God, like “Daddy” or “Papa.”
Covenant Names of God, pt. 7
REVIEW: John 1:18 – Part of the ministry of Jesus Christ was to make known God as our Father. John 17:3 – Knowing the Father and the Son is eternal life. Ephesians 1: 17 – The Father has given us the Holy Spirit to know Him better.
Who is the Father? He is the Great Elohim, El Shaddai, Adonai, Yahweh/Jehovah, the God of all creation, of heaven and earth who wants to be our spiritual “Parent” and be intimately acquainted with us, help us, answer our prayers, and wants us to know Him. In fact, His nature is LOVE and He is LOVE Himself (1 John 4:8,16). He has poured out His own love abundantly upon us (Romans 5:5; I John 3:1-2).
He is depicted most accurately in the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-24. “But while he (the son) was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” V. 20. The Father clothed him in a robe. put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet, killed the fatted calf, and feasted and celebrated because “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” V. 24.
II Corinthians 1:21-22 – The Father loves us so much that in His Son Christ Jesus, “He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us (“Adonai”), and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
Romans 8:14-18andGalatians 4:6-7 – To mark His parentage of us (i.e., His “adoption papers”), the Father poured the “Spirit of Sonship” into our hearts to dwell there. The Holy Spirit allows us to cry “Abba” to our Father which is a very tender, intimate name to address God, like “Daddy” or “Papa.” As the children of God, we also can led by the Spirit of God (See Romans 8).
Hi all! I know it would have been much more timely to post these during Advent, but maybe I’ll be more on the ball next year (God willing!). Until then, here is Pastor Jed’s lovely series on Advent. He brought us five messages, one for each of the candles (including the Christ candle) in the Advent wreath. Praying you enjoy and maybe even re-listen to them for Advent next year.
INTRODUCTION:
Advent is a Christian tradition of observance, expectation, and hope which is celebrated 4 weeks prior to Christmas. It has been a part of the public worship of many Christian denominations for centuries. “Advent” means “arrival” (Latin) or “coming” and it prompts us to pause each day in December and remember why Jesus came to earth over 2000 years ago.
The observance of Advent dates back to the 4th–5th centuries. Early Advent wasn’t about celebrating the birth of Jesus. In the 5th and 6th centuries, the season focused almost entirely on preparing for Christ’s Second Coming and “final judgment” through a period of prayer and fasting. The season was marked by a penitential attitude, in contrast to contemporary expressions of cheer. Advent’s connection to the Nativity only emerged centuries later during the Middle Ages in Christian communities in Western Europe when varying regional differences converged into a standard tradition, which is more closely linked Advent to the Christmas story. Today, Advent is observed as part of the both the religious and the secular holiday calendar. Modern-day Advent is often celebrated with families in the home or in church (my Catholicism).
Modern day traditions vary by country, but common ways of commemorating Jesus’ birth are through Advent calendars (often mass-marketed), wreaths, and candles. Today, the advent wreath and candles provide beautiful symbolism for each week of advent as we wait for Christmas to arrive.
The Advent Wreath first appeared in Germany in 1839. A Lutheran minister working at a mission for children created a wreath out of the wheel of a cart. Later it evolved into a wreath of evergreens symbolizing everlasting life in the midst of winter and death as the evergreen is continuously green. Evergreens also symbolize eternal life and God’s unending love.
Advent Candles. Each of the four Sundays before Christmas, a new candle is lit; typically three purple and one rose (though colors may vary). Each symbolizes a different aspect of Advent; sometimes a fifth white candle, the Christ candle, is added and lit on Christmas Day to celebrate Jesus’ birth. The candles are associated with spiritual virtues like hope, peace, and joy, traditions established by Lutherans in 19th-century Germany. 4 candles = 4 Gospels.
Candles are often nestled in the evergreen wreath. The light of the flickering candle flames reminds us who Jesus is: He came as the Light of the World. John 1:4-5 “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Verse 9 says, “The light that gave true light to the world was coming into the world.”
There is also an element of Advent that is linked to the Second Coming of Christ. Early forms of observance—especially in Gaul and parts of Spain—focused on both the Incarnation (or birth of Christ) and the Second Coming of Christ. It also helps us to give attention, observance, expectation, and hope for His 2nd Coming.
Advent, week one: Hope
On the first week of Advent, as we light the Hope Candle, also known as the “Prophecy Candle” or the “Prophet’s Candle.” This candle symbolizes the hope and anticipation of the coming Messiah, promised throughout the Old Testament. The Old Testament prophets, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival. We are reminded to prepare our hearts for the foretold birth of Jesus, and now for the Second Coming of Christ. The purple color symbolizes royalty, repentance, and fasting.
Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting will call him Immanuel.”
Isaiah 9:2: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:6-7: “For to us a child is born, to us a Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
On the 2nd week of Advent, we light (a) the Peace Candle which symbolizes the peace that Jesus brings to our hearts and the world. (b) aka the Bethlehem Candle. Micah 5:2 foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (the birthplace of King David). This candle reminds us of the preparations made in Bethlehem for the arrival of the Savior, as well as the humble and quiet circumstances of His birth. The purple candle symbolizes preparation for the coming King.
Luke 1:5 - 2:31 tells of the birth of John the Baptist, the birth of Jesus foretold (the “Annunciation” to Mary), Mary visits Elizabeth, Mary’s song, the birth of John the Baptist, and the birth of Jesus. Luke 2:1-20 – “Peace on earth to men!”This was the angels’ announcement that the PERSON of peace had come to earth.
In Christ, we have:
Romans 5:1 – “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 2:14-15, 17– He has bought peace between us as people. “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”
Today we light the Joy Candle (aka the Shepherd’s Candle)which reminds us of the joy that filled the shepherds’ hearts when the angels announced Jesus’s birth, declaring “good news of great joy for all people.” This candle is often pink or rose which signifies joy. The shift from purple to a pink candler symbolizes a shift from the somberness of repentance to the joyfulness and rejoicing of the coming Savior.
The world’s definition of “Joy” is (1) an emotion or feeling of great happiness or pleasure (delight) or a state of great happiness, euphoria, or bliss. (b) theexpression or exhibition of this emotion/feeling.
True Joy is a quality of the character of God. It is a part of Who He is – He is Joy! True joy comes from God to us. Jesus was often joyful (Luke 10:21) and Joy motivated Jesus to endure the cross (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Biblical Joy goes deeper than and transcends happiness or other feelings which are rooted in external circumstances. Joy is a deeper sense of pleasure, contentment, fulfillment, and peace that is rooted in our relationship with God and in knowing God (John 17:3). It is based on Who Jesus is rather than who we are or what is happening around us.
Joy is a “fruit” of the spirit by the Holy Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22). It comes by abiding in the presence of God (Psalm 16: 11), hoping in His Word, and is sustained by trust in God’s promises and the work that He accomplishes in us. Joy involves a choice to respond to life’s challenges with this “force” of joy within us which is greater than the world and its circumstances. See Habakkuk 3:17-18, I Peter 1:8, James 1:2-3. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
John 3:16-17. God’s motivation for our salvation and redemption is His LOVE. See also Romans 5:8.
On the fourth week of Advent, we light the Love Candle. Christmas is ultimately a celebration of God’s love for each of us which God demonstrated in sending His Son to the world to accomplish the work of redemption and salvation. Advent is a time to reflect on and be grateful for His great, unconditional, and sacrificial love.
The book of Psalmsrepeatedly describes God’s love as great, unfailing, wonderful, priceless, better than life, enduring (endures forever), everlasting, often coupled with faithfulness. Psalm 103: 11-13; Psalm 136.
4 Types of Love: Eros, Storge, Phileo, and Agape (which is God’s love)
What does love “look” like? Love is described in I Corinthians 13and summed up in the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.But the greatest of these is love.”
1 John 4:19“We love because he first loved us.” Love is more than a feeling. It is an action word: Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, Love your wives.” Love your children. Love your family. Love your neighbor. Love the people in the world.
Romans 5:5 – “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Through Advent, we lit four candles which represent the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love of Christmas. On Christmas Eve (traditionally Christmas), we lit the Christ Candle, the 5th candle which is typically white and sits in the center of the Advent wreath. This candle represents Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, whose birth we celebrate on Christmas. It also represents His Light and Purity. The Christ Candle reminds us that all the hope, peace, joy, and love symbolized by the other Advent candles are embodied in and find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Who is Jesus Christ?
John 1:1-5 – He WAS God, was present at the time of creation (see Colossians 1:16, and He was life and light and offered His life and light to us.
John 1:14, 18 – When He became incarnate, He became the Son of God and the Son of Man.
A name is often given to express who that person is and what that person does. (a) “Jesus” – Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua meaning “Jehovah Saves” or “Jehovah is Salvation” (Matthew 1:21). (b) The Messiah (Hebrew) and the Christ (Greek) which mean “Anointed One.” (c) Immanuel which means “God with us.”
I John 4:17 – “in this world we are like Him.” He is often pictured as He WAS in the Gospels. We need to be more concerned with Who He IS…NOW!
Here we go again with me trying to get caught up. Now that the holidays and all their busy-ness have passed, I’m going to try to do just that. Pastor Jed finished his series called “Follow Me” before Thanksgiving. The last two messages are below. He followed that with a message about Thanksgiving. And I’ll be posting his wonderful Advent series as soon as I can. Thank you for your longsuffering with my delays in posting.
Follow Me, pt. 4
Review:
Three aspects of Following the Lord are:
(1) Know Him
(2) Learn from Him
(3) Behave and become like Him.
John 17:3 –Eternal Life is knowing the Father and Jesus. He wantsto be known and wants to know us! and allowing Him to know us.
John 14:15-17 – we know the Holy Spirit because He lives with us and in us
TODAY: As we get to know Him, we LEARN FROM HIM.
Matthew 11:28-30 “Take my ‘yoke’ upon you and learn from Me.” The Holy Spirit is the “Yoke.” He is the main subject in the accounts in John 3 and John 4.
Consider these two examples: Nicodemus in John 3 and the Samaritan woman in John 4.
John 3:1-10; 14-18 – “You are Israel’s teacher.” V. 10. In 21 verses, the entire plan of God for man’s redemption is revealed.
John 17:3 –Eternal Life is knowing the Father and Jesus Christ.
Teaching – John 3 (Nicodemus – “You are Israel’s teacher“) and John 4 (Samaritan Woman at the well had a more direct, personal and transformative interaction with Jesus).
One similarity is the Spirit – John 3 (“Born again of water and the Spirit”) and John 4 Woman at the Well – (“God is Spirit” and we must “worship Him in Spirit and in truth”).
The Holy Spirit (HS) is a Person, one of the Trinity, and He and His role is throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. HS is at work in the Old Testament, the Gospels (the ministry of Jesus), the Book of Acts, and the Epistles (Paul and John). He is also the active agent in the life of a Christian believer.
John 14:15-18 – we know the HS because He lives with us and in us.
John 14:25-26 – The Father sent the HS in Jesus’ Name and He will teach us.
John 15:26-27 – The HS is the Spirit of truth, and He will testify of Jesus.
John 16:13-15 – The HS receives from Jesus and makes it known to us.
To “Give Thanks” means to express gratitude or appreciation towards someone or for something. This expression can be done verbally, through actions, or even symbolically like through prayer or writing (like thank you cards or texts). Giving thanks often implies a sense of humility and acknowledgement of the efforts or help received from others.
When we give thanks to God, it is more than a polite exercise. Giving thanks to God acknowledges Him as our Source for everything and that HE is the Giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).
In essence, giving thanks is an ________________________________.
The Bible often talks about “I will thank you.” “I give thanks.” “I come with thanksgiving.” “I offer thanksgiving.” Giving thanks is an act __________________ to worship Him. It is something that we must ______! (See Psalm 17:7, 28:7, 30:12, 35:18, 95:2, 100:4, 118:28, 132:1-3)
1 Cor. 10:31 – “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Of course, this does not include the things of sin, the flesh, the world, or temptations of the devil.
1 Thess. 5:16-18 – “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
We at Colona Community Church are blessed to have Pastor Jed Kovach teaching us this winter. He began this season with a series called “Follow Me.” We are still working out some kinks, but we do have some audio and the outlines he’s put together for his first few lessons. I’ve also included the usual links to BibleGateway for verses referenced. May these bless you as they have blessed us!
Follow Me, pt. 1
John 1:35-39– “Follow Me”Philip in v. 43: “Come and see.”
Matthew 4:18-20. The calling of Peter, Andrew, James and John
John 1: 35-39 – v. 39 The two disciples were drawn to that light and spent that day with Him in order to get to know Him, Who He is.
John 1:1-5, 9-14, 16-18 – The Lord gives us “light” to follow Him and He is that light. He is not “a”light but “the” light. That light is in Him and is Him!
Jesus came to reveal the Father to us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Life, light, love, truth, glory – these are all in HIM and all are HIM!
Our greatest aim in the Christian life is to KNOW the Father and the Son through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Then our Christian lives will flow out of that relationship of knowing Him. Ephesians 1:17
John 17:3 –Eternal Life (“Zoe”) is God’s life, is God Himself, the essence of Who He is. Eternal Life is knowing the Father and Jesus and allowing Him to know us.
The next step is to LEARN FROM HIM – Following Jesus as your “Rabbi” (Teacher, Master) – John 1:38
John 3:1-10; 14-18 – Nicodemus. “You are Israel’s teacher.” V. 10. In John 3:1-21, the entire plan of God for man’s redemption is revealed.
To learn: gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in (something) by study, experience, or being taught: become aware of (something) by information or from observation. Learning often teaches us who, what. when, where. why, and especially how.
Ways to know and learn from Jesus and our Father: (a) The Word of God, (b) Prayer, (c) Waiting upon the Lord, (d) Sharing the Gospel, (e) Following His commands by loving others, and (f) Serving others.
HomeReading: John 4 – Consider what the Samaritan woman at the well learned from Jesus versus Nicodemus in John 3.
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