Tag: Jesus

Covenant Names of God Series

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

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.

Covenant Names of God, pt. 1

Hebrews 11:3, Hebrews 1:3. He sustains all things by his powerful word. See also Philippians 2 – The Name of “Jesus.” 

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.  

  1. 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.  
  1. Genesis 13:14-17 – Elohim made a covenant with Abraham. Psalm 105:8-10  
  1. 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).  

Other references: Psalm 91:2-4, Jeremiah 32: 38-40, I Kings 8:23, Psalm 57:1-3 

Covenant Names of God, pt. 2

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 Him more 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.” 

Elohim – Sovereign, Mighty Creator, Covenant Maker Genesis 1:1

Elohe-Israel – The Personal God of Israel Genesis 32:28

Elohay – The LORD MY God Isaiah 43:1-3a

Eloheenu – The LORD OUR God Exodus 33:13

Elyon  – The LORD Most High  Psalm 47:2 

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. 

Romans 10:9-10 – Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer but must also be our Adonai. Other scriptures related to Adonai: Psalm 123:1-2; John 13:13-16; I Corinthians 3:5-6; Colossians 1:24-25; Matthew 10:38; and Luke 9:23-24.

Covenant Names of God, pt. 3

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 name brings 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 ____________.   

  • Jehovah Rapha/Rophe – I AM the LORD your HEALER.                

Exodus 15:26  – Revealed Himself as Jehovah Rapha and Numbers 21:4-8 – the snake on the standard is a symbol of Jesus on the cross because He became a curse for us. This Name finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. See Acts 10:38; Isaiah 53:4-5; Galatians 3:13-14.  

  • Jehovah Shalom – I AM the LORD your PEACE. I am your Peace.  

Judges 6:22-24  –  Revealed Himself as Peace is a Person and He is Peace. He is called the God of Peace as seen in Romans 15:13, 33; 16:20; II Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 4:9; I Thessalonians 5:23; II Thessalonians 3:16; and Hebrews 13:20). He is Peace, He gives us peace (John 14:27), and He gave Jesus to be our peace with God (Romans 5:1) and our peace with one another (Ephesians 2:14-15, 17).   

  • Jehovah Tsidkenu  –   I AM the LORD your RIGHTEOUSNESS.            

Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:15-16 – Revealed Himself as Jehovah Tsidkenu.  

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: 

  • John 6:35 – “I am the Bread of Life.”   
  • John 8:12 – “I am the Light of the World.”  
  • John 10:7 – “I am the Gate for the Sheep.”  
  • John 10:14 – “I am the Good Shepherd.”  
  • John 10:25 – “I am the Resurrection and the Life.”  
  • John 14:6 – “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”  
  • John 15:7 – “I am the True Vine.”  

Covenant Names of God, pt. 5

Jesus Christ is the Name that is above every name in heaven and on earth (Ephesians 1:19-23; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:15-20; Matthew 28:18).    The Name of Jesus is a “covenant name.” i.e., “Jehovah is Salvation.”  

Acts 2:33-39 and Acts 4:12 – The Greek noun for salvation is sozo.

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 access to and use of His Name: Jesus Christ.  

The Name of Jesus Christ:  

Covenant Names of God, pt. 6

  • John 1:18 – Jesus Christ was Himself God, was at God’s side, and is in closest relationship with the Father.   
  • John 10:30, 38 – He was One with the Father.  – “I and the Father are one” and “the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.” 
  • John 3:16-17 – The Father gave Him to/for humanity.   
  • John 1:14 – He came from the Father.   
  • 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 8:14-18 and Galatians 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).   

Our Father has given us an eternal inheritance in the kingdom of God. With Jesus death, burial, resurrection and ascension to the Father, this inheritance has been enacted and passed onto us (Matthew 25:34; Acts 20:32; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 1:3-6, 13-14; Colossians 1:12-13; Hebrews 9:15; and I Peter 1:3-5).  

Advent Series

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

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.

READINGS:

  • Genesis 3:14-15 
  • 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.” 
  • Isaiah 40:3-5 
  • John 1:1-18

Advent, week two: Peace

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. 

READINGS:

Advent, week three: Joy

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) the expression 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).  

John 15:9-11. The Lord freely offers us His joy. See Psalm 94:19, 16:7-11. 

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  

Final Blessing: Psalm 30:11-12 and Romans 15:13

Advent, week four: Love

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 scriptures teach us that God is Spirit (John 4:24), God is Life (John 14:6, 17:3, I John 5:11), God is Light (I John 1:5), and God is Love (I John 4:8, 16). We have His love because He Who is Love has given Himself to us.  

The book of Psalms repeatedly 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)   

We as Christians are called to (a) Love God. Matthew 22:37–38 and (b) Love others. Matthew 22:39 and John 13:34.  

What does love “look” like? Love is described in I Corinthians 13 and 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.”   

Blessing: Lamentations 3: 19-23

Advent, week five: Jesus Christ, the Glory of the Lord

Isaiah 9: 6-7 

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!  

Revelation 1: 9-17    

Other scriptures that describe Who He IS: Ephesians 1: 10, 17-22; Ephesians 4:14-19; Philippians 2:5-11; and Colossians 1:15-20, 2:2-3, 2:9-10, 3:1-4. Notice how often the word “fullness” is used.

Follow Me to Thanksgiving

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

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 wants to be known and wants to know us!  and allowing Him to know us.   
  • John 1:18 – Jesus came to make the Father known  
  • Philippians 3:7-10 –Paul’s core motivation was to know Jesus   
  • 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 4:4-26, 28, 39-42 – The Samaritan Woman at the Well   
    • Differences between the two: 
      • Nicodemus
      • Woman at the Well  
    • Who had the more profound encounter with Jesus? 

Follow Me, pt. 5

Review of this series to date:

  • Three aspects of Following the Lord:
    • (1) Knowing Him
    • (2) Learning from Him
    • (3) Becoming and acting like Him.  
  • 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). 
  • Matthew 11:28-30 – the Yoke is the Holy Spirit 
  • He teaches us through His Holy Spirit  
    • Differences between John 3 and 4.
      • 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. 
      • 1 John 2:27 – the “anointing” of the Holy Spirit

Thanksgiving As Worship

  • 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.  
  • Ephesians 5:18-20 and Colossians 3:15-17  
  • 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.” 

Palm Sunday

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Alan spoke last Sunday on Palm Sunday and two important questions we must ask ourselves. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes and links to Scripture he references.

Palm Sunday / Triumphal Entry Sunday / The Beginning of Holy Week

  • There are two important questions we should ask ourselves:
    • Who is Jesus?
    • What kind of Jesus do we really want in life?
      • the crowd in Jerusalem began the week shouting, “Hosanna!” and ended it shouting, “Crucify Him!” – Jesus wasn’t the Messiah they were expecting.
  • Matthew 21:1-17
    • The people were expecting a Messiah who would save them from Roman oppression – a conquering king on a white horse, rather than a prophet from Nazareth on a donkey (the suffering servant)
      • He brought a kingdom, not of military might, but a kingdom of:
        • peace
        • forgiveness
        • love
        • justice
        • righteousness
    • They shouted “Hosanna!”
      • a mix of two words
        • yasha (defend, deliver, help, preserve, rescue)
        • na (I beseech, I pray)
      • “Deliver us” – from Roman oppression
      • Jesus came for a bigger issue – sin
        • deliverance from the penalty of sin
        • by the cross & the resurrection
      • Jesus gives us so much more!
        • do you ever feel oppressed, tangled up?
        • YHWH – breath
          • the idea in the OT was that salvation was the loosening of things that bind you so that you can breathe more easily.
      • They wanted a kingdom of earthly power.
        • Jesus brought a kingdom of heavenly power
        • the Beatitudes teach us how to live a kingdom life
      • Jesus showed the ultimate humility
  • The God we, as Christians, worship:
    • He is a God of love.
    • He is also a God of wrath.
    • He is a triune God:
      • Father
      • Son (subject to the Father)
      • Holy Spirit (subject to the Son)
    • Jesus is a keeper of His Father’s temple (Matthew 21:13)
      • He and the Father are one.
      • John 17 – to know what Jesus wants for you in this life
  • Hebrews 1:1-9
    • Jesus is a deliverer, a king of a heavenly kingdom
      • Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
        • Why do you sometimes feel oppressed/depressed?
          • You’re looking at the world more than at Jesus.
    • v. 1 – God (the triune God)
      • 1 in essence; 3 in personality
      • We tend to make God in our image, rather than realizing He made us in His image.
      • God spoke the Word – Jesus is God the Father speaking to us.
        • the final Word
        • Jesus represented God the Father exactly as God the Father was
        • Romans 3:23
          • in our thoughts and actions, we all miss the mark
          • Jesus never missed the mark!
    • v. 2 – Appointed heir & creator of all things
      • In Greek, this is in the aorist tense, meaning once and for all time.
        • heir of ALL things
        • we are heirs & co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)
          • must be a son or daughter to be an heir
          • those who believe in Him have the right to become children of God (John 1:12)
          • we are born children of Adam, but through Christ we are adopted by God
      • Jesus is the blueprint of all that has ever happened
        • “worlds” in vs. 2 is better translated as “ages”
    • v. 3 – Sustainer
      • everything is sustained by the Word
      • John 1:14 – we beheld His glory
        • we only reflect His glory
        • Jesus IS the glory of God
      • Upholds
        • Jesus is the one who keeps everything going
        • Colossians 1:17
        • If He holds the universe together, can you trust Him to hold your life together?
      • Redeemer
        • He purged our sins
    • v. 4 – Ascended
      • at the right hand of the Father in majesty
      • intercedes on our behalf
      • He is our High Priest (Hebrews 8:1-2)
  • He is Alive!
    • Who is He? He is…
      • Creator
      • Revealer
      • Sustainer
      • Redeemer
      • Intercessor
      • King
      • the Prince of Peace
      • the Humble Servant
      • Everything

Communion & Our Purpose

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Alan is back and began his spring/summer teaching by giving a message on Communion and Our Purpose. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes and link to Scripture he references.

Communion & Our Purpose

  • Intro: The Westminster Shorter Catechism is a tradition that was to be used by fathers to teach their children the important parts of the faith. It can still help us understand our purpose today.
    • What is the chief end of mankind?
      • to glorify God & to enjoy Him forever
        • we glorify Him by enjoying Him
        • what & who do we love most in life?
        • to glorify God is to love Him/to enjoy Him more than anything else in life
  • John 21
    • Peter had denied the Lord 3x; this story is now post-resurrection
    • v. 10-17
      • v. 15 – what are “these”
        • maybe the other men
        • maybe more than the other men do
        • maybe the fish (Peter’s profession/career)
        • Peter says that he has phileo (brotherly affection) for Jesus
      • How does Jesus ask Peter to show love?
        • Feed the sheep – serve
        • Peter served by becoming the leader of the Roman Church
    • v. 18 -25
      • serve, follow, sacrifice
        • how we glorify God
      • how much will you sacrifice for Him?
  • How do we glorify God & enjoy Him?
    • serve, follow, sacrifice
    • can’t do it of our own accord
      • doing it on our own is outward show – Pharisaical
      • empowerment through Christ living in you is the only way you can function in the image in which you were created
        • like a glove – without a hand in it, it has no purpose
  • When we take communion, we say we are taking in Christ.
    • The only one who ever lived as mankind was intended to live is Jesus.
    • Christ in us is the only way to live as God intended us to live.
    • common – union / communion teaches us that Jesus is the hand in the glove that leads us to function as we are supposed to function
      • the cup
        • Matthew 26:36-46
          • prayed 3x
          • what is the cup?
          • Jesus took the cup of God’s wrath upon Himself
            • spiritual death is separation from God
            • Jesus was separated from God so we could be reunited with Him
        • Luke 22:20
          • the New Covenant in My blood
          • the Old Covenant (Mosaic Covenant) – the Law
            • sacrifices to temporarily atone for sin
            • Jesus was the once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10)
              • we don’t have to sacrifice animals or do penance
              • repentance (new covenant)
              • the law is written on your heart (Jeremiah 31:31-40)
  • John 17:3 – Eternal Life is to know Jesus and the Father who sent Him
    • what is to know Him?
      • not just knowing about Him
      • communing with Him
  • John 6:53-65 – the visual of communion
    • Our purpose in life is to love Him above all else but we can’t do that without having Him in us – that is the point of communion.

God Is Coming, pt. 9

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

Last Sunday, Terry continued his flyover of the Book of Revelation by taking us through chapter 8 and into chapter 9. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes and links to verses referenced.

If you’ve missed any of the messages and would like to catch up or hear them from the beginning, check out the archives to the right of this post. Terry began this series in October 2023.

God Is Coming, pt. 9

Introduction: God’s wrath during the Tribulation is because there will be people who will refuse to receive Jesus, and God will have done all He possibly can to soften their hearts. He will always (up until the final moment) give the opportunity to be saved. Many will come to salvation during the Tribulation. God’s people are not appointed to wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Matthew 24 & 25 are a snapshot of the Book of Revelation in Jesus’ own words.

Revelation 8

  • v. 1 – the Lamb opens the 7th seal
    • silence in heaven for 1/2 hour
      • the rejoicing and praising ceases
      • in recognition of the devastation to come
    • the 7th seal contains the 7 trumpet judgments
  • v. 2 – 7 angels before God
    • God’s messengers
      • do His work on earth
      • serve Him in many ways
    • given 7 trumpets
  • v. 3 – another angel comes
    • stands before the altar of God
    • holds a golden censer (incense burner)
      • given incense to add to the prayers of the saints on the altar
      • as the priests would do in the Tabernacle in the wilderness & the Temple in Jerusalem
        • what they did was a shadow of what was being done in heaven
        • Ezekiel 40-46 – the future Temple
  • v. 4 – the smoke of the incense is mixed with the prayers
    • the mixture rises up to God
  • v. 5 – the angel fills the censer with fire from the altar
    • throws the fire at the earth, which unleashes:
      • thunder
      • lightning
      • earthquake
  • v. 6 – 7 angels prepare to blow the trumpets
  • v. 7 – 1st trumpet
    • 1st three trumpets affect the earth
    • hail & fire mixed with blood falls on the earth
      • 1/3 of the earth is burned
      • 1/3 of the trees are burned
      • All of the green grass is burned
  • v. 8 – 2nd trumpet
    • Like the plague in Egypt (Exodus 7:14-24)
    • what looks like a mountain on fire is thrown into the sea
    • 1/3 of the sea turns to blood
  • v. 9 – Results of the 2nd trumpet
    • 1/3 of the sea creatures die
    • 1/3 of the ships are destroyed
  • v. 10 – 3rd trumpet
    • a “great star” falls on:
      • 1/3 of the rivers
      • the springs of water
  • v. 11 – the “star”
    • called Wormwood
      • maybe a meteor or asteroid, we don’t know
    • 1/3 of all water becomes bitter (wormwood is a bitter substance)
    • many people die as a result
  • v. 12 – 4th trumpet
    • affects the heavenlies
      • 1/3 of the sun is darkened
      • 1/3 of the moon is darkened
      • 1/3 of the stars are darkened
        • Imagine the day and night darkened by 33%
        • Talk about climate change!
        • Will affect EVERYTHING on earth
  • v. 13 – An angel (or an eagle, depending on your translation) flies by
    • cries out “Woe, woe, woe!”
    • the next trumpets will affect people directly

Revelation 9

  • v. 1 – 5th trumpet
    • a “star” falls from heaven
  • v. 2 – Fallen angel opens the abyss
    • smoke comes out of the abyss
    • smoke is so thick, it covers/darkens the sun

Praise God, He is still in control!

God Is Coming, pt. 8

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

The last Sunday in November in his overview of the Book of Revelation, Terry took us through the end of chapter 6 and all through chapter 7. If you have missed any of these messages and want to hear them from the beginning, check out the archives on the right of this post. The first message was in October 2023. All of the teachings include notes and links to BibleGateway for any Scriptures referenced in his message. Simply click on the audio player below to hear this message. Enjoy!

God Is Coming, pt. 8

Introduction: The entire Bible is the story of Jesus and of God making a way for fallen, sinful man to come back to Him. Isaiah 45:22 – salvation begins by looking (turning) to God. God’s wrath will be poured out on those who reject Jesus.

Review: Revelation 6 begins the time of God’s judgment on rebellion.

  • Revelation 6:1-11
    • The first five seals
      • 1st seal – White Horse = Antichrist
        • Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:11-19 (who the devil is)
        • The devil is a counterfeiter of the things of God. Just as the Father sent His Son, the devil will send his son – the Antichrist, the False Messiah
      • 2nd seal – Red Horse = Worldwide War
      • 3rd seal – Black Horse = famine
        • famine/scarcity always comes on the heels of warfare
      • 4th seal – Pale Horse = Death & Hades
        • 1/4 of the world’s population will die during the first 4 seals (That’s around 2 billion people!)
      • 5th seal – the martyrs
  • Revelation 6:12-17
    • The 6th seal – judgment against creation
      • v. 12
        • super powerful earthquake
        • sun darkened
        • moon turned to blood-red
      • v. 13
        • stars fall to the earth
      • v. 14
        • sky/atmosphere rolled back like a scroll
        • mountains & islands moved
        • CATACLYSMIC event
      • v. 15 – reaction of all the remaining people on earth
        • the great men
        • commanders
        • rich
        • strong
        • slaves
        • free men
        • all categories of people
          • all hide themselves in caves and among rocks
      • v. 16 – tremendous fear
        • They are not crying out for salvation/help.
        • They are desiring death.
        • Want to hide from the face of the Lord & the wrath of the Lamb
          • They aren’t bewildered – they know exactly why these cataclysmic events are happening
          • They don’t want to repent of their sin – prefer the fires of hell to the wrath of the Lamb
      • v. 17 – the great day of God’s wrath is come
        • Who can stand?
  • Revelation 7
    • Answers the question in Revelation 6:17
      • v. 1 – John saw 4 angels
        • tasked with holding back the winds
        • the winds are a judgment to come on the land, sea, and trees
      • v. 2 – John saw another angel
        • angels carry out the will of God
        • this angel has the seal of the living God
      • v.3 – What the angel says
        • tells the 1st 4 angels to hold their judgment
          • don’t harm the earth, sea, or trees
        • until God’s people have been sealed
          • they will be supernaturally protected in the midst of His judgment
            • just like Noah’s family during the flood
            • just like the Hebrew people during the Egyptian plagues
            • just like Rahab & her family in the destruction of Jericho
        • This answers the question of Rev. 6:17
          • Who is able to stand?
          • Those sealed by God.
      • v. 4 – the remnant of Israel
        • 144,000 sealed
      • v. 5-8 – 12,000 from each tribe
      • v. 9 – John saw a great multitude
        • A number impossible to count of people who come to believe during the Tribulation & are then martyred, from all:
          • nations
          • tribe
          • peoples
          • tonuges
        • Standing before the throne – resurrected
          • clothed in white (righteousness)
          • waving palm branches (victory)
      • v. 10 – Praising God & the Lamb
      • v. 11 – Another worship service begins
        • This is what God desires: to know, love, and worship Him
        • Those who fall down in awe & begin to praise
          • the innumerable angels around the throne
          • the 24 elders
          • the 4 living creatures
      • v. 12 – Praise
        • Amen
        • blessing
        • glory
        • wisdom
        • thanksgiving
        • honor
        • power
        • might
        • all to God
        • for eternity
      • v. 13 – one of the elders speaks to John
        • Who are these in white?
      • v. 14 – John gives the best answer & the elder speaks again
        • John turns the question back to the elder:
          • “My lord, you know.”
        • The elder explains:
          • These are the martyrs
      • v. 15-17 – the continued explanation
        • their martyrdom is why they get to be before the throne
        • they serve Him
        • they will have no more:
          • hunger
          • thirst
          • heat from the sun beating on them
        • the Lamb is their shepherd
          • will guide them to living water
        • God will wipe every tear from their eyes
          • not that they won’t cry, but that they will be comforted
      • Amen!

Light in the Darkness

by Laurin, posted in Devotion

We live in a fallen world. This is never more apparent than when something as awful and tragic as a school shooting occurs, but the darkness surrounds us all day, every day, whether we notice it or not.

candle

What is darkness, but the absence of light. And what is light? According to the Word of God, Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12). Therefore, it stands to reason that the darkness in our world is evidence of a lack of Jesus in society.

If we are followers of Jesus, if we believe in Him, have trusted in Him for salvation, have given our lives to Him, He lives within us. We believers, His Church, are the lampstands (Luke 11:33), the cities on a hill (Matthew 5:14), the jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7) that Jesus shines His light through. If we don’t shine His light onto others, how will they ever see it?

Wherever the light of Jesus shines, the darkness can never extinguish it (John 1:5). But one small candle in a stadium of darkness doesn’t feel like it’s making much difference. We need to come together, put aside petty differences and offenses, focus on Jesus and His truth, and combine our lights into one brilliant spotlight, shining Jesus so brightly onto the world around us that they cannot deny His presence. When they see Jesus in us, they will see hope.

Light up a path to Jesus, so that the lost can find their way to Him and know He is the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life!

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