In 1st Kings the people of God are moving in the temple. The Spirit of God filled the temple in a cloud after the Priests delivered the ark. Then Solomon dedicated the temple to God, admitting that He may have been obedient, but God accomplished the assignment through Him. He asked for healing and forgiveness for Gods people as the repent and cry out to Him. He called for the people of Israel to turn their hearts to the Lord and to walk in all His ways. As a people of God let's do that so others will see (have understanding) and believe. When we do God always responds.
God heard his prayer and told Solomon He would honor the requests as long as He led those entrusted to him in the ways of the Lord. Solomon also honored those who provided timber and Gold for the work. We are to be intentional about doing the right thing to those who help us accomplish the things of the Lord. The Lord will help us accomplish many great things as we walk in His ways.
In Matthew 8 we see Jesus heal all who came and asked. And some (Peter's mother in law) who did not ask but Peter brought Jesus to her. That night they brought many to Jesus for healing. This was prophesied by Isaiah "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases." Jesus wants to heal us physically, spiritually and emotionally. He makes us complete in Him. He desires that for every believer as we come to Him and walk with Him.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
1 Kings 6-7; Matthew 7
In 1st Kings we see Solomon clearly understood his assignment as King. He had his Lord first in his life and his accomplishments were in that order. He first built the temple and then his palace. He was richly blessed by God because he listened and then put those instructions into action. There was no war during his reign. Many times we do not enjoy God's peace because of going our own way. Peace comes by remaining in Him. Solomon went all out and spared no expense in building the temple. Let's go all out and see what God will do in our lives.
Matthew 7 talks about our character. It's easier to judge others than to correct things in our own life. We must be right spiritually before we can be of any use to God. He will do the work if we will ask, seek and knock. We are to not cast pearls before swine, if someone rejects you, then move on and let God deal with then. This process will help us recognize who God is bringing into our life as we learn to identify a good tree by it's fruit. No one wants an orchard full of bad trees. Those doing the will of the father will enter the kingdom (vs 21). When we build on the rock of Jesus our spiritual hoiuse will be on solid ground.
Matthew 7 talks about our character. It's easier to judge others than to correct things in our own life. We must be right spiritually before we can be of any use to God. He will do the work if we will ask, seek and knock. We are to not cast pearls before swine, if someone rejects you, then move on and let God deal with then. This process will help us recognize who God is bringing into our life as we learn to identify a good tree by it's fruit. No one wants an orchard full of bad trees. Those doing the will of the father will enter the kingdom (vs 21). When we build on the rock of Jesus our spiritual hoiuse will be on solid ground.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
1 Kings 1-2; Matthew 6:1-18
In 1st Kings we see the death of King David. He passed the throne to his son Solomon. His brother Adonijah tried to take the throne away and ended up eventually dieing for his discontentment. God calls and establishes us to serve Him as He pleases. Where ever God has placed us we are to serve there joyfully as unto the King. Many times we say I can serve over there just as well. Not if God has called you here. He will not leave you alone until we serve where He has placed us with the gifts He has given us to care for His sheep here. That's how a kingdom works.
In Matthew 6 we see Jesus praying for thy Kingdom to come. Thy will to be done. Where has God placed you in His Kingdom? Seek that and you will not be guilty of what we saw Jonah doing as He decided what was best. God always has the last word. He will teach you what you need to know as He places you to serve Him.
In Matthew 6 we see Jesus praying for thy Kingdom to come. Thy will to be done. Where has God placed you in His Kingdom? Seek that and you will not be guilty of what we saw Jonah doing as He decided what was best. God always has the last word. He will teach you what you need to know as He places you to serve Him.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Jonah 1; Matthew 5:27-48
Jonah 1 begins with Jonah getting an assignment from the Lord. Jonah did not accept the message nor did He want to deliver it. He ran and God was not going to accept his response. We then see God's pursuit of His messenger. He ran but He could not hide. Was it coincidental that the sailors cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah? Jonah then got honest and told them about his Lord and accepted responsibility for his actions. The sailors tried not to throw him overboard but the storm only grew worse. "Then they cried to the LORD, "O LORD, please do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O LORD, have done as you pleased." 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him." The sailors then knew and experienced God to the point of making a sacrifice to Him. When we encounter our Lord He always tells us how to respond. Jonah ended up being transported back by a fish. If God has led you to help with an assignment please take your response seriously. If you can see similar things happening in your life ask God what He may be telling you to do. Then He will tell you. You may say "God doesn't give me assignments." Then look back and examine your response was from the last one He gave you. That may explain many things happening in your life now. God will tell you when you ask.
Matthew 5 tells us our hearts our the source of our sin. Then then thoughts materialize into actions. We are not to make foolish oaths but to let our yes be yes and our no's be no. He then says to pray for those who persecute us and to love our enemies..."45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Are our actions consistent of a child of the King? Are they a good testimony to our Lord? Does my response to my neighbor show them a changed heart? We may be the only messenger they get. Do we worry about their response to us more that we do that of our Lord God's? Every one may not accept Christ, but we may be chosen to go so they have heard the Good News.
Matthew 5 tells us our hearts our the source of our sin. Then then thoughts materialize into actions. We are not to make foolish oaths but to let our yes be yes and our no's be no. He then says to pray for those who persecute us and to love our enemies..."45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Are our actions consistent of a child of the King? Are they a good testimony to our Lord? Does my response to my neighbor show them a changed heart? We may be the only messenger they get. Do we worry about their response to us more that we do that of our Lord God's? Every one may not accept Christ, but we may be chosen to go so they have heard the Good News.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Eccles 7-9; Revelation 12
In Ecclesiastes chapter 7 we have some wisdom from the Lord. 5 "It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke than to listen to the song of fools... 8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. 10 Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions. 11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun... 14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future... 20 There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins. 21 Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you- 22 for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others." When we honestly examine our hearts and ask for His help, God will show us the way out of life's challenges.
In chapter 8 we are encouraged not to worry about life's troubles for this will steal our joy. If we can view each day as a gift from God and treasure the provision of eating and drinking in godly fellowship with Him and each other we will begin to discover the joy life brings.
In chapter 9 we see Solomon seeking wisdom and the meaning of life. 17 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. When we seek God He always answers and gives us hope. The hope of the world is Jesus and He wants to comfort us and bring us understanding. Spend time alone with Him today and He will richly bless with peace, comfort and understanding.
In Revelation 12 we get a picture of the spiritual battles that take place in Heaven and earth. The Lord God is willing to fight for us and has been doing that even when we are not aware of it. This battle is the one where Satan went into heaven to try to stop the Lord from coming to earth. When he was defeated he went to earth and searched to destroy Christ as a baby and then pursued Him all of His days on earth. Christ overcame and won the battle for you and me. He loves you and still pursues you to win battles you may be facing now or in the future. Christ overcame and wants to strengthen you and your family for life's challenges and obstacles. We will find victory when we let go and let God fight our battles. Christ is fighting for you even when you do not see Him. He loves you much that He won the battle, overcame suffering and death and is willing to fight to win the battles in your life.
In chapter 8 we are encouraged not to worry about life's troubles for this will steal our joy. If we can view each day as a gift from God and treasure the provision of eating and drinking in godly fellowship with Him and each other we will begin to discover the joy life brings.
In chapter 9 we see Solomon seeking wisdom and the meaning of life. 17 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. When we seek God He always answers and gives us hope. The hope of the world is Jesus and He wants to comfort us and bring us understanding. Spend time alone with Him today and He will richly bless with peace, comfort and understanding.
In Revelation 12 we get a picture of the spiritual battles that take place in Heaven and earth. The Lord God is willing to fight for us and has been doing that even when we are not aware of it. This battle is the one where Satan went into heaven to try to stop the Lord from coming to earth. When he was defeated he went to earth and searched to destroy Christ as a baby and then pursued Him all of His days on earth. Christ overcame and won the battle for you and me. He loves you and still pursues you to win battles you may be facing now or in the future. Christ overcame and wants to strengthen you and your family for life's challenges and obstacles. We will find victory when we let go and let God fight our battles. Christ is fighting for you even when you do not see Him. He loves you much that He won the battle, overcame suffering and death and is willing to fight to win the battles in your life.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Daniel 5-7; Revelation 7
In Daniel 5 King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them. He had taken goblets that his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem. They ate and drank from them while praising the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. Suddenly God sent fingers to write four words on the wall. The king was astonished and was overcome by fear. None of the wisest men of Babylon could interpret these things. The queen remembered Daniel's dedication to God and his gift for interpretation in His father's life. Daniel interpreted truthfully at the risk of the king's wrath. He told him how God humbled his father and he ate grass "until he acknowledged the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone he wishes. 22 "But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. 23 Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven." That night Daniel's words came true and Belshazzar was slain and his kingdom was overthrown. We must acknowledge God's right to place us as He pleases and what He has done. Daniel understood that well as he had been captive in Babylon since he was a boy. Many times we do not want to humble ourselves and give God the rightful place in our lives to place us where He chooses to use us. Daniel continued to thrive in every circumstance as his live became a living testimony of what God does.
In chapter 6 we see Daniel delivered from the mouth of the lions because of jealousy. He was going to be appointed over the whole kingdom. The only charges they could find to bring him down was the law they manipulated in to pray to the king for 30 days. Their sin got them thrown into the lion's den "and before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones." Their sin was not recognizing what God was doing in their life, and not understanding His unlimited authority in placing us where He wants us to serve. Our faithfulness to Him will always pay off as we acknowledge that "His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher that our ways."
In chapter 7 we see Daniel writing down what God is showing Him. We all need to do more of that. He shares His vision for things that have happened are happening and things to come. We see the lion with clipped wings and the heart of a man. This is a Babylonian winged lion and clipping it's wings is a sign of being taken from it's place of power. The human heart represents King Nebuchadnezzar's human condition. Next God shows the future to Daniel. The bear is the Medo-Persian Empire who succeeded the Babylonians. They did much damage during their conquests (devoured much flesh). The leopard represents the Greek empire (Alexander the Great. After His death the Empire was divided into four parts (four heads). The fourth beast is the Roman Empire which would eventually be the strongest of them all. Ten horns represents to them the strength of the Empire. All of these things meant something to those raised in that time - Like an eagle means something to us today. God made it detailed enough for them to understand: like the small horn would remove others and represent a dominant, intelligent (eyes showed them knowledge)they could recognize by his language. More later.
God then reveals Himself as all powerful and majestic with fire (the ability to judge). The wheels could be the the endless activity of God. We the saints ministering to Him and those waiting for His judgment. We see God allowing kingdoms and rulers to raise up for a while and how they would not last. Then we see Jesus coming in the clouds and establishing His Kingdom, one that will never pass away or be destroyed.
In chapter 6 we see Daniel delivered from the mouth of the lions because of jealousy. He was going to be appointed over the whole kingdom. The only charges they could find to bring him down was the law they manipulated in to pray to the king for 30 days. Their sin got them thrown into the lion's den "and before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones." Their sin was not recognizing what God was doing in their life, and not understanding His unlimited authority in placing us where He wants us to serve. Our faithfulness to Him will always pay off as we acknowledge that "His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher that our ways."
In chapter 7 we see Daniel writing down what God is showing Him. We all need to do more of that. He shares His vision for things that have happened are happening and things to come. We see the lion with clipped wings and the heart of a man. This is a Babylonian winged lion and clipping it's wings is a sign of being taken from it's place of power. The human heart represents King Nebuchadnezzar's human condition. Next God shows the future to Daniel. The bear is the Medo-Persian Empire who succeeded the Babylonians. They did much damage during their conquests (devoured much flesh). The leopard represents the Greek empire (Alexander the Great. After His death the Empire was divided into four parts (four heads). The fourth beast is the Roman Empire which would eventually be the strongest of them all. Ten horns represents to them the strength of the Empire. All of these things meant something to those raised in that time - Like an eagle means something to us today. God made it detailed enough for them to understand: like the small horn would remove others and represent a dominant, intelligent (eyes showed them knowledge)they could recognize by his language. More later.
God then reveals Himself as all powerful and majestic with fire (the ability to judge). The wheels could be the the endless activity of God. We the saints ministering to Him and those waiting for His judgment. We see God allowing kingdoms and rulers to raise up for a while and how they would not last. Then we see Jesus coming in the clouds and establishing His Kingdom, one that will never pass away or be destroyed.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
He Is Risen!
Resurrection Day: To Him Who Overcame
In Luke 4:16-22, Jesus came to fulfill the promise of the Father. He had just come to Galilee in the power of the spirit where He had overcome the temptation of Satan. This passage indicates there is window of time for the Lord’s favor. In this case it is referring to a notice of fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. As He quoted scripture, we get a glimpse of who the Messiah was and His mission.
Luke 4:16 He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: (Isaiah 61:1,2) 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him. 21 He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
He had a custom of going to the temple on the Sabbath.
He knew His assignment –
1. To preach the good news. Luke 4:18
2. Proclaim freedom to the prisoners. Mat 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
3. To prophesy truth. John 14:6
4. To be rejected by His own people; the prophecy to the Jews; Isaiah 53:3; The reality of rejection John 1:11; Luke 23:18 … “away with this man, and release to us Barnabas.”
5. To die for us – John 12:27
John 12:22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
John 12:23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies; it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
John 12:25 the man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
John 12:27 “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
John 12:28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
John 12:29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
John 12:30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
John 12:31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
John 12:32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
John 12:33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
John 12:34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, "The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?"
John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.
John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
He understood who He was:
1. Who He was in the father.
a. He was here from the beginning. John 1:1
b. Who being the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be attained. Phil 2:6.
2. His anointing.
3. That He was King
Our need for a savior: Our condition – in need of ransom, to be redeemed, consecrated: 1 Tim 4:5 tells us things considered unclean are consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
1. Helplessness over our mortality - our weaknesses.
2. Need for the father. The need to straighten out our way of thinking, acting and reacting. Mark 16:14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
3. Need for a comforter, for understanding and direction. John 20:22 “And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.”
4. Luke 24:25-26 "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
Luke 24:45 “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”
The urgency of God’s divine invitation: 2nd Corinthians 6
2Co 6:1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
2Co 6:2 For He says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
There is no other way to say how urgent our condition is than to understand the sacrifice.
How long will the time of the Lord’s favor last? John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
What will it cost me to wait? The rich young ruler counted the cost.
Let’s talk about the “dust.” Matt 10:14 “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.”
If you do not serve because of what YOU see YOU are capable of, you will never personally experience what HE sees HE is capable of doing through your life.
Resurrection Day: To Him Who Overcame
In Luke 4:16-22, Jesus came to fulfill the promise of the Father. He had just come to Galilee in the power of the spirit where He had overcome the temptation of Satan. This passage indicates there is window of time for the Lord’s favor. In this case it is referring to a notice of fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. As He quoted scripture, we get a glimpse of who the Messiah was and His mission.
Luke 4:16 He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: (Isaiah 61:1,2) 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him. 21 He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
He had a custom of going to the temple on the Sabbath.
He knew His assignment –
1. To preach the good news. Luke 4:18
2. Proclaim freedom to the prisoners. Mat 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
3. To prophesy truth. John 14:6
4. To be rejected by His own people; the prophecy to the Jews; Isaiah 53:3; The reality of rejection John 1:11; Luke 23:18 … “away with this man, and release to us Barnabas.”
5. To die for us – John 12:27
John 12:22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
John 12:23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies; it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
John 12:25 the man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
John 12:27 “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
John 12:28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
John 12:29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
John 12:30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
John 12:31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
John 12:32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
John 12:33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
John 12:34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, "The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?"
John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.
John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
He understood who He was:
1. Who He was in the father.
a. He was here from the beginning. John 1:1
b. Who being the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be attained. Phil 2:6.
2. His anointing.
3. That He was King
Our need for a savior: Our condition – in need of ransom, to be redeemed, consecrated: 1 Tim 4:5 tells us things considered unclean are consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
1. Helplessness over our mortality - our weaknesses.
2. Need for the father. The need to straighten out our way of thinking, acting and reacting. Mark 16:14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
3. Need for a comforter, for understanding and direction. John 20:22 “And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.”
4. Luke 24:25-26 "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
Luke 24:45 “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”
The urgency of God’s divine invitation: 2nd Corinthians 6
2Co 6:1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
2Co 6:2 For He says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
There is no other way to say how urgent our condition is than to understand the sacrifice.
How long will the time of the Lord’s favor last? John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
What will it cost me to wait? The rich young ruler counted the cost.
Let’s talk about the “dust.” Matt 10:14 “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.”
If you do not serve because of what YOU see YOU are capable of, you will never personally experience what HE sees HE is capable of doing through your life.
Resurrection Day: To Him Who Overcame
In Luke 4:16-22, Jesus came to fulfill the promise of the Father. He had just come to Galilee in the power of the spirit where He had overcome the temptation of Satan. This passage indicates there is window of time for the Lord’s favor. In this case it is referring to a notice of fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. As He quoted scripture, we get a glimpse of who the Messiah was and His mission.
Luke 4:16 He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: (Isaiah 61:1,2) 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him. 21 He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
He had a custom of going to the temple on the Sabbath.
He knew His assignment –
6. To preach the good news. Luke 4:18
7. Proclaim freedom to the prisoners. Mat 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
8. To prophesy truth. John 14:6
9. To be rejected by His own people; the prophecy to the Jews; Isaiah 53:3; The reality of rejection John 1:11; Luke 23:18 … “away with this man, and release to us Barnabas.”
10. To die for us – John 12:27
John 12:22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
John 12:23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies; it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
John 12:25 the man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
John 12:27 “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
John 12:28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
John 12:29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
John 12:30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
John 12:31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
John 12:32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
John 12:33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
John 12:34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, "The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?"
John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.
John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
He understood who He was:
4. Who He was in the father.
a. He was here from the beginning. John 1:1
b. Who being the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be attained. Phil 2:6.
5. His anointing.
6. That He was King
Our need for a savior: Our condition – in need of ransom, to be redeemed, consecrated: 1 Tim 4:5 tells us things considered unclean are consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
5. Helplessness over our mortality - our weaknesses.
6. Need for the father. The need to straighten out our way of thinking, acting and reacting. Mark 16:14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
7. Need for a comforter, for understanding and direction. John 20:22 “And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.”
8. Luke 24:25-26 "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
Luke 24:45 “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”
The urgency of God’s divine invitation: 2nd Corinthians 6
2Co 6:1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
2Co 6:2 For He says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
There is no other way to say how urgent our condition is than to understand the sacrifice.
How long will the time of the Lord’s favor last? John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
What will it cost me to wait? The rich young ruler counted the cost.
Let’s talk about the “dust.” Matt 10:14 “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.”
If you do not serve because of what YOU see YOU are capable of, you will never personally experience what HE sees HE is capable of doing through your life.
Here is a copy of today’s message. I hope this will encourage you if you could not be with us today. Please pray for families to be reunited and for those unspoken requests of extended family members that are caught up in the bondage substance abuse.
Resurrection Day: To Him Who Overcame
In Luke 4:16-22, Jesus came to fulfill the promise of the Father. He had just come to Galilee in the power of the spirit where He had overcome the temptation of Satan. This passage indicates there is window of time for the Lord’s favor. In this case it is referring to a notice of fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. As He quoted scripture, we get a glimpse of who the Messiah was and His mission.
Luke 4:16 He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: (Isaiah 61:1,2) 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him. 21 He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
He had a custom of going to the temple on the Sabbath.
He knew His assignment –
11. To preach the good news. Luke 4:18
12. Proclaim freedom to the prisoners. Mat 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
13. To prophesy truth. John 14:6
14. To be rejected by His own people; the prophecy to the Jews; Isaiah 53:3; The reality of rejection John 1:11; Luke 23:18 … “away with this man, and release to us Barnabas.”
15. To die for us – John 12:27
John 12:22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
John 12:23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies; it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
John 12:25 the man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
John 12:27 “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
John 12:28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
John 12:29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
John 12:30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
John 12:31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
John 12:32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
John 12:33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
John 12:34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, "The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?"
John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.
John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
He understood who He was:
7. Who He was in the father.
a. He was here from the beginning. John 1:1
b. Who being the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be attained. Phil 2:6.
8. His anointing.
9. That He was King
Our need for a savior: Our condition – in need of ransom, to be redeemed, consecrated: 1 Tim 4:5 tells us things considered unclean are consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
9. Helplessness over our mortality - our weaknesses.
10. Need for the father. The need to straighten out our way of thinking, acting and reacting. Mark 16:14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
11. Need for a comforter, for understanding and direction. John 20:22 “And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.”
12. Luke 24:25-26 "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
Luke 24:45 “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”
The urgency of God’s divine invitation: 2nd Corinthians 6
2Co 6:1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
2Co 6:2 For He says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
There is no other way to say how urgent our condition is than to understand the sacrifice.
How long will the time of the Lord’s favor last? John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
What will it cost me to wait? The rich young ruler counted the cost.
Let’s talk about the “dust.” Adrian Rogers says at the Great White Throne Judgment when we say we have not heard the Gospel of Christ, God will shake the dust off a paper and say this is the evidence… this is the dust from the feet of those I sent to bring you the good news. Matt 10:14 “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.” Pastor Phil Cavone shared today that over 190,000 people a week die without knowing Christ (more than 1000 per hour). If you know Him please pray about how God would use you to bring the message as a witness. Your story may be one someone needs to hear.
If you do not serve because of what YOU see YOU are capable of, you will never personally experience what HE sees HE is capable of doing through your life. God has a plan for your life and His plan is to do great things through you as you make Him Lord of your life. It will be the best decision and the most exciting life you will ever live.
In Luke 4:16-22, Jesus came to fulfill the promise of the Father. He had just come to Galilee in the power of the spirit where He had overcome the temptation of Satan. This passage indicates there is window of time for the Lord’s favor. In this case it is referring to a notice of fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. As He quoted scripture, we get a glimpse of who the Messiah was and His mission.
Luke 4:16 He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: (Isaiah 61:1,2) 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him. 21 He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
He had a custom of going to the temple on the Sabbath.
He knew His assignment –
1. To preach the good news. Luke 4:18
2. Proclaim freedom to the prisoners. Mat 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
3. To prophesy truth. John 14:6
4. To be rejected by His own people; the prophecy to the Jews; Isaiah 53:3; The reality of rejection John 1:11; Luke 23:18 … “away with this man, and release to us Barnabas.”
5. To die for us – John 12:27
John 12:22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
John 12:23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies; it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
John 12:25 the man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
John 12:27 “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
John 12:28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
John 12:29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
John 12:30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
John 12:31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
John 12:32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
John 12:33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
John 12:34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, "The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?"
John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.
John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
He understood who He was:
1. Who He was in the father.
a. He was here from the beginning. John 1:1
b. Who being the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be attained. Phil 2:6.
2. His anointing.
3. That He was King
Our need for a savior: Our condition – in need of ransom, to be redeemed, consecrated: 1 Tim 4:5 tells us things considered unclean are consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
1. Helplessness over our mortality - our weaknesses.
2. Need for the father. The need to straighten out our way of thinking, acting and reacting. Mark 16:14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
3. Need for a comforter, for understanding and direction. John 20:22 “And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.”
4. Luke 24:25-26 "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
Luke 24:45 “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”
The urgency of God’s divine invitation: 2nd Corinthians 6
2Co 6:1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
2Co 6:2 For He says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
There is no other way to say how urgent our condition is than to understand the sacrifice.
How long will the time of the Lord’s favor last? John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
What will it cost me to wait? The rich young ruler counted the cost.
Let’s talk about the “dust.” Matt 10:14 “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.”
If you do not serve because of what YOU see YOU are capable of, you will never personally experience what HE sees HE is capable of doing through your life.
Resurrection Day: To Him Who Overcame
In Luke 4:16-22, Jesus came to fulfill the promise of the Father. He had just come to Galilee in the power of the spirit where He had overcome the temptation of Satan. This passage indicates there is window of time for the Lord’s favor. In this case it is referring to a notice of fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. As He quoted scripture, we get a glimpse of who the Messiah was and His mission.
Luke 4:16 He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: (Isaiah 61:1,2) 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him. 21 He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
He had a custom of going to the temple on the Sabbath.
He knew His assignment –
1. To preach the good news. Luke 4:18
2. Proclaim freedom to the prisoners. Mat 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
3. To prophesy truth. John 14:6
4. To be rejected by His own people; the prophecy to the Jews; Isaiah 53:3; The reality of rejection John 1:11; Luke 23:18 … “away with this man, and release to us Barnabas.”
5. To die for us – John 12:27
John 12:22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
John 12:23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies; it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
John 12:25 the man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
John 12:27 “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
John 12:28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
John 12:29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
John 12:30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
John 12:31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
John 12:32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
John 12:33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
John 12:34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, "The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?"
John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.
John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
He understood who He was:
1. Who He was in the father.
a. He was here from the beginning. John 1:1
b. Who being the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be attained. Phil 2:6.
2. His anointing.
3. That He was King
Our need for a savior: Our condition – in need of ransom, to be redeemed, consecrated: 1 Tim 4:5 tells us things considered unclean are consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
1. Helplessness over our mortality - our weaknesses.
2. Need for the father. The need to straighten out our way of thinking, acting and reacting. Mark 16:14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
3. Need for a comforter, for understanding and direction. John 20:22 “And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.”
4. Luke 24:25-26 "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
Luke 24:45 “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”
The urgency of God’s divine invitation: 2nd Corinthians 6
2Co 6:1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
2Co 6:2 For He says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
There is no other way to say how urgent our condition is than to understand the sacrifice.
How long will the time of the Lord’s favor last? John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
What will it cost me to wait? The rich young ruler counted the cost.
Let’s talk about the “dust.” Matt 10:14 “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.”
If you do not serve because of what YOU see YOU are capable of, you will never personally experience what HE sees HE is capable of doing through your life.
Resurrection Day: To Him Who Overcame
In Luke 4:16-22, Jesus came to fulfill the promise of the Father. He had just come to Galilee in the power of the spirit where He had overcome the temptation of Satan. This passage indicates there is window of time for the Lord’s favor. In this case it is referring to a notice of fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. As He quoted scripture, we get a glimpse of who the Messiah was and His mission.
Luke 4:16 He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: (Isaiah 61:1,2) 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him. 21 He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
He had a custom of going to the temple on the Sabbath.
He knew His assignment –
6. To preach the good news. Luke 4:18
7. Proclaim freedom to the prisoners. Mat 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
8. To prophesy truth. John 14:6
9. To be rejected by His own people; the prophecy to the Jews; Isaiah 53:3; The reality of rejection John 1:11; Luke 23:18 … “away with this man, and release to us Barnabas.”
10. To die for us – John 12:27
John 12:22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
John 12:23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies; it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
John 12:25 the man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
John 12:27 “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
John 12:28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
John 12:29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
John 12:30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
John 12:31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
John 12:32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
John 12:33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
John 12:34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, "The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?"
John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.
John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
He understood who He was:
4. Who He was in the father.
a. He was here from the beginning. John 1:1
b. Who being the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be attained. Phil 2:6.
5. His anointing.
6. That He was King
Our need for a savior: Our condition – in need of ransom, to be redeemed, consecrated: 1 Tim 4:5 tells us things considered unclean are consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
5. Helplessness over our mortality - our weaknesses.
6. Need for the father. The need to straighten out our way of thinking, acting and reacting. Mark 16:14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
7. Need for a comforter, for understanding and direction. John 20:22 “And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.”
8. Luke 24:25-26 "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
Luke 24:45 “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”
The urgency of God’s divine invitation: 2nd Corinthians 6
2Co 6:1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
2Co 6:2 For He says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
There is no other way to say how urgent our condition is than to understand the sacrifice.
How long will the time of the Lord’s favor last? John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
What will it cost me to wait? The rich young ruler counted the cost.
Let’s talk about the “dust.” Matt 10:14 “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.”
If you do not serve because of what YOU see YOU are capable of, you will never personally experience what HE sees HE is capable of doing through your life.
Here is a copy of today’s message. I hope this will encourage you if you could not be with us today. Please pray for families to be reunited and for those unspoken requests of extended family members that are caught up in the bondage substance abuse.
Resurrection Day: To Him Who Overcame
In Luke 4:16-22, Jesus came to fulfill the promise of the Father. He had just come to Galilee in the power of the spirit where He had overcome the temptation of Satan. This passage indicates there is window of time for the Lord’s favor. In this case it is referring to a notice of fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. As He quoted scripture, we get a glimpse of who the Messiah was and His mission.
Luke 4:16 He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: (Isaiah 61:1,2) 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him. 21 He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
He had a custom of going to the temple on the Sabbath.
He knew His assignment –
11. To preach the good news. Luke 4:18
12. Proclaim freedom to the prisoners. Mat 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
13. To prophesy truth. John 14:6
14. To be rejected by His own people; the prophecy to the Jews; Isaiah 53:3; The reality of rejection John 1:11; Luke 23:18 … “away with this man, and release to us Barnabas.”
15. To die for us – John 12:27
John 12:22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
John 12:23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies; it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
John 12:25 the man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
John 12:27 “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
John 12:28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
John 12:29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
John 12:30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
John 12:31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
John 12:32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
John 12:33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
John 12:34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, "The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?"
John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.
John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
He understood who He was:
7. Who He was in the father.
a. He was here from the beginning. John 1:1
b. Who being the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be attained. Phil 2:6.
8. His anointing.
9. That He was King
Our need for a savior: Our condition – in need of ransom, to be redeemed, consecrated: 1 Tim 4:5 tells us things considered unclean are consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
9. Helplessness over our mortality - our weaknesses.
10. Need for the father. The need to straighten out our way of thinking, acting and reacting. Mark 16:14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
11. Need for a comforter, for understanding and direction. John 20:22 “And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.”
12. Luke 24:25-26 "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
Luke 24:45 “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”
The urgency of God’s divine invitation: 2nd Corinthians 6
2Co 6:1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
2Co 6:2 For He says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
There is no other way to say how urgent our condition is than to understand the sacrifice.
How long will the time of the Lord’s favor last? John 12:36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
What will it cost me to wait? The rich young ruler counted the cost.
Let’s talk about the “dust.” Adrian Rogers says at the Great White Throne Judgment when we say we have not heard the Gospel of Christ, God will shake the dust off a paper and say this is the evidence… this is the dust from the feet of those I sent to bring you the good news. Matt 10:14 “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.” Pastor Phil Cavone shared today that over 190,000 people a week die without knowing Christ (more than 1000 per hour). If you know Him please pray about how God would use you to bring the message as a witness. Your story may be one someone needs to hear.
If you do not serve because of what YOU see YOU are capable of, you will never personally experience what HE sees HE is capable of doing through your life. God has a plan for your life and His plan is to do great things through you as you make Him Lord of your life. It will be the best decision and the most exciting life you will ever live.
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