Scripture: 1 Samuel 16.

There are many Biblical characters of faith in the Bible, but none with as many Old Testament chapters devoted to them as David.

Abraham – 14 Chapters
Joseph – 14 chapters
Jacob – 11 chapters
Elijah – 10 chapters
David – 66 chapters (and this does NOT include the Psalms written by him!)

Our story takes place around the year 1025 BC. We read in 1 Samuel 13:14 that God is going to replace the Israelite’s first king, King Saul.  In 1 Samuel 13:14 we read about Elijah telling Saul the following, “But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” 

In 1 Samuel 16:1 “The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”

So Samuel sets out for Jesse’s home with oil to anoint the next king of Israel.  Samuel arrives at Jesse’s home and sees Eliab, Jesse’s oldest son, and this is the one he thinks is to be anointed but God has other plans.  We read in this verse, one of the most important verses about God’s heart, 1 Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

The world looks at a person’s job, wealth, good looks, accomplishments, status, possessions, BUT God looks at the heart of a person. Seven of Jesse’s sons come to Samuel but he tells each that they have not been chosen.  Then Samuel asks Jesse if there are any other sons – Jesse says there’s one left in the fields with the sheep.  The smallest, least likely of choices, but Samuel has him sent for.  David is found, tending sheep and is then brought before Samuel ho acknowledges him as the Lord’s choice, and Samuel anoints David to be the next king of Israel. Today’s verses tell us that from that time on, the Spirit of the Lord was upon David. 

What is it about David’s heart that stands out? How did David reflect God’s heart?

David’s Heart
    ⁃    Faith-filled heart – had a heart filled with faith in God. David wrote Psalm 23 – this psalm opens with :The Lord is my shepherd, I have all that I need.” David knew he could depend on God, that God cared for him and so David trusted God. David walked by faith.
    ⁃    Humble heart – David wrote Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” David realized he needed God, relied on the grace of God, wanted God to mold and shape him, wanted God to draw him ever closer to Himself. David not only lived by faith, he walked in humility.
    ⁃    Honest heart – In Psalm 78:72 we read the following, “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” Not that he was sinless, he was not, but he was honest and had integrity and lead his people that way.

We too are called 
To walk by faith
To be humble before God
To be honest and to have integrity

Like David we are to have a heart after God’s own heart.

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart

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Check out this episode!

Up To Jerusalem – Teaching 20
Scripture: John 20:24-31, John 21:1-15, Matthew 28:16-20, 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, Acts 1:3-14.

Today is the final teaching on part four of five of our Two Year Gospel Study. Pastor takes us on an adventure examining the last appearances of Jesus during His final forty days on earth after His resurrection.

Pastor begins with the story of Thomas and shares interesting insights into Thomas’ faith, along with sharing the special story of Jesus proving He is alive to Thomas. It’s a story that shows the depth of Thomas’ faith: “My Lord and my God!” Thomas realizes fully who Jesus is. Pastor delves into the depth of meaning in Thomas words in light of the Hebrew language.

John uses Jesus’ visit to the disciples at the Sea of Galilee to share a powerful fish story. The disciples had been out all night fishing and caught nothing. That morning, Jesus is standing on shore, though they did not recognize Him.  Jesus encourages them to throw out their net and when they did their net filled to overflowing. At this point they recognized Jesus! “It’s the Lord!” 

Jesus had built a fire on the shore and invited them to breakfast. The Greek word used for this fire means a “coal fire.” It’s a word not normally used for a fire, but there’s something to learn from the choice of it here in this story.

The only other time that “coal fire” appears in the New Testament is on the night of Jesus’ betrayal when Peter was standing by the “coal fire” and denied knowing Jesus three times. This is “coal fire” is not accidental, it is intentional and Jesus is being very deliberate. We are encouraged to understand that in confronting the painful – God heals us. And Jesus proceeds to ask Peter three times if he loves Him. This breakfast is a gracious portrayal of how much our God loves us. His desire is to restore.

Peter’s restoration is happening and in the future Peter would stand firm and testify to knowing Jesus. Jesus tells Peter to take care of His flock. (Believers)

Pastor shares several other appearances of Jesus including Matthew 28 where Jesus speaks the “Great Commission” to reach all nations and all people with The Good News.

Pastor concludes with an overview of several observations:
    ⁃    First eyewitnesses
    ⁃    Earliest objections
    ⁃    Alternate explanations
    ⁃    Ultimate price

This is the concluding teaching on this fourth part (of 5) of our full Two Year Gospel Study.

Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com

Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper

Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus’ ministry the earth, concluding with His resurrection and ascension, using the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with material from ancient sources and recent discoveries. Up to Jerusalem is part five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Up To Jerusalem is the story of the plan of God to redeem the world, and the story of a Savior willing to obey the Father’s plan. As we study Jesus’ final days, we will be impacted as we discover the Love of God for each one of us. 

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time.

Check out this episode!

Scripture: Acts 2:41-42.

What we see in today’s Scripture is that believers “practiced” living out their faith by doing. Not with head knowledge of “HOW to do things,” but by simply “DOING things.” Today’s verses tell us they devoted themselves NOT to the “How,” but rather to the “Doing.”

Today verses say:

Acts 2:41-42 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

They not only DID these things, they “devoted” themselves to doing them. They practiced them.

Practice definition – noun:
    1.    The actual application of use of an idea, belief, or method as opposed to theories relating to it.
    2.    The customary, habitual or expected procedure of way of doing of something.

Pastor shares a great basketball example to help us understand the difference between “how to do things” and “doing things.” And in his example we will see that doing requires practice!

Let’s examine verse 42.
    1.    Devoted themselves to the apostles teaching – the Greek word used for “devoting” actually is more accurately translated as “continually devoting” themselves to what they had been taught about the Gospel message of Jesus. We are to hold onto the right teachings and truth and practice living them. The application for us for “being devoted to the apostles teaching” is through:
    ⁃    Regular study of God’s Word
    ⁃    Solid biblical teaching
    ⁃    Christ-centered, Spirit-lead
    2.    Devoted themselves to fellowship – time with others that believed. Fellowship has several meanings, all which apply. It can mean communion both in having communion with the Holy Spirit and communion with the body and blood of Jesus. It can also refer to participation in sharing with others, being generous. The application for us for “being devoted to fellowship” is through:
    ⁃    Large and small groups
    ⁃    Christian friends and mentors
    ⁃    Generous life style
    3.    Devoted themselves to the breaking of bread which is they had meals together for sharing their faith both privately and publicly. They went to temple (large groups) and to small home groups along with doing the Lord’s Supper together. The application for us for “being devoted to breaking of bread” is by:
    ⁃    Christian fellowship at mealtime
    ⁃    Faith talk at meals
    ⁃    Lord’s Supper
    4.    Devoted themselves to prayer by following the morning and evening prayer times, formal times of prayer, but also informal prayer times in home gatherings and other places both public and private. The application for us for “being devoted to prayer” is by:
    5.    Having a personal prayer life – God desires we talk to Him
    6.    Prayer partners – people we pray with
    7.    Public prayer and worship 

We too are called to practice, not just understand what the Bible says about the Christian faith but DOING what the Bible says about the Christian faith

Questions – Am I aware of what God is saying? Am I growing in the apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer? Am I putting these into practice?  Do I understand AND apply this verse? Do I understand what I am to do and do I do it?

God is calling us to act on – to practice – the application of what we saw in today’s verse.

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out this video series from our website: 
https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10

Join us Sundays 
https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Check out this episode!

Up To Jerusalem – Teaching 19
Scripture: Matthew 28:9-10, 1 Corinthians 15:5, Luke 24:13-49, John 20:19-23

Today we continue with our look at the events of the day of Jesus’ resurrection and those who saw Him that day. 

Pastor talks about the Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and that their stories were written as eye witnesses .  These are the accounts of people who were there.

Last class we looked at those who had seen Jesus first that morning, it was the women who came to the tomb and saw Him, but the first of His disciples to see Him was Peter – the one who had denied knowing Jesus 3 times during His arrest and trial. Consider the emotions that had to be going on in Peter’s head and heart since his denial of Jesus and now he’s face to face, one on one with Him. (1 Corinthains 15:5) What was this meeting like….very personal…

Then Jesus meet s2 men on the Road to Emmaus, family members, but they didn’t recognize Him. They tell Him all about the events of the women and that they didn’t know what to think of it all. They were doubtful about the truth of what they had heard and Jesus says, “How foolish you are and how slow you are in believing all the prophets have spoken.” And then He explains to them what was said in all the scriptures concerning Himself.  A crash course in biblical truth! That had to be an amazing conversation!

At dinner with them, Jesus breaks the bread and gives thanks and suddenly they realize that the man they’ve been with is the risen Jesus! And then He vanishes. The men run back to Jerusalem to where the disciples and others are staying to tell them that Jesus is indeed risen. As they begin to share their story suddenly Jesus is there with them and says, “Peace be with you.” 

Jesus startles the group and some think they are seeing a ghost, and so Jesus encourages them to touch Him and then He asks for something to eat. Yet some still were struggling to believe what they were seeing and then Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures.

Jesus goes on to share the “cliff notes” of the Hebrew Scriptures to them:
    ⁃    Messiah will suffer
    ⁃    Messiah will rise from the dead on the third day
    ⁃    Repentance for the forgiveness of sin will be preached in His Name
    ⁃    Preached to all nations
    ⁃    Beginning at Jerusalem
The resurrection of Jesus is a call to repentance for the forgiveness of sins, to repent and believe the Good News.

This message is for us today. A message we are to respond to. Not with half-hearted intellectual belief. This is about a lifetime commitment and coming to grips with the Living God who gave His only Son for us, raised Him from the grave and who will come back as ruler of all – Jesus. Jesus calls us to repentance and to believe the Good News of who He is. 

We can see we are sinners and need a Savior and Jesus calls us to repent = change of mind and change of direction (a U-turn). How we live is a response to knowing we have a Savior and wanting to live for Him because God loved me so much He gave His only Son die for my sins, and so then I want my life to give glory to Him.

Repent and believe is not a popular message in the American church today – It’s not a message people want to hear. We tend to prefer that God approve of what we do rather than us to approve what God says. And what God says is what Jesus speaks. And He calls us to repent for the forgiveness of sin and proclaim that to all the world!

Then Jesus tells them they are witnesses to these things. We are witnesses too. We can all share how Jesus has changed our lives.

Then Jesus tells them that the Holy Spirit is coming. The resurrection of Jesus ushers in a new way of God dwelling with His people. They are told to wait there until they receive what God has promised to give them. The Holy Spirit – whom the Father had promised.

Resurrection Day is the most remarkable day in history. A glorious day!  Jesus continues to open peoples minds to the scriptures today and continues to draw us to Himself.  And the Holy Spirit continues to be poured out!

Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com

Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper

Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus’ ministry on earth, concluding with His resurrection and ascension, using the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with material from ancient sources and recent discoveries. Up to Jerusalem is part five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Up To Jerusalem is the story of the plan of God to redeem the world, and the story of a Savior willing to obey the Father’s plan. As we study Jesus’ final days, we will be impacted as we discover the Love of God for each one of us. 

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time.

Check out this episode!

Scripture: Acts 2;22-41

Pastor continues our study of Pentecost with a look at part two of Peter’s sermon as shared in Acts 2 on that first Pentecost.

The Bible account of this story tells us that “Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

So let’s dig into what Peter said that pierced their hearts, into what the Holy Spirit was doing and into their response.  Then, let’s see what we can learn.

In part one of Peter’s sermon in Acts 2, he shared the story of Jesus’ incarnation – of God coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. As we pick up with the rest of this sermon, Peter is talking about how Jesus is the Promised One that fulfills God’s promises made in the Old Testament. Then Peter tells them of Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion and states that they are the ones who crucified Jesus.

As we consider this accusation, we ask who did put Jesus on the cross? Was it the Roman rulers who ran the Jesus trial? The soldiers that beat, whipped and nail Him to the cross? Was it the religious zealots that wanted Jesus stopped? Who put Jesus on the cross.  The Bible tells us that “everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Meaning we all need a Savior Jesus died for our sins.  WHO put Him on the cross? WE put Him on the cross. 

Peter goes on with the good news of Jesus’ resurrection from the grave and that death could not hold Him quoting King David, “‘…My body rests in hope. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave….'” Acts 2:26b-27. Peter shares that this prophetic word from David was about Jesus who is the Messiah they have been awaiting.

Peter tells them that after Jesus’ resurrection He ascended to God’s right hand and that the Holy Spirit was released just as Jesus had promised and tells them that is what they are witnessing this very day.

Then the high point of the message is reached in verse 36, “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” Jesus is the Chosen One, the Savior!

In the next verse we see their response to hearing Peter’s words.  It is the verse we started with today, “Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 

Their response was their hearts are pierced, cut to the heart by what Peter said, heart-broken, filled with sorrow, convicted. Having their hearts pierced, led them to see Jesus’ story as personal and made them want to change so they say, “What shall we do?”

Accepting Jesus as our Lord, our Savior, our Messiah requires a response. What He’s done for each of us is personal and it requires a personal response.

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Peter’s message is one of the most important ever taught. 
    ⁃    Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophesied Messiah
    ⁃    Repentance is recognizing that, “I’m a sinner. I need a Savior.” It is a change of heart and a change of mind.
    ⁃    Baptism in Jesus’ name for the forgiveness of sin.
    ⁃    Holy Spirit – Jesus desires to pour the Holy Spirit out into us today and everyday!

Peter’s sermon brought thousands of people to faith in who Jesus is, to repentance, and to baptism.

If you have walked away from Jesus or if you have not come to faith in Jesus, our prayer is that Peter’s message pierces your heart and brings you to faith in Jesus your Savior and Messiah!

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out this video series from our website: 
https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10

Join us Sundays 
https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Check out this episode!

Up To Jerusalem – Teaching 18
Scripture: Zechariah 12:10, John 19:31-42, Matthew 27:3-10, Acts 1:18-19, Matthew 28:1-4, Mark 16:1-4, Luke 24:1-10, John 20:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:20.

Today we look at Jesus’ resurrection. 

Jesus dies on a Friday and this particular Friday was Friday, the Day of Preparation – the day of preparing the lambs for a special Saturday Sabbath, the First Sabbath of Passover. 

Following Saturday, the First Sabbath of Passover was Sunday, and this particular Sunday was also a special day as well, it was the Day of First Fruits.  Jesus would rise on this day, from the grave, and on that day He would rise as the first fruits of those who rise from the dead. “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of those who slept.” 1 Cor 15:20.

Back to our story, John tells us that Jesus’ legs were not broken – something done by Roman soldiers to insure death, but they pierced His side with a spear. This fulfills scripture, “They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son.” Zech 12:10.

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus wrapped Jesus’ body in linen and spices and laid Him in a new tomb. Jesus’ followers are in deep grief.

The next morning, Saturday, the First Sabbath of Passover, chief priests and pharisees go to Pilate to ask for Jesus’ tomb to be made secure because Jesus had said He would rise after 3 days, and the chief priests and pharisees want to stop anyone from stealing the body and making it look like Jesus did rise from the dead.  They seal the tomb and place guard at it.

Then the next day – Sunday – the Day of First Fruits – is Jesus’ resurrection day! Pastor puts together the 4 gospel accounts of the women that came to the tomb that morning. While it appears they are in conflict Pastor lays things out using a map of Jerusalem and suggests those with further interest to read the book “Easter Enigma: Are the Resurrection Accounts in Conflict” by John Wenham.

Pastor shares historical information of the time period that supports the biblical narrative, even sharing recent archaeological information regarding the possible location of Jesus’ tomb.

Using all four gospels, Pastor takes us through who these women were and their early morning activities of visiting the tomb and putting forth the order of the morning events.

As we continue with the story, we read there was another violent earthquake and angels came down from heaven, scare the guards and then roll the stone from the sealed tomb. Now the women enter the tomb to find it empty. Mary Magdalene decides to run and let the disciples know what they found.

The other women ask the angels where they have put Jesus’ body and they tell them He’s not there as He has risen just as He said He would. 

At this point Peter and other disciples head for the tomb. Inside they see the strips of linen and the cloth around Jesus’ head lying there and head back to where they were staying. 

Mary Magdelene is back at the tomb and is the first to see and speak to Jesus. She’s outside the tomb crying and looks inside to see 2 angels seated where Jesus’ body had been – one at the head the other at the feet.

Pastor shares insight into the similarity of the two angels sitting as they were where Jesus had been and the Ark of the Covenant in the holy of Holies. A fascinating comparison.

The angels ask Mary why she is crying and she replies that they have take her Lord. She turns around and there is Jesus!  Though she doesn’t yet recognize Him. Jesus asks her as the angels had about why she was crying. Looking at Jesus, who she thought was the gardener, she says, “They have taken Jesus, do you know where they have taken Him?”

Then Jesus says, “Mary.” And she immediately recognized Him! She cries out in joy and Jesus tells her, “Go to my brothers, tell them I’m ascending to my Father and your Father, to My God and your God, and tell them what you have seen!”

This is only the morning’s events!  Join us next time for the rest of all that happened that Resurrection Sunday!

Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com

Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper

Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus’ ministry. The earth shakes, concluding with His resurrection and ascension, using the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with material from ancient sources and recent discoveries. Up to Jerusalem is part five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Up To Jerusalem is the story of the plan of God to redeem the world, and the story of a Savior willing to obey the Father’s plan. As we study Jesus’ final days, we will be impacted as we discover the Love of God for each one of us. 

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time.

Check out this episode!

Scripture: Acts 2;1-21, Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:1-4, 2 Peter 3.

Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian church, but it’s even more than that.  Join us as we explore the story of the first Pentecost and specifically focus in on Acts 2;17 “‘In the LAST DAYS,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people.'”

The New Testament makes it clear that these are the last days – with the coming of Jesus in the flesh, His ministry, His death and resurrection, His ascension and Pentecost a new era has begun. Beginning then we have entered into the Last Days of what we know of planet earth.  Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.” 2 Timothy 3:1 says, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”  2 Peter 3:3 “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.”

The “last days” are also in the Old Testament and they were:
Israel’s Hope (The day they were longing for)
Numbers 11:23
Ezekiel 36:26
Hosea 3;5
Micah 4:1
Jeremiah 31:31-34

What the Old Testament pointed to is now being fulfilled in the New Testament.  God’s intent and plan has been there all along!

Applications
    ⁃    These are the Last Days! God is fulfilling his plan – not a cause of panic – God is faithful – we are to take Him seriously – these are exciting times – dangerous many times – difficult, yes – these last days are days that change our world view.
    ⁃    Holy Spirit is outpoured and that outpouring continues. Holy Spirit yearns to fill us to overflowing so that we walk and pray in the Spirit – Holy Spirit points us to Jesus, the Spirit convicts, guides, leads and directs our lives.
    ⁃    The New Covenant is here. The law shows us God’s will but it doesn’t save because we are all sinners. The New Covenant is about the grace of God in Jesus Christ – God paid the price of the penalty for our sin at the cross.
    ⁃    Heed God’s Holy Spirit. Seek the Holy Spirit – do what He says – Keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit – we need the Holy Spirit to live the Christian life and to grow in faith.
    ⁃    Be Prepared – Be Awake!  We are to be ready, on guard and awake!
    ⁃    Awake to:
    ⁃    What God has done
    ⁃    What God’s word has declared
    ⁃    The truth that the Last Days are here
    ⁃    The reality of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling
    ⁃    Awake and prepared for what is ahead.

We need what only God can provide:
    ⁃    Divine Wisdom
    ⁃    Divine understanding
    ⁃    His truth
    ⁃    Strength for today
    ⁃    Power for tomorrow
    ⁃    Assurance of life forever through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Everything we do is to revolve around the goodness, grace, mercy, presence, love and forgiveness of God because He changes everything!

Pentecost is not just the birth day of the Christian church it is the culmination of all God had promised His Old Covenant people for centuries and that is fulfilled in Christ Jesus and His return.

We are in the Last Days – but THE Last Day is coming – as is the age to come that is forever with Him!

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out this video series from our website: 
https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10

Join us Sundays 
https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Check out this episode!

Up To Jerusalem – Teaching 17
Scripture: Luke 23:26-34, Mark 15:21, Hosea 10:8, John 19:19-27, Mark 15:29-32, Luke 23:39-43, Matthew 27:45-49, Psalm 22, John 19:28-30., Luke 23:46, Psalm 31:5, Matthew 27:50-54.

Today we take a look at a moving, powerful and emotionally packed teaching on the subject of Jesus’ crucifixion.  We will explore the accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion using all four gospels as each gives us unique details and special insights.

Jesus’ crucifixion was painful, prolonged, humiliating and demeaning, but the four gospel writers do not dwell on the sufferings of Jesus. What they dwell on is what He won for us and what He offers to each of us.

Our story opens with Jesus’ walk to Golgotha (Hebrew word – translates to “Place of the Skull” – Calvary – is the Latin word for ‘Place of the Skull.”)

As Jesus was brutally beaten, tortured and whipped He is exhausted, weak, in great pain and unable to carry His cross to Golgotha, so Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry Jesus’ cross.

Jesus’ first words from the cross were “Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing.” A display of His love even from the cross, even in extreme suffering and incredible pain, He cries out on behalf of others. Don’t ever doubt God’s love. No matter how we’ve fallen, our God loves us dearly! The enemy likes to make us think that God is the bad guy, but the truth is – if you want to know what God is like and want to know how He feels about you, then all you have to do is look at Jesus, the One who is the visible image of the invisible God – and He says, Father, forgive them.” He offers mercy to all of us – we all are sinners and we all need a Savior and that’s who Jesus is!

Our story continues with Pilate making a sign in 3 languages: Hebrew, Latin and Greek. The sign says, “King of the Jews.” The way Romans announced the crime for which the individual was being executed was to post it over their heads on their cross. When Pilate had the sign placed above Jesus’ head the Chief Priests became upset. Pastor takes time to dig into some truly interesting insights into why the sign made them so angry.

The next words Jesus says are to His mother and the disciple next to her at the foot of His cross. He says, “Woman, here is your son.” And to the disciple He says, “Here is your mother.” Jesus’ second set of words from the cross were again for others and of showing his deep love and concern for His mother.

Jesus was crucified between two criminals, one of them joins the crowd in mocking Jesus. The one not joining the crowd says to the one that was, “Don’t you fear God? This man has done nothing wrong,..” Then turning to Jesus he says, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus replies, “I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”

This criminal displays great faith in asking, Jesus, who is beaten, brutalized and nailed to a cross, “Remember me!” This man saw what is unseen – He saw into heaven. He saw what is true.  Again Jesus’ words are for others, these comforting words of promise given this man hanging on the cross next to Him. The promise is for all those who believe in Him, that we will be with Him and we will see His kingdom in all its glory and fulfillment.

As we continue with the story, darkness came over the land in the middle of the day and Jesus cries out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Jesus endured the judgement of God for us – He became sin for us.

Pastor talks about these very words of being forsaken having been written in Psalm 22, 1000 years earlier, and they were words that every Jew was familiar with. Pastor shares how that would have impacted those around Him hearing Him say these words – they were a testimony to who Jesus is!

Then Jesus says, “I am thirsty.” And He is offered wine vinegar on a sponge on the end of a hyssop stalk. Pastor shares insight into this prophetic action of using the hyssop stalk being lifted to Jesus to drink from. 

When Jesus had the drink, He said, “It is finished.” Meaning PAID IN FULL. The debt for sin was paid. The price for our salvation has been paid in full. Jesus drank the cup of the wrath of God, He is the sacrificial victim – the Real Passover Lamb, who offered up His blood for us all and His blood covers our sin. And then Jesus’ speaks, “Father, into Your hand I commit My Spirit.” And He dies.
    ⁃    The price is paid
    ⁃    The battle is won
    ⁃    The victory is assured

At Jesus’ last words the curtain of the Temple is torn in two.
Why?…

This was a massive curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies where a High Priest went once a year before God making atonement for the sins of the people.

Now all of a sudden people, not just the High Priests can look into the Holy of Holies and have access to the Living God. God dealt with human sin in the very Person of His own Son. The curtain is now open and the way to the Father is exposed – all are given access into the place where only a High Priest could go because Jesus open it through His sacrifice on the cross.

Our time together ends with the words of the centurion guarding Jesus on the cross as the day turned dark, as the curtain tore, as the earth shook, rocks split and people walked out of tombs, the centurion exclaims, “Surely, He was the Son of God!”

What a shocking day this was!  This was the day the Savior gave His life for all! And it changed everything because now – He offers life to all who believe in Him.

Join us next time as we discover that Jesus is our Victor!

Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com

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Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus’ ministry. The earth shakes concluding with His resurrection and ascension, using the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with material from ancient sources and recent discoveries. Up to Jerusalem is part five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. Up To Jerusalem is the story of the plan of God to redeem the world, and the story of a Savior willing to obey the Father’s plan. As we study Jesus’ final days, we will be impacted as we discover the Love of God for each one of us. 

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time.

Check out this episode!