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

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: Psalm 145:13b, Acts 1:3, Acts 1:4-12, Ephesians 5:18, Matthew 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

How many promises are in the Bible? The number given by many different individuals and groups ranges from many hundreds to many thousands.  We will settle on saying there are “lots and lots!”

Today, we take a look at several more of Jesus’ appearances after His resurrection and explore three specific promises found in Acts 1 that are applicable to any believer’s life.

Promise #1: Holy Spirit
Promise #2: Witnesses
Promise #3: Second Coming

Applications
    ⁃    Holy Spirit – given to all who believe. Ephesians 5:18 says, “keep on being filled with the Spirit of God.”  Listen to Him and seek His guidance.
    ⁃    Witnesses – disciples of Christ. Matthew 5:16 tells us to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our witness flows from our faith in Jesus. We bear witness to Jesus with our actions and words (not to earn salvation, as it is a free gift through faith, but rather it flows from us in thanks for the gift of salvation.) We are called to be His witnesses in the world today
    ⁃    Jesus’ second coming – a source of comfort and peace in the midst of a crazy world. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 assures of we will be raised to life forever with Christ.

Our salvation was won at the cross
Our salvation was guaranteed at the empty tomb
Our salvation is secured because Jesus is coming back!

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!

2 Year Gospel Study – week 74 (Friday, 05-30-25)

Up To Jerusalem – Teaching 16
Scripture: John 18:28-32, Mark 15:2-5, John 18:33-38, Luke 23:4-16, Matthew 27:15-26 John 19:1-16

Pastor explores Jesus’ trial using all 4 gospels and proposing a possible timeline that tells the story with new insight. Also, throughout today’s teaching he shares interesting and important historical information and relationship information between the players in this day’s events that brings greater insight and understanding to this story of Jesus’ trial. 

We tend to look at the story of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion as a story we are familiar with — the old, old story of Jesus and His love…. But today Pastor will bring a freshness that will make it new as we look at the unique things each of the Gospels’ authors has to say about the events that led up to Jesus’ crucifixion. Pastor will use all four gospels, combining them together in a dramatic picture of the day’s event.

We pick up the story of Jesus’ trial with Him leaving Caiaphas the High Priest’s home and going before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate.  It is the continuation of the story of the day we call Good Friday.

Pastor shares pictures from a past trip to Jerusalem that show the possible place of Jesus’ public trial. 

Once everyone is in the courtyard, Pilate makes this a legal Roman trial by asking “what charges are you bringing against this man?” But the high priests and their associates didn’t want a full Roman trial – they simply wanted the Roman Governor to give them permission to execute Jesus. (At this time in Roman history permission was necessary for the Sanhedrin to be allowed to execute an individual) Pilate didn’t give them that permission, instead now they have a legal trial.

Many charges were being brought against Jesus – all sorts of charges and Pilate takes Jesus out of the public courtyard and into the Palace for a private conversation to figure out what Jesus has done. 

Following the private conversation – Pilate tells the crowd He finds no basis for a charge against Jesus and because Jesus was Galilean, He was under Herod’s jurisdiction. As it happens, Herod was in Jerusalem for the Passover so Pilate sends Jesus across town to see Herod Antipas.

Herod had been longing to meet Jesus and asks Him many questions, but Jesus does not answer against any of the accusations and charges. Herod’s soldiers ridicule and mock Jesus – dressing Him in a purple robe and send Him back to Pilate.

Back in the courtyard of Pilate’s place, Pilate brings Jesus before the high priests and people stating that both he and Herod find Jesus guilty of nothing, but the crowd rebels. Pilate says he will beat and torture Jesus and let Him go. And again the crowd disagrees greatly with this decision and Pilate then asks the crowd if he should release Jesus or Barabbas (a criminal). It’s at this point that Pilate receives a letter from his wife about Jesus because of a dream she had and the note says that Pilate should have nothing to do with the innocent man, Jesus. 

The chief priests and elders persuade the crowd to ask for the release of Barabbas and yell for Jesus to be crucified. This crowd shouting “Crucify Him” was not the crowd who had welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem with hosannas earlier in the week when He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.  This crowd in Pilate’s courtyard were most likely temple employees. The temple at that time employed about 20,000+ people and so the high priests had probably gathered this crowd in their favor.

Pilate at this point says again that he finds no basis for a charge against Jesus, gives in to the crowd, washes his hands, claims innocence, releases Barabbas, and has Jesus flogged.  

Pastor shares in depth what a flogging from Roman soldiers was like during this time in history. It was an incredible cruel torture, horribly brutal and painful.

Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified. In his soul, Pilate knows injustice has been committed, yet Jesus goes silently and quietly, just as it says in Isaiah 53. 

Jesus doesn’t try to disprove the charges against Him of blasphemy – remaining silent – as the charges are true. He IS the Son of the Living God. More than that, the accusation is a statement of Truth!  Jesus is the Son of the Living God and we see the Messiah being turned over into the hands of wicked men and being crucified not just for others – BUT for each one of us.

Here’s the question:
WHO REALLY PUT JESUS ON THE CROSS? 

It wasn’t the High Priests, Roman soldiers, Pontius Pilate, or even all people ULTIMATELY THE ANSWER IS ME. I did. It’s my sin that put Him there.  This story is personal.  It is a beastly, brutal and tragic story but it is also the old, old story of Jesus and His love…

Pastor closes with a heartfelt prayer acknowledging all the Savior endured.  And then ends with a teaser about next week’s class that may well be absolutely shocking – something that’s often overlooked yet so dramatic it will cause us to gulp!  

Join us!

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 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: 1 Corinthians 15:6-8, Acts 1:15, Matthew 28:16, Matthew 28:20, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 4:11

During the forty days between Jesus’ resurrection and His ascension, Jesus saw many individuals and small groups, but He also saw over five hundred people at one time.  Where was it, and when did Jesus see this large group of people?

Jesus kept showing up…
    ⁃    Jerusalem
    ⁃    Emmaus
    ⁃    Mount of Olives
    ⁃    Galilee (Pastor shares why he thinks that Jesus may have been in Galilee when He saw the 500. Pastor shares several pictures of the area around Galilee.)  

Those Jesus appeared to had a heart to share the amazing news after seeing Jesus truly was alive. 

Because Jesus is alive – because there are convincing proofs – what does that mean for our lives?
    ⁃    sharing the Gospel message
    ⁃    Obeying what Jesus had commanded 

APPLICATIONS
    ⁃    Purpose: Testimony – The One who rose, changes our lives and He is coming back! Peter’s testimony – 1 Peter 3:15 “but in your hearts revere Christ as lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.”  When God has changed our lives through Jesus Christ, that gives us a testimony, it gives us purpose to share our personal testimony with friends, family, strangers. Our testimony isn’t just what we say, it’s how we live, too.

    ⁃    Purpose: Maturity – We are to grow in our faith, in our witness, in our knowledge of the living God,  and not remain baby believers. 2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”  We are not saved because we are mature, but rather it is because we’re saved, we want to mature. We don’t; want to remain baby believers, we want to grow up in Christ. And that gives Him glory, Our purpose is anchored and centered in the Lord Jesus Christ, our risen King. And we are to keep on maturing.

    ⁃    Purpose: Service – We are called to service Him with the gifts He has given us, with the time He has given us, with the opportunities and settings He has given us,  1 Peter 4:11 “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”  Speak the words of God and bring joy and hope, conviction and power into the lives of others. And serve them in God’s strength so that He is praised through the witness we share of Jesus and who He is. Be encouraged to serve Him with the gifts you’ve been given., to serve Him with your lives, your talents, your examples and in the opportunities He provides.

Our purpose is to live for Him – Not for ourselves – but for HIM!

Today, people are coming to faith in the Lord Jesus like never before, faith in Christ is exploding. And we are called to be part of that!! 

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 15
Scripture: Mark 14:50-52, John 18:12-24, Matthew 26:57-75, Isaiah 53:7 Luke 22:61, Luke 22:66-23:1.

Nothing about Jesus’ last hours was an accident. He was totally prepared and totally committed. He knew full well what was ahead of him. The disciples did not understand what was going to happen to Jesus and about all that He had been telling them was coming until they saw Him as the risen Savior. May we understand the significance of what Jesus did, the power of His life, His death and His resurrection, the power of the Holy Spirit and the power to live a life dedicated to Him.

Today, we pick up the “Up to Jerusalem” study where Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane as soldiers approach Him led by Judas, His betrayer. Peter cuts off the ear of one of the men and Jesus heals it.

We see that as the soldiers arrest and bind Jesus in chains most likely around the neck and ankles, that His disciples flee, leaving Jesus alone. The soldiers take Him first to Annas.

Trial #1 – before Annas – Jesus is questioned, treated cruelly, Peter denies knowing Jesus, and Annas then sends Jesus off to Caiaphus.

Trial #2 – before Caiaphus the High Priest – false witnesses come forward and turn Jesus’ words around in a totally different way saying that this guy says he can tear down the temple and build it back up in three days when it has taken us decades to build it! (What Jesus had actually said and meant was, “Destroy this temple (My body) and in three days I will raise it up (predicting His resurrection on the 3rd day).”  But Jesus remains silent against the interrogation – a fulfillment of what Isaiah had said 700 years earlier, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth, He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mount.” Isaiah 53:7. Caiaphus finds Jesus “guilty” of blasphemy and Jesus suffered more brutality. 

Peter denies Jesus a third time as the rooster crows and in Luke 22:61 we read that as Peter was denying knowing Jesus, Jesus turns His glance to Peter and looked straight at him and causing Peter to remember Jesus telling him that he would deny Him 3 times before the rooster crows.  Peter runs outside the courtyard and weeps bitterly for what he has done and who He has denied knowing. (In the coming weeks of this study we will witness the restoration, soon after Jesus’ resurrection, of Peter’s relationship with Jesus through a loving conversation with Jesus. A reconciliation that shows us the forgiveness and love of our Savior not just for Peter but for each one of us as well.)

Pastor shares recent archeological news of the discovery of an ossuary belonging to Caiaphus along with other “holy speculation” that helps fill in details as our story moves forward.

Trial #3 – Next Jesus is taken from Caiaphus to the Council. The Council asks Jesus if He is the Son of God and Jesus replies, “You say that I am.” Thus they accuse Him of blasphemy and send Him to Pontius Pilate where we will resume the story next week.

Pastor ends the teaching saying Jesus really is who He says He is.  He is Messiah, the Living God come in human flesh to give His life for us all.  Nothing in all of life matters more than knowing Him. “Knowing Him”  – that’s not religion and church attendance – it means personally knowing who Jesus is, knowing His heart, His love, and internalizing His willingness to suffer and die on the cross for our sins.

This is not just a story — it is the story of God’s love for you and me.

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 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 1:3, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Galatians 1:18-19, 1 Timothy 1:13-17.

In today’s study we take a look at a Credal Statement. What is a Credal Statement? 
    ⁃    It is a fundamental of faith
    ⁃    It enable people to talk about what they know and believe
    ⁃    It is easily memorized
    ⁃    It is easily understood
    ⁃    It is easily shared

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 “What I received I passed on to you. And it is the most important of all. Here is what it is. Christ died for our sins, just as Scripture said he would. He was buried. He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as Scripture said he would be. He appeared to Peter. Then he appeared to the 12 apostles.” (The Credal Statement in bold.)

Then Paul continues with verses 6-8, “After that, he appeared to more than 500 brothers and sisters at the same time. Most of them are still living. But some have died. He appeared to James. Then he appeared to all the apostles. Last of all, he also appeared to me. I was like someone who wasn’t born at the right time.”

Paul mentions three men in these verses: Peter, James (Jesus’ 1/2 brother) and himself. 2000 years later we have evidences of authenticity: There is convincing physical evidence of Peter’s home in Jerusalem.  Pastor shares pictures.  There is a bone box, The James Ossuary, which has also been discovered and has an inscription, “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.” The basic consensus of scholarly opinion is that this is very likely authentic.  

Who were these men? 
Peter: denied Jesus publicly three times
James: his brother, was an unbeliever – did not believe Jesus was who He was, and James ridiculed his brother Jesus
Paul: persecuted and killed believers and denounced Jesus

Who did they become?
    ⁃    Peter became an apostle of Christ and bold preacher of God’s Word. Even arrest, beatings, and threats didn’t lessen Peter’s determination to preach the risen Christ.
    ⁃    James, after seeing Jesus risen from the grave, became a believer and also became the leader of the early Christian church in Jerusalem.
    ⁃    Paul was born Saul and he persecuted believers, but after meeting Jesus on a walk to Damascus Saul became Paul the Apostle and defender of the Gospel.

What did these three have in common?
    ⁃    They had all failed Jesus
    ⁃    A denier
    ⁃    A radical
    ⁃    A persecutor
    ⁃    All come to faith in the Risen Lord 
    ⁃    Their lives are changed
    ⁃    They give powerful testimonies to Christ’s love  for all sinners
What else do they have in common?
    ⁃    The PARDON of Christ – Forgiveness in full.
    ⁃    Each of their stories is a story of redemption in Jesus and a testimony that not a single one of us is beyond the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
    ⁃    In these three men we see that God saved the worst of us so that He might save all of us. Their changed lives are a testimony to the heart of God wanting us all.

How do their stories speak to us today?

Applications of the Pardon of God
    ⁃    Christ’s mercy and grace is for us too – 1 Timothy 1:13-14 “I used to speak evil things against Jesus. I tried to hurt his followers. I really pushed them around. But God showed me mercy anyway. I did those things without knowing any better. I wasn’t a believer. Our Lord poured out more and more of his grace on me. Along with it came faith and love from Christ Jesus.”
    ⁃    Christ’s saving power is for us too – 1 Timothy 1:15 “Here is a saying that you can trust. It should be accepted completely. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the worst sinner of all.”
    ⁃    Nothing we have done can cause Jesus not to want to win us over to Himself
    ⁃    Nothing that would cause Him to say He’s done with us
    ⁃    God wants ALL to be saved.
    ⁃    Christ’s patient renewal is for us too- 1 Timothy 1:16 “But for that very reason, God showed me mercy. And I am the worst of sinners. He showed me mercy so that Christ Jesus could show that he is very patient. I was an example for those who would come to believe in him. Then they would receive eternal life.”

Incredible Love – Incredible Grace – Incredible Pardon
And Jesus’ mercy and grace, saving power, patient renewal and incredible love are for us, too!

Paul, Peter and James were living examples of God’s incredible grace – we too are living examples of His incredible grace.

Pardon – God offers pardon, forgiveness to all who will repent and believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and we become the children of God…. FOREVER!!

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Up To Jerusalem – Teaching 14
Scripture: John 17:1 – 18:12, Hebrews 7:23-24, Philippians 2:6-11, Matthew 26:36-44, Luke 22:42-46.

Today’s study focuses mainly on Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, a prayer following His meal with the disciples and the night of His betrayal.

Pastor talks in depth about the prayer
    ⁃    Focusing in on what Jesus says about God’s name
    ⁃    God’s name is His character
    ⁃    God’s name is called the tetragrammaton – it is 4 letters but we are not sure of the pronunciation.
    ⁃    What we do know is that at its root is “To Be” 
    ⁃    The One who always IS
    ⁃    At Mt. Sinai God told Moses “I Am who I Am, if anyone asks who sent you, tell them I AM has sent you.
    ⁃    God is always with us
    ⁃    He does not change – the same yesterday, today and tomorrow – forever!
    ⁃    He is all powerful
    ⁃    All merciful
    ⁃    All loving
    ⁃    He is gracious
    ⁃    Jesus reveals the Father’s character and shows us the Father’s love
    ⁃    He is One with the Father

If you want to know what God looks like — Look at Jesus!

Something to think about: what must this have felt like for the disciples to hear Jesus praying this prayer to the Father?

    ⁃    When we walk with God we walk out of step with the world
    ⁃    God’s word is the Truth – it is a Living Word – Jesus is Truth and speaks only Truth
    ⁃    Sanctification
    ⁃    Believers are to be one with Christ and one with the Father and one with each other. One in Body – one mind – the mind of Chris – focused on spreading the Good new in Christ
    ⁃    God is One
    ⁃    Suffering for faith
    ⁃    Experiencing the glory of God
    ⁃    Submission to God
    ⁃    Everything Jesus does is for the purpose of saving the world
    ⁃    He lives to intercede for us

Following the prayer, Jesus and His disciples head to the Mt of Olives and into the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus takes 3 of the 11 as He moves further into the garden. He tells them to stay awake and pray as He goes deeper into the garden. He is dealing with unimaginable anguish grief, and anxiety as He prays again to the Father expressing that His sole is overwhelmed to the point of death and prayer for “this cup” to be removed but only if it is the Father’s will. Jesus is willing to do what the Father desires, and yet He shares His heart with His Father. Jesus is in so much anguish and agony He is to the point of sweating blood and yet He pushes through in endurance to follow the Father’s plan.

A total of 3 times He prays and then returns to find the disciples asleep instead of staying awake and praying and trying to understand this is Jesus’ greatest hour of need.  The solitude and loneliness Jesus experiences must have been painful. He friends will abandon Him, His Father will abandon Him. It is Christ ALONE and He faces it all with the words of His prayer, “Your will be done.” And this is the true picture of Love.

Today’s study ends with a reading of the betrayal of Jesus and will pick up with this portion of the story next week.  Please join us!

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Up to Jerusalem is a study of the final weeks of Jesus’ ministry 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.

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