Author: Awake Us Now

The Gospel According to Matthew – Week 41

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This teaching is from Matthew Matthew 26:69 – 27:31, Deuteronomy 27:25, Zechariah 11:12.-13, Jeremiah 19:1-13, Isaiah 53:4-8

The story of Jesus’ trial continues with a look into what’s transpiring in the courtyard. We see Peter being accused of knowing Jesus 3 different times and all three times Peter denies knowing Jesus. But then the rooster crows and he remembers Jesus’ words predicting his denial. Peter leaves the courtyard in tears.

Meanwhile, Judas is experiencing remorse as he sees that Jesus is condemned. Judas returns the 30 pieces of silver realizing he has betrayed innocent blood and goes out to the hang himself.

The story moves into the Roman part of the trial.  Note: it is not just the Jewish leadership sentencing Jesus, it is the Gentiles as well.  Showing us that It is all of us who have put Jesus on the cross.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. 

Isaiah 53:4-6
“Surely he took up our pain
    and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
    stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
    each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.”

Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilot and asked, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Throughout the testimonies against Him, Jesus remains quiet. Jesus’ silence is a fulfillment of the prophetic verses found in Isaiah 53:7-8
“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 mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
    Yet who of his generation protested?
 For he was cut off from the land of the living;
    for the transgression of my people he was punished.”

Pilot could see that the charges against Jesus are drummed up – and while proceedings are going on Pilot’s wife sends him a message, “Don’t have anything o do with the innocent man for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of Him.”

Pilot had the option to release one prisoner – asking the crowd who they would like released – Jesus or Barabus – the crowd chooses to release Barabus and they cheer for Jesus to be crucified.

Pilot then washes His hands saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. It is your responsibility.” And then Pilot has Jesus flogged and handed over to be crucified.

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Ten Words – Week 6: Honor Them!

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Scripture:  Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-3, Lue 2:51, 1 John 3:1, Matthew 11:28-30

Do the ten commandments feel like just a negative list of “thou shalt nots?”  Or like God’s trying to take away your fun, or trying to limit your enjoyment of life, trying to make you feel guilty?

Well, nothing is further from the truth. God is good and He is gracious! Today’s commandment doesn’t have a “shall not,” but it does have a promise:
Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” 

As it comes with a promise, God considers this an important command. Family is of primary significant importance.  We even see that when the Living God took on flesh as Jesus, He came to a family. And we see Jesus obeying this command in Luke 2:51 “Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.”  Even the incarnate son of God was obedient to His parents. Clearly it’s important to our Creator but also important to our culture.

The Family Is God’s Design
Application:
    ⁃    Authority – by God’s authority He tells us to honor our parents. Mom and Dad are His representatives on earth to nurture and raise their children.
    ⁃    Act Honorably – Kids are told to honor parents but parents are told they are to act honorably, too, in a way that gives God glory, sharing faith with their kids, giving godly love and discipline and modeling honoring God.
    ⁃    Honor Them – we honor our parents no matter how old we are – that doesn’t end when we leave home, we are to honor them always – even as they age.

We live in a day and age where families are falling apart – where people are trying to re-design the family –

When families disintegrate so does the culture. What do we do to deal with dysfunctional families and homes? We go to God’s Word  – the Bible – a book filled with dysfunctional families.  One example we can learn from is the story of Joseph. His father had 4 wives, siblings had anger issues, there were rivalries, bitterness, jealousy and hatred between siblings. But what we learn is that Joseph broke the chain! He had 1 wife and raised a godly family.

There is hope for every situation in life because our God is a God who redeems the parental wounds of neglect, absence, abuse and withholding of nurturing.  

Restoration is available:
    ⁃    It is God the Father’s heart to love –  1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” By faith in Jesus we are the Father’s children. In Him is healing – in Him life is renewed.
    ⁃    Jesus’ invitation – No guilt – what is offered is an invite to hope. Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” His invite is to come to Him – the one who forgives, gives strength, gives healing and gives hope. There is no limit to what God does. No limit to his grace.
    ⁃    Forgive and Release – the Bible gives a path to restoration and reconciliation in Colossians 3:13 we read, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” One of the most important steps in healing, particularly from parental wounds, is to forgive. This doesn’t mean their behavior is justified – it does mean that just as we have been forgiven by the Lord we forgive those who have hurt or wounded us.  Saying, “Lord, I forgive them as You have forgiven me” is an important healing step.

Forgiveness changes everything – and this too is part of this commandment to honor our parents – even if they were bad parents.  

Honor makes a huge difference in our lives, the lives of our family members and even into our culture.  

Lord may we recognize the goodness of our heavenly Father’s heart in this command. May we hear Jesus’ invitation to come to Him and may we forgive as we are forgiven.

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Two Year Gospel Study Week 58

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Scripture – Luke 24:36-49  “What Is Written”. 
Other scripture: Exodus 15:2,Isaiah 52:7, Psalm 27:1, 1 Chronicles 16:35

 Our story today continues with the two disciples in the story, “Road to Emmaus” from last week who once they understood that it was Jesus they had been talking with, immediately returned to Jerusalem. Our story picks up after they have arrived back in Jerusalem and are with the others in a private, locked room when suddenly Jesus Himself is with them in the room and greets them, “Peace be with you!”

Peace… The peace we receive from Jesus is life transforming. Peace or the Hebrew word, Shalom, means everything is right with the world because everything is right with God because when Jesus rose from the grave it shows that now everything is now right with God and with those who have repented and received Him by faith.  As those people with God’s peace, we know that ALL things are going to work together for good, we know God has won the victory and that we will be part of His final triumph – so fear flees and peace comes!

Back to the story: Jesus’ sudden appearance startles them. He’s supposed to be dead and defeated and yet here He is and He is no longer dead – He is not defeated, He is VICTORIOUS!

Jesus shows them His hands and feet and eats with them and reminds them that everything written about Him in the books of the Law, the prophets and the psalms was fulfilled through Him. Then He opens their minds so they can understand the Scripture and they see who He truly is and how the scripture is all about Him. 

Jesus’ name means SALVATION – and all throughout scripture the One who saves is mentioned over and over – Jesus is the One who has become our Salvation. Jesus IS Salvation!

In Hebrew the word for Jesus is the same word as the word for Salvation.  It’s an interesting exercise to read scriptures replacing “Jesus” for the word “salvation.” 

Examples:
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 

Becomes: The Lord is my light and my JESUS; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

Becomes: “The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my JESUS. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

One more, Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Becomes: How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim JESUS, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Jesus is all over the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). It is not simply the prophetic words that predicted His coming, his death and His resurrection; it is not merely the historic events that mirrored who He would be and give us a picture of Him before He even came; it is not simply the promisee of the prophet’s that Messiah would come – HIS NAME – Is everywhere! He is salvation!  Salvation and Jesus are the same Hebrew word. Wherever you read salvation it is Jesus! Now it will be impossible to miss it every time you read it!

As our story continues, Jesus talks how the scriptures say He would suffer, die but rise again. He talks of how repentance for the forgiveness of sin would be preached in Jerusalem and then into the whole world, and he shares how they were witnesses to these things. He ends with the promise of the Holy Spirit.

As we look at the New Testament – we can see for example that the story of Zacchaeus when Jesus said, “Today, Salvation has come to this house” that Jesus was probably speaking Hebrew (not Greek, the language the New Testament was written in) so what is translated “salvation” was most likely “Jesus” so it sounds like this: Jesus said, “Today, JESUS has come to this house!”

Jesus is the name by which we are saved because Jesus IS Salvation!

May we never stop speaking Jesus!
May we never stop speaking salvation!

What is written – is our Salvation
What is written – Is the Name of Jesus!

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St. Luke’s Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. This book written by Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus’ life.

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study.

Check out this episode!

The Gospel According to Matthew – Week 40

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This teaching is from Matthew 26:39-68

Come along as we see:
Who Jesus is and why we so desperately need Him

As we look at Jesus’ story of His arrest and trial, we will learn that Jesus is faithful and we are not, Jesus is fearless and we are not, Jesus is forthright and we are not.

Today’s story opens in the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus having asked His disciples to stay awake while He goes to pray and share His heart with the Father. Jesus knows what is coming and asks the Father if there is another way – yet ends the prayer saying, “not my will, Father, but Yours.”  Jesus remains faithful to accomplish the will of the Father.

As Jesus returns the 3rd time from praying to the Father He again discovers the disciples sleeping.  He wakes them as the scene changes… we read next the betrayal by Judas as he point out Jesus in the crowd by kissing/greeting Him. Jesus is seized and arrested, yet He fearlessly goes with them, faithful to the will of God the Father.

Peter then cuts off the ear of one of the servants that was present and Jesus immediately heals the ear, telling Peter not to give into hatred. 

Jesus doesn’t resist arrest and willingly steps into fulfilling the Scriptures. The prophetic words spoken in the Old Testament about Jesus are fulfilled and it is in seeing this fulfillment of His first coming, that we know what the Bible tells us of His second coming is truth, as well.  Jesus will fulfill, one day soon, everything predicted in His return. There is so much more to come and we don’t want to miss it! What He offers is life forever with Him!  Faith in Him delivers and saves us!

As Jesus is taken away His disciples abandon Him, leaving Him alone and deserted. He is brought before the High Priest, Caiaphas.  Peter hangs back in the courtyard area. (A spot that comes into play in next week’s study!) 

The Sanhedrin begin looking for evidence against Jesus. Two witnesses declare that Jesus said “I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in 3 days.” These were words spoken during the story of Jesus cleansing the Temple. Pastor shares some interesting insight into there being 2 times Jesus cleansed the temple and not just once. One at the beginning of His ministry and then again just days before His arrest. The temple cleansings bookend His ministry.

The High Priest asks Jesus to answer the change of destroying the temple and building it up in three days, but Jesus does not answer. Again displaying His fearlessness. He remains quiet.

Caiaphus seeing he doesn’t have enough evidence to convict Jesus, then demands that Jesus tells them, under oath of the Living God, if He is the Messiah the Son of God. Meaning: Are you making a claim to divinity (and this was a crime).

And Jesus answers, “You have said so.” And goes on saying, “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64) Jesus’ forthrightness in His answer describes who He Is by quoting Old Testament Scriptures (Daniel 7:13 and Psalm 110:1).

In His answer, Jesus is claiming Deity and thus convicts Himself.  At Jesus’ words the High Priest tears His clothes (something that was only permitted when someone was blasphemous). Verses 65-66 continue, “Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” The crowd answered, “He is worthy of death.”

Our study ends with Jesus’ faithfulness and fearlessness as seen in verses 67-68: “Then they spit in Jesus’ face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”

When we meet next the story of Jesus’ arrest and conviction continue with more for us to learn on who Jesus is! Join us!

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Ten Words – Week 5: Remember!

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Scripture: Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Jeremiah 6:16, Matthew 11:28-30, Mark 2:27-28, Colossians 2:16-17, Romans 14:5, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Exodus 20:8. Is going to church what this commandment is about? Or is there something deeper than simple church attendance? Is this command requesting Compliance with an order without the Comprehension of who God is?

How do we “remember” the Sabbath Day? By worshiping and praising and acknowledging God as our Lord, King and Savior. However, some have a false understanding of worship. In the Old Testament they see worship as attending Saturday Synagogue and in the New Testament they see it as attending Sunday Church. 

The Sabbath is all about RESTING – let’s take a dig into what resting means and is. Jeremiah 6:16 says, “Stand at the crossroads and look: ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Rest for one’s soul is found in God, in His truth, in who He is, in what He has done. Jesus says the same things in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

True rest is not found in a building – it is found in Him – in a relationship with the Living God. 

Digging deeper into the command, “Remember the Sabbath Day.” The Resurrection of Jesus was on a Sunday. While many in Jesus’ day went daily to the temple to Praise God for what Jesus had accomplished in the resurrection, Sundays became their sabbath and each Sunday was a mini Resurrection Day celebration in honor of Christ’s victory of the grave. In Colossians 2:16-17 we read: “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” This verse tells us it’s not about worshiping God on a specific day or way. This verse tells us that  Jesus is the genuine Sabbath!  Rest is found in Christ! He is rest. In Him is rest. 

Rest is a precious gift found in Christ. Mark 2:27-28 tells us, “Then Jesus said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.'”

Even though the New Testament day of worship became a Sunday for believers in Jesus, Romans 14:5 tells us that God does not command us to set aside one particular day – though we are free to do that – like we continue today to gather together on Sunday’s in memory of Jesus’ resurrection. But that doesn’t mean we all have to do that – in fact the New Testament doesn’t say to worship on any specific day of the week.  What we are told is to worship God ALL the time; worshiping Him with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind and worshiping, praising and thanking Him in all situations 

Jesus tells us that He is the one who is rest and who brings rest. How do we practice the command to “remember,” how do we do what we are called by God to do? Here are some New Testament Essentials:

    ⁃    We are called to worship – worship is to be a life-style, it’s the way we live. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 Daily worship is the heart of our lives – relationship with Him brings forth worship.
    ⁃    We are to be in God’s Word – allowing it to transform us – to be made new in Christ. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  We are to allow the Word of God to be part of our lives and to allow His Word to change our lives.
    ⁃    We are to practice godly Wisdom. Colossians 3:16 “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”  We also worship God when we wisely take care of our bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, ” Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

God calls us to rest – Jesus is Rest – Resting in Him is something that is good for our souls, our hearts, our bodies and our minds.  We aren’t to go through the motions of rest one day a week – that’s RITUAL. We are to live in Him and for Him daily – as a RESPONSE to who He is: Our place of rest because He is our gift of salvation.

St. Augustine said it well: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in You.”

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Two Year Gospel Study Week 57

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Scripture – Luke 24:13-25  “Surprise Encounter”. 
Other scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20, Romans 10:17, Hebrews 13:20-21

The first day of Jesus’ Resurrection was a day of surprises!  

Today’s story is one of the most incredible stories in the Bible. It is one of the most incredible acts of historical reporting found anywhere in all of literature and all of history!  It is the story of two disciples on the road to Emmaus and their surprise encounter with the One who is risen from the dead!

The last day of the week is the Jewish day of the Sabbath Day which is a Saturday. Today’s story takes place on Sunday, the first day of the week. But this was a special “first day of the week” because this particular Sunday was the first day after the Sabbath of Passover and thus a festival day: The Festival of First Fruits. Why is this significant? The Bible tells us Jesus is the First Fruits of those who rise from the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:20). So there’s nothing accidental about God the Father choosing this particular day for Jesus’ Resurrection!

The story tells of two disciples walking and talking about all that had happened in the last week. They had heard bits and pieces. Their hopes were dashed at the brutal crucifixion of Jesus and the tragic reality seemed to be that everything they had pinned their hopes and lives upon was gone and dead with Jesus’ death.  As they talked Jesus Himself came up and walked with them, but they were kept from recognizing Him.

Why was God so intentional for them to have this conversation without realizing who they were talking to? We will find out….

Pastor brings in some holy speculation about who one of the disciples, Cleopas, may have been. He shares that Cleopas may be none other that Jesus’ step uncle (His step father, Joseph’s, brother.)

As Jesus joins them He asks what they are discussing.  Incredulously they can’t believe He doesn’t know and they share what had happened in the previous days, ending with all they knew that had happened that morning with the women finding the empty tomb, Peter and John verifying the tomb really was empty, other women seeing and speaking with angels, Mary Magdalene encountering Jesus, Himself. And how they don’t even know what to think about it all.

Then Jesus says, ” ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And then beginning with Moses, Jesus explained to them what was said in the Scriptures about Himself.”  What an amazing conversation this had to have been! Here they are hearing Jesus share about Himself, all while having no idea that it’s actually Him with them!

Pastor walks through Scriptures pointing out several possible sections of the Old Testament that Jesus may have shared that day with them as they walked. Whatever Jesus shared, it must have been a fascinating conversation because the Bible is a story that proclaims the goodness and faithfulness of God to an unfaithful creation.  It is the story that reminds us that the Living God will keep His Word even though we human beings so often fail. It is a story that tells there is One to come who will redeem and deliver and rule forever. How many times were these two disciples stopped in their tracks as they listened to Jesus explain the scriptures to them that day. 

As they arrived at one of their houses, they invited Jesus to stay with them saying, “Please stay with us!”  What a great request…. Have you asked Jesus that? “Please stay with me.”  Have you invited Him by saying “I want to know You more and more!”  Jesus answered their request by staying with them and He will answer your request the same way!

When Jesus was at the table in their home, He took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and passed it out and as He did so, their eyes were opened and they recognized who He was, and then Jesus disappeared.

Back to our question: Why was God so intentional for them to have this conversation without realizing who they were talking to? We were able to see how they had accepted what they had heard on that walk – before they even realized who they had been walking with! The Bible says in Romans 10:17, “Faith come from hearing and hearing comes through the Word of the God.” Their faith blossomed as they heard Jesus speak the Words of God in the Old Testament, shared through Moses and the other prophets. When we hear the Word (the Bible) today – it is still a Word that comes from the very lips of God and that Word: transforms, renews, gives hope, gives peace, brings power, and it changes everything!

After Jesus disappeared from their sight, they asked each other, “were not our hearts burning within as He talked with us and opened the scripture to us!” This is still true today – the Holy Spirit opens our minds to see the truth of the Living God.
This is not religion – this is real life
This is not a matter of ritual, this is a matter of living in a relationship with the Living God who loves us all and gave His Son for us all.

After Jesus disappeared they returned at once to Jerusalem and found the eleven Disciples, telling them it was true the Lord had indeed risen!  They shared all they had experienced that day.

This story isn’t just an amazing story – this story is a clear testimony about God’s desire for us and about His claim on our lives because the One who created us also bought us back, redeeming us with the blood of His Son.

Our God comes looking for us. He comes seeking to walk with us, just as he sought to walk with these two. And He offers to us just what He offered them:

Healing
Hope
Forgiveness
Life
Assurance
Peace
Power
Joy

He is the Risen One! And He is coming back! And so we say, “Amen, Come, Lord Jesus!

Pastor ends with a reading of Hebrews 13:20-21 “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

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

St. Luke’s Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. This book written by Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus’ life.

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study.

Check out this episode!

Ten Words – Week 4: God’s Name

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Scripture: Exodus 20:7, Exodus 3:14, John 8:58, Matthew 15:8-9, Psalm 40:3, Psalm 50:15, Psalm 145:18, Leviticus 19:31, Romans 10:13, John 17:6, Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:14

Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”

This means we are to understand that God’s Name is powerful, God’s Name is Holy. This is the only one of God’s Ten Words/Commandments with a threat and no promise.

God’s Name is a 4 letter tetragrammaton and we aren’t even sure how to pronounce His Name because by 200 BC the Jewish people no longer spoke God’s Name for fear of misusing it. The Jewish people still today will not speak His name and simply refer to God’s Name as “Ha-shem” – “The Name,” though others pronounce it in several different ways: Yahweh and Jehovah are a couple.

God takes His Name seriously – it is not a swear word – His Name is the revelation of Himself. In His Name God reveals His identity and character to us. His Name speaks of His goodness, mercy, love and His awesome and profound holiness.

We dare not treat Hm or His Name lightly,  In Exodus 3:14 God says to Moses, “I am who I am.” Deliver. Guide.

In John 8:58 Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!” Jesus is the Living God who has taken on human flesh to deliver us all. We are all sinners and sin, deserving the punishment Jesus took for us on the cross.

In John 17:6 Jesus is praying to God the Father saying, “I have revealed You to those whom You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me and they have obeyed Your word.” In these words, Jesus is the revelation of the character and identity of God. If you want to know what the invisible God is like you look at the visible Son of the Living God – The One through whom all things were created. God’s character is summed up in His Name. His Name is wonderful, holy and worthy of praise.

What is the misuse of God’s Name?
    1.    By cursing, speaking threats, judgements and swearing.  Romans 12:14  tells us that we are to “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
    2.    Through the occult – horoscopes, ouija boards, séances, eastern mysticism that open a destructive door in one’s life.  Leviticus 19:31 tells us “‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.” 
    3.    By deception – professing to be godly but in reality living a double life having a veneer of religion but having lives that deny it.  Matthew 15:8-9 says, “‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.'” We should not use His Name to deceive others or to try to deceive God.  We are to use God’s Name to give Him honor and to express understanding of His character.

What are some proper uses of God’s Name?
    1.    Receiving Him – Romans 10:13 tells us, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” God offers forgiveness, restoration, redemption, hope, peace and joy to all who repent and call on Him saying, “Lord, have mercy on me a sinner, I receive what You offer to me through Jesus, my Savior.”
    2.    Relying on Him – Psalm 50:15 says, “Call on Me in the day of trouble;
    I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” Psalm 145:18 tells us that “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” When we go through difficult times we are to call on His Name – to rely on Him – because He is near, He is not distant.
    3.    Rejoicing in Him – In Psalm 40:3 we read, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.”  We properly use His Name when we use it to give Him honor and praise and thanks. God’s Name deserves our praise and rejoicing. As we live a joyful life, especially in a world that is often falling apart – it causes others to be drawn to Him as well!  THAT is an excellent way to use His Name – in sharing it with others!

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

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Two Year Gospel Study Week 56

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Scripture – Luke 19:28-44 Triumph and Tragedy

Today’s teaching on Jesus crying is found only in the book of Luke. It takes place on the Tenth Day of Nissan – a day we call Palm Sunday. We will explore the triumph and the tragedy of that day and what it says about the heart of God, along with what it says to us about our need for Jesus.

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the Tenth Day of Nissan – a significant day – the day the Jewish people choose and set aside the lambs in preparation for their slaughter later in the week. It’s on this very day that Jesus, our Passover Lamb was being “set aside,” designated, as the sacrifice for the sins of not only the Jews but the entire world. As He rides into Jerusalem He is announcing and presenting Himself as the Lamb of God who offers Himself for us for the sins of the world as our Passover Lamb.  Truly a day of triumph and tragedy.  Triumph because God wins! Tragedy because of the incredible price Jesus would pay.

500 years earlier the prophet Zechariah announced, “See Jerusalem, your King comes to you riding on a donkey’s colt.” This is just how this triumphal entry happens – it’s Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey as King. Why say king? In the ancient world if a king came in warfare he rode into town on a horse.  But when a king came in peace he rode in on a donkey.  And so, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, as King of Israel, just as Zechariah had said.

There’s something fascinating about donkeys.  Every donkey has on it’s back the shape of a cross – a stripe of dark hair running down its spine and another across its shoulders making a cross upon its back.  As Jesus rode into Jerusalem He rode on a cross….

As Jesus overlooks Jerusalem His eyes fill with tears, the word in the greek has the connotation of sobbing. Jesus was sobbing with overwhelm at what he knew lay ahead, by what He knew of the Father’s love, by what he knew of the cost of human rebellion that lay ahead.

Jesus wept over Jerusalem knowing that although crowds acclaimed him there were many that hated Him and who were plotting His death. So many had rejected Him and Jesus knew the judgement that lay ahead for Jerusalem. He saw the consequences of their rebellion and He sobbed, “If only you had recognized what would bring you peace.”  Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

Verse 44 tells of the judgement that awaits Jerusalem. This is just what happened within a generation of Jesus speaking these words. Ancient historical writings on the destruction of Israel in 70AD tell of the horrors of Jerusalem’s complete destruction and of the deaths of a million Jewish people. And Jesus wept with the knowledge of what was to come.

Looking at the past and looking at the present, we can see and understand: Jesus is who He claimed to be, He is the Messiah and Savior. He desires that no one perishes and that all come to the knowledge of the truth. God’s purpose in judgement is to draw us back to Himself.

For all people, this scripture today reminds us how serious it is to turn one’s back on the Living God. The story of the Tenth Day of Nissan shows both Triumph and Tragedy.
    Tragedy – of all Jesus would endure over the next 6 days, the tragedy of what awaited Jerusalem.
    Triumph – of an empty tomb, the triumph of a returning Savior.

The Son of God endured tragedy for us that we might triumph forever! And even in the tragedies of life God points us to Jesus who brings eternal victory and triumph! 

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

St. Luke’s Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. This book written by Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus’ life.

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study.

Check out this episode!

Ten Words – Week 3: No Idols!

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Scripture: Exodus 20:4-6, Psalm 115:4-8, Matthew 6:24, Exodus 18:20, Deuteronomy 24:16, Colossians 3:5

Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.” 
We are to worship God.

Pastor begins today’s teaching by talking about the different numbering of the commandments and how it does’t matter how we number them, what matters is whether we listen to them and apply them to our lives.

Exodus 20:4-5 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.”

So is this saying we have to take down pictures on our walls, or throw out figurines?  This is not what God is saying. Pastor shares biblical examples supporting that God is not talking about banning all artwork. What God’s talking about is idolatry – something that’s become more important to us than He is.

What does it mean  –  God is a “jealous God?”  Pastor explains that this doesn’t mean God is sinfully jealous. God means that His desire, as our Creator, is that we know Him, worship Him and do not worship other objects or things.  He wants us to worship Him alone and to place nothing else in front of our devotion to Him. 

The verse speaks of the “third and fourth generations…” and the consequences of individuals and especially parents, on how setting an example to the children ends up getting passed down to the next generation and the next. This is why it’s important to teach them about God and show them by how you live.  Exodus 18:20 says, “Teach them His decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.” 

But if individuals and parents choose not to live in faith to God and instead live as being part of the world, with all its idols, the next generation is taught idolatry and that gets passed down. God says this in Deuteronomy 24:16 says, “Parents are not to be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents; each will die for their own sin.”  A child will not be condemned as an idolator if they come to know Jesus as their Savior. God’s desire is that all people turn to Him and belong to Him. Idolatry and the consequences of it are important to understand because when we worship God and follow Him, there is an amazing blessing.

Exodus 20:6 “but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” What a powerful promise from our God who is merciful and gracious and who desires to bring blessings upon individuals, families, and generation after generation.

IDOLATRY

Psalm 115:4-8 summary: Idols are lifeless and they make their worshiper as dead as they are.  

We can look at these verses and say as a believer, “I don’t have an idol set up in my household. No statues, I don’t offer incense before a statue and I don’t bow down to poles or chant incantations.”  But…

Is there more depth that needs to be understood around the meaning of idolatry? John Calvin’s quote: “The human heart is an idol factory.” As part of our fallen nature we worship things over God. There are many contemporary idols. Here’s a sampling of six:

APPEARANCE – becomes an idol when we’re more concerned about how we look, how people perceive us, and how we appear before others, than how we appear before God. There’s nothing wrong with looking nice – it’s good to take care of ourselves, but appearance can become an idol when its one of the most important things in one’s life, outstripping the concern of what God thinks of us.

EDUCATION – is a good thing but it can easily become a god in our lives where it becomes the most important thing, where we boast about our educational achievements, or put education above the what and who of God in our lives. 

ENTERTAINMENT (sports, music, TV, movies) – can become the most important thing in our lives when we worship what’s on the TV screen, worship the latest pop star, when icons are who we dream of or dream of becoming, when we try to look like, talk like, act like them….  Entertainment can become an abject of worship that crowds God out of our lives or reduces Him to an after thought.

MONEY – can become a dominant force in our lives.  Matthew 6:24 says we cannot serve both God and money. The love of money – greed – can become our motivating source for our actions, desires, our future, our work and God ends up being left behind.

POWER – is the desire for influence, to be recognized by others, to be in control, but God is the One who is in control. We are to serve and respond to Him through faith in Him, not faith in ourselves.

SEX – It’s morally neutral but can become an idol, especially in our sexually crazed environment today: wide spread pornography, sexual immorality not just winked at but encouraged. However, sex is a gift from God for procreation, intimacy and joy. 

The Scriptures say we are not to worship an idol – instead we are to worship God alone as it says in Colossians 3:5 “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” 

Martin Luther says, “We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.” God is good and because He is, let us respond in repentance and believe in Jesus whose death covers our sin and who we know is coming back so that we will live forever with Him. Therefore my desire is to fear, love and trust in Him above ALL things!

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

Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words

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Two Year Gospel Study Week 55

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Scripture – Luke 19:1-10, Romans 6:23, Romans 12:2, Titus 2:13-14
“Inner Healing” 

Today’s teaching is on the familiar story of Zacchaeus, but come along with us as we discover some new insights.

Zacchaeus was a very wealthy chief tax collector. Tax collectors were despised by people for their greed, for cheating people out of more than what was owed and they were considered to be traitors. Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples, had also been a tax collector. This makes one wonder if Matthew and Zacchaeus had known each other professionally… Was Zacchaeus curious about Jesus because Matthew had talked about Him? Was Zacchaeus curious to learn more about this Jesus person who had changed Matthew’s life?

Zacchaeus was a short man and was unable to see over the crowd gathered around Jesus, so he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore fig tree and from there he could see Jesus coming.

Zaccheaus wanted to see Jesus, BUT what he didn’t realize is that Jesus wanted to see him! Our Lord is one who seeks people out. That day He wanted to show Zacchaeus His incredible love, His great mercy and His life-changing power.  And still today, Jesus desires to seek us out too and show us all that He showed Zacchaeus that day. 

Jesus calls Zacchaeus down from the tree and tells him He’s staying at his house.  Zacchaeus comes down from the tree and gladly welcomes Jesus to his home.

What was going through Zacchaeus’ mind?
    How did He know my name?
    Did Matthew tip Him off?
    Was he feeling shock that Jesus was speaking directly to him?
    Was he wondering why he was singled out?

We aren’t told about the conversation Jesus and Zacchaeus had, we don’t know how long Jesus stayed, what they eat, or how many others were there. All that Luke shares is this, the part that really matters: 

“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'” Luke 19:8-10

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost….Such beautiful and powerful words! He came to save us from our sin. Through belief in Him, we receive life forever with Him. 

Jesus came to:
    1.    Save us from sin’s punishment (sin brings death – sin must be paid for – “for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23). The blood of Jesus pays for our sin.
    2.    Save us from sin’s grip – Just what we see with Zacchaeus – a man in the grip of greed – and Jesus broke that grip.

Jesus can and will brake whatever has a grip on our lives.  Zacchaeus’ story assures us of Jesus’ desire to give us inner healing. Jesus frees us from sin’s punishment, but also has the power to free us from sin’s grip.  

We will never be perfect, the only Perfect One is Jesus, but there is to be progress in our lives because through Christ we are no longer under the control of sin.

Biblical Truths found in this story:

AGREEMENT – Zacchaeus agreed with what Jesus told him. Zacchaeus agreed Jesus came to seek and to save him.  When we receive Jesus by faith we are changed people, just like Zacchaeus. We have passed from death to life and are no longer controlled by the flesh. Instead we are living by the Spirit.  He gives us the power to be changed by Him.  Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” There is a battle raging in us between the Spirit of God and the old nature, but there is power that we can find when in AGREEMENT with who Jesus is and what He says.

ACTIVITY – Zacchaeus engaged in godly activity – he acted immediately after hearing Jesus – not after thinking about it for a while – but immediately! He gave 1/2 of all he had to the poor and for those he cheated he said he’d restore them four-fold. God calls us to godly activity when we believe in Jesus as our Savior. And our faith calls forth action. Examples:
    ⁃    Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4)
    ⁃    Let love be genuine (Romans 12:9)
    ⁃    Don’t let the sun go down on your anger (Ephesians 4:26)
    ⁃    Be kind and considerate (Philippians 2:3-4)
    ⁃    Be gentle (Philippians 4:5)
Real faith acts!  We are not saved because of our actions, but because we are saved, our actions change.

ATTITUDE – Zacchaeus has a great attitude and is zealous to do what is right. He was eager to do what is good. Titus 2:13-14 “while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”  This needs to be our attitude – “eager to do what is good.” We are to have an attitude that says “Lord, here am I, use me, send me. I gladly and eagerly will do what you’ve called me to do.”

The Bible does not tell us the rest of the story…. But what we DO know is that Jesus came to seek out Zacchaeus that day. We know that Zacchaeus was a changed man that day. And we know that Jesus seeks us out too and His desire is to change us, and to do a work in us. May we agree and act and have the right attitude!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

St. Luke’s Account is part three of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. This book written by Luke, a non-Jew, offers a unique perspective into the story of Jesus’ life.

This study is great for large group, small group or home group study.

Check out this episode!