Ten Words – Week 8: Be Faithful!

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Scripture:  Exodus 20:14; 1 Corinthians 6:18; Mark 10:6-9; Hebrews 13:4; Acts 17:30-31

The Ten Words are the equivalent of an Owner’s Manual – showing us how to live a life that makes a difference for ourselves and everyone. And so let’s wrestle with the question, “Does our Heavenly Father know what’s best for each of us,” especially in light of today’s Word in Exodus 20:14. “You shall not commit adultery.”

From the beginning God was concerned that the family be protected and that marriages be preserved.

Marriage – God’s First Institution
    ⁃    One man and one woman
    ⁃    For a lifetime
    ⁃    Become one flesh – intimacy
    ⁃    For family
    ⁃    It was “very good”
    ⁃    Especially under attack today

God’s plan is and was good, but the consequences of losing, breaking, ignoring and destroying what the Father intended are huge. 

What is the biblical teaching on marriage and what does it tell us today:

Biblical Basics for marriage, sex, family and relationship:
    1.    Flee sexual temptation and sin. 1 Corinthians 6:18 “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
    2.    Honor and protect marriage. Mark 10:6-9 “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
    3.    Reserve sex for marriage alone. Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”

Back to our original question: “Does our Heavenly Father know best?”  Yes… He does….. And so, when we find WE’VE WANDERED from the Creator’s will – HOW DO WE DEAL WITH THAT?

    1.    Listen – to our Father Creator
    2.    Repent – have a change of mind
    3.    Repent – change your direction.  Acts 17:30-31 “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”   Jesus Christ, cares in spite of what we’ve done. He paid for our rebellion and sins and offers us life, forgiveness and hope through repentance.
    4.    Trust – Jesus Christ – The Risen One. We can trust the One who stretched out His arms to die for us, who is risen from the grave and who is returning.
    5.    Follow God’s Word and God’s Spirit. 

Our God gave us the Owner’s Manual. He also gave us the Deliverer, Jesus. And in Him we find, hope, forgiveness and power to live a new life freed of bondage to the past.

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Two Year Gospel Study Week 60

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Up To Jerusalem – Teaching 2
Scripture – Matthew 20:29-34, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43, Luke 19:1-9

“Up to Jerusalem” are words used by several of the Gospel authors – this phrase is teleological, meaning it has evidence of design, purpose, and planning of the Heavenly Father.  And it shows the heart of Jesus as He steadfastly walks the route that leads to Jerusalem where He knows the coming events of betrayal suffering, crucifixion, and paying the full penalty for our sins against the Father.  Jesus was willing to take on all the filth of the human race.

The feeling of many at the time of Jesus was that now that the Messiah is here – now everything will fall into place and the kingdom of God will  – after waiting and waiting centuries – finally be established on earth.  

As a precursor to our story today, Pastor shares the controversy surrounding Jericho and the controversy of Jesus’ appearance in Jericho along with a look at the geography and topography of Jericho. He shares archeological discoveries and information on the ancient city of Jericho, plus archeological evidence indicating the truth of scriptures and the timeline of the scriptures. The evidence is compelling.

Pastor addresses the “discrepancies” in the verses we will explore today:
Matthew 20:29-34 – two blind men and Jesus leaving Jericho
Mark 10:46-52 – one blind man begging and Jesus leaving Jericho
Luke 18:35-43 – one blind man begging and Jesus approaching Jericho.

What accounts for the differences? Two blind men vs 1 one man and Jesus leaving Jericho vs approaching Jericho. Pastor poses an interesting answer that shows all three accounts to be true. Meaning there was 1 man, there was 2 men, Jesus was leaving and He was approaching!

There is evidence pointing to TWO cities of Jericho during the New Testament times. One a rebuilding of the Old Testament Jericho and a thriving newly built Jericho. Pastor shares some great insights on this. One city was just a bit south and west of the other. If Jesus was leaving the older Jericho location He would have then been entering the newer, modern, bustling New Testament Jericho location. The authors were describing the story from different vantage points. Same story, just written from differing frames of reference.  Also, Mark and Matthew wrote for the Jewish audience and would have been more inclined to speak of ancient Jericho, whereas Luke’s audience was gentile so Luke would probably focus on the newer more busy and active newer Jericho.

How do we reconcile 1 or two blind men? As we read the story we see one is very vocal. So much so that the crowds try to shush him. Matthew noticed both men, but Mark and Luke noticed the vocal one, the one who kept calling to Jesus and would not stop.

Mark 10:46-52: The outspoken one’s name is Bartimaeus and he calls out to Jesus, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Bartimaeus’ description of Jesus as the “Son of David” is a way for Bartimaeus to express that he understands who Jesus is, the Messiah. While Bartimaeus was physically blind, he had great spiritual sight in order to address Jesus in the way he did.  He could “see” very clearly who Jesus was.

When Jesus answers him, Bartimaeus tosses aside his cloak – a most valuable possession – and jumps to his feet going  to Jesus. “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asks. “Rabbi, I want to see!” Bartimaeus answers. Jesus responds, “Go! Your faith has healed you!” And immediately Bartimaeus receives his sight and follows Jesus “Up to Jerusalem.”

This is not simply an historical description of something that took place – it is a declaration that shows us that by faith we too are changed – forever changed – just like Bartimeaus. 

Following the healing of Bartimaeus,,”Up to Jerusalem” continues in Luke 19:1-9. Jesus enters the newest Jericho and there he meets Zaccheaus, singles him out and goes to his house. Jesus continues to show us that He is concerned about us individually!

Zaccheaus, like Bartimaeus, is transformed. Zaccheaus tells Jesus he will give away 1/2 of all his possessions and payback 4-fold anyone he cheated.  Zacchaeus is a transformed man because he met the Transformer, Jesus the Messiah. 

Today’s teaching ends with Jesus saying to Zacchaeus, “Today, Salvation has come to this house, for the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Salvation had indeed come! And that Salvation come to us, too, for Salvation is found is none other than Jesus. 

Up to Jerusalem continues in Luke 19:11 where we read many in the crowd were thinking that the Kingdom of God was going to appear suddenly.  But Jesus knows the road to Victory is paved with His blood, and the road to the kingdom is a road of sacrifice.  

Join us next time for the parable of the 10 minas – another controversial story!

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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 four 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!

The Gospel According to Matthew – Week 42

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This teaching is from Matthew 27:26-49, Psalm 22:1, 7-8

Today’s story is the crucifixion of Jesus. We pick up our story with the flogging of Jesus. Pastor describes what Jesus experienced in this brutal method of torture. 

Jesus was then brought to the preaetorium in front of all the soldiers where He was mocked and beaten before they lead Him away to be crucified.

Simon from Cyrene was forced to carry Jesus’ cross as they walked to Golgatha because Jesus was too weak from the brutality He experienced. 

Once on the cross they offered Him wine mixed with gall, but Jesus refused to drink it.  What was this drink? Evidence that has survived points to a tradition that the women of Jerusalem prepared a wine mixture that was intended to dull the pain of an individual who was being tortured or crucified.  But we see Jesus refusing to drink it. The Son of God chose to endure the pain without having anything to easy it. He chose to willingly suffer the agonies of the damned for each of us.

Then they cast lots for His clothes and place a sign with the charge against Him: “This is Jesus, King of the Jews.”

Pastor shares a detailed description of Jesus’ cross.

The story continues with taunting coming from the gathered crowd and as darkness covers the sky from noon to 3pm.  Jesus cries out to God the Father highlighting David’s prophetic words from Psalm 22:1. 

Note also the prophetic fulfillment of the words of verses 7-8:
All who see me mock me;
    they hurl insults, shaking their heads.
“He trusts in the Lord,” they say,
    “let the Lord rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
    since he delights in him.”

7 Words of Jesus from the Cross
    ⁃    Father forgive them they know not what they do
    ⁃    Today you will be with me in paradise
    ⁃    Woman, behold your son
    ⁃    My God, my God, why have you forsaken me
    ⁃    I thirst
    ⁃    It is finished
    ⁃    Father into Thy hands I commend my spirit

Jesus’ crucifixion is the greatest love story the world has ever heard. The Only Son of God willingly saved us and it ought to drive us to our knees in tears and holy awe.

Pastor ends today’s class with the encouragement to read through the rest of the story before joining us again next week.

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Ten Words – Week 7: Don’t Murder!

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Scripture:  Exodus 20:13, Genesis 4, 2 Samuel 11-12, Genesis 9:6, Matthew 5:21-22, 1 John 3:15

Exodus 20:13 “You shall not murder.”

Many believe they have not broken this commandment – but what we will discover is that we have all broken it. This will be a message that will offend many and we will see our incredible need for a Savior. We will also recognize He is giving us direction for our daily lives.

The Ten Commandments were given as a
Curb
Mirror
Guide

There are so many stories of murder in the Bible: Cain and Abel – Genesis 4, David and Uriah – 2 Samuel 11-12. In Genesis 9:6 we see that God considers life to be sacred, precious: 
“Whoever sheds human blood,
    by humans shall their blood be shed;
for in the image of God
    has God made mankind.”

Murder is a violation of the very heart of the Living God.

Jesus defines murder in greater detail in Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”

We are guilty of sinning against this commandment with our hearts and minds – one we thought we were exempt from. Anger, resentment and hatred – destroy us from within.  “All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them.” 1 John 3:15. 

God calls us to be slow to anger, quick to forgive and to take seriously the heart of this commandment. Not just our outward actions but our inner thoughts. This command shows us our inner need for a Savior and calls us to Christ, showing we all need a Divine Deliverer.

What more is in this command?

Specific Issues:
PUNISHMENT and WARFARE – Government: death penalty, wars: Romans 13:4 gives authority to government to carry these out.
SUICIDE – affects the individual, their families and even communities. We are not to take our own lives. Many think of this is the unforgivable sin – yet the Bible does not say that. 
ABORTION – See Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:16 and Luke 1:41-44 where we see that Scriptures do not distinguish between the unborn and born.

Responding to this command – do we accept a world view?

Here’s a common saying today: “If you are against abortion, don’t do it.  But don’t impose your views on others.” With a closer look – try substituting different words in place of “abortion” such as: murder or slavery or sex trafficking. How does that change your view?

Response
    ⁃    Realize: I may have accepted a worldview that is contrary to God’s
    ⁃    Repent: ask Him for forgiveness
    ⁃    Receive: forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ.
    ⁃    Rely: on His Word which is true, on His Holy Spirit who guides and directs and gives revelation and understanding.

It is painful to admit our sin, but glorious to receive what God offers: forgiveness and life in Christ.

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Two Year Gospel Study Week 59

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Up To Jerusalem – Teaching 1
Scripture – Matthew 20:17-19, Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-33, John 11:55-57

Jesus is the most courageous man who ever lived.  He knew what lay ahead and yet He chose the road that led to the cross anyways!  Clearly, we matter to God. God loves us each individually so much that He was willing to go Up to Jerusalem.

Up to Jerusalem 
    1.    Biblical
    2.    Jewish
    3.    Chronological
    4.    Teleological (meaning it is by design – God’s deliberate plan)

In Matthew 20:17-19 we read “Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way He took the Twelve…. ” And He shares that the Son of Man (Himself) would be arrested, condemned to death, mocked, flogged, crucified and on the 3rd day He will be raised to life.

Jesus is up front with telling of His death and resurrection but the disciples did not understand what He was saying.  In Mark 10:22 and 32 Mark reports that they were on their way up to Jerusalem and Jesus told them what was going to happen to Him. There is a sense of fear and uncertainty in the air…..

Luke 18:31-33 as well tells us that Jesus took them aside and said that they were going up to Jerusalem and He told them everything that is written by the prophets on the Son of Man would be fulfilled…. He would be arrested, mocked, flogged, killed, and on the 3rd day He will rise again.

John tells us in John 11:55-57 that Jesus was going up to Jerusalem but adds the piece that the chief priests and pharisees had plans to arrest Jesus.

Comparing all four sources, we can determine a specific time when this conversation happened.  This is just days before the Passover festival (a festival commemorating the deliverance of the Israelites by God from bondage in Egypt, when they put the blood of a lamb on their door posts and the Lord passed over their homes – saving them from the 10th Plague and then God used Moses to lead them out of Egypt.)

From these four sets of verses we learn that:
God will carry out His purpose!
Jesus will do the Father’s will!
And God wins!

Everything in the Bible points to these final days of Jesus and everything that follows flows out of these days – because the Final Return of Jesus is coming!!  He has already won the victory! And because of that victory, we are assured that God wins and so do we as His believers!

The story of Up to Jerusalem is truth that transforms- it is life-giving – it changes EVERYTHING! And so let’s head Up to Jerusalem!

Pastor digs deeper into who the chief priests were: their politics, their duties, their influence, their teachings, and their opposition to Jesus. They viewed Him as a threat to their power, influence, wealth and futures.

What we learn is that what God desires from us is not religion – He desires relationship with Him: to know Him, to listen to Him, to follow Him.

Pastor explores a few more verses in Matthew as they are on the road up to Jerusalem. Jesus teaches the disciples that life is not about achievements and being “top dog”. This life is about serving.  Jesus says, “serving, even as I have served.” Jesus is a servant – and we are called to be like that. Jesus tells that serving Him and others is the way the Father would have us do things, not the way the world does – of looking out for only one’s self. Jesus teaches and shows us that with God it’s all about self sacrifice and service – being humble and obedient, it’s not about self-promotion and self-aggrandizement.  Did you know the word leader is mentioned only 6 times in the King James Bible, but servant is mentioned 900 times! Kinda’ emphasizes the point!

Jesus says, “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

This is our model and we are called to be more and more like Him

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 four 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!

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.

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

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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.

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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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