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Mark 5:21-24, 35-43

Touch of Faith:

You have to risk it all in Faith

Believe what you can’t see by Faith

Have Faith in Jesus as Lord and Redeemer

• Jesus said, ““Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you” and the man proclaimed the name of Jesus.

• Jesus and God are One in the Same.

•  At the end of the day, what this shows is exactly what we are told.

• James 2:19 “19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!”

•  And just like this legion of demons:

Philippians 2:10-11 “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

• Even when we are in the midst of fear, when we find ourselves in the midst of the storm, Jesus says the same thing. Peace! Be still!
• Where is your faith?
• Who is your faith in?
• Who do you trust?
• Who do you believe?
• Who are you willing to follow?
• To whom are you going to be obedient?
• Jesus is calling you out of fear so that you can follow Him more.
• I point you to the words of Jesus…
• Peace! Be still! “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?

John 15:12-17

Mark 4:21-34

Open your Bibles to Joshua 4:1-7

Memorial Day in America…what does it mean?

I’d like to take a moment of silence to thank, and honor all who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country, our freedoms, and our families. 

This isn’t going to be your typical Memorial Day Service. We are here to honor God above all else and today as your pastor I’m going to point you to Jesus just like I’m supposed to do. 

Through the power of the Lord…

1. Moses parted the Red Sea…Exodus 14:21
2. Joshua parted the Jordan…Joshua 3:15
3. Elijah parted the Jordan…2 Kings 2:8
4. Elisha parted the Jordan…2 Kings 2:14
5. Technically…God separated the waters from the dry land…Genesis 1:9

What should be our true memorial?

Who did Jesus die for?

• Jesus died for the Jewish people…wrong!
• Jesus died for Christian people…wrong!
• Jesus died for the elect…wrong! 

Our memorial is the cross…it’s not an idol though and should never be. Just a memorial. 

• Jesus has RISEN! 
• JESUS HAS CONQUERED DEATH!
• JESUS IS ALIVE FOREVERMORE! 
• WE WHO BELIEVE ARE ALIVE WITH CHRIST JESUS!

Romans 8:38 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Let us Celebrate the Risen Christ and hold memorial in our hearts everyday!

Open your Bibles to Mark 3:31-35

A few weeks ago we were talking about all the apostles, blasphemy, and eternal sin. Jesus had selected his 12 apostles and was laying out solid truths for people to hear. Hard truths for people to hear. 

We are going all the way through the Gospel of Mark. You may or may not have noticed that I skipped over v.20. Today we are going to look at v.20, but that’s not where we will start. 

Take a look at Mark 3:31-35

• Like any mother or brother, or any family, you care for one another. 
• Their concern for Jesus was real. 
• They knew he was stirring up real controversy and grumblings with those you don’t mess with. 
• The Jewish leaders.
• Go back to v.20 “Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. 21 And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”
• Jesus’ family has been watching Him, and they’ve been concerned for Him, His safety, His well being, worried about what might happen to Him if He keeps stirring up controversy. 

• Jesus wasn’t concerned with these things. Jesus had one goal…
• John 17:1-5 Jesus says, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.”
• Read all of John 17 when you get a minute. You’ll see that Jesus actually prays for you.

• So when Jesus responds to those who announced that His mother and brother’s were there to see Him…He wasn’t being rude. 
• “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 
• This wasn’t meant to cause hurt, or harm to the feelings of His family. 
• Jesus cared for His family deeply. 
• Jesus while on the cross, dying, ensured His mother would be cared for by asking John, one of His disciples, to care for His mother.
• John 19:26 “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
• Jesus appeared to James, His half brother, before appearing to the rest of the Apostles. 
• Jesus’ mother and siblings were included when big decisions had to be made. When Matthias was chosen to replace Judas as one of the Apostles, Mary was there joined in prayer. 
• Instead Jesus is, as always, using this opportunity as a teaching moment. 
• v.33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 
• Those of us who believe in Jesus as Lord and have confessed Jesus as Savior, and have decided to follow Jesus with their heart, we are part of a larger family.
• When Jesus said in v.34 “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”
• Look around you! Look around you right now!
• We are brother’s and sister’s in Christ Jesus!
• We are mother’s and father’s to those in need!
• We are the body of Christ Jesus, we are the church!
• We are heirs to the Kingdom of God. 
• Any one of us who is willing to accept and keep the will of God the Father.
• We are brother’s and sister’s, mother’s and father’s.

• We are family by blood…the blood of Jesus Christ our Savior who bled and died for each of us.

2024 Easter Sunday: Journey to the Cross (Luke 24:13-35)

Luke 24:5 The angels said “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen.”

Praise the Lord! Jesus is ALIVE!!!

• Let’s be real for just a second:
• Sometimes life gets difficult doesn’t it?
• Sometimes don’t you feel alone?
• Sometimes don’t you struggle in your faith?
• Have you ever doubted?
• Have you ever wondered where is Jesus in all this? In all that you have going on?
• Have you ever strayed from the Lord?
• Have you ever found yourself asking Why? Or Why me?

• You are not alone!

Matthew 21:7-9

Hosanna is typically translated as “Please Save Us”.

Timeline of Jesus last week:

•   Sunday:

•   Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Everyone shouts Hosanna!)

•   Monday:

•   Jesus cleanses the temple and runs out the money-changers

•       Matthew 21:13 “He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”

•       Matthew 21:15-16 “But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?”

•   Tuesday:

•   Jesus curses the fig tree.

•   Wednesday:

•   Sanhedrin plot to kill Jesus

•   Wednesday/Thursday:

•   Preparations begin for Passover

•   Thursday:

•   The Last Supper - Jesus with Disciples

•   Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane - Jesus sweats blood during prayer

•   Friday (Good Friday)

•   Jesus betrayed by Judas

•   Jesus arrested

•   Jesus put on trial with Jewish leaders: Annas and Caiaphas

•       Peter denies Jesus three times

•   Jesus put on trial with Roman leaders: Goes before Pilate (Everyone Shouts Crucify Him!)

•   Jesus is scourged, crowned with thorns, and mocked as Kings of the Jews

•   Jesus is crucified on the cross

•       Started about 9am

•       Jesus died on the cross about 3pm

•       This is Day 1

•   Jesus is buried in the tomb in the Evening.

•   Saturday:

•   This is Day 2

•   Sunday: Easter Sunday

•   This is Day 3

•   Mary Magdalene finds the empty tomb.

•   Mary tells the disciples and Peter and John go to see for themselves.

•   Jesus appears to His disciples.

•   (Jesus is not dead, He is Alive!)

How did we go from praising Jesus and yelling “Hosanna” to yelling “Crucify Him” in the span of a week?

The issue is our sin.

•   Romans 2:23 “For have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”

•   We wanted Jesus to be something He wasn’t and do things against His plan.

•   We still do this today.

•   We still try to get Jesus to do our will instead of accepting the Will of Jesus.

•   We still try to get Jesus to bend to our will and do our bidding.

•       Jesus is not a genie in a bottle. You don’t get your wishes.

•   We choose things and people over Jesus all the time!

•                                  We choose our own Barabbas…sometimes daily.

We look to Jesus just as the Jewish people did…wanting a mighty King and warrior who is to overthrown the darkness that has taken over.

Lets look at what scripture says…

•   John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

•   1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

•   Colossians 2:15 “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”

What are you to yell now church? Hosanna! (Please Save Us) or Crucify Him!?

You want a King that has won the battle?

You want a King that was the victory?

You want a King who is willing to take your place and raise you up on high?

You want a King who would die for you?

You have One…His name is Jesus!

Mark 2:1-12

Mark 1:21-45

Mark 1:16-20

How many in this room would call themselves followers of Jesus?

How many in this room would call themselves Christians?

How many in this room would call themselves Disciples?

All four Gospels and Acts include Jesus calling the first disciples and who they were. 

Mark 1:16-20

Matthew 4:18-22

Luke 5:4-11

John 1:29-2:2, John never names all the disciples in full.

Acts 1:13 names all the disciples except Judas Iscariot since he betrayed Jesus and killed himself.

The men at the heart of the verses we are looking at here in Mark…at the point of these verses already knew who Jesus was, heard of Him, seen Him and were following Jesus. 

The point of these verses in Mark is this…

• These four men (Simon, Andrew, James, and John)
• They are already followers, or “disciples” of Jesus, and now being called into action.
• They now had to choose obedience to the Lord or to themselves.
• They now had to choose Jesus above all.
• This couldn’t have been easy because Jesus was setting out to shake things up.
• Jesus was healing people on the Sabbath
• Healing diseased people like lepers
• Causing a ruckus and turning over money-changers tables in the temple
• Casting out demons
• Jesus wasn’t playing around.

So who did Jesus get to be followers, or disciples for Him?

Fisherman

Tax Collector

Zealot who supported anarchy, and plotted to overthrow Roman rule

Treasurer, dealt with money (and stole it)

So mostly fisherman and a few with less than desirable resumes.

Who did Jesus not call?

• Jesus didn’t call the Pharisees, Sadducees, or the Scribes.
• Jesus didn’t call those who were actively in schools or seminaries.
• Jesus didn’t call those who were rich and could provide for His ideas.
• Jesus didn’t call those who were perfect and had everything figured out.

Jesus called on those who would follow Him!

Three places in the NT that mention the word Christian and this is where we get our understanding of what it means to be a Christian:

• Acts 11:19-26
• 1 Peter 4:14, 16
• Acts 26:28-29

Being a Christian is the same as being a disciple. There is no difference. When one professes faith in and receives Salvation through Jesus Christ they are at that moment disciples.

On the C.S. Lewis Institute website there is an article by Thomas A Tarrants from June 5, 2014 titled: ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN OR A DISCIPLE? IS THERE A DIFFERENCE? WHY IT MATTERS!

• In this article “Noted New Testament scholar Michael Wilkins is quoted as saying, “a disciple is “one who has come to Jesus for eternal life, has claimed Jesus as Savior and God, and has embarked on the life of following Jesus.”

So the definition of a follower of Jesus is really a Disciple of Jesus, which is also a Christian!

Who here today would agree that we who profess to be Christians are to observe the command given us in Matthew 28:19-20?

How can one who is not a disciple of Jesus, go and make disciples for Jesus?

When Jesus called to Simon, Andrew, James, and John they responded immediately.

• They left their boats, left their family and went walked with Jesus.
• I wonder if there are some in this church who are being called?
• Are you responding immediately?

How are we as Christians living today?

• Just showing up to church constitutes being a Christian?
• Better yet some don’t even go to church, the just claim the word Christian!
• Remember that being a Christian is following Jesus, it’s being a disciple!
• It’s living like Jesus and doing what He would do.
• Is that you? Are you ready to give up everything and follow Jesus who gave up everything for you?
• Are you ready to begin living out your Christianity and become true disciples of Jesus?

Cite from CS Lewis Website: https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/are-you-a-christian-or-a-disciple-is-there-a-difference-why-it-matters/

14. William L. Kynes, PhD, New Testament scholar, pastor, and currently moderator of the Evangelical Free Church of America, in private correspondence with author.

Mark 1:14-15

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

• v.14-15 give us an overview of what is happening and coming.
• John the Baptist gets arrested and imprisioned by Herod Antipas because he spoke against Herodias (the wife of Herod’s brother Philip) because Herod was having an affair with her. 
• Jesus however is now beginning His ministry.
• He has returned from the wilderness and is ready to begin teaching and preaching. 
• He picks up where John the Baptist left off bringing a message of repentance…but there is more.
• Jesus says “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand”
• There is now a new and better way for people to know and follow the Lord.
• Isaiah 40:3 says, “A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
• There is a shake up happening…things are about the change. Things won’t ever be the same.
• When Jesus says “The time is fulfilled” He means prophecy has been fulfilled and to prepare yourself for anything because we are about to cause a stir. 
• Churches love shake-ups right?
• Churches love when things change right?
• Churches love when traditions go out the window and new ideas take root right?
• NO!!!!!
• Jesus is on the scene now and He is going to change how religion works. 
• Jesus says “The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
• Jesus is here, the kingdom is now at hand and Jesus is bringing a message and you better put your ears on and hear it. 
• The old ways of doing religion is ending and it’s about giving your heart to the Lord
• Repenting for your faults, failures, and sins against God.
• Actually being sorrowful for what you have done and seeking forgiveness.

• Jesus had to begin…he had to start somewhere and sometime discipling those who would carry on the mission out into the mission field.
• We are no different in our Christian walk. We have to start somewhere and that begins with believing in Jesus, the mission, and our role in the mission.
• Jesus said “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” 
• The time is now and to believe in the Gospel which can be summed up simply like this:
• Admit you are a sinner who needs to repent
• Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and in His birth, death, & resurrection
• Confess that Jesus is Lord and receive salvation found in no other Name

Mark 1:12-13

•   Mark mentions four things…

1.    Jesus was drove into the wilderness for 40 days.

2.    Jesus was tempted by Satan.

3.    Jesus was among wild animals.

4.    Jesus had angels ministering to Him.

•   This is a significant event in the life of Jesus and allows for us to see the human side of Jesus.

•   But there is more to this story.

•   Mark only gives us some of what happened.

•       It’s the cliff notes version, there is a lot that happened though.

•   Mark doesn’t dive into the details. This is why it’s important to read all the Bible, not just some.

•       Jesus not only was driven into the wilderness for 40 days, but he fasted the entire time.

•            Fasting for Jesus was real fasting…not what we do today.

•            Jesus did not eat or drink.

•            That’s why in Matthew and Luke 4:2 (for both) it says “he was hungry”.

•       While fasting for 40 days in the wilderness he was also being tempted by Satan (the Devil).

•       Remember that Jesus went immediately into the wilderness (which in Hebrew also translates as desert).

•            Jesus didn’t prepare by going home and packing a bag.

•            He was driven into the wilderness with just what He had on His back.

•                Remember Jesus sent His disciples out the same way, with just what they had.

•                Jesus was exposed to the elements around Him.

•                     Hot during the day (highs of 85°)

•                     Cold at night (lows of 65°)

•                     Wild Animals:

•                         Hippopotamus (Water areas)

•                         Crocodiles (Water areas)

•                         Venomous snakes

•                         Scorpions

•                         Lions

•                         Bears

•                         Leopards

•                         Hyenas

•                         Jackyls

•                         Wolves

•                         Wild Boar

•   As if not eating or drinking, facing the elements and wild animals weren’t enough.

•       Jesus had to contend directly with the devil himself.

•       We don’t face the devil to his face like Jesus did.

•            We are affected by the devil and his demons but not like Jesus was.

•   We hear of three temptations Jesus faced.

•   “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

•   “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 

•   8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”

•       Jesus speaks from the book of Deuteronomy when responding to Satan.

•   Satan attempt to lure Jesus into sin didn’t work.

•   I feel like I would have responded differently, which is why I’m not Jesus.

•       I would have said “If I’m the Son of God, I’ll show you who is the Son of God”.

•       And then I would have sinned and the devil would have won.

•   Pay attention to this though…

•   When Jesus said “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

•   Jesus said Be Gone and Satan had to leave.

Temptation is defeated because…

•       There is power in the voice of Jesus Christ.

•       There is mercy in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

•       There is Salvation in the Blood of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel of Mark, at the core is about Discipleship. A real relationship with Jesus, following Jesus,  trusting Jesus, fellowship with Jesus, believing in the teachings of Jesus, being molded and shaped by Jesus, and preparing to face what Jesus faced. 

• All the Gospels give an account of John proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah.
• My favorite…John 1:29 “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
• Here in Mark we get the overview of what happened. 
• We get introduced to John the Baptist, what he was doing, and why he was doing it. 
• Baptizing in the wilderness
• proclaiming a baptism of repentance (remember the word repentance)
• for the forgiveness of sins.
• As crazy as John the Baptist was, people were coming to him. Confessing sins to him.
• John the Baptist also recognized his purpose…
• “After me comes he who is mightier than I”
• John the Baptist was humble.
• “The strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie”
• John the Baptist recognized his place and worth.
• “I have baptized you with water”
• John used what he could, what he had…water to wash and cleanse away sin.
• It makes sense…when we are dirty we get in water and wash to get clean. 
• But when John the Baptist was baptizing people Jesus hasn’t yet died or resurrected. 
• The act of baptism was yet another means by which people tried to rid themselves of sin but couldn’t. 
• The act of baptism did not, does not even today, atone for sin.
• However, Jesus seen the importance of this act and asked John the Baptist to baptism Him.

• Jesus knew that what John the Baptist was doing was meaningful, had importance, and would allow for people to remember.
• Jesus is the one that made Baptism important, necessary, and meaningful.
• John prepared the way for us to follow The Way, Jesus. 
• Prior to John the Baptist people were doing cleansing rituals that could be considered baptism-like.
• None were being baptized as John the Baptist called…for the repentance of their sins.
• Repent means to turn away from…
• So John was calling for people to be washed clean of their sins, but it’s more. 
• John the Baptist was sent to “Prepare the Way”.
• His purpose was to get people ready for the Messiah…for Jesus.
• The way that John baptized people was fulfilling the prophecy that told us that Jesus would die, be buried, and then raised again to life.
• It wasn’t just so people could get clean…baptism was to prepare people for Jesus, “the Way, the Truth, the Life.”
• When Jesus was baptized by John it changed everything. The whole purpose of baptism changed from simply getting clean to dying to one’s self. 
• Jesus comes out of the water and Heaven opens up.
• v.11 there is a voice from Heaven.
• “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
• There are witnesses to Heaven opening up, the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus, and now a voice. 
• For those gathered, witnessing the baptism of Jesus, this is a special moment and one that brought many to faith in Christ. 
• Acts 2:41 talks about Peter continuing the message of “Repent and be baptized”.
• Thousands have heard and received this message that John the Baptist Prepared.

Romans 8

• We are sinful by nature, born into defiance against the Lord ever since sin entered into the world.
• v.2 tells us that our flesh is weak and we who are flesh are condemned.
• God gave us laws that proved our sinfulness.
• Not so we could be saved by the laws, but to be found guilty of it. 
• To show us our sinfulness and have it stand out to us.
• We were given a gift, the ability to receive the Holy Spirit who can set us free through Jesus.
• v.3 God sent His Son Jesus in the likeness of our flesh to take upon Himself our sins.
• This was so that the law could be fulfilled and the debt of sin paid by the only sacrifice worthy to do so.
• No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.
• Do you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
• Are you a follower, a TRUE follower of Jesus?
• Our vision for this year is “I Have Decided…”
• Have you decided to believe in Jesus and follow Him only?
• If so, then there is no condemnation for you.
• Your past sins are forgiven.
• You are no longer a slave to your sin.
• You have been set free and the chains of sin binding you have been broken.
• Our flesh cannot, does not have the ability to please God. 
• No amount of effort or works can accomplish this.
• Through the Holy Spirit we have hope, peace, and life in Jesus our Savior.

• We must be committed followers of Christ. 
• We must give up ourselves and follow Him.
• If we live to ourselves, in our own way and in our flesh we will die. 
• It says so in v.13, but if we live by the Holy Spirit, meaning Jesus lives in our hearts, we will live.
• v.14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
• When we belong to Jesus we have nothing to fear. 
• This world can do what it wants to us but we have so much more waiting for us in eternity. 
• The Spirit knows if you are faking it! 
• The Holy Spirit knows if you are true believers and followers of God and bears witness to this…
• Only true believers and followers of Christ are adopted into God’s family.
• We are sons and daughters, we are heirs alongside Jesus even. v.17 

Pass Over v.18-30 (That is a whole other sermon on it’s own) 

• v.31 If God is for us, who can be against us?
• v.34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 
• v.35 Nothing shall separate from Jesus.
• Tribulation
• Distress
• Persecution
• Famine
• Nakedness
• Danger
• Sword
• Addiction (alcohol, drugs, pornography)
• Depression
• Loss
• Anxiety
• Self Harm
• In all these things we are more than conquerors through Jesus when we give ourselves over to Him
• v.38 Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
• Jesus said in John 10:29 “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

Followers of Jesus are:

• Set free in Christ Jesus
• No longer condemned for their sins
• Can never be separated from Jesus
• Sons and Daughter of God

Philippians 3

• Look out for the dogs…Paul is referring to the Judaizers.
• Judaizers were Jewish Christians who believed Jews had to follow the Mosaic Law and that Gentiles must be circumcised in order to be saved in obedience to Jewish Law.
• Paul is saying look out for anyone that is not in line with the teaching of Jesus. 

• Paul was circumcised on the 8th day at was OT law.
• He was an ethnic Israelite and knew from what tribe he came…the tribe of Benjamin.
• Hebrew of Hebrews likely meant that he was of a long line of ancient Jewish ancestors.
• He possibly even spoke Aramaic.
• He was of the strictest religious sect…the Pharisees.
• And his zeal was that he was a persecutor of the church.
• According to Jewish law Paul would have been considered blameless. 
• Of course we all know that no one is blameless. 

• what formerly went into the gain column—his power, prestige, and “obedience”—now goes into the loss column.
• Paul counts all he was before, everything he though he gained, as “rubbish”.
• Rubbish in Hebrew means garbage, waste, dung…it literally means poop. 
• Remember that Paul said to watch out for the dogs (meaning the Judaizers)

• Paul knows he is not perfect. He is a sinner. He can’t do anything righteous on his own.
• Paul also knows that we must continue forward. 
• Paul knows there is more importance on Jesus than anything else. 
• Paul has decided and is inviting those around him to make a decision also. 

• Join me in imitating me…because I’m doing my best to imitate Jesus.
• walk with me…because I’m going my best to walk with Jesus.
• see my example…because my example is Jesus.
• let me be an encouragement to you so that you will become an encouragement for others. 
• It’s called discipling.
• Not everyone will listen and I can’t let that stop me. 
• It breaks my heart for those who won’t turn to Jesus. 
• Their destruction is their end…it’s an eternity in Hell. 
• Remember, we must focus on what lies ahead and our citizenship is in Heaven.
• Believers in Jesus Christ wait on our Savior for our eternity is secure with Him in Heaven. 

I Have Decided…

• It’s not enough to just show up on Sunday.
• It’s not enough to just check a box for my Christianity.
• It’s not enough to just claim to be a follower of Jesus.
• It’s not enough to just give Jesus half my heart and life.

I Have Decided…

• To give my life to Jesus
• To say yes to Jesus
• To Follow Jesus

No one will stop me…This is a New Year…a New Beginning…and a New Me because I have been made New in Christ Jesus. 

New Year’s 2024 - I Will Hope In the Lord

Read Lamentations 3:22-24

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

• Steadfast love never ceases
• Mercies never come to an end
• Mercies are new every morning

Turn to Romans 5 

How do we receive this steadfast love; this mercy without end, new every morning?

• v.23 “Great is the faithfulness of the Lord”
• The Lord made the Way; Jesus Christ

Romans 5:1-11 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

• v.2 we now have access, through Jesus, into the grace that God faithfully promised. 
• v.6 proves that the Lord’s steadfast love never ceases.
• v.8 is your mercy that never ends and is new every morning.

Psalm 138:1-3 “I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;

2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. 3 On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.

• v.3b Only through the Lord can my diminished, and weakened soul find strength and be increased. 
• v.3a On the day I called, You answered me.

I will hope in the Lord because:

• His Steadfast love never ceases
• His Mercies never come to an end
• His Mercies are new every morning
• Great is His Faithfulness

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Psalm 118:24

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

1 Peter 1:3-9 “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Philippians 4:4-9 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Luke 15:10 “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

There is Joy Over Just One:

• One Sinner is Enough
• ...for Jesus to die
• One Believer is Enough
• ...for Jesus to die
•   You...are Enough
• ...for Jesus to die
• Luke 15:10 applies to you if you have accepted Jesus in your heart!

We are all one in Jesus.

• We are no longer strangers
• We are citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.
• You belong! 
• You have a place! 
• You are not rejected! 
• You are accepted!
• This is all built on Jesus as He is the cornerstone by which this has all been put together!
• What is holding you back?
• What is keeping you from bowing at His feet right now?
• What is it going to take for you to turn your hearts to Jesus right now?
• To give your life to Him? 
• To surrender everything to Jesus?
• To rededicate your life to Jesus?

Read: Psalm 100

1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and is courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

1 Chronicles 29:11-13

11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

Giving Thanks to God:

 - Make a joyful noise to the Lord

This is through heartfelt song and praise and worship

 - Bless the Name of the Lord

This is an expression of thankfulness and gratitude to the Lord for everything in our lives. 

 - Praise the Glorious Name of the Lord

This is through proclamation where we say with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and we don’t 

care who hears it. 

Read: 1 Chronicles 16:8-36

8 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
    make known his deeds among the peoples!

9 Sing to him, sing praises to him;
    tell of all his wondrous works!

10 Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

11 Seek the Lord and his strength;
    seek his presence continually!

12 Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
    his miracles and the judgments he uttered,

13 O offspring of Israel his servant,
    children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

14 He is the Lord our God;
    his judgments are in all the earth.

15 Remember his covenant forever,
    the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,

16 the covenant that he made with Abraham,
    his sworn promise to Isaac,

17 which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute,
    to Israel as an everlasting covenant,

18 saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan,
    as your portion for an inheritance.”

19 When you were few in number,
    of little account, and sojourners in it,

20 wandering from nation to nation,
    from one kingdom to another people,

21 he allowed no one to oppress them;
    he rebuked kings on their account,

22 saying, “Touch not my anointed ones,
    do my prophets no harm!”

23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
    Tell of his salvation from day to day.

24 Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!

25 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and he is to be feared above all gods.

26 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.

27 Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and joy are in his place.

28 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!

29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;

30 tremble before him, all the earth;
    yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.

31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,
    and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”

32 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
    let the field exult, and everything in it!

33 Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy
    before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.

34 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!

35 Say also:

“Save us, O God of our salvation,
    and gather and deliver us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
    and glory in your praise.

36 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting!”

Then all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the Lord.

• This begins and ends with giving thanks to the Lord. v.8 and v.34.
• This is perfectly written. 
• If you read just all the first lines this “Song” makes perfect sense.
• If you read just the second lines this “Song” makes perfect sense. 
• This “Song” is put together from various other areas of scripture:
• Ps. 105:1–15 (= 1 Chron. 16:8–22)
• Ps. 96:1–13 (= 1 Chron. 16:23–33)
• Ps. 106:1, 47–48 (= 1 Chron. 16:34–36)
• This song lays out a great foundation for us…
• ***Start by giving thanks to the Lord.***
• Share His wondrous works. v.8-9
• Jesus gave His Life as a ransom. v.12, 15, 24, 25, 26, 27
• Love as the Lord loves us. v.34, 36
• Jesus loves us from everlasting to everlasting

But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.

23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— 34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.

Matt. 26:26–28 “Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”

Mark 14:22–24 “And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Open your Bibles to 1 John 1:5-10

• Jesus is light that pierces through darkness

1 John 1:5-10 (Apostle John)

5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

• We must turn from darkness and Satan

Acts 26:16-18 (Luke)

‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

• Through Jesus we become children of light

Ephesians 5 (Paul)

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 

• “8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light”

Open your Bibles to Luke 10:38-42

Shawshank Redemption: Andy Dufresne said to Red; I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

Luke 10:38-42 “Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

John 3:16-18 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 

Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

2 Timothy 4:1-5 “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

1. Ask yourself who you are really serving? Man or God?
2. Understand the mission of Jesus.
3. Time to decide, Get busy living, or get busy dying.

Those of us who have received callings, whether to

• Preach
• Teach
• Sing
• Play an instrument
• Be a trustee
• Be a deacon
• Serve on a team
• Clean the church
• Serve in the nursery
• However you’ve been called…it’s for a purpose.

Matthew 9:37-38

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

• There is a harvest right here in Spencer County. 
• There is a harvest here in KY.
• There is a harvest here in the United States.
• There is a harvest all over the world!

Are you willing to serve and answer the calling that the Lord is putting on your heart?

• Maybe you’ve experienced something similar. 
• Maybe you’ve been pushing down the feelings of how the Lord is calling you.
• Maybe you have doubt or fear.
• Maybe it’s the unknown or you don’t have enough wisdom.
• Maybe you are scared to say yes! I was…
• Maybe you feel like you’re not good enough or unworthy.
• Maybe you feel like you’re not qualified or too busy, or not equipped. 
• Maybe you feel like your just tired.
• Maybe your sin is holding you back.
• Maybe it’s family or your past is keeping you down.
• Maybe you should come and talk to me…or better yet…talk to Jesus.

• Do you know who can defeat all these things….
• Jesus removes doubts and fears.
• Jesus provides wisdom and equips you..
• Jesus gives energy and power to the weary and tired. 
• Jesus deals with the sin and conquers your past. 
• Jesus leads you through the unknown.
• The One who defeated death…Jesus, he can do all things.

Where are the Deacons?

• Before we can address “Where are the deacons?” We first need to establish a few things.
• Not had deacons in about 20 years. 
• The impact on this church I believe has been and continues to be problematic. 
• Why do we need deacons?
• Who can be deacons?
• What do deacons do? 
• How are deacons appointed?

All the parts of the body are needed to complete the tasks.

Jude 1:24-25

Last week was about staying strong in the faith. 

• v.17 “the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• v.18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.”
• 20 Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God” 
• “wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”

Read your Bible…Believe in the Lord ONLY

Study your Bible… Trust in the Lord ONLY

Know your Bible… Follow the Lord ONLY

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

• This is the doxology.
• Doxology means “a usually liturgical expression of praise to God” according to Webster’s website.
• We have examples of doxologies throughout scripture…some are:
• Romans 11:36 “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
• Galatians 1:3-5 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
• Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
• Philippians 4:20 “To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
• 1 Timothy 1:17 “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

This one here in Jude establishes everything that is right, perfect, and holy concerning our Lord Jesus. 

• Jesus is able to keep you from stumbling if you follow Him.
• Jesus is able to present you blameless because He took your sins upon Himself. 
• Jesus is full of glory and great joy because in His presence we are forgiven, and loved. 
• Jesus is God!
• God the Father
• God the Son
• God the Holy Spirit
• 3 divine persons in 1
• Jesus is our Savior, the one who ransomed himself for sinners.
• Jesus is Lord!
• Because Jesus is Lord to Him belongs glory, majesty, dominion, and authority. 
• Jesus has been before time began and will be through all eternity. 

Doxology:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise Him all creatures here below

Praise Him above ye heav'nly hosts

Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost

⁠Read Jude 1:8-23⁠

Read your Bible…Believe in the Lord ONLY

Study your Bible… Trust in the Lord ONLY

Know your Bible… Follow the Lord ONLY

v.8

• “These people” are the false teachers. The ones I’ve been warning you against. 
• They rely on themselves instead of God.
• They reject authority because they want control. 
• It’s all about them.
• They “blaspheme the glorious ones” which likely means they speak negatively about angels.
• These people think they are more in authority than they really are and it’s going to bite them. 
• False teachers don’t know their place. As an answer to this we get v.9.
• These false teachers think they are higher and more powerful than angels. We are not! Yet!
• We are currently lower than the angels.
• Jesus is talked about in Hebrews 2:7-9, which points back to Psalm 8, as being made “for a little while lower than the angels”.
• If we are not higher than Jesus, then it makes sense that we are lower than the angels also.
• The reason I said we are not higher than the angels yet…is that 1 Corinthians 6:3 says that “we will judge angels”, so when we get to Heaven we will be higher than the angels. 
• This is also why I don’t say when we die we become angels. 
• I know that it’s a comforting thought, but it lessens where God is bringing us to. 
• The false teachers think they cannot be touched by demonic forces but they can. 
• Never challenge the devil. (Example of preacher who said we should storm the gates of Hell.)
• You are inviting in evil to your life you do not want. 

v.9

• Even the archangel Michael knew it was not his place to cast judgement, speak ill of, slander, or use any of his own authority when dealing with the devil, nor was it his place to speak for the Lord. 
• Michael simply said “The Lord rebuke you”, which is from Zachariah 3.

v.10-16

• The general basis of this sections is what Jude says in v.10 and the first part of v.11.
• 10 But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. 11 Woe to them!
• You either belong to God and seek after His ways or you don’t. There is no in-between!

v.17-18

• We have been warned in the Bible, by the disciples of Jesus, all throughout scripture of false teachers, those who will come against us, and even of persecution. 
• Jesus Himself told us in John 15:20 “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”

v.19-21

• The world will always be the world.
• Nay-sayers will always exist. 
• We are to push through that and persevere in the Lord Jesus. 

v.22-23

• We are called to show mercy, as we have been shown mercy by Jesus. 
• We are called to save others…how?
• By speaking the Word of the Lord and sharing the Gospel. Planting seeds so that the Holy Spirit can do the work that is needed. 
• We are to show mercy with fear, if we don’t show mercy, that’s on us, God sees that. 
• We are to hate all sins!!! Not the sinners!!!
• There is a difference. 
• We must love, respect, and show the kindness of Christ Jesus to everyone. 

How do we do this?

Read your Bible…Believe in the Lord ONLY

Study your Bible…Trust in the Lord ONLY

Know your Bible…Follow the Lord ONLY

II Chronicles 15:1-2, I John 2:20-21, 27

I John 3:22-23, II Corinthians 1:22-24

The Unction starts your annointing by assisting you in recognizing God's PRESENCE!

Unction stirs your PASSION.

Unction states your PURPOSE.

Unction secures your PLAN.

Unction sources your POWER.

Jude 1:3-7

Last week we talked about how Jude lead us to contend for the faith because there were people who crept in and perverted the word and grace of God to the point that it would cause those they were speaking to to stumble and possibly fall away. 

These people Jude is speaking of, who pervert the grace of our God are false prophets.

• Wolves in sheeps clothing.

The ones being led astray would be those not firm in their faith right? 

Not everyone is as firm in their faith as they want to believe they are. 

There is only one way to be firm in your faith, and just showing up here on Sunday isn’t going to cut it. 

You have to open your bible and read it.

v.5 points to Jesus saving those out of Egypt. 

The OT doesn’t say this explicitly but it is implied. How?

• John 1:3 “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
• John 8:56–58 “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
• Colossians 1:16 “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”

v.6 talks about the angels who didn’t stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling. 

• First some scholars believe these to be fallen angels and other believe these are the “sons of God” spoken about in Genesis 6.
• I believe these to be fallen angels and I believe 2 Peter 2:4 proves it.

• 2 Peter 2:4 says, “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment;”
• These are not the “sons of God” from Genesis 6.
• These angels defied God and he smote them for it.
• He has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day.
• God sent the angels to Hell. 
• These were beings that were in the very presence of God and witnessed His mercy, grace, miraculous works on a daily moment by moment basis and they sinned against God.

Do not think yourself so high and mighty that you are firm in your faith and could not fall. 

• Jesus does all the work in you.
• The Holy Spirit lives in you to help you.
• God the Father extends His mighty hand to you.

v.7 Sodom and Gomorrah

• You can find the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.

• The thing to remember here is that sin against God deserves death. 

• With the story of Sodom and Gomorrah we as Christians like to make it all about homosexuality.
• Is that what the story and the lesson is about? NO
• It is about sin…YES.
• Because the outcry of sin against the city was so great, God destroyed the entire city. 

How do you think the outcry of sin is against our world? Against the United States?

• What about Spencer County?
• Average of 19,000 people in Spencer County
• 8.5% of Spencer County goes to church. That’s roughly 1,600 people in the county. 
• Spencer County has 8.5% of its population attending church…so we’re safe right?
• The percentage gets worse when you figure in that not all attending church are Christians, there are those attending who are lost and those who think they are a Christian who aren’t. 
• It likely brings down the number to around 5.75% of Spencer County are believers and followers of Christ.
• We are in the blast zone!

What is the take away?

As your pastor…I want to remind you to:

• Read your Bible.
• Study your Bible.
• Know your Bible. 

A Reminder...

• Believe in the Lord ONLY  
• Trust in the Lord ONLY
• Follow the Lord ONLY

One last thing…

Help Spencer County! If you won’t do it here…how are you going to “go and make disciples of all the Nations?”

Man will let you down, pastors will let you down, I might even let you down. 

Jesus will NEVER let you down. 

Give you heart to Jesus and believe in HIM ONLY. 

Jude 1:1-4

What is the Book of Jude? Who wrote it and what is it about?

Written by Jude, the brother of James and Jesus.

You can find Jude mentioned in Matthew 13:55, and Mark 6:3

In both places Jude is called Judas, which in Greek translates to Jude. Not Judas Iscariot.

Jude was probably written in the mid-60s A.D. Considering the letter’s apparent Jewish perspective, Jude’s audience was probably Jewish Christians, or a mixture of Jewish and Gentile readers where the Gentiles were familiar with Jewish traditions.

The book is about “Contending for the Faith”.

Jude points out apostasy of the church and the false teachers/leaders who helped cause it.

What is Apostasy you asked? I’m glad you asked…

Webster’s Dictionary says, "An abandonment of what one has professed; a total desertion, or departure from one's faith or religion.”

Adrian Rogers said “a falling away from the faith” or “a turning from the faith”.

This is what we are going to be talking about over the next several weeks. The world around us is falling fast, but it didn’t just happen overnight. It has been falling since sin entered into, but even as we look over just the past 50 years or so, the world has fallen greatly. 

Jude starts out this epistle (letter of specific tone, typically instructional) gently.

He introduces himself, humbles himself calling himself a servant. 

Jude is connecting to his audience (Jewish Christians, probably some Gentiles how were followers).

Jude points out that those whom the Lord has called in a close relationship with the God the Father will be kept and protected from in Jesus. 

Protected from what? We’ll get there.

v.2, again this is just introductory and a blessing too whomever is reading this letter. 

Mercy, Peace, and Love of the Lord our God to you.

Now we change the tone of the letter. 

Notice the word necessary in v.3.

Jude was eager to write about salvations that were happening and join in the joy. 

However, Jude found it necessary to write about contending for the faith.

Fighting for the faith, staying true to the faith, not being lead astray in any way. 

The truth of the Bible was “once for all delivered to the saints.”

If you are a professing Christian who has devoted themselves to following Jesus Christ then you are one of the Saints. 

Jude points out that certain people have crept in, unnoticed. 

Who are they?

Jude describes them as “designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

These are false teachers. 

They are everywhere. Especially on TV and the Internet. 

Not all are false, I’m on the internet. 

You have to be cautious about who you listen to, what they teach…does it align with God’s word?

We are to live IN the world, not OF the world. 

How do you live IN the world, and not OF the world? How do you stay away from false teachers and know the truth?

To know the answer to that, YOU HAVE TO BE IN AND READING GOD’S WORD!!!!

Christians who don’t have a good excuse for missing church are what I call “faith-based”. 

What is faith-based? 

It’s when Jesus isn’t important enough to put first and we’re afraid of offending people more than offending God!

BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH IS NOT FAITH-BASED…WE ARE FAITH-FILLED IN JESUS CHRIST AS OUR LORD! 

We aren’t afraid to say so…

Contend for the Faith:

Read your Bible

Study your Bible

Know your Bible

Romans 6:10-11, 1 Corinthians 15

Saving Grace: Because of Jesus

Acts 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Why do you wait?: Because of Jesus

Jesus will make us new again, that is worth waiting on.

We have a home prepared for us, that is worth waiting on.

Resurrection Power!: Because of Jesus

Jesus has resurrection power!

We who have professed faith in Jesus have the Holy Spirit living in us!

We have resurrection power of Jesus in us!

Take this to HEART!!!

Saving Grace: Because of Jesus

Why do you wait?: Because of Jesus

Resurrection Power!: Because of Jesus

Acts 8:26-40, Acts 22:16

Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Acts 8:26-40 “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: 

“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.”

34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

Why Do You Wait? Here is the Water!

Acts 2:38 “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Why Do You Wait? You can receive the Holy Spirit!

Acts 22:16 “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’”

Why Do You Wait? Just call on the Name of Jesus!

Ephesians 2:1-10

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Romans 5:18-21 “Therefore, as one trespass (Adam’s sin) led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness (Jesus death on the cross) leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience (Adam) the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience (Jesus) the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Read: Ephesians 2:1-10

Saving Grace: Means you were DEAD!

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 

Saving Grace: Restored you to LIFE!

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 

Saving Grace: Is a GIFT!

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Acts 1:8, John 15:16-17

2023 Vision: By Faith

***Missional Mindset: We are commanded to GO!***

Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Psalm 96:3 “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!”

Romans 10:9-15 “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

***Missional Mindset: You were chosen to Go!***

John 15:16-17 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”

***Missional Mindset: GO Witness with Power***

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Joshua 24:14-15

***Father’s: Make a choice and stand by it***

*** Father’s: You were once lost too***

***Father’s: Be the Spiritual Leader God called you to be***

Joshua 24:15 “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Exodus 14

• God is in control.
• God is setting the scene for where you are going. 

“God didn’t remove the Red Sea, He parted it. Sometimes God doesn’t remove your problems, He makes a Way through them!”

That Way was Jesus, and Jesus is still the Only Way!

John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

1 Peter 4:7-11

Time:

Ephesians 5:16 “making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

James 4:14 “yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

Why?

2 Corinthians 6:2 “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”

Gifts:

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Romans 11:29 “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Why?

Acts 2:38 “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Talents:

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Ephesians 4:11-12 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ”

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.”

Why?

Romans 12:4-8 “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”

1 Peter 4:7-11 “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Mark 12:41-44

***When giving to God: Honor God with your giving***

Genesis 14:19-20 “Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.”

Genesis 28:22 Jacob promises to give a 10th to the Lord, “And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”\

***When giving to God: Do NOT steal from God***

Malachi 3:6-12

6 “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. 7 From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return?’ 8 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. 10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.”

***When giving to God: Model your giving***

1 Corinthians 16:2 “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”

Luke 16:10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”

***When giving to God: Do not be anxious about your giving***

Matthew 6:25-34 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[a] 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

***When giving to God: Give from your heart***

Mark 12:41-44 “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Who typically is more giving than your mother (or maybe grandmother)?

***A Mother’s Giving Heart - should be honored***

Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” 

***A Mother’s Giving Heart - should be remembered***

Isaiah 49:15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.”

***A Mother’s Giving Heart - should be learned***

Proverbs 1:8-9 “Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, 9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.”

***A Mother’s Giving Heart - should be cared for*** 

John 19:25-27 “but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.”

***A Mother’s Giving Heart - loves, cares, and endures for you***

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”