Sturdy Faith
1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 Don’t let your faith be shaken… God has spoken (13) God is watching (14-16a) God is working (16b)a. Unperceived Wrathb. Visitation Wrathc. Tribulation Wrathd. Damnation Wrath
A Model for our Ministry
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 We desire to be a church that: Glorifies God Supremely Proclaims Jesus Boldly Teaches Biblically Focuses Missionally Gathers Intentionally Multiplies Locally and Globally
The Transforming Power of the Gospel
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 The Gospel changes a person: Conversion changes our virtues (1 Thessalonians 1:2-5). Conversion changes our resolve (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7). Conversion changes our priorities (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Conversion changes our master (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). Four reasons 1 Thessalonians 1:10 is a reference to a pretribulation rapture: Waiting for Jesus is related to being rescued from wrath. Paul’s flow of thought in Thessalonians supports identifying “wrath” with the Tribulation. The word ῥύομαι with ἐκ can communicate removal to safety…
Trust, Entrust, and Rest
Exodus 2:1-10 The calling for every mother, parent, grandparent, and every believer. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Entrust your children in the hands of the Lord. Rest in the providence of the Lord.
The Triumph of Forgiveness
2 Corinthians 2:5-17 Christ’s forgiveness leads our church in triumph over Satan: By giving the group restraint in correction (2 Corinthians 2:5-11). By helping us turn the page on personal offences (2 Corinthians 2:12-13). By giving us gospel authority and opportunity everywhere we go (2 Corinthians 2:14-17).
To Anyone Who Has Ever Blown It
John 21:1-25 To anyone who has ever blown it, remember: Failure isn’t final. God is merciful. He calls us out of darkness, into his marvelous light.
The Resurrection of the Son of God
John 19:38-20:31 Proposition: The resurrection of Jesus demands awe. Belief at the empty tomb (20:1-10) Belief when seeing (20:11-29) Belief from testimony (20:30-31) So what? The resurrection vindicates everything Jesus claimed and taught. The resurrection changes the trajectory of lives. The hope of reunion is founded upon resurrection, of which Christ is the first fruits. Union with Christ and familiarity with His resurrection power enables me to live righteously.
The Centrality of the Cross
John 19:16-37 The Purpose of the Cross: Why did it happen this way? The Power of the Cross: What did Jesus accomplish? Prophecy Fulfilled: John 19:23-24 – Gambling for the garment – Psalm 22:18 John 19:28-29 – Thirst and sour wine. – Psalm 69:19-21 John 19:31-37 – No bones broken, He will be pierced. – Zechariah 12:10; Psalm 34:19-20 The Power of the Cross: What did Jesus accomplish? Tetelestai – “it is finished” – “complete, finished, accomplished, paid in full” Uses of Tetelestai in the ancient world: Art…
God in the Hands of Angry Sinners
John 18:28-19:16 Proposition: Jesus is the King of Truth The Jews prosecuted Him (John 18:28-32). Pilate examined and distanced himself from Him (John 18:33-19:1). The soldiers humiliated Him (John 19:2-11). The Chief Priests blasphemed Him (John 19:12-16).
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
John 18:1-40 Six events identify Jesus as our Good Shepherd: The Boldness of Jesus The Identification of Jesus The Protection of Jesus The Purpose of Jesus The Injustice against Jesus The Isolation of Jesus