In many Bibles the sayings of Jesus are printed in red ink. It’s not that these parts of the Bible are more important the others, its simply meant to draw our attention to the words of our Savior and Lord. As modern day disciples (in the Greek meaning followers or learners/students), it is important for us to study what our teacher is saying.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus’ first “words in red” are found in chapter one, verse fifteen. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Before Jesus reveals Himself through His life, teaching, and works; Jesus proclaims that the Kingdom of God is at hand. This Kingdom is not a physical territory, instead it powerfully begins in Jesus and extends to and through His followers. This Kingdom is spiritual, personal, internal (Luke 17:21). God’s wants to establish His rule over the hearts and lives of His people. While God’s Kingdom will eventually include the restoration of all creation, it begins with you and me allowing God to rule and reign in our lives. What is our response to be at disciples? Repent and believe.
Each Thursday at 7PM I am teaching The Life of Christ class in the sanctuary at Christian Life Church. Nursery and children's ministry is available. All are welcome to attend. In fact, why don’t you invite someone to come to class with you?
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
I Love Grace
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
I love grace. I need it. We all need it. The Good News is God loves to give grace to all who would receive it.
We need grace because we’re not perfect. (Romans 3:23) The Gospels makes it clear that Jesus came to be our savior. We can access God’s grace because Jesus took the punishment for our sin. Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross was the purpose for which He came. Along with the above verses from John, look at Jesus’ purpose verses in the Synoptic Gospels.
Matthew 1:21 - “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Mark 10:45 - “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Luke 19:10 - “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Grace is available because of Christ’s work on the cross. I love what Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” No condemnation! All grace! I love it! We all need grace, but who gets it? “Those who are in Christ Jesus.” Is your life “in” Jesus today? Simply put, “No Jesus. No Grace. Know Jesus. Know Grace.”
Click here to listen to a sermon Romans 8:1.
John 3:16, 17
I love grace. I need it. We all need it. The Good News is God loves to give grace to all who would receive it.
We need grace because we’re not perfect. (Romans 3:23) The Gospels makes it clear that Jesus came to be our savior. We can access God’s grace because Jesus took the punishment for our sin. Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross was the purpose for which He came. Along with the above verses from John, look at Jesus’ purpose verses in the Synoptic Gospels.
Matthew 1:21 - “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Mark 10:45 - “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Luke 19:10 - “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Grace is available because of Christ’s work on the cross. I love what Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” No condemnation! All grace! I love it! We all need grace, but who gets it? “Those who are in Christ Jesus.” Is your life “in” Jesus today? Simply put, “No Jesus. No Grace. Know Jesus. Know Grace.”
Click here to listen to a sermon Romans 8:1.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Your Faith Matters
It is impossible to please God without faith.
Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)
Your faith is matters! God cannot be pleased without faith. God has given each of us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) and we need to have the attitude of the disciples who asked Jesus to increase their faith (Luke 17:5). Our faith needs to be strengthened and grow daily. We do this by spending time in God’s Word. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
Your Faith... Moves Mountains. “So Jesus answered and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt... but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done.” (Matt. 21:21)
Your Faith... Gives You Access Into The Peace Of God. “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.” (Rom 5:2)
Your Faith... Does Not Need To Be Large To Be Incredibly Effective. “So Jesus said to them, '...if you have faith as a mustard seed... nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt 17:20)
Your Faith... Can Birth A Physical Healing In Your Body. “...listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed.” (Acts 14:9)
Your Faith... Will Lead You To An Eternity In Heaven. “The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” (I Pet 1:9)
Your faith in God has the potential of incredible rewards in your life!
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
The Resurrection
It truly was a happy Easter! God blessed us at the Ascension Convention (thanks to everyone for your help… you guys are awesome!) and Sunday we got to celebrate our risen Lord and Savior!
The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. Some may ask what is the historical evidence that Jesus actually rose from the dead? Christian apologist Josh McDowell provides six facts that prove the resurrection of Jesus Christ in history.
Fact 1 – The broken Roman seal
Fact 2 – The empty tomb
Fact 3 – The large stone removed
Fact 4 – The Roman guard goes AWOL
Fact 5 – The graveclothes
Fact 6 – The appearances of Jesus after His resurrection
I don’t have room to go into all of the powerful details of each of these facts, but if you’re serious about looking into this evidence or know someone who is, take please visit www.josh.org and click Evidence for the Resurrection to get the whole story.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Greatest Words Ever Spoken: Everything Jesus Said About You, Your Life, And Everything Else
My Book Shelf
The Greatest Words Ever Spoken: Everything Jesus Said About You, Your Life, And Everything Else.
Every now and then I like to share with you what I’m reading. My hope is that it will be a blessing and help to you as well.
Since 1993 I have taught Life of Christ at Christian Life College. It is by far my favorite class to teach. There is something special about diving in and studying the words and works of Jesus. It’s as though you receive your abundant life as you study His.
I try to stay fresh each semester by reading the latest books on the life of Christ as well as the Gospels. This fall I found a great new book called The Greatest Words Ever Spoken by Steven K. Scott. I’ve never seen anything like it. It takes all of the sayings of Jesus (over 1,900) throughout the New Testament and organizes them into over 200 different topics Jesus addresses. It’s like being able to ask Jesus any question and get His perfect answer. I have used the book to study Jesus’ words on the End Times for our current sermon series. A wide variety of topics are covered such as: prayer, forgiveness, eternity, anger, temptations, relationships, grace, and many, many more.
There is a great introduction to Jesus’ life and words as well as short introductions to each topic. This is one of the most exciting resources on the life of Christ I have found in a long time and can’t wait to use it as a text for my course next semester. Reflect on this verse next week and allow the words of Jesus to guide you in life and into eternity.
The Greatest Words Ever Spoken: Everything Jesus Said About You, Your Life, And Everything Else.
Every now and then I like to share with you what I’m reading. My hope is that it will be a blessing and help to you as well.
Since 1993 I have taught Life of Christ at Christian Life College. It is by far my favorite class to teach. There is something special about diving in and studying the words and works of Jesus. It’s as though you receive your abundant life as you study His.
I try to stay fresh each semester by reading the latest books on the life of Christ as well as the Gospels. This fall I found a great new book called The Greatest Words Ever Spoken by Steven K. Scott. I’ve never seen anything like it. It takes all of the sayings of Jesus (over 1,900) throughout the New Testament and organizes them into over 200 different topics Jesus addresses. It’s like being able to ask Jesus any question and get His perfect answer. I have used the book to study Jesus’ words on the End Times for our current sermon series. A wide variety of topics are covered such as: prayer, forgiveness, eternity, anger, temptations, relationships, grace, and many, many more.
There is a great introduction to Jesus’ life and words as well as short introductions to each topic. This is one of the most exciting resources on the life of Christ I have found in a long time and can’t wait to use it as a text for my course next semester. Reflect on this verse next week and allow the words of Jesus to guide you in life and into eternity.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.” John 5:24-25 (NKJV)
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Jesus' Name @ Christmas
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
For the first part of 2007 I preached on the names of God: Elohim, Adonai, and Yahweh to name just a few. In bible times names revealed the character of an individual. The same is true with God. His names revealed His character along with His relationship with His people.
The same is true of the names of Jesus. Jesus means “the Lord who saves.” Along with the name Jesus the Son of God was given names by the prophets of old that reveals His character and what should be our relationship to Him. He is called…
Wonderful Counselor. Jesus loves us. He understands us. There is nothing impossible for Him. He can be there and provide help for every decision and situation in life.
Mighty God. Jesus is a powerful help in every temptation and struggle in life. Jesus will give you the victory!
Everlasting Father. Jesus is our forever provider. He will never leave you, never forsake you, and always take care of you.
Prince of Peace. Jesus brings the peace and wholeness to our broken lives.
Jesus is these names and so much more. This Christmas season take a moment to evaluate your relationship with God. Is Jesus your Wonderful Counselor? Your Mighty God? Your Everlasting Father? Your Prince of Peace? He wants to be. He can be. Take time this Christmas to invite Jesus to come into your life and be all He desires to be!
Isaiah 9:6
For the first part of 2007 I preached on the names of God: Elohim, Adonai, and Yahweh to name just a few. In bible times names revealed the character of an individual. The same is true with God. His names revealed His character along with His relationship with His people.
The same is true of the names of Jesus. Jesus means “the Lord who saves.” Along with the name Jesus the Son of God was given names by the prophets of old that reveals His character and what should be our relationship to Him. He is called…
Wonderful Counselor. Jesus loves us. He understands us. There is nothing impossible for Him. He can be there and provide help for every decision and situation in life.
Mighty God. Jesus is a powerful help in every temptation and struggle in life. Jesus will give you the victory!
Everlasting Father. Jesus is our forever provider. He will never leave you, never forsake you, and always take care of you.
Prince of Peace. Jesus brings the peace and wholeness to our broken lives.
Jesus is these names and so much more. This Christmas season take a moment to evaluate your relationship with God. Is Jesus your Wonderful Counselor? Your Mighty God? Your Everlasting Father? Your Prince of Peace? He wants to be. He can be. Take time this Christmas to invite Jesus to come into your life and be all He desires to be!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)