Mark Pt. 6: The Heart of The Sabbath

WHAT OUR LORD HAS TO SAY ABOUTH THE SABBATH

Today we have two separate instances of Jesus talking about the sabbath. We do well to understand what Christ tells us about the sabbath.

What is the heart of the Sabbath?

On my pastoral Renewal Pilgrimage to The Holy Land in 2009 I learned a lot about the biblical principals we, as Christ followers, should apply to our ‘remembrance’ of the Sabbath. Let’s start with the commandment itself:

Remember The Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and made it holy. ~ Exodus 20:8-11

  • The 4th commandment, 1st one after the big 3 directly about God
  • 7th day of the week, Hebrew week started on Sunday.
  • The word ‘Work’ has always been understood as essential activity to survive
  • As an example to mankind He completed His work [Creation] and THEN rested
  • That pattern; completed work, and then rest, is blessed and holy
  • When the work is done, the rest is now blessed…it ‘Re-Creates’ us

Our goal is to emulate the principals God has revealed to us about the Sabbath. But we also have to emulate God by having grace for those who differ in practice…

“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath” (Colossians 2:16)

Not as crucial as salvation by grace, but important in our relationship with Christ

We seek the heart God in the gift of the Sabbath, not the sabbath rules. Jesus takes us directly to the ‘Heart of The Sabbath’ because it is God’s heart 4 U!

Chapter 2:23-28 [The Sabbath Is To Bless People]

23 And it happened that He was passing through the grain fields on the Sabbath, and His disciples began to make their way along while picking the heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees were saying to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?”

  • Travel not for commerce but for pleasure, ‘Old School Road Trip’
  • Wheat or barley [raw grain]
  • They wanted Christ to enforce THEIR nitpicking legalism!
  • They were defining work incorrectly, what the disciples are doing is not work
  • It is not ‘work’ to work on your golf game or a new recipe or your yard…

25 And He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions became hungry; 26 how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the consecrated bread, which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests, and he also gave it to those who were with him?”

  • Jesus uses Scripture to answer [they consider themselves scripture experts]
  • He used the example of eating the bread to talk about rule worship in general
  • Because it’s recorded in Scripture as positive we must assume God is ok with it

27 Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

  • The curse made work wearisome…God gave us a day of rest and ‘re-creation’
  • The commands about the sabbath are meant to create relationship

Chapter 3:1-6 [The Sabbath Is For Doing Good]

1 He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered. 2 They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. 3 He said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!”

  • Another Sabbath, another synagogue
  • Jesus understood the set up, that the legalist were looking to cause trouble
  • He makes sure everyone sees what is is about to do

4 And He said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent. 5 After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

  • He uses the term ‘lawful’ because that is what they are so intent on
  • He goes right to the heart of the matter: ‘what is the sabbath for?’
  • God is both angered & saddened when His creation misses His love for them
  • Jesus wants everyone to know he can restore all that is not as it should be

6 The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.

  • The Pharisees were legalistic scribes [law worshipers]
  • The Herodians were secular supporters of the Roman backed king [illegitimate]
  • That these two group would conspire together is significant [typically opposed]
  • Christ threatened both groups hold on power
  • There holding power was more important that their disagreements

So we see the beginning of what would result in Christ being captured & put to death. God was right there in their midst and they totally missed it…

SUMMARY:

The Pharisees practiced a religion of worshiping rules. Taking God’s law and making the rules more important than God. We must always be on guard against legalism.

The Heart of the Sabbath is the peace of having our basic needs met while resting from the things we do the other six days to survive.

The Heart of The Sabbath is doing God’s work / ministry; that was what Jesus did on Sabbaths. [Teaching & Healing]

Worshiping rules and not caring for others hardens our hearts and moves us away from God. We anger and grieve God if we focus on rules and not relationships.

APPLICATION:

How does a Biblical Sabbath flow from achievement / completion of work?

Have you considered regularly practicing a Biblical Sabbath? What would that look like?

[2 Biblical Sabbath Essentials: rest from your normal ‘work’ & ministering to others]

Why is it important to hear and apply what Jesus has to say about the Sabbath?

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Mark Pt. 5: New Wine

The Biblical Gospel cannot be contained by old religious forms!

We got accepted to the pool / recreation club a couple of days ago… It is hard living as an outsider. The desire of each human is to be part of something / community, family

Last Week: Mark 2:10-12

…but so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic,“I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.” And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

The big deal: The Son of Man was there to forgive sin!!! & heal…The forgiveness is the theological need we have, but how about the social need? We can be part of God’s Kingdom and feel like we are on the outside. Often we are made to think we are not good enough…but what Our Lord says is a very different message.

Mark 2:13-22

13 And He went out again by the seashore; and all the people were coming to Him, and He was teaching them.14 As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him.

  • Now at the seashore, his fishers of men have reeled in a crowd
  • He ‘Saw’ Levi
  • It took two words from ‘The Master’ for Levi to walk away from the life of luxury
  • What do we know about Levi??? Tax collector / [complete outsider]
  • Matthew 9:9-17

15 And it happened that He was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners were dining with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many of them, and they were following Him.

  • Jesus @ Matthew’s house [very well off as a tax collector]
  • Matthew was an outcast of society, a pariah, ‘cuz he worked for the Romans
  • There were all the others on the margins of jewish forgiveness…
  • They had been told there was no forgiveness for them

16 When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that He was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they said to His disciples, “Why is He eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners?”

  • To eat & drink with someone was a show of unity & agreement [fellowship]
  • The legalism of the Jewish System: a judgmental spirit regarding social status
  • The religious powers pegged certain people as unworthy of God’s forgiveness

17 And hearing this, Jesus said to them,“It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

  • Everyone has the same illness: SIN
  • False Religion makes us feel a part, creating an ‘in-club’ of ‘The Righteous”
  • They may view themselves as righteous, they are not
  • God is saying: ‘I am here to heal those who realize they are sick’

18 John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and they came and said to Him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” 19 And Jesus said to them, “While the bridegroom is with them, the attendants of the bridegroom cannot fast, can they? So long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20 But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.”

  • The question is: why don’t you and your followers do things by our rules?
  • The Bridegroom is a title that has so much richness for us who belong to Christ
  • The time had come for a new way of doing things
  • This is the Gospel: The Good New is a new thing, not the way God was seen

21 “No one sews a patch of un-shrunk cloth on an old garment; otherwise the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear results.22No one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the skins as well; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.”

  • With somethings you can’t mix old and new
  • The newness of what Christ has brought cannot be contained in the old system
  • The New Covenant / The Gospel of Jesus Christ can’t be added to the old deal
  • An entirely different understanding of a relationship with God that HE reveals

SUMMARY:

The ‘Kingdom Call’ is for the outsiders in this world, no particular social status required.

The recognition of the need for forgiveness [A sin problem you can’t fix] is the only thing you need to follow Jesus Christ.

Religious activity [fasting] is to be done based on the reality of who God is and to commune with Him, not to demonstrate your spiritual superiority.

Our relationship with God ‘In Christ’ is based in Judaism, but it is a whole new setup, not and add on tho the old system.

APPLICATION:

Have you heard the call to follow Christ?

How can you help outsiders become a part of God’s family?

How aware are you of your sin and the need you have for forgiveness?

Have you as a follower of Christ participated in ‘Biblical Fasting’? How might you make it a part of your relationship with God?

Are there old ideas about religion that you need to replace with Biblical ones?

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Mark Pt. 4: The Forgiveness Of Sin

Mark 2:1-12

1 When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them.

3 And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. 4 Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. 5 And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

6 But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, “Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’?

10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.” 12 And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

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Mark Pt. 3: What Jesus Wants

Christ wants everyone to know Him

How much time do we spend figuring out what Jesus wants? We see him mostly as a teacher, a exorcist and a healer…and He is really in demand. But what does He want to show us trough His actions and words?

We are looking at the 1st days of His public ministry. He begins a pattern of prolific public ministry followed by Him going off alone for prayer and then initiating new things. He demonstrates how He wants to be highly accessible and highly personal. He shows them and us how He wants to be intimate and touch us with His influence. He is going to show His compassion and mercy on a big scale and it little ways. He is going to show us what He wants to do for us and with us

Mark 1:29-45 (NASB 1995)

29 And immediately after they came out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her. 31 And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on them.

  • Same day as the exorcism in the synagogue (lunch after church)
  • Simon’s mother [what about Andrew’s mom?]
  • Jesus finds out, Jesus comes to her [His presence] and ‘All Better’

32 When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city had gathered at the door. 34 And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.

  • STILL THE SAME DAY!!!
  • At the end of the sabbath they carted and carried those who were immobile
  • The whole city is at Simon & Andrew’s door…’The Man’ is in demand
  • Healing for diseases and demon possession [not the same thing]
  • He didn’t let the demon talk

35 In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. 36 Simon and his companions searched for Him; 37 they found Him, and said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”

  • After a day of teaching and confronting demons…then an evening of healing
  • PRAYER = Connection
  • The person no one knew a week ago is now indispensable…To Everyone!
  • Jesus would from then on seek out times of ‘retreat’

38 He said to them, “Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for.” 39 And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons.

  • Jesus says: ‘I need to spread myself around’… expand The Everyone
  • He didn’t just come for the Galileans: Gospel is for Everyone
  • He went around to where they had jewish gathering places [synagogues]
  • The idea is He replicated the day we had just seen in Capernaum

40 And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” 41 Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.

  • Leper seems to be in a separate category…He had been casting out demons
  • Leprosy seems to symbolize the degradation of mankind due to sin
  • It is not a question, it is a statement: ‘if You’re willing, You can cure me’
  • We see Jesus’ compassion and His ‘Ministry of Touch’
  • He wants the leper to know how willing He is to respond to faith
  • BAM! Cleansing / restoration

43 And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away, 44 and He said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

  • Charged him vehemently, warned him to tell no one except the Priest
  • Jesus always honored the law of Moses and compelled people to observe it
  • The message was for the religious establishment, it would be one of many
  • Testimony established by Jesus as something we give regarding HIS influence

45 But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.

  • The leper did not do as Jesus asked him to…basically the opposite!
  • Jesus could not operate as He did just days before, everything had changed
  • The Everyone had grown
  • What He wants for you and me He wants for everyone!

SUMMARY

Jesus wants to be part of our families and way of living, bringing healing to our homes.

Jesus wants everyone to come to Him, seeking physical and spiritual healing.

Jesus wants to be part of every community, willingly redeeming a sin infected world through the intimacy of personal relationship.

His people are to testify to the reality of how HE can change everything in this world.

APPLICATION:

Have you opened up your entire life to Jesus? What parts of your life do you need to fully give Him access to?

Have you sought Jesus for physical and spiritual healing? What stands in the way?

How can you be a Testimony in your workplace and social life to Jesus’ willingness to redeem things sin has degraded?

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Mark Pt. 2: Demonstration of Kingdom Authority

Are you under Christ’s authority?

Happy Mother’s Day! We honor our Mothers…not just because they deserve it.

Christ’s authority is best displayed in Mothers… Authority that flows from love.

Last week we started Mark and if you want some background listen to the podcast. Jesus of Nazareth is on the move…Mark is telling the most compelling of all stories. What we are going to see today is Jesus demonstrating His Authority as God Himself. Jesus The Messiah is beginning the process were He reveals Himself as God.

He does this by showing glimpses of His Sovereign power, His authority in all areas. How do you feel about authority? Do you need authority to be legit? What has to happen In order for it to be legit? Are you good with all authority? Are you good with no authority? Today we get a taste of God’s authority and how we do well to honor that authority.

Mark 1:14-28 (NASB 1995)

14 Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching 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.”

  • John is arrested while Jesus is being tempted for 40 days, goes to Galilee
  • Gospel Of God used 5 times in NT [Mark once, Paul 3 times, Peter once]
  • The Kingdom is going to be accessible because he is going to the cross
  • It all starts with repentance and belief [trust in God]

16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

  • One of my favorite places in the Holy Land: [Church of the Primacy of Peter]
  • Christ connects with these men using their profession as a metaphor
  • fish are there, but you have to go get them…same as souls 4 the kingdom

19 Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.

  • With Simon and Andrew in tow He walks amongst the fishermen…
  • The leave their current responsibilities and take on new ones
  • They give up a sure and safe life to begin one with nothing guaranteed

21 They went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began to teach. 22 They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

  • Fishing grounds were just southwest of Capernaum
  • At the beginning of the day when the gathering happened; max people
  • Exposition of Hebrew scripture [explaining the story, context, theology]
  • He does it in the way an author talks about a book he has written [familiar]
  • Current religious leaders had strayed from relationship with God [unfamiliar]

23 Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 saying, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

  • Wherever Jesus is moving, demonic forces will disrupt
  • Demon know exactly who Jesus is, and yet they have rebelled against him
  • Demon tries to get Jesus labeled before it is time [He had a ‘P.R. Timetable’]

25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26 Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him.

  • Rebuke = Reprimand / Admonished / Warned
  • Christ commands and the demon obeys [obviously against it’s will]

27 They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 28 Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee.

  • The reaction is amazement!
  • The spiritual need is recognized [sheep without a shepherd]
  • We will see different reactions of people to Christ’s demonstration of authority
  • Lots of curiosity…We will see that some move beyond curiosity to faith

SUMMARY:

John The Baptist is removed from the scene to clear the way for Jesus of Nazareth.

[John 3:30] He begins proclaiming the Good News of redemption from God through repentance and trust in Him.

The Christ calls His first disciples from among humble fishermen, demonstrating that citizenship in the Kingdom is not about your place in this life. He calls them [and us] to become ‘Anglers of Souls’.

In the town where His first disciples live, Christ immediately demonstrates how He is different from the religious teachers of the day; in their gathering He teaches God’s Word from a place of authority that flows from authorship.

When faced with demonic disruption, Jesus demonstrates His supernatural authority as God. He commands the demon to obey Him and frees a possessed man.

Jesus’ demonstration of authority regarding God’s Word and the power over evil / unclean spirits causes a reaction of amazement that spreads throughout the area.

APPLICATION:

Do you consider repentance and trusting In Christ foundational in a relationship with God? If so, what are you doing to grow in those two areas?

What is the connection in your life between how much you trust Jesus Christ’s authority and how much priority you put on spreading the Gospel?

Have you see the demonstration of Christ’s authority in your life? How has it changed you? How can you let it change you more?

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Mark Pt. 1: The Beginning

The First Report of The Good News

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” ~ C.S. Lewis

My prayer: we never consider what we have ‘IN CHRIST’ as moderately important.

The Purpose of this Book: Answer the question, Who Is Jesus of Nazareth?

AUDIENCE

Roman audience:

  • It is the least Jewish of the four gospels.
  • It uses the most latin words, phrases and idioms of all the gospels

Roman culture valued productivity & action (Christ constantly depicted as ‘Doing’). Quick shifts of action, condensed narratives / shortest of 4 gospels. The Servant Messiah is how Jesus is often depicted, a man of action and purpose. Believed to be the most translated book of the New Testament.

AUTHORSHIP

Written in Rome, under Peter’s supervision. First of the four ‘Scriptural Gospels’ written and circulated. Peter’s Influence (Apostolic Authorship of New Testament Scripture). Mark’s Gospel given authority that flows from Peter, not Mark. Just like Luke’s authority flows from Paul.

Fun facts about Mark or John Mark:

The early Church met in Mark’s mother’s house (Acts 12:12). He loses his shirt getting away as Jesus is being arrested (Mark 14:51-52). He is also the guy that Paul kicks off his missionary team (Acts 15:37-39)

Mark 1:1-13 (NASB 1995)

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

  • The start of the God Breathed proclamation of the Good News [define it]
  • The news is about Jesus [man] Christ [Messiah]
  • The news is about THE Son of God [God Himself]

2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way; The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight.’”

  • Malachi 3:1 is the set up for the quotation of Isiah 40:3
  • The Messiah was going to have a forerunner, one who would set the stage
  • Making ‘His paths straight’ involved the preparing of peoples hearts for God
  • What prepares our hearts for the reality of Jesus Christ is repentance
  • In one sense the beginning of the Gospel’s POWER is repentance

4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

  • The prophecy in the Scripture: Wild guy preaching repentance
  • The messenger preparing the way: John The Baptist
  • The Gospel brings forgiveness [We NEED it] it begins with repentance

5 And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

  • God was moving people to repent…God moves, we respond…
  • Ritual cleansing representing the cleansing power of confession / repentance
  • It is believed John was doing it for months, not just a quick fad
  • The Jordan River had special connotations for God’s people [Doorway]

6 John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey.

  • Serious wilderness lifestyle / The voice is ‘IN’ the wilderness [not camping]
  • John is totally opposite the whole Temple system and it’s pretense

7 And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals. 8 I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

  • John draws a clear line between himself and Jesus The Christ
  • The lowliest of servants did the ‘foot work’… why Jesus washed disciples feet
  • Johns baptism was a natural representation of the supernatural act to come
  • We now baptize as a representation a supernatural act that has taken place
  • Biblical Baptism is: repentance, obedience, witness and oath
  • When properly approached, God uses baptism… but not to impart salvation

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; 11 and a voice came out of the heavens: “You are My beloved Son, in You I Am well-pleased.”

  • While John was doing his thing @ The Jordan…
  • Matthew 3:14-15: When Jesus comes to be baptized John tried to stop Him…

But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him.

  • John acquiesces, and baptizes Jesus of Nazareth
  • He was in the water and came up out of it…[biblical baptism is immersion]
  • The descending Spirit confirms here at the beginning, that He is God Himself
  • Jesus is identified as the Messiah, the only one who could be God’s Son

12 Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness. 13 And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.

  • Right after this baptism…BAM! Into the wilderness [fast paced action]
  • Theologically speaking He enters a new phase of the Incarnation
  • You could say He is ‘Missionized’…More connected & directed via ‘The Spirit’
  • The beginning of this phase known as ‘Christ’s Public Ministry’ is ‘Temptation’
  • To prepare for the mission ahead, He trains for what is to come @ the Cross
  • Without human contact, only supernatural supplies [Angels Ministering]

SUMMARY:

This book begins the New Testament record regarding the incarnation / coming of the foretold Messiah of Hebrew Scriptures. He is defined as the person Jesus of nazareth, who is the Anointed One, God Himself.

There is an established connection between the Hebrew Scriptures and this Good New about the Incarnated Son of God. His forerunner was predicted just as He was.

John The Baptist [Jesus’ Cousin] performed the function of enabling people to receive what God was about to do. By intentionally confessing sin and repenting of it without pretense, people open up to the reality that God wants to reconcile us to Him

Jesus was baptized to begin His public ministry as an example of obedience for us. He demonstrated God favor in baptism, so do we! It declares God given salvation by an earthly reenactment of a previous supernatural act [Salvation / The indwelling of God’s Spirt].

To begin the next stage of His Incarnation, Jesus The Christ is obedient to be tempted and in His perfection He demonstrates His divinity to Satan by supernatural means.

APPLICATION:

What about your day to day life says you are convinced Jesus is God Himself? Does your lifestyle say this Christianity thing is moderately important?

What role does the Old Testament Scriptures play in your relationship with Jesus?

Why is it important to follow scripture regarding things like baptism?

What might you do today to supernaturally prepare for a life of eternal meaning?

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Christ Prays 4 Our Unity

John 17:13-26

The importance of unity in the body of Christ: cannot be overstated. Our passage today is entirely Jesus the Christ praying to God the Father. If they are one, why does Jesus pray? Mystery of the Incarnation / authority structure. What a lesson on prayer! We would all do well to pray for these exact things. The scene is the garden of Gethsemane… Jesus goes off to pray…

This chapter documents a series of statements / prayers. It starts with the disciples who are with Him and includes all who would be disciples. The prayers of Christ we are going to look at today are mostly about unity. These are the basis of what Jesus’ church has always united around [traditionally] Traditional…what does that word say to you?

Christ prays for the ways that we are to be unified and that we will understand what we are to unite around. If have to be united around important things / The most important things. In this ‘High Priestly’ prayer Christ prays into existence core aspects of His Body.

John 17: 13-26 (NKJV)

13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

  • Christ approaches The Father in prayer to ask that HIS joy be fulfilled in US
  • What makes that happen is God’s Word / Scripture
  • If we accept the truth of God’s world we will be despised by ‘this world’
  • This is good because it unties us with Christ in being otherworldly

15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

  • We are called to stay involved with this world but not to belong to it
  • As we engage culture Christ prays for those who are HIS to be protected
  • Christ asks that we be apart by His truth [Traditional interpretation of Scripture]
  • God’s Word is the source of truth

18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

  • Christ prays for us to be sent just as He was… to show the world who God is
  • To enable this, Christ set Himself apart for us. That same truth can set us apart

20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

  • Everything HE prayed previously focused on the 11 also includes all believers
  • All of these prayers include those who believe in Him based on The Apostles
  • That we would believe their testimony… which we call the ‘New Testament’
  • We would be united around Their Gospel the way The Father & Son are united
  • In that unity we become one with The Trinity / God of the Scriptures
  • Our unity with God and each other proves that Jesus is ‘Heaven Sent’

22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

  • The glory of being God incarnate, being Lord and Savior
  • Christ Prays His body will share in the unity of the Trinity!
  • It will be a reflection of the perfect unity found among Spirit, Son & Father
  • Being grown in this unity will be perfecting / sanctifying
  • This refining unity results in our lives being a convincing witness / apologetic
  • Christ prays our unity will make people believe God came & God loves them

24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me, may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

  • Christ prays that those who God makes His possession will go where He is
  • In heaven we will see the glory of the Godhead
  • Love has always existed in The self-existent GODHEAD

25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

  • Praying in recognition of The Father…
  • Acknowledging that this sin infected world cannot know Who God is
  • Christ identifies those God gives Him as knowing God as He does (human)
  • Christ in coming declared exactly who God is…’His Name’ is love! [essence]
  • Christ prays that that God’s pure love would be in HIS surrendered disciples
  • He prays that HE Himself will be in those redeemed people!

Those redeemed people, based on Scripture, are those who have surrendered their life to the Lordship of Jesus the Christ.

And in doing so become one with their Lord, sharing in bits of the perfect unity Christ, The Father and The Spirit have.

SUMMARY

Christ prays that His followers would unite around Traditional Biblical Truth. Traditionally interpreted Scripture stands in opposition to all other worldviews. We unite around different ideals resulting in a different orientation to God / Jesus Christ.

Christ prays that we would unite around a mission of interacting with secular culture under God’s protection. His otherworldliness comes from The Truth of who He is. Our unity around His Truth gives us otherworldliness.
Christ prays we would unite around the belief that HE transforms us to be sent on HIS gospel mission through HIS sacrifice. We unite in the belief that the Biblical Gospel was given through the Apostolic Church.
Christ prays our belief in Scripture creates shared values, standards and principles that we unite around. Our unity around the Biblical Christ proves He is God.
Christ prays that HIS glory comes to us through HIS indwelling Spirit, enabling our unity ‘In Christ’. This unity proves God came as Jesus of Nazareth to bring His unconditional love to us, as one of us.
Christ prays that those who belong to HIM will spend eternity united with the glory of the self-existent Triune Godhead! Christ has revealed who God truly is and His love unites His followers forever!

APPLICATION:

In what specific areas of your life are you tempted to conform to the world around you instead of uniting with Christ’s followers around Biblical truth?

How comfortable are you with being ‘Otherworldly’ to the popular culture? What is your level of confidence that God will protect you if you live fully for Him?

How has God changed you since surrendering your life to Christ that makes you a more Christ-like ambassador?

What level of priority do you place upon being united with the leadership and membership of this Body?

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Vision For Biblical Partnership

Partnering 4 What Matters

What really matters? Eternal Things. Spiritual Awakenings…Biblical Salvation. The best thing that can happen in this world is someone receiving Eternal Life in Christ. How does WE get in on as much of what really matters as possible?

WE PARTNER! With organizations and individuals who declare the Biblical Gospel. And we do it in a Biblical way: understanding the need for both going AND Sending. Two sides of the partnership coin: those who go and those who send. It is normative for ALL Biblical Christians to be involved in some level of both.

Going and Sending: Romans 10:13-15 (NLT)

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” [Joel 2:32] But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” [Isiah 52:7]

  • People truly confessing Christ as Lord is the goal all Biblical Mission
  • In order for that to happen, God uses people to declare the Biblical Gospel
  • People believe / God moves because they are told the truth about Christ
  • God’s plan found in Scripture is for ALL Believers to GO (Matthew 28) & SEND
  • There is nothing more beautiful… NOTHING BETTER
  • You & I get to be a part of it! As individuals & as Christ’s Spirit Indwelt Body

HOW WE GO:

  • Vocational Ministry; Serving a Gospel Declaring Body or Organization
  • Serving & Supporting Your Church; A Gospel Declaring Organization
  • Serving & Supporting Other Gospel Declaring Organizations / People

Normal / Biblical Christian practice seen in Scripture: We are all called to go & send.

Let’s open up God Word and What HE has to say…

Gospel Partnership Is Not Optional: 1 Corinthians 9:7-14 (ESV)

7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? 8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” [Deuteronomy 25:4]

  • God’s will and ways are demonstrated in all aspects of life
  • The sustaining of work comes from the work itself / enjoying the ‘fruits of labor’
  • God’s Word points out this principal and God’s creation reinforces the principal

Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 10 Does He not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop.

  • We are all designed to share in what is accomplished in the work we do
  • Sin alienates people from the fruit of their labor (slavery / Industrialization)
  • In a life connected to God we reconnect with the results of our work

11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.

  • Some ‘Goer’ was part of YOU believing in a Biblical relationship with Christ
  • Those who do such ‘spiritual sowing’ should at least be provided for materially
  • Paul is voicing the principal that He and others will do the work no matter what
  • Support from the Body is a right all Gospel workers have, but don’t demand
  • We, the Body of Christ, should demand the provision of Gospel workers!

13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

  • The pattern was put forth in the Old Testament Temple system
  • The means to provide for them came from the thing that served (Temple)
  • Now ‘The Temple’ is US, The Body of Christ, His Spirit making us a temple
  • Those who dedicate their life to Biblically serving God are to be provided for
  • So now ‘The Church’ materially, spiritually and relationally is to Send & Support

Partnership Is Discipleship: Philippians 1:3-6 & 9-11 (NASB)

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

  • Paul positively reinforces a Biblical orientation regarding Gospel partnerships
  • The Philippians have intentionally and consistently partnered to spread Christ
  • This partnering is God’s work growing in the Philippians church [their maturity]
  • Once this kind of growth as disciples begins it continues until completeness
  • Gospel Partnership = Biblical Discipleship

Context: V 7 & 8: How much Paul personally loves the Philippians

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; 11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

  • Interacting with those who propagate Christ’s Gospel grows us as disciples
  • The exposure to sold out followers of Christ shows us what really matters
  • Partnering for the Gospel grows us in the results of our salvation
  • Gospel partnering grows our dependence on Christ, bringing max glory to God

The Reward of Supporting: Philippians 4:15-17 (Mounce)

15 And you Philippians know that in the beginning of my gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church joined with me in giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent something more than once for my need. 17 Not that I seek the gift; rather, I seek the interest that accrues to your account.

  • Paul sites a specific instance of the Philippine church partnering with him
  • He wants to encourage them (and us) to keep them partnering for the Gospel
  • The gain we get from partnering in spreading Christ is more eternal impact

Jesus @ Matthew 6:19-21

SUMMARY:

It is essential for Jesus Christ’s Body to partner with others to spread the Biblical Gospel. We have a mandate to send and support those who are reaching people that we cannot.

There is a Biblical commission for the Body of Christ to financially support workers called to vocational ministry, locally and overseas. (Acts 1:8)

Through direct participation in Gospel Partnerships, members of Christ’s Body grow to maturity as disciples of Jesus and glorify the Triune God. Gospel Partnership = Biblical Discipleship.

Actively blessing Gospel missionaries and missions outside our local church is a way to ‘store up treasure in heaven’, accruing eternal rewards. The Body doing what matters.

APPLICATION:

In regards to sharing the Biblical Gospel, are you going, are you sending or both? If not, how can you change that?

What are some specific ways YOU can bless those who have sacrificed to serve the Gospel?

Do you see the support of Gospel Ministries outside this church as an essential part of your growth as a biblical follower of Christ?

What really matters in this life? What are you doing to store up treasure in heaven? What might do additionally?

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EASTER: Giving Up What You Cannot Keep to Gain What You Cannot Lose

Romans 8:31-38 ‘Eternal Security of Believers’

EASTER SUNDAY! One of the two most significant events in human history! We have so much to celebrate: THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST! We have been given the chance to have an eternal relationship with our creator. The glories and riches of such a relationship are being celebrated today.

All other relationships are subject to change…but not the love of God in Christ Jesus! Jim Elliot, an American missionary who was martyred in the 1956, is famous for saying: “No one is a fool for giving up what cannot be kept, to gain what cannot be lost!” I hope one of two things happens for you today:

#1: You’re encouraged by God’s Word recognizing what you have cannot be lost

#2: You give up what you can’t keep (your life) & surrender to what you cannot lose (Eternal Life in Christ)

Romans 8:31-38 (NLT)

31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?

  • What are the wonderful things?
  • There are ten just in the first 30 verses of Romans 8

10 Wonderful things we have in ‘The Crucified & Risen Christ’ (Romans 8:1-30)

We are no longer commended by sin if we belong to Christ.

Surrendered to Christ we are freed from the power of sin and death.

God ended sin’s control over us by sacrificing His Son.

When we let God’s Sprit control our minds we have life and peace.

If Christ lives in us, our bodies can die and we will live eternally by God’s Spirit.

If we are led by the Spirit of God we are children of God.

As God’s adopted children we are heirs with Christ; in glory AND suffering.

We have been indwelt with God’s spirit as a foretaste of eternity, giving us hope.

God’s Spirit leads us in prayer and into harmony with His will.

We have been called by Christ and therefore we have right standing with God.

If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else?

  • Are you convinced that God is for you?
  • The sacrifice of His own Son…what could be more personal, more intense?
  • What more could be offered? What could pay what we could never afford?
  • It is the ultimate act of love [Prefigured by Abraham’s willing to give his son]

33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

  • The Devil / Satan is the accuser of the brethren… do not doubt that he dares to!
  • Our position with God is not something we can do, only God can redeem us
  • Through the sacrificial death, victorious Resurrection and ongoing ministry
  • We are beyond the reach of any condemnation or accusation regarding sin!

35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) Ps. 44:22

  • There is no doubt it can ‘feel’ like we are somehow separated from God’s love
  • Our lot in sharing everything with Christ in eternity is we share in hard stuff too
  • But our present circumstances do not dictate our eternal destiny!

37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

  • The truth is, none of those things, no matter how we may ‘feel’ stop the victory
  • Everything the world, our flesh and the devil can throw at us changes nothing
  • Overwhelming victory! Eternal life with the eternal God…do you realize this?

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

  • He is convinced…How did Paul become convinced of this truth? [He lived it]
  • Living or dying / Non human beings / present or future concerns
  • Hell has power…but not over your surrendered relationship with Christ
  • If you belong to God Satan and his demons cannot change that

39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • This is really good news! If you give your life up you are Christ’s FOREVER
  • It has been argued that we can separate ourselves from God
  • But are we not included in ‘All Creation’?
  • This means today, tomorrow, FOREVER
  • We go back to the ultimate act of love revealed in the God-man Jesus Christ

I’d gladly lose me to find you. I’d gladly give up all I got. To catch you I’m gonna run and never stop. I’d pay any price just to win you. Surrender my good life for bad. To find you I’m gonna drown an unsung man. I’d call that a bargain. The best I ever had! ~ Bargain by The Who

SUMMARY:

All the wonderful things Christ did by dying in our place and by rising from the dead, give us ample reason to surrender our life to His Lordship.

All who surrender their life to Christ are free of accusation and commendation because of Christ’s sacrificial death, bodily resurrection and heavenly intersession.

In the troubles of this life a believer may feel apart from God’s love, but the truth of Scripture is that none of that effects our position with God, no matter how we feel.

Those who surrender their life to Christ have SO MANY wonderful things…and they are all permanent and irrevocable. This is known as ‘Eternal Security’.

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”~ John 10:28-30 NIV

APPLICATION:

Remember to count your blessings ‘In Christ’. Search God’s word for all the things you have as His bought and paid for possession.

Don’t let the Devil accuse or condemn you, if you have surrendered your life to Christ’s Lordship. If you have not…

Apply the promises of God’s Word to your situation when you face adversity. Don’t give in to how you feel, live based on what you know to be true.

Trust Christ Jesus to give you assurance of your salvation by His indwelling Spirit. If you do not have that security, surrender your life to Christ TODAY!

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Malachi Pt. 7: The Last Word Before Christ

Malachi 4:1-6

How does the message of Malachi’s prophecy connect to the story of Christ?

The Prophecy of Malachi is part how Scripture reveals what God is all about

He is a God of perfection, purity and holiness who desires a relationship with US!

He is a God who warns US of the consequences for continued rebellion against Him

He is a God who judges US, making distinctions based on His perfect standards.

He is a God who punishes and rewards US based on HIS perfect justice

Most importantly, He is a God who comes to US! (riding on the colt of a donkey)

Last Week: Malachi 3:16-18

Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name. They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up My treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

Malachi 4:1-6

1 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all.

  • Day of Judgement is mentioned yet again (3rd time) Repetition…TAKE NOTE!
  • The theme of an impending Judgement is found throughout scripture (28 direct)
  • This imaginary speaks of absolute & total destruction of those opposed to God

2 “But for you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.

  • If judged as wicked you face a certain fate, if found to fear God, another
  • Those who fear Yahweh’s Name (If you know Him you fear HIM)
  • This is a clear illusion to the Resurrection of the Messiah (Christ Jesus)
  • The healing is spiritual healing… the return of ‘Shalom’ that was in the Garden
  • The recognition of this healing is an experience of joyful freedom

3 On the day when I act, you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

  • When God brings Judgement, those who fear His name join Him
  • Part of being a child of God is YOU join in the family business
  • That business is now the propagation of the Gospel… then it will be punishment
  • Those who surrender their life to Christ will be part of ‘Heaven’s Army’

4 “Remember to obey the Law of Moses, My servant—all the decrees and regulations that I gave him on Mount Sinai for all Israel.

  • God delivered the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai
  • The Ten Commandments are the foundation of a right relationship with God
  • Jesus Christ’s Body has always observed of the Ten Commandments

5 “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. 6 His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

  • Elijah represents the entirety of God prophetic message to His people
  • That prophetic message has always included a call to repentance
  • That prophetic message has always included a warning about judgment day
  • God is constantly calling all people to turn their hearts to their heavenly Father

Mount of Transfiguration: Jesus meeting with Moses & Elijah represents the unity between Christ and ‘The Law & The Prophets’ (O.T.) Last 3 verses of prophecy before Christ

SUMMARY:

V. 1: Judgement is coming…there are only two results of the judgement. Those judged as the arrogant and wicked will face total annihilation, there is no partial penalty.

V. 2: The fate of those judged to fear God’s name will experience absolute healing (from sin’s effect) resulting in absolute freedom.

V. 3: On judgement day, God’s actions will result in those who fear His name joining Him in the punishment of the wicked.

V. 4: God provides guidance for those who wish to be numbered among those who ‘fear his Name’. Ten Commandments = Basics on how to relate to God and mankind.

V. 5: There will be a return of Elijah before Christ’s second coming. John the Baptist was the figurative Elijah that came before the initial advent of The Messiah, this time is before ‘Final Judgement’.

V. 6: The preaching of this Elijah will turn those who fear God to repentance and restoration of relationships. Those who don’t respond will experience His wrath.

APPLICATION:

In what ways does your life reflect your fearing of God’s name? How might that improve?

Have you experienced ‘Joyful Freedom’ in Christ? If so what does that look like?

How might joining in God’s work now prepare you for joining His work on Judgement Day?

How well do you understand God’s messages found in the law and the prophets / Old Testament?

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