Bible Text: John 17:1-5 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: John | These are the insert from the bulletin. Click Sermon Notes for the complete sermon.

01-13-2019 – All Glory goes to God.

John 17:1-5

Prayer is very important for our spiritual life.
1Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.”
The Bible records many prayers of God’s people in the Old Testament: Abraham, Moses, Gideon, Hannah, David, Solomon, and Jonah.
The New Testament believers continually cried out to God in prayer. The apostles devoted themselves to prayer.
Jesus prayed at His baptism, before choosing the twelve apostles, before feeding the 5,000 and again the 4,000, before raising Lazarus from the dead, at the Last Supper, from the cross, and at His ascension.
John 17:1a… “Jesus spoke these things,” in chapters 14-16: His leaving to go back to the Father, His return for them. Sending the Holy Spirit, the persecution to come.
Jesus now, lifts up His eyes to heaven” and says, “Father, the hour has come.” The “hour” is His death, resurrection, and subsequent ascension.
John 17:1b… The glory of God is the main subject. At cross Jesus brings glory to the Father, and the Father glorifies the Son through salvation to all who believe. John 17:2… God’s Son has been granted authority to give eternal life (see John 10:17-18).
Jesus died for the sins of the world, was raised back to life, ascended to heaven where the Father (Ephesians 1:20-21), “seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”
Earlier Jesus said (John 14:6), “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” He alone grants forgiveness and eternal life. John 3:35-36, “The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not [a]obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
John 17:3… Eternal life belongs only to those who belong to “the only true God,” made possible through Jesus Christ, sent by the Father.
Acts 4:12, “There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
See John 1:1-4, 14, 18… Jesus is the revelation and embodiment of God, and He has the Life of God [Zoe = eternal, spiritual] in Himself.
Everyone who has the life of God possess God’s peace (John 14:27), love (John 15:10), joy (John 15:11).
Jesus said (John 5:24), “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”
1John 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
John 17:4-5… Jesus brought glory to the Father carrying out His will completely, while remaining sinless.
To the Jews Jesus said (John 8:46), “Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me?” Paul said (2Corinthians 5:21), “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Only an unblemished and sinless sacrifice could be provide final payment for all sin, for all time.
Hebrews 9.22, “all things are cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Hebrews 9:12, “through His own blood… once for all…He obtained eternal redemption,” (Hebrews 9:26), “He has [come] to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself,” (Hebrews 10:12), “He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God.” See Luke 18:9-14 (cf. Isaiah 55:6-7)… Without the cross, no one, could be saved from sin’s condemnation. The eternal plan of God to save us, was made effectual through the cross of Christ.
The glory of God is Christ crucified and resurrected, for it is through the glory of the cross that we are able to bring glory to God while we are on earth, and forever in heaven.

Bible Text: Isaiah 43:18-19 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Here is the bulletin insert so you can follow along while you listen. For the full pastor’s notes, please click on the link.

01-06-2019 – Trusting and Serving God in 2019…

Isaiah 43:18-19

Isaiah 43:18-19, “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”
Jeremiah 29:11, “’For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’”
God gives us everything we need to know and serve Him on earth, while trusting Him for eternity in heaven.
2Peter 1:3, “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and [goodness] excellence.”
God has provided marvelous resources:
His Word (see John 1:1-2, 14; 5:39; 14:6; 17:17) His Spirit (see John 3:5-8; 14:15-17,26; 16:8-9) His Church (see 1Corinthians 12:12-14, 18-20, 27; Colossians 1:18)
Christ secured forgiveness for all who believe in Him (see Romans 1:1-4; 10:9-10; 1Corinthians 15:1-4).
God wants to save us through Christ the Lord.
1Timothy 2:3-4, “God our Savior… …desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
2Peter 3:9, “The Lord is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
So why don’t we naturally trust and serve God? Because sin in us separates us from God.
See Romans 3:10-12, 22-24; 6:23; 5:8; 10:13… Through Adam’s sin death came to all of us, in Christ
we are forgiven and saved (Romans 5:12-14; 12:1-2). Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek Me and find Me when
you search for Me with all your heart.”
Hebrews 4:16, “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Colossians 3:16-17, “ Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching… …thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”
Hebrews 10:22-24, “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith… Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
God’s Spirit is in us (cf Ephesians 1:13-14) and we can (cf 1Corinthians 2:16), know the mind of God; and we can show (Matthew 5:16) [God’s] “light, that others may see our good deeds and praise God in heaven.”
See 1Peter 2:12; 3:15-16…
See 1John 2:4-5…
Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”
See Philippians 4:6-7, 12-13, 19…
God promises pain free eternity in heaven, forever! 1Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Colossians 3:12-17, “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Bible Text: Matthew 2 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | (Audio recording got cut off after 18 seconds)

12-30-2018

God’s Protection and Provision

Matthew 2

The past three Sundays we have studied some of prophecies, events, and
people surrounding the Holy Conception of Mary, the Divine Birth of God’s Son, and
the Incarnation of Immanuel!
Today I’m going to unwrap some of the events and characters that we haven’t
studied deeply this Christmas season.
Read Matthew 2:1-6… Some Magi (learned men who studied the heavens) came
from the East (Persia – Iran), in order to find, honor, and worship the newborn King
of the Jews. They most likely had servants and a security squad traveling with
them, and the Magi would have appeared as royalty and noblemen to the Jews.
The Magi followed a star to Jerusalem (about 1000 miles), and began asking
everyone about the birth of the King of the Jews. This greatly troubled Herod (who
had been named King of the Jews, by Julius Caesar), so he called for his
theologians to find out what the Prophets had written (Micah 5:2), “From you
[Bethlehem] One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from
long ago, from the days of eternity.”
Read Matthew 2:7-12… Herod, being aware of the Magi, sends for them in order
to find out when the “star” (they had been following) appeared; he then sends
them to Bethlehem to look for this King of the Jews (who is now a “Child” [or
toddler, i.e., 1-2 years old], Jesus is no longer a baby or infant). Herod says he
wants to find this child (v. 8), so that “[he] too may go and worship Him.”
The Magi go to Bethlehem, following the star that came to rest over a house,
where the Child, Mary [His mother], and Joseph were now living.
The Magi present magnificent gifts to Jesus:
Gold – One of the most precious metals, associated with royalty and wealth: it
speaks of Christ as King of Kings.
Frankincense – An expensive and highly aromatic incense made from tree resin, it
was used in worship at the Tabernacle, and later, on the incense alter at the
Temple, as a fragrant offering to God: it speaks of Christ as Lord of Lords.
Myrrh – A valuable aromatic gum resin, it was used mostly for embalming the
dead, in order to preserve dead bodies from putrefaction; it was also mixed in wine
to produce sedation or intoxication: it speaks of Christ as the Suffering Servant, the
Lamb of God, our Savior.
The Magi honored Jesus, although just a child, with marvelous gifts, for He is
the KING of Kings, LORD of Lords, and the Savior who came to die for our sins, that
we might be set free from sin’s penalty.
The Magi were warned in a dream (verse 12), not to report to Herod, so they
obeyed God and returned home a different way.
Read Matthew 2:13-18… Joseph is now warned in a dream to take Jesus and
Mary and go to Egypt until Herod is dead, for Herod will soon order the murder of
all male babies and toddlers who appear to be around two years of age and
1
younger, in an attempt to destroy the Christ child who had been born (see verse
18, cf. Jeremiah 31:15).
Ramah is about 5 miles north of Jerusalem where Jewish captives during
Jeremiah’s time were gathered and deported to Babylon, children were separated
from their parents, never to be seen again.
Rachel, the wife of Jacob [Israel], wept as her children [the Israelites] were
taken away from their mothers and sent to foreign lands during the time of
Jeremiah.
Now, after the birth of the Messiah, God’s Son, the mothers in and around
Bethlehem would also weep bitterly, for Herod, in a rage of jealous anger, would
massacre their male children.
Herod (verse 16) was enraged, physically shaken, so full of anger that he set
himself against God, knowing full well the identity of the Child he was trying to kill
(verse 4, the Messiah, God’s Son), the future Ruler of Israel.
God not only protected His Son by sending Him out of Israel into Egypt before
Herod could find Him, but God also provide resources (gold, frankincense, myrrh),
so that Joseph and Mary could care for Jesus, while traveling to, living in, and
returning to Israel from, Egypt.
Read Matthew 2:19-23… Herod tried to kill God’s Son by murdering all the baby
boys in or near the vicinity of Bethlehem, but as Josephus (a historian during the
time of Christ) records in Antiquities of the Jews, how God’s judgment came upon
Herod, who died a horrible and painful death, after suffering with ”ulcerated
entrails, maggot-filled organs, convulsions in all parts of his body, and foul breath.”
Herod murdered two of his own sons, his wife, and several other relatives; in
fact, anyone who became popular among the people was in danger of becoming a
victim of Herod’s maniacal jealousy.
After Herod died, God told Joseph to return to Israel, fulfilling (Hosea 11:1),
where God says, “out of Egypt I called My Son.”
Herod, at the time of Christ, had three living sons: Archelaus (Ar-khel’-ah-os)
ruled Judea & Samaria; Antipas (An-tee’-pas) ruled Galilee (he beheaded John);
and Philip II ruled north of Galilee (his wife, Herodias, committed adultery with
Antipas).
Herod’s son Archelaus hated the Jews about as much, if not more than his
father, e.g., one Passover he had 3000 Jews executed.
No wonder Joseph (verse. 22) was warned in a dream, not to go to Judea
(ruled by Archelaus); but instead to take Mary and Jesus and go to Nazareth in
Galilee, ruled by Antipas.
Nazareth was considered a despised place, a”Nazarene” was often used to
express contempt or disdain.
Isaiah 53:3 says, “He was despised and rejected by men… … and we did not
esteem Him.”
2
Five days ago, most of us, if not all of us, in this room, celebrated Christmas, in
honor of God’s Son; but instead, many of the world’s inhabitants celebrated
Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, or the Holiday, giving no attention to the
Christ of Christmas.
The majority of the worlds people are indifferent toward the meaning of
Christmas, perhaps ignorant of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus – all
of which declare Him to be Almighty God, Lord or all, Savior to those who believe in
Him, but Judge and Executioner to those who reject Him.
The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus all declare Him to be the Lord and
Savior of all.
John 3:16-18, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not
send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved
through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has
been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten
Son of God.” 36, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not
obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
God wants us to know and to believe in His Son; God wants everyone to be
saved and to spend eternity in heaven
1Timothy 2:3-4, “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who
desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
John 14:6, Jesus said, ”I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to
the Father but through Me.”
God protected and provided for His own Son when Herod sought to kill Him, and
God will provide for and protect all who belong to Him, now and forever.
John 1:12-13, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to
become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born,
not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
John 14:1-3, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in
Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have
told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I
will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
2Peter 1:3, “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and
godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and
excellence.”
Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” 19, “And
my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
If you have not confessed your sins and trusted in Jesus Christ to forgive you,
believing in Him as Savior, do it right now; there is simply no good reason not to.
Romans 10:9-10, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in
your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart
3
a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses,
resulting in salvation.”
1John 5:11-13, “And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and
this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life [eternal life]; he who does
not have the Son of God does not have the life [eternal life]. These things I have
written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know
that you have eternal life.
At our Christmas Eve Service I shared a piece of literature called, ’Twas the
Night Before Jesus Came. The last line of that piece goes like this, “In the words of
this poem the meaning is clear; the coming of Jesus is drawing near. There’s only
one life and when comes the last call, we’ll find that the Bible was true after all!”
If you have never confessed to God that you are a sinner, asking God to forgive
your sins and save you, please consider Paul’s urgent plea in 2Corinthians 5:20,
“[I] beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
Don’t let another day go by without the assurance of God’s eternal presence,
protection and provision. The gift of forgiveness and eternal life is absolutely free
and God turns no one away.
Acts 4:12, “There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under
heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Romans 10:13, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Do not enter 2019 without the Protection & Provision that comes through God’s
Son, Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord, to all those who believe in Him and follow His
teachings, as revealed in the 66 Books of the Scripture, known to us as the Word of
God, the Holy Bible.
Pastor Mike    >’(((><

Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: Christmas Topical | 12-23-2018

Sovereign Event: The Birth of God’s Son!

Read Luke 1:5-25… Zechariah is in the Holy of Holies when Gabriel tells him
that his wife Elizabeth is going to give birth to a son, and he is to name him John
[which means, God is gracious]; this son of theirs (see verse 17) will fulfill the
prophecy of Malachi 3:1, “Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will
clear [prepare] the way before Me.
Matthew 11:10-11, “This is the one about whom it ]is written, ‘Behold, I send
My messenger ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ Truly I say to
you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John
the Baptist!”
Read Luke 1:26-38… Gabriel tells Mary she is going to have God’s Son, and also
that her aunt Elizabeth (who had been barren) is now six months pregnant.
Read Luke 1:39-55… Mary visits Elizabeth and the Holy Spirit confirms that,
both her and Elizabeth’s pregnancy is from God, just as Gabriel had said. Mary
(verse 56) stayed with Elizabeth for three months and then returned home.
The Jewish priestly cycles at the Temple and the seven major Feasts and
Festivals (Passover, First fruits, Harvest, Trumpets, Day of Atonement,
Tabernacles, Hanukkah), when applied to the NT Scriptures concerning the
conception and birth of both, Jesus, and John (His cousin), reveal some very
amazing things.
Mary’s visit would have been late in the 9th month of Kislev (Nov/Dec); not
surprisingly, the Jewish festival of Hanukkah [Festival of Lights] begins on the 25th
day of Kislev, which is very close to December 25, when we celebrate the birth of
Jesus: the Light of the World.
John 8:12, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the
darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
1John 1:5, “This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you,
that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.”
Read Luke 1:57-66… John would have the privilege to announce the beginning
of the ministry of God’s Son.
John was six months older than Jesus, and since John’s birth was near or
during Passover (Nisan= Mar/April), Jesus would have then been born in Tishri
(Sept/Oct) about the time of the Feast of Tabernacles.
Our celebration of Christmas doesn’t line up with the actual birth of Jesus, but it
very likely lines up with the time of Christ’s conception in the womb of Mary.
Read Luke 2:1-7… Joseph took Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem, to register in
the town of his ancestors, according to the census being taken. While they were
there, it came time for the baby to be born, since they could find no place to stay,
Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son, and placed Him in a manger; probably in
the stable behind the inn.
Read Luke 2:8-20 An angel of the Lord appeared to some shepherds,
announcing the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord. The angel said God would
validate this marvelous event with a sign (v. 12), the baby would be wrapped in
cloths and lying in a manger.
A large number of angels appeared praising God, the shepherds then went to
Bethlehem to see all God had done, and there they found Mary, Joseph, and the
baby Jesus who was lying in a manger, just as they were told.
Shepherds were near the bottom of the Jewish social order, because they
couldn’t keep the religious rituals and ceremonies. Out of all the people in and
around Jerusalem, God chose a small band of shepherds to be the ones to witness
the birth of His Son, who said (John 10:11), “I am the good shepherd; the good
shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
After looking upon the baby Jesus, Luke 2:18 says the shepherds went out
into the streets, sharing the good news that the Savior had indeed been born.
Luke 2:19 says, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her
heart,” all these things meaning: the angel’s announcement about her Holy
conception, Joseph’s response to this news, Elizabeth’s marvelous greeting, and
the special names to be given to Mary’s baby boy “Jesus” and “Immanuel.”
The shepherds (verse 20) “went back, glorifying and praising God for all that
they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.”
Jesus came to earth the first time, in the flesh of a helpless baby boy; the next
time, He will come as a Warrior, the Eternal King, Sovereign Lord, and Righteous
Judge over All (See Revelation 19:11-16).
At Jesus’ first coming, there was no room available for Him to be born in; upon
His return to the Father in heaven, He began preparing a place for all those who
love Him, where we will live forever with Him (See John 14:1-3; Revelation
21:1-5a).
Only a few shepherds witnessed the first coming of Jesus; but when He returns
to earth again, everyone in the world will see Him (See Revelation 1:7).
More books and song lyrics have been written about, and more paintings done,
of Jesus, then anyone else in history. The world’s dating system (B.C., A.D.), two
major holidays (Christmas, Easter), and the praise and worship of 2 billion
followers, declares that this Jesus is indeed very, very, special.
At just the right time, according to God’s plan, God put on the flesh of a son of
man, in order to provide payment for our sins by the sacrifice of Himself, in order
that we might become the children of God.
Galatians 4:4-5, “When the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son,
born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were
under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”
Hebrews 9:26-28 tells us that Jesus [the Christ] has appeared once for all at
the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself; and that man is
destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, and so Christ was sacrificed
to take away the sins of many people [those who believe in Him]; and He will
appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who belong to
Him.”
1John 3:1, “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would
be called children of God; and such we are.”
The most important question that you, or any other person must ever answer is
this, “Who do you genuinely believe this Jesus, born in Bethlehem, in Judea, to a
virgin named Mary, to be? Your answer to that question will determine not only the
quality of your life here on earth, but also the nature of your life for all of eternity.
John 10:10, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly,” 28, “I give
eternal life to them, and they will never perish.”
2Peter 1:3-4, “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and
godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and
excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent
promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”
1John 5:11-13, “And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and
this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the
Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in
the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
And that is the greatest reason for us to say, Merry Christmas!
Pastor Mike  >’(((><

Bible Text: Isaiah 9:6 | Pastor: Pastor Mike Hale | This is the bulletin insert.

Please see the full sermon notes as well.

12-16-2018

Contemplating Christ’s Names & Titles

Isaiah 9:6

Christmas is formed from the words: Christ [the Holy One], and Mass [a gathering for religious observances].
Isaiah 9:6a… God’s Divine Provision, Jesus, conceived in the womb of a woman (see Matthew 1:18-25).
Isaiah 9:6b… God’s Universal Authority over all (see Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 19:11-16).
Isaiah 9:6c… God’s Supernatural Wisdom (see John 14:16-17, 25-26).
John 7:46, “Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks.” Matthew 7:29 says of Jesus, “He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.”
Isaiah 9:6d… God’s Sovereign Power (Deuteronomy 10:17; Jeremiah 32:17-19; Revelation 1:8, 17-18).
Isaiah 9:6e… God’s Eternal and Intrinsic Nature as the Originator and Giver of Life (see Genesis 21:33; Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 40:28; John 10:30; 14:1, 6-7; 18-21).
Isaiah 9:6f… God’s Perfect Peace (see Luke 2:14; Romans 5:1-2, 9-11; Philippians 4:6-7).
Jesus came the first time as a helpless baby boy; but when He returns, everyone in the world will see Him.
Revelation 1:7, “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.”
Philippians 2:9-11, “God highly exalted Him [Jesus], and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Jesus Christ is God’s greatest Gift to the world, for He is the divinely delivered, sovereign Savior.
No wonder Paul declares (2Corinthians 9:15), “Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!”
Let us all deeply contemplate the names and titles given to Jesus as we celebrate the Christmas season

Isaiah 9:6, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
God’s greatest Gift to the world is Jesus, He is the Reason for the Season of Christmas.

Bible Text: Luke 1 and 2 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | This is the bulletin insert to follow along. The full sermon notes can be downloaded as well.

12.09.18 ~ The Priority Message of Christmas

Christmas is a compound made up of two words: Christ
[anointed One], and Mass [religious observance]. Was Jesus born on December 25?
See Luke 1:39-41… Elizabeth’s baby, “leaped in her womb,” at Mary’s presence.
Luke 1:56 says Mary stayed for three months.
John was most likely born around Passover, in the month of Nisan (Mar/April); and Jesus was most likely born about the time of the Feast of Tabernacles in month of Tishri (Sept-Oct),
Christmas is more likely the time of Jesus’ conception, when His life began in the womb of His mother Mary.
Luke 2:8 says when Jesus was born, “there were shepherds living out in the fields watching over their flocks at night.” A little research suggests no shepherds in the fields in December, for it is cold and rainy.
Ezra 10:9, 13, “all the men of Judah and Benjamin had gathered in Jerusalem. …on the twentieth day of the ninth month, sitting in the square before the house of God, greatly distressed, because of the rain.”
Jeremiah 36:22, “the king in his winter apartment, with a fire in the firepot in front of him.”
The temperature of Palestine in December, especially at the higher elevations, can drop below freezing at night.
Luke 2:1 says a census was taken at the time of Jesus’ birth, everyone returned to their ancestors’ town; not a good idea in December, but September or October would provide a much easier time of travel.
How did December 25 come to celebrate Christ’s birth?
The festival of Saturnalia, December 17-25, celebrated the birth of the s-u-n god; during the middle of the fourth century, Emperor Constantine, promoted the celebration of Christ’s birth during that time, in order to Christianize the pagan celebrations already in place.
Whether or not Jesus was born on December 25th, doesn’t matter; but the fact that the Light of the world has come, is the reason for Christmas.
SeeJohn1:1-4,14,18… God’sSonputonflesh, showed us the Father (cf John 14:6, 9), “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” Jesus paid for our sins (Luke 23:34), “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” (John 19:30), “‘It is finished,’ then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”
Christmas allows people to be open to the gospel of God’s gracious gift, Jesus Christ, sent by God to save us.
Christmas is a time for worship, because the Savior of the world has been born, and it is a wonderful time to share God’s greatest gift: His own Son.
The majority of the world rejects Jesus, is confused about Him, or just doesn’t care.
As a Christian, the greatest gift you can offer is the Good News about Jesus, Immanuel, born in Bethlehem, put to death on a cross, buried, only to come out on the third day – that is the priority of Christmas!

Bible Text: Micah 5:2 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | This is the bulletin insert. Please also see the sermon notes download.

12.02.18 ~ Born to Die…

Micah 5:2, “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah… from
you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.”
Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.”
Isaiah 9:6, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” See Isaiah 53:4-7, 11-12…
Read Hebrews 1:1-3… God announced His Son’s advent and all we need to know about Him.
Galatians 4:4-5, “When the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”
Politically –
Culturally –
Spiritually –
Luke 2:52, “And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and
stature, and in favor with God and men.”
Luke 3:22, “God declared from heaven, ‘You are My Son, whom I love, with You I am well pleased.’”
Colossians 1:16, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
Revelation 5:6-7, “Then I saw a Lamb, as if slain, standing… He came and took the scroll from the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.” At that point a new song is sung in heaven (verse 9), “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”
Jesus came “to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; …whether things on earth or things in heaven (Colossians 1:20).”
Jesus Christ God’s Light, sent to mankind.
See John 1:1-2, 4-5…
John 8:12, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
1John 1:5, “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.”
Jesus is, “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation” (Colossians 1:15), “in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9), “in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).
Jesus took our punishment for sin (Hebrews 9:12), “through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption,” (Hebrews 10:12) “having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God.”
Jesus was born for the purpose of dying for our sins. Revelation 1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” 17-18, ”I am the first and the last, the living One; I was dead, behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.”
1John 5:11-13, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Christmas is all about God’s greatest gift, Jesus Christ; He is the Reason for the Season!

Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: Thanksgiving | This is the insert from this week’s bulletin. Sermon Notes are also available here.

11-25-2018

Giving Thanks for God’s Blessings!

The Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year season is a
time for giving thanks to God for His many blessings. 1. Salvation… God provides forgiveness and eternal
life, to all who believe and receive His Son (cf Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:9-10, 13; see Ephesians 2:8-10).
[GRACE = God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense].
God’s life giving, everlasting, unconditional love (see John 1:1-5, 14; 3:16-21; cf Romans 5:8; 8:1). Romans 11:29, “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
God wants for everyone to be saved (1Timothy 2:3-4; 2Peter 3:9). Paul declares (2Corinthians 9:15), ”Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”
2. Truth… The world has abandoned “truth.”
But thanks to God, we can understand the purpose
and plan of life better than all the so-called “experts”.
God provides everything we need to live on this earth, while trusting Him to bring us to heaven:
Jesus Christ [God’s Son] is the Author of Truth; everything He said and did is Truth (John 14:6).
The Holy Spirit [God’s Spirit] is the Spirit of Truth and He lives in each and every genuine believer and follower of Christ (John 14:16-17, 25-26).
The Bible [God’s Word] is Sovereign Truth; but only those who accept and apply it give testimony to it, having been sanctified [set apart for the holy work of God], by His Word (John 17:17).
3. Struggle… It is difficult, during hared times, to give thanks to God, but it is always the right thing to do (see 2Corinthians 12:10; Philippians 4:12-13, 19).
Struggle is part of Christian life (cf 2Timothy 3:12), but God will help us, if we seek to honor and obey His Word (see James 1:2-4; 2Corinthians 4:7-9, 16).
Struggle can prepare us to be more compassionate toward others (see 2Corinthians 1:3-4).
4. Family & Friends… We can receive encouragement from family, friends, and acquaintances, but Christians are an eternal gift from God (Proverbs 18:24), “A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother,” (Proverbs 27:6), “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”
The best friend God provides is Jesus Christ, and although He is the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords, He calls us His friends (cf John 15:15).
During this Thanksgiving Season, thank God for all His blessings; but today, consider the following:
Salvation – by Grace, through Faith in Jesus Christ, we receive forgiveness and eternal life.
Truth – provides all we need in this life and the next. as revealed in His Word, by His Spirit, through His Son, concerning all things God.
Struggle – is a part of life on earth, however, God will not allow us more than we can bear and He will supply everything we need to get us through the tough times.
Family & Friends – God uses them to bring us comfort and supply our needs, while allowing us to serve others. Earthly family and friends can be a blessing, but true Christian friends are family for eternity.
May we all, express our thanks to God for His gifts: Salvation, Truth, Struggle, Family & Friends.
Our God is an awesome God, who reigns from heaven above, with wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God, and for that, we should be thankful. Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, whether in
word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” 1Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Bible Text: John 16:25-33 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: John | This is the bulletin insert. The full sermon notes are also available below.

11-18-2018

Jesus’ Concluding Words to the Eleven about Love and Peace

John 16:25-33

Read John 16:25-27… Jesus reiterated what He had told these guys (cf John 14:25, 28-29; 15:20; 16:1).
Jesus used metaphors and enigmatic language that appeared confusing to these guys (cf John 16:17-18).
See Mark 9:9-10, 31-32… See John 2:19, 22…
Jesus reminds them (John 16:25b-27) of John 16:23-24, adding that the Father loves them as His own children, because they love Jesus.
God’s children can pray directly to the Father; we can (cf Hebrews 4:16; 10:19) come before the throne of God and receive mercy, because of Jesus Christ.
When Jesus cried out “it is finished,” all were able to come into God’s presence through Jesus (cf John 14:6).
Through Jesus Christ the Father loves you as parent loves their child., with unconditional love.
Read John 16:28-32… Jesus came from the Father and He is going back to the Father (see John 1:1-3, 14).
Jesus died for the sins of the world, all who repent and believe in Him are saved (cf John 1:29; 3:16; 6:38-39).
Jesus showed us the Father (cf John 1:18; 14:7). Jesus came to save sinners (Mark 10:45; 1Timothy
1:15; 1John 4:9, 14).
It seems (John 16:29-30) these guys are beginning to understand, that Jesus came from God, why He came, and why He must go back.
Jesus asks, “Do you now believe?” Then tells them how they will scatter, when He is arrested and taken away; but the Father will be with Jesus, through it all, except when sin’s punishment is poured out on Him.
Matthew 27:46, “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’”
Habakkuk 1:13, “Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, And You can not look on wickedness with favor.”
2Corinthians 5:21, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Galatians 3:13, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’”
1Peter 2:24, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.”
1Peter 3:18, “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”
Read John 16:33… Earlier (cf John 14:25-29) Jesus told them He would give them His peace.
Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
Philippians 4:7, “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
They will have hard times in this world, but Jesus has overcome the world – defeating sin, death, and judgment.
Jesus tells His disciples (John 16:27) they are dearly loved by the Father because they love the Son; they will have the God’s peace to rule in their hearts and to guard their minds, and through Christ the Lord, they overcome sin, death, judgment, and the world.
1John 4:4, “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”
1John 5:4-5, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Bible Text: John 16:16-24 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: John | The following is the bulletin insert–please also see the sermon notes.

11-11-2018

The Disciples Grief will be Turned to Joy

John 16:16-24

Read John 16:16-18… What does “a little while” mean? He used it several times already (John 7:33), “For a
little while longer I am with you, then I go to Him who sent Me,” (John 12:35), “For a little while longer the Light is among you,” (John 13:33), “Little children, I am with you a little while longer,” (John 14:19), “After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also.”
John 14:22, “Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, ‘Lord, what then has happened that You are going to disclose Yourself to us and not to the world?’”
Luke 6:16, “Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.” (cf Acts 1:13, in the upper room)
The disciples (John 16:17-18) struggle, knowing Jesus is going to die and go back to the Father.
Read John 16:19-20… The eleven will weep while the world rejoices; but their grief will be turned into joy.
The cross is the provision of God, paying the penalty for all sin for all time, for all those who believe in Jesus.
Read John 16:21-22… Jesus gives an example of how suffering turns into joy (cf. Genesis 3:16, “To the woman [God] said, ‘I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth, in pain you will bring forth children.”)
Jesus’ disciples’ grief over His death, like the pain of childbirth, will be replaced with joy when He returns.
See John 14:15-27… Jesus is going to send another just like Him, to be with them forever, the Holy Spirit.
Notice again in John 14:16-17, the Spirit will live in them forever; and in John 14:21, 23, God the Father and God the Son will come to them and make Their home in them, i.e., live in them.
Romans 8:9-11 declares that those who belong to God have the Spirit of God in them; in fact, Paul says Christ is in them.
Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Read John 16:23-24… Do you understand what Jesus is saying here? In “that day” i.e., in the day they see Him again, they “will not question Him about anything.”
Jesus can’t mean His resurrection, as they asked Him many questions before His ascension (see Acts 1:1-6).
But after the coming of the Holy Spirit, they would have their own resident teacher and member of the Godhead (See John 14:16, 25-26; 16:13-15).
The disciples would finally understand that Jesus’ is God the Son, the One and Only of the Father, that He had to die, to bring eternal life for those who believe in Him.
Another very important truth is (verse 24) that believers can ask the Father, in Christ’s name, and it will be done. This is the third time this evening, that Jesus declares this truth (John 14:13; 15:16).
Note: To pray in Jesus’ name means to acknowledge complete dependence upon the Lord for everything, and to pray according to the person of Jesus Christ, in obedience to the Word and Will of God.
The disciples had not asked for anything in Jesus’ name, because He was with them. But now they are to pray in His name, that their joy may be made full.
We, as Christians are granted the same privilege, for God is our Father, His Son Jesus Christ is our Savior, and His Spirit is in us, forever!
No wonder God’s Word commands us (1Thessalonians 5:16-18), “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”