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.”

Bible Text: John 16:1-15 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: John | This is the bulletin insert. The complete sermon notes are also available below.

11-04-2018 – The Holy Spirit Convicts & Comforts

John 16:1-15

Read John 16:1-4… “These things” refer to what Jesus said in John 15:18-25.
•The world hated Jesus, it hates His followers.
•The world persecuted Jesus, it persecutes His followers. •The world is guilty of the sin of rejecting Jesus Christ.
2Timothy 3:12-13, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
Paul previously hated Christians (see Acts 26:9-11). Read John 16:5-6… Jesus previously told them He will
be rejected, arrested and crucified. But the worse will be the Father turning away from Him (Matthew 27:46), “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
The disciples think only about their own sorrow, they totally overlook the pain and suffering of Jesus.
Read John 16:7-11… Jesus speaks of the supernatural Comforter who’ll come after Christ ascends back to the Father (see John 14:16-17; 25-26; 15:26-27).
The Holy Spirit seeks to convict unbelievers in their heart of their need for Christ, but the devil blinds them (see 2Corinthians 4).
Rejecting Jesus as the Son of God is the unpardonable sin, condemning a person to hell (see John 3:14-16, 36; 6:28-29; 8:24-25; 10:30; 14:6).
In John 12:31-32 Jesus says, “Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” In John 14:30 He says, “the ruler of the world is coming,” and now (John 16:11) He says, “the ruler of this world has been judged.”
Satan is defeated and judged by Jesus Christ, Who is the truth, Satan is the Father of lies (John 8:44), “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Read John 16:12-15… The disciples, so consumed with their own sorrow, miss the divine message of the cross.
Only after Jesus’ death and resurrection will they be able to understand what He has been telling them; for the Helper [Holy Spirit] will enable them to understand and accomplish God’s will.
Jesus is speaking of divine truth, that will equip and enable them to proclaim the message of forgiveness and eternal life through Christ (see John 14:26; 15:26-27) 2Peter 1:20-21, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (NIV 1984)
2Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NIV 1984)
The Holy Spirit convicts, so you will believe in Jesus, at which time you’ll experience the comfort and confirmation that you have been granted eternal life.
Do you have that assurance? If you aren’t sure, ask the Lord right now, He turns no one away.
Admit you’re a sinner, we all are (Romans 3:10, 23)…
Believe that Jesus can save you; He is the only means of salvation (Romans 6:23): the only Way to God, the only Truth of God, the only Life with God…
Confess your sinfulness to Him and He will forgive all your sins: past, present, future (Romans 5:8; 8:1)…
Demonstrate the new life you have received in Christ (2Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 10:24-25)…
Read the Bible daily, obey what you understand… Pray to God throughout your day…
Participate in a local God-honoring church…
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.”

Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: Basic Christianity, Topical Study | 10-28-2018 – Principles Really Do Matter…

Elections are nine days away. How does the Bible tell us to vote? Today Pastor Mike reminds us of seven principles that really matter. Here is the bulletin insert; the full sermon notes are downloadable as well.
10.28.18 ~ Principles That Really Matter…
1. All human life is sacred ( Psalm 139:13-16).
Murder is forbidden (Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:21-22).
2. Marriage is the union of one man to one woman (Genesis 2:22-24; Ephesians 5:22-25, 28-33).
3. Common decency calls for the covering of gender specific body parts (Genesis 2:25; 3:7-11, 21-24).
Although humanity is “fallen,” God’s people are called to a much higher standard (Ephesians. 5:1-5, 15-17).
4. Sin brings work (Genesis 3:17-19); God brings joy (Ecclesiastes 2:22-25) and dignity (2Thess. 3:10).
5. God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), would bless every true Christian (Galatians 3:26-29).
God destined a people for His own (Ephesians 1:4-5; 1Peter 2:9-10); through His own Son (Hebrews 9:15; 1Corinthians 11:23-26; John 1:12-13).
6. God desires Biblical instruction for our children (Deuteronomy 6:4-8; Proverbs 22:6).
7. God ordained Home, Church, and Government.
A. The family is the basic unit of society; a father and mother raising their children by the principles and precepts found in God’s Word (Ephesians 6:1-3).
B. The church is those individuals committed to Christ (Ephesians 2:19-22; 1Corinthians 12:12, 14, 18, 27).
The church is at odds with Satan and the world, as it carries out God’s plan, purpose, and provision through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).
C. God established civil government (Romans 13:1; 1Peter 2:13-17); we pray for our leaders, but we obey God’s Word. Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s but give to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17).
Peter Marshall, was elected Chaplain of the U. S. Senate in 1947. In his acceptance speech he said,
“The choice before us is plain: Christ or chaos, conviction or compromise, discipline or disintegration. I am rather tired of hearing about our rights and privileges as American citizens. The time is come – it now is – when we ought to hear about the duties and responsibilities of our citizenship. America’s future depends upon her accepting and demonstrating God’s government.”
Before you cast your ballot, find out how the candidates and measures line up with God’s principles, and then vote accordingly.

Bible Text: John 15:17-27 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: John | This is the Bulletin Insert. Please see the tab to click for the entire sermon notes.

10-21-2018

Who Does the World Hate?

John 15:17-27

Read John 15:17… We love one another (1John 4:7) because God is love (1John 4:8). We who are (1John 5:1) born of God (cf John 1:13; 3:8); will (1John 5:2) love God’s children and obey God’s commands.
Read John 15:18-19… The world opposes God.
World = All who oppose God’s Son and reject God’s Word Jesus’ brothers did not believe in Him (see John 7:7).
Read John 15:20-21… Jesus previously told them (John 13:16-20; 14:24; 2Timothy 3:12), they would suffer at the hands of those who reject Christ.
Read John 15:22-25… Israel has no excuse for not believing in God’s Son (cf. John 1:1-3, 14, 18).
The Jews hated Jesus, wanting to kill Him. Look at John 10:30-33… Jesus claimed equality with God, and so they sought to kill Him. Look at John 11:45-53… Jesus raises Lazarus, the Jews set their hearts to kill Him.
John 15:25 is quoting Psalms 35:19; 69:4, where we David is said to be hated by his enemies; how much more the sinless Son of God would be hated for pointing out their sins, declaring that salvation, was available through Christ alone (John 6:28-29; 8:24; 10:30).
Read John 15:26-27… We started today with John 15:17, “love one another.” Last week John 15:12, Jesus commanded them to love one another, just as He loved them; meaning, of course, He died for them/us.
John 15:26-27 is a repeat of what He had already said to them (see John 14:15-17, 23-26).
Jesus (cf. John 14:2-3) is going away, but (cf. John 14:18, 28) won’t leave them as orphans (cf. John 14:29) He says, “I have told you before it happens, so when it does happen you may believe.”
Look at John 14:16-17… Jesus promised to send a Helper, Counselor, Comforter [Greek Paracletos = the same kind as Jesus, equal to God]. The Helper is the Holy Spirit, He will teach them (and us) all things.
We read here (John 15:26-27), that the Holy Spirit, is going to encourage them to testify about Jesus Christ [God’s Son, Lord, Savior], these guys can give eyewitness accounts (cf. 1John 1:1-3) of all He said and did.
If you love God, you will desire to share the message of forgiveness for sin and eternal life through Jesus .
Remain alert and sober minded, aware that the world (those who oppose God) hated Jesus first; and they hate those who obey and proclaim God’s Message of Salvation.
Most of us will die on this earth, Jesus says:
John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.”
We have nothing to fear from this world, because as God’s children, born again by the Spirit of God, we have eternal life in heaven, where there will not be anymore death or mourning or crying or pain.
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?”
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.”