Bible Text: Romans 13:8-10 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: Romans

Read verses 8-10… So, basically this says… the only debt we continue to owe is the debt to love one another, and in doing this the law of God is fulfilled.

Now that is interesting, Paul just exhorted us (vv. 1-7) to submit to civil authorities and to pay our taxes, now he says we should have no debt. What does he mean?

Do you think he is talking about finances, i.e., that we aren’t to owe anyone any money? Let’s think about that. Neither the Old or New Testament forbids borrowing or lending money; although some requirements are given:
Exodus 22:25, “If you lend money to one of My people among you, who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interest.”

Leviticus 25:35-36, “If one of your countryman becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. Do not take interest of any kid from him, but fear your God, so that your countryman may continue to live among you.”

Psalm 15:1-2, “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous… 5, who lends his money without usury [profit of interest]…
Proverbs 19:17, “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward him for what he has done.”

God is not against us owing or loaning money, but it is to be done for the right reasons and in the right way

The Mosaic law prohibited charging interest to those who were poor, but it permitted charging a reasonable interest rate to the one borrowing the money.

Jesus made references to borrowing and lending:

Matthew 5:42, “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

Luke 6:35, “Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High.”

So, it would appear that the Old and New Testaments both allow for those who are in need and have no other recourse, to borrow. There is nothing in either Testament that would prohibit one from borrowing money for a good reason, and another from receiving a reasonable interest on what they had loaned; but nowhere does Scripture justify the borrowing of money- going into debt, for unnecessary things, such as luxuries or extravagances.

Romans 13:8a tells us to owe nothing, to have no debt remaining or outstanding, i.e., we are to pay off our debts, loans, and whatever we borrow, on time, in full.

Romans 13:8b moves away from financial debt to speak to “the continuing debt of love for one another,” this to be continually being paid by all believers.

The good news is we have all we need, in Christ, to make these love debt payments by loving others; we will never be able to sufficiently pay off this debt, because it is incalculable – we owe it God, who in Christ, on the cross, paid our sin debt, having purchased us for God, because of God’s great love for us- and so, we are to be constantly paying Him back by loving one another.
John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. But this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
1John 4:7, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves, has been born of God and knows God.” 21, “And He has given me us command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
Colossians 3:12-14, “Therefore, 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 together in perfect unity.”
1Peter 1:22, “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.”

Christians are more than equipped to pay this debt of love, for we are divinely enabled (Romans 5:5), “God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us,” (Philippians 4:19), “God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 13:8c says the law is fulfilled when we love our fellowman [our neighbor]. This love [agape] is not a feeling or an emotion, but is our selfless and humble service to God, offering ourselves, doing whatever is necessary to help those in need, on God’s behalf.

God’s love never rejoices in anything false or unholy, it never belittles or offends a person’s worth, nor does it cause them to stumble morally or spiritually, but instead it always upholds the truth, in response to the Holy Spirit and obedience to the Word of God.

The very first fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) is love, for (1John 4:16), “God is love.” And we are only able to love, because (1John 4:19), “[God] loved us first.” You see, God’s love is reciprocal love, we are able to pay our debt of love because we never run short of God’s love; God loves us so much that we can love others on His behalf.

Our debt to God is a love debt, not just to love other believers, but everyone; for we are Christ’s ambassadors and God is making His appeal through us, in order that the world might know God’s love, as we live for Him.

Romans 13:9-10 declares that God’s love does not commit adultery, or murder, nor does it steal, or covet – adultery, murder and theft are committed by way of physical actions; whereas coveting is something that may only take place inside a heart or mind.

All sin originates in the heart, as Jesus said (Matthew 15), “evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander,” etc., are all sins of the heart; for all that is evil comes from the heart of man.

There are two more of the Ten Commandments that Paul could have cited here: honor your mother and father, and do not bear false witness. All six of the above deal with human social and societal relationships.

Notice, the all inclusive clause covering all sins against other people, in the middle of verse 9 through the first part of verse 10, “and whatever other commandment there may be,” for God’s law is “summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ For ‘Love does no harm to its neighbor.’” Who is your neighbor?

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) tells us anyone we come into contact with, especially one in need, is our neighbor; but the priority is not ‘who is my neighbor,’ but instead, whoever shows mercy to one who is in need, is a good neighbor to that person.

God’s love does no wrong to a neighbor, meaning, anyone. We are to (Philippians 2:3-4), “consider others better than ourselves…, to look not only to [our] own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

When we are genuinely loving our neighbor as ourself, we are fulfilling the golden rule (Matthew 7:12), “do to others as you would have them do to you,” and the royal law (James 2:8), “Love your neighbor as yourself,” for in doing this we have fulfilled all the Law and the Prophets.

Jesus summed this up in Luke 10:27, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself,” in other words, we are to love God completely, with our whole being: body, strength, mind, emotions, talents, abilities, resources, etc., and we are to then love others as we love [care for] ourself; for in doing so, we have fulfilled the law of God.
Galatians 5:14, “The entire law is summed up in a single command [or word]: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

What is that single word? LOVE! When a Christian loves other people, as he himself is loved by Christ, he fulfills all of the moral requirements and obligations of the law of God, for this is the overriding and ruling principle of the new life we have in Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2), “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

1Peter 4:7-11, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self- controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling,. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should speak as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Pastor Mike

Bible Text: Acts 1:1-5 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: Topical Study

Read Acts 1:1-5. What former book? Who was Theophilus? (see Luke 1:1-4) Theophilus [means loved by God], “most excellent” is most likely a title given to a

Roman Official, influential Gentile, e.g., a lawyer defending Paul, to whom Luke gave a legal brief as a personal testimony account of Christ’s birth, life, death, resurrection (there are 10 different appearances recorded in the Scriptures, during the 40-days between His resurrection and His ascension back into heaven:

1. Mary Magdalene at the tomb (Mark 16:9; John 20:11-18)
2. The women leaving the tomb (Matthew 28:9-10)
3. Two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32), one named Cleopas 4. Peter (1Corinthians 15:5; Luke 24:33-34)
5. Ten disciples, Thomas absent (Luke 24: 36-43; Mark 16:14; John 20:19-25) 6. Eleven disciples, Thomas present (John 20:26-29)
7. Seven disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14)
8. 500 disciples on a mountain in Galilee (1Corinthians 15:6; Matthew 28:16) 9. James (1Corinthians 15:7)
10. The apostles at His ascension back into heaven (Acts 1:10-11).
Mark 1:1-5… John called people to confess their sins and repent, as they were publicly immersed in water so as to identify with their need for forgiveness, basically saying, “God help me, I’m a sinner!” Verse 8 contrasts John’s baptism with water for repentance, and Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit for salvation.

Spiritual baptism immerses us into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit, setting us apart as God’s children, when we confess our sins and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (cf. John 1:12-13; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1Corinthians 12:13).

At salvation we are spiritually placed into the Body of Christ, of which (Colossians 1:17), “He [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church.”

Read Acts 1:6-8. Jesus’ followers wanted Him to rule over Israel now; Jesus tells them the kingdom will come, but before it does, the gospel message of forgiveness and salvation will be preached to all the world.

The followers of Christ are the ones who are to testify to the Truth of God’s forgiveness and eternal life through His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ.

Read Acts 1:9-11. Jesus returns to heaven, His followers must wait for the power and presence of God to come to them at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), when they would receive God’s Spirit, equipping and enabling them to serve as eye witnesses of God’s divine plan and provision through Christ.

Read Matthew 28:19-20. The Greek word used in verse 19 is matheteuo [make disciples], with the meaning of believing, learning, and following; saving faith brings obedience; if you believe, you will seek to behave!

Genuine belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior brings immediate salvation (death to life), immediate spiritual baptism (relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), and immediate discipleship (believing, following, and learning God’s Word); for the purpose of going and proclaiming it to unbelievers, because they won’t be coming to us.

We are to immerse those who confess Christ into everything the Bible says about Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them God’s Word: equipping, encouraging and exhorting them to serve God with their lives (cf. Romans 12:1-2; 2Timothy 3:16-17).

True salvation obeys God’s Word, honors the Father, exemplifies the Son, and walks in the power of the Holy Spirit, reaching out with the Love of God – the Message of Christ – to all who will hear and believe.
1John 1:1-3… John was an eyewitness to what Jesus said and did, including His death and resurrection. John was not only an Apostle, but he was one of Christ’s most intimate followers and friends, along with Peter & James.

Notice how John states that he personally (and the other Apostles) has heard, has seen, and has touched Christ during His earthly ministry – both before and after His resurrection.

John says God came in flesh, providing forgiveness and eternal life. John declares that we have genuine fellowship with the Father through Christ, therefore, we believe, obey and teach what is recorded here.

1John was written 50-60 years after Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension; and yet, John has a vivid recollection of what Jesus did and said. How is that possible? (cf. John 14:15-17, 25-26).

John’s first-person testimony about God’s Son in human flesh, is very important, especially in light of all the false teachers of that day who arrogantly and erroneously proclaimed about a Christ they did not know or believe in, let alone had they seen, heard, or touched him; much like false teachers today who teach heresy.

You and I, as God’s people, are His ambassadors, our purpose is to testify to others about Jesus Christ, as we prayerfully communicate with God, reading, studying and applying His Word to our life, learning to trust Him for what we need and thanking Him for all that He provides for us.

Everyone who genuinely seeks forgiveness for their sins has eternal life and fellowship with God the Father through Christ the Son (2Corinthians 5:18-21).

God’s people are to be witnesses, as was John; we must be ready to share the message of Christ with anyone and everyone who will listen.

God’s people are messengers; Christ is the Message. God’s people are “table waiters” or servers, Christ is the Bread of Life and the Living Water, freely given.

God has provided all the necessary resources, so that anyone can know Him personally and intimately:

The Bible records and reveals the truth of God’s plan, purpose, and provision through Jesus Christ, for He is the only means of salvation (John 14:6), “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

The Holy Spirit convicts us that we are all sinners, in need of the Savior (John 16:8-9), “When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: because men do not believe in Me.”

The Believer testifies to God’s truth [the Bible] by the power of the Holy Spirit, proclaiming that everyone who genuinely repents and trusts in Christ belongs to God and is saved by God (cf. Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13).

Jesus said (John 10:27-28), “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”

How does your personal witness [your life] reflect God’s presence, power, and pleasure? Are you following and witnessing for Christ? Are you eager to do so? 1Peter 2:12, 15, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.”

You and I will not personally (this side of heaven) hear, see, or touch Jesus, as did John; but we are just as responsible to bear witness and testify about Christ as John did.

You and I must allow the truth of God’s Word to change us internally, if we expect for the changes to have an effect externally, where people see us.

I pray that, in the weeks, months, and years to come, we will all increase in our desire to know, to grow in, to stand firm upon, and to declare, the Message of God through Christ to all who will listen; for only God can give peace that surpasses all understanding, only God can forgive sins, only God can grant eternal life, and only God can enable and empower us to be His witnesses (1Peter 3:15), “in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

And all God’s people said? Amen!

– Pastor Mike

Bible Text: 1Corinthians 15:1-8, 20-26, 45-58, | Pastor: Pastor Mike Hale |  

“Death Defeated at the Resurrection!”

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event in all of Christianity, without it Christianity is nothing more than just one of the many religious systems or organizations that are based on human philosophy and the traditions of this world.  Without the resurrection of Christ, we have no hope of forgiveness or eternal life, for there would be no proof to back up Jesus’ claims.

Jesus taught His disciples about the resurrection, (Mark 8:31), “the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and after three days rise again.  He said to them (9:31), “‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill Him, and after three days He will rise.’” (Matthew & Luke also record Jesus foretelling His arrest, death, and resurrection to His disciples)

The resurrection is the foundation of the gospel, and it is central to Christianity – you cannot be a Christian and not believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ (cf Romans 1:1-4).

1Corinthians 15:1-2…  Paul is not telling them anything new here, but is restating the gospel he had already already preached to them, the gospel of the resurrection of Jesus Christ that they had received, to which they are to take their stand, for it is by this gospel that they are saved.

We are saved by faith and we continue to live by faith and obedience to God’s Word.  If we truly love the Lord, we will continue to obey His commands (John 14:15), “If you love me, you will obey what I command,” (vv. 23-24) “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.”  Love and obedience are synonymous.

Our faith in Christ is based on the fact that He not only died for our sins, but He sovereignly rose from the grave by the power of God to prove He has authority over sin’s penalty and death itself.

1Corinthians 15:3-4…  Of first importance is the fact that Jesus had to die for our sins, and this was according to the Scriptures; that He would be buried and on the third day He would come out of the grave alive, according to the Scriptures.

Repeatedly in the OT (Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah, Hosea) the death, burial and resurrection of God’s Son, the Messiah is foretold.  In the NT, Jesus, Paul, and Peter all quote from those OT passages.  That is why Paul writes, “according to the Scriptures.”

Paul before King Agrippa proclaimed (Acts 26:22-23),  “But I have had God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen– that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to His own people and to the Gentiles.”

1Corinthians 15:5-7…  Eyewitness testimony is considered to be the most reliable testimony in a court of law.  Here we have such testimony given and recorded concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The priority of the resurrection is clearly referenced, and as Paul states (v. 5), Jesus’ first appearance to an apostle was to Cephas (Aramaic) or Peter (Greek).

Peter was the leader of the twelve, the main preacher at Pentecost, and the leader of the church in its early years; Peter was a prime witness for the resurrection.

Paul tells us Jesus appeared to the “twelve” next, although there were only eleven, as Judas had already died and a replacement hadn’t been selected yet; it would seem that the eleven were still referred to as the twelve.

The men who the Lord would use to establish His church had to be witnesses of His resurrection, for they would be spreading the word concerning the death and resurrection of the Messiah.

Paul records (v. 6) that Jesus then appeared to a group of more than 500 brothers (and sisters) at one time.  This is awesome, as Paul is now writing 20+ years after that happened, and he is saying that although some of those witnesses have died, most of those who witnessed Christ’s resurrection were still alive, able to testify to the resurrection.

We know that Jesus (Acts 1:3), “showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days,” between His resurrection and His ascension back into heaven.

Paul tells us (v. 7) that Jesus appeared, “to James, then to all the apostles.”  It is likely that James is the Lord’s half brother, who did not come to saving faith until he saw the risen Lord; he then became a leader in the Jerusalem church and the author of book of James.

1Corinthians 15:8-10…  Paul, as an unbeliever, was the main persecutor of the followers of Christ; until the risen Lord appeared to him on the road to Damascus.  And so, Paul says, “last of all he (Jesus) appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.”

All the others to whom the Lord appeared, had seen Him while he was alive and again after He had died and risen from the grave; but the Lord appeared to Paul after ascending back into heaven.

No wonder Paul felt like one abnormally born, the other apostles had walked with Jesus for three years, being taught by Him; whereas Paul had not only rejected Him as the Messiah, he had persecuted His followers.

After his conversion, Paul was taught by the Lord (Galatians 1:11-12), “I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.”

1Corinthians 15:20-23…  Christ is the “first” fruits of those who have died – meaning, there will be more “fruit” after Him; just as He was raised, so we, and all those who believed in Him, will also be raised to new life.

Notice in verse 22, through Adam death came to all of humankind, because of sin; but through Christ life comes to all who believe (Romans 5:12), “sin entered the world through one man [Adam], and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men.”

Romans 5:17-19, “by the trespass [sin] of the one man [Adam], death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. The result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so

also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”

Spiritual life is granted by Christ (John 11:25-26), “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”

Christ was raised first, all those who belong to Him will also be raised to new life.

1Thessalonians 4:16-17, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And

so we will be with the Lord forever.”

1Corinthians 15:24-26…  Christ will deliver the world back to God the way it was intended to be, after every enemy of God is conquered and abolished; this will happen after the Tribulation, the Millennial Kingdom, and the White Throne Judgement.

The final enemy of man is death (Hebrews 9:27), but death, along with everything that offends or opposes God [the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit] will be abolished; this is accomplished through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1Corinthians 15:45-49…  The first man, Adam, was created by God with a body suitable for life on earth.  If Adam had not given in to temptation, had not sinned, he would have lived forever on a perfect earth.

Every human through the first man Adam came from the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7). However Christ, (the man who came from heaven) is the last Adam, and He provides for God a spiritual race of people who will live forever because of His death and resurrection.

Adam was the first physical man, Christ is the first spiritual man.  Adam brought sin and death, Christ brought salvation and eternal life.

Jesus did not come from the dust of the ground but from heaven (John 1:1-4, 14, 18); yet He took upon Himself a natural body of flesh, in order to walk among us, show us the Father, and that He might die for our sins and rise from the grave to provide eternal life.

Every human is related to Adam, by blood, and every believer is related to Christ by God’s Spirit, through faith and belief in His death and resurrection.

This means that one-day our earthly body, which is like Adam’s, will be changed into a heavenly body like Christ’s; and we will know the joys and blessings of living in heaven because of Christ, the last Adam.

The sure hope of our resurrection body should motivate us to live for Christ now, in this world, even with all the limitations of these physical bodies, these earth suits, in which we will experience pain, sickness, disability, old age, and even death; at which time we receive our heaven suiting order to enjoy the magnificence of heaven with Christ, forever and ever. Amen!

That is what Paul says is saying, for although we die, we will be raised in a body like Christ was, a new and perfect body.

1Corinthians 15:50-53…  Paul reveals that some of the Lord’s people will not die from physical death, but that they will be “changed,” “in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye,” (cf. 1Thessalonians 4:16-17).

In other words, when Jesus comes for us, it will be instantaneous.  Notice (v. 51) uses the words “we” and “all” – referring to those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.  Only those who have trusted in Christ will be given their eternal heaven bodies, i.e., Jesus is coming for those who have been “born again,” “born from above,” “born of the Spirit of God,” (John 1:12-13; 3:3-7) “born of God”.  

If you are not sure that you belong to God, that you have received His forgiveness and the promise of eternal life — you need to get right with God, right here, right now!  through His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10, 13), “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 it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

God says (v. 52) there is coming a day when those who died in faith,“shall be raised imperishable [incorruptible].”  We may die of old age, or cancer, or in a fire, or in a plane crash, but we will be raised to eternal life with a body that can’t experience pain, get sick, or die.

Paul says “we will be changed,” meaning “one thing will cease and another will begin,” one minute we are here, the next we are there, one minute we are mortal, the next we are immortal.

The last sound we will hear when this happens will be the sound of God calling us up to meet Him!  Wow! Remember when Jesus called Lazarus out of the grave?

1Corinthians 15:54-57…  Our greatest enemy is death – the curse of si is made effectual by the Law which condemns us (v. 56), “the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.”  But (v. 57) in Jesus Christ we have victory over sin, death, and judgment.

Sin devastates our lives and dooms us to Hell, separating us from God, but in Christ, sin is defeated (Romans 3:23-24; 5:8; 6:23; 8:1).  To those who belong to God, there is no longer any power in sin or fear of death, for we have victory in Jesus.

God’s Son came to this world, put on the flesh of Jesus, lived a perfect life, died on a cross, and rose from the dead on the third day, just like He said He would. 1Corinthians 15:58…  Paul is saying that to live for God through Jesus Christ the Lord is our purpose.  Christ has conquered all our enemies – sin, death, and judgment — through His own death and resurrection.  We have a risen Savior, through whom we have received forgiveness for sins and eternal life, that we might serve Him, allowing Him to live and work through us (Galatians 2:20), “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

We will receive resurrection bodies in the presence of the Lord, and we will enjoy a new heaven, a new earth, and a new universe forever, never again will there be death or mourning or crying or pain.

Peter said it so well (1Peter 1:3-5), “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade–kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Today is the day of Good News!  Jesus Christ has risen from the grave, and He will grant eternal life to all who trust and believe in Him.

God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus, He came to love, heal, and forgive; He lived and died to buy my pardon, an empty grave is here to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow, Because He lives all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future. And life is worth the living just because He lives.

– Pastor Mike

Bible Text: Mark 11:1-11 | Pastor: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: Topical Study |

Mark 11:1-11, Passion Week Begins!

Today we begin what is called Passion Week or Holy Week, it is set off by our Lord entering Jerusalem on a Sunday, while the people praise Him; but five days later, on Friday, the people will cry out for His death, after which, He will be crucified and laid in a tomb, but on Sunday morning, one week from when He entered Jerusalem, He will rise from the dead, just like He said He would!

There is much written in Scripture about Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem (Matthew 21-28, Mark 11-18, Luke 19-24, John 12-20). Out of a total of 89 chapters that comprise all four Gospels, about 1/3 of them are devoted to this one week period of Jesus’ life!

In 2007-08, teaching through Mark’s Gospel, I prepared 20 sermons on this one-week period of Jesus’ life; and in 2012-13, teaching through Matthew’s Gospel, I prepared 22 sermons on this same one-week period.

Passion Week is highly charged and extremely important, because it contains Christ’s sacrificial death (payment for all our sins) and His sovereign resurrection (demonstration of eternal life).

Apart from Creation Week, when everything was made that has been made, the crucifixion and resurrection of God’s One and Only Son, are by far the most marvelous, majestic, and miraculous events to ever occur.

The OT gives many prophecies that are fulfilled during Passion Week, concerning the suffering and death of God’s Son, through which the God’s sovereign plan to pay for sin and provide salvation was fulfilled.
Exodus 12:46… None of His bones broken (Passover lamb). (1400 B.C.)

Psalm 16:8-11… He will rise from the dead. (1000 BC)
Psalm 22:16… His hands and feet will be pierced.
18… Lots will be cast for His garments.
Psalm 69:21… He will be given vinegar to drink.
Psalm 110:1… He will ascend back into heaven.
Isaiah 53:1-12… He will be despised, forsaken, led like a lamb to slaughter, pierced and put to death for our sins. (700 BC)

Zechariah 9:9… He enters Jerusalem on a colt. (500 BC)
Zechariah 11:12… He will be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver [Exodus 21:32, the price of a slave].
Zechariah 13:7… His friends will desert Him.

Next Friday at 3 pm, we’ll study the events of the day of Christ’s crucifixion; and next Sunday, we’ll study what the Bible says about His resurrection from the grave. Mark 11:1-3… Jesus and the 12 approached Jerusalem, coming near Bethphage [“house of unripe figs”], a small town near Bethany, on the SE side of the Mount of Olives, just east of Jerusalem. Bethany was home for Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11:1).

The Mount of Olives is just across from the Temple Mount; the Garden of Gethsemane is at its base. Jesus often met here with His disciples. It was Jesus’ familiar use of the garden that allowed Judas to betray Him here (Matthew 26:36, 45-50).

The Mount of Olives was where Jesus taught about the End Times Events (Matthew 24). It was from here that Jesus ascended back into heaven (Acts 1:9-12), and it is here that He will return (Zechariah 14:3-5).

Jesus sends two of His disciples into Bethphage to acquire a young donkey; Matthew 21:2 records that there was a mare with a colt.
vv. 4-7… The disciples find the donkey, untie it and bring it to Jesus, when asked why they were untying the colt, they said, Jesus told them to, and (v. 6) the owner of the donkey told them to go ahead and take it. The people in that area knew Jesus’ and His disciples, also that He was referred to as “The Lord.”

Matthew 21 speaks of a donkey, her colt (v. 2) and the fulfillment of a messianic prophecy (Zechariah 9:9).
Matthew 21:5 “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

vv. 8-10… This display on the part of the people was based on an ancient practice (2Kings 9:12-13) of showing homage to a new king; the people seemed to express acceptance of Christ’s claim as King of the Jews.

The people were excited, throwing down their outer garments and palm branches (cf. John 12:13), symbolic of their hope and desire for the messiah-king to come and free them from Roman oppression.
Matthew 1:1, “The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Matthew 2:1-2, “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea (Micah 5:2), during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship him.’”

Matthew 27:11 “Jesus stood before the governor [Pilot] and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ Yes, it is as you say.’”

The people shouted (v. 9) “Hosanna!” A Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” The actual Hebrew word is Hoshana, a contraction of the words “save” and “please,” and this is a prayerful entreaty with expectation, through which one gives adoration, praise, and joy.

Hosanna is a transliteration from Psalm 118:25-26, “O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD, from the house of the LORD, we praise you.”

Jesus’ name means “God saves,” or “God’s Salvation” and in verse 10 they praise the coming Davidic Kingdom when the Messiah-King will rule on earth for 1000 years.

The Jews were waiting for the Messiah to come and liberate them from Gentile oppression [Rome], to prosper them, and to sit on the throne of David; but what they didn’t understand was that He was coming to immediately free them from the penalty of sin, and in the future to sit on the throne of Israel’s greatest King, David the Shepherd King (John 10:14, Good Shepherd; 1Peter 5:4, Chief Shepherd).

In Matthew 21:10-11 it says, “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds answered, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’”
v. 11… Jesus looks around the Temple, the inner and outer courts, nothing was hidden from His eyes; He then returned to Bethany (2 mi.) for the night, as it had been a very long day, during which Jesus had given the disciples a preview of what is going to happen in Jerusalem (see Mark 10:32-34).

The first day of Passion Week comes to a close…

But there is so much more to take place over the next five days, as Jesus pours out His love for the people around Jerusalem, teaching them (mostly on Monday and Tuesday) what the Father had given Him to teach them, and then on Thursday He changes the Passover Meal to the Lord’s Supper, making it clear that He will be the sacrificial lamb, and it will be His blood that will be shed for the sins of the people; and then on Friday, Jesus is arrested, beaten, and crucified, all according to the sovereign plan and purpose of God; so that you and I might be made acceptable to a Holy and Righteous God.

Read through Acts 2:23-24; Romans 3:23-24; 6:23; 5:8; 8:1; 10:9-10, 13). – Pastor Mike

Bible Text: Ephesians 4:1-6 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale

March 13, 2016 ~ Ephesians 4:1-6, “Walking in Christian Unity”

Read Ephesians 4:1-3… Paul urges us to live our life [our walk] in a manner worthy of the calling we have received, i.e., we are to live so that what we do and why we do it aligns with the teaching of God’s Word.

As a Christian, your calling is from God, it is secure, and it is eternal, and it is meant to bring glory to the Father and the Son, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, as we live as slaves to God, proclaiming and sharing the message of salvation by grace, through faith in Christ, to everyone who will listen.

Verse 2… Four mandatory characteristics for those who believe in and follow Jesus Christ.

1. humility- seeing yourself in relationship to God
2. gentleness- submitting to God’s control and pleasure 3. patience- serving according to God’s timing and will

4. bearing with one another in love- relating to one another out of Christian love [agape], unconditional, unselfish, sacrificial love that desires the very best for the other person, even for those who persecute you

Verse 3… Unity is not something added to our Christian fellowship [koinonia], it is the standard by which God’s presence and power is displayed in our lives, by which we are able to keep unity in the Body of Christ.

Colossians 3:15-17, “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.”

We must choose to allow God’s peace to have authority in our lives, as His Word sinks deep into our heart and mind, so that we might honor and obey Him.

Everything that relates to salvation, the church, and the kingdom of God, is based on unity in Christ.

Read Verses 4-6… True Christian unity is created as we allow the Word of God, through the Holy Spirit’s power & presence, rule our heart & mind, our actions & words.

There is (v. 4) only one body of believers; composed of every person who has or will trust in Christ as Savior and Lord (see 1Corinthians 12:12, 20, 27).

There is no Gentile, Jew, male, female, slave or freeman body of believers. There is only Christ’s body, and the unity of that body is the heart of this passage in Ephesians 4.

There is (v. 4) only one Spirit–the Holy Spirit of God who lives in every believer. The Spirit of God is the unifying force in the body of Christ.

The Spirit is given as a pledge by God; He is (Ephesians 1:13-14) the divine engagement ring of promise, marking us for eternity, ensuring that every believer will be at the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven (referred to in Revelation 19:9).

When believers live and walk in agape love, in obedience to God’s Word, in the power of the Holy Spirit, our doctrine and our relationships will magnify and proclaim (v. 4) the one hope of our calling, and that is to be Christlike (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 5:1-2).

We have different gifts, ministries, and places of service (cf. Romans 12:3-8); but (1Corinthians 12:7), “to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good,” so that we walk like, talk like, and model Jesus Christ (1John 2:5-6).

There is (v. 5) only one Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:12, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under

heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Romans 10:12, “The same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him.”

There is (v. 5) only one faith in true Christianity; this faith is based upon the body of doctrine revealed in the New Testament that has been (Jude 3), “once for all entrusted to the saints,” exemplifying the character of God. All that leads us to, nurtures us in, and guarantees to keep us for an eternity with, Jesus Christ, is the one faith we have as the people of God.

There is (v. 5) only one baptism – this is talking about spiritual baptism, when we are placed into the Body of Christ by work of the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:7-8; 1Corinthians 12:13).

Water baptism is the means by which Christians declare Christ as Savior (Acts 2:38), “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”

Water baptism doesn’t save us, but is our public confession and testimony of identification with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

There is (v. 6) One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. God’s oneness is foundational to Christianity.

Deuteronomy 6:4, “The LORD our God, the LORD is One.”

1Corinthians 8:6, “for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for Whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through Whom all things came and through whom we live.”

Christians are one people, with one calling, under one God who is over all, and through all, and in all.

But none of this is possible until you ask Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and save your soul, only then do you come into the family of God as a child of God.

John 1:11-13, “He [Jesus] came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God– children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s

will, but born of God.”

If you have never trusted Jesus Christ to be your Savior and Lord, do it today, do it now; for only then can you live for God’s pleasure, by God’s Spirit, having one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father, who is over all and through all and in all.

Admit that you are a sinner, we all are!

Believe that Jesus came to save you, because He did!

Confess your sins to God, repent of your sins, for He is faithful and just and will forgive you of all your sins: past, present, and future.

Romans 10:9-10, “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Demonstrate new life from God: pray (talk) with Him continually, read His Word daily and apply to your life what you understand, serve in a local church where the Word of God is taught, honored, and obeyed.

Encourage your brothers & sisters in Christ toward love and good deeds, while reaching out with the Message of Salvation to anyone who will listen: Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior and Lord, was put to death for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried and rose from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures, and He is coming again, to take us to be with Him in heaven, forever, according to the Scriptures!

1John 5:11-13, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever 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.”

And all God’s people said? Amen!

– Pastor Mike

Bible Text: Romans 12:6-8 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: Romans

Last week I told you the signs and wonders gifts displayed by the Apostles, were given to them to validate their authority to speak for God, and that these gifts came to an end when the apostles passed from the scene and the New Testament was completed.

I told you that the next time “signs and wonders” appear, will be after the church is caught up to be with the Lord; false messiahs and false prophets will appear doing signs & wonders, and the Antichrist, empowered by Satan himself, will rise to power (Matthew 24:24; 2Thessalonians 2:9-10; Revelation 13:13-14).

I also want to reiterate that the gift of “tongues” [lit. languages], used during the transitional years after the birth of the Church, was never intended to be permanent in the work and function of the Church, this “gift” ceased to be operative before 100 A.D. (*For further study on this topic, on our website under the Heading Resources, select What Does the Bible Say About… then select Speaking in Tongues?)

Romans 12:6-8… There are seven spiritual gifts given here, all of which fall into the categories of speaking gifts and serving gifts; you’ll notice there is no mention of sign gifts, i.e., healing, miracles, or speaking in tongues.

Paul begins, the first part of verse 6, by stating that there are different gifts in the body of believers, provided by the grace of God (1Corinthians 12:7), “for the common good,” (1Corinthians 12:11) “[God] gives them to each one, just as He determines.”
Verse 6b… prophecy – This literally means “speaking forth,” in other words, proclaiming God’s Word. This was done by revelation, prior to the completion of the Bible, and then by reiteration [repeating, explaining, re- emphasizing], after the completion of the Bible.
1Peter 4:11a, “If anyone speaks, he should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.”
1Corinthians 14:3, “Everyone who prophecies speaks to men for their strengthening [instruction], encouragement [edification], and comfort [consolation or support].”
Verse 7a… service – This is every kind of practical service like [waiting tables, mowing the lawn, doing laundry], it is translated from a Greek word from which we get the term “deacon” [lit. minister, servant], i.e., wherever there is a need among the body of believers, this gift moves the believer to

fulfill that need.

1Peter 4:11b, If anyone serves, he should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”

In 1Corinthians 12:28 it is called the gift of “helps,” i.e., to help out in the church (via social committee, buildings & grounds, music, audio visual, making slides, janitorial, ushering, greeting, arranging flowers, making refreshments, serving in the nursery, etc.).
Verse 7b… teaching – This is the ability to understand, interpret, expose, clarify, and to systematically explain God’s Word, whether at a large church gathering, a home Bible Study, or more intimately, person to person.

This is pastoral teaching, Bible College and Seminary teaching, Sunday School teaching, Child Evangelism Fellowship and Vacation Bible Adventure teaching, i.e., wherever God’s truth is being taught.
Acts 20:20-21, “You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.”
Matthew 28:19-20, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Verse 8a… encourage – This is the ability to come alongside other believers, calling them to obey and follow God’s Word; warning and reproving them concerning sin in their lives, while also consoling and strengthening those who are struggling or injured, in order to bring comfort and counsel from the Word of God.
1Corinthians 4:14, “I am not writing these things to shame you, but
to warn [counsel] you as my dear children.”
1Thessalonians 5:11, “Encourage one another and build each other
up.”
Hebrews 10:24-25, “let us consider how we may spur one another
on toward love and good deeds…” “let us encourage one another.”
Verse 8b… giving – Not out of your abundance, but is sacrificially sharing what you have with those who are in need; doing so with openhearted and open handed generosity, not looking for personal recognition, but giving quietly, out of a genuine and compassionate response to observed needs. Acts 2:44-45, “All the believers were together and had everything in

common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.”

Verse 8c… lead – This is literally “to stand before,” i.e., to steer or pilot, to guide, govern, or manage, with diligence [vigor and earnestness].

This word is used to describe leadership in the home and in the church:

1Timothy 3:1, 4-5, “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.” He must manage [lead] his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?).”

Verse 8d… show mercy – This is to express sympathy and sensitivity to those who are suffering, in a way that helps lesson their afflictions, burdens, or sorrows.
James 2:15-16, “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”

1John 3:16-18, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

Showing mercy is often expressed when someone visits those in hospitals, those confined to their homes, those in jail, those who are homeless or friendless, those who recently have suffered loss, and those who have special needs that aren’t being met or fulfilled by others. Proverbs 14:31, “He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors [God].”

Showing mercy is most exemplary of Christ Himself, and if it were up to me to select a gift from God that all believers would have in abundance and would use with great frequency, it would be showing mercy.
Luke 4:18-19, “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

What a difference it would make in this world, if every Christian had this gift, or at least, those who do have it would exercise it openly, freely, and

frequently.

Can you imagine what it would be like? There would be fewer needy people within the Family of God, because their needs would be mercifully met; not only that, but perhaps more unbelievers would come to salvation in response to the mercy shown them by Christians, those who have already received God’s mercy through Christ, in abundance.

All spiritual gifts (and natural talents ) given by God, to those who belong to Him, are given for God’s own glory and for the edification of the Church, in order that we might fulfill our purpose on earth – and that is to share the message of Christ with all who will listen because (1Timothy 2:3-4), “God our Savior wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.” God is patient (2Peter 3:9), “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Every Christian’s duty is to proclaim and share the good news, calling people to repentance and salvation in Christ (see 2Corinthians 5:17-21).

Romans 11:32, “God has bound all men over to disobedience, so that He may have mercy on them all.”

Romans 10:12-15, “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile— the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of Whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching [proclaiming] to them? And how can they preach [proclaim] unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”

Matthew 28:19-21, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

God’s greatest gift is Christ, through Him, we not only receive forgiveness and eternal life, but also “gifts” that we are to use in the Church, where we are to serve one another as if serving the Lord Himself; for we are to be working together as individual believers, unified for one purpose, bringing the good news of salvation to everyone who will listen: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, that He then appeared to His Disciples and many followers over 40 days, after which, He ascended back

into heaven, and He is coming back to get all who belong to Him, to take us to be together with Him in heaven, forever!

In His Grip, Pastor Mike

Bible Text: Romans 12:1-2 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: Romans

After 11 chapters of doctrine about the Law, Paul speaks of our relationship to God based on faith and obedience, not ancestry, ritual, or temple worship.

In Romans 12:1 Paul exhorts Christians to consider the mercy God has shown us in Christ. The word for “urge” means to call or come alongside, to give help or aid. The same word in its noun form is used of the Holy Spirit as our Helper, Comforter, Counselor, or Advocate.

Paul, as both an apostle and a brother in the Lord, is encouraging us to commit ourselves to serving God fully and honorably. God wants us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, to be used in a manner that is holy and pleasing to God (our hands, feet, ears, eyes, mouth).

The unsaved person cannot offer their body to God, because they do not belong to God, nor can they do anything to please Him (Romans 3:10-12; 8:5-8).

But true believers, Christians, are made a new creation in Christ, by Christ’s own sacrifice (2Corinthians 5:17-21). May we never forget, God’s Spirit lives in our human bodies, bodies that seek to indulge in sin, even though they contain God’s Spirit, and have been made righteous in Christ (Romans 7:5-6; 21-25; 8:9-10).

The flesh is a powerful influence at times, and can lead to much trouble in our lives as we seek to be servants of Christ; but we can have victory through Christ the Lord, for He has given us everything we need to serve Him victoriously (2Peter 1:3-4; 1John 5:5).

Paul told the Christians in Corinth that their bodies were to be used to honor God (1Corinthians 6:12-20). We must determine to live in a manner that pleases God, offering our bodies in service to Him; after all, Christ died for us that we might live for Him (Romans 6:12-14), as He lives in and through us (Galatians 2:20).

As imperfect as these mortal, corruptible, human bodies are, the indwelling of Spirit of God’s is able to keep sin from ruling our bodies (see Romans 8:11-14).

Notice (Romans 12:1), we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. God doesn’t want dead sacrifices!

The sacrifices of dead animals that were required by the Law are no longer effectual; in fact, they are null and void (Hebrews 9:10-15; 27-28; 10:1-10, 15-18), Christ is God’s Lamb, the one and only acceptable sacrifice (Luke 22:20).

The only sacrifice holy and pleasing to God is a living sacrifice; under the New Covenant, through the shed blood of Christ, we are to offer ourselves to God’s service, for this is our “spiritual act of worship.”

Note: the Greek word translated “spiritual” here, is the word from which we get our English word logic, or logical — but a better translation would be “reasonable.” Doesn’t that make sense? Our reasonable worship, our spiritual service to God, is holy [because we have been set apart for God’s glory and honor], offering to God all that we have, beginning with the bodies He gave us and the life He breathed into us (see Genesis 2:7), God formed us out of dirt and breathed life into us.

God understands us, because He made us, and God knows that, in order for us to control what we do with our bodies, we have to change the way we think, i.e., what we believe will direct and control our behavior.

Look at Romans 12:2, God says we are not to be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world. To “be conformed” means to express on the outside something that is different from what is inside, i.e., to masquerade or to put on an act; to act like we have not received God’s merciful forgiveness and salvation.

We are not to act like those who belong to the “world” [the age or philosophical system dominated by Satan (2Corinthians 2:4), “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, Who is the image of God.”

Instead of conforming to the lifestyles of those who do not belong to God and cannot please Him, we must commit to being transformed by the renewing of our minds (feeding upon God’s Word), which will cause our beliefs and ultimately our behaviors to change, to be transformed (Psalm 119:11), “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.”

The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to renew our minds, in order that we might be transformed in the way we think and act (Colossians 3:1-10); we must make decisions daily, sometimes moment by moment, allowing God’s Word to transform and guide us (Colossians 3:16-17, 23-24; Ephesians 4:22-24; 5:15-17).

As we are transformed by renewed minds, knowing and understanding God’s Word, we will be able (Romans 12:2) to test and approve what God’s will is, to judge things spiritually, to discern God’s mind on issues!

God’s Spirit in us will seek to conform our wills to that of God’s will: God’s “good, pleasing and perfect will.”

As we are transformed we will desire to know and to do that which pleases God and brings honor and glory to God, according to His will, as revealed in His Word.

As we are transformed we will seek to put off those attitudes and behaviors that displease God, and instead to do that which pleases God.

The transformation of our minds and the battle we have with our flesh will not end until we see the Lord face to face, and have been made perfect, as He is perfect.

But for now, consider God’s mercy and respond by offering yourself to serve Him, to honor and obey Him.

2Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

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.”

Colossians 3:16-17, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 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.” 23-24, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

God’s Grace is Sufficient, Pastor Mike

Bible Text: Romans 11:25-36 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: Romans

Romans 11:25-26a… Paul warned the Gentiles (vv. 20-21) to be sober minded, lest they suffer the same consequences.

Paul says God is not finished with Israel, it is a mystery: this partial hardening, i.e., the majority of Israel has been hardened spiritually toward spiritual birth into God’s family, through Christ the Lord (John 1:11-13), “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

God’s plan wasn’t about numerous Hebrew ancestors through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; but it was about descendants who would have faith like Abraham; they would believe [obey] God and be filled with God’s Spirit.

Galatians 3:5-9, “So again I ask, does God give you His Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? So also Abraham ‘believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. ’Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you. So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” 13-14, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.’ He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”

Paul says this spiritual hardening of Israel (which started when Israel rejected Jesus as their Savior) will come to an end when the full number of Gentiles, chosen by God, have come to salvation, i.e., “come in”.

The verb used here for “has come in” was frequently used by Jesus in reference to receiving salvation, i.e., entering the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20; Mark9:47; John 3:5), entering eternal life (Mark 9:43-45). Notice, after the full number of Gentiles has been saved, then “all Israel will be saved.”
Romans 11:26b-27… Verse 26b is a quote from Isaiah 59:20-21, and verse 27 is a quote from Isaiah 27:9. In order for Israel to be saved, her sins must be forgiven, and that is exactly what God says He is going to do.

Think about this: Israel’s unbelief initiated the gospel going out to the Gentiles, and when the full number of Gentiles has come in [completed salvation of Gentiles], that will initiate the salvation of Israel as a nation, at least for those of Israel who are still alive.

When will “all of” believing Israel be grafted back in, as a nation restored and saved by the blood of Christ? It will be during the Tribulation, when all the unbelieving members of Israel will suffer God’s hand of judgement, and all those who respond to the gospel will receive God’s hand of mercy.

1

How will they hear? Through the preaching of 144,000 Israelites chosen and sealed by God (Revelation 7:1-8; 14:1-5); through the testimony of a multitude in white robes (Revelation 7:9-10); through the proclamation of two special witnesses in Jerusalem (Revelation 11:3-13), and finally, the flying angel who brings the message of the eternal gospel to every nation, tribe, language and people (Revelation 14:6-7).

Romans 11:28-29… Because Israel rejected the Messiah she became God’s enemy temporarily, but because of God’s promises through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He will again poor out His loving kindness upon those in Israel who turn to Him from sin; for God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable.

God’s “gifts” are granted on behalf of God’s unmerited favor, and the “calling” here refers to God’s divine election of Israel to be His holy people.

God’s sovereign grace in setting us apart for salvation is not something that can be earned or merited; neither can His grace or calling be rejected or hindered or prevented; for the gifts and calling of God cannot be altered, not even by the disobedience and unbelief displayed by Israel.

Israel’s transgressions will be sovereignly and graciously taken away from her; just as the sins of all those who are called by God will be forgiven and eternally removed; God is faithful (1Thessalonians 5:24), “The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” Christ paid our sin debt in full!
Romans 11:30-32… Because of Israel’s unbelief and rejection of their Messiah, the nation of God’s chosen people was partially and temporarily removed from God’s favor and the gospel was then delivered to the Gentiles.

Just as God extended His merciful and loving grace to godless Gentiles, who were not counted among the people of God, He will again reach out to, and take for Himself, those in Israel who will believe.

God’s salvation is not based on human merit, but on the mercy of God. All mankind, left to himself or herself, would continue to reject God’s grace and remain separated from God, leading only to death. We are all condemned sinners apart from Christ, the only hope we have is the divine love and mercy of God.

Jesus Christ, through His own sacrificial death and sovereign resurrection, provided forgiveness and eternal life for anyone who will receive it; Christ expressed His love for the whole world, in order to reconcile the world to Himself (2Corinthians 5:21), “God made Him [Jesus Christ] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God,” (Romans 8:1), “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 11:33-35… In bringing his argument to a close, Paul stands in awe of God’s gracious mercy and love. We cannot fully understand God’s wisdom, purpose and plan (1Corinthians 2:14), “because they are discerned only through the Spirit,” and although

2

God owes no one anything, He says (Jeremiah 29:13), “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

Because we are all lost sinners from birth, apart from God’s greatest gift, Jesus Christ, and God’s call to repent and believe in Him, we are doomed to an eternal hell. And so, our loving God has shown mercy, grace, and kindness to us in Christ; therefore, we ought, like Paul, to stand in awe, rejoicing, praising, and worshipping our great God.

Romans 11:36, “For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.”

If there is any doubt in your mind or heart, consider this:

Romans 10:9-10, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” 13 “for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

God turns no one away, but you have to come His Way, through Jesus Christ. If you aren’t sure that you are saved, if you have any doubt at all, get things right with God.

Admit that you are a sinner, we all are!

Believe that Jesus came to save you, because He did!

Confess your sins to God, for He is faithful and just and will forgive you of all your sins: past, present, and future.

Demonstrate new life from God: pray (talk) with Him continually, read His Word daily and apply to your life what you understand, fellowship and serve in a local church where the Word of God is taught, honored, and obeyed.

Encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ toward love and good deeds, reach out to help your neighbors (anyone in need), and share the Gospel Message of Salvation with anyone who will listen: Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior and Lord, was put to death for our sins, according to the Scriptures, was buried and rose from the dead, according to the Scriptures, and He is coming again, to take us to be with Him in heaven, forever, according to the Scriptures!

1John 5:11-13, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever 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.”

– Pastor Mike

Bible Text: Romans 11:16-24 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: Romans

Sermon Notes Available soon.

Bible Text: Romans 11:7-10 | Preacher: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: Romans

We have previously studied about Israel’s continued rejection of God’s Grace;

although God continued to love Israel, while at the same time, reaching out to

those outside of Israel [Gentiles] with His loving kindness.

Read 11:7-10… Paul considers why most Jews were rejecting Jesus as their

Messiah. Did their unbelief cause God’s promises to fail? Did their rejection of

Christ mean that God was through with the Jews forever? “No!” There always has

been a remnant of saved Jews (Paul is one), this shows that God is definitely not

done with Israel.

Verse 7 considers what the hard reality that God sovereignly chooses some for

salvation [the elect], while holding all mankind responsible to acknowledge and to

respond to God’s authority, and eternal plan [free will].

This is indeed a difficult doctrine, because we do not want to consider that some

are saved, most are not! Believe me, I have a hard time getting my mind and

heart around this truth, just like you do; but let me encourage you to put your full

confidence in Who God is, not in what you are able to understand about Him.

God has provided everything we need to know about Him in Christ: the Almighty

God of Creation put on flesh and walked among humankind in order to illustrate,

exemplify, proclaim, and provide God’s greatest expression of love toward us — He

took our punishment and paid our sin debt, in full, so that we could receive

forgiveness and eternal life.

Within the context of this wonderful truth of what God has done for us, is the

sobering reality that those who are saved are saved because God chose to save

them, and those who are lost are lost because they rejected God’s sovereign gift

and they refused to repent and believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Concerning Israel (v. 7), it sought to earn its own righteousness through

ancestral heritage and religious devotion; but as we have read over and over, it is

singularly by the grace of God that anyone is saved.

If you seek to obtain a right standing with God [to justify yourself] on the basis

of your ancestry, your religious activity, or your moral goodness, you will be

hardened toward the grace of God, and you will come under God’s judgment; but

the thing about grace is, if you call out for forgiveness, trusting in God’s provision

[Christ], you will be saved.

Having been committed for the past 30+ years to the deeply demanding, often

frustrating, sometimes overwhelming, and yet always supernaturally fulfilling work

of pastoring, I must honestly say, there are times when I struggle with some of the

truths revealed in God’s Word – and this is one of them!

Verse 8 is taken from Deuteronomy 29:4;Isaiah 29:10, which clearly tell us

God hardens the hearts of those who themselves harden their own hearts toward

God. Let us consider two prominent examples in the Scriptures, one from the OT

and one from the NT.

Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 4:21; 9:12; 10:1, 20) was hardened by God, so he

would not let the Hebrews go; but (Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34) says Pharaoh sinned by

rejecting God’s authority, hardening his own heart.

Judas (Matthew 26:24-25) was told “woe to that man who betrays the Son of

Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” ”Surely not I, Rabbi?”

Judas asked. ”Yes, it is you,” Jesus answered. By rejecting God’s Messiah, Judas

hardened his own heart toward God.

This is difficult to understand and accept- but God’s hardening of a person’s

heart is never separate from that person’s hardening of their own heart toward

God.

And so, Israel, seeking righteousness by works, not only did not obtain it, they

hardened their hearts toward God’s Messiah, the Christ, for they had heard, seen,

and experienced many demonstrations of God’s love and power, and yet they

continued to reject His Son.

In verses 9-10, Paul quotes from Psalm 69 :22-23, this Psalm is one of the

richest passages in the OT concerning the Messiah – it tells of the Messiah’s

suffering, it pronounces a curse on the enemies of God and judgment on those who

reject Christ.

Here Paul quotes David, speaking of a dinner table, where most of us would

consider ourselves to be in safe, enjoying food together with family and friends that

is both beneficial and flavorful; but Paul says for those who are wicked and self-

righteous (the nation of Israel), their place of safety and enjoyment has become a

“snare and a trap,” i.e., a place of imprisonment and punishment.

You see, Israel once highly praised the Word of God, considering it to be spiritual

food that nurtured them; but because they began to more highly value their

legalistic responses to the written law, rather than their spiritual responses to the

Living Word, their place of safety as the Nation of Israel, became a judgement on

them (v. 9), “a stumbling block and a retribution,” (See 9:30-33).

All those who seek to be saved [made righteous] by any human works —

whether it be a claim to some blood ancestry, religious practice, or feeble attempts

at moral goodness — are really enemies of God, because if you can be justified by

your works, then the crucifixion and resurrection of God’s Son was unnecessary.

Salvation is by faith in God through Christ alone.

This is one of the reasons I get so angry at false teachers and counterfeit

religions, for they promote the devil’s lies. The more that people accept, feed on,

or adhere to such damnable heresies, the more unlikely it is that they will hear and

turn to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul (v. 10) expresses what happened to Israel as they continued to reject

God’s Messiah; they became more spiritually blind, “their eyes were darkened so

they [could not] see, and their backs were bent forever,” i.e., like a blind person

haunched over, trying to distinguish whether the path ahead is safe or not safe,

groping around in the darkness, fearful of what cannot be seen, unaware of

dangers, not to mention having no idea where the path they are on is leading them

(destruction).

But the thing is, like Pharaoh and Judas, the Nation of Israel (unbelieving Jews)

hardened itself toward God, just as unbelievers today (Jew and Gentile) continue to

harden themselves toward God, even though they have no excuse.

Romans 1:18-20, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the

godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness,

since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it

plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–His

eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from

what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”

Ephesians 1:3-7 tells us God chose for Himself a people to be saved and set apart for His purpose, plan and pleasure -“He predestined” means “He marked out ahead of time,” i.e., “He predetermined” those who are His; 11 times in this section (vv. 3-7) Paul uses [He, Him, His] to specify God’s personal action.

So, if God predestines those who will be recipients of His grace in receiving salvation, can we then infer or assume that God has also predestined those who will be recipients of His wrath, to remain lost and separated from the love of God in a place of eternal judgement? No!

Scripture does not allow such a presupposition, for nowhere in the Bible are the words “predestined,” “foreknew,” or any of their derivatives, used to imply that God sovereignly “marked out ahead of time,” people to be eternally damned, separated from God, and destined for hell.

God does not predetermined that certain people go to Hell; however, God does sovereignly chose some for heaven, according to His own good pleasure and will.

There is no one so bad that they cannot be saved by the love of God which has come through Christ, and there is no heart so hard that it cannot be softened by the sacrifice of God’s Son.

God is loving, merciful, gracious and kind, and He wants everyone to be saved: 1Timothy 2:3-4, “God our Savior wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 2Peter 3:9, “[God] is patient not wanting anyone to perish, but for everyone to come to repentance.”

The only hope for a hard heart is faith in Christ!

Ephesians 2:1-10, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”