First Baptist Lenoir City

<p>I. His Name - Matthew 1:18-21 </p><p>II. His Mission - John 3:16-17</p><p> III. His Impact - Mt 27:54; John 20 </p><p>IV. His Focus - May THE FORCE BE WITH YOU - Acts 1:6-8 </p><p>V. His Church - Acts 2 - 16 </p><p>1. Acts 2:38 - 3,000 in Jerusalem </p><p>2. I want to be in a church… </p><p>3. that responds to the commands of Christ </p><p>4. that speaks of the greatness of God </p><p>5. that relies on the promised prophecies from the sacred Scriptures </p><p>6. that is centered on Jesus and His gospel </p><p>7. that calls people to commitment </p><p>8. that expects people to be saved </p><p>9. that expects people to be baptized </p><p>10. that expects people to continue </p><p><br></p><p>1. Acts 4:4 - 5,000 in Jerusalem </p><p>2. Acts 6:7 - Priests in Jerusalem </p><p>3. Acts 8:27-38 - African Ethiopian on the road to Gaza </p><p>4. Acts 9:10-19 Saul becomes Paul on the road to Damascus </p><p>5. Acts 10:24-29 - Cornelius (Centurion) </p><p>6. Acts 16:13-15 & 25-31 - The Jailor & Tailor in Europe (Philippi) </p><p>7. Acts 22 & 26 (3 Phases of every testimony) </p><p>8. Acts 28:28-31</p>

<p>It's a big deal because Jesus rescues us from sin, fear, and death. 3:1-2 </p><p> Its a big deal because Jesus was sent by God. </p><p>- Apostle and High Priest - 4:14-16</p><p>It's a big deal because Jesus gives us mercy and grace in time of need. - 5:1-10</p><p>v. 1-4 Old Testament High Priests descended through Aaron are appointed to serve but they are imperfect men.</p><p>v. 5-6 Its a big deal because Jesus was appointed by God.</p><p><a href="https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleESV.Ps2.7-8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Psalm 2:7–8</a> “I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.” </p><p><a href="https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleESV.Ps110.4" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Psalm 110:4</a> “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”</p><p>v. 7-8 It's a big deal because Jesus, the Son of God, obeyed the Father perfectly and suffered willingly. This qualifies Jesus as High Priest and demonstrates his humanity.</p><p>v. 9-10 It's a big deal because Jesus is perfect and therefore, the source of our salvation.</p><p>It's a big deal because he is not from Aaron, but from Melchizedek. Genesis 14:17-20</p><p>6:19-20</p><p>It's a big deal because Jesus is the anchor of our souls.</p><p>It's a big deal because Jesus entered the Holy of Holies.</p><p>It's a big deal because Jesus is eternal. - 7:1-22</p><p>Now, let’s try to understand Melchizedek - </p><p><a href="https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleESV.Ge14.17-20" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Genesis 14:17–20</a> “After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was a priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” </p><p>• A mysterious but important individual.</p><p>• King of Salem - would become Jerusalem.</p><p>• A King and Priest, but not from Abraham or Aaron.</p><p>• No genealogy and no birth/death recorded. </p><p>• He blessed Abraham and Abraham gives an offering.</p><p>v. 11-14 It's a big deal because Jesus isn’t from the line of Aaron (Levitical) but from the eternal line of Melchizedek.</p><p>v. 15-19 It's a big deal because Jesus is a better hope so we can draw near to God.</p><p>v. 20-22 It's a big deal because Jesus guarantees a new and better covenant!</p><p> HE IS THE FINAL PERFECTION, THE EFFECTIVE SACRIFICE.</p>

<p>(“What does a Savior & Lord do”?) Acts <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/2Zb3zEGKtgc?t=134s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">2:14</a>-40 </p><p>I. Jesus at His Birth - Matthew <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/2Zb3zEGKtgc?t=78s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">1:18</a>-21 </p><p>• Jesus as the Savior will save sinners </p><p>II. Jesus and His Verse - John <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/2Zb3zEGKtgc?t=196s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">3:16</a>-17 </p><p>• Jesus came the first time to save </p><p>• John 13 Jesus declares 11 of His disciples saved (“clean”). </p><p>III. Jesus at His Cross - Mt <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/2Zb3zEGKtgc?t=1644s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">27:24</a> - Roman Centurions (Mt 8; Luke 7) </p><p>III. Jesus after His Cross & Before His Church - 40 days (many encounters) </p><p>1. Met the women </p><p>2. John & Peter ran to the tomb </p><p>3. Met 2 men on the road to Emmaus </p><p>4. Met 10 men inside a locked house </p><p>5. Met Thomas inside a locked house </p><p>6. Met Peter after he went fishing </p><p>7. Taught the 11 for 40 days </p><p>8. Ascended into Heaven </p><p>IV. Jesus in His Church - Romans <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/2Zb3zEGKtgc?t=617s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10:17</a> - Scriptural sermons produce spiritual fruit. </p><p> The Bible must be the basis for every class in the church (without exception). </p><p> Let’s use biblical language for our worship - for our discipleship - for our evangelism </p><p>1. Acts <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/2Zb3zEGKtgc?t=158s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">2:38</a> - 3,000 in Jerusalem </p><p>2. Acts 4:4 - 5,000 in Jerusalem </p><p>3. Acts 6:7 - Priests in Jerusalem </p><p>4. Acts <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/2Zb3zEGKtgc?t=507s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">8:27</a>-38 - African Ethiopian on the road to Gaza </p><p>5. Acts 9 - Saul becomes Paul on the road to Damascus </p><p>6. Acts 10 - Cornelius (Centurion) </p><p>7. Acts <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/2Zb3zEGKtgc?t=973s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">16:13</a>-15 & 25-31 - The Jailor & Tailor in Europe (Philippi)</p>

<p>The Joy of Jesus is a Joy for the Journey! </p><p>• Luke 10:20 - Starts with, “do not rejoice”. That ought to catch your attention; Jeremiah 9:23-24 </p><p>• Luke 15 - Three times “more joy” </p><p>• Hebrews 12:2 - Joy in the will of God </p><p>(1) There was great joy in His Birth - angels, parents, shepherds, Magi, </p><p>(2) There was great joy in His Death - crazy love mixed with amazing grace - Hebrews 12:2 </p><p>(3) There was great joy in His Life - Resurrection - angels, women, disciples </p><p><br></p><p>(1) The About Face - didn’t start well; didn’t see this coming; didn’t see Him coming; The Bible is brutally honest when addressing the failures of faith; The women had some faith </p><p>(2) The Right Place - Galilee </p><p>(3) The Wrong Case - Fake news (liars gonna lie; the things people do for money) </p><p>(4) The Starting Base - where you are; Acts 1:6-8 </p><p>(5) The Human Race - “all nations” 3,000 would soon be saved - but not this day. Not even after the resurrection of Jesus. 50 days later, here’s what happened - Acts 2</p>

<p>(Good Friday probably better stated as Bloody Friday. </p><p>Good News Friday works as well. So does Amazing Grace Friday.) </p><p>Blood is mentioned almost 400 times in the Bible, 291 times in the Old Testament, and 91 times in the New Testament. Leviticus and Ezekiel mention blood more than any other OT book, and Hebrews and Revelation mention blood more than any other NT book. </p><p>1. Pre-Passover Blood - Leviticus 17:11 </p><p>2. Passover blood - Exodus 12:21-27 (An action preceded the passing over)</p><p>3. Jesus speaks of His blood - THIS IS MY BLOOD - Matthew 26:28 </p><p>4. Jesus sweats drops of blood - Luke 22:44</p><p>5. Judas declared - I HAVE BETRAYED INNOCENT BLOOD - Matthew 27:4 </p><p>6. Pilate declared - I AM INNOCENT OF THIS MAN’S BLOOD (no you are not - man cannot cover his own sinfulness - Genesis 3) </p><p>7. The People declared - HIS BLOOD BE UPON US - Matthew 27:25; Acts 5:28; Genesis 4:10-11 </p><p>• Hebrews 9 & 10 </p><p>• Revelation 1:5; 5:9; 7:14; 12:11; 19:13 </p><p>• John 6:53-55; 19:34</p>

<p>• The Attitude toward the Aged </p><p>• The Actions of the Aged</p><p>• The Army of the Aged - Serving with wisdom, availability, & maturity - 70s, 80s, 90s, 100s</p><p>Senior Adults are not viewed with respect in many places in the world. Unfortunately, that same attitude sometimes shows up in the church. </p><p> </p><p>Paul wants Pastors like Titus and Timothy to embrace the senior citizens in their congregations. I Timothy 5:1-2. Paul described Timothy in three distinct ways:</p><p>(1) He was relatively young - I Tim 4:12</p><p>(2) He was physically weak - I Tim 5:23</p><p>(3) He was spiritually fearful/timid - II Tim 1:5-7</p><p> </p><p>I. Listen to the Scriptures on Senior Adults (The strength of sr adults)</p><p>Lev 19:32; Exodus 20:12 (Eph 6:2-3); Deut 32:7; Psalm 37:25; Prov 16:31; Isa 46:3-4</p><p>Abram & Sarai (100 & 90) - Genesis 17:15-17 - had Isaac which in Hebrew means “laughter”. Who do you use as an example today?</p><p>Moses - Got God’s assignment at 80 years of age. It would be a 40-year commitment.</p><p>Our recent Christmas Series - </p><p>Simeon & Anna - Luke 2:25-38. He was looking forward to passing on, and she was described as being “very old”. They both served the Lord without any thought of retiring from doing the Lord’s work until God took them home!</p><p>II. Look to the Aged for Leadership </p><p> </p><p>1. Titus 2:1-2 </p><p>• What Eliab was to Titus 1</p><p>• Rehoboam is to Titus 2 - I Kings 12:4-11 (his lack of wisdom divided a fractured country).</p><p><br></p>

<p>GODLY LEADING must be accompanied by GODLY LIVING & GODLY TEACHING</p><p>I. Our Statement of Faith - The Scriptures </p><p>II. The Theology of Truth</p><p> 1. God’s Word is Divinely Inspirational - Matthew 4:4; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 3:16</p><p> 2. God’s Word is Transformational - Psalm 19:7-10; Psalm 119:11; Jeremiah 15:16; Hebrews 4:12</p><p> 3. God’s Word is Directional - Psalm 119:105; Romans 15:4</p><p> 4. God’s Word is Verifiable - Acts 17:11</p><p> 5. God’s Word is Eternal - Isaiah 40:8 </p><p> 6. God’s Word Christ-Centered - Luke 24:44-46</p><p>III. The Restoration of Order - 1:9-11</p><p> 1. Hold fast - 1:9a</p><p> 2. As taught - 1:9b</p><p> 3. So that - 1:9c</p><p> a. Able to give instruction in sound doctrine - 1:9d</p><p> b. (Able) to refute those who contradict - 1:9e</p><p><br></p>

<p>GODLY LEADING must be accompanied by GODLY LIVING & GODLY TEACHING </p><p>I. Our Statement of Faith - The Scriptures</p><p>II. The Theology of Truth </p><p>1. God’s Word is Divinely Inspirational - Matthew 4:4; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 3:16 </p><p>2. God’s Word is Transformational - Psalm 19:7-10; Psalm 119:11; Jeremiah 15:16; Hebrews 4:12 </p><p>3. God’s Word is Directional - Psalm 119:105; Romans 15:4 </p><p>4. God’s Word is Verifiable - Acts 17:11 </p><p>5. God’s Word is Eternal - Isaiah 40:8 </p><p>6. God’s Word Christ-Centered - Luke 24:44-46 </p><p> </p><p>III. The Restoration of Order - 1:9-11 </p><p>1. Hold fast - 1:9a </p><p>2. As taught - 1:9b </p><p>3. So that - 1:9c </p><p>a. Able to give instruction in sound doctrine - 1:9d </p><p>b. (Able) to refute those who contradict - 1:9e</p><p> </p>

<p>The NT Church is Primarily a place for God. It’s a place for God’s Word to be established. It’s a place for God’s Son to be exalted. It’s a place for God’s people to be equipped. It’s a place for God’s plan to be engaged. </p><p> </p><p>I. The Foundation of God’s Church - The Worldview of our Faith is TRUTH. The Truth of God is found in His Word:</p><p>a. In the Spoken Word - Genesis 1; Matthew 4:4 (mouth of God); II Timothy 3:16</p><p>b. In the Written Word - Exodus 20 (finger of God); I Peter 1:16-21</p><p>c. In the Word Made Flesh - Jn 1:1,14</p><p> </p><p>II. Two Worldviews - Truth & Lies</p><p>(As in Crete so in every place people gather corporately - You will either hear the Word of God or the word of man, I Thessalonians 2:13. There will be truth or tales. Why should truth be so important to us? </p><p>1. Satan seeks to destroy truth through deception and doubt - In John 8 he is called a liar and the father of lies. </p><p> </p><p>a. The truth sets people free – John 8:32</p><p>b. The truth makes people holy - John 17:17</p><p>c. The truth leads people to Heaven - John 14:6</p><p>d. The truth fights off the Tempter and his temptations - Mt. 4:1-11</p><p> </p><p>III. What a Pastor Must & Must not be - </p><p>(Looks can be deceiving - Most of you know who David is. Many of you know who Samuel is. Few know much of anything about Eliab - I Samuel 16:6-7. He was the oldest son. He was the obvious choice. But he wasn’t. </p><p>1. What a pastor must NOT be - 1:6-7</p><p>2. What a pastor MUST be - 1:8-9 </p><p>3. A lover of strangers (hospitable) - “never met a stranger (philoxenos vs xenophobia); Luke 10:25-37; Romans 1:8-13; Galatians 6:9-10</p><p>4. A lover of good things - II Tim 4:6-8</p><p>5. A sensible man - Level-headed, Keeps a cool head - Acts 23:5</p><p>6. Just - upright; a stand-up guy </p><p>7. Devout - practice what you say you believe</p><p>8. Self-controlled - </p><p><br></p>

<p><br></p>

<p>Exodus 18:1-27 & Joshua 1:1-9</p>

<p>1. The call of Christ and the supremacy of Christ.</p><p> • John 3:3 • The first step in the Christian life is in obedience to those two words. </p><p>• And the whole pathway of the Christian life is traveled in obedience to those two words. </p><p><br></p><p>2. The fact that difficulties present themselves to the minds of many, which are very real and definite, but there is a decision that must be made</p><p> - BUT...People who are attracted to Jesus, who admire all they know about Jesus, who are conscious of their own need and His ability to supply their need, who in their deepest heart intend to follow Him, but... </p><p>-The claims of Christ are such, and the power of Christ is such that everything that comes after that "but" needs to be put out of your life. </p><p>-I will follow you Lord, but... </p><p>-When Jesus says, "Follow me," He demands submission of the whole being, and from that moment we don't get ahead of Him, we go after Him. </p><p>-Do you remember the last time Jesus said "Follow me?" </p><p>-To be outside the Kingdom is to be without everything that gives life its fullness in the present and its hope for the future.</p>

<p>Leadership in the Lord’s Church: I Timothy last year & Titus + II Timothy this year. </p><p>What God expects of His leaders. Leaders can be wrong about what God expects. Congregations can be wrong about what God expects. Let’s get it right! Amen? </p><p><br></p><p>(The Limitations of the Lord’s Leaders) Exodus 18:1-27 </p><p>• The best of men are men at best! </p><p>• Joshua is to Moses what Timothy is to Paul! </p><p>• This chapter in context - (1) The generational (their past), (2) The situational (their present), (3) The eventual (future), and most importantly (4) The theological (The truths/laws of God). • These 4 areas impacted the counseling & judging of Moses. </p><p>• This would require incredible wisdom and a working knowledge of God’s Word. Moses has been a student at Exodus Academy for 40 years (I only squeezed 4 into 5!) </p><p>I. The Demands of Life - Exodus 18 </p><p>1. The Context of Exodus -</p><p> 2. The Counseling of Jethro - </p><p>3. The Change in Moses - </p><p>a. Where Moses was Wrong - </p><p>b. Where Moses was Right - vv. 15-16 </p><p>c. How Jethro’s Helped - vv. 17-23 </p><p>d. What Moses Did - vv. 24-27</p>

<p>I. Who? The Author of Creation "God"</p><p>II. How? The Manner of Creation "created"</p><p>III. What? The Object of Creation "the heaven and earth"</p><p>IV. Why? The Purpose of Creation, Romans 11:36</p><p><br></p><p>1. Who made you? God</p><p>2. What else did God make? God made all things.</p><p>3. Why did God make you and all things? For his own glory.</p><p>4. How can you glorify God? By loving him and doing what he commands.</p><p>5. Why ought you to glorify God? Because he made me and takes care of </p><p>me.</p><p><br></p><p>Our problem as humans is that although we “ought to glorify God” because</p><p> He made and takes care of us, we have rebelled against Him and sought </p><p>to live our own life our own way. Sometimes we’re defiant, but most of </p><p>the time we just ignore God and His Word.</p><p><br></p><p>Because of our rebellion, God has promised to judge us. Heb. 9:27 says, </p><p>“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes </p><p>judgment.” One day, we will face God for our rebellion unless we submit </p><p>to Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. While Jesus lived on earth, He </p><p>never rebelled against God, yet He died on an old rugged cross.</p><p><br></p><p>Why did Jesus die? 1 Peter 3:18 says: “For Christ also suffered once for</p><p> sins, the righteous for the</p><p>unrighteous, that he might bring us to God,”</p><p><br></p><p>Jesus died for our sins, if we repent of our sins and trust in what He </p><p>has done on the cross for us.</p><p><br></p><p>So what will you do? Will you continue to rebel against God or will you </p><p>submit to Christ as your Ruler</p><p>and trust in His sacrifice for the payment for your sins? There are only</p><p> two ways! Your way ends in eternal death! His way ends in eternal life!</p><p> “Choose you this day whom you will serve!”</p>

<p>There are eyewitnesses during every phase when Jesus walked this earth.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>There are eyewitnesses during every phase when Jesus walked this earth.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Focus of Eyewitnesses - 1:1-4</p><p> 1. Eyewitnesses of His birth - </p><p> 2. Eyewitnesses of His life (Mt 2,14,28; I John 1:1-4)</p><p> 3. Eyewitnesses of His death - many </p><p> 4. Eyewitnesses of His resurrection - I Corinthians 15:1-8</p><p> 5. But many eyewitnesses didn’t believe! True and the Scriptures readily admit that fact usually included with a sharp rebuke!</p><p> 6. All will witness His return - Matthew 24:15-31</p><p> 7. We may not be eyewitnesses of His birth, life, death, & </p><p>resurrection, but we are eyewitnesses of how Jesus has changed our </p><p>hearts, our minds, our passions, our priorities - Never underestimate </p><p>your testimony about the changed life that came from coming to faith in </p><p>Christ!</p><p><br></p><p>Longevity / Fidelity in spiritual disciplines - worship, fasting, prayer</p><p> because of their impact on our relationships with/ God and man. Break </p><p>down Matthew 6 after Anna </p><p><br></p><p>II. The Gospel Message (we all share)</p><p> 1. The Consolation of Israel - Simeon keeps us thinking of Jesus at </p><p>Christmas </p><p> 2. The Redemption of Jerusalem—Anna keeps us thinking about Jesus at </p><p>Christmas. Thank you, Luke, for all the reminders that the Savior saves,</p><p> the Redeemer redeems, and the Lord leads. Don’t lose the reasons why </p><p>Jesus came. We gather because God saved us. We serve because God saved </p><p>us. We send because God saved us. We share because God saved us.</p><p> 3. The Theme of Redeemer & Redemption - </p><p> • Job said</p><p> • David said </p><p> • Isaiah said </p><p> • Peter said </p><p> • Paul said </p><p> • John said </p><p><br></p><p>MATTHEW 6:1-18</p><p><br></p><p>Galatians 3:13-14 - redemption connected to the cross </p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>There’s something about those births (8) / Christmas Continues w/ “The Eyewitness of Anna” / Luke 2:36-40 </p><p><br></p><p>The Wonderful Women associated with Jesus - Mary, Elizabeth, Anna, WATW (Samaria), Mary Magdalene, Mary & Martha, Lydia - Unlikely women who witness to Jesus! Anna was a part of the “O’ Come Let Is Adore Him” Crowd! The Adoring & Awesome Anna! A lot is said of this godly elderly woman in a little space. </p><p><br></p><p> • Married for 7 years - So widowed for over 60 years - Godly through the ages! Don’t miss that.</p><p> • Prophetess - no examples given </p><p> • Daughter of Phanuel - </p><p> • Tribe of - 12 tribes; 10 & 2 tribes (Judah and Benjamin); The 10 tribes aren’t lost (Revelation 7:6 & 14:1-5 speak of the tribes established by God). BTW - Simeon most likely named after tribe </p><p> • Never told of quarters for godly women </p><p><br></p><p>I. The Credibility of Anna - </p><p> 1. Look at her character -</p><p> 2. Look at her commitment - “never leaving” but not isolated! She interacted. She communicated. She evangelized. She is a critical part of the True Christmas Story. </p><p> 3. Look at her compassion - 4 incredible evidences:</p><p> a. By her worship - Jesus spoke of</p><p> • Jesus in Matthew 4 (and serve)</p><p> • Jesus in John 4 (true worship)</p><p> • Jesus in Mark 7 (vain worship)</p><p> b. By her fasting - Jesus spoke of</p><p> • Fasting is a private matter - don’t promote your practice </p><p> • Fasting is a spiritual matter (physical benefits but spiritual purposes) - Joel (Return) & Jonah (Repent) attached to prayer not to diet </p><p> • Fasting is an essential matter - “Why don’t Your disciples fast?” Oh they will but not while I’m here! Don’t Fast at the Feast! </p><p> c. By her thankfulness - Jesus </p><p> spoke of (didn’t mean she wasn’t </p><p> lonely)</p><p> • Jesus asked, Where are the other 9</p><p> • Jesus expressed gratitude as the pattern of His life - John 11 to The Lord’s Supper (Eucharist is Greek for giving of thanks)</p><p> • Jesus commanded gratefulness - </p><p> d. By her evangelistic mindset (like </p><p> Simeon!) </p><p> • Like Elizabeth; Like Mary; Like Zechariah; Like TWATW - John 4</p>

<p>Did we celebrate Christmas with/ singularity, simplicity, and sincerity, focusing on our Savior? Let’s evaluate how we did so we get it right.</p><p><br></p><p>Long before we met Luke, we see in the First Books of the Bible, aka The Five Books of Moses, the essential need for credible witnesses to confirm God’s Word and, therefore, God’s will. The number one goal of </p><p>the Bible is to discover what is and isn’t true. Incredible witnesses, yes, but more than that, they are credible witnesses!</p><p> • Deut. 19:15-16; Numbers 35:30; Matthew 18:15-16; John 8:12-18; Acts 10:35-43; II Cor. 13:11; I Tim. 5:17-19;</p><p> I John 5:6-12; Rev. 11 - Two olive trees / Two lampstands </p><p><br></p><p>Luke & Matthew confirm the Christmas Truth over and over again with credible witnesses - with character witnesses.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The Two or More Witnesses of Christmas - </p><p> 1. Zechariah & Elizabeth </p><p> 2. Mary & Joseph - </p><p> 3. Multiple Shepherds - </p><p> 4. Multiple Magi - </p><p> 5. Simeon & Anna - dealt with devotion, with death, “If a man dies will he live again?”; last week we ended the Lord’s Supper with Matthew 26:29 (Jesus was emphatically saying to His disciples, “See you on the other side”)</p><p><br></p><p>II. The Obedience of Faith of Mary & Joseph - 2:21-24</p><p><br></p><p>III. The Witness/Testimony of Simeon - 2:25-34</p><p> 1. The Credibility of Simeon (4)</p><p> a. He was righteous, devout, and was waiting in the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him - </p><p><br></p><p> 2. The Commitment of Simeon - “waiting for the consolation” - Reminds me of I Thess 1:8-10</p><p><br></p><p> 3. The Conviction of Simeon - Holy Spirit revealed to him </p><p> a. He would not see death until he saw the Lord’s Christ - </p><p> b. Like Jesus & Paul - Simeon wasn’t afraid of death - Are you</p><p><br></p><p> • John 14:1-3; 17:1-5: I Cor. 15 (no more sting in death); II Cor. 5:6-8; Phil. 1:21-24; II Tim. 4:6-8; Rev. 12:11</p><p> c. Simeon blesses God - v. 28</p><p> d. Simeon “blesses” them - vv. 34-35</p><p><br></p><p> 4. The Commission w/in Simeon’s Prophecy - One of the evidences of the Spirit speaking through Simeon is that he quotes the prophecy of Gentile inclusion “a light to the nations” (something Luke does frequently)</p><p><br></p><p>(1) This Child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel -</p><p> • Who fell?</p><p> • Who rose?</p><p><br></p><p>(2) And for a sign that is opposed -</p><p><br></p><p>(3) (And a sword will pierce through your own soul also) - “so that </p><p>thoughts from many hearts may be revealed”</p><p> • Some 30-plus years later Luke tells us of another heart that was pierced (Simeon didn’t know this) and that is the heart of Jesus Himself</p><p> • Triumphal Entry context for 2 passages depicting the rise and fall of Israel</p><p><br></p><p>(1) Luke 19:37-48 - Jesus weeps over a nation, over a city, over the holy city </p><p><br></p><p>(2) Matthew 21:33-46 (from Psalm 118; also quoted in Acts 4:11)</p><p><br></p><p>From the Cradle to the Cross - We will meet Anna next week!</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>There’s Something About That Birth: “Can I Get a Witness?” </p><p>Luke 2:21-40 The Consolation/Redemption of Israel </p><p><br></p><p>III. The Witness/Testimony of Simeon - 2:25-34 </p><p>1. The Credibility of Simeon (4) </p><p>a. He was righteous </p><p>b. He was devout </p><p>c. He was waiting in the consolation of Israel - not said of the JRE! </p><p>d. The Holy Spirit was upon him - </p><p>2. The Holy Spirit revealed to him </p><p>a. He would not see death until he saw the Lord’s Christ - </p><p>b. Like Jesus & Paul - Simeon wasn’t afraid of death. Simeon anticipated death - </p><p>• John 17:1-5 </p><p>• II Corinthians 5:6-8 </p><p>• Philippians 1:21-24 </p><p>• II Timothy 4:6-8 </p><p>• Revelation 12:11 </p><p>c. Simeon blesses God - v. 28 </p><p>d. Simeon “blesses” them - vv. 34-35 </p><p><br></p><p>• Luke records a third praise (1:46-55; 68-79; 2:29-32) </p><p><br></p><p>• One of the evidences of the Spirit speaking through Simeon is that he quotes the prophecy of Gentile inclusion “a light to the nations” (something Luke does frequently)</p>

<p>I. Mary pointed people to Jesus - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/pgude0l-YAE?t=106s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">1:46</a>-56 </p><p>II. John the baptizer pointed people to Jesus - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/pgude0l-YAE?t=117s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">1:57</a>-66 </p><p>III. Zechariah pointed people to Jesus - 1:67-80 </p><p>1. He blessed God - </p><p>2. He remembered God’s Covenants - Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David </p><p>3. He highlighted God’s salvation - </p><p>a. Saved from sin </p><p>b. Saved from enemies </p><p>4. He trusted the transformed life - </p><p>a. The life without fear </p><p>b. The life with holiness </p><p>c. The life with righteousness </p><p>5. He pointed to the Sunrise - </p><p>a. He was a prophet to the Son </p><p>b. He prepared the way for the Son </p><p>c. He pointed to a new dawn - light over darkness & life over death! </p><p>Isaiah 9:1-2; 60:1-3; Malachi 4:1-3; II Peter <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/pgude0l-YAE?t=79s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">1:19</a>; Revelation <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/pgude0l-YAE?t=1336s" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">22:16</a> </p><p><br></p>

<p>Mary's Example to Us:</p><p> • Singing praises</p><p> • Serving Her Savior</p><p> • Sharing His story</p><p> • Caring about people's soul/spirit</p><p> • Knowing Scripture</p><p> • Knowing her Savior</p>

<p>“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13–14 </p><p><br></p><p>Psalm 1 </p><p>Matt. 5:2-11 </p><p>Gen. 13:12-13 </p><p>Gen. 19:1 </p><p>Gen. 19:7 </p><p><br></p><p>John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” </p><p><br></p><p>1 Peter 1:24-25 </p><p><br></p><p>Jeremiah 17:7–8 - “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”</p>

<p>A 5 Week Series from Luke 1 & 2 </p><p> • 5 Weeks of Christmas Truths </p><p> • 5 Weeks of Christmas Roots </p><p> • 5 Weeks of Christmas Births </p><p><br></p><p>I. The First Miraculous Birth (JB)</p><p> 1. The Eyewitness Writer - Luke 1:1-4</p><p> • A Gentile; A Physician; A Missionary with Paul</p><p> • Luke’s first account in the gospel book named after him follows Jesus from birth to Calvary</p><p> • Luke’s second account in the Book of Acts follows Peter at Pentecost then Paul from Damascus to Rome </p><p> • Mentioned in Col 4; II Tim 4; Philemon 1:24</p><p><br></p><p> 2. The Eyewitness Forerunner - 1:5-25 (The birth foretold)</p><p><br></p><p> 3. The Uniqueness of this birth - 1:15-16 (His unique birth isn’t in every gospel book, but his unique role is in every book)</p><p><br></p><p> a. He will be great in the sight of </p><p> the Lord </p><p> b. He will take a Nazarite Vow </p><p> c. He will be filled with the Holy </p><p> Spirit even from the womb </p><p> d. He will turn many of the children </p><p> of Israel back to the Lord their </p><p> God</p><p> e. He will go in the spirit and power </p><p> of Elijah - Matthew 3:1-3; Mark </p><p> 1:1-5; Luke 3:1-6; John 1:19-23</p><p><br></p><p> • TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS TO THE CHILDREN </p><p> • THE DISOBEDIENT TO THE WISDOM OF THE JUST </p><p> • TO MAKE READY FOR THE LORD A PEOPLE PREPARED - Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1-4; Malachi 4:5-6 </p><p><br></p><p> 4. John was the forerunner; Elijah to come; The one who prepared people; The one who introduced Jesus (John 1:29); The Best Man (John 3:22-31)</p>

<p>I. Keeping the Focus on Faith in Christ </p><p>1. The Identity & Audience - 1:1 </p><p>2. The How & Why - 1:2a </p><p>3. The Heart - 1:2b </p><p>4. The Great Mercy/Living Hope - 1:3a </p><p>5. The Resurrection - 1:3b </p><p>6. The Inheritance</p><p>8. The Prophets & Angels - 1:10-12 </p><p>9. The Mind Prepared/Hope Set - 1:13 </p><p>10. The Obedience - 1:14-17 </p><p>11. The Gospel - 1:18-25</p>

<p>I. Lessons learned from a lost man:</p><p> 1. Clearing up Bad Theology - vv. 1-7</p><p> 2. Clearing up Right Identity - vv. 8-12</p><p> 3. Clearing up Messianic Credentials - vv. 13-17</p><p> 4. Confronting the Parents -vv. 18-23</p><p> 5. Confronting the Seeing Man - vv. 24-34</p><p> 6. Converting the Seeing Man - vv. 35-41</p>

<p>I. How the Victory was Won - Colossians 2</p><p> 1. Walking in Grace - 2:6-7a</p><p> 2. Overflowing with/ Gratitude - 2:7b</p><p> 3. The Problem of Philosophy - 2:8-10</p><p> 4. The Power of the Cross - 2:11-15</p><p> 5. The Problem of Legalism - 2:16-17</p><p> • Mark 7:14-19</p><p> • Illustrated in Acts 10:9-16</p><p> • Ratified in Acts 15:28-29</p><p> 6. The Problem of Mysticism - 2:18-19</p><p> 7. The Problem of Asceticism - 2:20-23</p><p><br></p>

<p>I. Those Rich in this present world - v. 17a </p><p>1. Don’t be haughty - v. 17b </p><p>2. Don’t set your hope on the uncertainty of riches - v. 17c </p><p>3. Do set your hope on God bc He richly supplies us with everything to enjoy - v. 17d</p><p>4. Do good (with your resources) - v. 18a </p><p>5. Be rich in good works - v. 18b </p><p>6. Be generous/ready to share - v. 18c (See II Corinthians 9:7) </p><p>7. Store up treasure for yourself - v. 19a (See Revelation 14:13) </p><p>8. Take hold of that which is life indeed - v. 19b </p><p><br></p><p>The Lord’s Supper / Communion - II Corinthians 8:9 </p><p>Read Matthew 26:26-29</p>

<p>I. The Word is the Weapon - II Corinthians 10:3-5 </p><p>(The power of the pen (Greece); The Power of the sword (Rome); The Power of the towel (Jesus)</p><p> 1. The mind of man - Romans 12:1-2</p><p> 2. The heart of man - Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 12:33-37</p><p> 3. The soul of man - Psalm 19:7-8; 23:1-3</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>II. How the War was Won - Colossians </p><p> 1. The Deliverance - 1:1-29 (vv. 9-14)</p><p> 2. The Dangers - 2:1-23 (vv. 6-15)</p><p> 3. The Death - 3:1-17</p><p> 4. The Devotion - 4:1-6</p><p> 5. The Disciples - 4:7-18</p>

<p>Two Decisions for all Disciples:</p><p>• Intentionality -</p><p>• Intensity -</p><p><br></p><p>I. A Humility that leads to Intensity -vv. 11-15</p><p>1. True Salvation - Repent & Believe</p><p>2. True Sanctification -</p><p>a. Flee from -</p><p>b. Follow after -</p><p>c. Fight for -</p><p><br></p><p>II. A Holiness that leads to Purity - vv.15-16 (“in His own time”)</p><p>1. The Blessed and only Sovereign - Potentate!</p><p>2. The King of Kings and Lord of lords - Revelation 17:14; 19:16</p><p>3. Who alone possesses immortality - You want it? You must get it from the Lord!</p><p>4. Who alone dwells in unapproachable light (God met Moses in a burning bush; God met Isaiah in a smoke-filled temple; God met Peter in a boat on the sea; God met John on the island of Patmos) John 1; I John 3:1-2; Revelation 1:1; Exodus 33 -</p><p>5. Who is to be Honored - Your stated goal? Honor has been a theme in chapters 5 & 6! Honor God @ work; Honor God w/ widows; Honor God w/ pastors; Honor God over money; Honor God!</p><p>6. Who has Eternal Dominion - over your sin and over Satan (both now and for all time).</p><p> </p>

<p>Review:</p><p> • The Commander </p><p> • The Commanded </p><p> • The Liberty</p><p> • The Liar </p><p> • The Curse </p><p> • The Christ - Paul keeps Jesus front and center. Jesus is his main focus, but Paul reminds the Corinthians and us about Satan’s strategies:</p><p> • II Corinthians 2:11</p><p> • II Corinthians 11:14</p><p> • II Corinthians 12:7</p><p><br></p><p>— THE WEAPON IS THE WORD - </p><p> Matthew 4:1-11</p><p><br></p><p>I. Be Compassionate - 10:1</p><p><br></p><p>II. Be Courageous - 10:2</p><p><br></p><p>III. Be Competent - 10:3-5</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>IV. Be Confident - 10:6</p><p> 1. We walk in the flesh</p><p> 2. We don’t war in the flesh </p><p> 3. The Weapons of our Warfare </p><p> • They are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses </p><p> • They destroy speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God </p><p> • We can take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ </p><p> • We are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete</p><p><br></p>

<p>I. A Humility that leads to Intensity -vv. 11-15 </p><p>1. True Salvation - faith, grace, repentance </p><p>2. True Sanctification- </p><p>3 Intense Greek Imperatives </p><p>a. Flee from - </p><p>b. Follow after - </p><p>c. Fight for -</p><p><br></p><p> II. A Holiness that leads to Purity - vv.15-16 </p><p>1. The Blessed and only Sovereign </p><p>2. The King of Kings and Lord of lords </p><p>3. Who alone possesses immortality </p><p>4. Who alone dwells in unapproachable light - </p><p>5. Who is to be Honored </p><p>6. Who has Eternal Dominion -</p>

<p>“The Word is the Weapon” / Mt. 4:1-11</p><p>(Matthew 6:13; Hebrews 4:14-16; I Corinthians 10:13) </p><p><br></p><p>I. The Last Adam is very different from the First Adam! </p><p>1. The Conception of Jesus - Matthew 1</p><p>2. The Birth of Jesus - Matthew 2</p><p>3. The Baptism of Jesus - Matthew 3</p><p>4. The Temptation of Jesus - Matthew 4:1-11 </p><p> a. The Spirit led Jesus - 4:1a</p><p> b. The Serpent tempted Jesus - 4:1b</p><p> c. The Scripture defended Jesus- Matthew 4:2-11a</p><p> d. The Angels strengthened Jesus - Matthew 4:11b</p><p> e. The Serpent would attack again - Luke 4:13</p><p> f. The Application - I Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:14-16</p>

<p>Leadership in the Lord’s Church Honoring God Part 3 / I Timothy 6:1-10 </p><p>(The Outcome in Israel & in America) </p><p>I. Love God @ Work - 6:1-2 </p><p>1. Unbelieving bosses - </p><p>2. Believing bosses - </p><p>3. Impact on our Testimony - Protect God’s Name & Protect God’s Word </p><p>• Colossians 3:22-25 • Ephesians 6:5-9 • I Peter 2:18-25 </p><p><br></p><p>II. Love God’s Word - 6:3-5 </p><p>1. “If anyone” - no one gets a pass </p><p>2. “sound doctrine” - bones & nets </p><p>3. Hymenaeus, Alexander, Demas are mentioned - not everyone in error is a heretic. </p><p>4. “depraved in mind” and deprived of the truth” - They don’t know the truth; They don’t want the truth.</p><p><br></p><p>III. Love God, not Money - 6:6-10 </p><p>1. The Defenses -humility & contentment </p><p>2. The Dangers - </p><p>3. The Damages - </p><p>4. The Discernment - The remedy/cure (Proverbs 30:7-9)</p>

<p>I. There is a similar model for supporting Pastors that we saw for supporting Widows:</p><p> </p><p>Honoring - 5:3 & 5:17</p><p>Providing </p><p>Protecting </p><p>Even Correction for both - </p><p> </p><p>II. Jesus is the Model Shepherd - He is called: Psalm 23</p><p>1 The Good Shepherd in John 10 </p><p>2 The Chief Shepherd in I Peter 5 </p><p>3 The Great Shepherd in Hebrews 13 </p><p>4 Jesus revealed in Matt. 9:36-38 </p><p>5 Jesus restored Peter in John 21 </p><p> </p><p>1. Honor Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:17</p><p>a. Who rule well - I Peter 5:1-4</p><p>b. Who labor in study - II Tim 2:15</p><p> </p><p>2. Provide for Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:18</p><p>a. Quoting Moses - Deut 25:4 (referencing animals)</p><p>b. Quoting Jesus - Luke 10:7 (referencing people)</p><p> </p><p>3. Protect Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:19</p><p>a. Do not receive an accusation against an elder (give them benefit of the doubt) “except”</p><p>b. Except on the basis of two or three witnesses - Mt. 18:15-17</p><p> </p><p>4. Correct Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:20-21</p><p>a. Those who continue in sin -overview of I Timothy 1-4</p><p>b. Rebuke in the presence of all - don’t leave room for gossip and innuendo - incentive to live rightly when in leadership </p><p>c. Maintain these principles w/out bias (don’t play to partiality)</p><p>d. Two were removed in chap 1 - </p><p> </p><p>5. Selecting Pastors/Elders/Overseers - 5:22-25 </p><p>a. Don’t lay hands too hastily -don’t be in a hurry on this critical process (because then you share in the responsibility of the problems)</p><p>b. Keep yourself free from sin - Be accountable! Then a caveat for Timothy (you can remain pure and use wine for medicinal purposes)</p><p>c. The sins of some are quite evident - “going on before them to judgment”</p><p>d. For others, their sins follow after (obvious examination process)</p><p>e. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite - </p><p>f. And those otherwise cannot be concealed - </p>