New Song Students OKC

LIVING IN THE NEW COVENANT SLIDES“20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Sheperd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21“Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race set before us.” Hebrews 12:1“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross….” Hebrews 12:2“20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Sheperd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21We are to live in the new covenantCovenant: an agreement between God and people, where God makes promises and people respond in faith or obedience“A covenant is a sovereign announcement of God which He establishes a relationship of responsibility between Himself and mankind. Covenants are unconditional in the sense that God obligates Himself in grace, by His declaration ‘I will’”- NKJV Study Bible“5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Exodus 19:5-6Old covenant I will be your God, and you will be my people. The law is how the people would live in this covenant“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” Exodus 19:4“The Lord reminded the people that up to then they had been the objects of His free grace. The law is not here proposed as a means of salvation but as a means by which Israel, already redeemed as a nation [from Egypt] might through obedience fulfill her proper destiny as a people of God’s possession, a holy nation, and a kingdom of priests.” – NKJV Study BibleOld covenant: God, through grace, bringing a people to himself and the people responding to this means of salvation through obedience to the law“None is righteous, no, not one” Romans 3:10“I did not come to abolish (do away with) the law but to fulfill it.” Matthew 5:17“Only a sinless savior could die for sinners. Only God could bear the weight of God’s wrath.”- R.C. SproulNew covenant: God, through grace, bringing a people to himself and a people responding to this means of salvation through faith.“8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God. 9 Not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9“be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Ex 19:6“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10KINGS and PRIESTSKings deal with the horizontal areas of life how we relate to each other. • Kings have dominion/ authority• Kings govern/ rule• Kings have responsibilities for kingdoms welfare• Kings serve rather than exploitPriests deal with the vertical areas of life how we relate to God• Priests live a holy (set apart) life• Priests know the word of God• Priests intercede and act as mediators“The chief privilege of a priest is access to God”- NKJV Study BibleSo, if we are called to live in this covenant by being kings and priests, then as kings and priests we have a picture of the cross “May the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead…through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete…to do His will…” Hebrews 13:20-21“And they put upon His head the accusation written against Him: This is Jeus the King of the Jews”. Matthew 27:37“If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.” Matthew 27:42“Remember me when you come into your kingdom” Luke 23:42“My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:34“Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they do” Luke 23:24“With his blood purchased us for God” and has “made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God.” Rev 5:10LOOKING UNTO JESUS“The Greek word for looking of this verse in Hebrews 12, is only used once in the New Testament. It means to stare.”- Chuck Smith“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20Practically if we are to live into the new

“1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen….39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provide something better for us…” Hebrews 11:1,39-40“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1Faith in Jesus is superiorvs. 4 By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice vs. 5 By faith Enoch walked with God vs. 7 By faith Noah built the ark vs. 8 By faith Abraham left his home for the land God promised vs. 11 By faith Sarah believed God for a baby vs. 24 By faith Moses refused the comfort of Egypt pursing God’s promised land vs. 31 By faith Rahab believed she would be sparedvs. 4 By faith Abel “obtained witness that he was righteous” vs. 5. By faith Enoch “had this testimony that he pleased God” vs. 7 By faith Noah “became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” vs. 8 By faith Abraham “received an inheritance” vs. 11 By faith Sarah “bore a child” vs. 29 By faith Moses “passed through the Red Sea on dry land” vs. 31 By faith Rahab “did not perish”“And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell you of [all these others] who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions…” Hebrews 11:32-33Hall of fame -people are added to the hall of fame because of something exceptional they did-vs. 31 The faithful Rahab was also a prostitute -vs. 32 the faithful David- the man after God’s heart-also murdered a guy after he slept with that man’s wife and got her pregnant -vs. 8-12 the faithful Abraham and Sarah at one point doubted God’s follow through of the promise so they took matters into their own hands and Abraham made a baby with Sarah’s slaveHe moves the standard off the person who lives by faith and onto the person of their faith.“And all these (people of faith), having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise.” Hebrews 11:39“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” Hebrews 11:13Faith is believing and receiving what God has revealed“Faith is the willingness to trust in, to rely on, and to cling to.”- David Guzik“God having provided something better for us…” Hebrews 11:40“They waited for His coming; we enjoy Him as having come”- Jamieson“Hebrews 11 proves that the saints of all ages [those of the Old testament, those who were wavering in their faith at the time of the writing, and those of us reading it now] are essentially one. There is a link which unites them; a thrill which passes from one hand to hand around the circle.”- Meyer“3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action,[b] and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:3,5-9,13[charlotte Elliot pic](hymn all one slide-4 paragraphs)Just as I am, without one plea, But that thy blood was shed for me, And that thou bid’st (tells) me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.Just as I am, those wilt (will) receive, wilt (will) welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, Because they promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.Just as I am, of that free love The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove, Here for a season, then above, O Lamb of God, I come, I come“Faith is very difficult when we live as ‘practical atheists’. This describes someone who may have a theoretical belief in God, but the belief doesn’t matter in what they do from day to day.”- David GuzikHall of fame says you get there because you are exceptional Hall of faith says you get there because Jesus is exceptional

Teaching Text: Hebrews 10:8-18 NASB,”8 First he said,“Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sinofferings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered inaccordance with the law. 9 Then he (Jesus Christ) said,“Here I am, I have come to do your will.”He sets aside the first (covenant) to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have beenmade holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 Day after day everypriest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices,which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest [WHO IS JESUS CHRIST] had offeredfor all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time hewaits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfectforever those who are being made holy. 15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First hesays: 16 “This is the covenant I will make with themafter that time, says the Lord.I will put my laws in their hearts,and I will write them on their minds.”17 Then he adds:“Their sins and lawless actsI will remember no more.”18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.”Psalm 51:16-18,” 16 For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it;You do not take pleasure in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A brokenand a contrite heart, God, You will not despise. 18 By Your favor do good to Zion; Build the wallsof Jerusalem.”GOD WANTS COMPLETE CHANGE IN YOUR HEART NOT EMPTY ACTIONS.The old covenant changes your actions without heart change = The new covenant changesyour actions by changing your heartOld Covenant: It is crazy…Burnt Offerings//Grain Offerings//Communion Sacrifices//PurificationOfferings//Reparation Offerings//Priests - Community - Tribal Leader - General Populace –Hebrews 9:9,”Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make theworshiper perfect in conscience, 10 since they relate only to food, drink, and various washings,regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation.”Hebrews 10:8 NASB,”8 First he said,“Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offeringsyou did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law.The Better Sacrifice was Jesus- Jesus was the only one who could bring us into peace and unity with God.“Only a sinless Savior could die for sinners; only God could bear the weight of God’s wrath.”— R. C. Sproul.Hebrews 9:11-14,” 11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things havingcome, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made by hands, that is,not of this creation; 12 and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His ownblood, He entered the holy place once for all time, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For ifthe blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled,sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who throughthe eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from deadworks to serve the living God?”You were bought with a very high price.Hebrews 10:9-12 NASB,”9 Then he [Jesus] said,“Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holythrough the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 Day after day every prieststands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, whichcan never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins,he sat down at the right hand of God,“The lesser things of earth could never have never atoned for what is beyond us.“The gospel is not ‘do,’ but ‘done.’”— Watchman NeeNew Covenant: Hebrews 8:1-13 NASB,” 7 For if that first covenant had been free of fault, nocircumstances would have been sought for a second. 8 For in finding fault with the people, Hesays,“Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, When I will bring about a new covenant With thehouse of Israel and the house of Judah, 9 Not like the covenant which I made with their fathersOn the day I took them by the hand To bring them out of the land of Egypt; For they did notcontinue in My covenant, And I did not care about them, says the Lord. 10 For this is thecovenant which I will make with the house of Israel After those days, declares the Lord: I will putMy laws into their minds, And write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, And they shallbe My people. 11 And they will not teach, each one his fellow citizen, And each one his brother,saying,‘Know the Lord,’ For they will all know Me, From the least to the greatest of them. 12 ForI will be merciful toward their wrongdoings,And their sins I will no longer remember.”13 When He said,“A new covenant,” He has made the first

12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 15 As it is said,“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”16 For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? 17 And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.Hebrews 3:12-19BETTER DELIVERERTherefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house. 3 For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. 4 (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) 5 Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, 6 but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.Hebrews 3:12-19“They shall not enter my rest.”6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on.Hebrews 3:12-19Green Day - American Idiot “Don’t want to be an…”Rage Against The Machine - Killing in the Name “I won’t do what you tell me”JONATHAN EDWARDS(photo)70 Resolutions by Jonathan EdwardsResolution one: “I will live for God.”Resolution two: “If no one else does, I still will.”Resolution six:“I won’t live halfway — I’m going all in while I have time.”Resolution seven: “I’m going to live now the way I’ll wish I had at the end of my life.”Deliverance: the action of being rescued or set freeDeliverance is not a transition from something bad to something neutral, it’s going from some bad to something good.According to Morris, the ancient Rabbis considered Moses to be the greatest man ever, greater than the angels.The writer to the Hebrews does nothing to criticize Moses.David Guzik7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says,“Today, if you hear his voice,8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness,9 where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years.10 Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.’11 As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’”12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. Hebrews 3:7-12What they did —> What that shows us about God —> The outcomeMoses - (OUT)What Moses did: freed God’s people from 400 years of oppressionWhat that shows us about God: God cares deeply about rescuing us from our burdens16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.Hebrews 4:16The Outcome: It was not enough for themJoshua - (IN)What Joshua did: Brought God’s people into the Promise Land after 40 years of wanderingWhat that shows us about God: God cares deeply about fulfilling our desiresThe Outcome: It was not enough for them19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.Hebrews 3:15-19One can truly believe God, yet be occasionally troubled by doubts. There is a doubt that wants God’s promise but is weak in faith at the moment. Unbelief isn’t weakness of faith; it sets itself in opposition to faith.David GuzikYour unbelief is your fault, not your misfortune.Charles Spurgeon6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.Hebrews 4:6-10Jesus - (NOW)What Jesus did: Paid for sin with His own life once and for all.What that

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.Hebrews 2:14-18What will we choose to connect our heart to: the shadow or the substance?Better SonThe Biblical Understanding of the human heart is more skeptical and more hopeful than any other viewpoint.The Danger of the human heart (The undertow)Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.Hebrews 2:1The writer had the drifting of a boat in mind, and such drifting happens naturally without an anchor to something solid. If we are not securely set in the truth of the supremacy of Jesus, we will drift into danger with the currents of the world, the flesh, and the devil.David GuzikThe human heart is prone to drifting away from Jesus. “The Christian life is very much like climbing a hill of ice. You cannot slide up. You must cut every step with the ice axe.”Charles SpurgeonRip Currents Are InvisibleThe Ocean Is Constantly MovingThe Ocean Is Stronger Than Concrete“The ocean is both mother and monster.”Maritime FolkloreThe heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?Jeremiah 17:9Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.Hebrews 2:1A heart that is unanchored looks for visible saviors.“The more we are exposed to the opinions of others, the more unstable we become unless we are rooted in Christ.”Timothy KellerThe Beauty of the human heart (The Surfer)When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet,7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.Psalm 8:5-8GARRETT MCNAMARA Photos*** (Big waves)6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted?[b] And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for[c] you, and you must rule over it.”Genesis 4:6-729 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.1 Corinthians 11:1The Anchor for the human heart (The Lifeguard & Surfboard)14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.Hebrews 2:14-18For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.Galatians 5:1

“GOD, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right and of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4 “Hebrews is basically a book that encourages [exhorts] discouraged Christians to continue on strong with Jesus in light of the complete superiority of who He is and what He did for us.”- David Guzik. The messenger vs. the message “Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14. “GOD, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets…” the message > the messengerChrist is not another messenger. He is the message“GOD, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son” Hebrews 1:1-2. “The Bible is the record of the different places and different ways by which God has spoken to man. In the book of Genesis, we find God speaking to man by angels; they were the messengers…then God began to speak through anointed men such as Moses and Joshua…. Then God spoke to them through priests…then as time progressed God raised up prophets…But God’s final revelation was given to man through Jesus Christ. Jesus came to bring man the final, the ultimate message of God. The ultimate understanding of God. So, all that man is to know about God can be discovered in and through Jesus Christ. This revelation is superior than all of the other revelations. His revelation through the Son is superior than the revelation through the angels.”- Chuck Smith.“39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39“It isn’t so much that Jesus brought a message from the Father; He is a message from the Father. He has revealed something no other prophet could”- David Guzik. “(Jesus)who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” Hebrews 1:3-4“He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born over-all creation.16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:15-18. Preeminent: surpassing all others; having the highest rank, importance or excellence. Gnosticism: salvation comes through special, hidden knowledge.Agnostic: without knowledge. Who Jesus is:#1 Heir (“Heir of all things” Heb 1:2) #2 Creator (“he made the worlds” Heb 1:2) #3 Revealer (“the brightness of his glory and express image of His person” Heb 1:3) #4 Sustainer (“upholding all things” Heb 1:3) #5 Ruler (“of His power” Heb 1:3) #6 Redeemer (“He had by Himself purged our sins” Heb 1:3)#7 Supreme (“sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” Heb 1:3-4)“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9 “9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name” Philippians 2:9.Jesus’ names: Second Adam (1 Cor 15:45)Advocate (1 John 2:1)Almighty (Rev 1:8)Alpha and Omega (Rev 1:8)Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2)Bread of life (John 6:32)Christ (Luke 9:20)Cornerstone (Ps 188:22)Creator (John 1:3)First and Last (Rev 1:12)Good Shepard (John 10:11)Great High Priest (Heb 4:24)Holy One (Acts 3:14)I am (John 8:58)Immanuel (Is 7:14)Jehovah (Is 26:4)King of Kings (1 Tim 6:15)Lamb (Rev 13:8)Light of the world (John 8:12)Lion of Judah (Rev 5:5)Lord of Lords (1 Tim 6:15)Man of Sorrows (Is 53:3)Mediator (1 Tim 2:5)Messiah (Dan 9:25)Mighty God (Is 9:6)Prince of Peace (Is 9:6)Redeemer (Job 19:25)Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)Rock (1 Cor 10:4)Root of David (Rev 22:16)Savior (Luke 2:11)Son of the Highest (Luke 1:32)True Vine (John 15:1)Truth (John 1:14)Word (John 1:1)“Jesus’ supreme status is de

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.Psalm 24:12 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.Hebrews 12:2THE CROSS WAS NOT EASY FOR JESUS.Endure: to suffer patientlyTHE AGONY OF THE CROSS WAS WORTH IT BECAUSE THE REWARD OUTWEIGHED IT.THE REWARD THAT OUTWEIGHED THE CROSS FOR JESUS WAS PEOPLE.When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:1-318 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”Matthew 28:18-20The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,Psalm 24:1“We don’t bring God into culture—God is already there, calling it home.”Leslie Newbigin DECLARING > CONVINCINGWe are called to announce good news, not argue people into belief.5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants[c] for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.2 Corinthians 4:5-62 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. Acts 17:2-42. STEWARDSHIP > OWNERSHIP3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.1 Corinthians 3:3-93. THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT > THE POWER OF METHODSNot by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.Zechariah 4:62 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men[c] but in the power of God.1 Corinthians 2:2-5

Ephesians 6:10–18 ESV“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”SectionsOur EnemyOur GameplanOUR ENEMYName - Orchestrator of DeathName - Counterfeiter Isaiah 40:31 ESV,”But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”“Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” “We want cattle who can finally become food; [the enemy] wants servants who can finally become sons.” - Screwtape Letters; CS Lewis3. Name - Pride Manifest“In God you come up against something which in every respect is immeasurably superior to yourself.” “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people.” - Screwtape Letters; CS Lewis1 Peter 5:8 ESV,”Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”4. Name - Father of LiesEphesians 2:4-7 ESV,”But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”“It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.” - Screwtape Letters; CS Lewis - We fight through focus.OUR GAMEPLANFocus on Jesus’ VictoryColossians 2:15 (ESV) “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” Focus on Father God’s loveFocus on the work of the spirit. “Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.”1 Timothy 4:7-10 NASB2020 mission + intentionality “I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we are imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:23-27 NASB2020“The remembrance of all important things is impossible, but the remembering of the most important thing is essential.”Reflection:Where do you feel you wrestle the most right now? (school, friends, phone, anxiety, lust, pride, anger, loneliness)Which enemy tactic shows up there most?LiePride Counterfeit comfortIsolationEtc.What is one way you will wrestle this week?Talk to God throughout my dayRead one Psalm a dayStart a Bible reading plan with a friendAsk someone to pray with you Remove one distraction (social media, youtube, etc.)

“22 The children struggled together within her, and she said, ‘If it is thus, why is this happening to me?’ So, she went to inquire of the LORD. 23 And the Lord said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided, the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.’” Genesis 25:22-23 (ESV)WE WRESTLE WITH FLESH“22 The children struggled together within her.” Gen 25:22 (ESV)“15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good.17So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.” Romans 7:15-20 (ESV)Nature #1: the FleshOur flesh/sin nature is the part of us that actively opposes God.Flesh is the traitor within“14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” James 1:14-16 (ESV)“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the courseof this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—3among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” Eph 2:1-3 (ESV)The reality of nature #1: It is opposed to God. And it makes us deadNature #2: the Spirit“4 ButGod, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,5even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV)“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation...” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)The reality of the wrestling: It actually is proof of the power of the cross“Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 (ESV)“‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided, the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger” Gen 25:23 (ESV)“Whether it goes one round, or three rounds, or ten rounds, it will be a fight and a fight all the way.”- James J. Braddock#1. Go to the corner“20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” Galatians 2:20 (ESV)“that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being” Ephesians 3:16 (ESV)#2 Listen to the coach“ Don’t sit down. You’re not tired. You don’t need it (chairs). You’re stronger than this guy! Don’t back up, don’t back off. This guy’s a bull rush. He’s gonna keep coming at you all night until you stop him. He can’t back up. You stop him!”“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 (ESV)#3 do it every round“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (ESV)“…one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger” Gen 25:23 (ESV)

22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children,[e] and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Genesis 32:22-26“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”Theodore RooseveltTHIS IS NOT THE YEAR TO WATCH OTHERS FOLLOW JESUS.Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.Hebrews 12:1-224 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control,[b] lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.1 Corinthians 9:24-2712 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Philippians 3:12-1533 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”John 16:33 SOFT HEARTS, TOUGH SKIN11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.Hebrews 12:1112 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.Hebrews 12:12-16WE CAN FORGET THE VALUE OF THE PROMISE15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.Hebrews 12:12-16Esau’s thought wasn’t that he was so hungry that he would die without food. Instead, the idea was, “I will die one day anyway, so what good is this birthright to me?” He clearly did not consider the birthright a valuable thing.David GuzikBlessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.1 Peter 1:3-5“He that sees the beauty of Christ, will never be content without conformity to Christ.”John Owen“If we consider the unblushing promises of reward… it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak.”C.S. LewisWE CAN FORGET THE ASSURANCE OF THE PROMISEWE CAN SURRENDER TO THE ONE WHO ALREADY HAS THE VICTORYJacob didn’t wrestle with the Man. Instea

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose[b] and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”Matthew 2:1-6 DAWN OF THE KINGNow after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”Matthew 2:1-6IT’S PART OF OUR NATURE TO DESIRE TO BE LED.IT’S PART OF OUR FALLEN NATURE TO DESIRE TO LEAD.4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah 5 and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. 8 According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. 9 Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”1 Samuel 8:4-9KINGS RULE THROUGH POWER Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose[b] and have come to worship him.”Matthew 2:1-2“Herod trembles at the report of Christ’s birth, because tyrants are tormented by the mere shadow of a rival.”John Calvin16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Matthew 2:16Augustus famously quipped it was “safer to be Herod’s pig than his son.”“Herod’s actions fit precisely what we know of his character from history; Matthew is not inventing a villain but unveiling the true nature of power threatened by God.”Craig KeenerKINGS RULE THROUGH HYPOCRISY3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”Matthew 2:1-6They preach Christ to others and remain at home themselves. Thus God’s Word becomes a servant of pride rather than a call to repentance.Martin Luther“Those who know the Scriptures best are often the least prepared for the kingdom when it actually arrives.”N.T. Wright22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. James 1:24YOU WILL BECOME LIKE THE PERSON YOU ARE FOLLOWING.KINGS RULE THROUGH SACRIFICE 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant[c] is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.Joh

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ[e] took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”Matthew 1:18-219 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own,[b] and his own people did not receive him. John 1:9-10DAWN OF THE SAVIORGreatest Story Book Cover Picture***Man vs. Wild Picture***18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.Matthew 1:18-25THE BUILDING BLOCKS TO A PERFECT STORY:Problem—>Conflict—>Savior—>Sacrifice—>ResolutionIron Gian Photo*Star Wars Photo*21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”Matthew 1:18-25The Problem —> SinThe Savior —> JesusThe Resolution —> Saved, New Life, Escaping deathPEAKS AND VALLEY’S GRAPH***CONFLICT (Roman Oppression)SACRIFICE (Suffering King)When we don’t allow God to be bigger than the conflict or suffering in our story, then we will write God out of the story as savior and in turn, write an ending without a resolution.“Christ is not called a Savior for saving us from rainstorms or poverty, but from God’s wrath, the devil, and sin itself.”J.C. RyleWhen we allow God to write a story that includes conflict and suffering, then we allow God to be the savior and in turn, we fall into the story with a resolution.

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.Isaiah 9:2-7PACK THE HOUSE SLIDE*2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.Isaiah 9:2-79 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. John 1:9-11DAWN OF THE PROMISE9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”Matthew 9:9-13His [Matthew’s] occupation as a tax collector implies that he had training in scribal techniques and was thus able to write…Crossway Study Bible, ESVMatthew, The Chosen picture***His [Matthew’s] occupation as a tax collector implies that he had training in scribal techniques and was thus able to write, while his identity as a Galilean Jewish Christian suggests his ability to interpret the words and actions of Jesus in light of Old Testament messianic expectations.Crossway Study Bible, ESV1 This is the genealogy[a] of Jesus the Messiah[b] the son of David, the son of Abraham:2 Abraham was the father of Isaac,Isaac the father of Jacob,Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,Perez the father of Hezron,Hezron the father of Ram,4 Ram the father of Amminadab,Amminadab the father of Nahshon,Nahshon the father of Salmon,5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,Obed the father of Jesse,6 and Jesse the father of King David.David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam,Rehoboam the father of Abijah,Abijah the father of Asa,8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat,Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram,Jehoram the father of Uzziah,9 Uzziah the father of Jotham,Jotham the father of Ahaz,Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,Manasseh the father of Amon,Amon the father of Josiah,11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.12 After the exile to Babylon:Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,13 Zerubbabel the father of Abihud,Abihud the father of Eliakim,Eliakim the father of Azor,14 Azor the father of Zadok,Zadok the father of Akim,Akim the father of Elihud,15 Elihud the father of Eleazar,Eleazar the father of Matthan,Matthan the father of Jacob,16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.Matthew 1:2-27WHEN GOD MAKES PROMISES, HE FULFILLS THEMThe Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.[a]3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”Genesis 12:1-3All this may sound too good to be true, but it will be done. God – the LORD of all heavenly armies – has promised to accomplish this wordCharles SpurgeonGOD’S PROMISES REQUIRE FAITH18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had b

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-2821 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Philippians 1:21-249 Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. 10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.11 The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.Ecclesiastes 12:9-14After writing much of the Book of Ecclesiastes from a common but false premise, one that excluded eternal accountability and the God of eternity, now the Preacher concludes, having led us to the conclusion of the whole matter. This is why it is so important to remember your Creator in this life; because when this life is over, one will answer to the eternal God and to eternity.David GuzikJUDGEMENT14 And it shall be said,“Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people's way.”15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:“I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.Isaiah 57:14-15Eternity, Eternity! I wish that I could sound or shout that word to everyone in the streets of Sydney. You’ve got to meet it, where will you spend Eternity?Reverend John Ridley14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.Ecclesiastes 12:9-14There is, and will be, an eternal accounting for everything we do. This is the complete opposite of believing that all is vanity or meaningless; it means that everything has meaning and importance, both for the present and for eternity. “If God cares as much as this, nothing can be pointless.”Kidner“The vague and tenuous hope that God is too kind to punish the ungodly has become a deadly narcotic for the consciences of millions.”A.W. Tozer“We ask for a world of softness and mercy, but what we really demand is a world in which God has removed the consequences of human sin — a world that would make virtue meaningless and love impossible.”C.S. LewisWhat’s At Stake?And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.Matthew 10:2825 For whoever would save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.Matthew 16:25“Die before you die. There is no chance after.”C.S. LewisWhat’s The Standard?For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.1 Corinthians 3:11-15How To Prepare?Live by FaithLive with UrgencyLive HolyI tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,Matthew 12:3619 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Matthew 6:19-21Live Close24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’Matthew 25:24-25Live Looking17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but t

“19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21“He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance with increase. This also is vanity.”“19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth.” Matthew 6:19“19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21#1 Because earthly treasures will change: they can be corrupted (moth + rust) and they can be lost/taken (thieves). #2 Eternal, heavenly treasures remain #3 our hearts abide, where our treasures lie (our hearts are connected to our treasures). “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” 1 Timothy 6:7We don’t carry our treasures, we store themWhere our heart is, our treasure isYour treasure reveals your heart. Your heart reveals your devotionWhen Jesus is our ultimate treasure, we will give him our earthly treasuresWhen earthly treasures are used for kingdom purposes, there is an effect made on eternal realities 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19“The issue isn’t that earthly treasures are intrinsically bad, but they are of no ultimate value either. If this is the case, then it is wrong for the disciple of Jesus to dedicate his life to continually expanding his earthly treasures.”- David Guzik“To seek first the kingdom of God is the fundamental choice everyone makes when they first repent and are convicted. Yet every day after that our Christian life will either reinforce that decision or deny it.”- David Guzik“Do not love the world or the things in the world. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life- is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17 Lust of the flesh= passions Lust of the eyes= possessions Pride of life= positions1) we declare our love for Christ > love of self /stuff. 2) our earthly treasures become heavenly treasures.“Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘one thing you lack: go your way, sell whatever you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven…” Mark 10:21“But he was sad, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Mark 10:22“Lydia was quick to perceive that what had been hers before her conversion-home, business, and possessions-now belonged to the Lord. She had a new partner-the Lord Jesus; a new purpose- to serve him; and a new satisfaction-seeking to be effective and successful in order to glorify the Lord”- unknown

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.Ecclesiastes 3:11-147 “Listen, my people, and I will speak; I will testify against you, Israel: I am God, your God.8 I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.9 I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens,10 for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.11 I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.12 If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?14 “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High,15 and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”Psalm 50:7-1527 And as it is appointed unto men once to die,Hebrews 9:27"All Is Vanity”“The Vanity of Wisdom”“The Vanity of Self-Indulgence”“The Vanity of Living Wisely”“The Vanity of Toil”11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.Ecclesiastes 3:11-14“Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth ‘thrown in’: aim at Earth and you will get neither.”C.S. Lewis33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.Matthew 6:33We can live FOR this world and give up heaven. We can live FOR heaven and attempt to avoid this world. Or we can live IN CHRIST and experience the best of both.10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.John 10:10WHEN WE FOCUS ON EARTH, WE CAN’T SEE HEAVEN19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.Matthew 6:19-24King Tut’s Coffin Photo*It has been wisely observed that a moving truck full of possessions never follows a hearse. Everything one might take with them to the world beyond is left behind. The pharaohs of Egypt were buried with gold and treasures to take into the afterlife, but they left it all behind. Even further, though gold is a precious thing on earth, God uses it to pave the streets of heaven.David GuzikBut the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn’t treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.Romans 1:19-23 (MSG)22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.Matthew 19:22WHEN WE FOCUS ON HEAVEN, WE CAN’T SEE EARTH30-32 Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided

“I searched in my heart how to gratify my flesh with wine, while guiding my heart with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives…And indeed all was vanity and grasping for wind. There was no profit under the sun.” Ecc. 2: 3,11What really satisfies?What really satisfies: amusements=pleasure and parties?Solomon’s pleasures:-gold, gold, and more gold-throne of ivory -camels-horses-mules-apes-monkeys-precious stones-instruments of every kind- silver, silver, and more silver-fleet of ships-1,400 chariots-12,000 horse men-servants-700 royal wives and 300 concubines“I said in my heart, ‘come now, I will test you with mirth (festivals/parties); therefore, enjoy pleasure.’. But surely, this also was vanity.” Ecc 2:1What really satisfies: accomplishments=work?Solomon’s work:-Lord’s house and his house-House of Forrest of Lebanon-Hall of Pillars-Hall of Jerusalem-Hall of Judgement-Cities“I made my works great…So, I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem.” Ecc 2:4, 9“I looked at all the works my hands had done and in the labor in which I had looked; and indeed, all was vanity and grasping for wind.” Ecc 2:11“Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure. For my heart rejoiced in all my labor…” Ecc 2:10“there was no profit under the sun.” Ecc 2:11Nothing under the sun satisfies.Every earthly pursuit is like vapor, wind, dust; it fades away“If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10“where then do you get that living water?” John 4:11“Whoever drinks this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:13-141) Earthly satisfaction2) Eternal satisfactionEarthly satisfaction are those things found under the sun. Eternal satisfaction are those things found under the Son. Jesus is the gift God gave and under him (in him) is our promise of lasting satisfaction: everlasting lifeThe key to satisfaction is knowing the value of God over everything else. It’s not that everything on earth is bad. It’s that Christ is better.The satisfaction we seek is in Jesus, who is with God the Father, in our father’s house.Ecc 3:11 says God “has written eternity on our hearts”.Phil 3:20-21 says our “citizenship is in heaven”. 2 Cor 5:12 says “we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling”. Solomon teaches us life under the sun does not satisfy.Samaritan woman teaches us satisfaction comes when we know Jesus (life under the Son).Prodigal son teaches us to find eternal satisfaction in Jesus is to remember what house we belong to

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.2 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.3 What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?4 A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever.5 The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises.6 The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns.7 All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again.8 All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.9 What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.10 Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us.11 There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after.Ecclesiastes 1:1-11THINKING ABOUT DEATH 18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.Proverbs 4:18-1915 In my vain life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. 16 Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? 17 Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time? Ecclesiastes 7:15-17Ecclesiastes is filled with what we might call true lies. Given the perspective “God does not matter,” it is true that all is vanity. Since that perspective is wrong, it is not true that all is vanity. Yet Solomon makes us think through this wrong perspective thoroughly through Ecclesiastes.David GuzikThe Book of Ecclesiastes is a sermon concerning the emptiness of all things without Christ. He who reads it and does not see the Cross in its conclusion has missed its true meaning.Charles SpurgeonMemento Mori: “remember, you will die” or “remember, you are mortal”CD PICTURE*Day by day remind yourself that you are going to die.BenedictPICTURE OF BENEDICT*“What you are, we used to be. What we are, you will be.”In context, Benedict was essentially saying, “Don’t waste your life on triviality. Remember what matters. Life is fleeting and precious. Don’t squander it. Keep your death before your eyes. Hold eternity in your heart.”John Mark ComerFor the unbeliever, death is avoided for the sake of life. For the Christian, death is the lens through which we view our life and the door through which we finally enter real life.TOMBSTONE PICTURE*What Will YOUR Dash Be?10 Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us.11 There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things[e] yet to be among those who come after.Ecclesiastes 1:10-1113 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’Luke 12:13-19THINKING ABOUT DEATH SAVES US FROM THE ILLUSION OF CONTROL13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.James 4:13-1620 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’Luke 12:20THINKING ABOUT DEATH SAVES US FROM THE ILLUSION OF TIME21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”Luke 12:21THINKING ABOUT DEATH SAVES US FROM THE ILLUSION OF VALUE“Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisf

The Church: the vast network of God’s family reaching across the globe and all timeTHE GLORIOUS BODY: WE ARE DESTINED FOR ETERNAL GLORY If those are our only thoughts we think about when we think about heaven then we won’t think of it often and when we do - the excitement won’t be lasting. WE ARE DESTINED FOR ETERNAL GLORY Revelation was written by John to the church then and now, giving us hope by showing us that Christ reigns and final victory is assured. 9 I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen, blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.” - Revelation 7:9-12WE ARE DESTINED FOR ETERNAL GLORYheaven is for we, not just me9 I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb - Revelation 7:9-10 5 And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6 (A)Then he believed in the Lord; and He credited it to him as righteousness. - Genesis 15:5-6 6 (A)Then he believed in the Lord; and He credited it to him as righteousness. - Genesis 15:5-6 15:6A Rom 4:3, 20-22; Galatians 3:6 6 Just as Abraham (A)believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. 7 Therefore, recognize that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, (A)“All the nations will be blessed in you.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. - Galatians 3:6-9 A) the Gospel is the central message of scripture B) By Faith [in the Gospel] we are a part of the Family of God 9 I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” - Revelation 7:9-10 Form follows Function: how something looks (form) should be based on its primary purpose (function) 10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Just like Form follows Function, Design follows Destiny 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. - Romans 8:28-30 He changed our DESTINY!!! 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. - Romans 8:28-30 WE ARE DESTINED FOR ETERNAL GLORY live with heaven in mind For we know that if our earthly tent, which is our house, is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed, in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven. - 2 Corinthians 5:1–2 Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. - Colossians 3:1–2 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 A) We should long to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven. B) Heaven starts in the mind C) We are accumulating an eternal weight of glory 9 I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one c

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[d] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.Acts 2:42-47For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.Romans 12:4-5The Healthy BodyGlobal Wellness Economy: $6.3 trillion (2023), projected to $9 trillion by 2028.Pharmaceutical Industry: About $1.6 trillion (2023).Travel & Tourism: Around $5.8 trillion (2023).Technology Industry (global IT): Roughly $5.3 trillion (2023).Global Food & Beverage Industry: Estimated at $9.4 trillion (2023).The wellness economy is larger than pharmaceuticals, IT, and travel, and nearly rivals food and beverage (one of the most essential global markets).“The paradox is that a movement designed to make people healthier sometimes makes them more anxious, isolated, or perfectionistic.”Body Dysmorphia: a mental condition characterized by extreme preoccupation with self-perceived defects in the appearance of the body.Church Dysmorphia: a mental condition characterized by extreme preoccupation with self-perceived defects in the appearance of the Church.Church Dysmorphia leads us to think that:THE CHURCH IS TOO FAR GONE14 He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”1 Kings 19:14THE CHURCH SHOULD BE FULL OF PERFECT FOLLOWERS27 And the servants[d] of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”Matthew 13:27-30This parable teaches us that the good and evil will always be found together in the professing church, until the end of the world.J.C. RyleThose who are tares today, may be wheat tomorrow.AugustineTHE CHURCH MUST BE IMPRESSIVE38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus[d] entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary.[e] Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”Luke 10:38-42CHINESE UNDERGROUND CHURCH PICTURE*42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[d] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.Acts 2:42-47God’s Word FellowshipLord’s SupperPrayerAs our body is enlivened by the soul, so the Church receives its life from Christ. Hence the Church is called the body of Christ, because it receives life from him, and in turn communicates that life to its members.John CalvinA HEALTHY CHURCH IS CHURCH SOURCED BY THE WORDS OF JESUSA HEALTHY CHURCH SHARES THE LOVE OF JESUS WITH EACH OTHERA HEALTHY CHURCH IS SUSTAINED BY THE CROSS OF JESUSA HEALTHY CHURCH COMMUNICATES WITH JESUS

“4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-11#1 We are equipped #2 We are responsible #1 We are equipped: What are these gifts, Who gives them and what for?What are the gifts?“Gracious endowments, leading to miraculous results.”- Clarkegift of wisdom: enables one to speak out the wisdom of God Stephen in Acts 7gift of the word of knowledge: to know what cannot be known apart from revelation. Jesus in John 4gift of faith: ability to trust God is a particular circumstance. Peter in Acts 3 gift of healing: gift to give or receive God’s healing power. Peter in Acts 3 gift of working of miracles: the act of power where the Holy spirit overrides the law of nature working in and through the available person. Feeding 5k in Matthew 14 gift of prophecy: telling God’s message in a particular situation, always in accordance with his word and work. Paul in Acts 27 gift of discerning of spirits: tell the difference between true and false doctrine. Protect the church from deception. Jesus in Matthew 4gift of tongues: when using the gift of tongues, we agree with God that as the Holy Spirit prays through us, though we may not understand what we are praying, God does. Purpose is to communicate with God. Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 gift of interpretation: allows the gift of tongues to be a benefit for those other than the speakerGift (Greek:charis): gracewho gives these gifts? “4 There are diversities of gifts, but it’s the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities in activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6“7 the manifestation of the Spirit” 1 Corinthians 12:7 “The Holy Spirit is always present with believers but at times he is more apparent”- David Guzik3)for what?#1- For His will“11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things (gifts), distributing to each one individually as He wills.” 1Corinthians 12:11“18 God has set the members, each one of them in the body just as he pleased.” 1 Corinthians 12:18“Why is the foot a foot and the hand, a hand? Because it please the designer to make it so. So, the hand can take no pride in being the hand, and the foot no shame in being a foot. Each serves the pleasure of the designer.”- David Guzik#2- For unifying His people into one expression#3- For caring for the body.“26 If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, but if one member is honored, all members rejoice with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:26The equipping of the body of Christ are the gifts of the Holy Spirit, given in grace by the Holy Spirit as He wills to the unifying care of the body.#2 How are we responsible? We are responsible for the posture we receive the gifts inWe should receive the gifts in a: 1) posture of humility2)posture of desire3)posture of loveCh 12 of 1 Corinthians describes the gifts of the Spirit to the body. Ch 13 of 1 Corinthians depicts the love which gives the ministry of gifts its value“1Though I speak with tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3“When the helper (Holy Spirit) comes…he will bear witness about me.” John 15:26

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.1 Peter 2:4-5God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.John PiperWhat the Church is NOTWhat the Church isThe Church is NOT:Just a BuildingAnd let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.Hebrews 10:24-2516 But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.Psalm 73:16-17The Psalmist did not merely go to the building, he went to meet with God.Martyn Lloyd JonesWhat a wonderful place God’s house is. Often you will find deliverance by merely coming into it… People who neglect attendance at the house of God are not only being unscriptural—let me put it bluntly—they are fools.Martyn Lloyd JonesA SupplementFor MeA seeker-sensitive church (or seeker-church) is a model of ministry and worship designed to be especially accessible, welcoming, and understandable to unchurched or spiritually curious people (“seekers”). The goal is to remove barriers that might make non-Christians feel out of place and to present the gospel in a culturally relevant way.Stop looking for the perfect church. It does not exist. Even if it did exist, the moment you or I joined it, it would no longer be perfect.Nicky GumbleAn organization of minimal impactPETER’S CRUCIFIXION*DIETRICH BONHOEFFER*The Church is:Christ’s BodyFor as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.Romans 12:4-5The Church is not a religious community of worshippers of Christ but is Christ himself who has taken form among people.Dietrich BonhoefferBut Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”Acts 9:1-4InheritedSo then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,Ephesians 2:19-20For Jesus21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by[e] the Spirit.Ephesians 2:21-2225 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.Ephesians 5:25-27The Hope of the WorldIf the Church is central to God’s purpose, as seen in both history and the gospel, then it must surely also be central to our lives.John Stott

[teaching text]4 And while staying[a] with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:4-8POWERWHAT DOES THIS POWER LOOK LIKE?WHAT DOES THIS POWER LEAD TO?WHAT DOES THIS POWER REQUIRE?4 And while staying[a] with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”Acts 1:4-8WHAT DOES THIS POWER LOOK LIKE?The book of Acts shows us what the Christian church is meant to be. If you want to know what Christianity is, do not go to the church as she often appears; go to the New Testament. Go back to the book of Acts, and there you will see Christianity, the Christian life, and the church in action.Martin Lloyd-JonesThe Acts of the Apostles is above all else the book of the Spirit. It is the Spirit who is the principal actor, and it is he who continues the ministry of Jesus through the apostles. Here is a model of normal Christianity—the Christian life lived in the fullness of the Spirit.John StottWhat we see in Acts is what normal Christian living looks like.WHAT DOES THIS POWER LEAD TO?8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”Acts 1:8Notice that this really wasn’t a command; it was a simple statement of fact: When the Holy Spirit has come upon you… you shall be witnesses of Me. Jesus didn’t recommend that they become witnesses; He said they would be witnesses.David GuzikIn less than a generation, Christianity had reached the ends of the known world. An uneducated band of fishermen and tax collectors, with no money or power, had transformed history because they carried a message stronger than empires.Michael GreenWHAT DOES THIS POWER REQUIRE?4 And while staying[a] with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father,Acts 1:4Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. Romans 8:26The greatest weakness in a person is trusting in their own strength and avoiding God. The greatest strength in a person is admitting their weakness and drawing strength from God’s.42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Matthew 26:42