Petra Church International Ministries

James 1: 22-2522 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. Practical Christianity God's gift: The word of the truth How do you become doers of the word? Reception of the word (19-21) Response to the word (22-25) 1. Forgetting (22-24): Deceived 2. Remembering (25): Blessed Conclusion

James 1: 19-2719 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Practical Christianity God's gift: The word of the truth How do you become doers of the word? Reception of the word (19-21) 1. Mental Attitude (19) a. Quick to listen b. Slow to speak c. Slow to anger 2. Moral Attitude (20-21) a. Get rid of filth b. Get rid of prevalent evil c. Humbly accept Conclusion

James 1: 13-1813 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. Practical ChristianityTrials (external) and Temptations (internal) Dealing with Temptations in life

James 1:2-122 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Practical Christianity The Reality of Christian Life Trials (external) and Temptations (internal) Dealing with Trials of life1. Perseverance toward Maturity (Vv. 2-4) – Rejoicing 2. Perception from Wisdom (Vv. 5-8) – Reversal Dealing with Rich and Poor in the church (Vv. 9-11) The Great Reward – the crown of life (Vv.12)

James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.James 1:19 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Introduction to the Letter Writer Style Reader Contents Just do it!

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; know and the door will be opened to you”"Discovering the Father's Will"God is our father in Christ! Galatians 3:26-27 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ Questions to ask about our Father's Will: 1. What is God's will for us? 2. How can we discover God's will for our life? 5 Presuppositions Jesus' Advice: Matthew 7 1. Ask 2. Seek 3. Knock

Matthew 13:44-4544 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Parables of Jesus The Parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl The Kingdom of heaven 44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. The Ultimate Motivation/Passion 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. The Greatest Value 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. The Cost 44...sold all he had and bought that field. The Exchange

Matthew 25:1-13The Parable of the Ten Virgins1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ 7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ 9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Parables of Jesus The Parable of the Ten Virgins - The Return of Jesus Context Observation 1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ 9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Matthew 5:13-1613 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Review on "You are the salt of the earth" What does it mean by being salty as Christians? The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) The meaning of "the light of the world" Exposure Exhibition Context Being "the light of the world"

Matthew 5:13-1613 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Context The meaning of the Salt of the earth Luke 14:34-3534 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. Growth vs. Inhibition Three Implications 1. Quantity 2. Distribution 3. Quality

Luke 15:11-32Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons.12The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ 20So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.29But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘my son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” Parables of Jesus Why did Jesus teach in parables? 1. Parables are easy to understand 2. Parables are easy to remember 3. Parables reveal the hearts of the listeners Parable of the Prodigal Son(s) vs. Parable of the Prodigal Father Background: Luke 15:1-2 The Father's Love The Lost Sons Receiving His Love

Ephesians 6:1-3Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Understanding Family Dynamics of Family Relationship Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise Do not exasperate your children;instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. One Family at a time

Acts 2:16-186 …this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below,blood and fire and billows of smoke.20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Petra Vision“Becoming a Spirit and Truth Filled, Christ-centered, Apostolic Church” Biblical church Mission-focused church Awakened church Gospel-Preaching Church Disciple-making church Our Response: Faith 1. Personalize 2. Protect 3. Proclaim

Luke 24:13-3513 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still; their faces downcast.18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him;21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther.29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So, he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and began to give it to them.31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. 36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them. Petra Anniversary: It's time to examine and recalibrate our faith! 5 Stages toward experiencing Christ 1. Stage of the blind eyes (Blindness) 2. Stage of the burdened face (Downcast) 3. Stage of the blundering minds (Confusion) 4. Stage of the burning hearts (Conviction) 5. Stage of the bounding feet (Proclamation)

I Corinthians 15:3-4, 203 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. The heart of Christianity The significance of the resurrection The essence of the resurrection

Matthew 21:1-1721 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,“Hosanna to the Son of David!”“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the benches of those selling doves.13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” 14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them.15 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant. 16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” 17 And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night. Today is Palm Sunday! Three Observations1. There were some people unwilling to praise Jesus. (vv.15-16)2. The temple had to be cleansed. (vv.12-13) 3. People did not recognize God’s time. (Luke 19:44) Three Preparations for Easter 1. Proper Praise 2. Proper Repentance 3. Proper understanding

Exodus 3:13-1513 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”15 God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’“This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.

Romans 12:19-21 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. God of Vengeance and Wrath? God's Wrath vs. Human Wrath God's Wrath in the Bible God's Wrath in the Present God's Wrath in the Future God's Wrath in the History God's Wrath on the Cross

II Corinthians 13:14May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. God's True Nature & Unity in Trinity Trinity in the Bible: Teachings of the Old Testament Teachings of the New Testament The Holy Trinity

Acts 1:88 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Ephesians 5:18-2018 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,20 always giving thanksto God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Seeking the Holy Spirit How can we be filled with the Holy Spirit? Faith Repentance Connection Unity Participation

Psalm 103:19The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Revelation 19:6-76 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! Sermon Series: The Character of God God's Reign and Sovereignty

Isiah 26:3You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,because they trust in you. Isaiah 2This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:2 In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.3 Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. 5 Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. Sermon Series: The Character of God Isiah 26:3You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. II Thessalonians 3:16Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you! The meaning of Peace Shalom: Presence of Harmony God of Peace John 14:2727 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Peace of God Implications1. Life together as a church 2. Personal life

Ephesians 2:1-102 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.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.10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Sermon Series: The Character of God God's Kindness God's Love God's Mercy

Isaiah 66 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 9 He said, “Go and tell this people: “‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ 10 Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise, they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” 11 Then I said, “For how long, Lord?” And he answered: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged, 12 until the Lord has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken. 13 And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.” Sermon Series: The Character of GodGod is holy! What does it mean? Jesus, the Holy One God's Holiness, Indignation, and Judgement God of the Old Testament vs. God of the New Testament Jesus is the only way to the holy God.

Isaiah 57:15For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place,but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. Matthew 7:1111 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!John 14:76 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Eternal God1. God has no body (Invisible) 2. God has no beginning (Immortal) 3. God has no bounds (Infinite) How can we know the eternal God? Material Image vs. Mental Image vs. Moral Image Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Col 1:15) Heavenly Father1. God is the Father of the one and only begotten Son. 2. God is the Father of many adopted sons/daughters. 3. God has no grandsons/daughters. The Eternal God is our Heavenly Father! Our Welfare and Worship

Isaiah 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. God is the Creator of Heaven and Earth How do we know God is the creator? 1. Nature (General Revelation) Romans 1: 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 2. The Bible (Specific Revelation) Genesis 1:1 "In the Beginning God created..." 3. Born-again Experience (Spiritual Regeneration) 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Isaiah 40: 29-31 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary,and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Proverbs 11:28Those who trust in their riches will fall but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. How can we thrive? 1. Believe as we seek the presence of Christ 2. Depend on the power of Christ 3. Obey the principles of Christ4. Enjoy the providence of Christ

Romans 1:16-3216 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. 26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. 28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 10:1-1310 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.4 Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.5 Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.”6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’”(that is, to bring Christ down)7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Acts 2: 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Process of being born again1. Repent2. Believe in Jesus Christ3. Be baptized in water4. Receive the Holy Spirit. Unlearning unbiblical teachings 1. Evangelism 2. Process of Salvation Saved at Last

John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Acts 2: 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Two main questions: 1. Where does Baptism fit into salvation ? 2. What is God doing for a believer when they are baptized ? Baptism brings what you are already in (repentance & faith) to a climax . Two Meanings: 1. Remission of Sin: Cleansing (1 Peter 3:20-21) 2. Union with Christ: Burial (Colossians 2:11-12) Why was it done? Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. John 3:5 You must be born of water and of Spirit. Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins. Acts 22:16 Get up ! Be baptized , and wash your sins away . 1 Peter 3:21 Baptism now saves you. It is more than just washing your body. It means turning to God with a clear conscience Baptism as a means of Grace Implications of Baptism 1. Deliverance 2. Identification 3. Initiation

John 3:16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Acts 16:31“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” What does it mean by believing in? 6 things about FAITH 1. FAITH IS HISTORICAL (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) 2. FAITH IS PERSONAL (John 6:28-29) 3. FAITH IS VERBAL (Romans 10:9 -13) 4. FAITH IS PRACTICAL (James 2:14-26) 5. FAITH IS CONTINUAL (Galatians 2:20, 2 Timothy 4:7, Hebrews 11

Matthew 4:17From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Mark 1:14-1514 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Act 2:3838 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Repentance is the first step to enter the kingdom of GodWhat does it mean to repent? Regret vs. Remorse vs.Repentance Godly sorrow leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10) Three Stages of Repentance1. Mind/Thought (Romans 12:2)2. Words of Confession (I John 1:9)3. Deeds of Repentance (Luke 3:8) Three Attitudes of Repentance1. Be serious2. Be specific3. Be sensible

John 3:3-8 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely, they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” How do we become Christians? “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”What does it mean to be born again? Instructions on evangelism in the NT: Acts (8, 19) Four Steps to Freedom - 1. Repent of your sins towards God. 2. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. 3. Be Baptized in Water. 4. Receive the Holy Spirit All four steps are acts of both man and God Conversion vs. Regeneration 1. Conversion : Repent and Believe 2. Regeneration: Baptism and Receive the Holy Spirit

Revelation 21:3-43 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Matthew 25: 4641 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ 46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”John 3:366 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.Jesus' teaching on Hell Warning for the believers Implications Evangelism Holiness

Matthew 13:41-4241 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25: 4646 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”John 3:366 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. Jesus' teaching on Hell Warning for the believers Implications

II Corinthians 5:1010 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. What is the Day of Judgement? Why the Day of Judgement? Implications on Christian Living

Matthew 2433 Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.34 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Five Basic Questions:1. Where will he come to?2. How will His second coming be like?3. When will he come?4. Why will he come?5. What does it mean to us? Why is he coming?1. To collect and complete the Saints.2. To convert Jews3. To Conquer His enemies 4. To condemn and judge the ungodly5. To command and rule the world What does it mean to us? What difference does this make? Living in Hope Four ways to be ready for His return 1. Faithful Service 2. Global Evangelism 3. Social Reform 4. Personal Holiness

Matthew 243 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.”9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” 15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” 29 “Immediately after the distress of those days“ ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ 30 “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. 36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Five Basic Questions:1. Where will he come to?2. How will His second coming be like?3. When will he come?4. Why will he come? 5. What does it mean to us? WHEREJerusalem: the city of the Great King (Matt 5:35) HOW30 “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. “This same Jesus… will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11)Three words (Greek) to describe His coming:1. Parousia “To be beside” “To arrive to join others”2. Epiphaneia “To appear on the scene”3. Apokalypsis “Uncover” WHEN36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father4 Signs:1. Disasters in the world (Matt 24:4-8)2. Deserters in the Church (Matt 24:9-14)3. Dictator in the Middle East (Matt 24:15-28)4. Darkness in the Sky (Matt 24:29-31) Jesus is coming back!

JUDE (David Pawson's Translation) This letter comes from Judas, Jude for short, one of the slaves bought by King Jesus and the brother of James you well know. It is addressed to those who have been called out of the world, who are now loved ones in the family of God the Father and who are being kept for presentation to King Jesus. May you have more and more of the mercy, peace and love you have already experienced.Loved ones, I was fully intending to correspond with you about the wonderful salvation we share but found I have to write quite a different kind of letter. I must urge you to keep up the painful struggle for the preservation of the true faith which was passed on to the early saints once for all. I’ve heard that certain persons who shall be nameless have sneaked in among you, godless men, whose sentence of doom was pronounced long ago. They twist the free grace of God into an excuse for blatant immorality and they deny that King Jesus is our only master and Lord.Now I want to remind you of some of those absolute truths which you already know perfectly well, particularly, that God is not someone to be trifled with. You will recall that the Lord bought the whole nation safely out of Egypt but the next time He intervened, they were all exterminated for not trusting Him. Nor were His angels any more exempt than His people. When some of them deserted their rank and abandoned their proper station, He took them into custody and He is keeping them permanently chained in the lowest and darkest dungeon until their trial on that great Day of Judgment. And in the same way, the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah together with those from two neighboring towns, gloated themselves with gross debauchery, craving for abnormal intercourse just as the angels had done. And the fate they suffered in the fire that burned for ages is a solemn warning to us all.In spite of such examples in history, these people who have wormed their way into your fellowship, pollute their own bodies in exactly the same manner. They belittle divine authority and smear angels in glory. Yet even the chief of all angels, Michael, whose very name means God-like, did not dare to accuse Satan directly of blasphemy when they were arguing about who owned the body of Moses. And he was content to leave accusations to God Himself and said simply, “the Lord rebuke you’. But these men among you don’t hesitate to malign whatever they don’t understand and the only things they do understand will prove their undoing in the end for their knowledge of life comes only from their animal instincts, like brute beasts without any capacity for reason. Woe betide them! They’ve gone down the same road as Cain. They have rushed headlong into the same mistake as Balaam and the same motivation, money. They come to the same end as Korah did in his rebellion.These people have the cheek to eat with you at your fellowship meal of love though they are only looking for pasture for themselves. Like submerged rocks, they could wreck everything. They are like clouds driven so hard by the wind that they give no rain. They are like uprooted trees in the autumn with neither leaves nor fruit, doubly dead. They are like wild waves of the sea stirring up the filthy foam of their own odious disgrace. They are like shooting stars, falling out of orbit destined to disappear down a black hole forever.Enoch who lived only 7 generations after the first man, Adam, saw all these coming. He was referring to these very people when he made his prophetic announcement, “Look out, the Lord has arrived with ten thousand of His angels to put all human beings on trial and convict all godless people of all godless deeds they have committed in their godless lives and of the hard things these godless sinners have spoken against Him.These people are discontented grumblers, always complaining and finding faults. Their mouths are full of big talks about themselves but they are about flattering others when it is to their advantage. Now, loved ones, you should have remembered what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said what would happen. They predicted that in the final age there are bound to be those who pour scorns on ungodliness, whose lives will only be governed by their own godless cravings. People like this can only create divisions among you, since they only have their natural instincts to go by and they lack the guidance of the Spirit.As for you, loved ones, be sure to go on building yourselves up on the solid foundation of your most holy faith. Pray in the way the spirit gives you. Stay in love with God, waiting patiently for the time when our Lord Jesus Christ in His sheer mercy will bring you into immortal living.As regards to the others, here is my advice. To those who are still wavering, be especially kind and gentle. Those who’ve already been led into error must be snatched from the fire before they are badly burned. And those who had been thoroughly contaminated should be treated better than

JUDE This letter comes from Judas, Jude for short, one of the slaves bought by King Jesus and the brother of James you well know. It is addressed to those who have been called out of the world who are now love ones in the family of God the Father and who are being kept for presentation to King Jesus. May you have more and more of the mercy, peace and love you have already experienced?Loved ones I was fully intending to correspond with you about the wonderful salvation we share but found I have to write quite a different kind of letter. I must urge you to keep up the painful struggle for the preservation of the true faith which was passed on to the early church ones and for all. I’ve heard that certain persons who shall be nameless have sneaked in among you, godless men who’s sentenced for doomed long ago. They twist the free grace of God into an excuse for blatant immorality and they deny that King Jesus is our only master and Lord.Now I have to remind you some of those absolute truths which you already know perfectly well. Particularly that God is not someone to be trifled with. You will recall that the Lord bought the whole nation safely out of Egypt but the next time He intervened, they were all exterminated for not trusting Him. No were His angels any more exempt than His people. When some of them deserted their rank and abandoned their proper station, He took them into custody and He is keeping them permanently chained in the lowest and darkest dungeon until their trial on that great Day of Judgment. And in the same way, the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah together with those from two neighboring towns, gloated themselves with gross debauchery, craving for abnormal intercourse just as the angels had done. And the faith they suffered in the fire that burned for ages is a solemn warning to a soul.In spite of such example in history, these people who have wormed their way into your fellowship pollute their own bodies’ on exactly the same manner. They belittle divine authority and smear angels in glory. Yet even the chief of all angels, Michael whose very name means god like did not dare to accuse satan directly of blasphemy about arguing who owned the body of Moses. And he was content to leave accusations to God Himself and said simply, “the Lord rebuke you’. But these are men among you don’t hesitate to malign whatever they don’t understand and the only things they do understand will prove their undoing in the end for their knowledge of life comes only from their animal instincts like brute beast without any capacity for reason. Woebitide them, they’ve gone down the same road as Cain. They have rushed head long into the same mistake as Balaam and the same motivation, money. They come to the same end as Korah did in his rebellion.These people have the cheek to eat with you at your fellowship meal of love though they are only looking for pasture for themselves. Like submerged rocks, they could wreck everything. They are like clouds driven pass so hard by the wind that they give no rain. They are like uprooted trees in the autumn with neither leaves nor fruit, doubly dead. They are like wild waves of the sea stirring up the filthy foam of their own audios disgrace. They are like shooting stars falling out of orbit destined to disappear down a black hole forever.Enoch who lived only 7 generation after the first men, Adam, saw all these coming. He was refereeing to these very people when he made his prophetic announcement, “Look out, the Lord has arrived with ten thousand of His angels to put all human beings to trial and convict all godless people of all godless deeds they have committed in their godless lives. And of the heart sings these godless sinners have spoken against Him.These people are discontented grumblers, always complaining and finding faults. Their mouths of fall of big talks about themselves but they are not about flattering others when it is to their advantage. Now love ones you should have remembered what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said what would happen. They predicted that in final age they are abound to be those who post con on godliness, whose lives will only be governed by their own godless cravings. People like these can only create divisions among you since they only have their natural instincts to go by and they lack the guidance of the Spirit.As for you love ones, be sure to go on building yourselves up on the solid foundation of your most holy faith. Praying in the way of the spirit gives you. Stay in love with God, waiting patiently for the time when our Lord Jesus Christ in His sheer mercy will bring you into immortal living.As regards the others, here is my advice. To those who are still wavering, be specially kind and gentle. Those who’ve already been led into error must be snatched from the fire before they are badly burned. And those who had been thoroughly contaminated should be treated better than they deserve though you must never loss a healthy fear of being

1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. BackgroundWriter: Jude (“Judas” Half-brother of Jesus and brother of Jesus)Date: Unknown (65-80 AD) Two Main Themes:1. To expose false teachers in the church2. To encourage believers to contend earnestly for the faith and finish strong Examples of those who did not contend for the faith1. Israelites in the wilderness (v.5)2. Angels who rebelled with Satan (v.6)3. People in Sodom and Gomorrah (v.7) Contend for your faith by depending on God’s work (v.1-2, 24-25)1. Called2. Beloved (Sanctified)3. Preserved

Luke 9:23-26, 57-6223 Then he said to them all:“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 57 As they were walking along the road,a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Manhas no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Expectation vs. ExperiencesCommitment vs. Compromise Christianity is a balance of grace and commitment. Consider the Cost!

John 15:1-8 1I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.5I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. Focusing on the person of Jesus I am the true vine! Background Psalm 80: 8-9 “You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it and it took root and filled the land.” Call to Fruitful Life 1. God expects us to bear fruits in our lives.2. Fruitful life is only possible through our attachment to Christ. 3. God helps us to bear fruits in our lives. 4. Fruitful life is for the glory of God!

John 11: 1-43The Death of LazarusNow a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.)3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” 4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days,7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” 8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light.10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” 11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” 12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.”13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. 14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead,15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”Jesus Comforts the Sisters of Lazarus17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.18 Now Bethany was less than two miles[b] from Jerusalem,19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.”29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him.30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him.31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.35 Jesus wept.36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.39 “Take away the stone,” he said.“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”: Focusing on the person of Jesus I am the resurrection and the life His Desire: The glory of God Jesus wants to reveal Himself and His glory for us to see. 2. Jesus wants to reveal His glory out of love for us. 3. Jesus wants His glory to be accepted by our faith. Revealing His Glory: His Word His Emotion His Action

John 6:22-4022The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. 25When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" 26Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." 28Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" 29Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." 30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” Focusing on the person of Jesus I am the bread of life v.35: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger.” v.41: “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” v.48: “I am the bread of life.” v.51: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.” v.55: “My flesh is true food.” Working by Faith John 6:27 “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” 1. The Father’s Seal on Jesus 2. Food that endures to eternal life 3. The Food that perishes

John 14:5-75Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." Focusing on the person of Jesus 1. Jesus is the way 2. Jesus is the truth 3. Jesus is the life

John 10:1-10“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. 7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.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. Focusing on the person of Jesus Concept of the Gate 1. Jesus is the gate of salvation 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. 2. Jesus is the gate of protection 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy 3. Jesus is the gate of provision They will come in and go out, and find pasture… I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Jesus is the gate to the Kingdom of God

I Corinthians 13:6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

John 10:11-18“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” Focusing on the person of Jesus"I am the good shepherd" The concept of shepherdPsalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd”Ezekiel 34:12, 15 “As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down.” God is the Shepherd of Israel The Good Shepherd1. The good shepherd is sacrificial 2. The good shepherd is protective 3. The good shepherd is providing 4. The good shepherd is relational. 5. The good shepherd is inclusive/missional. 6. The good shepherd is sovereign.