Petra Church International Ministries

Isaiah 40:3-9, 3 A voice of one calling:“In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord[a]; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.[b]4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” 6 A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass.8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem,[c] lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded?22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground,than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.25 “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.27 Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”?28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;31 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. Gospel Ministry is our calling3 A voice of one calling:“In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord[a]; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”Gospel Ministry 9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem,[c] lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” Reality Check 27 Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”?Hope in the Lord 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 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. How do we hope in the Lord? 1. Remember His PERSONHOOD22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.2. Depend on His POWER! 25 “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.3. Trust in His PLAN!13 Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor?14 Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding?15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. 23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away

Luke 4:18-19The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good newsto the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Gospel Ministry is our calling and as we serve...1. Remember our identityI Peter 2:9-10“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession (a people belong to God), that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”2. Recognize our time 2 Tim 3:1-5But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,boastful, proud,abusive,disobedient to their parents,ungrateful, unholy,3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,4 treacherous,rash, conceited,lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 3. Remain in God's promise Hebrews 10:36 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 4. Refocus on our calling Luke 4:18-19The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Conclusion Hebrews 6:10-1210 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Galatians 5:13-1513 For you were called to freedom, brothers.Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through loveserve one another.14 Forthe whole law is fulfilled in one word:“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Purpose of Freedom: Love 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers.Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through loveserve one another.14 Forthe whole law is fulfilled in one word:“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” We are set free so that we can love free. 1. Personal Relationship2. Kingdom Partnership How do we respond to our freedom in Christ? (Three Responses) PROTECT 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers.Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality,impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. How can we protect our freedom? 1. Repent a. Jeremiah 15:19 “If you repent, I will restore you.”b. Luke 3:8 “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” c. I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness2. Resist James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” 3. Remain John 15:4Remain in me, as I also 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. PROCEED 1. James 1:25 “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does.” Ephesians 3:12 “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” PROCLAIM Luke 4:18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Acts 5:42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. Romans 15:16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:13-1513 For you were called to freedom, brothers.Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through loveserve one another.14 Forthe whole law is fulfilled in one word:“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Definition of Freedom1. Freewill: The ability to choose and act at one's own discretion.2. Freedom: The condition of exercising freewill within the boundary of the Law. Enemy of Freedom34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.1. Jesus is the Source of freedomJohn 8:3636So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 2. Jesus is the process of freedomJesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 3. Jesus is the completion of freedom 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. Misuse of Freedom1. Legalism: Faith in Works Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. 2. License: Faith without works Galatians 5:13 13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh Liberty: by grace through faith unto good works.Purpose of Freedom: Love 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers.Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word:“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

John 8:3131To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."33They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants[b] and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.Definition of Freedom1. Freewill: The ability to choose and act at one's own discretion.2. Freedom: The condition of exercising freewill within the boundary of the Law. Enemy of Freedom34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.Jesus is the Source of freedomJohn 8:3636So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Jesus is the process of freedomJesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Jesus is the completion of freedom 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.

Romans 1:16I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." 2 Tim 1:12That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. How do we, as Christians, address the current crisis? 1. Racism is a sin against God2. Lawlessness is a sin against God 3. The root of these problems is SIN Gospel is the only solution for the sin problem. Christian Gospel is that it works, that it is not a mere theory, but that it is something which really does what it claims to do, that it enables a man to live in a real sense in this world.-Martyn Lloyd-JonesPaul's life motto: I am not ashamed of the gospel Gospel Principles1. Gospel is the power of God Gospel changes a. Destiny b. Identity c. Duty 2. Gospel is relevant!“The gospel is a complete view of life which covers all conceivable eventualities.”3.Gospel is realistic! Christian Gospel enables a man to live in a real sense in this world. 4. Gospel is not automatic. As it required the sacrifice of God’s son, it requires our faith to respond.

How do we respond to the current national crisis? 1. Daily Faithfulness Habakkuk 2:4 "the righteous person will live by his faithfulness.” a. Be faithful to build the relationship with God b. Be faithful to take care of family c. Be faithful to serve church community d. Be faithful to civic responsibilities 2. Spiritual Alertness Ephesians 6:10-13, 1812For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. We must fight against the following enemy's tactics: a. Deception b. Division c. Destruction 3. Gospel Effectiveness Romans 1:16I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.Ephesians 5:15-16 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,16 making the most of every opportunity,because the days are evil.1. Make the most of every opportunity 2. Share with confidence

Review How can we ask God in the right way? 1. Stop to think2. Remember biblical principles of God’s character3. If still in doubts, we must commit problems to God in faith How do we wait for God’s answer? 1. Detach ourselves from the problem.2. Expect an answer from God. 3. Wait patiently for His answer. Principle of Life “The righteous person will live by his faith”1. Faith defines our identity. a. Romans 3:22This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.2. Faith determines our quality. a. Gal 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.”3. Faith directs our duty. I Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. How can we stay faithful? 1. Commitment to faith2. Maturity of faith3. Dependence by faith

Habakkuk 2:1-31 I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.The LORD’s Answer2 Then the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. Review How can we ask God in the right way? 1. Stop to think2. Remember biblical principles of God’s character3. If still in doubts, we must commit problems to God in faith 2:1, “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.” How do we wait for God’s answer? 1. We must detach ourselves from the problem.“I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.”Philippines 4:6-7 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.2. Expect an answer from God. “I will watch and see” 3. Wait patiently for His answer.Hebrews 6:15And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promisedPsalm 40:1I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.Romans 8:25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Faith Rewarded2 Then the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.God will always honor His promises.

Habakkuk 1:12-17 12 LORD, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, we will never die.You, LORD, have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish.13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?14 You have made people like the fish in the sea, like the sea creatures that have no ruler.15 The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks, he catches them in his net,he gathers them up in his dragnet; and so he rejoices and is glad.16 Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet,for by his net he lives in luxury and enjoys the choicest food.17 Is he to keep on emptying his net, destroying nations without mercy?Habakkuk - Questioning God about his difficult circumstances.1. How long should I wait? (v.2)2. Why are these things happening in life? (v.3)God's Answer (v. 5-6)For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. 6 I am raising up the Babyloniansthat ruthless and impetuous people, God’s answer to Habakkuk raised even more questions:1. Why Babylonians?2. Why does he tolerate such things? We CAN ask questions to God. How can we ask God in the right way? The right way of asking God: 1. Stop to thinkJames 1:19 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” 2. Remember the biblical principles. (v 12) Habakkuk asked God without attacking God’s characters; rather, remembering God’s characters. 12 LORD, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die.You, LORD, have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish. Habakkuk's 5 propositions about who God is1) God is eternal "LORD, are you not from everlasting?" 2) God is self-existent "LORD" = "Yahweh" " you will never die." 3) God is holy " My God, my Holy One"4) God is sovereign (almighty) " You, LORD, have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish." 5) God is faithful "My Rock" 3. Commit the problems to God in faith if still in doubt (v. 13-17) 13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? The attitude of Jesus:“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Habakkuk 1:1-111 The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet received.Habakkuk’s Complaint2 How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? 3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. 4 Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.The LORD’s Answer5 “Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. 6 I am raising up the Babylonians that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own. 7 They are a feared and dreaded people; they are a law to themselves and promote their own honor. 8 Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their cavalry gallops headlong; their horsemen come from afar. They fly like an eagle swooping to devour; 9 they all come intent on violence. Their hordes advance like a desert wind and gather prisoners like sand. 10 They mock kings and scoff at rulers. They laugh at all fortified cities; by building earthen ramps they capture them. 11 Then they sweep past like the wind and go on-guilty people, whose own strength is their god.” BackgroundHabakkuk - Questioning God about his difficult circumstances.1. How long should I wait? (v.2)2. Why are these things happening in life? (v.3)Our Questions 1. What is God up to?2. Why is our life so hard even though we are trying to seek the kingdom? God’s ways are often mysterious.1. His inaction (vv 2-3) How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? 2. His unexpected answers (v 5 For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. 6 I am raising up the Babylonians that ruthless and impetuous people, 3. His choice of instrument (v.6) 6 I am raising up the Babylonians that ruthless and impetuous people, God’s ways are often misunderstood. 1. By careless religious peopl 2. By the world 3. By the prophet himself 4 Biblical Principles to remember 1. God is in control over our lives.Colossians 1:16–17 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.2. God has a plan over our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.3. God has His own timetable.2 Peter 3:99 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promiseHabakkuk 2:3For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. 4. God is establishing the kingdom of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.The Race The author of Hebrews describes Christian life as running the race. What is Perseverance?1. To remain under, to stand fast2. consistency, faithfulnessPerseverance is a product of faith, believing and expecting that God will come in His time. How can we persevere?1. Acknowledge that the life-race is marked out for us by God. 2. Expect the hardship in this race. 3. Remove any hindrances4. Look at the examples of the witnesses. 5. Hold on to the promise of God. 6. Imagine the reward. As we persevere...1. Process 2. Progress 3. Prepare

Psalm 100:5For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Lamentation 3:22-23 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.Habakkuk 2:4…but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness Celebrating God's FaithfulnessHow is God faithful? 1. God is faithful to save us.Psalms 40:10, “we speak of God’s faithfulness and His saving grace!” 2. God is faithful to lead us.Psalm 43:3 Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. 3. God is faithful to fulfill His promise upon us.Psalm 145:13 The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does God is forever faithful.His faithfulness is based upon not our performances, not on our responses, but because of His own great love for us.Romans 3:3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness?Lamentation 3:22-23Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Now how do we respond to God’s faithfulness?Habakkuk 2:4…but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness.- We want to be faithful because God is faithful. How can we be faithful?1. Commitment to faith:- we need to commit ourselves to faith in Him, His word, His promise.2. Maturity of faith- We must grown in our faith3. Dependence by faith- We must depend upon GOd's faithfulness. God is forever faithful!

I Corinthians 15:55-5855 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”“The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.Philippians 3:10-11 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. 1. Resurrection is the hope of our faith. I Corinthians 15:42-4442 So will it bewith the resurrection of the dead.The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory;it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. Resurrection the most vital part of our faith.I Corinthians 15:13-14 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.14 And if Christ has not been raised,our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 2. Resurrection is The source of daily strength Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection…The Resurrection Power is available for the believers in Christ.Ephesians 1:17-1917I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms… How should we live then with the resurrection power? 1. We live fearlessly in victory. I Corinthians 15:54-57“Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin,and the power of sin is the law.57 But thanks be to God!He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. We live joyfully in thanksgiving.57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 3. We live unswervingly in faith!58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. 4. We serve fully for the Kingdom! Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

John 20:11-1811 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.Jesus is risen! I Corinthians 15:55-57“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”“The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The scene of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene Who is Jesus and How does He deal with His people? 1. Jesus meets where we are.14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”2. Jesus teaches us about faith. 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”3. Jesus knows us by name! a. 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).4.Jesus focuses on the glory of God a. 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Jesus did not come only to save people. He came to fulfill God's mission. Consider: Crucifixion and Resurrection Crucifixion: “Did Christ die for us or for God?”Romans 3:25-26 God put Christ forward as a propitiation (atoning sacrifice) by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.Christ died as the ultimate sacrifice to vindicate the righteousness of God, appeasing God’s holy wrath against sin. Resurrection: Did Christ rise again for us or for God? Jesus resurrected to fulfill God’s promise to save God’s people. Jesus came for God to fulfill God’s redemptive plan to saveFor God so loved the world, He gave His one and only Son… 5. Jesus sends all of us for His purpose which to proclaim the Kingdom. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”Jesus does not discriminate in choosing the people to serve His purpose!

John 19:28-3028 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Jesus said in His final breath, “It is finished.” What is finished? Two Major Accomplishment of the Cross 1. Forgiveness 2. Freedom Forgiveness: How was forgiveness done on the cross? Mechanism of Forgiveness 1. SubstitutionJesus, who had no sin, became sin for us/in behalf of us, so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) 2. PropitiationRomans 3:25 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement (Propitiation) through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. 3. Reconciliation Romans 5:10, “…when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son” Freedom 1. We are free from the power of sin and death.Roman 5:8-9 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!2. We are free from the power of the Devil.I John 3:7-8 Dear children,do not let anyone lead you astray.The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil,because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 3. We are free to approach God as our Holy Father. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 4. We are free to love one another with true love I John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Our Response 1. Faith 2. Gratitude

John 19:28-3028 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.Jesus said in His final breath, “It is finished.” What is finished? Two Major Accomplishments of the Cross 1. Forgiveness 2. Freedom Forgiveness: How was forgiveness done on the cross? Mechanism of Forgiveness 1. SubstitutionJesus, who had no sin, became sin for us/in behalf of us, so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) 2. PropitiationRomans 3:25 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement (Propitiation) through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. 3. Reconciliation Romans 5:10, “…when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son” Freedom 1. We are free from the power of sin and death.Roman 5:8-9 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!2. We are free from the power of the Devil.I John 3:7-8 Dear children,do not let anyone lead you astray.The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil,because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 3. We are free to approach God as our Holy Father. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 4. We are free to love one another with true love I John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Our Response 1. Faith 2. Gratitude

Philippians 3:10-11I want to knowChrist—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,becoming like him in his death,and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrectionfrom the dead. Passion (Greek) = Suffering This name represents the passion (suffering) with which Jesus willingly went to the cross. He did this to pay for your sins—the sins of all of His people. I want to know Christ, His power of resurrection and participation in His suffering…Paul’s ConfessionHere, “To know” means a continuous experiential action.Paul wanted to experience the power of Christ resurrection continuously in his daily life. Participation in SufferingIf you want to know Christ fully, in his resurrection power, we must be willing to participate in his suffering! Matthew 16:24-25,“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Suffering? 1. Our suffering is inevitable. a. Reality of the Sinful/Fallen World b. Christian Calling 2. Our suffering is purposeful. a. Not meaningless suffering. b. The purpose of our suffering is “To know Christ and His given life.” 3. Our suffering is temporary. a. There will be the end of sufferings b. There will be the reward of going through sufferings Our Response to Suffering 1. Stop Complaining 2. Start Complying

Hebrews 11:1Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. We are called to live by faith not by fear for “the righteous shall live by faith.” Major Problems against Faith1. Uncontrolled Emotions 2. Culture of Instant Gratification. 3. Self-focused Faith Faith ReloadedHebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope forand assurance about what we do not see.1. Faith must be built upon the promise of God. "Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the promise of God's presence." 2 Cor 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2. Faith must be exercised in the present. Faith must be exercised NOW. Faith is lifestyle. 3. Faith must be shown through life. James 2:18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds. ”Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 4. Faith must be finished. Our faith should a. Start strong b. Last long c.Finish strong 5. Faith will be rewarded by God. Hebrews 6:1212 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us runwith perseverancethe race marked out for us,2 fixing our eyes on Jesus,the pioneerand perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,scorning its shame,and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

John 1427 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.Philippines 4:6-96 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Problem of Fear Fear of Uncertainty/Unknown Fear of Inadequacy/Insecurity The Source of Fear is not the presence of problems but the Absence of God "Ultimately, fear of uncertainty and insecurity comes from the absence of relationship with the sovereign and almighty God." The Source of Peace is not the absence of problems but the presence of God John 14:26-27 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.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.Jesus The Provider 1. Peace 2. Power Experiencing the peace of Christ Believe (Faith) Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.(John 14:1) 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) Believe in...1, Sovereignty of God 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work (John 14:10) 2, Power of God 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (John 14:13-14) 3. Presence of God 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (John 14: 16-18) Seek (Prayer) Philippines 4:6-76 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Guard/Guide (Meditation) Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such thingsPractice (Obedience) “If you love me, keep my commands. (John 14:15)Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9)

Matthew 5:1-12Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.The BeatitudesHe said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see God.9. Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.10. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Dynamics of Beatitudes Spiritual Poverty --> Mourning over sins --> Attitude of Meekness --> Hunger for Righteousness --> Mercy, Purity, Peace-making Christian life is the pathway of sanctification, becoming more like Christ. If I pursue this life to which Christ calls me, what should I expect?1. Persecution2. Blessing Why Persecution? 10. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me (Jesus) Two Forms of Persecutions (Thomas Watson)1. Physical Persecution (Persecution of the hand)2. Psychological/Verbal Persecution (Persecution of the tongue)Persecution in the USA? Blessing & RewardThe Greatest Blessing is the Presence of God.The Greatest Reward is the Presence of God. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.The more your faith is tested through suffering, the greater will be your reward. -John Piper

Matthew 5:1-9Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.The BeatitudesHe said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see God.9. Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God. Dynamics of BeatitudesSpiritual Poverty --> Mourning over sins --> Attitude of Meekness --> Hunger for Righteousness --> Mercy, Purity, Peace-making Sanctifying Work of the Holy Spirit - Becoming more like Christ Matthew 5:20 “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” 9. Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God. -The children of God are in fact peacemakers.-It’s not about how you become a Christian; it’s about how you grow as a Christian.The Peace of GodRomans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord JEsus Christ.”Colossians 1:20 “And having made peace through the blood of the cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto himself.” Peace of Reconciliation to 1. God 2. People What does it mean by the peacemaker?Transliteration: a person who makes or works toward peace. A peacemaker is someone who is actively seeking to reconcile people to God and to one another. What is Peacemaking? Peacemaking is not...1. Absence of conflict2. Avoidance of strife.Two ways of peacemaking: 1. Peace Preacher a. Romans 10:15 “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tiding of good things.” 2. Peace Practitionera. Matthew 5:43-35 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.b. Romans 12:18-19 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.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.Practical Application1. Pray 2. Plan 3. Practice

Matthew 5:1-8Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.The BeatitudesHe said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see God. Dynamics of BeatitudesSpiritual Poverty --> Mourning over sins --> Attitude of Meekness --> Hunger for Righteousness --> Mercy, Purity, Peace-making Pursuit of Righteousness in 1. Mercy2. Purity 3. Peace-makingPurity in Heart? Is it possible?“Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (I Samuel 16:7)The heart of the matter is the matter of the heart! What is purity of heart?There are two meanings:1. A clean heart- a hear that is cleansed from dirt, filth, or contamination2. An undivided heart – being unmixed or having no double allegiance.Psalm 27:3-4Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 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“Purity of Heart Is to Will One Thing.” - Søren KierkegaardPurity of heart is an undivided heart that will one thing!James 4:8Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Philippians 3:13-14But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, Lord, give me an undivided heart,that I may fear your name. (Psalms 86:11).Seeing God?Entering into God's Presence Experiencing God's Presence 2 Corinthians 4:6 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ “Seeing God is the great goal of being pure.” John Piper

Matthew 5:1-7Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.The BeatitudesHe said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Dynamics of BeatitudesSpiritual Poverty --> Mourning over sins --> Attitude of Meekness --> Hunger for Righteousness --> Mercy, Purity, Peacemaking What is Mercy?Mercy is not…1. Emotionalism2. Humanitarianism What is mercy? A Legal Term - “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.”"God's mercy is his tenderhearted, loving compassion for his people. It is his tenderness of heart toward the needy. If grace contemplates humans as sinful, guilty, and condemned, mercy sees them as miserable and needy." – Millard Erickson"Mercy is kindness exercised toward the miserable, and includes pity, compassion, forbearance, and gentleness, which the Scriptures so abundantly ascribe to God." – Charles HodgeMercy is...1. Mercy is one of God’s fundamental attributes. 2. Mercy is God’s calling for God’s people. What is it to be merciful?Luke 10:33-3433 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.1. See the need 2. Feel the need 3. Feed the need How do we receive mercy? Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Mercy Earned or Mercy Given?Romans 9:15, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” "Being merciful is an indication of being saved."

Matthew 5:1-6Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.The BeatitudesHe said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Dynamics of Beatitudes #1-4 Spiritual Poverty --> Mourning over sins --> Attitude of Meekness --> Hunger for Righteousness Process of Sanctification, becoming more like Jesus Christ Three Aspects of Righteousness 1. Personal Righteousness - godliness, holiness2. Imputed Righteousness - Christ Righteousness 3. Social Righteousness - Justice Hunger & Thirst: Intense desire, urgency 1. Sign of Need 2. Sign of Life As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42:1-2O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.Psalm 63:1I want to know him, and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.Philippians 3:10 Satisfaction 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Paradox The paradox is that our Lord is talking about hungering and being satisfied at the same time. A. W. Tozer:To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love. Perpetual Hunger M. Lloyd Jones says:The Christian is one who at one and the same time is hungering and thirsting, and yet he is filled. And the more he is filled, the more he hungers and thirsts. That is the blessedness of the Christian life. It goes on Are you hungry for God and His righteousness? Are you thirsty for God and His word?

Matthew 5:1-5Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ---Review3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Poverty of Spirit means: 1. A sense of powerlessness in ourselves2. A sense of spiritual bankruptcy and helplessness before God.3. A sense of personal unworthiness before God. 4.Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comfortedSpiritual poverty leads us to spiritual mourning.1. We mourn for our sinful condition. 2. We mourn for our loss3. We mourn for the condition of others. The freedom found in the forgiveness of sins and the joy of eternal salvation is the "comfort" of those who repent. What does it mean by meekness? The Kingdom vs. World"Meekness is often mistaken for passivity, timid reticence and a sort of an inferiority complex. But the basic element of meekness derived from its root meaning is equilibrium-the full and complete possession of all the faculties of one’s being, an inner mastery."5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.Who are the meek? Psalm 37:3-113Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.9 For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. 11 But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. Four characteristics of the meek1. They Trust in God2. They Commit Their Way to God3. They Are Still Before God and Wait for Him4. They Don't Fret over the WickedAn Example of Moses in Numbers 12:1-10Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. 2 “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this. 3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.) 4 At once the Lord said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, “Come out to the Tent of Meeting, all three of you.” So the three of them came out.5 Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the Tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them stepped forward, 6 he said, “Listen to my words: “When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. 7 But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house.8 With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” 9 The anger of the Lord burned against them, and he left them. 10 When the cloud lifted from above the Tent, there stood Miriam—leprous like snow. Aaron turned toward her and saw that she had leprosy. Inheritance5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.In the OT, Land was the symbol of any great blessings, perhaps as the sum of all blessings. We have the Inheritance of the Kingdom in ChristEphesians 1:13-14, 1813…Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Matthew 5:1-4Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Poverty of Spirit means: 1. a sense of powerlessness in ourselves2. a sense of spiritual bankruptcy and helplessness before God.3. a sense of personal unworthiness before God. Poverty of Spirit is the prerequisite attitude of maturing in our spirituality, becoming more like Christ. Spiritual poverty leads us to spiritual mourning. 4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted Mourning is our reality. “Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.” (Proverbs 14:13 NIV) “I walked a mile with Pleasure, she chatted all the wayBut left me none the wiser for all she had to sayI walked a mile with Sorrow and not a word said sheBut oh, the things I learned when sorrow walked with me.” Why do we mourn? 1. We mourn for our sinful condition. 2. We mourn for our loss3. We mourn for the condition of others. How can we be comforted as we mourn? 1. Remember God’s presence2. RELEASE our burdens to God 3. Rely on God’s Resources!

Poverty of Spirit is the prerequisite attitude of maturing in our spirituality, becoming more like Christ. Poor in Spirit Is Not a commendation of actual poverty. Physical Poverty does not guarantee spirituality. Poor in Spirit is…1. Humility2. Hunger

Matthew 5:1-12Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.The BeatitudesHe said:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted.5 Blessed are the meek,for they will inherit the earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Contextual BackgroundMatthew 4:23 23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.Audience 1. Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.Matthew 7:28, 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Eight Beatitudes, One Unit3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Two Implications of Promise 1. The Blessings of the Kingdom 2. Present yet Future Kingdom The Dynamics of Present & FutureThree Examples: 1. Being comforted 2. Being shown mercy 3. Being called sons/daughters of God

Ephesians 4:11-16So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. -What does it mean by becoming? Spiritual Metamorphosis 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation! God Perspectives1. God’s will 2. God’s work 3. God’s glory-------------------------------1. Becoming more like Christ is God’s will for us.Response One: FAITHHebrews 11:66 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 2. Becoming more like Christ is God’s work for us. Response Two: Obedience John 15:7-97 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.3. Becoming more like Christ is the ultimate worship for God’s gloryResponse Three: DEVOTION UP-IN-OUT

Ephesians 4:11-16So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.-What does it mean by becoming? Spiritual Metamorphosis 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation! 1. Becoming more like Christ is God’s will for us.Romans 8:29 “29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.." Therefore, it is God’s calling for us. Ephesians 4:1 “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” 2. Becoming more like Christ is God’s work for us. 2 Corinthians 3:18 “18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” Philippians 1:6 “6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” 3. Becoming more like Christ is the ultimate worship for God’s gloryI John 3:2 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.Revelation 4:10-11 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

As 2019 comes to a close, we will learn what it means to shine the light of Christ as we focus and depend on the power of Christ in this last message of our series JESUS.

Continuing with our series on Jesus, we will study what it means to live in the presence of Jesus in our lives as we look at the incarnation of Christ.

1). Jesus the SaviorMatthew 18:11"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost”John 3:17–18For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 2) Jesus the Teacher John 14:9-10 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?3) Jesus the LordMatthew 10:34, ""Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn " 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.4) Jesus the Champion“The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil” (I John 3:8)

Defining Gratitude:Gratitude is the genuine heart response toward somebody who has shown you some undeserved kindness, that is, who has been gracious to you. Gratitude Grace:Gratitude is a natural response to grace. Gratitude and Giving:"It's one thing to be grateful. It's another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you fell, thanksgiving is what you do. " - Tim Keller Generosity:Proverbs 11:24-2524 On man gives freely, yet gains even more, another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25 A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Without generosity you cannot become spiritually matureGenerosity goes against out natureGenerosity is met with guaranteed generosity

Guest speaker Pastor Edward Kim gives a sermon titled Radical Thanksgiving

How can we effectively share the Gospel?Gospel sharing is God's calling for everyone who believesFor effective gospel sharing, get to know peopleGospel sharing is about making every opportunityGospel sharing must be done with conviction and clarity Gospel sharing is for God's glory

Four Principles of the GospelGospel is the power of GodA) Gospel redefines our identityB) Gospel requires out dutyC) Gospel redetermines our destinyGospel is relevant "The Gospel is a complete cure of life which covers all conceivable eventualities."Gospel is realisticGospel is not automatic

Did you know October 31st is Reformation Day, not just Halloween? As Christians it is so important for us to study the history of the church to understand who we are today. We will revisit two main figures of the Reformation to learn who we are and what we believe.

Surely eternal life is promised in the Gospel. In this forth message of our series GOSPEL, we will explore what it means to have eternal life in Christ.

The best response to the Gospel is faith. In this message of our series GOSPEL, we will explore what it means to believe in the Gospel.

Demonstration of God's love in the gospel 1. God's Existence: There is a God. 2. God's Son: God has a Son. 3. God's Action: God loves. 4. God's Redemption: God saves.

This is the first message in our new series GOSPEL. In this series we will explore the meaning of the gospel via various themes. In order to effectively share the gospel, we must have a deeper understanding of what the gospel is and what it does.

As Christians, we are saved to serve the Kingdom of God. What does it mean to serve the Kingdom of God? How can we participate in the Kingdom Partnership with God?

Our fourth episode in our series "Becoming World-Class Christians". In order to become world-class Christians, how can we go higher to another level in our personal relationship and Kingdom partnership with God? What does it mean to go higher?

Episode three of our four part series "World Class Christians". In order to become World-Class Christians we must reach wider to the world as we go deeper in our Christian experience. What does it mean to go wider? How can we reach wider to the world?

Episode two of our four part series "Becoming World-Class Christians". In order to become World-Class Christians we must go deeper in our faith experience. What does it mean to go deeper? How can we go deeper?

Worldly Christian vs. World Class Christian Shifting our thinking to become World-Class Christians 1) Shift from self-centeredness to other (community)-centeredness 2) Shift from local to global 3)Shift from temporal to eternal 4) Shift from excuses to explorations

As Summer 2019 is about to end, these are the questions we must ask: what are the lessons we can learn to be more missional as a chuch? How should we respond to God's calling to be a more missional people?

Summer mission team shared their experiences on the mission field in the Philippines