Archive for the ‘identity in Christ’ Category
Jesus Is Risen! So Go…Tell Others!
Filed under: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Jesus Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, relationship with God, Relationships, Sermons, The Church, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, Union with Christ, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: Active Participation With Jesus, Active with Jesus, Building Up The Church, Equipping The Church, Evangelizing the Church, Evangelizing the World, Executing Around Priorities, Go With Jesus, God's Encouragement, God's love, Jesus Is Lord, Jesus Is Risen, Jesus' Self-Giving, Obeying the Father, Organizing Your Life, Pastor Tim of New Life Fellowship, Praying to the Father, Prioritizing Your Schedule, Reading the Scriptures, Scheduling Your Life, Sharing Jesus, sharing your faith, Submitting to the Father, The Spirit's Power, Timothy Brassell of New Life Fellowship, Union with Christ
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Audio – Part 1a: 25 min
Audio – Part 1b: 26 min
Audio – Full Message:
Bible Verses: Matthew 28
This Good News series is about Jesus’ Believers and Disciples Going in Active Participation with Him, Wherever He Says to Go!
Theological Theme:
As Christians called to Christ and in Union with him, Jesus sends the Spirit so that we can be transformed and begin to Organize and Execute our Lives Around the Father with him and his priorities! We no longer live trying to fit Jesus in to our schedules. Believers have died that death in Jesus and now we live unto Christ! The Father’s schedule is our schedule, and is scheduled first! It’s amazing how much Father helps us fit in or put out of our schedules when we are spending time with him and his Son.
Christ Connection:
Immediately following his Resurrection, Jesus began to meet with his disciples, directing them to “Go” in the Spirit, in various ways that are still directive and instructive for believers today as they participate with Jesus in his Self-giving!
Missional Application:
God the Father calls us to embrace a life of participation with His Son, our Savior and Lord, whose mission was only to seek and to do what his Father was doing, in the Spirit.
Photo Compliments: livingmoreabundantly.files.wordpress.com
A Gospel Story: From Dogmatism and Fear, to Freedom and Love!
Filed under: by John MacMurray, Christian Living, Christianity, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., Participation with Jesus, relationship with God, Relationships, Sermons, The Church, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Trinity, Uncategorized, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: Christian Imagination, Christian Journey, Following Jesus, Freedom, god the father, God's Beauty, Godly Parenting, Grace vs Legalism, Ice Cream, Imagination, Jesus Christ, Life's Disappointments, Life's Struggles, Love, Loving Relationships, Pastor Tim of New Life Fellowship, Religion, Religiosity Condemned, Spiritual Evolution, The Grand Canyon, The Holy Spirit, Trusting Jesus, Vacation
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Audio – Part 1a: 30 min
Audio – Part 1b: 30 min
Audio – Full Message:
Guest Teacher: John MacMurray
Whether in a sanctuary or a bar, a classroom or a living room; John loves to communicate that God is better than we imagine! A lifetime of teaching led John to start and direct the Northwest School of Theology and the Open Table Conferences, which feature Paul Young, author of “The Shack” book and movie, and Dr. Baxter Kruger, author of “The Parable of The Dancing God” and many other Gospel books. John is also an award-winning landscape nature photographer. His images have appeared in Sierra Club, National Geographic, Audubon, and several other prestigious nature publications.
You can learn more about him at: http://johnmacmurray.com/about/
He has written a book entitled “A Spiritual Evolution”, a story about his “journey from dogmatism and fear to freedom and love.”
Picture courtesy of http://johnmacmurray.com
Jesus The Savior Is Crucified!
Filed under: Bible, by Tony Marra, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Evangelism, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Jesus Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Sermons, The Church, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, Trinity, Uncategorized, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: Atonement, Death of Jesus, Faith, God Crucified, God The Father's Love, God's Atonement, God's Costly Grace, God's Grace, God's Humility, God's Judgment, God's love, Hope, Jesus Crucified, Jesus The Crucified King, Jesus' Costly Sacrifice, Jesus' Cross, Jesus' Death, Jesus' Death On The Cross, Jesus' Love, Jesus' Obedience, Jesus' Suffering, Love, Matthew 27:11-51, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, Pastor Tim of New Life Fellowship, Putting Death To Death, Reconciliation with God, Salvation, Salvation of Sinners, Substitution, Taking Up Your Cross, The Judgment of God, The Love of God, Unjust Death
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Audio – Part 1a: 20 min
Audio – Part 1b: 21 min
Audio – Full Message:
Bible Verses: Matthew 27:11-51
The crucifixion of Jesus was brutal and unjust, and yet, He willingly laid His life down in obedience to the Father and for the salvation of sinners. As the substitute sacrifice, Jesus died in our place and on our behalf. As the crucified King, He demonstrated the true wisdom and power of God. And as the forsaken Son, He endured the punishment of our sin, absorbing all of our transgressions and putting them to death so we could become the righteousness of God in Him.
Theological Theme:
Jesus is the King who willingly took upon Himself the judgment for sin.
Christ Connection:
Unjustly condemned to death, Jesus willingly took up His cross and suffered the judgment our sins deserve. At the moment He died, the curtain in the temple sanctuary was torn in two, signifying the truth that sinners have access to God through the blood of Christ. The crucifixion of Jesus is the center of history, revealing God’s holiness and justice, our sinfulness and unrighteousness, and Christ’s humility and love.
Christ Our Substitute “At the heart of the atonement is Jesus Christ substituting Himself for sinners as He died on the cross. This truth is seen against the backdrop of the Old Testament sacrificial system, which provided a picture of humanity’s need for sin to be covered and guilt to be removed by an innocent sacrifice. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with humankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross, He made provision for the redemption of humanity from sin.” – The Gospel Project
Missional Application:
God the Father calls us to proclaim by the Spirit not only that Jesus died on the cross but also why He died and what it reveals about the Father’s heart and his going to the uttermost that we might be saved and participate in his love!
“He lost his own life in order to gain life for all; he preferred to be conquered in himself in order to be the victor in everyone.” – Maximus of Turin (circa 380-465)
Photo Compliments: media.istockphoto.com
Jesus Demonstrates The Way Through Human Suffering!
Filed under: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Jesus Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Sermons, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, Union with Christ, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: Accepting God's Will, Facing death, Facing False Accusations, Facing Lies, Facing Mockery, Facing Physical Abuse, Faith, Following God, God's Will, Grace, How to Embrace Suffering, How to Pray, Identity with Jesus, inspiration, Jesus in Gethsemane, Love, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, Obeying God, Obeying God's Will, Participation with Jesus, Pastor Tim of New Life Fellowship, Prayer, Resisting Temptation, Submitting to God's Will, Suffering, Suffering of God, Sufferings of Christ, Timothy Brassell of New Life Fellowship, Union with Christ
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Audio – Part 1a: 27 min
Audio – Part 1b: 26 min
Audio – Full Message:
Bible Verses: Matthew 26:31-68
Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of Man, chose to obey His Father and drink the full cup of suffering and wrath in order to purchase eternal life for believers. Even though He would be betrayed and endure false accusations, mockery, physical abuse, and death, Jesus accepted the foretold plan of His Father and fulfilled His identity as the promised Messiah sent as the Savior of the world.
Theological Theme:
Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of Man, sent by His Father to Be God for Man, and to be Man for God, being God’s Judgment on our sin.
Christ Connection:
In the garden of Eden, Adam failed to resist the serpent and chose instead to follow His way over God’s. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus, the second Adam, submitted fully to His Father’s purpose and plan. He willingly submitted to death upon the cross. Jesus demonstrated His identity as the Son of God through both His words and actions as He was betrayed, arrested, and put on trial.
“By saying then, ‘If it be possible, let it pass from me,’ he showed his true humanity. But by saying, ‘Nevertheless not as I will, but as you will,’ he showed his virtue and self-command. This too teaches us, even when nature pulls us back, to follow God.” –John Chrysostom (circa 347-407)
Missional Application:
God the Father calls us to embrace suffering willingly as we participate in the Life of His Son, our Savior, whose mission was to seek and save the lost, in the Spirit.
“All the oracles of God, all the scriptures both of the Old Testament and the New, describe so many scenes of divine providence…Those who bear this on their minds will easily perceive that the inspired writers never lose sight of it but preserve one unbroken, connected chain from the beginning to the end. All over that wonderful Book as life and immortality (immortal life) is gradually brought to light so is Immanuel, God with us, and His kingdom ruling over all.” 8 –John Wesley (1703-1791)
Photo Compliments: i1.wp.com
Jesus Is Not Pretending – God REALLY IS Humble!
Filed under: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Faith, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Jesus Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, relationship with God, Relationships, Sermons, The Church, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, Union with Christ, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: Bread and Wine, Communion, community, Faith, Footwashing, Forgiveness, Freedom, God's Commands, God's Kingdom, God's love, Grace, Hope, Humble Service, Humility, Humility of God, Jesus Washing His Disciples Feet, Jesus' Suffering and Death, Love, New Covenant, New Life Fellowship Baltimore MD, Passover, Pastor Tim of New Life Fellowship, sacrifice, Selflessness, The Last Supper, The Lord's Supper
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Audio – Part 1a: 34 min
Audio – Part 1b: 34 min
Audio – Full Message:
Bible Verses: Matthew 26:26-30 John 13:1-15
For more than a thousand years, the Passover meal celebrated God’s deliverance in the exodus of His people from Egypt and simultaneously pointed ahead to an even grander sacrifice and work of God. Jesus reinterpreted the Passover meal in light of Himself and His coming sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the world. With a demonstration of authority and humility, Jesus set forth the pattern of countless Communion celebrations that now point back to His new covenant sacrifice and point forward to His coming kingdom with holy anticipation.
Theological Theme:
The Lord’s Supper points to our participation in the sacrificial nature of Christ’s life and death, and the humble nature of God – Father, Son and Spirit.
Christ Connection:
Hundreds of years before Jesus came, God made a covenant with Israel and sealed it with a sacrifice. When the people of God broke the covenant and worshiped false gods, God promised to enact a new covenant in which He would forgive sins and write His law on His people’s hearts. At the Last Supper, Jesus explained that His sacrificial death would establish this new covenant and bring forgiveness of sins in the humility of God.
“Why was this sacrament ordained at the time of the Passover? That we might learn that he [Jesus] is the giver of the law and that the things that are foreshadowed in the law are fulfilled in him. The Old Testament was a type of the things to come. He is the truth of those things.” –John Chrysostom (circa 347-407)
“Humility is the principle of all virtues: it removes any contrast, division or dissension from human beings and plants into them peace and charity. And through charity it grows and increases.” –Theodore of Mopsuestia (circa 350-422)
Missional Application:
God the Father calls us to take the Lord’s Supper, participating in his humility by the Spirit, looking back to Christ’s finished work and looking forward to his return.
“Throughout church history, this command to wash one another’s feet has been understood to mean we should do whatever it takes to serve one another, no matter how menial the task. To be a community of foot-washers is to live with this question on your lips: ‘Is there anything I can do for you?’” –H. B. Charles Jr.
“The ideal of a church community living in peace with one another is foundational to the evangelistic witness for the local congregation. It stands to reason that the Lord’s Supper, then, is not just an observance but a declaration about the way things are to be among God’s people. The meal contains a message not only about who Christ is and what He has done for the church, but who is included in the gospel story and in the benefits of Christ’s glory. It is a story of belonging, and a radical message that God intends for His people to identify with all believers, whether they are poor, weak, or forgotten.” –Gregory Alan Thornbury
Photo Compliments: cisphil.org
Jesus Christ Transforms Our Fallen Expectations!
Filed under: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Children's Ministry, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Faith, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, identity in Christ, Jesus Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Sermons, The Church, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: Coming of Jesus, Coming of the Lord, Faith, Hope, Humility of God, Humility of Jesus, Jesus cleansing the temple, Love of God, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, Pastor Tim of New Life Fellowship, Praise, Praise of Children, redemption, Restoration to God, Transformed Expectations, True Worship, Worship, Worshipping Jesus
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Audio – Part 1a: 34 min
Audio – Part 1b: 34 min
Audio – Full Message:
Bible Verses: Matthew 21:1-21
Matthew 21 contains three scenes that occurred on the day Jesus entered Jerusalem during the week prior to His crucifixion. Jesus’ entry into the city was welcomed with great fanfare, even though He approached in humility while sitting on a donkey. He cleansed the temple of those there to take advantage of the worshipers. And as the true Son of David, He permitted and welcomed the praise of children. In these events, Jesus fulfilled Old Testament expectations and longings for the Messiah, who would redeem His people, restore true worship, and receive all praise.
Theological Theme:
Jesus is the Messiah who cleanses the temple and welcomes the unworthy into God’s presence.
Christ Connection:
By entering Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy about the coming Messiah. Through His actions in the temple, Jesus conveyed His judgment toward those who would misuse God’s house for exclusionary and greedy purposes. For the sins of His people, Jesus offered His own body as a temple to be destroyed and then raised again.
“Only the redeeming, all-powerful, transforming grace of God can raise our sin-besotted heart from the dead, give us eternal life, and set our gaze on Jesus, our blessed hope.” –Gloria Furman
Missional Application:
God calls us to put away hypocritical and hollow worship and to exalt Jesus as Savior of the world.
“Let his coming in the name of the Lord be mentioned with strong affections, to our comfort, and joyful acclamations, to his glory. Well may we say, Blessed is he; for it is in him that we are blessed. Well may we follow him with our blessings, who meets us with his.” – Matthew Henry (1662-1714)
Photo Compliments: img0.etsystatic.com
Are You Becoming More Like Mary or Judas?
Filed under: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Faith, GCI Windsor Mill, Maryland, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Jesus Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life Fellowship Of Windsor Mill, MD., Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, relationship with God, Sermons, The Church, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, Union with Christ, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: Acts of Worship, Betrayal, Extravagant Love, Faith, Faith in Jesus, Generosity, Generous vs. Greedy, Giving Generously, Grace, gratitude, Hope in Jesus, Jesus' Burial, Love, Mary vs. Judas, Matthew 26:6-16, money, Obedience, Participating with Jesus, Pastor Timothy Brassell, sacrifice, Sharing Money, Sharing Wealth, Wealth, Worship, Worshiping Jesus
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Audio – Part 1a: 36 min
Audio – Part 1b: 36 min
Audio – Full Message:
Bible Verses: Matthew 26:6-16
The account of Jesus’ anointing at Bethany contrasts the generosity of a woman and the greed of Judas. In their respective responses to Jesus, we see the importance of giving Him priority and honor over everything in our lives. The distinction between these two people serves as an opportunity for us to consider our own hearts in light of the opportunity we have to express our devotion through visible acts of worship.
Theological Theme:
Our heart’s condition is revealed either by our giving or by our greed.
Christ Connection:
Pouring expensive oil on Jesus was not a waste but an act of worship. By allowing Mary to anoint Him, Jesus showed that He is more valuable than anything. This act of devotion foreshadowed Jesus’ death and burial.
“Matthew’s unnamed woman is Jesus’ invitation to all women, and men and children, to come to the table of Christian koinonia… There is no hierarchy of holiness upon entrance, and there is no pedigree and no degree requirement for entrance. The only prerequisite is faith in Jesus. All who have faith in Jesus can come for a meal.” 4 –Sean Douglas O’Donnell
Missional Application:
God calls us to treasure Christ above all wealth and to express our devotion through visible acts of worship.
“Jesus’s teaching consistently attracted the irreligious while offending the Bible-believing, religious people of his day…That can only mean one thing. If the preaching of our ministers and the practice of our parishioners do not have the same effect on people that Jesus had, then we must not be declaring the same message that Jesus did.” –Timothy Keller
Photo Compliments: thumbs.dreamstime.com
Jesus, The Christ, Raises Lazarus From Death!
Filed under: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Evangelism, Faith, God Father Son and Spirit, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, Participation with Christ, relationship with God, Sermons, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, Timothy Brassell, Uncategorized, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God | Tags: Faith, Glorifying God In Suffering, God Heals, God's Compassion, God's Delays, God's glory, God's Power, God's Timing, healing, Hope, Jesus Healing Lazarus, Jesus Raises The Dead, John 11, Lazarus, Life after death, Love, Miracles, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, Pastor Timothy Brassell, Physical Resurrection, Power Over Death, Resurrection, Resurrection of Lazarus, sickness, Spiritual Resurrection, The Curse of Death, Trusting God
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Audio – Part 1a: 36 min
Audio – Part 1b: 36 min
Audio – Full Message:
Bible Verses: Mark 2:1-12
Jesus demonstrated His power over death by raising his friend, Lazarus, from the dead. This miracle story reveals the goodness and sovereignty of God, the curse of death and the power of resurrection, as well as Christ’s compassion toward those in pain. As we trust in Jesus—our powerful Friend who conquers death—we bring glory to Him in the midst of terrible circumstances.
Theological Theme:
The Son of God grieves the reality of death and overturns its power.
“A quaint Puritan writer said that if Jesus had not named Lazarus when He shouted, He would have emptied the whole cemetery!” 9 –Warren W. Wiersbe
Christ Connection:
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He showed that He has power over death. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, we have full assurance that Jesus will one day defeat death forever and resurrect us from the dead.
“He leads her [Mary] to the knowledge of higher truths. Even though she had been inquiring only about the resurrection of Lazarus, he tells her of a resurrection in which both she and those with her would share.” 5 –John Chrysostom (circa 347-407)
Missional Application:
God calls us to glorify Him in sickness and death, trusting in His power to raise us from the dead.
“Jesus could have prevented Lazarus’ sickness or even healed it from where he was; but he chose not to. He saw in this sickness an opportunity to glorify the Father. It is not important that we Christians are comfortable, but it is important that we glorify God in all that we do.” 3 –Warren W. Wiersbe
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Contending For The Faith Delivered To The Saints! – Part 12
Filed under: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Evangelism, Faith, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, God's love, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, Humor, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, relationship with God, Relationships, Sermons, The Church, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Holy Spirit, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: Christianity, Connecting with God, Discerning the Times, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Faithfulness, God's goodness, God's Grace, God's Guidance, God's Holiness, God's Power, Goodness, Grace, Grace Communion Baltimore, Holiness, Hope, identity in Christ, Idolatry, inspiration, John 4, Jude, Jude 1, Life after death, Marxism, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life in Christ, Postmodern, postmodernism, Prayer, Relationships, repentance, Secularism, sharing your faith, Timothy Brassell, Timothy Brassell of New Life Fellowship, Truth, Worldview
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Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fCnlbFY-m0
Audio: Part 12a: 32 min
Audio: Part 12b: 30 min
Audio: Full Message:
This Specific Message Concludes the Series of 12 messages addressing today’s big questions regarding relationships, race, marriage, love, gender/sexual identity, politics, and worship and witness as it relates to the Christian God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Photo Compliments: http://www.lifeassuranceministries.org/proclamation/2010/4/Resources/octnovdec2010fea.jpeg
The Greater Miracle Of Forgiveness!
Filed under: Bible, By Richard Andrews, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Evangelism, Faith, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Sermons, The Church, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, Uncategorized, Union with Christ, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: Faith, Forgiveness, Forgiveness of Sin, God's Grace, God's love, Grace, healing, Love, Miracles, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, Pastor Tim of New Life Fellowship, Physical Healing, restoration, Spiritual Healing, Suffering, The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Timothy Brassell of New Life Fellowship, Wholeness and Healing
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Audio – Part 1: 30min
Audio – Part 2: 30min
Audio – Full Message:
Bible Verses: Mark 2:1-12
True faith seeks Jesus not only for physical healing but also spiritual healing. Jesus is not only able to heal the sick physically but, being fully God, He is also able to forgive us for our sins and heal us spiritually. The gospel of Jesus Christ is able to heal sinners completely and make them whole.
Theological Theme:
Humanity’s greatest need is forgiveness and spiritual restoration.
“Come, and see the victories of the cross… Christ’s wounds are thy healing, his agonies thy repose, his conflicts thy conquests, his groans thy songs, his pains thine ease, his shame thy glory, his death thy life, His sufferings thy salvation.” –Matthew Henry (1662-1714)
Christ Connection:
Through His healing of the paralyzed man, Jesus demonstrated His authority over human suffering and His authority to forgive sins. By claiming to forgive sins, Jesus was putting Himself on par with God—the only One who can command disease and wipe away our wickedness.
“Often we think we know what our greatest need is, but really we are only focusing on our circumstances. In reality the problem you are facing today is not your spouse, children, or parents. It is not your job, boss, or coworkers. It is not your lack of resources, shortage of time, or insufficient income. Just like this young man, your greatest need is for the Messiah Himself. Jesus saw everything clearly—far more clearly than we do. He used this teachable moment to make the point concerning our greatest need in this life or the life to come! Jesus forgives the sins of all who come to Him in faith.” –Daniel L. Akin
Missional Application:
God calls us to be active in bringing people to Jesus—the only One who has the power to heal our physical infirmities and forgive our sins.
“The announcement [of forgiveness] and presentation of radical healing to a man in his entire person was a sign of the Kingdom of God drawn near. The paralytic experienced the fulfillment of God’s promise that the lame would share in the joy of the coming salvation.” –William L. Lane
Photo Compliments: quotehd.com