Archive for the ‘Scripture Paraphrases’ Category
The Father Of Two Lost Sons!
Filed under: by Tony Marra, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Evangelism, Faith, 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, On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, Song, The Church, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: Celebration, Faith, Faithfulness, Fatherly Love, God's Faithfulness, God's goodness, God's Grace, God's Guidance, God's Holiness, God's love, God's Mercy, God's Power, God's Unconditional Love, Goodness, Grace, Grace Communion Baltimore, Holiness, Humble, Humility, Love, Luke, Luke 15: 11-32, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life in Christ, Parable, Parable of Jesus, Parables, Rebellion, Religion, Religiosity, Religious Observance, repentance, Seeking The Lost, Self-righteousness, Sin, Sinners, Timothy Brassell, Timothy Brassell of New Life Fellowship, Unconditional Love
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Part 1a: 23 min
Part 1b: 18 min
Full Message:
Main Passage: Luke 15:11-32
“Jesus told a famous parable of a loving father with two lost sons. In the characters’ attitudes and actions, we see a picture of human sinfulness, the grace-filled posture of God, and the deadliness of self-righteousness. Like the original listeners of this parable, we are called not to resent God’s grace but to celebrate God’s goodness in embracing any sinner who repents. ” – The Gospel Project
Theological Theme:
God- Father, Son, and Spirit, rejoices whenever a sinner returns to Him in repentance.
Christ Connection:
The Pharisees and scribes criticized Jesus for His practice of welcoming and dining with sinners. The stories He told in response to their criticism focused on God’s joy over sinners coming to repentance. The God who seeks and saves the lost is Jesus, the Savior whose search-and-rescue mission is accomplished at great personal cost to Himself.
Missional Application:
God, through His Holy Spirit, calls us not to resent His grace toward others but to celebrate the Father’s goodness in welcoming any repentant sinner home.
“A banquet of great joy is provided by this waiting [Father], who is none other than the waiting, running, embracing, partying, and kissing God. The parable describes God’s goodness, grace, boundless mercy and abundant love.” –Paul John Isaak
“Whoever departs from the Word of God hungers… Whoever leaves treasure lacks. Whoever departs from wisdom is stupefied. Whoever departs from virtue is destroyed. It was fitting that he begin to be in need, because he abandoned the treasures of wisdom and the knowledge of God.” –Ambrose (circa 339-397)
Photo Compliments: Yesterday’s Prophecy, Today’s News
How Jesus Helps Us Fight Our Lions!
Filed under: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Evangelism, Faith, God, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Inclusion, Jesus Christ, Love, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Perichoresis, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, The Church, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Gospel Project, The Holy Spirit, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: Daniel, Daniel 6, 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, Meshach, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, New Life in Christ, Obey, Pastor Timothy Brassell, Power, Trust, Trust In God
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Part 1a: 29min
Part1b: 33min
Full Message:
“In Daniel 6, we encounter a real story about a real man who by supernatural protection escaped the claws and teeth of real lions so that the nations would know that the God of Daniel “is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion has no end” (v. 26). As God’s people, we are to show courage as we trust in God and obey Him, no matter what. Our courageous witness of faith is a sign to the world that Jesus is the world’s true King.” The Gospel Project
Main Passages: Daniel 6, 1Peter 5: 8-12
Theological Theme: God – Father, Son and Spirit, glorifies Himself through the rescue of those who trust Him.
Christ Connection: God showed His power to rescue Daniel from death. In the fullness of time, God showed His power to save His people from their sins and give them eternal life through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Missional Application: God, through His Holy Spirit, sometimes calls us to civil disobedience when it is a matter of obeying Him.
“Our trust in God should fill us with the courage to live for Him.” –Bryan Chapell
*picture courtesy of www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
After Worship, The Spirit Sent Them Off! Part 2
Filed under: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Evangelism, Faith, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, good news, Gospel, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, identity in Christ, Jesus Christ, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Prayer, relationship with God, Relationships, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, The Church, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Holy Spirit, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worship, Worshiping God, Worshipping Jesus | Tags: Acts 13, Discipleship, Evangelism, Evangelizing, God's love, God-Father-Son-and-Spirit Wants to Be Known, Grace Communion Baltimore, Grace Communion International, Inclusion, Jesus Wants to Be Known, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, On Mission With Jesus Christ, Pastor Tim of New Life Fellowship, Relationships, Sent by Jesus, Sent Out by The Holy Spirit, Unconditional Love, Witnessing to God, Witnessing to Jesus, Worshipping Jesus
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Part 1: 40 mins
Part 1: 38 mins
Full Message
Acts 13:1-5 After Worship, The Holy Spirit Sent Them Off!
This message was a reminder and refresher on some of the mission specifics of our local congregation in participation with God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. You may download the following document and follow along if you want:
NLF Organic Disciple-Making Strategy
As the Father sent Jesus that he might Love and Worship God and Witness to Him as a real man, on our behalf and in our place, so Jesus the God/Man sends us the Holy Spirit that believers might participate with Jesus, loving and worshiping God – Father, Son and Spirit and witnessing about Him to people in all the world – in word and deed!
*picture courtesy of freebibleimages.org
God (And Jeremiah) Prophesies A New Covenant
Filed under: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Christian Living, Church, Evangelism, Faith, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, Gospel, Grace Communion International, Inclusion, Love, Ministry, On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Perichoresis, Prayer, Relationships, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, Song, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Gospel Project, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Worship | Tags: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Celebration, Christian Living, Christianity, David, David and Goliath, Faith, Gideon, God Father Son and Spirit, God pursues You, God reveals himself, God speaks, god the father, God the Holy Spirit, God the Trinity, God's Faithfulness, God's good news, God's Grace, God's love, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Return, God's songs, God's Words, God's Work, Goliath, Gospel, Grace Communion International, inspiration, Jeremiah 17, Jeremiah 31, Jesus Christ, Jesus Transforms, King, life, Love, Messiah, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, On Mission with Christ, Overcoming Fear, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pastor Timothy Brassell, redemption, Relationships, self-worship, Sermons, The Gospel Project, The Suffering Servant, The Triune God Who Whispers, the Truth, Timothy Brassell, Triune God, Trust, Truth, Uncategorized, Union with Christ, Witness, Worship, Worship The King
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Part1a: 30min
Part 1b: 34min
Full Message: 64min
Main Passages: Jeremiah 17:1-10 Jeremiah 31:31-34
The heart of humanity is desperately wicked and in need of replacement. Because no one is able to perfectly obey the law, God promised a new covenant, one not written on stone or parchment but written instead on the hearts of His people. This is a promise concerning the coming day of Jesus, fulfilled in the gospel. In the gospel, God not only writes His law on our hearts but also gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer. – The Gospel Project
Theological Theme:
In the new covenant, we are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, who enables us to obey God’s [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] law.
Christ Connection:
The problem in Jeremiah’s day was the people had God’s law but were unable to obey Him due to the sinfulness of their hearts. Jeremiah prophesied about a coming day when God would forgive sin and write His law on the hearts of His people. This prophecy is fulfilled in the gospel. Through Jesus, God offers us forgiveness. Through the Holy Spirit, God enables us to obey His commands.
Missional Application:
God calls us to rely on the Holy Spirit as we obey God’s commands and live on mission for His kingdom.
“A new heart [is] compelled by the Spirit to obedience. It is a voluntary obedience springing from a heart that has been transformed and captivated by the Redeemer.” –Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp
God Pursues Disobedient Prophets and People in Christ!
Filed under: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Christian Living, Church, Faith, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, Gospel, Grace Communion International, Inclusion, Love, Ministry, On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Perichoresis, Prayer, Relationships, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, Song, Spiritual Warfare, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Gospel Project, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Worship | Tags: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Celebration, Christian Living, Christianity, David, David and Goliath, Faith, Gideon, God Father Son and Spirit, God pursues You, God reveals himself, God speaks, god the father, God the Holy Spirit, God the Trinity, God's Faithfulness, God's good news, God's Grace, God's love, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Return, God's songs, God's Words, God's Work, Goliath, Gospel, Grace Communion International, inspiration, Isaiah, Jesus Christ, Jesus Transforms, Jonah, Jonah 1-4, King, life, Love, Messiah, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, On Mission with Christ, Overcoming Fear, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pastor Timothy Brassell, redemption, Relationships, self-worship, Sermons, The Gospel Project, The Suffering Servant, The Triune God Who Whispers, the Truth, Timothy Brassell, Triune God, Trust, Truth, Uncategorized, Union with Christ, Witness, Worship, Worship The King
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Part 1a: 24min
Part 1b: 23min
Full Message: 47min
Main Passage: Jonah 1-4
“God [Father, Son and Spirit] goes to great lengths to pursue people, even when they have no interest in being found. God pursues sinners of all kinds in order to bring them to Himself. Jonah was a prophet who rejected God’s call and ran away from his enemies. Unlike Jonah, Jesus heard God’s call and ran toward His enemies. While we were still sinners, He died for us, and now He commissions us as His people to pursue others with the good news of His love.” – The Gospel Project
Theological Theme:
Salvation belongs to God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Christ Connection:
Jonah was a prophet who rejected God’s call and ran away from his enemies. Jesus heard God’s call and ran toward His enemies. While we were still sinners, He died for us.
Missional Application:
God through His Holy Spirit, calls us to put aside our tribal attitudes and break down walls as we share the news that forgiveness is possible through repentance and faith.
“God breaks down walls and leads His people out into the world with good news: forgiveness is possible through repentance and faith. Tribal attitudes melt away when constantly exposed to the warm embrace of our missionary God.” –Trevin Wax
Photo Compliments: http://wildwoodstudents.com/
God Pursues Israel!
Filed under: Ascension, Ascension of Jesus, Bible, By Richard Andrews, Christian Living, Church, Evangelism, Faith, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, Gospel, Grace Communion International, Inclusion, Love, Ministry, On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Perichoresis, Prayer, Relationships, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, The Gospel Project, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Worship | Tags: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Celebration, Christian Living, Christianity, David, David and Goliath, Faith, Gideon, God Father Son and Spirit, God reveals himself, God speaks, god the father, God the Holy Spirit, God the Trinity, God's Faithfulness, God's good news, God's Grace, God's love, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Return, God's songs, God's Words, God's Work, Goliath, Gospel, Grace Communion International, inspiration, Isaiah, Jesus Christ, Jesus Transforms, King, life, Love, Messiah, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, On Mission with Christ, Overcoming Fear, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pastor Timothy Brassell, redemption, Relationships, self-worship, Sermons, The Gospel Project, The Suffering Servant, The Triune God Who Whispers, the Truth, Timothy Brassell, Triune God, Trust, Truth, Uncategorized, Union with Christ, Witness, Worship, Worship The King
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Part 1a: 22min
Part 1b: 21min
Full Message: 43min
“The life and, in particular, the marriage of God’s prophet Hosea shows us the great lengths that God goes to in order to pursue the people He loves. Despite our unfaithfulness, God loves us still and is willing to take on the personal cost and sacrifice of bringing us into and keeping us in right relationship with Him. Because of His love, God continually goes after unfaithful people like us, and in this pursuit, He provides a model for how we are to pursue others with the good news of His love.” – The Gospel Project
“The ultimate happiness in life is the conviction that one is loved; loved for oneself—better still loved in spite of oneself.” – Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
Main Passages: Hosea 1:2-9; 2:14-23; 3:1-5
Theological Theme
The initiative for our salvation is in the loving heart of God- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
“He lifts us up out of ourselves to participate in the very life and communion of the Godhead, that life of communion for which we were created.” – J.B. Torrance, Worship Community and the Triune God of Grace. (Pg. 22)
Christ Connection:
Hosea’s relationship with Gomer reminds us of God’s relationship with the people of Israel, and with us. Even though God’s people are unfaithful and love other things more than God, God still loves us. It was because of His love that God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sin and bring us back to Him.
“He [Jesus] does not appease an angry God to condition Him into being gracious, but in perfect acknowledgment of the holy love of the Father for a sinful world, seals God’s covenant purposes for all humanity by His blood.” – J.B. Torrance, Worship Community and the Triune God of Grace. (Pg. 49)
Missional Application:
God through His Holy Spirit calls us to pursue others with the good news about the God who pursues us at great cost to Himself.
The God Who Answers With Fire!
Filed under: By Richard Andrews, Christian Living, Church, Evangelism, Faith, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, Gospel, Grace Communion International, Inclusion, Love, Ministry, On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Perichoresis, Prayer, Relationships, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, Song, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Gospel Project, The Plan of Adoption, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Worship | Tags: 1 kings 18, Bible, Celebration, Christian Living, Christianity, David, David and Goliath, Faith, Gideon, God Father Son and Spirit, God speaks, god the father, God the Holy Spirit, God the Trinity, God's Faithfulness, God's good news, God's Grace, God's love, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Return, God's songs, God's Words, God's Work, Goliath, Gospel, Grace Communion International, inspiration, Israel, Israel's first King, Jesus Christ, Jesus Transforms, King, King who fights, life, Love, Messiah, Ministry, The God Who Answers With Fire
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Part 1a: 21min
Part 1b: 22min
Full Message: 43min
Main Passage
“On Mount Carmel, the prophet Elijah demonstrated the stark contrast between the demand placed on our lives by pursuing false idols and the resources God provides for us to pursue our relationship with Him. In the end, one pursuit leaves us bled out and used up; the other pursuit builds us back up and ministers to us so we can minister to others.” – The Gospel Project
Theological Theme
False gods demand strenuous effort and sacrifice, but the true God- Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is known by His grace and power.
Christ Connection
The prophets of Baal danced and slashed themselves before the altar, thinking they must bleed in order to express their devotion. But the true God is different than false gods like Baal. He expressed His devotion to us by sending His Son—Jesus Christ—who bled and died for us so that we could receive His grace through faith.
Missional Application
God- Through His Holy Spirit, calls us not to hesitate or be hindered by idolatry but to join in His mission of turning people’s hearts back to Him.
“The god who answers with fire will challenge the source of your faith. God has started a work in you that He is faithful to complete.” – Pastor Richard Andrews
The King Who Needs A Savior
Filed under: Bible, By Richard Andrews, Christian Living, Church, Evangelism, Faith, God the Trinity, Gospel, Grace Communion International, Inclusion, Love, Ministry, On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Perichoresis, Prayer, Relationships, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Gospel Project, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Worship | Tags: 2 Samuel 11: 26-27, 2 Samuel 11:1-17, Bible, By Tim Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, David, David and Goliath, Faith, Gideon, God Father Son and Spirit, God speaks, god the father, God the Holy Spirit, God the Trinity, God's Faithfulness, God's good news, God's Grace, God's love, God's Power, God's Presence, Goliath, Gospel, Grace Communion International, inspiration, Israel, Israel's first King, Jesus Christ, Jesus Transforms, King, King who fights, life, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, On Mission with Christ, Overcoming Fear, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pastor Timothy Brassell, Psalms 51: 1-13, redemption, Relationships, Richard Andrews, self-worship, Sermons, The Gospel Project, the Truth, Timothy Brassell, Trust, Truth, Uncategorized, Union with Christ, Witness
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Part 1a: 22 min
Part 1b: 23min
Full Message: 45min
Main Passages: 2 Samuel 11:1-17,26-27: Psalm 51:1-13
“King David fell into sin and experienced all of its ugly consequences. In David, we see sin’s capacity to enslave us and to motivate us to cover it up. But we also see the possibility of renewal through confession. As believers, we must see all of our sin as an offense toward God and rely on the forgiveness available to us through the sacrifice of the Father’’s Son in order to be restored.” – The Gospel Project
Theological Theme
All sin is ultimately directed toward God- Father, Son, and Spirit.
Christ Connection
Even David, the greatest of Israel’s kings and a man after God’s own heart, was a sinner in need of redemption. In the story of David, we recognize that all of us need forgiveness through the sacrifice of the perfect King, Jesus Christ, who would take upon Himself the punishment our sins deserve.
Missional Application
God, through the Holy Spirit, calls us to be transparent about our sin and to live in repentance so that others will know there is hope for forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
“God’s gift is offered to all in order to be received by all. It is received by having faith in what God in Christ through the Holy Spirit has done for us. It is by faith in the grace of God that we begin participating in the relationship Jesus has restored, and start receiving the benefits included in that relationship.” – The God Revealed in Jesus Christ – a Booklet
The God/King Who Makes And Keeps His Promises
Filed under: Bible, By Tim Brassell, Christian Living, Church, Evangelism, Faith, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, Gospel, Grace Communion International, Inclusion, Liturgy, Love, Ministry, On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Perichoresis, Prayer, Relationships, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, Song, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Gospel Project, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Worship | Tags: 2 Samuel 7, Bible, By Tim Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, David, David and Goliath, Faith, Gideon, God Father Son and Spirit, God speaks, god the father, God the Holy Spirit, God the Trinity, God's Faithfulness, God's good news, God's Grace, God's love, God's Power, God's Presence, Goliath, Gospel, Grace Communion International, inspiration, Israel, Israel's first King, Jesus Christ, Jesus Transforms, King, King who fights, life, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, On Mission with Christ, Overcoming Fear, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pastor Timothy Brassell, redemption, Relationships, Richard Andrews, self-worship, Sermons, The Gospel Project, the Truth, Timothy Brassell, Trust, Truth, Uncategorized, Union with Christ, Witness
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Part 1a: 24min
Part 1b: 25min
Full Message: 49min
Main Passage: 2 Samuel 7:8-26
“God reaffirmed and expanded the covenant promises He made to Abraham—this time to King David. God promised to give David rest from his enemies and to build an eternal house through one of David’s descendants. In response to God’s unfailing promises, David expressed gratitude and humility, and this is the appropriate response for all believers in light of God’s faithfulness’ – The Gospel Project
Theological Theme:
The gracious promises of God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are meant to humble us and stir up gratitude in our hearts.
“God does not give us everything we want, but he does fulfill His promises, leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Christ Connection
God promised David that future kings of Israel would come from his family and that his kingdom would last forever. God kept this promise by sending Jesus as one of David’s descendants. All of history is driving toward the day when Jesus, the Son of David, will be recognized as the King whose kingdom is everlasting.
Missional Application:
God calls us to offer ourselves fully to Him so that the mercy and grace we’ve experienced through His Holy Spirit will go out to others.
“God’s promises are the peculiar treasure of believers: the substance of faith’s heritage lies in them. All the promises of our covenant God are ours to have and to hold as our personal possession. By faith, we receive and embrace them, and they constitute our true riches.” – Charles Spurgeon
Photo compliments: www. foursquare.org.ng
The King Who Befriends
Filed under: by Tony Marra, Christian Living, Church, Evangelism, Faith, God Father Son and Spirit, God the Trinity, Gospel, Grace Communion International, Humor, Inclusion, Love, Ministry, On Mission with Christ, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Perichoresis, Prayer, Relationships, Scripture Paraphrases, Sermons, Song, The Dance and Dream of the Trinity, The Gospel Project, The Plan of Adoption, Timothy Brassell, Trinity, Uncategorized, union, Union In Christ, Union with Christ, Witness, Worship | Tags: 1 samuel 18, 1 samuel 19, 1 samuel 23, Bible, By Tim Brassell, Christian Living, Christianity, David, David and Goliath, Faith, Gideon, God Father Son and Spirit, God speaks, god the father, God the Holy Spirit, God the Trinity, God's Faithfulness, God's good news, God's Grace, God's love, God's Power, God's Presence, Goliath, Gospel, Grace Communion International, inspiration, Israel, Israel's first King, Jesus Christ, Jesus Transforms, King, King who fights, life, Love, Ministry, New Life Fellowship Of Baltimore Maryland, On Mission with Christ, Overcoming Fear, Participation with Christ, Participation with Jesus, Pastor Timothy Brassell, redemption, Relationships, Richard Andrews, self-worship, Sermons, The Gospel Project, the Truth, Timothy Brassell, Trust, Truth, Uncategorized, Union with Christ, Witness
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Main Passages:
1 Samuel 18:1-3
1 Samuel 19:1-7
1 Samuel 23:15-18
Part 1a: 19min
Part 1b: 22 min
Full Message: 41 min
“One of the greatest examples of friendship in the Bible is in the relationship between David and Jonathan. Jonathan shows us what it means to be a true friend by being utterly committed to David’s well-being, by risking his own welfare for the sake of David, and by strengthening him in his faith. The example of Jonathan points forward to the truest and best friend of all—Jesus Christ Himself, who redefines friendship and transforms us into the kind of people who can be true friends to our brothers and sisters in Christ.” – the Gospel Project
Theological Theme:
God – Father, Son and Spirit’s people need godly friendships.
Christ Connection
The story of David and Jonathan gives us an example of true friendship and offers us a picture of God’s covenantal love for people. Because of Jesus’ commitment to us, His sacrificial love, and His strengthening grace, we are called the “friends of God.”
Missional Application
God calls us to befriend others in the way He has befriended us: by committing to one another, sacrificing for one another, and strengthening one another through the power of the cross – by participating, literally, with Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
““I have called you friends.”John 15:15 – It is a friendship based on the new life created in us which has no affinity with our old life but only with the life of God. It is unutterably humble, unsulliedly pure, and absolutely devoted to God.” – WISDOM FROM OSWALD CHAMBERS – My Utmost For His Highest
“[Spiritual friendship] is eagerly helping one another know, serve, love, and resemble God in deeper and deeper ways.” – Timothy J. Keller
