Archive for the ‘Trust’ Tag
Jesus Provides Bread From Heaven!
Video – Watch on You-Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJDt16cqNEA
Audio – Part 1a: 28min
Audio – Part 1b: 22min
Audio – Full Message:
Bible Verses: John 6: 29 Matthew 14: 13-21
“Jesus provides not only for physical needs but also for spiritual ones. He showed compassion for the crowd following after Him, He took what was available and worked an amazing miracle to feed a multitude, and He chose to communicate that blessing to the crowd through His disciples. Jesus’ miracle of feeding the 5,000 demonstrated His deity in providing bread for the crowd, even as He Himself is “the bread of life” (John 6:35).” – The Gospel Project
Theological Theme:
Jesus is the Son of God – [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit], who provides bread from heaven.
“Jesus did not come into the world mainly to give bread, but to be bread. He did not come to be an ever-ready bellhop for our bellies, but to be the all-satisfying bread for our souls. O, he cares about our physical lives in this age, but he cares 10 million times more about our eternal lives.” –John Piper
Christ Connection:
When the Israelites were hungry in the wilderness, God provided manna from heaven. Jesus is the greater Moses, the One who not only provides bread from heaven but who also speaks of Himself as the Bread who gives life to the world.
Missional Application:
God, Through His Holy Spirit, calls us to be the people through whom Jesus meets needs today.
“Our compassion for others leads us to share our money, our meals, and our home. We give words of peace and comfort and hope. And even when we’re exhausted or grieving or raw ourselves, we don’t harden our hearts. As Jesus would say in John 15:9, “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you.” The Father has proven His love by sending His one and only Son (John 3:16). The love of the Father and the Son and the Spirit was not limited to emotions—God acted on it. Likewise, we as followers of Christ are not called to feel compassion but to be compassionate. Before He ever provided the crowd with a meal, Jesus provided them something far more valuable—Himself. The bread from heaven in the exodus nourished God’s people, but the Bread of Life satisfies forever (John 6:35-38). So, in His compassion, He healed their sick…..
When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we learn that we’re called to be servants, but sometimes that servitude leads to much more—sometimes we are conduits of His miracles. Sometimes we think we’re crazy (or we’re sure others will think we’re crazy), but we step out in faith. Sometimes we have no idea why we left our everyday routines to go out of the way, but then we see clearly that God used us to show His glory to someone.” – The Gospel Project
“The greatest miracle of all, however, is the miracle of a changed life—and this can happen, as we open our hearts and lives to Christ. Do others see Christ in you—His love, His compassion, His purity, His joy? Make sure of your commitment to Christ, then ask Him to change you from within by His Holy Spirit, and make you a living witness to the miracle of His transforming power.” –Billy Graham
Photo Compliments: Heartlight.org
Jesus Turns Water Into Wine!
Part 1a: 26min
Part 1b: 30min
Full Message:
Main Passage: John 2:1-12 NLT
“John did not recount the story of Jesus turning water into wine for our entertainment; by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he intentionally presented the truth that Jesus’ miracles reveal God the Father. Through the details of this miracle, we see Jesus’ compassion for our needs, a glimpse of His identity, and His ability to reveal God in all He does.” – The Gospel Project
Theological Theme:
The miracles of Jesus were part of His purpose in bringing glory to God. – [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit]
“With [Jesus], nothing is incomplete or done at the wrong time, just as with the Father there is nothing haphazard.” –Irenaeus
Christ Connection:
Sin has disrupted our relationship with God, leading to spiritual barrenness and sorrow in our lives. Christ’s miracles are a sign that joyful reconciliation with God is possible again through faith in Jesus’ glorious life, death, and resurrection.
Missional Application:
God, through His Holy Spirit, calls us to do whatever Jesus tells us to do as we seek to display His glory and lead others to faith.
“Now this transformation of the water from its own substance into another, testified to the powerful presence of the Creator. Only he who had made it out of nothing could change water into something whose use was quite different.” –Maximus of Turin
“By this first sign, Jesus revealed His glory, ‘the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth’ (1:14). His glory would be revealed in greatest measure in his cross, resurrection and exaltation, but every step along the course of his ministry was an adumbration of that glory.” –D. A. Carson
“So what does this have to do with me?” you might ask. “Jesus is not on earth anymore; I don’t get to see His miracles.” Correct. But you are a miracle of Jesus, pointing others to God.
“Me?” you might ask, “I’m a sinner saved by grace.” Exactly. And when you tell others how Jesus won your heart, called you by name, and changed you from the inside out, you are just as amazing and awe-inspiring to unbelievers as the turning of water into wine.
Just as Jesus considered His purpose before each miracle, we should consider our purpose before each conversation, each lunch meeting, each relationship, and each trial: Am I reflecting Christ? Do I point others to Him? Can others tell by my words and actions that Jesus is King of kings, Lord of lords, and the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world? – The Gospel Project
Photo compliments: BLCF: thefirstmiracle
The Wicked Tenants!
Part 1a: 19min
Part 1b: 21min
Full Message:
Main Passage: Matthew 21:33-46
“One of Jesus’ most famous parables about judgment was the parable of the wicked tenants. In this story we see the privilege and responsibility that comes with God’s calling on our lives. We also see the grace of God in His warnings to sinners and the judgment of God in His retribution toward those who reject His Son. This parable’s stark imagery reminds us that we are called to bear the fruit of repentance and mission and thus fulfill our purpose as God’s people.” -The Gospel Project
Theological Theme:
Judgment comes on those who reject the commands, warnings, and Christ, The Son of God- [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit].
Christ Connection:
Jesus’ parable of the wicked tenants is one of the clearest denunciations of the religious leaders in His day. The story implies that God is the vineyard owner, Jesus is the owner’s son, and the religious leaders are the ones who have rejected God’s Word. Applying Psalm 118 to Himself, Jesus saw Himself as the cornerstone—the person in whom God’s judgment and salvation come together.
Missional Application:
God, through His Holy Spirit, calls us to bear the fruit of repentance and mission, fulfilling our purpose as His people.
“Jesus teaches that seemingly endless patience of God is extended toward those who oppose him. But when this patience ends at the rejection of his Son, God’s swift retribution is sure to follow.” –Simon J. Kistemaker
“The portrait of a mild Jesus who spoke only of grace and never of judgment is a figment of the imagination. We serve a Savior whose scandalous grace was matched with the ferocious roar of judgment. In this parable, we see a glimpse of God’s patience but also His swift retribution. Let this story from Jesus shock your senses and lead you to see yourself as a steward of His blessings” -The Gospel Project
Photo Compliments:
How Jesus Helps Us Fight Our Lions!
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
The God Who Deserves Our Allegiance!
Part 1: 24 mins
Part 2: 23 mins
Full Message: 47 mins
Main Passage: Daniel 3
Theological Theme: God – Father, Son and Spirit alone deserves our ultimate allegiance.
Christ Connection: The same God who was faithful and present with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the flames will also deliver us through His Son, Jesus the Christ, who is with us in the fiery trial and who saves us from sin and its consequences.
Missional Application: God the Holy Spirit calls us to embrace a countercultural lifestyle with full confidence in His power, regardless of what the immediate outcome may be.
*Picture Courtesy of livingmyfaith.blogspot.com
The Great Fall Of Jerusalem!
Full Message: 31 min
Main Passages: 2 Chronicles 36:11-21 Jeremiah 38:14-18, 24-28
“One of the most important events in the Old Testament era was the fall of Jerusalem and the capture of God’s people. Due to the hard-heartedness of the people and their leaders, including the despising of His Word, God displayed His justice and wrath through His punishment of His people. Yet even here, in this display of God’s justice, we see how God preserves a remnant of people who will carry the hope of His promise to make all things new through a Messiah.” – The Gospel Project
Theological Theme:
God [ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] patiently pursues sinners, but His patience will one day come to an end.
Christ Connection:
God righteously punished His people for their sin, but He remained faithful to them and kept the promise He made to David to preserve a remnant and provide a king. Ultimately, God punished our sin through His Son, Jesus, and made Him our King forever.
Missional Application:
God, through His Holy Spirit, calls us to listen to His Word and proclaim His patience and righteousness to others while there is still time.
Photo Compliments: https://biblicaltruthresources.wordpress.com
God (And Jeremiah) Prophesies A New Covenant
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 Calls Jeremiah!
Part 1a: 16min
Part 1b: 18 min
Full Message: 34min
Main Passage: Jeremiah 1:4-10
“Jeremiah was called, even before he was born, to be God’s prophet. Because his prophetic message was contrary to what his people wanted to hear, Jeremiah faced opposition and persecution. Nevertheless, Jeremiah remained faithful to God’s call despite the obstacles. In Jeremiah’s grief, we see a picture of the tender heart of God, most fully expressed in Jesus’ weeping for the unrepentant people of Jerusalem. From Jeremiah, we also learn that the God who calls us to deliver His message is the God who will empower us for His mission.” – The Gospel Project
Theological Theme:
God [ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] equips those He has chosen to minister in His name.
Christ Connection:
Jeremiah’s love for his people was so great that he often delivered God’s message in tears, to the point that he is known as the “weeping prophet.” In Jeremiah’s grief, we see a picture of the tender heart of God, most fully expressed in Jesus’ weeping for the people of Jerusalem who would not repent.
Missional Application:
God, through His Holy Spirit, calls us to trust Him to overcome the obstacles we may face in carrying out His mission in our lives.
“The Lord delivers…not so that the prophet will be free of persecutions and difficulties, for we read that Jeremiah was severely afflicted. Instead, the Lord liberates one who suffers everything to overcome these tribulations rather than yielding to them.” –Jerome (circa 345-420)
Photo Compliments: https://www.kcbi.org/
God Pursues Disobedient Prophets and People in Christ!
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!
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.