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The holy spirit depart from 12 months ago I feel numb and no remorse no feeling no conviction no nothing i feel like a robot i can't cry or repent I didn't read the Bible or pray maybe blasphemy too conscious seer with a hot iron maybe im reprobate

Thanks Rob! … God responds to our faith in His Word! He is the faith God and our faith in His Word pleases Him. “Then the LORD said to me, ‘You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it.’” The very foundation of our whole Christian experience is based on what Jesus accomplished for us by taking our place at Calvary. He achieved a salvation that not only delivers us from the power of the devil, but enables us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and faith in God’s Word to be able to stand strong against all the wiles of the enemy! … Bless You Rob!

Amen 🙏

_"The Greatest Christmas Gift is to acknowledge Jesus as Lord"_ The fact is, Jesus is a fictional character.

Keep on Rob. Never give up speaking the Truth which directs each day of our lifestyle in Jesus our Lord. Bless you both 🙏 Bro.Colin

A man of courage has been trained by God having all the attributes of a humble speaker to glorify God. To Glorify God paints the true depicted attributes of our Lord God 🙏. And shows Jesus's, the same characters of the Father's love for those who call on His Name and Mercy.

Great teaching pastor I post your devotions into the wildfire groups for The edification of the church

Amen

You're a presbyterian....LOL is that the pot calling kettle black

God bles you Sir thank you for this teaching

Test

In all fairness, I think the verses the pro-slavery people in America used were ones you didn't read. Anywhere in this video. Mostly from Exodus and Leviticus. Passages like Leviticus 25:44-46 which says; "As for your male and female slaves whom you may have: you may buy male and female slaves from among the nations that are around you. You may also buy from among the strangers who sojourn with you and their clans that are with you, who have been born in your land, and they may be you property. You may bequeath them to you sons after you to inherit as a possession forever. You may make slaves of them, but over your brothers the people of Israel you shall not rule, one over another ruthlessly" This is the Bible explicitly saying that it's ok to own slaves. They didn't really need to go to far beyond that to have the Bible on their side. I've never understood it either, since as you said, the Bible never once condemns slavery itself. Only condones it. I've never heard or found a good answer as to why, and I've been searching for years. You listed a lot of rules too that only applied to your fellow Hebrews. In fact all the rules you mentioned only applied to your fellow Hebrews I think. Personally, I don't even consider them slaves. They weren't owned as property and had to be released after six years of service. These were not chattel slaves, but were indentured debt servants. The actual chattel slaves condoned in the Bible had to be foreigners. And these were almost entirely non-voluntary. Prisoners of war (commanded by God Himself) or being born into it as you noted. This is the problem when it comes to slavery in the Bible. The foreigners. And I think you misquoted 1 Timothy. You said the reference to "enslavers" means "people who had slaves". I'm not sure what edition of the Bible you're reading from here. I've never seen a version that used the word "enslavers" before. It's usually translated as "manstealers", "slave traders" or "kidnappers". But it is definitely not referring to people that own slaves. It's really talking about slave traders (mostly because some would occasionally kidnap people and sell them into slavery if there was a shortage of slaves, which is prohibited in the Bible. But again this really applies to kidnapping your fellow Hebrews as Deuteronomy says). But it not a condemnation of slavery itself. That the Bible never does. The Bible is clear when it comes to slavery. Don't make slaves of your fellow Hebrews, but you can own foreigners as slaves and they will be your property for their entire lives, along with all their children, that you can pass down as an inheritance to your own children. Commanded by God Himself to be done in one instance. And never once condemned. I just don't get that, and it bothers me.

Wonderful to hear from you Rob ,especially in lockdown. Makes hearing from the Word of God even more helpful. For Faith comes from hearing and Hearing, from the Word of God. May you be especially encouraged dear Bro. Col

Once again thank you for your encouraging 🙏 and helpful Talk Rob Lamont

Excellent! No 1 Sermon in the world. This needs to be preached in every church every week and hopefully it will sink in.

Listening to God speaking again via my Brother. I hope and continue to pray for your wellness Rob,

Well said, brother.

How to be enticed away from God 1 Timothy 1:18-20 A. CALLED TO MINISTRY 18 This charge entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, B. HOW TO STAY IN MINISTRY 19 holding faith and a good conscience. C. HOW TO GET LOST IN MINISTRY 19 By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. Hymenaeus is mentioned with Philetus, another false teacher (2 Timothy 2:17). An opponent of Paul named Alexander the metalworker is mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:15-16, but whether or not this is the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:19 is unknown Second Timothy 2:18 gives a little more detail, saying that Hymanaeus and his new partner in sin, Philetus, “have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.” Paul likens their false doctrine to a gangrene that spreads corruption and destroys life (verse 17). 1 Timothy 1:19 Paul says that he had delivered Hymenaeus and Alexander “to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme”. There is one other time when Paul had delivered a person to Satan: a man who professed to believe in Jesus but simultaneously living an immoral lifestyle 1 Corinthians 5:5 was delivered “over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord” 1. FALSE TEACHING A. JESUS WARNED Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognise them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.. Matthew 24:4-5 Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 2. What leads people astray a. Materialism Chasing the Holy Dollar, materialism can become an obsession. People become addicted to shopping. And Buy what they do not need 1 Timothy 6:3-5 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. b/ False teaching against Jesus Deny Jesus’ Lordship, deity, resurrection or what the Bible teaches So blatantly Others can be subtle in what they have rejected. A half truth is still a lie. c. False teaching to steal from you. 2 Peter 2:1-22 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words d. Sexual favours Jude 1:4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ e. Say what you want to hear 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths f./ Secret knowledge We live in a world of conspiracy theories. I enjoy reading research on diabetes but am struck by the range of wonder drugs that have no medical research backing 1 Timothy 6:20-21 Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. g. Controversy Romans 16:17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 3. False teachers A/ twist and distort B/ reject C/ lead you in a wrong direction Sadly preachers may grab a self help book and try and Christianise and use it. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. Romans 16:17-18 watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive D: claims status that they do not gave 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ Every Easter talks linking Jesus to a false god Christmas Jesus was not born then. Queen does not have her birthday on the June long weekend. Who cares? Watch out for new teaching, secret teaching, teaching to make you successful, higher teaching OUR RESPONSE 1/ Test against scripture 1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 1 John 4:1-6 do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. 2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth Acts 17:11 they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. 2. EXPOSE THEM Ephesians 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 3. STAY FAITHFUL Acts 20:29-30 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. James 1:14-15 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Hebrews 10:23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful. I Corinthians 10:12-13 Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall. No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. We will all have different temptations but are called to a common purpose of putting Jesus first in all we do and say. Galatians 5:1 Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

How to be enticed away from God 1 Timothy 1:18-20 A. CALLED TO MINISTRY 18 This charge entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, B. HOW TO STAY IN MINISTRY 19 holding faith and a good conscience. C. HOW TO GET LOST IN MINISTRY 19 By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. Hymenaeus is mentioned with Philetus, another false teacher (2 Timothy 2:17). An opponent of Paul named Alexander the metalworker is mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:15-16, but whether or not this is the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:19 is unknown Second Timothy 2:18 gives a little more detail, saying that Hymanaeus and his new partner in sin, Philetus, “have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.” Paul likens their false doctrine to a gangrene that spreads corruption and destroys life (verse 17). 1 Timothy 1:19 Paul says that he had delivered Hymenaeus and Alexander “to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme”. There is one other time when Paul had delivered a person to Satan: a man who professed to believe in Jesus but simultaneously living an immoral lifestyle 1 Corinthians 5:5 was delivered “over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord” 1. FALSE TEACHING A. JESUS WARNED Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognise them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.. Matthew 24:4-5 Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 2. What leads people astray a. Materialism Chasing the Holy Dollar, materialism can become an obsession. People become addicted to shopping. And Buy what they do not need 1 Timothy 6:3-5 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. b/ False teaching against Jesus Deny Jesus’ Lordship, deity, resurrection or what the Bible teaches So blatantly Others can be subtle in what they have rejected. A half truth is still a lie. c. False teaching to steal from you. 2 Peter 2:1-22 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words d. Sexual favours Jude 1:4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ e. Say what you want to hear 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths f./ Secret knowledge We live in a world of conspiracy theories. I enjoy reading research on diabetes but am struck by the range of wonder drugs that have no medical research backing 1 Timothy 6:20-21 Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. g. Controversy Romans 16:17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 3. False teachers A/ twist and distort B/ reject C/ lead you in a wrong direction Sadly preachers may grab a self help book and try and Christianise and use it. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. Romans 16:17-18 watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive D: claims status that they do not gave 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ Every Easter talks linking Jesus to a false god Christmas Jesus was not born then. Queen does not have her birthday on the June long weekend. Who cares? Watch out for new teaching, secret teaching, teaching to make you successful, higher teaching OUR RESPONSE 1/ Test against scripture 1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 1 John 4:1-6 do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. 2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth Acts 17:11 they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. 2. EXPOSE THEM Ephesians 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 3. STAY FAITHFUL Acts 20:29-30 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. James 1:14-15 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Hebrews 10:23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful. I Corinthians 10:12-13 Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall. No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. We will all have different temptations but are called to a common purpose of putting Jesus first in all we do and say. Galatians 5:1 Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

1 Tim 1 12-17 12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, ​1.​WHO WAS PAUL? 1 Tim 1:13 though formerly I was a. a blasphemer, b. persecutor, and c. insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had d. acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Paul was very aware of how bad he had been and how much transformation coming to Christ had meant to him. Past 2 Corinthians 11:21-29. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? -I speak as if insane Paul had been a good Jewish boy and hell bent of trying to please God to the point of attacking Christians. Now he was willing not just to live for Jesus but willing to die for Christ. Before Galatians 1:13-14 "For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers." Philippians 3:4-10 I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith - that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, Conversion In Acts 9 We have a description of his conversion Acts 22 with the second telling is in a speech Paul gives when he is arrested in Jerusalem.[Acts 22:6-21] then Paul addresses King Agrippa, Acts 26:12-18 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles -to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ So how did Paul now view his ministry Calling Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, Galatians 1:1-2:21 Paul, an apostle-not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father Galatians 1:15-16 But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles Romans 15:18-21 For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, His Ministry 1 Corinthians 2:2 F or I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified Ephesians 3:7-21 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church Philippians 1:12-26 my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God His Desire Acts 20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God Ephesians 3:7-9 I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things Finished the race 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ 2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing 2.​HIS MESSAGE 1 Tim 1:15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel 2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ Hebrews 3:1 keep your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, a and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. As Believers our key focus should be to please God 3.​WHO IS GOD? 17 To the King of the ages, a. immortal, b. invisible, c. the only God, Be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen. Colossians 3:1 Therefore, if you have been raised with the Messiah, keep focusing on the things that are above, where the Messiah is seated at the right hand of God. Jeremiah 24:7 I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; a and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart. We are called to be disciples not an audience family not just observers not just hearers but doers not just watchers but participants It is sad when some Christians see that the pastors are the paid professional and thy do the work. We are all called to share our faith and use our ministry gifts. A Friend once wanted to change where his youth ministry was heading and did a whole series of studies focusing on the nature of God. He wanted the youth to understand the God that they worshipped. Our eyes need to be fixed on Jesus.

I again thank our Lord for you Rob. Always great to hear the truth from one who is gifted by God to speak His Word. Amen

Hebrews 4:10 says that whoever has entered into his rest has also ceased from his own works as God did from his. So although we can enter into God's rest at any time through Jesus, this verse seems to indicate that we need to set aside time to do so (ceased from his own works). You argue that we enter God's rest through meditating and reading scripture hearing scripture etc. The "for" of Hebrews 4:12 So is your argument from Hebrews 4 is that we can specifically enter into God's sabbath rest at any time through Jesus, as we avail ourselves to the Word of God?

1 Timothy 1 1/ PAUL 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus What is an apostle? After Judas’ suicide, the apostles met to find a replacement for him. It is important to take note of the precise language we find in Acts 1. In verse 20, Peter quoted from Psalm 69: “May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,” and from Psalm 109: “May another take his place of leadership.” Also, in verse 24, the apostles said that Judas had “left his ministry.” What emerges from this is that the apostles did not replace Judas simply because he had died, but because he had abandoned his post. Acts 1:21-22 states that for a man to be an apostle, he had to have been a member of the band of disciples from the beginning, and to have been an eyewitness of Christ’s resurrection. Why was Paul an apostle? Jesus called Paul to be an additional apostle, Paul had met the risen Christ Apostle also had the great meaning of being sent much like we use the word missionary Barnabas was also given this designation by Luke (Acts 14:14). 2/ GOD by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, Saviour our hope 3/ TIMOTHY 2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: WHO WAS TIMOTHY? A. Timothy’s early life Acts 16:1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. Acts 16:3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. B. Writes with Paul NT letters 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, Philemon C. Relationship to Paul Romans 16:21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you 1 Corinthians 4:17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, 1 Corinthians 16:10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. Philippians 2:22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 1 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: D. Ministry Acts 17:14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. 17:15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed. Acts 18:5 When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. Acts 19:22 And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while. 1 Thessalonians 3:2 we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 1 Thessalonians 3:6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you- 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” Hebrews 13:23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 4/ GREETING a. Grace, used 124 times Grace is the core mindset of the Christian walk, if you get this part wrong like getting the first button on a shirt wrong, everything afterwards is wrong. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, It is God not us who achieves our salvation John 6:39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. Why do we need saving We are sinners Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Romans 3:10-12 10 “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside We need to own our sin 1 John 1:8-10 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us Romans 3:20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. It is only through Jesus we can be saved Romans 3:10 “None is righteous, no, not one; Romans 5:6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, God invented grace 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace grace is not earnt but a gift Romans 11:5-6 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, A summary Romans 5:8-10 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. What does grace mean for us, as believers 1. Grace make us right us before a holy God Romans 3:24 God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins 2. Grace provides us access to God to communicate and fellowship with Him Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. 3. Grace wins for us a new relationship of intimacy with God Exodus 33:17 The Lord replied “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favourably on you, and I know you by name.” 4. Grace disciplines and trains us to live in a way that honours God Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. 5. Grace grants us immeasurable spiritual riches Ephesians 2:7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 6. Grace helps us in our every need. Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. 7. Grace preserves us and comforts, encourages, and strengthens us 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, 17 comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. Grace is actively and continually working in the lives of God’s people. Paul credited the success of his ministry not to his own substantial labors but to 1 Corinthians 15:10 “the grace of God that was with me”. Grace is the ongoing, benevolent act of God working in us, without which we can do nothing and too wonderful for words (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Trinity revealed Isaiah 42:1 JESUS Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! HOLY SPIRIT I have put My Spirit upon Him; JESUS He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. 2 He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed He will not break, GOD THE FATHER 5 Thus says God the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, HOLY SPIRIT And spirit to those who walk on it: GOD THE FATHER 6 “I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; JESUS As a light to the Gentiles, 7 To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the prison, GOD THE FATHER 8 I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images. 9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; 1. The Holy Spirit in creation Gen. 1:2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Job 26:13 By His Spirit He adorned the heavens Job 33:4 Elihu: “The Spirit of God has made me and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” 2. The Spirit gives life to humanity and the other creatures Psalm 104:30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth It is interesting that when Genesis says God endows people with life by breathing into their nostrils the “breath of life” Gen. 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being the word for “breath” is the same word translated elsewhere as “spirit.” 3. The Spirit strives with sinners Genesis 6:3 the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; which is perhaps related to His work in convicting people of sin John 16:8-11 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgement, because the ruler of this world is judged. 4. The Spirit came upon certain judges, warriors, and prophets in a way that gave them extraordinary power: However, the Spirit later departed from Saul because of his disobedience (16:14). NT on all believers 5. The Spirit inspired Old Testament prophecy. Isaiah 59:21 The Lord said He would put His words in His people’s mouths In 2 Samuel 23:2, David said the Spirit of the Lord spoke through him. Old Testament saints received God’s words through their prophets Moses told the Israelites, Deuteronomy 30:14 “The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so that you may obey it” The Holy Spirit in the OT was a "special anointing" and not the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. A. David 2 Sam. 23:2 “the spirit of the lord spoke by me, and his word was on my tongue”. B. Ezekiel Ezekiel. 2:2“the spirit entered me when he spoke to me”. C. Joshua. Numbers 27:18 And the Lord said to Moses: "Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, lay your hand on him". D. Othniel: Judges 3:10 the spirit of the lord came upon him and he judged Israel E. Moses: Exodus 31:1-2 the lord spoke to saying: "see, I have called by name And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, NT believers: John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. But the Spirit could leave an OT Believer He could leave an individual after He had indwelt them. The life of Saul serves as an example: 1 Samuel 16:14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, 6. The Spirit inspired holiness in Old Testament believers God’s people Isaiah 63:7 “rebelled and grieved” His Holy Spirit, and as a result, God in His holiness fought against them Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. And Scripture promised that someday God would put His Spirit in His people in a way that would cause them to live according to His statutes Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. David-brokenhearted over his sins- asked God in Psalm 51:11 not to “cast” him from His presence or “remove” His Holy Spirit 7. The Spirit was crucial in helping God’s people anticipate the ministry of the Messiah. For example, Isaiah 11:1-5 is a Trinitarian preview of the working of the Father, the Spirit, and the Son. Looking forward to the ministry of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit inspired Isaiah to prophesy: “ 2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Thus we come full cycle to the New Testament, where Jesus claimed to be the fulfilment of Isaiah 61:1-2 Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour.” 8/ The Spirit Empowered As the Jews returned from the Babylonian exile, the Lord encouraged them to build His temple. God told His people through Haggai, “… 2:5 my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear” Zechariah 4:6 “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit…”. The Spirit would enable, encourage and strengthen Zerubbabel for the work God called him to do 9/ The Spirit Taught and Led A. Ezra s Nehemiah 9:20 “You gave your good Spirit to instruct them”. Old Testament believers were enabled by the Spirit to understand what God said to them, especially through the words of the prophets B. David gave his son Solomon the plans for the temple 1 Chronicles 28:10-12 “that the Spirit had put in his mind”. 10/ The Spirit Granted Special Skills A. When God told Israel how He wanted His tabernacle built, He also equipped craftsmen and artisans by His Spirit to do the work (Exodus 31:1-5). B. Prophecy: Seventy elders with Moses temporary received prophetic powers from the Spirit (Numbers 11). C. Prophets preached God’s word, D. the priests interceded for God’s people, E. and kings were anointed to lead Israel against God’s enemies NEW TESTAMENT EXPANSION The Spirit Regenerated REGENERATION Old Testament believers were regenerated by the Spirit, because all believers must be regenerated to overcome their natural hostility toward God and be able to please Him (Romans 8:7-9). The Bible teaches all humans are either born “in the flesh” or born “in the Spirit.” In this sense, Old Testament saints looked forward to the coming of their Redeemer Messiah, and by faith were regenerated by God’s Spirit (Romans 4:1-5). 2/ BORN AGAIN Jesus seemed to say Nicodemus, he should have understood the Spirit’s role in the “new birth” Jesus said John 3:3 no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again 3/ CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART receiving a “new heart” (Deuteronomy 30:6)-was the work of God’s Spirit even in Old Testament times Ezekiel 11:19-20 And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. Ezekiel 36:26-27 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, 4/ The Spirit Indwelling the Spirit permanently indwells believers 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 5/ PROPHET, PRIEST, KING Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament offices-God anointed Him for special service by His Spirit- as Prophet Priest King

Pray for Us Prayer points 3 Finally, brothers, pray for us, a. that the word of the Lord may speed ahead b. and be honoured, as happened among you, 2 c. and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. GOD 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. Warning Against Idleness 6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labour we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 1A. WHERE DID WORK COME FROM? In the Bible we have creation, fall and redemption CREATION Genesis 1:31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. GOD WORKS AND SO SHOULD WE Gen. 1:26 God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.” Gen. 1:27 So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Gen. 5:1 When God created humankind, he made them in the likeness of God. Work was created by God and it was good 1B. FALL Genesis 3:17-19 to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” 1C. ORDERED WORLD Exodus 20:9-10 Six days you shall labour, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 1D. REDEMPTION Ecclesiastes 3:22 So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. God works in creation and redemption Seeking to restore a fallen world by the Holy Spirit Acts 3:21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets Romans 8:19-21 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 2. HOW SHOULD WE APPROACH WORK Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men Proverbs 10:4 A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. 3. WHAT TYPE OF JOBS CAN WE DO? 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 4. WHAT IF NO PAID WORK IS AVAILABLE? Ephesians 4:28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labour, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 5.WHY WORK 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 6. CHARITY FOR UNEMPLOYED Leviticus 23:22 “And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: Acts 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 7A. WORKERS Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Ephesians 6:7-8 Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. Colossians 3:22 Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleaders, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 1 Peter 2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 7B. BOSSES Luke 6:31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. 1 Timothy 5:18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The labourer deserves his wages.” Deuteronomy 24:14 “You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of the sojourners who are in your land within your towns. Colossians 4:1 Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. 7C. MINISTRY 1 Corinthians 15:58 be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain. 2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 1 Peter 4:10-11 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies -in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. 2 Thess 3:8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labour we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. LAZY WORKERS Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. 2 Thess 3:10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. The protestant work ethic was to work hard, be diligent, be honourable Be generous, be supportive and be caring. Take ownership for what you do and do it for the glory of God Jesus spent more time being a carpenter than a preacher Being a pastor is different work not better. All work is for God. FINAL COMMENT 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Benediction 16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

The gospel is the gospel of the kingdom! Jesus is going to return and set up the kingdom of God ON THE EARTH! God’s government ON THE EARTH! The Messiah died for his people! God resurrected the Messiah! The Messiah will resurrect his people! The destiny of the Messiah and his people is to be ON THE EARTH! The renewed restored earth! God also dwelling with them! Rev 21 Matt 24 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Jesus said the Father is the only true God! John 17 3 And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.

ENDING Of THE TESTIMONY . GOD Wants To Know WHO Will LISTEN To HIS VOICE Or Rather THE VOICE Of A MAN THE Apostle Paul The False Prophet WHO Has Led THE WHOLE WORLD Astray With HIS Anti Christ DOCTRINE Of Christianity . The COMBINED Efforts Of THE BEAST The Roman Catholic Church ( MYSTERY BABYLON ) And THE ANTI CHRIST Apostle Paul The False Prophet HAVE Made GOD'S CHURCH Of The Laws And The Commandments And The Testimony Of Jesus A DESOLATION FOR THEIR Part THEY Will HAVE THEIR Place IN The Lake Of FIRE ! . WAKE UP It Is MIDNIGHT From The TRUE BRIDE Out In The Spiritual Wilderness Out Of ALL CHURCHES THEY Are ALL UNDER ROMAN Occupation .

From The True Bride Out In The Spiritual Wilderness Out Of ALL Churches . I Sang The Song Of The Lamb Some Call It The Song Of Moses In The Spirit . I Am ONE Of The 144,000 We Have A PURE FAITH And The Testimony Of Jesus . THE LAMB Helps US Gain THE VICTORY Over THE BEAST It's MARK And It's IMAGE THE BRIDE Appears At MIDNIGHT With A MESSAGE From JESUS To HIS PEOPLE If THEY Will HEAR IT . The Straight Testimony That Will Cause THE SHAKING . The REAL Identity Of MYSTERY BABYLON The Beast It's MARK The Numbers 666 THE FALSE PROPHET The Man Of Sin THE ANTI CHRIST . The TRUE LOCATION Of The Most HOLY PLACE So YOU May Get THE VICTORY As Well . Mystery Babylon Is The ONE Drunk With The Blood Of The Saints Is The Same ONE That Thinks Too Change TIMES And LAWS , HER Identity Is The Roman Catholic Church With THE POPE As HER Representative . EVERY Time SHE Reappears IN HISTORY There Is MUCH Bloodshed Of GOD'S Commandment Keeping People The Saints . The Roman Catholic Church MOVED GOD'S Sabbath Over To The Pagan Day Of THE SUN , Sunday . SHE Did It As HER MARK Of Authority Over GOD'S Laws And The Commandments And The Testimony Of Jesus , WHICH Is BLASPHEMY . GOD Tells US SHE Has HARLOT SISTERS , THEY Are ALL CHURCHES Under HER RULE And DOMINION That Carry HER MARK The ROMAN SUNDAY , This Is THE BEAST System . This MOVE BY HER Made GOD'S CHURCH Of The Laws And The Commandments And The Testimony Of Jesus A Desolation . GOD Says SHE Suffers NO LOSS Of CHILDREN . The Roman Catholic Church Have FOOT SOLDIERS Called THE JESUITS , THEY Are LOYAL Too HER Alone THEY Must INFILTRATE Religion At The Theological Level , Creating NEW Ones And Spinning ALL TYPES Of False Narratives For The Existing ONES . This Is MEANT Too Cause Division Dissension And Confusion Among GOD'S PEOPLE . WE Know SATAN Is THE AUTHOR Of IT ( Confusion ) . The MAIN GOAL Of THE JESUITS Is Too Make ALL WORSHIP The Beast - THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH And Too Make ALL Take HER MARK The ROMAN SUNDAY . GOD Tells US HER Wound Would BE HEALED THE POPE Has Once AGAIN Appeared ON THE WORLD Stage . The Anti Christ Is ANYONE That Speaks AGAINST GOD'S Laws And The Commandments And The Testimony Of Jesus . THERE Have Been MANY Anti Christs IN THE WORLD . THE ONE That Sets HIMSELF UP IN The Most HOLY PLACE Lets Call HIM Satan's MASTER PIECE The False Prophet A MAN WHO Has Led THE WHOLE WORLD Astray With HIS Anti Christ DOCTRINE . WHERE Do WE FIND The Most HOLY PLACE REALLY ? . The Most HOLY PLACE Is MUCH Debated For MANY Reasons . THE JESUIT Infiltration Into Schools Of Religious Learning And THEIR Deceptions Concerning IT . The OTHERS The IDEAS Of MEN . GOD Tells US Too BEWARE Of THOSE Claiming To BE JEWS But Are NOT . THE WORDS Of A MAN The False Prophet And HIS Deceptions Concerning IT . GOD Has Sent THE BIBLE Throughout THE WORLD Being Translated Into MANY Languages . IN IT GOD Tells US Who HE Is And Who HIS SON Is And ALL About SATAN WHO Seeks Too DECEIVE THE WHOLE WORLD If It Were Possible . FOR THIS Reason GOD Told Satan YOU MUST REVEAL YOUR Plans ! TO MY PEOPLE IN IT ( BIBLE ) . THAT THEY May Discern THE TRUTH For THEMSELVES And CHOOSE Whom THEY Will FOLLOW YOU ( Satan ) OR I GOD . THE BATTLE Between GOD And SATAN THE BEAST The False Prophet THE ANTI CHRIST Must BE Playing Out IN PLAIN SIGHT Or It WOULD Not BE FAIR . GOD Says " I DO NOTHING IN SECRET " . FOR THIS Reason THE BATTLE Has Been GOING ON Since THE VERY BEGINNING Right IN FRONT Of Our EYES ! . THE BIBLE Is GOD'S MOST Holy Place . Look For IT ANYWHERE Else And YOU Will BE DECEIVED And SATAN Pleased HE Does NOT Want To REVEAL HIS IDENTITY HE Wants Too REMAIN (HIDDEN) . IN THE BIBLE GOD'S MOST Holy Place GOD Tells US Who HE Is And Who HIS PEOPLE Are . THEY KEEP MY Laws And The Commandments And The Testimony Of Jesus . IN IT GOD ALSO Tells US HE Does NOT CHANGE . UNTIL Heaven And Earth Pass Away Not ONE Stroke Or Letter SHALL PASS From THE LAW UNTIL ALL BE FULFILLED . THIS Has ALWAYS Been GOD'S Mark Of HIS PEOPLE What HAPPENED ? . ENTER A MAN A ROMAN Into GOD'S MOST Holy Place The Bible . HE Tells US HE Is SAUL To PAUL An Apostle Of GOD . THAT Does Depend ON WHO YOU Ask GOD'S DISCIPLES Knew HE Was AN IMPOSTER . THEY Had To Send OTHERS BEHIND HIM Correcting HIS Mistakes . THEY Said HE Was WREAKING HAVOC On GOD'S CHURCH Of The Laws And The Commandments , The Testimony Of Jesus . THEY Sought Too KILL HIM . THE Apostle Paul Goes ON To INVENT Pauline Christianity HIS BOOKS The Number Of A MAN 66 6 And THE BEAST The Roman Catholic Church - MYSTERY BABYLON . THE Apostle Paul Sets HIMSELF UP IN GOD'S MOST Holy Place The Bible . Declaring HIMSELF To BE GOD , Thinking Too Change TIMES And LAWS Just Like HIS ROMAN COUNTER PART The Beast THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Did . THE Apostle Paul Tells US WHO HE Is IN The Book Of Thessalonians , HE Is The Man Of Sin THE LAWLESS ONE The Abomination That Makes DESOLATE That GOD Will REVEAL . THERE Is Only One LAWLESS ONE IN GOD'S MOST Holy Place The Bible . THE Apostle Paul With HIS BOOKS Of INVENTED Christianity Makes VOID - GOD'S Laws And The Commandments And The Testimony Of Jesus , This MOVE BY HIM Made GOD'S CHURCH Of The Laws And The Commandments And The Testimony Of Jesus A DESOLATION . THIS Makes THE Apostle Paul THE ANTI CHRIST IN GOD'S MOST Holy Place The Bible . GOD Warns If A MAN Speaks NOT According To THE LAW There Is NO LIGHT In THEM . THE ANTI CHRIST Apostle Paul Is ALSO The False Prophet That Sets HIMSELF UP IN GOD'S MOST Holy Place The Bible . THE ANTI CHRIST Apostle Paul The False Prophet WORKS WITH The Beast - THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Too Make ALL WORSHIP HER And Too Make ALL Take HER MARK The ROMAN SUNDAY . THE Apostle Paul's CHRISTIANS Only Have THE ONE DAY Available FOR WORSHIP The ROMAN SUNDAY WHICH Is THE MARK Of THE BEAST . THIS Is ( HOW ) THE ANTI CHRIST Apostle Paul The False Prophet Accomplishes It . GOD Says " COME OUT Of HER MY PEOPLE Lest YOU Drink Of The Wine Of The Wrath Of HER Fornication " . GOD Says " If YOU Stay In A SUNDAY CHURCH I Will Say " I NEVER KNEW YOU " . GOD Is NOT A Christian . GOD Says MY SHEEP Hear MY VOICE And KEEP MY Laws And The Commandments And The Testimony Of Jesus , " I DO NOT CHANGE " . GOD Left THE Apostle Paul IN With HIS BOOKS Of INVENTED Christianity Telling YOU " I DO CHANGE " . Too SEPERATE The Wheat From The Tares ,

The Man of Lawlessness 1. THE ISSUE AT HAND v1-3 2 Thess 2:1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, 2. THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS v.3-4 unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, Anti Christ 1/ Calls himself God, equal to God or to take the place of God v4 opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship 2. Needs to be seated in the Temple. V4. he takes his seat in the temple of God, This leads us to ask is the Temple a. the literal Temple in Jerusalem that was destroyed in AD 70 and has never been rebuilt. If a literal temple then the Anti-Christ would have to come pre AD 70 b. A different temple or religious place ie Mormons have temples. Some think the Vatican Is the Temple a symbol for the Church? 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Peter 2:5 as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices 1 Corinthians 6:19 do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit Then a person within the Christian religion who sets himself up as God. Or a different religion that creates its own God that is not the God of the Bible. Thus some people think the Catholic Church or Muslims or cults like the Mormons. d. A future Temple in our current times we have an obsession with the Temple to be rebuilt by the Jews. 3. OTHER TITLES a. Antichrist in 1,2 John 1 John 2:18 the Antichrist is coming, so now many Antichrists (plural) have come. 1 John 2:22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 1 John 4:3 every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. 2 John 1:7 those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the Antichrist. 1 John 2:18 many Antichrists, not one anti Christ as a person but a type. b. False Christ Matthew 24:24 and Mark 13:22 For false Christ's and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders The Anti-Christ is religious, so linking him to a political figure fails unless that political leader sets himself up as being equal to God or a replacement for God. HOW WAS IT USED IN THE EARLY CHURCH Polycarp ( c. 155) warned the Philippians that everyone who preached false doctrine was an anti-Christ. His use of the term Antichrist follows that of the New Testament in not identifying a single personal Antichrist, but a class of people. FIVE OPTIONS 1. Roman Emperor Roman opposition to Jewish worship of God. In particular, the emperor Gaius Caligula ordered soldiers to erect a cult image of himself in the Jerusalem temple, despite widespread Jewish opposition according to Josephus. Gaius died while the image was still en route, so it was never installed. Paul almost certainly knows this history, and it may well be in his mind as he writes. Still, Paul’s argument works only if the man of lawlessness has not yet appeared, since the absence of the lawless one’s arrival proves that the day of the Lord is yet to come. CURRENT 2 Thess 2:6 he may be revealed in his time. 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work 1 John 2:18 Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 1 John 4:3 the spirit of the Antichrist., which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. The Roman empire persecuted Christians Acts 18:2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, and Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. Why? The Jews were rioting so badly against Christians that both group were expelled possibly AD 49. Paul was arrested and was in prison in Rome at the end of the book of Acts According to Tacitus Nero blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64. Suetonius wrote that "Punishment was inflicted on the Christians" By 325, an estimated 7 million Roman Empire citizens were Christians with as many as 2 million killed for the faith Daniel’s prophetic imagery points to Antiochus IV of Seleucia, who styled himself Epiphanes (“god manifest”), invaded Jerusalem, despoiled the temple, commanded the burning of the Scriptures, forbade the covenant rite of circumcision, put to death many faithful Jews, and ultimately instituted pagan sacrifices in the Jerusalem temple (167 BC). the pagan altar Antiochus set up in the temple as the abomination of desolation (1 Macc. 1:54; 6:7) 2. Roman Catholic Church or Pope Before the Protestant movement here is a summary of the some of the popes Pope Alexander VI (1492 to 1503) Alexander had several mistresses and fathered numerous illegitimate children. He staged comedies, orgies, lavish banquets and dance parties - paid for with the church's funds Pope Julius II (1503 to 1513) had several mistresses and at least one illegitimate daughter In 1511, a council brought charges of lewd sexual acts against him, alleging that he was "a sodomite covered with shameful ulcers," Pope Leo X (1513 to 1521) Pope Leo X encouraged worshippers to pay for their sins - literally. This was central to the teachings of Martin Luther's against paying money to absolve sin. In France, Henry IV in 1598, granted freedom of worship and other rights to French Protestants. With the Edict of Fontainebleau, 1685 - King Louis 14th ordered the destruction of Protestant churches, the closure of Protestant schools and the expulsion of Protestant clergy. Roughly 1 million Huguenots or French Protestants lived in France at the time. Emigration of Protestants was explicitly forbidden, it is estimated that 200,000 to 800,000 fled. St. Bartholomew's Day massacre began on the night of 23-24 August 1572, possibly 30,000 Christians were killed in one night. I read that over half of the students that Calvin inspired to pastor in France were killed for their faith. This is why the Pope was seen as an Anti-Christ, 3. A future person or institution Names like Ronald Reagan because his middle name had 6 letters thus 666. Obama a book called The Final Antichrist: Barack Obama Is Obama is the Antichrist!: 70 Facts Identifying the Antichrist Right Now! It believes that now he is no longer president that he will be made king of 10 Arab Countries and will seek to control the world. In 2013 according to a poll by Public Policy Polling, 13% thought Obama was "the Antichrist.", while 13% were "not sure" The survey also revealed that 28% of people believed in a sinister global New World Order conspiracy, aimed at ruling the whole world through authoritarian government. Another 25% were "not sure" A recent book The Rising of Antichrist How Donald Trump Foreshadows The Coming storm by Richie Cooley even our own ABC has an article ‘Should we call Donald Trump “anti-Christ”’ Sadly we now live in the world of conspiracy theories that the internet just makes worse. 4. Satan in the flesh Numerous 1970’s horror movies like the exorcist had Satan being born as a human. 5. A repeatable type If you lived in Communist Russia where the Communist Party destroyed churches, ridiculed, harassed, incarcerated and executed religious leaders, flooded the schools and media with anti-religious teachings, and it introduced a belief system called "scientific atheism," It is believed that 12-20 Million people were killed many for their faith. Between 1936-1938 the great purge saw at least 106,300 Russian clergymen executed. If you lived in Russia then Stalin and Lenin could easily be seen to be the anti Christ' In every Country and each generation people will rise up and seek to destroy Churches, deny Jesus and seek to hurt believers. The church will see that they personify Satan. People often ask was does God allow bad things, can we also ask why does Satan allow good things. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

1 Thessalonians 1 Acts 17:1 they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” RESPONSE Acts 17:4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. CONFLICT Acts 17:5 But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. 10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians from Corinth in AD 51. Paul was only able to stay a short time, and not long after leaving he wrote 1 Thessalonians, many debate whether this or Galatians was the first letter by Paul. After his letter was received they still had many questions for Paul and he wrote his second letter a few weeks later. Between the first and the second letter the new church dealt with heretics. Some deliberately misleading the new believers, even to the point of forging letters to make them look as if they had come from Paul (2 Thessalonians 2:2). The apostle, therefore, took extra care in this letter to make sure the Thessalonians understood not only his views on the end times but also what his handwriting looked like, so they would be able to identify letters as authentically his (3:17). Why is Second Thessalonians so important? 1/ Wants to encourage new believers facing opposition , we are to be thankful and understand the work of the Holy Spirit j 2. To clarify who the anti Christ is - Next weeks sermon 3. Explain that Believers need to have a work ethic. The week’s after sermon In his first letter Paul addresses how the Thessalonians were evangelised as they received the Word of God 1 Thess 1:2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, in His second letter they were edified, noting their progress in faith, love, and patience 2 Thess 1:13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first-fruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul reminds them of their conversion 2 Thess 1:5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction This is still true today we need to hear God’s Word and then have the Holy Spirit convict and empower us. The promised comforter Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come after His departure. We read: John 14:16-17 “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever- 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. The pouring of the Holy Spirit to those people who are under the New Covenant fulfilled the prophecy of Prophet Joel as written in Acts Acts 2:17-18 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. Thus, in the New Covenant, anyone who accepts Christ’s atoning sacrifice, who has repented of their sins, were baptised receives the Holy Spirit. The 7 Functions of the Holy Spirit Ezekiel 36:26: I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. The role of the Holy Spirit in our lives 1. The Holy Spirit keeps us in contact with God I John 3:24 “Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us”. 2. The Holy Spirit guides us to the truth John 16:13 “when the Spirit of truth, has come, it will guide you into all TRUTH; for it will not speak on its own authority, but whatever it hears it will speak; and it will tell you things to come”. 3. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin John 16:8 “And when He has come, It will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement” 4. The Holy Spirit helps us understand deeper the Word of God I Corinthians 2:10-12 “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the DEEP things of God… Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, THAT WE MIGHT KNOW THE THINGS that have been freely given to us by God”. 5. The Holy Spirit allows us to bear righteous fruit Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” 6. The Holy Spirit imparts spiritual gifts I Corinthians 12:4-12 “There are diversities of GIFTS, but the same Spirit… But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. 7. The Holy Spirit comforts us John 14:16 “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper (or comforter and counsellor) that He may abide with you forever”. Luke 1:35 the Holy Spirit is the power of God. Acts 1:8 When we receive the Holy Spirit, we also receive a portion of that POWER. Romans 8:14-17 It is through the Holy Spirit that we can be called true Christians and children of God. One key feature of Paul's prayer was thanksgiving 2 Corinthians 4:15 grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. Ephesians 1:16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Are we thankful people? How much of our prayers are full of thanksgiving 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, His Thanks was for ...your faith is growing abundantly, … the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. … your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. Thanksgiving in hardship 5 This is evidence of the righteous judgement of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering- 6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, Paul is clear we deal with hardship by thanksgiving Corrie Ten Boon talks about the incredible lice plagues that they faced when in a concentration camp. They thanked God because the guards left them alone and they were free to pray and read the scriptures What of those who persecute us? 8 vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord What about us? 10 when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. 11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfil every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. This would is not our home, no matter how bad things are we will have eternal life 2 Thess 2:13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, As a result of their conversion Paul could say 1. God chose you as the first-fruits 2. to be saved, 3. through sanctification by the Spirit 4, and belief in the truth. 5. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, 6. so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7, 15 stand firm God focused 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. Once saved God via His Spirit will work in our lives We are called to be Gospel focused 2 Thess 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honoured, 3:3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Jesus appears to His disciples ILuke 24:36 Jesus said, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? XXX 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. XXX 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marvelling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them. XXX 44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, XXX 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day prise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. XXX 48 You are witnesses of these things. Ascension Phil 2:5-11 Acts 1:1-11 If we look at Jesus in the big picture we see that Scripture teaches that he was before creation Col 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Who was exalted above all creation and living in a perfect harmony with his Father and the Holy Spirit. He leaves Heaven to become a man Phil 2:5 2:6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 2:7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross! He then resumed his place with the Father after 6 weeks on earth. 2:9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 2:11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ASCENSION Luke 24:49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." 24:50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 24:51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 24:52 Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 24:53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Acts 1:6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 1:7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 1:9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 1:10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 1:11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Mark 16:19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 16:20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. Paul gives us more insight with Ephesians 1:19 That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 1:20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 1:21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 1:22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church. The Writer of Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven 9:24 For Christ did not enter a manmade sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. In the past people talked about Jesus leaving Earth for Heaven - with modern times we realise that this was not as geographical move but a Spiritual move. Not one that could be copied in a Space Ship SIGNIFICANCE The significance of the ascension is that Jesus left behind the effects of sin on earth and received a resurrected body. He left behind, opposition, hostility, the shame of the cross, unfaithfulness, and it was replaced by the praise of the angels living in Heaven with his and our Heavenly Father looking forward to return and the end of all ages 1. EXALTED Jesus know was it means to be human, to die, to be resurrected and now exalted by God Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 12:3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 2. MEDIATOR 1 Tim 2:5 A For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 2:6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men. 3. THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT John 14:1-3 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 14:2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 16:7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. The Spirit within us John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever  14:17 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. Greater Ministry impact - John 14:12 anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. Jesus was be with us forever Matt 28:20 And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." 4. JESUS EXALTED TO THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD Matt 26:66 In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." 1 Peter 3:21-22 It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand Getting ready for us to be co-heirs Rev 3:21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 5. RIGHT HAND Place of Honour and Power Heb 7:24 Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 7:25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 7:26 Such a high priest meets our need  one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 7:27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.

Jesus appears to His disciples ILuke 24:36 Jesus said, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? XXX 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. XXX 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marvelling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them. XXX 44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, XXX 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day prise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. XXX 48 You are witnesses of these things. Ascension Phil 2:5-11 Acts 1:1-11 If we look at Jesus in the big picture we see that Scripture teaches that he was before creation Col 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Who was exalted above all creation and living in a perfect harmony with his Father and the Holy Spirit. He leaves Heaven to become a man Phil 2:5 2:6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 2:7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross! He then resumed his place with the Father after 6 weeks on earth. 2:9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 2:11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ASCENSION Luke 24:49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." 24:50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 24:51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 24:52 Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 24:53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Acts 1:6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 1:7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 1:9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 1:10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 1:11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Mark 16:19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 16:20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. Paul gives us more insight with Ephesians 1:19 That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 1:20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 1:21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 1:22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church. The Writer of Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven 9:24 For Christ did not enter a manmade sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. In the past people talked about Jesus leaving Earth for Heaven - with modern times we realise that this was not as geographical move but a Spiritual move. Not one that could be copied in a Space Ship SIGNIFICANCE The significance of the ascension is that Jesus left behind the effects of sin on earth and received a resurrected body. He left behind, opposition, hostility, the shame of the cross, unfaithfulness, and it was replaced by the praise of the angels living in Heaven with his and our Heavenly Father looking forward to return and the end of all ages 1. EXALTED Jesus know was it means to be human, to die, to be resurrected and now exalted by God Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 12:3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 2. MEDIATOR 1 Tim 2:5 A For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 2:6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men. 3. THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT John 14:1-3 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 14:2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 16:7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. The Spirit within us John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever  14:17 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. Greater Ministry impact - John 14:12 anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. Jesus was be with us forever Matt 28:20 And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." 4. JESUS EXALTED TO THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD Matt 26:66 In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." 1 Peter 3:21-22 It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand Getting ready for us to be co-heirs Rev 3:21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 5. RIGHT HAND Place of Honour and Power Heb 7:24 Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 7:25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 7:26 Such a high priest meets our need  one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 7:27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.

Christ has risen Luke 24:1-12 1a. WOMEN GO TO THE TOMB 24:1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. • PEOPLE: Luke 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, the first person to see the resurrected Christ. Jesus cleansed her of seven demons (Luke 8:2 and Mark 16:9), She was one of the women who accompanied and aided Jesus in Galilee (Luke 8:1-2), John 19:25-26 further notes that she stood by the cross, near the Virgin Mary and possibly John. Joanna, mentioned in the gospels who was healed by Jesus and later supported him and his disciples in their travels, one of the women recorded in Luke as accompanying Jesus and the twelve and a witness to Jesus' resurrection. She was the wife of Chuza, who managed the household of Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee. Mary the mother of James, • and the others with them who told this to the apostles. Mark 16:1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and (adds) Salome • PURPOSE bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. • PROBLEM Mark 16:3 they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" 1b. STONE ROLLED AWAY Matthew 28:2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 28:3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 28:4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 1c. EARTHQUAKES COMMANDMENTS Exodus 19:18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, ELIJAH 1 Kings 19:11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 1d. ANGELS Luke 24:2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 24:3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 24:4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men (angels) in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 24:5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 24:6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 24:7 `The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" 24:8 Then they remembered his words. 1e. RETURN FROM THE TOMB 24:9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 24:11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 2. PETER RUNS TO THE TOMB 24:12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. THE EARTHLY CHRIST IS REPLACED BY THE RISEN CHRIST Phil : 2:6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 2:7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross! 2:9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 2:11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Revelations 1:13 among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 1:14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 1:15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters 1:16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. 1:17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 1:18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades 3. THE ESSENTIAL TEACHINGS OF THE RISEN CHRIST Luke 24:13-32 Meets disciples on the Road to Emmaus Their desire - 24:21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. 24:25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 24:26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" JESUS 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. THEY REFLECTED "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" RETURN TO JERUSALEM 24:36 Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 24:44 He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. PURPOSE 24:46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, MESSAGE 24:47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins DESTINATION will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 24:48 You are witnesses of these things. EMPOWERMENT 24:49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." 4. Why the Resurrection is so important A/ WHY DID JESUS NEED TO BE RAISED TO LIFE? Romans 1:4 He was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 14:9 Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO US? 1 Cor. 6:14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Ephesians 1:20 he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms WHAT SHOULD OUR RESPONSE BE? Romans 7:4, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. WHAT IS JESUS DOING NOW? Romans 8:34 who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Hi Rob ,I once again thank God for you dear friend and brother

1. THE ROAD TO THE CROSS The route followed normally led through busy streets in order to intimidate the people. a. SIMON OF CYRENE v.26-27 Luke 23:26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, Mark gives us some additional detail writing Mk 15:21 "They pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross." who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. 27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. b. WARNING TO WOMEN v28-31 28 But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘ Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” Jesus is alluding to the horrible time of suffering that will come in 70 AD when Rome destroys Jerusalem Jesus takes up a prophecy from Isaiah Isaiah 2:19 Men will go into caves of the rocks And into holes of the ground Before the terror of the Lord And the splendour of His majesty, When He arises to make the earth tremble. The Judge of all is now under judgement Acts 10:42 “that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. 2. THE TWO CRIMINALS v32-34 32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. Prophecy fulfilled Psalm 22:18 they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. FORGIVING OUR ENEMIES Stephen: Acts 7:60 Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Jesus: Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Jesus: Luke 11:4 ‘And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’” Paul: Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse 1 Corinthians 4:12 when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; Why can some people see the truth and others it remains a mystery 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Is ignorance an excuse to not believe? Acts 13:27 “For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, recognising neither Him nor the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning Him. Acts 17:30 Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, 1 Corinthians 2:8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Acts 3:17-19 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, We are are without excuse on judgement Day. God provides opportunities for us to respond and calls all to repent. 3. THOSE WATCHING a. CROWD SCOFFED v.35 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” Psalm 22:12 Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; 13 they open wide their mouths at me, 17 I can count all my bones -they stare and gloat over me; like a ravening and roaring lion. Zechariah 12:10“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. Psalm 22:6-8 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” b. SOLDIERS MOCKED v.36-38 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” Although they sought to mock Jesus it is only earlier in Luke we hear from God Luke 9:35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; My Chosen one - the Messiah, the Christ. Set apart by God Luke only gives us the exchange of the 2 criminals who died that day with Jesus 4. THE TWO CRIMINALS a. CRIMINAL REJECTS JESUS v.39 39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” b. CRIMINAL ACCEPTS JESUS v40-43 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” One lost and one saved. Since this Gospel was first released many a preacher would use this story to ask his audience Where do you stand with God Is he your Lord? That man discovered what Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” means. Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ Colossians 1:13-14 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 5. THE DEATH OF JESUS v.44-46 44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. PARADISE is used three times in the NT 2 Cor 12:4 that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell. Rev 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ The Word for paradise comes from the Persian word for a grand park, enclosed, protected, well cared for, but sealed off or contained A pleasure garden Post OT Jews: the part of Hades set aside for the souls of the righteous until the resurrection. Regardless of whether we take it as Heaven itself or a holding area for the righteous awaiting resurrection, their fate is to be with Jesus eternally. 6. PEOPLE’S RESPONSE a. THE CENTURION’S RESPONSE v.47 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” Matthew 27:54 and Mark 15:39 “Truly this was the Son of God!” b. THE CROWD v.48 48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. c. THE WOMEN v.49 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things. 7. THE BODY REMOVED a. JOSEPH ASKS FOR THE BODY OF JESUS v.50-52 50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. b. JESUS TAKEN AWAY v. 53-54 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. 54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. 55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. Jesus is now dead and buried This is not the end but the beginning of a new life.

Luke 23 Includes some unique information on the death of Jesus 1/ Luke 23:34 uniquely records Jesus’ prayer to forgive the sin of his executioners. 2/ Luke 23:35 mentions that the rulers mock Jesus with reference to being the Chosen One, 3. Luke 23:39-43 uniquely records Jesus’ discussion with the two thieves. 4. Luke 23:46 uniquely records the content of Jesus’ second cry from the cross, using Psalm. 31:5 Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. 5. Luke 23:49 uniquely mentions that the disciples watched from a distance. Of the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross three are unique to Luke Luke 23:34 Father forgive them Luke 23:43 Today you shall be with Me in Paradise Luke 23:46 Father, into your hands i commit my spirit

Jesus Before Pilate Luke 23:1 the whole company arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” Jesus Before Herod 13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Peter was elected head of the Church by Jesus and he said 1 Peter 2:21-24 Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. Many see that John was Jesus’ closest fiend and he wrote 1 John 3:5 You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. The Apostle Paul stated
2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
 1. "Was Jesus sinless?" Why is this so important for believers Answer: Yes, Jesus was sinless, It means he was both the perfect representative of us to God and the perfect sacrifice to appease God. The perfect go between Fully God and fully man. Sadly many Church goers seek to save themselves, believing if they somehow try hard enough that they can be pure and without sin. Here on earth this is impossible and leads to a miserable life. Salvation from beginning to end is achieve solely by Jesus dying in our place. It is he who saves and he who truly forgives If Jesus were not sinless, there would be no sacrifice for sin. Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden ushered sin into this world. With their sin came death, just as God had warned. As a result, mankind is now born with a sin nature Romans 5:12-19 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned 15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgement following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. The Bible makes it clear, however, that Jesus Christ, though tempted But without sin. Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. In addition to putting a barrier between us and our Creator, our inherited sinful nature subjected all of us to physical and eternal death because Romans 6:23“the wages of sin is death” Now, to be reconciled with God there needed to be forgiveness, Hebrews 9:22 “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” After Adam and Eve sinned, in the Old Testament that had an elaborate Sacrificial system to deal with sin but it did no work Hebrews 10:4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Hebrews 10:11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. The Old Testament sacrifices were a foreshadowing of the perfect, “once for all” sacrifice of Jesus Christ as predicted in Isaiah Isaiah 53:9 Because He had done no violence,
Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.

Hebrews 7:27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. Hebrews 10:10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. The sacrifice that did not work in the OT was replaced by Jesus sacrificing himself at Easter for us 1 Peter 1:18-19 “For you know that it is not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” Colossians 1:20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 2. WHAT ABOUT US? a. ALL SIN Ecclesiastes 7:20 Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. 1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. b. WHAT ABOUT THE SINS FROM ADAM Romans 5:19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. c. JESUS TOOK OUR PLACE Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
 d. JESUS IS THE PERFECT GO BETWEEN 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, e. SALVATION THROUGH JESUS Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” 3. WHAT IF WE SIN? 1 John 2:1 I am writing... so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Romans 10:9 if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 8:3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, The core element in the OT sacrifice was the lamb. In the OT Jesus is predicted as a lamb Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, In the NT Jesus is now the lamb who was slain John 1:29 “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 1 Peter 1:19 the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. In heaven Jesus is described as a lamb Revelation 5:6 I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, Revelation 5:12 “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!” Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 12:11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 22:3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. Revelation 21:23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. Because Jesus was sinless We can have confidence of our salvation by Him

The Triumphal Entry Luke 19:28-44 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, Bethphage is located it on the Mount of Olives. It was on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho and the limit of a Sabbath-day's journey from Jerusalem. Bethany about 3km east of Jerusalem It was the home of Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus. and the miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection happened here The name Bethany is translated by some to mean “house of figs,” as there are many fig trees and palms in the area; at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, How is this spot viewed in prophecy Zechariah 14:3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. 4 On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward 8 On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. It shall continue in summer as in winter. 9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one. 11 And it shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction. Jerusalem shall dwell in security. Here is Jesus at this very spot! Will he announce that the is truly the Messiah The Crowd was expectant! the Crowd was jubilant! Earlier in Luke 19:11 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” "The Israel was a custom called angaria allowed the use of an animals for service to a significant figure." According to the custom, a dignitary could procure use of property for personal reasons. 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. Jesus proposed to ride into Jerusalem in a way that would be an unmistakable claim to the Jews that He was their Messiah, and their King as He fulfilled the messianic prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. COLT 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” In Luke’s gospel Jesus is often called the Son of David At the birth of Jesus Luke 1:32 “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; Luke 2:11 For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And in the Chapter before Luke 18:38-39 And he called out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Truly Jesus on a donkey was the coming King the Messiah the True final Son of David Fulfiller of Prophecy John the Baptist had asked earlier Luke 7:19 “Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?” Who is this one that John the Baptist expected Luke 3:16 “As for me, I baptise you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Jesus on a donkey 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. Here we have Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your KING is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Fulfilled one of the major problems with the Jewish interpretations of the Old Testament Messianic passages was that they generally failed to see a clear distinction between Messiah's First and Second Coming. Thus they would have failed to understand that Zechariah's very next passage was a prophecy not of Messiah's First but of His Second Coming.... Zechariah 9:10 will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem; and the bow of war will be cut off. And He will speak peace to the nations (AFTER HE HAS DEFEATED ALL HIS FOES and His dominion will be from sea to sea, And from the River to the ends of the earth. This story is found in all 4 gospels and John adds John 12:14-15 And Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written, "FEAR NOT, DAUGHTER OF ZION; BEHOLD, YOUR KING IS COMING, SEATED ON A DONKEY'S COLT." Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey was proclaimed His kingship publicly and officially. People may ask if Jesus was King was not a war horse instead of a Donkey? In the ancient Middle Eastern world, leaders rode horses if they rode to war, but donkeys if they came in peace. Thus fulfilling Zechariah 9:10 “I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” Thus - “Take away the chariots”: an end to the main vehicle of war. - “Take away the war-horses”: no need for horses used in war. - “The battle bow will be broken”: no need for bows or arrows for fighting. - “He will proclaim peace to the nations”: His message will be one of reconciliation. - “His rule shall be from sea to sea”: the King will control extended territory with no enemies of concern. SPREAD CLOAKS 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. Jesus fulfils this prophecy of Zechariah. The worldwide peace proclaimed by this humble King will be a fulfilment of the angels’ song in Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! A caravan of pilgrims had arrived at Jerusalem previously. Having heard that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead and was now on his way toward the city, these people came pouring out of the eastern gate to meet him. With fronds cut from palm trees they go forth to welcome Jesus Throwing their coats on the Ground This was an honour bestowed on a king and expressed their submission to Jesus as their King. The idea is that they were "in effect" placing themselves under His feet. So instead of doing it physically people would throw their coats beneath His path. This act of throwing garments on the ground was a formal presentation of Jesus as the Messiah. The crowds realised this and entered into the spirit of the occasion. The people, however, expected the Lord to set up His rule in opposition to that of Rome, and deliver the Jews from the yoke of their oppressors. Yes Jesus was the Messiah but not as they had expected 37 As he was drawing near -already on the way down the Mount of Olives- the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” When we add the other Gospels we see that prophecy was fulfilled John 12:13 from Psalm 118:25-26 Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success! 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord. John 12:15 from Isaiah 40:9 Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” The laying of cloaks on the road would be like rolling out the red carpet for someone today. The other gospels add Palm Branches Palm branches were a symbol of Jewish nationalism since the time of the Maccabees. The crowd looked to Jesus as a political and national saviour, but not so much as a spiritual saviour. Later, palms appeared as national symbols on the coins struck by the Judean insurgents during the first and second revolts against Rome (ad 66-70 and 132-135) This is Palm Sunday The start of the road to the cross John 1:29 The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! Romans 4:25 [Jesus Christ] was delivered up because of our offences, and was raised because of our justification. Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. 1 Corinthians 15:3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.

Luke 12:13-34 Teaching about Money and Possessions It has been said that the wallet is the last place to be converted Monks No plans Prosperity doctrine God wants you rich Parable of the Rich Fool 13 Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” The person who made this request could think of only one thing: the inheritance! He was convinced that he was being cheated. It is very likely that the underlying motive for this somewhat abrupt question was greed or covetousness. According to the law of the day, the elder brother received two-thirds of the inheritance and the younger brother received one-third. Possibly the younger brother wanted 50/50. He asks for a decision in his own favour. Asking was a common issue for Rabbi’s. Jesus however, wanted to focus on the gospel not petty greed. How easy is it for us to be caught by petty issues. 14 Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” 15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Jesus does not respond to the question but to the heart. "Jesus came to bring people to God, not to bring property to people. In this situation he was concerned with the attitudes of those involved, not with who got what." Greed is a very dangerous sin that often comes gift wrapped with bows and ribbons. Solomon possibly the richest man of his era said Ecclesiastes 5:10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. Paul warned 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Greed is indeed dangerous A man is really measured by what he IS -not by what he HAS The true measure of man is not what he keeps but what he donates. The opposite of greed is being generous. 16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ What should our response be? James 4:13-15 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapour that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” The key issue is not the money but his soul. He is living for himself not God All of us will face Judgement Day. Wealth is good for the here and now but the bigger question is eternity. 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ The rich man was not a fool because he had a lot of possessions, but he was a fool because he had all the possessions but did not possess Jesus. The world would call him WISE because he took such great care preparing for his earthly needs, but God called him a FOOL because he forgot about his heavenly needs. Though this verse does not prohibit wealth, Jesus clearly warns his hearers concerning the dangerous eternal implications of wealth, with its seductive tendency toward complacency, self-sufficiency, and covetousness Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 1 Timothy 6:7-10 For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. Proverbs 11:24-25 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Many years ago when I worked at Mt Druitt a lovely family offered me about 40 T-shirts. Many were new and never ever used. I was able to help numerous people. It was a few month later I realised that they gave me the T- shirts so they could buy more clothes. It is easy to become excessive in ownership and have far more than we can ever use. Before I buy new clothes I first must take from my current pile and donate. It means I now rarely buy anything. It is easy to have too much. 21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” This is not teaching that we should be poor, but to consider what is the highest importance earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Wealth without Jesus is nothing If we are Christ centred how should it impact us? We should not miss the Lord’s point. Solomon tells us that it is a gift of God Ecclesiastes 3:13 “that everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil” Paul tells us that our gracious God 1 Timothy 6:17 “provides us with everything for our enjoyment”. Luke 12:22-34 Do Not Be Anxious 22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. We need to be careful with the verse as it is talking about day to day anxiety which is significantly different for people suffering from anxiety syndrome. Anxiety and anxiety syndrome are quite different. We all need to take this verse to heart and balance our priorities 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. What do people worry about? This is what happens when they asked 2,000 people what they are most worried about. The survey also found 42% of people are unhappy with their lives. In the top 20 worries were Pet's health, If my dress sense is good, Whether or not I am attractive, Worried about my physique, Wrinkles or ageing appearance, diet, Getting old in general Jesus in a poor agricultural society mentions Food and clothing. Some serious worries include health, relationships, work, money or past However, as a Christian we can give our lives over to God as our starting point. If worry gets serious then seek out help. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Putting God is the centre of our decisions helps us to get a bigger perspective on what is happening, oddly much of what we worry about can be forgotten tomorrow. 32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world -the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions -is not from the Father but is from the world. Psalm 62:10 Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them. We are called to Proverbs 3:9 Honour the Lord with your wealth and with the first-fruits of all your produce. If you are financially secure thank God Learn to be thankful in all situations Put God first. Pray to learn to be generous When Anxious Seek God and claim his promises.

Luke 11:14-28 Demons Demons in the Bible Ancient Near Eastern society was awash with texts containing magical incantations and amulets intended to protect people from evil spirits. Up to the 20th Century the largest world religion was folk religion which was full of demons. OLD TESTAMENT There are no incantations, rituals or amulets prescribed for giving protection from spirits. Considering how much of the Torah is devoted to ritual and to sacred objects, this is a remarkable omission. God is said to have complete authority over the spirits, which cannot operate in the world without his approval. The main concern of the Old Testament writers was that people avoid seeking to avail themselves of magical powers through contact with spirits Dt 18:10-11 never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft,or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. NEW TESTAMENT Luke 4:41 Many were possessed by demons; and the demons came out at his command, Jesus alone has absolute power over them, but this was a matter of divine authority, not magic or sorcery. The New Testament mocks the claims of magicians by describing their inability to deal with real spirits. The failed efforts of Simon the sorcerer (Ac 8:9-24) and the sons of Sceva (Ac 19:14-16) to obtain apostolic authority illustrates the point that the miracles of the New Testament had nothing in common with ancient magic. Jesus and Beelzebul Luke 4:14 Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marvelled. a. BY SATAN Luke 4:15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” b. WANT MORE SIGNS OR MORE EVIDENCE Luke 4:16 while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. c. JESUS Responds Luke 4:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. 18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armour in which he trusted and divides his spoil. 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Four Views Are Satan and demons real? Can Christians be possessed? And, are we supposed to engage with them? Are Satan and demons real? The Four basic views are Satan and demons don’t exist apart from human social systems. This position is from people who normally don’t see the Bible as the Word of God, deny the resurrection, miracles and virgin birth. Any reference to demons is spiritualised. References to demon possession is actually a mental health disorder 2. People minimise demons and would rarely if ever mention them in sermons. They see the spiritual realm as a battle against our own sin not Satan 3. See Demons and Satan as True. Would see that they were most significant at the time of Jesus because they were in spiritual battles against Jesus. They would see Satan and Demons to be true and with our sinful nature and worldly temptation the three can play a part in our spiritual warfare 4. The last group See Satan everywhere and in everything. They minimise worldly temptation and don't talk about personal sin and all bad things are directly linked to Satan. DEMON POSSESSION 1. Some would say demon possession is only a mental health issue badly diagnosed Sadly people today who have a mental health issue may be told that they are demon possessed. 2. Would say that a Christian cannot be demon possessed To start off with, it is always an unbeliever that is possessed. No where in the Bible is there one clear example of a true believer who is demon possessed. We have Saul in the OT but he was not demon possessed but rather it tormented him externally. Job battled against Satan Adam and Eve were only tempted by Satan Demon-possession afflicted unbelievers in many ways, causing insanity, muteness, immorality in the individual’s life, deafness, seizures, blindness, suicidal mania, physical defects, great strength, and also having the person harm themselves. Romans 8:38-39 Paul is convinced that nothing will be able to separate us (those who are in Christ) from the love of God, not even angels! (Satan is a fallen angel) Although not spoken about directly we are told 1 John 4:4 You are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. Colossians 1:13-14 He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Where the Holy Spirit is then Satan is not Ephesians 1:13,14 In Him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in Him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, 3. The third view believers can be possessed. We had a lady from another Church visit two young ladies in our church weekly, so she can kick out a range of demons they had. Including the demon of chocolate addiction. Some people find Satan everywhere. Many years ago CS Lewis wrote a book about demonsThe Screw-tape Letters CS LEWIS There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight. Readers are advised to remember that the devil is a liar. You can give the Devil too much or too little attention. What does the Bible say WHAT IS SATAN LIKE? 2 Corinthians 11:14 Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 1 John 3:8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. SATAN TO UNBELIEVERS 2 Corinthians 4:4 the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Ephesians 2:2 In which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, HOW WE ARE TO RESPOND? 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. WHAT HAPPENS IN THE END? Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. Other say that demons were real. Spiritual powers- the inner dimension of reality -are real but not personal spirit beings. Return of an Unclean Spirit 24 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through water-less places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, a and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.” True Blessedness 27 As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” 28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Our focus should not be on Satan but on God Satan is only a fallen angel we worship Jesus the Son of God In Summary Demons and Satan are true They can tempt Christians but not possess Christians They with our sinful nature and temptations from society can tempt us to sin. But we need to take responsibility for our actions and not just Say Satan made me do it. Jesus can remove demons and God gives us the tools to fight the attacks of Satan We are warned to keep clear of horoscopes, seances, tarot cards, demons, whether books or movies.

Luke 11:37-53 How were the Pharisees misguided? Jewish leaders WASHING 37 While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table. 38 The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Jewish Rules The Biblical Pharisees were popular in the first century; they were the people’s party. Why would the people follow a bunch of hypocrites? The strict (and extensive) purity laws made it both costly and time-consuming to follow -putting the Biblical instructions out of reach for most common people. For example, if impurity touched the outside of a pottery vessel, it needed to be broken and the contents thrown away. Instead, the Pharisees interpreted these laws in a way that made purity accessible to more people. According to the Pharisaic interpretation, the inside of the vessel remained pure and the contents could still be used. Although this sort of legalistic interpretation may seem like nit-picking to some, the Pharisees made purity attainable for all of Israel, not just the elite. The Pharisees were the ultimate religious people among the Jews during Christ’s life on earth. Determined not to break any of God’s laws, they had, over time, devised an intricate system of oral tradition to keep them from breaking the Mosaic law. The essential problem lay in their different understanding of the nature of God. For the Pharisees, God is primarily one who makes demands. For them, the Scriptures of the Old Testament were a set of rules that must be kept at all costs. For Jesus, as well as the Old Testament believers, God is primarily Psalm 145:8 “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" Also for the Pharisees, God looked only at their external compliance with the law of God. For Jesus, God looks at the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). That is why, for example, Jesus would equate the lustful look, which actually expresses the desire of the heart, with the actual committing of adultery (Matt. 5:27-28). The main cause of the Pharisees’ antagonism toward Jesus, lay in Him ignoring their hundreds and elaborate, petty rules that they had devised for interpreting the law of God. Not only did they devise these hundreds of man-made rules, but they had also elevated them to the level of Scripture, so that to break one of their rules was to violate the law of God itself. While following 613 commandments would be hard enough, over time Jewish leaders began to slowly add to these laws through the Mishanh. This additional teaching is an ongoing compilation of sermons and sayings by Jewish rabbis meant to interpret the original Mosaic Law. The original intent of these additions was to clarify the law, but it ended up adding many layers of complicated regulations. This Mishanh was already lengthy in Jesus’ day and continues to grow to this day. So for the Pharisees, they not only tried to follow the 613 commandments of the Mosaic Law, but the literally thousands of new commandments that were created to clarify the original 613 commandments. For example, in the Mosaic Law, one of the commandments is to keep the Sabbath holy, which means that Jews were not supposed to work on Saturdays. But to clarify this, the Jewish scholars created thirty-nine separate categories of what “work” means, and within those thirty-nine categories there are many sub-categories. So to follow the rule of not working on the Sabbath, there are literally thousands of sub-rules to follow, including how many steps you can take, and how many letters you can write on the Sabbath. MODERN RULES Since covid, Regarding temperature measurement to enter the gates of hospitals and public places, there are concerns about the prohibition of work on the Sabbath in both the temperature measurement and the writing generated on the monitor. Lice must not be killed. Hebrew newspapers must not be read on the toilet - English is allowed; Here’s a religious ritual you may not be familiar with. Under Jewish law, on the Sabbath (Friday night to Saturday night), you’re not supposed to carry any of your possessions between private domains (like your home) and public domains (like outside your home). But what if you want to take your baby to synagogue? What if you want to carry your keys from inside your home to outside where your car is parked? You can’t do it. Jewish law forbids it. But Orthodox Jews figured out a loophole. All they had to do was turn a “public” domain into a “private” one and the problem would be solved, and they accomplished this by creating an eruv (AY-roov). An eruv is essentially a gated community built using poles and string. You put up the poles all around a city, connect them with a string, and you’ve created a brand new giant domain. Orthodox Jews can roam and carry items freely within that space, even on the Sabbath! We have this in St Ives with plastic tubing linking to power poles and was installed in 2016. Eruvs have been in use since biblical times and today are in place in many major cities - New York, London, Johannesburg, Melbourne and there is one in Bondi. 39 And the Lord said to him, “ Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. Legalism vs. heart 40 You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you. WOES a. GIVING 42 “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. Legalism vs. heart They were caught up in nit-picking and had lost the concept of being generous b. BEST SEATS 43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. Legalism vs. heart They sought status over humility. I know of a church were the preacher puts away the chairs after Church, To help them remember that they are first called to serve before they are called to teach. c. UNMARKED GRAVES 44 Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without knowing it.” What legalistic rules can we create A Good Baptist friend told me that they were not allowed to dance standing up so they danced while seated Not allowed to swim on Sunday, so they would push each other into the pool then swim the long way to get out. No gums. No coke, no movies and the list went on 45 One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also.” Legalism vs. heart d. LOADED BURDENS 46 And he said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. Legalism vs. heart In thee desire to be current, relevant and contemporary that had turned what was simple Bible trusts into a tangle of complex laws 47 Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed. 48 So you are witnesses and you consent to the deeds of your fathers, for they killed them, and you build their tombs. Legalism vs. heart Sadly very few prophets were welcome much like Jesus was not welcomed in his own hometown. e. KILLS PROPHETS AND APOSTLES 49 Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,’ 50 so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. According to The Lives of the Prophets, Jeremiah was martyred, as were Isaiah, Ezekiel, Amos, and Micah. Matthew 26:1 Jesus said, 2 “You know that the day after tomorrow is Passover. On that day the Son of Man will be handed over to his enemies to be killed on a cross.” 4 They planned to arrest Jesus and kill him. THE APOSTLES Peter and Paul: Both martyred Paul was beheaded. Peter was crucified, Andrew: crucified. Thomas: pierced through with the spears Philip: the proconsul had Philip arrested and cruelly put to death. Matthew: stabbed to death in Ethiopia. Bartholomew: martyred James: he was stoned and then clubbed to death. Simon the Zealot: killed after refusing to sacrifice to the sun god. Matthias: death by burning. John escaping unhurt after being cast into boiling oil at Rome. Only one to die of old age. 1 in 8 Christians in the world today will face persecution. Some people believe more Christians were killed for their faith in the 20 Century than all the centuries before. f. HINDER 52 Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.” 53 As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things.

February 7 Luke 11:1-13 Lord’s Prayer 11:1 “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples The Lord’s Prayer is in Matthew and Luke. Although it was given as an outline of prayer, it quickly became a set prayer used in Church services in its own right. 11.2 he said, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. “Father, may your name be kept holy. 1. CHARACTER OF GOD a. PRAYER DIRECTED TO GOD ALONE No where are we to pray to angels, dead people, past saints or even to the Mary the mother of Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:17 the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory.’ we are taught here that God is 1. King: ultimate authority 2. Eternal: existing forever; without end or beginning 3. Immortal: lives forever, 4. Invisible: not visible to the human eye 5. Only Wise: having and experiencing knowledge and good judgement 6. creator and ruler of the universe Jeremiah 23: 23-24 ‘Am I a God at hand, says the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? says the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? From Jeremiah we’ve seen the description of a God that is everywhere. This means that God is: 7. Omnipresent: He is always present. He is everywhere at all times. There is no where we can hide from his presence 2 Chronicles 16:9 ‘The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 8. Omniscient: He is all knowing. all past, present and future events. Isaiah 40:13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? 9. Omnipotent: having unlimited power with the ability to do anything 10. Sovereign: He is in control. 12. Truth: John 14: 6 Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. 13. Holy: Exalted and worthy of complete devotion Isaiah 6: 3 Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is filled with his glory. 14. Unchanging: as the world transforms around us, we can stand with confidence knowing that God is unchanging. His love for us will endure for eternity. Malachi 3: 6 I am the Lord, and I do not change. Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." 2. KINGDOM OF GOD Matthew 3:2 Jesus “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand. At the end of Jesus’ life, just as He was about to depart from this earth, His disciples had the opportunity to ask Him one last question. They asked, Acts 1:6 “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:7-8 He said: “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. John 18:36 “My kingdom is not of this world Jesus sent out seventy disciples on a mission, He said, Luke 10:11 “The kingdom of God has come near you”. How could the kingdom be upon the people or near them? The kingdom of God was near to them because the King of the kingdom was there. When He came, Jesus inaugurated God’s kingdom. He didn’t consummate it, but He started it. And when He ascended into heaven, as the King of kings and Lord of lords. So Jesus’ kingship is not something that remains in the future. Christ is King right this minute. He is in the seat of the highest cosmic authority. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to God’s anointed Son. Phil. 3:20 Our citizenship is in heaven” John Calvin said it is the task of the church to make the invisible kingdom visible. We do that by living in such a way that we bear witness to the reality of the kingship of Christ in our jobs, our families, our schools, and even our chequebooks, because God in Christ is King over every one of these spheres of life. Matthew 6:33 seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, 3. DAILY NEEDS Luke 11:3. Give us each day our daily bread, The Bible has a lot to say about processions and our basic needs Matthew 6:19-24 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:25-33 do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these Philippians 4:11-12 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need Hebrews 13:5. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 4. DEALS WITH SIN Luke 11:4. and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation As a Church we have tried to define sins So we have the 7 deadly sins First designed by Pope Gregory I (the Great) in the 6th century and elaborated in the 13th century by St. Thomas Aquinas, they are (1) pride, (2) greed, (3) lust, (4) envy, (5) gluttony, usually includes drunkenness, (6) anger, (7) sloth. Each of these can be overcome with the seven corresponding virtues of (1) humility, (2) love, (3) chastity (4) gratitude (5) temperance (6) patience 7) diligence. The Bible has many lists of sins such as Galatians 5:19-21 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarrelling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. How are we to deal with sin? Martin Luther “The recognition of sin is the beginning of salvation.” 1 John 1:6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. Romans 3:23-24 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. CONFESS Psalm 51:1-2 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. HOW ARE WE FORGIVEN? Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. What should we do as a Church Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 5. Temptation Luke 11:4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. SELF EXAMINATION Jeremiah 17:10 "I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve." Luke 11:2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray: “Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. 3 Give us each day the food we need, 4 and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation.

Luke 10 25-37 Parable of the Good Samaritan January 31 (2021) Luke 10 25-37 and 2 Chronicles 28:8-15 The Parable of the Good Samaritan is only found in Luke. The Parable of the Good Samaritan I. QUESTION: ETERNAL LIFE 25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live. II. WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR? 29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” III PARABLE 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was notorious for its danger and difficulty, and was known as the "Way of Blood" because "of the blood which is often shed there by robbers" Jerusalem to Jericho was 27 kilometres long. It's a winding, meandering road. It's really conducive for ambushing. You start out in Jerusalem, which is 365 m above sea level. And by the time you get down to Jericho, you're about 670 metres below sea level. Nearly 1km different. It was a dangerous road. and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. a. PRIEST 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. Leviticus 21:1 the Lord, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them, No one shall make himself unclean or have contact the dead among his people. Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik teaches that for Judaism, the world is the scene of a cosmic battle of life against death. God creates life and loves it. Death is the enemy, the antithesis of God. The Temple, representing perfection and the pure presence of God, is totally devoted to life. Therefore, no form of death can enter the Temple. Human beings who come in contact with the dead can enter into the Temple only after they are purified, i.e., they are born again to life. But priests are people totally dedicated to God. They work in the Temple, the place dedicated totally to God. By shunning contact with the dead, priests represent the fundamental Jewish opposition to death, the infinite commitment to work hard so life wins. b. LEVITE 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. Levite: a member of the Hebrew tribe of Levi, especially of that part of it which provided assistants to the priests in the worship in the Jewish temple In the Temple singing and/or playing music in the Temple serving as guards Numbers 18:11 If you touch a dead body, you will be unclean for seven days. Numbers 18:13 Suppose you touch a dead body, but refuse to be made clean by washing with the water mixed with ashes. You will be guilty of making my sacred tent unclean and will no longer belong to the people of Israel. c. SAMARITAN 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Samaritans were the descendants of those Hebrews who intermarried with pagan peoples as the result of Assyria’s capture of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC. They were not looked upon favourably by first-century Jews. In fact, the Jews hated the Samaritans and the Samaritans hated the Jews, so Jesus’ use of a Samaritan as the example of a good neighbour would have been striking to His original audience. Jesus' target audience, the Jews, hated Samaritans to such a degree that they destroyed the Samaritans' temple on Mount Gerizim. What does the Bible teach us about Samaritans? Matthew 10:5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, Luke 9:51 As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. Luke 17:17-19 Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.” John 4:1 Jesus meets a Samaritan Woman John 4:9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” John 4:20 So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshipped?” 21 Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. 23 But the time is coming -indeed it’s here now -when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:39 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere -in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 8:1 Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. Acts 8:5 Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. Acts 8:25 After testifying and preaching the word of the Lord in Samaria, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. And they stopped in many Samaritan villages along the way to preach the Good News. Acts 15:3 The church sent the delegates to Jerusalem, and they stopped along the way in Phoenicia and Samaria to visit the believers. They told them-much to everyone’s joy-that the Gentiles, too, were being converted. IV. WHAT DOES THE PARABLE MEAN? 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” He did no say Samaritan may indicate a reluctance to name the Samaritan John Calvin pointed out that people are not born merely for themselves, but rather "mankind is knit together with a holy knot ... we must not live for ourselves, but for our neighbours. Real Estate - Chinese The Parable is to get people to see that their estimation of their obedience was far greater than the reality, and that they would have to give up relying on their obedience for their justification. It is easy to be self justified Mark 10:26 And they were even more astonished, and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” Do you look upon people as an inconvenience or an opportunity to serve? Romans 3:20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. Galatians 3:21-25 Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. 22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. 23 Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. 24 Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. 25 And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian. How did the OT treat strangers Leviticus 19:33-34 “Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. 34 Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

Jan 3rd, 2021 We are still in lock down as we start a New Year. ROB Luke 3:3 Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptised to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. JENNI Prayer of confession Heavenly Father, you have loved us with an everlasting love. But we have turned against you, ignoring you and rejecting your will for our lives. We have been stubborn and rebellious, but you are merciful and kind. SILENCE For the sake of your Son who died for us, forgives us, cleanse us and change us. By your Holy Spirit, enable us to live for you And to please you in every way; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ROB Assurance of salvation Restoration: Heb 12:2: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. JENNI Psalm 2 The king proclaims the Lord’s decree: “The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father. 8 Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession. 9 You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.’” ROB OT Reading 4 Isaiah 40 Isaiah had spoken of John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him! 5 The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. 6 And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.’” JENNI and ROB Announcements JENNI - PSALM 2 Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! 11 Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities- for his anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him! ROB - NT READING Luke 3:15 Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. 16 John answered their questions by saying, “I baptise you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am -so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” 18 John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people. PRAYER Jenni Church Rob Community Rob Missions Mick Alley Charles in India Schwartz Gideons JENNI - Benediction: Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

January 3 Luke 3 John the baptist John the Baptist Prepares the Way 1. WHEN 3:1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, and mentions 6 other leaders Possibly 27-29 AD What type of Leaders were they? Tiberius was an emperor known for his cruelty and severity. · Pontius Pilate was renowned for his brutal massacres of the Jewish people in Judea, and his insensitivity towards the Jews. · The rulers from the family of Herod the Great (Herod, Philip, and Lysanias) were known for their corruption and cruelty. The mention of the two corrupt high priests reminds us that the Jewish leaders were more interested in power politics than in serving God. 2. MESSAGE Luke 3:3 proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Repentance speaks of a change of direction, not just sorrow in the heart. Baptism was a common ritual for Gentiles who wanted to become Jews. For a Jew to submit to baptism was to say something, “I’m as bad as a heathen Gentile.” This is a true mark of humble repentance, a radical re-dedication to the God. 3. PROPHECY FULFILLED 4 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, Isaiah 40:3-5 These verses start the final section of Isaiah and points to the next 26 chapters “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, The Lord would have been God the Father but here Luke changes it to be God the Son - Jesus make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” 4. NOT THE CHRIST 15 Was John, the Christ, 16 John answered, “I baptise you with water, He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 5. JESUS BAPTISED 21 Now when all the people were baptised, and when Jesus also had been baptised and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Baptism a. OT images Noah in Genesis Genesis 6 to 9. God told Noah to build an ark to save Himself, his wife, and his three sons and their wives, Peter used this as a typology of baptism. 1 Peter 3:20-21 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, EXODUS the parting of the Red sea 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 For I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptised into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, TEN COMMANDMENTS: Just before God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai, He commanded Israel to wash their clothes in water. Exodus 19:10-11 the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments 11 and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. Moses sprinkled the people with blood and water; symbolic of the shed blood remitting sins through water baptism Hebrews 9:10 deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation. various cleansing ceremonies or purification ceremonies Young's literal: different baptisms LEPROSY: Leviticus 14:7 7 And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean. FUTURE PREDICTION: Ezekiel 36:25-26 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. a. OT Sprinkling Blood which is symbolised by water in the NT Exodus 24:8 Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you Leviticus 16:15 “He shall then slaughter the goat. He shall sprinkle it on the atonement cover and in front of it. Numbers 8:7 To purify them, do this: Sprinkle the water of cleansing on them; ... so they will purify themselves. The Ethiopian Eunuch had just been reading Isaiah 52 and 53 - where would his idea of baptism come from Isaiah 52:15 so he will sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. How is our current salvation described Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 1 Peter 1:2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Pouring Acts 2:17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Romans 5:5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Titus 3:4-7 5 He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour b. John the Baptist. c. Jesus being baptised d. Jesus' disciples baptising John 4:1 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptising more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptise, but only his disciples), e. Jesus death Mark 10:38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptised with the baptism I am baptised with?” 39“We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptised with the baptism I am baptised with, f. Post resurrection Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 1. WHY BAPTISE JESUS? i) Identify with sinners Jesus not a sinner Hebrews 4:15 "has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin" 1 Peter 2:22 "committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth" 1 John 3:5 The apostle John tells us that "In him is no sin" 2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. ii) Priestly function John is the son of a priest 1. Age- 30 years Luke 3:21-23 "Now it came about when all the people were baptised, that Jesus also was baptised, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” 23 And when He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age, " 2. Sprinkle Exodus 29:1-7, "This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests: Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head." Numbers 8:7, "And thus you shall do to them, for their cleansing: sprinkle purifying water on them" 3. Blessing Number 6:22-27 "Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: 24 The Lord bless you, and keep you; 25 The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; 26 The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’ Matthew 3:17 "and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.'” AUTHENTICATED BY GOD 16 And when Jesus was baptised, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Transfiguration Mathew 17:5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” CROSS John 12:25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honour him. The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up 27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” - Have you asked Jesus to be your Lord - Have you been baptised we need a passion to be holy and set apart.

5. THE MESSIAH’S RESURRECTION AND EXALTATION 1. THE MESSIAH WILL BE RESURRECTED Psalm 16:10 you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. SHEOL: King James: in hell Other translations: realm of the dead, among the dead, in the grave, to the nether-world is a place of darkness, Sheol is also called Hades, the Greek underworld The OT is vague when it comes to understanding the after life, This is made more clear in the NT Sheol is considered to be the home of the wicked dead, while paradise is the home of the righteous dead paradise is used with the thief on the cross 2 Corinthians 12:3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise -whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. Revelation 2:7 To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ Other words for bad afterlife include Abaddon, the pit, place of corruption The OT does not say much about the after life Daniel 12:2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Isaiah 25 and 26 use picture language to possibly describe judgement day JUDGEMENT Isaiah 25:3 Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you. FEASTING Isaiah 25:6 On this mountain the Lord will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. DEATH IS REMOVED Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, GOD WILL SAVE THE FAITHFUL Isaiah 25:9 “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” PEACE Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. ETERNAL Isaiah 24:4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. FIERY JUDGEMENT Isaiah 26:11 Let the fire for your adversaries consume them. Isaiah 26:14 They are dead, they will not live; they are shades, they will not arise; to that end you have visited them with destruction and wiped out all remembrance of them. BODILY RESURRECTION Isaiah 26:19 Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! The NT starts to give light on the after-life. believers who die go immediately to be with the Lord Philippians 1:23 My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. Luke 16:22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. In the Presence of God: 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at HOME WITH THE LORD. The Rich Man and Lazarus As this is a parable we need to careful with the wording * 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, 25 Lazarus is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ We worship with the angels before the throne of God: Rev 4-5 Revelation 4:8 “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” 11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:9 “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:12 “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:13 “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever!” When we do we go into the presence of God Philippians 1:23-24 having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord I prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. In heaven we are sinless Ephesians 5:27 he might present the church to himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Promised eternal Life John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. Psalm 16:10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. Matthew 28:6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Acts 2:27-32 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ 31 David foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 2. THE MESSIAH’S BODY WILL NOT SEE CORRUPTION (NATURAL DECAY) Psalm 16:10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. Acts 13:37 but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. 3. THE MESSIAH WILL BE GLORIFIED INTO THE PRESENCE OF GOD Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Acts 2:31-33 David foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 4. THE MESSIAH WILL ASK GOD FOR HIS INHERITANCE Psalm 2:8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. John 17:6-24 6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 9 I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 5. THE MESSIAH WILL HAVE COMPLETE AUTHORITY OVER ALL THINGS Psalm 8:6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Hebrews 1:2 he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 6. THE MESSIAH WILL DESTROY THOSE WHO DO NOT HONOUR HIM Psalm 2:12 his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. 7. THE MESSIAH WILL BRING MANY PEOPLE INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD Psalm 22:22 I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: Hebrews 2:10-12 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 8. THE MESSIAH’S ENEMIES WILL STUMBLE AND FALL Psalm 27:2 my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. John 18:3-6 Jesus said “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 9. THE MESSIAH’S THRONE WILL BE ETERNAL Hebrews 1:8-9 But of the Son he says, quotes Psalm 45:6-7 “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, Luke 1:33 Jesus will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 10. THE MESSIAH WILL ASCEND BACK INTO HEAVEN Psalm 68:18 You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train Luke 24:51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. .” 11. THE MESSIAH WILL BE EXALTED TO THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD Psalm 110:5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. Acts 5:31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour,

This section focuses on worship We need to ask what is worship? Defining worship is difficult because it is both an attitude and an act. Worship is something we are to do constantly Romans 12:1 present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Thus worship is 24/7 but scripture also describes times when we meet together in the OT we have Festivals, the temple, Sacrifices etc as expressions of worship. In the NT we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, where the sabbath was in expectation of the Kingdom of God Christians worshipped on Sunday in fulfilment of the Kingdom. Their time together was described simply in Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Paul deepened our understanding with Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 21. Religious Worship 1. God is sovereign over everything, who is good and does good to everyone, and who is therefore to be held in awe, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served with all our heart, soul, and might. Acts 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, The acceptable way of worshiping the true God is established by God himself. God’s revealed will so defines and outlines proper worship that neither the imaginations and devices of men nor the suggestions of Satan are to be followed. God is not to be worshipped under any visible representation or as prescribed in Holy Scripture. When the Protestant movement started their were two approaches Luther aimed to bring Roman Catholic worship back to Bible standards. and Calvin, who started with a clean piece of paper and asked what does the Bible teach on this subject. Romans Catholic Worship had prayers to Mary, prayers for the dead, The Lords Supper was seen as a literal reenactment of the death of Christ and the Bread and wine were literally Jesus. the priest was a go between and elite, He wore robes to set him self apart. The Churches were filled with idols and statues The Mass was in Latin a dead language only used in Church, Protestant worship was in the language of the people and the worship was simple, majestic and an emphasis on God. Although no scriptures directly described Church worship by gleaning the NT the Protestants saw preaching to be direct from God’s word, Prayers for the Congregation, the church, missions, community and the government Congregational singing mainly using the Psalms. Thus, preaching, God’s word, prayer, singing praise and fellowship. Deuteronomy 12:32 “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it. 2. Religious worship is to be given to God, not to angels, saints, or any other creature. Colossians 2:18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, Revelation 19:10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” Since the fall, this worship must involve a mediator, and there is no other mediator than Christ alone. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Not a priest, not the church, not the pope, not the Lord’s Supper but Christ alone 3. Prayer with thanksgiving is one part of religious worship 1 Timothy 2:1 I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, and is required by God from all men. 1 Timothy 2:8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarrelling; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. In order for prayer to be accepted, it must be made in the name of Jesus, by the help of his Spirit, Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. according to his will, 1 John 5:14 if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. with understanding, reverence, humility, fervour, faith, love, and perseverance, Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. 2 Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Hebrews 12:28 let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, and, if vocal, in a known tongue. This is against the Roman Catholic idea of in Latin Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day 5. The ordinary worship of God includes: the reverent and attentive reading of the Scriptures, Acts 15:21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. Acts 17:11 they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. the sound preaching 2 Timothy 4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. and conscientious hearing of the word in obedience to God with understanding and faith; James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. singing of psalms with grace in the heart; Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Ephesians 5:19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and the proper administration and right receiving of the sacraments instituted by h2/2//2/2//ss. Worship should include these at appropriate times, and they should be performed in a holy and religious manner. Hebrews 12:28 let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Why do we meet together each week Hebrews 10:25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

1. God is in control As you read through Scripture it is very clear that God is in control. We may not understand at times why things happen, but God does Proverbs 16:4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose. Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand Humanity: Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps BELIEVERS: Ephesians 1:4 Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him Ephesians 1:5 He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 2. SCRIPTURE POINTS TO JESUS The OT were an important source for the New Testament authors. There are 27 direct quotations in the gospel of Mark, 54 in Matthew, 24 in Luke, and 14 in John, and the influence of the scriptures is vastly increased when allusions and echoes are included, with half of Mark's gospel being made up of allusions to and citations of the OT. Luke 24:26 Jesus said, 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. John 5:39, 46 “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.” 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, All Scripture finds its meaning in Jesus. This series will look at many of the predictions found in the Psalms referring to Jesus 1. Concerning the Messiah’s birth: The Messiah will come from David's line. FIRST PREDICTED 2 Samuel 7:12-13 I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever Matthew 12:23 All the crowds were amazed, and saying, "This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?" When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, Matthew 21:9 The crowds were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!" The Son of David was, therefore, a messianic title. Jesus called this to the attention of the religious rulers. Matthew 22:42-46 "What do you think about the Christ Whose son is he?" "The son of David," they replied. He said to them, "How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him Lord? For he says, "The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet." If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" Psalm 89:3-4 “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: 4 ‘I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.’” Psalm 89:29-36 I will establish his offspring forever and his throne as the days of the heavens. 30 If his children forsake my law and do not walk according to my rules, 31 if they violate my statutes and do not keep my commandments, 32 then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with stripes, 33 but I will not remove from him my steadfast love 34 I will not violate my covenant 36 His offspring shall endure forever, his throne as long as the sun before me. Psalm 132:11-12 “One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne. 12 If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.” Matthew 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Jesus is King and Lord today Revelation 19:16 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. 1 Timothy 6:15 he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. 2. The Messiah will come for all people FIRST PREDICTED TO ABRAHAM Genesis 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Moses Exodus 9:16 “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Psalm 33:8 “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him.” Psalm 18:49 For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name. Matthew 28:19 go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 3:6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. This is why Mick Alley is in Kenya Kenya has more people in Christian churches on Sunday now than Canada. In 1910, only 9% of Africa’s population was Christian, roughly about 10 million people. 80% of these Christians lived in four countries: Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt, and Madagascar. By 2010, the number of Christians increased to 48.3%. By 2020 it is expected to reach 49.3%. In 2017, an estimated 430,000 full-time missionaries serving in another country. Predicted in the OT Being fulfilled every day 3. The Messiah will know His Father from childhood Psalm 22:9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts. Luke 2:40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favour of God was upon him. From birth Jesus knew his Father God Matthew 11:27 All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. John 7:29 I know Him, because I am from Him, and He sent Me.”

 Colossians 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 4. The Messiah will be called by God while still in the womb Psalm 22:10 On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God. Luke 1:30-33 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” The OT is fulfilled through Jesus 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. All life is now measured by Jesus 1 Peter 1:19-20 “He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose Him for this purpose long before the world began, but now in these final days, He was sent to the earth for all to see. And He did this for you.” Jesus life has purpose and clear direction So you are I have purpose God has a plan for your life,
including obstacles and blessing We must climb mountains to see the view. Yes hardship may happen Difficult times may happen but God is in the midst of every situation 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Colossians 1:16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Dec 24 Christmas Eve ROB Jesus is predicted in Psalm 132:11-12 “One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne. 12 If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.” Welcome ROB and JEN ROB Matthew 1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel," which is translated, "God with us." JEN Isaiah 6:9 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ROB CONFESSION Isaiah 55:6-8 "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD." Heavenly Father, you have loved us with an everlasting love. But we have turned against you, ignoring you and rejecting your will for our lives. We have been stubborn and rebellious, but you are merciful and kind. For the sake of your Son who died for us, forgives us, cleanse us and change us. By your Holy Spirit, enable us to live for you and to please you in every way; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OT READING JEN Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. 6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. ROB - PRAYER Prayer of Thanksgiving We thank you, O God for your love for us. Love that reaches out to accept us, wherever we are, whoever we are. Love that demands a lot, but at the same time, somehow, amazingly, enables us to meet those demands. Love that reassures, affirms, prompts, challenges, and overwhelms us with the completeness of its response. Help us, your people, held within the security of your love, to risk showing that same love to others. May our love, too, be known for its abundance, its readiness to speak out, and its healing power. - Presbyterian Church of New Zealand JEN NT READING Luke 1:46 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. 50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. 51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. 52 He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. *** Prayer Jen - Church ROB Community Christian Welfare, Homeless shelters, Presbyterian: St Ives, Manly, Beacon Hill SRE Mission Field Gideon Charles Schwartz's Benediction; Hebrew 1:1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

1 Samuel 2:1-10. Luke 1:46- Mary's Song of Praise: is called The Magnificat magificat from the Latin which means "My soul magnifies the Lord!" Mary's Song or Psalm is one of the few praise psalms in the NT. Her opening words remind us of the words of David... Psalm 34:1-3 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. PI'm I'm Mary's great desire was to magnify the Lord… NOT herself! She does this with some 20 references to God in her song. She praises God eight times for what He has done. Mary’s Praise Psalm is very much Old Testament with Strong links to Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2 and has 15 allusions to other OT passages. The Psalm can be split into two Luke 1:46-50 - Mary gives her personal reasons for her praise - "Mary is reflecting on what it means to her to be chosen to bear the Messiah. She is praising God for his great mercy to her personally. Her words are personal and her point of view is turned inward." Luke 1:51-55 - Mary gives Israel's reasons for her praise "Mary seems to fade from view; she is praising God for the effects the coming of Christ will have on the world. Her point of view is outward and her words are global in their scope. Luke 1:46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 1:47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, Mary is not just mouthing words but sees praise as the true expression of her inner self. All that she has is given in praise and adoration of God. It is her very being that wants to serve and love God. Mary captures what we are called to do in the Book of Revelation Rev 4:11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honour and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” Revelation 5:9 “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. Revelation 5:12 “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing.” A mark of a Christian is thanksgiving and praise. Lord means that God is the supreme One, the One Who is sovereign over everything and everyone and who therefore possesses absolute authority, absolute ownership and uncontested power. Following God changes everything 1/ He scatters the proud in the plans of their hearts. That is a moral revolution. Christianity is the death of self and pride. Our prayer should be to put Christ first in everything (ii) He casts down the mighty-he exalts the humble. That is a social revolution. God does not focus on success, status, wealth and prestige. Jesus died for the greatest and least, no one is beyond his redemption. (iii) He has filled those who are hungry … those who are rich he has sent empty away. That is an economic revolution. Not based on money but a true relationship with God 1:47 God my Savior, Some try and make Mary out to be sinless but she is very aware that she sins and sees the birth of future Son was that of her Saviour. Titus takes up this theme in Titus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Christ Jesus, Paul explains it to us in Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. When Mary says Luke 1:47 my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, it is a direct quote from Habakkuk 3:18 Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice the God of my salvation. My Saviour has a depth of meaning including My Rescuer, My Deliverer, My Preserver, My Protector, My Healer! Mary is responding to the words of the Angel earlier Luke 2:10-11 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; A young unknown girl in a backwater village gives birth that changes history 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Mary now moves away from herself to the impact that Jesus would have on all of Israel and the world. Not just her lifetime but every generation. God is mighty and Holy Jeremiah rightly says Jeremiah 10:6 "There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and great is Your Name in might." God is all powerful, eternal, all knowing and know history from the beginning to the end everything is in his control. Holy Isaiah 6:3 And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.” Revelation 4:8 And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.” Holy carries the fundamental idea of separation, of purity and of abstinence from defilement. It means utterly pure, separated from sin. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. If a movie of our life was shown that included our thoughts how much of it would you watch before we would want to die of shame and hang your head in embarrassment. But God knows our thoughts and actions but welcomes us into his kingdom, not because of sin but because of forgiveness 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” God reverses everything God changes everything