Pentecost is....

Does anyone know what today is?

It is Pentecost Sunday.

For those whom lived on the other side of the Cross (prior to Christ death & resurrection) Pentecost – The Jewish Festival of Shavuot which commemorated God’s giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses.

For those of us living on this side of the Cross; it commemorates the infilling of the Holy Spirit of the disciples gathered together in the upper room.    

Although Pentecost doesn’t get the same attention as does Christmas and Easter, it shouldn’t detract from its importance. Without Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost Gods redemptive plan would be incomplete.

Transition: What is Pentecost?   

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4

Connection Points: What is Pentecost?

Pentecost is:

1.    A promise Made 

2.   A promise Kept

3.   A Promise Delivered

1.   A Promise Made

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

a)   A promise made- The relationship offered to man through the law – the Word became flesh and made his living among us. Through His death, resurrection and infilling of the Holy Spirt his word is written upon our hearts.       

b)  In me you find the purpose of life and the power to live out your faith in me.

c)   You will live life as I have lived.

d)  The Father will send the “Advocate, Comforter, Holy Spirit” to remind and teach you everything I have said. 

e)   You may grow in your faith. 

 

 2.  A promise delivered:  

a)  Pentecost is a promise delivered.

Acts 2:1-4,13-15,38-41

3.  A promise explained                       

a)  God dealt with the problem of Sin through His Son Jesus. His victory over sin not only redeems but delivers us from the power and bondage of sin. He no longer lives apart from us, or even beside us but IN US!

 b)   No longer do we seek to live in fellowship with God through the law and on our own but instead in relationship with Christ through his power being lived out in us.   


 

May 10,2020: A Life Worth Living

Happy Mother’s Day!

What makes life worth living?   

Point to Ponder

What makes life worth living?

Is it wealth, popularity or influence?

Is it found in a life of ease, pleasure or entertainment?

Is the goal of life intended to be pleasure or purpose?   

11 1-2 The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. Hebrews 11:1-6 (MSG)

Quick Connect: What makes life worth living?

It is our faith (Hope) in Christ that makes life worth living. Living out of our faith develops the charter of God in our lives.       

Transition: May I invite you to turn with me to Proverbs 31: 10-31. It is a rather familiar passage of scripture, especially on Mother’s Day for it defines for us.” a wife of noble charter.” But I say regardless of gender, our passage describes for us a life worth living.   

Connecting with the Word Proverbs 31: 10 -31

Point to Ponder: We miss the point if we concentrate on the “What” as opposed to the “Who”. For it’s not the “WHAT” she does that makes her special but the “WHO” she is.

The outflow of a person’s heart defines who they are.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3: 9 -12

Connection Point

A life worth living is marked by:

1. Our Hope and Faith in Christ.

2. Living out our Faith in Christ.

         Developing the Charter of Christ in our lives.  

·      Servanthood 

·      Sacrifice

·      Submission

 

     

Revealed - I Beleive

Sunday, April 26,20200

Greetings… Last week we pondered the question, “Why do we look for life in places of death”. In our scripture Mary Magdalen had made her way to the tomb expecting to find a lifeless body but instead found the risen Savior… Jesus.

This morning we will journey through yet another account of Christ resurrection and his appearance.      

After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to his disciples on several different occasions.

We don’t know every single time that Jesus appeared to his disciples during these 40 days. John himself explained how the Gospel accounts were not a complete historical record, “Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book” (John 20:30).

However, the Gospels do record several of them. In all, Jesus is recorded as appearing 10 times to his disciples in his resurrected body.

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20: 30 - 31

Quick Connect : God reveals himself to us that we may believe. 

Connecting with the Word John 20: 24-31

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Purpose of John’s Gospel

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Connection Point:

God reveals himself to us that we may believe.

God reveled Himself to Thomas that he may be convinced of Jesus’s resurrection, that he may believe in the impossible.

The depth of a miracle is found in the possibilities of it being true.   

Have you ever struggled believing something when it appeared too good to be true?   

That is exactly where Thomas is… Although he had been told by the others, it was just too good to be true, Jesus is alive.  

Ephesians 3:14-21

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3: 14 – 21

Point to Ponder

God works out the impossible for our benefit.

I like what Eddie Arnold says in “The God Who Shows Himself”   

The Lord came to Thomas that he may believe.

He came not to ridicule or belittle him.

God in Flesh – Jesus Christ – Our Messiah and LORD came to Thomas to help him, encourage him and renew his strength. Jesus came and allowed Thomas to see for himself. Jesus invited Thomas to see the scars on his body. Jesus invited Thomas to touch the wounds on his hands and the scar on his side. You see God understands our confusion and doubt. God understands those times that we struggle with reading our Bibles, taking time out to pray and being faithful in our church attendance. God understands those times that we don’t know what to say or what direction to turn. We do not serve a God who seeks to shame us or harm us.    

Connecting with the Word Luke 24:13-35 

On the Road to Emmaus

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” 25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. 

Connection Point

1.    God reveals himself to us in familiar ways.

As Jesus broke the bread and gave thanks…

A. The Lord reveals himself to us in familiar ways. In there lies the importance and befit of practicing the presence of Christ in our lives. Spending time with God in worship, fellowship and service. That his ways may become familiar to us. 

B.   The Lord reveals himself to us in unfamiliar ways as well. He is found in places… we didn’t except. In there lies the importance of being open the Holy Spirit. 

2.    God reveals himself to us to provide us with a different perspective.

Jesus reminded the disciples of His words…, now it began to make sense.

A.  The Lord reveals himself to us so that we may have a different, “Right” perspective on things.

3.    God revels himself to us to teach us something new.

 

 

He Has Risen!!!

He has Risen.

He has Risen Indeed !

1 Corinthians 15: 1 - 8 

15 Now let me remind you, brothers, of what the Gospel really is, for it has not changed—it is the same Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then and still do now, for your faith is squarely built upon this wonderful message; 2 and it is this Good News that saves you if you still firmly believe it, unless of course you never really believed it in the first place.

3 I passed on to you right from the first what had been told to me, that Christ died for our sins just as the Scriptures said he would, 4 and that he was buried, and that three days afterwards he arose from the grave just as the prophets foretold. 5 He was seen by Peter and later by the rest of “the Twelve.”[a] 6 After that he was seen by more than five hundred Christian brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died by now. 7 Then James saw him, and later all the apostles. 8 Last of all I saw him too,

Point to Ponder: How do you embrace the Easter Story? 

Do we embrace the depth of the story or have we become to comfortable / familiar with the elements of the Cross and Christ resurrection?

Have we fallen into the “Disney Trap”? Where we treat Easter like a fairy tale. As with all stories; the Easter account has the elements of all great literature. It has characters (villain, victims, & a hero) with a plot comprised of conflict and resolution. 

The difference between the Easter Story and fairy tells is found in the Reality of Easter.

Jesus is real, he really died but rose again in three days. The difference between the Easter story and one found in a Disney Book is that our Hero lives and sits at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf. Our hero redeemed us not only from calamity but gave us power over the calamity of sin through His blood shed upon the cross and His Spirit taking residence in our hearts.   

Transition

We often turn to the Gospels to encounter Easter but the story begins long before what is recorded in the New Testament. Please turn with me to the first book of the Bible.

Connecting with the Word:  

Genesis 2 (NIV)

4 This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.

15 Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” 18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” 25 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.  

Genesis 3 (NIV)

3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LordGod among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. 22 And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.”23 So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side[e] of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.

Connection Point

1.    The Reality of Easter is that we were created for fellowship with God.

A.  The Problem of Sin.

Point to Ponder: Sin separated us from perfect fellowship with God. 

B.    The Weight of Sin.

                            i.          The weight of sin for mankind.

Shame, guilt, & feelings of worthlessness, etc.

Pride, rebellion, & selfishness / self-righteousness.  

                         ii.          The weight of sin for Jesus.

Jesus took on the weight of our sin, the sins of the entire world.

The sins of the Patriarchs and the evil men of the Old Testament.

The sins of those who condemned and crucified him.

Jesus took on the sins of the monsters of modern history.

Jesus willingly took on our sins that the burden, penalty, curse may be lifted from us.    

Point to Ponder: He became our sacrifice / atonement. 

21 For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then, in exchange, he poured God’s goodness into us! 2 Corinthians 5: 21

                       iii.          The remedy for Sin.

The remedy for sin is the righteousness of God.

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 

The righteousness of God offered the only remedy for sin, we needed a perfect sacrifice that we may be forgiven. 

2.    The Reality of Easter is that we serve a Risen Savior.

12 But tell me this! Since you believe what we preach, that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying that dead people will never come back to life again? 13 For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ must still be dead. 14 And if he is still dead, then all our preaching is useless and your trust in God is empty, worthless, hopeless; 15 and we apostles are all liars because we have said that God raised Christ from the grave, and of course that isn’t true if the dead do not come back to life again. 16 If they don’t, then Christ is still dead, 17 and you are very foolish to keep on trusting God to save you, and you are still under condemnation for your sins; 18 in that case, all Christians who have died are lost! 19 And if being a Christian is of value to us only now in this life, we are the most miserable of creatures. 20 But the fact is that Christ did actually rise from the dead and has become the first of millions[b] who will come back to life again someday. 21 Death came into the world because of what one man (Adam) did, and it is because of what this other man (Christ) has done that now there is the resurrection from the dead. 22 Everyone dies because all of us are related to Adam, being members of his sinful race, and wherever there is sin, death results. But all who are related to Christ will rise again. 23 Each, however, in his own turn: Christ rose first; then when Christ comes back, all his people will become alive again. 1 Corinthians   15

A.  Jesus is Alive.

                          i.          His death provided an atonement for sin.

                        ii.          His resurrection provided us victory over the power of sin… death.

Conclusion

The reality of Easter is revealed to us through the unconditional love of God. He is calling you into a right relationship with him   

Devotion for Baking Communion Bread

When you finish the bread, read the following scripture together. Take a few moments to quiet your mind and prepare your heart to receive God’s Word. Read the following passage, and then pray through the points below together.

Luke 22:7-23 (ESV)

7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” 9 They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” 10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.

*PRAYER POINT It is at this Passover supper that Jesus introduces the ordinance of communion, the breaking of bread, representing His body, and the drinking of wine, representing His blood poured out for us. Jesus asks His followers to take communion in remembrance of Him.

Consider the posture with which you take communion. Are you remembering Jesus and what He’s done for all who believe in Him? Ask God to deepen your understanding of and appreciation for the sacrifice Jesus made so that we could be reconciled to God and to each other. The next time we gather on Facebook Live for our worship, we will be taking communion together. Reminding one another of Jesus’ sacrifice is good to do together as the family of God. It reminds us of our unity in Christ and of the breadth and diversity of the family of God as immediate family members and the corporate body of believers. — As we have each fasted from something during Lent to re-center our hearts on King Jesus, be sure to remind yourselves in these next few days that God’s Word is our daily bread. How can you be present today? What can you be thankful for? What can you share with others, so that they can be encouraged that God loves them? We often can’t see God’s provision, protection, or grace until we’re on the other side. So, commit today to rest in the promises of God; be thankful for the gifts He’s given you; reach out (even if it’s only digitally) to friends for support and the family around you, and ask God to sustain you and show you the joy of right now! We love you and are continuing to pray for you! Looking forward to online worship Easter Sunday morning!

* adapted from https://austinstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TASEaster2020HolyWeekDigital Devo.pdf

Easter Sunday Communion Service - Recipe and Devotion for Bread

Recipe for Unleavened Bread: As you prepare the following recipe as a family, thank the Lord for the blessings of each other. Tell each other one thing you appreciate about each member. This is an easy recipe, so take turns mixing and sharing this experience. Gather around one table and make this a memorable occasion.

Recipe: 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/3 cup vegetable or olive oil, 1/3 cup water.

  1. Preheat Over to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix flour, oil, and salt together in a bowl; add water and mix using pastry cutter until dough is soft. Form dough into six balls and press into discs onto the prepared baking sheet using your hands.

3. Bake in the preheated oven until bread is cooked. 8 to 10 minutes.

Palm Sunday , Sunday April 5,2020

Introduction

In the fullness of time, Jesus, made his way into Jerusalem to fulfill His purpose upon the Cross. As he entered the city he was met with cheers and praise; only to have the same crowd turn against him less than a week later.

Connecting with the Word: Luke 19: 28-40

28-31 After saying these things, Jesus headed straight up to Jerusalem. When he got near Bethphage and Bethany at the mountain called Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says anything, asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘His Master needs him.’”

32-33 The two left and found it just as he said. As they were untying the colt, its owners said, “What are you doing untying the colt?”

34 They said, “His Master needs him.”

35-36 They brought the colt to Jesus. Then, throwing their coats on its back, they helped Jesus get on. As he rode, the people gave him a grand welcome, throwing their coats on the street.

37-38 Right at the crest, where Mount Olives begins its descent, the whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed:

Blessed is he who comes,
    the king in God’s name!
All’s well in heaven!
    Glory in the high places!

39 Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, get your disciples under control!”

40 But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”

Connection Points

1.   Leadership

Our first element is that of leadership.

A.                   Acts of Desperation

B.                   Acts of Submission   

C.                  Acts of Desperation

The Romans Leaders

The Roman Officials had reached their limit with the Jewish Riots and Uprisings.   They ruled with an Iron Fist, moving quickly to squash any form of rebellion.

Roman Soldiers - Their experiences where of conquering generals returning in war chariots pulled by large stallions with the spoils of war training behind them. They were probably annoyed more than concerned when Jesus approached Jerusalem riding upon a donkey with the crowds waving palm branches.       

Religious Leaders

The Jewish Religious Leaders believed Jesus to be more than a nuisance; His teachings threatened the stronghold they held over the people. They had become desperate in their dealings with Jesus and His disciples.   

D.                  Acts of Submission – Jesus

Jesus had lead His disciples with a sense a of humility and confidence in the will of the Father and the plan of Salvation. Each step to the cross was an act of love, submission and sacrifice.

Points to Ponder: Each step to the cross was an act of love, submission and sacrifice.

Quick Connect: There was nothing about Jesus’s appearance that drew people unto Himself, I doubt there was anything about Him that was dynamic… except.

His Character, Message, Mission

Jesus came not to rule with military might or manipulating the weak but to establish an eternal kingdom of love and righteousness.

He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. Isaiah 53:2 NIV

Transition: Next is the element of Worship.     

2.   Worship

A.  Overflow of our love or adoration of self.    

There are elements of Worship in this account. Hopefully, there were people in the crowd who offered up their praise for Jesus out of a sincere heart. Sadly, The crowds included people who were there for the show while others had their own expectations for who the Messiah would be, more importantly what he would do for them. 

Their praise (worship) had more to do with themselves… their own desires and not a sincere adoration and love for God.      

True worship is about God… not oneself.

Point to Ponder: True worship involves sacrifice, it should cost us something.    

Transition: Another element is that of Spiritual blindness.     

3.            Spiritual Blindness  

41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. Luke 19: 41-42 

A.  Spiritual blindness is the result of unbelief, unconfessed sinned, and/ or harden hearts.

Point to Ponder: When fail to see what God is doing, recognize his hand at work in our lives and the world around us. We miss out on Gods best for our lives.

Conclusion

Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. John 12:23

Points to Ponder:  The underlying theme of this message is about timing.  

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. John 13:1    

Prior to this point Jesus was mindful of His actions and the attention drawn to His rightful claim as the Messiah, Israel’s true King. He avoided or diverted this attention not out of fear but timing… the will of God.

Not anymore!!!! On this day he was bold. He knew the dangers involved in being in Jerusalem, he didn’t sneak in and out, he announced His presence and intentions.

It was time – He made his way into the city to complete the purpose for which he came to earth. To redeem sinful man from their sins!

Points to Ponder

It is time for you to respond to God!

What has he been speaking to you about?

What do you need to confess, surrender, or receive forgiveness and or healing for?

What or who do you need to offer forgiveness?   

Scripture

11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.”[a] He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

king of kings and lord of lords.

17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, 18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and the mighty, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, great and small.” Revelation 19:11-18

There is a time coming when Christ will return upon a white horse and not a donkey’s colt.

He will come to judge and vanquish evil!

What side will you be on?

You must make your decision prior to that day… Today is the day of salvation. The time is now!     

We are the Church

Some say the Church has retreated in fear of the global pandemic while others say the Church is bravely marching forward.

Quick Connect: So, which one is it? Has the Church retreated or advancing ?  

Connecting with the Word: Matthew 16: 13-20  

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. Matthew 16: 13-20

Point to Ponder: We are Still the Church!  

18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 

Connection Points

1.    The Church Will Prevail

Although we are connecting, worshiping and responding differently; we are still the church! Jesus said, I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it.  

A. The Church belongs to God!  

             i.          The Church belongs to God and not to us.   

The foundation & future of the Church rests upon the Truth of Christ.   

B. We are called to partner with Him in the purpose of the Church.

               i.          Peter (Petrous rock) on this rock I will build. Jesus as the Corner Stone – the foundation apostles & prophets – believers   

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2: 19-22

C.  It is as God is making is appeal through us.  

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20

Conclusion

The purpose of the Church is not found in worship a Gennie in a bottle. (a supernatural being that is beholden to our whims and wishes)

The purpose of the Church is proclaiming the truth of God. Bringing him glory.

        Submitting ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ by honoring him in all our circumstances and situations.

Daniel 3:16-20 

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[a] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Point to Ponder: So, which one is it? Has the Church retreated or advancing ?  

It depends upon you. We (you) are the Church. Will we (you) retreat or advance the Kingdom in this crisis?

I Am - March 15,2020

Connecting With the Word

7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them.10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you[b] will worship God on this mountain.” 13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.[c] This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord,[d] the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’

“This is my name forever,
    the name you shall call me
    from generation to generation.

16 “Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt.17 And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.’

18 “The elders of Israel will listen to you. Then you and the elders are to go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has me twith us. Let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrificesto the Lord our God.’ 19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go.

21 “And I will make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward this people, so that when you leave you will not go empty-handed. 22 Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman living in her house for articles of silver and gold and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. And so you will plunder the Egyptians.”                                                                                                                                                                                    Exodus 3: 7 - 22

Connection Points

1.    How did God reveal Himself to Mosses?

Point to Ponder: God revealed Himself to Mosses as “I AM”. 

o   Define “I AM”   

a)   YHVH – Covent keeper

“Jehovah” – I Am, would remind the people (Elders) of the convents He (God) had made with Abraham…                  

b)   YHVH – Related to a Hebrew verb which means “I AM WHO I AM”, “I AM THE Becoming One”. 

Ø His being in Himself. He is Self-existent, depends on nothing or no one except His own will.

Ø Eternal & unchanging

Ø Incomprehensible

Ø Faithful and true to all His promises, unchangeable in His word as well as in His nature.

He was referring to His active, life – giving existence.

c)    “I Am”: I am who I need to be, what I need to be, when I need to be it. I am always present.   

2.   How did God reveal himself to His people?

Point to Ponder: God remained true to His name, “I AM”.

o   Savior

 God rescued His people from the hand of Pharaoh at the Red Sea. (Exodus 14: 1 – 31) 

The Hebrews wouldn’t stand a chance against Pharaoh’s Army. They were hemmed in by the sea with nowhere to run, they were laborers not warriors. But God saved them, without anyone lifting a sword or spear.

Point to Ponder

One of the blessing of obedience is found in Trusting in God to fight our battles.    

o   Liberator (Exodus 12: 31- 42; 13: 17  - 22)

God liberated His people form the bondage of slavery and oppression.  

o   Sustainer (Exodus 16)

God sustained His people in the wilderness.

 He was: 

Ever Present: Cloud in the day, Pillar of fire  

 He provided: Water, Manna and Quail         

Point to Ponder

He provided for His people in spite of their mistrust & disobedience. 

3.   How has God revealed Himself to us?

Point to Ponder: God remains true to His name. “I AM” 

o   Savoir

Just like the Hebrew children, we are in need of a Savoir. We cannot save ourselves.  There are none among us, nothing within us “Good” enough to redeem us from sin… it is only through the grace and forgiveness of God that we are saved.     

For God so loved the wolrd that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16. 17

… “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10: 13

o   Liberator

Acts 2: 1 – 13 : The coming of the Holy Spirit liberated us from the bondage of sin and the influence or orginal sin. God not only being present with us but within us. 

o   Sustainer

Conclusion 

To the seven churches in the province of Asia:

Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits[a] before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”[b]
    and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
    and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”[c]
So shall it be! Amen.

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”                                                                       Revelation 1: 4 - 8