The Jeremy Roberts Leadership Podcast

How Jesus Answers Your Life Questions Mark 11:27–12 Question 1: AUTHORITY—By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave You authority to do this? (Mark 11:27–12:12) What we learn about our human nature: We are rebels against God’s authority. Evangelistic Insight: Don’t be intimidated when you share your faith; take initiative. What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Mark 12:9 And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away. Mark 12:12   Question 2: POLITICAL—Should we pay taxes? (Mark 12:13–17) Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?”  March 12:14b And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances,[c] but truly teach the way of God. Mark 12:14a But, knowing their hypocrisy . . . Mark 12:15a What we learn about our human nature: We are, by nature, hypocrites who avoid God’s command. Evangelistic Insight: When sharing the Gospel, don’t be distracted, but instead stay focused.   Question 3: THEOLOGICAL—If you had multiple spouses, who will be your spouse in the resurrection? (Mark 12:18–27) “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? Mark 10:24 What we learn about our human nature: We are cynics who disregard God’s power. Evangelistic Insight: Don’t be ashamed, but be confident.   Question 4: GENUINE—Which commandment is the most important of all? (Mark 12:28–34) And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Mark 12:28 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Mark12:34a What we learn about our human nature: We are strangers outside of God’s Kingdom. Evangelistic Insight: As we share the Gospel, keep it clear.   Four Marks of Genuine Conversion 1. Mark of Genuine Christian Conversion: You end your rebellion against God. 2. Mark of Genuine Christian Conversion: Offer yourself to God unconditionally. Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him. Mark 12:17 3. Mark of Genuine Christian Conversion: Trust God’s sovereign power in all things. 4. Mark of Genuine Christian Conversion: Loving God and the people He has placed around you. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 A. Love God B. Love Your Neighbor          

The Past, Present, and Future of Brushy Creek Baptist Church 225th Anniversary Brushy Creek Baptist Church, Taylors, SC March 17, 2019 This sermon is being tri-preached by Rev. Jerry Lethco, Dr. Ralph Carter, and Dr. Jeremy Roberts.   I. Praise God for His Movement in the Past (Acts 2:42-47) Preached by Jerry Lethco II. Look at What God is Doing Now (Isaiah 42:4; or Psalm 65:5; or Zephaniah 3:5) Preached by Ralph Carter III. Let’s Prayerfully Charge into the Future with Anticipation and Hope (1 Kings 18:41–46; Jeremiah 29:11) Preached by Jeremy Roberts A. Anticipation  41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. 43 And he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” And he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And he said, “Go again,” seven times. 44 And at the seventh time he said, “Behold, a little cloud like a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” And he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.’” 45 And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. 46 And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. 1 Kings 18:41–46 B. Hope For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11  

Becoming a Christian Who Makes a Difference Mark 11:1–26 11And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. 12 On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. Mark 11:14 I. Jesus is Looking for Fruit And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”  Mark 11:17 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. Mark 11:16 15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. Mark 11:15-16 II. Jesus Wants Us to Seek Him My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? Mark 17b And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. Mark 11:14 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” Mark 13:1-2 for it was not the season for figs. Mark 11:13b But if some of the branches [referring to Israel] were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, Romans 11:17 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved  Romans 11:23, 26a  III. How We Can Bear Fruit My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations . . .Mark 11:17b Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 A. Cultivate Faith 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God.23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Mark 11:22–23 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 B. Cultivate Forgiveness (v. 25) And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25 Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44  

Humanity and Christianity Mark 10:32–52   I. Our Human Condition And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Mark 10:32a And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” Mark 3:22 Jesus says, 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” Mark 10:33-34 35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Mark 10:35-37 Self-interest chokes the progress of love. II. What Jesus Christ Came to Do For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 Jesus’ Mission Stated Negatively—Why Didn’t He Come? For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,  John 3:17a If you think that God is interested in condemning you, then you haven’t understood the Gospel. The Son of Man did not come to be served. Mark 10:45 Jesus’ Mission Stated Positively—Why Did He Come? The objective of Jesus in coming into the world was not to demand something from you, but to accomplish something for you. by giving his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 Word Study of Ransom Hostage Slaves Offenders Against God, Under the Sentence of Death among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. Ephesians 2:3    

Why You Can’t Work Your Way into Heaven Mark 10:17–31  And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him . . . Mark 10:17 “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  Mark 10:17b And Jesus, looking at him, loved him . . . Mark 10:21a Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Mark 10:22 23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”  Mark 10:23-25 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Mark 10:26 I. To Enter Heaven, You Must be Good Like God And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Mark 10:17 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.”  Mark 10:18 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48 “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” Mark 10:20 II. Salvation Involves a Real Change, in which a Person becomes Good Like God III. This Change is Impossible with Man 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:26-27 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”  Mark 10:21 What Jesus is Not Saying What Jesus is Saying IV. This Change is Possible with God Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. Mark 10:18 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 When you come to faith in Jesus Christ, you receive forgiveness for His death, but you also receive righteousness through His life for you. Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 Christians are people who count on God to do what we can’t.    

What Jesus Says About Marriage Mark 9:50–10:16 And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them. 2 And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” Mark 10:1-2 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Mark 10:6-9 I. Marriage is an Exclusive Union between Two People 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Mark 10:6-9 II. Marriage is a Public Attachment III. Marriage is to be Long-Lasting and Characterized by Love IV. Marriage is to be Between One Man and One Woman V. Marriage is to Have a Physical Bond VI. Marriage is to be Sealed by God 11 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” Mark 10:11-12 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”  Mark 19:9 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 How can I safeguard my marriage? 1. Regular Joint Church Attendance  2. Shared Theology 3. Bring Your Faith Home  

The Horrors of Hell Mark 9:33–50   I am the truth. John 14:6 Baptist Faith & Message 2000 Article X The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. 2 Corinthians 5:11a I. Hell is a Place of Punishment And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.  Matthew 25:46 Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. Mark 9:42 their worm does not die. Mark 9:48a the fire is not quenched… Mark 9:48 II. Hell is a Place of Destruction And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16   Example 1: Wineskins Mark 2 Example 2: Ointment Mark 14   Example 3: Lost Coin Luke 15 Example 4: Flood 2 Peter 2:5-7   III. Hell is a Place of Banishment Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 24:41 I will say, ‘Depart from me, I never knew them.  Matthew 7:21–23 Two Key Questions: Question 1: How can a person be happy in heaven if they have loved ones in hell? Question 2: Are you resisting God today?          

Is there really a point to prayer? 1 John 5 for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6b 1. Have Confidence in Your Relationship with God 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6b that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1 John 5:14b 2. Know God’s Will A. God’s Will is Revealed in the Bible that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1 John 5:14b The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 B. God’s Will is Revealed by the Holy Spirit 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. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27 Lord, teach us to pray. Luke 11:1 “Prayer is not a convenient device for imposing our will upon God, or for bending his will to ours, but the prescribed way of subordinating our will to his. It is by prayer that we seek God’s will, embrace it and align ourselves with it. Every true prayer is a variation of the theme ‘your will be done.'” – John Stott 3. God Hears You 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. I John 5:14 4. God Answers You 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:15 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. I John 5:14-15      

Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough Isaiah 58:6–8   “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed[a] go free, and to break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Isaiah 58:6–8 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. Matthew 9:15 And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. Matthew 6:16 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:21 (NKJV) So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty. Ezra 8:23 Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. Joel 2:12 1. When you are Desperate to Overcome Strongholds of Sin and Addiction 2. When you are Desperate for God’s Strength in times of Difficulty  Yet even now, declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; Joel 2:12, 3. When You are Desperate for Revival and Evangelism So they gathered at Mizpah and drew water and poured it out before the LORD and fasted on that day and said there, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the people of Israel at Mizpah. 1 Samuel 7:6 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh Joel 2:28a Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. 2 Samuel 12:16 4. When You Are Desperate to Conquer Mental and Emotional Problems 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness . . . And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. 1 Kings 19:4,8 5. When You Are Desperate for God’s Direction 6. When You Are Desperate for Health and Healing But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. Daniel 1:8 7. When You Are Desperate for God to Use You  Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8   God does not measure what goes in your mouth, but what comes out of your heart.        

Down to Earth According to David 1 Samuel 17 Note: Pastor Jeremy is preaching in narratival (story telling) format, as if he were David from the Bible. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 2 Samuel 7:12-13 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 2 Samuel 7:14 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1 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. Luke 1:32 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once. Matthew 21:19            

Down to Earth According to Adam Romans 5 Note: Pastor Jeremy is preaching in a narratival (story telling) format, as if he were Adam from the Bible. I. Christ was Born into Adam’s Line  “that it is good news of great joy for all people.” Luke 2:10 II. Christ Triumphed where Adam Failed Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. Romans 5:14 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. Romans 5:19 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.  Romans 5:17 Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. Acts 16:31 Regret The one who has been forgiven much loves much. Luke 7:47  

Down to Earth According to Abraham John 8 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.  John 8:56 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Isaiah 9:2a All the families of the earth shall be blessed. Genesis 12:3b Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child? Genesis 17:17 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. John 8:16 When you have lifted up the Son of Man , then you will know that I am he. John 8:28 And Jesus said to them, If you hold to my teaching, you will really be my disciples, then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. John 8:31–32 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death. John 8:51 If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death. John 8:52 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad. Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:56). 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”;as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” Genesis 22:13–14 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 8:11 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:3

Down to Earth According to John The Gospel of John   Note:  Pastor Jeremy is preaching in a narratival (story telling) format, as if he were the Apostle John from the Bible. You are the Christ. You are the Son of the living God  Matthew 16:16 This is my Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him. Luke 9:35 You are all clean. John 13:10 I tell you the truth. One of you is going to betray me. John 13:21 It’s the one to whom I will give the piece of bread after I have dipped it in the dish.  John 13:26 Father, forgive them. They do not know what they’re doing. Luke 23:34 I thirst. John 19:28 Mother, behold, your son. Son, behold your mother. John 19:26 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me. Matthew 27:46 Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. Luke 23:46 Truly, this is the Son of God. Mark 15:39 As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you. John 20:21 The Word became flesh and lived among us. John 1:14 I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live forever. John 11:25 When you hear My word and you believe in my name, you cross over from death to life. John 5:24 In Him was life and that life is the light of men. John 1:4  

Down to Earth According to Herod Matthew 2 Note:  Pastor Jeremy is preaching in a narratival (story telling) format, as if he were Herod from the Bible. 2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,     are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler     who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,     weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children;     she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” 19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene. Matthew 2   Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:11   12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, John 1:12  

Give Thanks Luke 17:11–19 11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”  Luke 17:11-19   I. Get Up 11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee.12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” Luke 17:11–13 II. Get Out When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Luke 17:14 III. Get Back  15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:15–19 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:15-16    

Healthy Holidays: Marriage Ephesians 5:1–33   Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  Ephesians 5 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working. John 5:17 I. Picture of Light for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.  Eph 5:8 If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! Matthew 6:23b II. Picture of Water 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word., Eph 5:25–26 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Men and women alike are sinners. Ephesians 5:3 III. Picture of Food For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church. Eph 5:29 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Psalm 127:1a

From Monumental Monotony to A Missional Movement Acts 19:8-10 8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. Acts 19:8-10 I. Response is Required Regionally (v. 8) II. Proudly Preach Perpetually (v. 8) And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly . . . Acts 19:8a  A thorn was given me in the flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:7  13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me … Galatians 4:13-14a III. Communicate Christ Clearly And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. Acts 19:8 IV. Modify the Method Meticulously But when some became stubborn and continued in?unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation. Acts 19:9a A. Hardened Hearts B. Obvious Opposition  

Baptism Acts 2:38 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2:37-41 1. The Word Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. Matthew 3:13 2. The Practice And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ because of or in order to the forgiveness of your sins . . .” Acts 2:38a 3. The Application And Peter said to them, “Repent [turn away] and be baptized [dipped] every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for [because of] the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41 Simple Application of Baptism 1. Baptism is Vivid in Symbolism What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1–4 2. Essential for Obedience 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, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18–20 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.” Luke 23:42–43 If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15 3. Individual in Application Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27 4. Necessary for Membership   Conclusion Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins . . . Acts 2:38  

Awesome: I Can Go to Heaven! Matthew 7:13–14 13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13–14 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, Deuteronomy 30:19 “And to this people you shall say: ‘Thus says the Lord: Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. Jeremiah 21:8 1. Two Doors The door to life is straight. The door to death is wide. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 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. Acts 4:12 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 1 Timothy 2:5 Jesus is not the best way to Heaven. He is the only way to Heaven. Salvation is the exchange of all we are for all He is. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 1 Thessalonians 1:9 2. Two Directions A narrow way and a broad way. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, Philippians 3:13 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24 3. Two Destinations What is eternal life? Knowing Jesus Christ. Experiencing His grace, His love. A living relationship with God. You are on your way to one of two destinations. Fellowship with God or separation from God. One is heaven, the other is hell. One is eternal life, the other is eternal death. We can’t say, “Thy kingdom come” until we first say “my kingdom go.” Choose Christ. Choose life. Choose now!

The Great Responsibility Matthew 28:16–20 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.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, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20 I. The privileges of God’s love come with the responsibility for all nations. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. Romans 1:14-15 We have a debt to every lost person on earth. Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, Romans 1:1 I am owned by Christ, so I owe Christ to the world. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. John 17:4 Jesus’ work—redemption—on earth is done. Only He can save people. He’s the only way to the Father. II. God will save people, and He wants to use you.   5 Key Verbs in Matthew 28:16-20 Go: This verb implies crossing boundaries. Go across the street to meet a neighbor. Go to dinner with an unsaved friend. Go and invite your one! Make: This verb implies a “work in progress.” We never arrive as Christians. We are all a “family of learners in the faith.” From the newest Christian, to the most spiritually mature, we all learn from each other as part of the “making process.” Baptize: Our whole identity changes when we are saved, from that of belonging to ourselves to belonging to God. Teach: The verbiage here literally means keep on teaching them. The maturation of a believer is a lifelong process. You never stop growing. You never stop going. And you can’t grow as a believer unless you go. Remember: God is with us throughout it all!