Understanding Unanswered Prayer

Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt that your prayers were unanswered? How did it make you feel, and how did you respond?

We had a little bible study and discussion on this vary topic, and I wanted to share with you the notes here so maybe you might be encouraged in your own prayer life, even when your prayers seem unanswered.

What Does the Bible Say?

1. James 4:2-3 (ESV)

“You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”

What does this passage say about the reasons for unanswered prayer?
Discuss how motives and desires can affect the effectiveness of prayer.
What are some wrong motives people might have when praying, and how can we ensure our motives are aligned with God’s will?

2. Matthew 7:7-11 (ESV)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

How does Jesus encourage us to approach God in prayer?
What assurance do we have regarding God’s response to our requests in this passage?

3. Psalm 66:18 (ESV).

“If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”

What does this verse suggest about the importance of a righteous life in relation to answered prayer?
What are some practical ways to maintain a righteous life and a close relationship with God, as Psalm 66:18 suggests, to enhance the effectiveness of your prayers?
How does repentance and maintaining a close relationship with God can impact our prayers?

4. 1 John 5:14-15 (ESV).

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 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.”

According to these verses, what is the key to having confidence in prayer?
How do you differentiate between prayers that align with God’s will and prayers that may not align with His plan?
Where have you seen prayers aligned with God’s will being answered?

5. Luke 18:1-8 (ESV) (the parable of the persistent widow).

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while, he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’ And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?'”

What does this parable teach us about persistence in prayer?
How should this parable influence our approach to unanswered prayer?
Think of an example from your life or from the Bible of a prayer that was initially unanswered but was later answered in God’s timing. How has that helped your faith in prayer?
How can the concept of persisting in prayer, as seen in the parable of the persistent widow, be applied to your life when facing unanswered prayer?

Conclusion:

We need to approach unanswered prayer with the perspective of seeking God’s will, maintaining a righteous life, and persisting in prayer.

God’s timing and wisdom are beyond our comprehension, and He always works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

We have to continue in faithful prayer, trusting that God hears and responds according to His perfect plan.

Building Courage Through Trust in God

Taken from our last sermon of our fear series “Beaking Ground.” See it here

Fear is inevitable in life. From health crises to new jobs to just daily worries, anxiety comes for us all. In those moments, it’s tempting to let fear win and paralyze us from moving forward. But with faith in God, we can find the courage to press on despite the fear.

Courage is not the absence of fear – it’s being able to keep putting one foot in front of the other, even when afraid. God does not want us to live in bondage to anxiety and fear. He desires for us to live boldly and fully in the purpose He has planned. When inevitable worries arise, we can confront them head-on with trust in the power of God working within us.

So how do we build courage through trust in God? Here are some practical steps:

Bring your fears to God in prayer. Pour out your heart as David did in Psalm 55:1-7, 16-17:

“Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan, because of the noise of the enemy…My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me…But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.”

Ask God for strength in your fears, then leave those burdens fully in His hands.

Renew your mind with scriptures about God’s power and faithfulness, like Proverbs 3:5-6:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Recall specific times God has brought you through trials in the past. Let these build your trust in Him for the future.
Take small steps to practice courage in manageable situations, building your “faith muscles.”
Journal about fears you face and how God helps you. Use these as touchstones when bigger fears arise.
Find supportive friends to walk this journey with you. We were not made to battle alone.

With each courageous step forward in trust, your confidence in God will grow. Before long, you’ll be ready to face any fear head-on, knowing He is right by your side. Our God is for us – who can stand against us with Him on our side? Don’t let fear have the final say in your life. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and boldly walk into the purpose God has for you. With Him going before you, what do you possibly have to fear?

Cultivating Trust: Growth Despite Fear

This blog post is built upon the sermon found here.

“Cultivating Trust: Growth Despite Fear”

Strengthening faith through trust in God.

Introduction: Taking the Leap

Imagine standing at the edge of an airplane’s open door, thousands of feet above the ground. Your heart races, palms sweaty, as you’re about to take a leap of faith – quite literally. This moment encapsulates the essence of faith and trust in action.

Fear as Fertilizer for Faith

Fear, like fertilizer for plants, plays an unexpected role in our spiritual growth. While fear might seem counterproductive, it can actually nurture our faith. Just as plants need nutrients to thrive, our faith can be enriched by facing our fears. Fear pushes us to lean on God, highlighting our vulnerability and dependence on His strength. It drives us to seek the unshakable foundation of faith when everything else feels uncertain.

Trust in God’s Plan Amidst Fear

Trusting God means allowing Him to steer our lives, even in the face of fear. Proverbs 3:5-6 guides us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Trust entails releasing our need for control, acknowledging His sovereignty, and allowing His wisdom to guide our paths. It’s the practical application of faith.

Finding Courage in Trust

David, in Psalm 56:3-4, shows us the way. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” David doesn’t deny fear’s presence but chooses to trust God’s reliability over his own understanding.

Growing Through Fear

Just as muscles require resistance to grow stronger, our faith needs challenges to deepen. Trials test our faith, helping us develop trust and courage. Past victories against fear serve as evidence that God is faithful. By recalling these moments, we build trust in His continuous care.

Practical Application of Trust

Much like leaping from an airplane, life presents opportunities to exercise faith and trust. Just as a parachute assures your safety, trust in God guides us through life’s trials. Start small, with intentional steps of faith, and gradually build trust in His plan. Conversations with experienced believers offer insights into how faith is honed through life’s challenges.

Cultivating Trust

Challenge yourself this week: document past instances where God led you through fear, reinforcing your trust. Practice faith in everyday situations, knowing that small steps of trust pave the way for greater faith. Remember, strong faith comes from testing, just as muscles grow through resistance. Ultimately, placing your faith and trust in Christ leads to a life of purpose, adventure, and the assurance that you’re in safe hands.

Placing Your Trust

In life’s journey, who do you trust – yourself or Jesus? Salvation rests on faith in Christ’s perfect work, not our righteousness. The Bible affirms that none are righteous, but Christ’s sacrifice bridges that gap. Place your faith in His grace, and you’ll discover the unshakable foundation that conquers all fear.

Remember, growth comes from facing fear, just as faith is honed through trials. Allow fear to fertilize your faith, and watch it grow into a steadfast trust that guides you through life’s uncertainties.

Eternal Life: Knowing God

Sermon Summary of my sermon on John 17:1-5 found here.

Introduction:
When we hear the term “eternal life,” we often think of life after death or immortality. However, the concept of eternal life is more profound than just a future destination; it is a present reality of knowing God personally through Jesus Christ. Let’s explore what eternal life means, its impact on our lives, and how we can obtain it.

I. The Significance of Knowing God Personally:
Jesus defines eternal life as knowing the Father and Himself (John 17:3). This definition shifts our perspective from a future destination to a meaningful relationship. When we know God personally, our faith deepens, intimacy with Him nurtures, and assurance of salvation strengthens.

How can we foster a closer relationship with God and experience eternal life in the present?

II. Embracing the Mission of the Kingdom on Earth:
Eternal life isn’t just about our future destiny; it calls us to participate in God’s kingdom work here on earth. Jesus came on a mission to reveal the Father and establish a right relationship with Him. As believers, we are vessels for His work, called to bring about God’s Kingdom on earth.

How can we actively participate in God’s kingdom mission and make a difference in the world around us?

III. Living with Purpose and Hope:
Knowing God gives us purpose and hope. He transforms us into new creations, and we begin living with a sense of mission. As we grow closer to Him, we understand our lives have eternal significance in light of God’s mission for the world.

How does knowing God personally influence the way we view our lives and live with purpose and hope?

IV. Walking in Intimacy with God:
Mary Magdalene’s life is an example of encountering the risen Christ and embracing a personal relationship with Him. Like her, we can experience a deep, intimate walk with God, seeking to foster that personal connection with the Creator and Savior.

How can we cultivate a closer and more intimate walk with God in our daily lives?

V. Sharing the Good News:
As believers, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. Our love for God and others compels us to share His transforming love and offer the gift of eternal life.

How can we overcome fears and boldly share our faith with others, knowing that eternal life is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ?

Conclusion:
Eternal life is not just a distant hope but a present reality in knowing God personally through Jesus Christ. It transforms us, gives us purpose, and calls us to participate in God’s mission for the world. As we cultivate an intimate walk with God, we discover the joy of sharing His love and the promise of eternal life with those around us. Let’s embrace the cheat code to eternal life—knowing God the Father and His Son—and live with passion and hope in the present, knowing that eternity begins when we believe and are saved in Christ.

Finding Hope in the Gospel of John

As we continue our journey through the Gospel of John, we encounter profound truths and transformative encounters with Jesus. In this blog post, we will explore four pivotal verses from John’s Gospel—John 17:3, John 18:36, John 20:17, and John 20:31—and discover the faith and hope they inspire within us. These verses not only reveal the depth of Jesus’ identity and mission but also call us to embrace a life-changing relationship with Him.

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. - John 17:3

A Glimpse of Eternal Life:

In John 17:3, Jesus shares a powerful insight into what eternal life is. He declares that eternal life is not merely an unending existence but rather, it is knowing the one true God the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent. This verse reminds us that eternal life isn’t some distant future only to be experienced after death, but it is a present reality through our relationship with Jesus.

How does the concept of eternal life being rooted in knowing God impact your understanding of salvation and life’s purpose?

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” - John 18:36

A Kingdom Beyond This World:

In John 18:36, Jesus proclaims that His kingdom is not of this world. His kingship transcends earthly powers, and His mission is beyond any sort of worldly ambitions. This verse invites us to reassess our values and seek a kingdom that aligns with the eternal purposes of Christ.

In what ways can we actively prioritize the values of Christ’s kingdom in our daily lives and interactions with the world?

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” - John 20:17

From Mourning to Mission:

In John 20:17, we witness a powerful encounter between Jesus and Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb. Jesus instructs her not to cling to Him but to go and tell His disciples. This moment marks the transformation from mourning to mission— it was a call for Mary to share the good news of the resurrected Savior. As we shared last night, the relationship had changed. There was still work to do.

How can Mary Magdalene’s response to Jesus’ instruction inspire us to be active messengers of the gospel, bringing hope and life to those around us?

But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. - John 20:31

Believing for Life:

John states the purpose of writing his Gospel: “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31, ESV) This verse is the heart of the Gospel of John—to lead us to faith in Jesus as the source of life and the Son of God. Believing this brings about our salvation.

How has encountering the various signs, miracles, and teachings of Jesus in this Gospel influenced your perception of His identity and divine mission? How does John’s Gospel inspire you to place your faith in Jesus and experience the abundant life He offers?

Conclusion:

In the Gospel of John, we find an invitation to know Jesus in a deeply personal way—to know Him intimately and experience His redemption power. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we access the eternal life that begins here and now—a life rooted in knowing the Father and the Son.

As we meditate on these verses, let us reflect on the richness of Christ’s identity and mission. He offers us a kingdom that transcends this world and calls us to embrace a life of purpose and mission. Just as Mary Magdalene was commissioned to share the good news, we too are called to be bearers of hope and agents of God’s love in the world.

Questions for further reflection:

How can we cultivate a deeper intimacy with Jesus and experience the reality of eternal life in our daily walk with Him?
In what ways can we align our lives with the values and mission of Christ’s kingdom, even amidst the challenges and pressures of the world?
How can we respond actively to Jesus’ call to be messengers of hope and life, sharing the transformative power of the gospel with those around us?
How does the purpose of John’s Gospel, as stated in John 20:31, inspire you to believe in Jesus as the Christ and experience life in His name?

May the Gospel of John continue to inspire us, strengthen our faith, and fill us with hope as we walk with the risen Savior and follow His leading in every aspect of life.

Finding Hope Even in Our Suffering

Adapted from a reason sermon found here.

Life is full of joys and sorrows, but there are moments when the weight of suffering becomes too much for us to bear. During these times, it’s natural to question where God is amidst our pain. In this blog post, we will delve into a brief story from John chapter 11 that addresses these very questions. It’s my hope that we discover encouragement together as we explore the biblical account of Mary and Martha, who experienced profound loss and disappointment, yet found strength in their faith.

The Sorrow of Loss

In John 11, we encounter John telling us of Mary and Martha, two sisters who were incredibly close to Jesus. They were grieving the loss of their brother Lazarus, who had passed away due to an illness. In their sorrow, they couldn’t help but express their disappointment that Jesus hadn’t arrived in time to prevent Lazarus’s death. I believe this resonates with many of us, as we too have questioned why God seemingly remains distant when we are in pain and why suffering persists.

The Unanswered Questions

Let’s be honest; the questions surrounding suffering don’t always have easy answers that bring immediate peace and resolution to our struggles. We may have experienced immense loss, battled physical or mental ailments, or witnessed the suffering of our loved ones, leaving us wondering why God allows such pain in our lives. Even as a pastor, I grapple with the unknown reasons behind my own wife’s severe anxiety, despite our earnest prayers for healing. Sometimes, we simply don’t receive a clear answer.

Finding Encouragement in Faith

As we navigate through our own trials, it’s important for us to remember that suffering is not a new concept. The Bible is replete with stories of individuals who faced their share of pain—Joseph, David, Job, the Apostle Paul, John the Baptist, and Stephen, to name a few. We can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our struggles.

Jesus’ Purpose in Suffering

In the account of Mary and Martha, we see that Jesus had a greater purpose in mind when He allowed their pain and delayed His response. He wanted to demonstrate His divine power and bring glory to God. Through their trying situation, He aimed to strengthen the faith of those around Him. His hope was that others would see and believe and be saved as they witnessed the power of the Messiah.

Understanding God’s Sovereignty

It’s not always easy to understand why God permits certain things to happen. Yet, we are called to submit to His wisdom and intentions in our lives, even when it hurts. His sovereignty and righteousness prevail, even in the midst of our suffering. God knows our struggles and has a plan, even if it remains beyond our understanding.

Hope Beyond Suffering

While none of us desire suffering or hurt, Jesus reminded us that trials are a part of life. We still have human bodies that are prone to dysfunction, and these bodies have an expiration date. The reality is that we will experience loss and pain, but as believers, we have hope.

Our hope lies in the assurance that death is not the end. It marks a temporary rest until the day of resurrection when we will be reunited with our loved ones in the presence of the risen Son. On that day, we will experience the brightness of His glory within the new creation.

Conclusion

In the midst of pain and suffering, we may wonder where God is and why He allows certain things to happen. Yet, through the story of Mary and Martha, we can find hope and encouragement in knowing that God has a purpose for our struggles.

While the answers to our questions might not always be clear, we can trust in God’s sovereignty and divine plan. Let us draw strength from the examples of those who faced trials before us, and let us lean on one another for support and encouragement during these challenging times.

As we journey through life’s highs and lows, let us hold fast to the hope we find in Christ, knowing that one day, we will be reunited with Him and our loved ones for all eternity.

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. - 2 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV

Am I Saved? Questioning You Salvation

Often we may find ourselves questioning if God really can, will, or has saved us. It is to this question that I hope to help you in this brief response to one such person I answered.

Salvation isn’t based on us at all. It rests on Him and His work. He fulfilled all of the requirements we could not.

If He forgave Peter who straight out denied Him, then He forgives us.

If He forgave Paul who stood by while Christians were murdered, He forgives us.

If He forgave the thief on the Cross, He forgives us.

If you asked Him to forgive you, then He does. And the proof of your salvation is that desire in you to please Him, to abide in Him, and to share Him with others. Keep abiding and you have nothing to fear. It isn’t about your “performance” it is all about His work. 🙌🏻

Unleashing the Power

Pentecost Sunday 2023 Sermon Notes – Watch the sermon on YouTube

Intro

‌

We finish our After the Resurrection series with the arrival of the Holy Spirit whom Christ told the disciples when He ascended that He would send. Remember He had told them to go back to Jerusalem and wait until it came.

‌‌Today is known as Pentecost Sunday. The Greek word used means fifty. I want to share a little about the historical Pentecost and what the Pentecost means to us as Christians today in this message.

‌Historical Pentecost

‌Pentecost is celebrated in both Jewish and many Christian circles. Pentecost is not a new holiday for Christians only. It predates our faith going all the way back to the Torah, the Old Testament Law.

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“To the Jews, this time of celebration is known as Shavuot, which is the Hebrew word meaning “weeks.” This is one of three separate names that are used in Scripture to refer to this important Jewish feast. Besides being called the Feast of Weeks in Leviticus 23, this special feast celebration is called the “Day of the Firstfruits” in Numbers 28:26 and the “Feast of Harvest” in Exodus 23:16. The Feast of Weeks takes place exactly 50 days after the Feast of Firstfruits. It normally occurs in late spring, either the last part of May or the beginning of June.

Unlike other feasts that began on a specific day of the Hebrew calendar, this one is calculated as being “fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath” (Leviticus 23:15–16; Deuteronomy 16:9–10).” – Gotquestions.com

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It follows the Passover by fifty days.

‌

Pentecost to the Christian

‌When it comes to the Christian Church, and what this day means to us there is much to be seen.

‌Jesus was crucified as the “Passover Lamb.” He rose from the grave at the Feast of First Fruits.‌ Following His resurrection, Jesus spent the next 40 days teaching His disciples before ascending to heaven (Acts 1).

‌Fifty days after His resurrection and after ascending to heaven to sit at the right hand of God, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as promised (John 14:16–17) to indwell the disciples and empower them for ministry.

‌The promised Holy Spirit arrived on the Day of Pentecost, which is another name for the Feast of Weeks.

‌Let’s recount this event as Luke records it in Acts 2.

‌

What Happened?

‌Acts 2:1–18 ESV

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams;

18 even on my male servants and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

Symbolism

‌Wind

‌Many times in the bible we read of people seeking a word from God in the wind. In Genesis it even speaks of the Spirit hovering over the land, this Ruah word in Genesis is translated most as spirit, but can also be breath or wind.

‌‌Think about Jesus’s own words about how the Spirit is like the wind…it blows where it wants to.

‌John 3:8 ESV

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

‌

‌Fire

‌And Luke records that “tongues as of fire” appeared above people’s heads. Fire is very often used, or seen, as God’s presence throughout the OT. From the burning bush and Moses to the Israelite’s travels during the Exodus, they were led by fire in the night and a column of smoke during the day.

‌God is described as an “all-consuming fire.”

‌‌So there can be no doubt here, that just as Christ had told them, God would send the Holy Spirit…and here He came with wind and fire.

‌‌

Tongues

‌These tongues were not the spiritual gift of praying in tongues or speaking in tongues as Paul speaks of. Instead it was a supernatural ability to speak in languages they did not know so that others would be taught and hear the gospel of Jesus’s substitutionary death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.

‌

Witnessing

It is by the Holy Spirit’s power that Peter was emboldened to stand up and deliver a message that would have been seen as condemning the very people that had crucified Jesus. The same man that feared them enough to deny even knowing Jesus prior, is now strengthened through the Spirit to speak against them with power.

‌

The Prophecy

‌Peter says that all of this that happened was prophesied. In other words, this was the fulfillment of what the Jews would have already read in the prophets.

‌

Joel 2:28–29 ESV

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

‌

Joel 2:32 ESV

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.

‌

Today

‌So what does the Holy Spirit mean for us today? What does it mean for you and me? For the answer, we need to look to Jesus’s own words. It is promised by God in the OT, and Jesus said it would come when He left the earth.

‌

Power

‌Before ascending to Heaven, Jesus told the disciples they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came.

‌Acts 1:8 ESV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

‌‌

Isn’t it interesting that boldly witnessing is the first display of the Holy Spirit seen in the disciples? Peter courageously stands up and preaches a highly convicting message to those gathered within the place for the Feast. The people there weren’t there for Jesus, they were there for the obligatory act.

‌The disciples received the Holy Spirit. The people then thought they must be mad or had been drinking because they were hearing these disciples speaking in their languages. People were there from all over the world and yet they heard these Galileans speaking in their languages.

‌Jesus said they would receive power to be His witnesses. This wasn’t a physical, stronger-than-anyone display of power. It was the gift of boldness, the gift of unattainable knowledge, the gift or power to explain the Gospel, to be His witnesses, so that others might believe and be saved. They were telling them of the Mighty Works of God.

‌‌Guess what you and I have the power to do? We, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and our own experience of the mighty works of God in our own lives, have the power to be His witnesses. We can tell others about the work of God in our lives and share the Gospel that God can do the same thing in their lives.

‌The Holy Spirit gives us boldness. Scripture says that He will give us the words to speak.

‌I’m afraid though, that too often we lose our focus on Him, and we look at ourselves, denying His power within us, believing we are too weak, too dumb, to share the Gospel. So we don’t allow the power of the Holy Spirit to work through us.‌ But, we have it. It’s in us. We just need to unleash it on the world around us!

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Our Helper

‌Jesus says the Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth. He calls Him the Helper in John 14:26.

‌I need help. Do you need help?

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John 14:26 ESV

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

‌‌The Helper will teach and bring to remembrance what Jesus has taught us. How many of you have had that feeling when wanting to share about Jesus to someone and thought to yourself, “I’m not sure what to say. Can I remember enough Scripture to answer their questions?” Jesus says the Holy Spirit will help us remember.

‌We’ve mentioned before how we need the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to learn from the Scriptures. It all seems foolishness without having the Spirit. But when we have Him He illuminates the Scriptures so that we can see and learn and receive the Word of God.

‌

He is Our Advocate

‌The Holy Spirit is our Advocate. Not only does He help us in many ways, but He advocates for us…He speaks for us.

‌Paul reminds us in Romans 8.

‌‌Romans 8:26–27 ESV

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. 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.

‌‌We need an advocate, and Jesus gives us what we need.

‌Have you ever had someone advocate for you, and speak for you in life? It felt good right? It made you feel like you mattered. We matter to God, and so the Spirit shows us by advocating, and speaking on our behalf to the Father.

‌

Summary of Benefits

‌‌Guidance and Teaching: Jesus assured His disciples that the Holy Spirit would come to guide them into all truth and remind them of His teachings (John 14:26; John 16:13-14). The Spirit would illuminate their understanding and help them grasp the deeper meaning of Jesus’ words.

‌Comfort and Advocate: Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the Comforter or Advocate who would come alongside His followers to provide comfort, support, and encouragement (John 14:16-17, 26). The Spirit would be their helper in times of need.

‌Empowerment for Witnessing: Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would empower His disciples to be witnesses of Him, enabling them to testify boldly about Him and His work (Acts 1:8). The Spirit would give them the necessary boldness, words, and spiritual power to proclaim the Gospel.

‌Conviction of Sin: Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11). The Spirit would bring about conviction in people’s hearts, leading them to recognize their need for repentance and the righteousness offered through faith in Jesus.

‌Spiritual Fruit: Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit would produce spiritual fruit in the lives of believers, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The Spirit’s presence and work would transform their character to reflect Christ’s likeness.

‌Unity and Fellowship: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in uniting believers in the body of Christ, fostering love, harmony, and mutual support within the community of believers (Ephesians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 12:13).

‌

He Seals Us

‌And when it comes to our Salvation, this is a work of the Holy Spirit alone. It is God’s gift of grace to us, and it is offered to you.

‌The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and our need for a Savior. John 16:8. It is He that opens our eyes to recognize we are sinners.

‌‌The Holy Spirit regenerates us. As Jesus taught Nicodemus, we need to be born again. This is regeneration. It is dying to our old self and being raised to new life in Christ, being born again of the Spirit. John 3:5-8.

‌‌The Holy Spirit indwells or lives in us. Romans 8:9. You are no longer your own. Like the Tabernacle the Israelites used to haul around as “God’s dwelling place.” We are His temples now. We are where God, through His Spirit resides.

‌‌The Holy Spirit seals us. The Holy Spirit’s presence in us proves we are God’s saved people. We know we are His when we know He is doing all these things in our lives…giving us power, and knowledge, and helping us to produce the fruits of the Spirit in our life.

‌Paul says:

‌Ephesians 1:13–14 ESV

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

‌

The Holy Spirit is the unconditional guarantee of our inheritance, of our adoption as children of God, heirs with Christ, or an eternal inheritance.

‌

‌Sanctification

The Holy Spirit sanctifies us. Sanctification is the work of the Spirit in our life making us more like Christ. He’s forming us into the image of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

‌You’re not there yet. Me either. But like me, I am sure that if you have believed in Christ and received His forgiveness through the Holy Spirit, then you are a better person now than you were right?

‌You’ve probably seen some of those fleshly desires be crucified in your life. The things you used to find enjoyment in, are now foolish endeavors. In place of them is that joy that can’t be taken away.

‌

Closing

‌Friends, today is said to be the birth of the Church, the Bride of Christ.

Nearly 2,000 years ago a movement of men and women from all nations received the Holy Spirit and were sent into the world to be Christ’s witnesses for the salvation of the world.

‌The Holy Spirit is why I have given all these words to you today, in the hopes that you too would be filled with the Holy Spirit.

‌That you too would receive His power, become His witnesses, know His comfort, and be sanctified in Christ.

‌May you know Him as intimately as He knows you, and I pray His power would be unleashed in us all.

Don’t Just Stand There!

Sermon notes for the video teaching – 05/21/2023

How many times have you been mesmerized by something, so captured by it that it was like you were in a trance?

The word “mesmerize” dates back to an 18th-century Austrian physician named Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815). He established a theory of illness that involved internal magnetic forces, which he called animal magnetism. (It would later be known as mesmerism.)

Mesmer believed that good physical and psychological health came from properly aligned magnetic forces; bad health, then, resulted from forces essentially being out of whack. He noticed a treatment that seemed to work particularly well in correcting these misaligned forces.

It involved giving his patients medications with high doses of iron and then moving magnets over their bodies (Goodwin, 1999). During these treatments, Mesmer’s patients would go into a trance-like state and emerge feeling better. He saw this as substantiating the success of his therapy.

Of course, the medical community eventually debunked Mesmer’s belief that this was some sort of medical power or treatment, but still, we can find ourselves today in a state of trance about some things.

Often, we may find that we don’t know how to break free of this trance state.

Imagine yourself on the shore of the lake with the disciples of Jesus when Jesus ascends into Heaven. Can you imagine standing there in a trance-like state, not being able to make yourself move?

Let’s read today’s Word and we’ll see where this leads us.

Scripture

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

The Ascension

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Acts 1:1-11 ESV

Background of Acts

First off, this is the beginning of a new writing by Luke, a physician, and companion of the Apostle Paul. He is likely a gentile man, and his writing dates back to around 60 A.D.

He’s actually writing a letter to a friend, possibly a high-level Greek named, Theophilus.

He even mentions that this is his second book, referencing that he had already dealt with all that Jesus had said and done until His ascension. And in Acts 1 he begins there telling Theophilus of Jesus’s death and resurrection and His appearing during 40 days time to the disciples.

Within this letter, he tells the story of the beginning of the Church and his and Paul’s activities, along with the other disciples in these early days following Jesus’s ascension into heaven.

Jesus’s Words

Jesus, tells the disciples before ascending, to stay in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit will come upon them giving them power. And He says “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

So He says:

“Stay where you’re at until you receive the Holy Spirit.”
“You will receive power.”
“Then you will be MY witnesses.”
“To Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The Trance

Luke then says that while Jesus was ascending into Heaven, the disciples watched and were left “gazing” into Heaven while He went.

I’ll call this their trance phase.

It isn’t until the two men appear next to them asking, “Why do you stand here looking into heaven?”

Notice, the men didn’t give the disciples any further direction, they just asked the disciples why they were still standing there. But the intent in their question was likely to get the attention, or to help the disciples “snap out of it.”

It’s like you telling someone to do something and when you go back to them a couple of minutes later their attention is still affixed on what they were doing when you gave them the task to do.

Like me hearing Allison ask me to do something but I sit there another minute or two to finish a segment of a TV show and she has to come back in and remind me. If she hadn’t come remind me, what might I have done?

I would have forgotten! I would have remained mesmerized, or in a trance focused on what I was into and not her needs.

Jesus Told Them

So without saying it, these two men, in their question, were reminding these entranced disciples, “He told you what to do, so get to it.”

If it weren’t for these men capturing the attention of the disciples, they might still be there today! Probably not.

However, it is true in our own Christian lives, that we too can become mesmerized with being in the faith to the point of not sharing, or doing the work of the faith.

We can get stuck in just trying to draw closer to Christ through knowledge, and trying to know more about Him, to the point of not actually living for Him.

Even the new believer can come to Christ for salvation and have this great desire to grow closer to Christ through delving into the bible.

There’s nothing wrong with these things either, as I too suggest these activities for new and old believers. We must be in the Word. We must know that it is an important part of growing in our faith.

However, we mustn’t get stuck there.

This was one of the problems of the Pharisees. They’d become obsessed with the Law, which in itself wasn’t bad, but to the point where they missed the relationship with God, the work of God in loving others and doing good works for others.

Their concern had become about not doing bad things to the extent of not doing the good works God had planned for them, and neglecting to do good deeds for the community of believers.

Before ascending to Heaven, Jesus told these disciples…

After they were to receive the Holy Spirit they would have work to do. They would be witnesses “to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

In essence, this was from their hometown, their home state, their nation, and to the rest of the world. And this is the same command, and way, you and I are to work towards spreading the Gospel.

WE Have Work To DO

Jesus doesn’t say, “Keep to yourself. Keep your faith silent, it’s just between you and me, no one else can know.”

No, He says GO! Do! Make and baptize disciples in the Great Commission as we looked at last week. In other words, “Be My witnesses, at home, in your community, in your city, in your state, and progressively support or make me known to the rest of the world.”

What’s God’s Will for My Life?

Many of us, at some point or another, are asking this very question. Of course, many of us are more concerned about our own everyday life than the “ultimate/non-specifically us-defined” purpose or will.

You’re not going to find your future mate or future career listed in God’s Word most likely. But you will find things such as the traits you should have and you should seek in your future mate, or your future career.

What you will also find are explicit commands in how you are to live, and how you are to serve the Lord, being a witness in all you do.

Listen to these words:

Matthew 28:19–20 ESV

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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 5:16 ESV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Romans 12:11 ESV

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

James 1:22 ESV

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

1 Peter 4:10 ESV

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

The One Anothers

Love one another (John 13:34-35; John 15:12, 17; Romans 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11, 23; 1 John 4:7, 11-12).

Serve one another (Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 4:10).

Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32).

Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24-25).

Pray for one another (James 5:16).

Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21).

Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).

Build up one another (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9).

Bear with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13).

Teach and admonish one another (Colossians 3:16).

Jesus teaches to care for and to do for the least of these…the poor, the lonely, the homeless, the outcast.

He says when we do these things we do them to Him.

What better witness is there than that?

When starting Innovate Church, doing what the Scripture say for us to do was to be the DNA of our church. We were, and are, to be in the world doing these commands Jesus has given us, making a difference in local communities as His witnesses.

Paul reminds us to carry each other’s burdens, to pray for one another, to share with one another, and not merely look after our own interests but to the interest of others.

And the Bible is so clear on so many other things, as Paul reminds us:

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 ESV

You Have a Purpose, You Have Work to Do

Every one of us, no matter our situation, no matter if we are homebound or free to go where ever we desire, has work to do. We have been given a purpose to live out.

Our purpose is to make Him known to the world by being His witness, by doing the works He commands in His Scriptures, to those nearest to us to those we may never see face to face on this side of eternity.

We cannot be a Holy huddle, we have to move out of the proverbial building, and into the streets and workplaces to spread the Gospel, to do good deeds, so that others may know and become part of the Kingdom of God as you and I are.

Let us hear the call of the two witnesses at Jesus’s ascension calling out to the disciples, “Why do you stand there looking to the heavens?” Go! Do! Make Him known. Be witnesses in all that you do, and do it with purpose.

His Return

Jesus will be returning soon. It may not be in my lifetime or yours but the truth is, as we see stated here to the disciples, He will come again.

When the Master returns He shall find His servants being about His work.

The Messiah Weeps

Sermon notes from Palm Sunday 2023 – video here

Luke 19:28–44 ESV

Today, around the world much of the Church will be singing and praising God just as those praised Jesus on this day some 2,000 years ago.

At first it seems as though it is indeed a glorious day as we read of Jesus riding the donkey into Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives.

The Bible even has the headings often written, “The Triumphal Entry.”

With such headings, you’d be led to believe this was indeed a happy and celebratory day.

The People Celebrated

For many at the time, they’d believed the Messiah was ready to take over! This was the moment they’d been waiting for.

Earlier in Jesus’s ministry His own brothers tried to convince Him to make Himself known, to show the world you might say, that He is who He says He is.

And His response to His brothers at that time was:

“The right time for me has not yet come.

The world cannot hate you, but it hates me, because I keep telling it that its ways are bad.

The right time has not come for me.”

Like His brothers, His own disciples were excited because this was the moment He was going to go into Jerusalem as the King to take what was rightfully His, and theirs.

They thought He was going to retake the City and sit on David’s throne.

The bible informs us, that as He was heading down to Jerusalem from the Mount, as He drew near,

He wept over the city.

He Weeps Over Jerusalem

Image by Enrique Simonet, 1892

HE weeps saying, “if you had only known the things that make for peace.”

Instead, HE weeps because He knows judgment is coming upon them. He weeps because there will be no peace for them now.

When He is gone from the earth, Jerusalem would be ransacked by the Romans some 40 years later near this same time of year. There was to be no peace for them.

So, He weeps over His people.

He weeps over you and I when we don’t believe or don’t obey.

Sometimes we tend to think He gets angry at us for not obeying Him.

I think instead, He weeps because He knows what could have been for us if we’d obeyed.

He weeps over those of us that have tasted His salvation only to turn away from Him for other idols in our lives.

His desire is always for us to turn and be saved. To endure until the end He often says, to leave the old life behind and be the new Creation He makes of us.

He weeps because He knows our hearts, and He knows who truly loves Him and who is simply going through the motions for attention.

He weeps because He knows the price that has to be paid for His people. The price He paid for you and I.

The prophets of old had it right, the Messiah was coming, and on a donkey.

And the people believed, at least for a moment, that Jesus was He.

But in a week’s time, all that changed.

He Knew

Jesus knew it would.

He knew His people, some of them His very own disciples, would fall away. They would not only reject Him, but cry out for His blood.

So He wept.

His weeping was due to the future He knew they would face because of their rejection.

He Still Knows

He still knows.

He knows that many will proclaim Him their Savior one day only to reject Him on another.

He knows that many will call Him Savior yet still choose to live a life that doesn’t glorify Him.

He knows, and He weeps, because some of you will still, like the those Pharisees that were jeering Him that day, you will remain hardened against Him, blind to your own need for Him.

He weeps, because He knows some of you will face the fire of Hell because you have been blinded to the truth that God has offered you grace and forgiveness through His own Son.

He takes no joy in knowing there will be some that will suffer for eternity. So He weeps for you.

We Should Weep

Friends, we should be the ones weeping.

Weeping because we know it is on account of us that Jesus had to endure the beatings, the Cross, and the grave.

We should weep because He loves us enough to suffer all of that for us.

As He says of the rocks, we should cry out, “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Have You Weeped

Friends, have you cried out to God to save you?

Have you weeped over your own sins?

Cry out to Him now, and ask for His forgiveness.

No longer make Him weep over you, instead let Him rejoice over you for coming home to your Savior.

Going a Little Deeper

I wanted to share a few words with you, sort of a behind the scenes if you will on this day for our Lord.

The Prophecies He Fulfilled

Zechariah 9:9 ESV

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.

Isaiah 62:10–12 ESV

Go through, go through the gates; prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway; clear it of stones; lift up a signal over the peoples. Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, “Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” And they shall be called The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD; and you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.

Why did Jesus ride a donkey?

In Biblical times, it was common for kings or important people to arrive by a procession riding on a donkey. The donkey symbolized peace, so those who chose to ride them showed that they came with peaceful intentions.

Why did they put their cloaks and palm branches on the ground, (also waved)?

It was common practice to lay them down before the new king when he was announced: 2 Kings 9:13

2 Kings 9:13 ESV

Then in haste every man of them took his garment and put it under him on the bare steps, and they blew the trumpet and proclaimed, “Jehu is king.”

Did they believe He was the Messiah?

Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David. Mk 11:10

Mark 11:10 ESV

Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

It was His disciples, the multitude, that were crying out. The Pharisees wanted His disciples to quiet down.

Luke 19:40 ESV

He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

David and the Mount

It is interesting to me that we have Jesus descending from the Mount to go into Jerusalem, when His ancestor King David, ran from his own son, Absalom, up the mountain in fear and weeping himself.

What was this “Hosanna” saying about?

Listen to Psalm 118 and see if you can figure it out.

Psalm 118:19–26 ESV

Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD.

It translates to “save us,” and it would seem to be a pronouncement of knowing that Jesus was the Messiah they had been seeking.

They recognized He was coming in the name of the Lord.

Watch the sermon here.