Archive for the ‘ Gospel ’ Category
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32, ESV
We remember how much Christ has forgiven us, and that should push us to love on others in kindness.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Philippians 4:4, ESV
Even when this life is hard and uncertain, we can always rejoice that our God has saved us and is coming again soon!
By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.
Hebrews 11:22-23, ESV
We have a living hope that gives us faith to move forward, for our King is not dead but alive! He has promised He is coming for us!
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12, ESV
It is the light of Christ, and should not be our deeds that repel and is not our good works that necessarily draw others to God.
Our goodness and light comes from Christ, and it will either repel or draw others in.
I have started (and with this one finish) a small group series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). I am sharing my notes in case anyone else wants to use them with their group. [Reminder that these are only notes!]
Matthew 5:1-2:
Jesus wants to teach the crowds: Who are they? Jewish disciples: People who understand the
Scriptures (at least to a point). Notice from 7:28 the crowds still came along, but this teaching is for His disciples.
What does “blessed” mean?
Based on the first twelve verses, blessed means realizing our own wretchedness and need for a Savior. In other words, it is becoming/being a Christian.
What was discussed last time?
Matthew 7:24-27:
Foolish and Wise builders
Matthew 7:28-9:
“Astonished”
Have we counted the cost?
Are we being wise, studying His Word and applying it; or foolish, taking what we like and throwing out
the rest?
Are we listening to the under-shepherds or the wolves in sheep’s clothing?
Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
Psalm 47:1, ESV
Our God has done great things worthy of celebration, most importantly He saved us from our sins through the cross.
“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Luke 12:40, ESV
It is not a fear tactic to tell people Jesus is coming and therefore be ready and working out our salvation. Instead it is a reminder to reach as many people as possible for Christ as we can and not delay.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1, ESV
Faith is supposed based on what we know, and God has proved His faithfulness time and again to let us know He is real, He has saved us through the cross, and He is coming again for the restoration of all things.
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.
Matthew 5:16, ESV
God’s light is put in us by the Holy Spirit when we put our faith in Christ. Then Christ works in us to do good works in this world that some may also trust Him.
if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14, ESV
Our God enjoys forgiving and showing grace to us. Let us turn from sin, admit our need for Him, and seek His righteousness continually.
a simple man of God 