Archive for the ‘ Gospel ’ Category

VerseD: 2 Thessalonians 3:5

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5, ESV

We come to Christ because the Holy Spirit draws us to Him.

Listen to the Spirit. Trust Christ in all things.

VerseD: Romans 10:10

For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Romans 10:10, ESV

Some confess without ever believing. Some believe and are not able to confess.

However, it does take faith, and we are commanded to share (if possible) that Jesus is our Redeemer and Lord. (Matthew 28:18-20)

VerseD: John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10, ESV

The Deceiver will try to drag you down, to doubt yourself, your life, your salvation.

But Jesus defeated him at the cross! When worries come, focus on Christ!

VerseD: Psalm 121:1

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
Psalm 121:1, ESV

In a world worried and complaining about all of the problems, we must remember God is in control and can help us.

And we can tell everyone else from where our hope comes.

VerseD: Matthew 28:19

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,
Matthew 28:19, ESV

The Father begot the Son, and they send the Holy Spirit. Because of Christ’s authority shared with us through the Spirit, let us glorify the Father by bringing in to the faith as many as He gives us to win over.

That means GO OUT and make disciples!

VerseD: Isaiah 6:8

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
Isaiah 6:8, ESV

Jesus said to count the cost of following Him (Luke 14:25-33). Becoming a Christian means accepting the call to go and share God’s Word (Matthew 28:18-20).

Sermon: Defending Jesus? – John 18:1-14

I preached again! I liked it. Like, wept some, got goosebumps some, enjoyed preaching it … a lot.

Please enjoy listening (click here if it does not work just below), and see my rough notes for all scripture references and basic thoughts. I am reading from the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible.

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Defending Jesus? (John 18:1-14)

(Parallel passages: Matthew 26:47-57; Mark 14:43-53; Luke 22:47-54)
Intro:

Read 18:1-2

Jesus spoke other words than the High Priestly Prayer: Luke 22 – “Sell cloak, get sword” “Here are 2”

Regularly with His disciples (Luke 21:37: He rested/slept out here): This time, this is where we read in other Gospels about Jesus’ 3 prayers
“Let this cup [of suffering] pass from me, but Your will be done.”

Read 18:3

We know they were not just soldiers, but guards from the Temple, sent by the leadership.
Probably a mixture of Jewish and Roman soldiers. Probably up to 200 people!
It was a major feast (Passover), so there would be extra soldiers to help keep the peace.

Read 18:4-8a

Why they fell back:

  1. “Ego eimi” – “I am.”
  2. Could also be how unafraid He seemed of them, possibly tripped over themselves/each other.

Read 18:8-11

Remember the swords?

  1. Disciples still expecting a revolution. Is this FINALLY the time?
  2. Will Jesus actually call His heavenly army?
    1. Matthew 26:52-56 (2 Kings 6:8-23)

Go back to v. 9:

  • His prayer last chapter: 17:12
  • Some try to teach this fulfills John 10:29, but Jesus was speaking to the leaders about ANYONE who believes in Him.
  • It makes me think (NO OTHER EVIDENCE!) Malchus became a Christian

Read 18:12-14

  1. Jesus bound: hearkens back to Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22).
    1. Isaac was not stupid. He knew he was going to be the sacrifice, but he trusted his father who trusted THE Father.
    2. Now, Jesus willingly goes to sacrifice. (Without a ram substitute!)
  2. Why Annas?
    1. High Priest usually serves until death, but Romans only allowed terms
      1. He held sway even not being “in power” anymore
      2. His sons and son-in-law took turns over the years, hence “that year”
    2. Is he legitimate? He was installed by Romans
      1. This helps us see why the disciples were willing to fight the Temple authorities
  3. Caiaphas was deceived, but he essentially prophesied the truth!

What does this all mean for us?

  1. We must know that Jesus is God. (vv. 5-8)
    1. 20:31
  2. We must know He died for us. (v. 14)
  3. We do not defend Christ.
    1. He suffered, and so shall we
      1. Matthew 10, Mark 13, and Luke 12, Jesus says His followers will be led before others to testify
      2. 16:33
    2. His truth defends itself, but we are often His instrument.
      1. Psalm 28:7-9
      2. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
    3. Sword of Truth (Ephesians 6:17)
      1. Read Ephesians 6:10-19

Therefore: Matthew 28:18-20

VerseD: Isaiah 12:2

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2, ESV

Many things happen in this world, but through Jesus Christ we know that God is in control and has and will redeem us from this fallen world.

VerseD: Micah 7:18

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.
Micah 7:18, ESV

God overlooked ignorance of sin for thousands of years. He removes our sin now.

Why?

Because He delighted to come to us, to sacrifice Himself, so that, when we believe in this, He lavishes His love, grace, and forgiveness on us.

VerseD: James 4:3

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
James 4:3, ESV

Too many teach God wanting our happiness and to give us good things to make us comfortable.

God desires His Word to be shared to save the lost, and He gives us what we ask for to achieve that goal.