Posts Tagged ‘ Gospel ’

VerseD: Matthew 1:21

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:21, ESV

The God Who saves came to us, becoming weak to save us weak in our sins.

A baby was born, but that baby became a man who died for our forgiveness.

VerseD: Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

Habakkuk 2:14, ESV

Our God came to us. He has sent us to spread His fame and glory around the world until His return.

VerseD: John 3:16

“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, ESV

Lost in our sin, we were doomed to eternal death and suffering.

Yet, God loves. In His love, He sent Jesus to take our punishment and offer us forgiveness and eternal life.

If we only believe and trust.

VerseD: Ephesians 4:32

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.

VerseD: Philippians 4:4

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!

VerseD: Hebrews 11:22-23

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!

VerseD: John 8:12

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.

Sermon on the Mount study notes – Matthew 7:24-29

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!]

Sermon on the Mount – Part 15

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?

  • Fruit and False Prophets
    • Good appearances and loving works do not necessarily mean faithful Christians
    • Most (if not all) know they are deceiving others
      • The destruction will be quick … and eternal
      • They should be pitied and evangelized! And refuted

Matthew 7:24-27:
Foolish and Wise builders

  • Do not jump to the Genesis 6-9 Flood.
    • The Flood was cataclysmic globally, such that nothing remained. The wise houses remain.
  • See the Psalms, frequently pointing to “The LORD my rock”, as well as Matthew 16:13-19
  • James 1:22-25
  • Let us remember what came before: Fruit and Prophets
    • Ezekiel 13:8-16
    • Compare with the parables of Jesus:
      • Ten Virgins (25:1-13) – Be prepared, our faith cannot save nor sustain others
      • Talents (25:14-30) – Invest in what God has given us, it is to be grown and shared
      • Forgiving (18:21-35) – We give His forgiveness and grace, yet wisely
      • Weeds (13:24-30, 37-43) – Realize the false are mixed in with the true believers
      • Sower (13:3-9, 18-23) – Not all who respond well to the Gospel are saved

Matthew 7:28-9:
“Astonished”

  • Does not mean they believed
    • See Jordan Peterson (as of 12/13/2021)
  • Does not mean they obeyed
  • Does not mean they followed well
    • After explaining communion/following Jesus (John 6), we see John 6:60 and 66 – many found His teachings hard, and they left
    • Luke 8:18-22 – Following Jesus is hard
    • Luke 14:25-33 – How many are told to “just pray and believe” without being told of the cost?

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?

VerseD: Psalm 47:1

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.

VerseD: Luke 12:40

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.