First Baptist Lenoir City

The Main Points will be as follows:1. The Bible is a Story about God.2. The Bible is the story of a God who makes a Promise.3. The Bible is the story of a God who makes a Promise about a Person.4. The Bible is the story of a God who makes a Promise about a Person who creates a People.5. The Bible is the story of a God who makes a Promise about a Person who creates a People to live in a Place with Him forever.

I. God is seeking, God is the initiator - John 4:10-26 II. Believers must share the Good News - John 4:27-38 III. Jesus sees your deepest secrets and offers himself, the Living Water The call for you this morning:1. have you given your life to Jesus?2. if you have given your life to Jesus, do you still see yourself in light of your sin?3. who are you bringing to Jesus?

“Being a Sound Senior Saint” (Sound doctrine produces sound faith) Titus 2:1-5 I. The Army of the Aged - 2:1-5 1. “Older men”… The essential examples of pastors and senior adults! • Being temperate - moderate, balanced, sober-minded • Being dignified - depth of character, worthy of respect • Being sensible - rational, wise, calming influence, avoids extremes • Being sound in faith - trusting in God, relying on God’s Word, through thick and thin, in the ups and downs • Being sound in love - a patient love, a kind love, a humble love, a selfless love, a truthful love, a hopeful love, an enduring love • Being sound in perseverance - don’t let go, don’t give up, don’t stay down after getting knocked down - Matthew 24:14

= Around 90% of the 4 gospels address the 3 year ministry of Jesus (teaching , touching, transforming - A 3 Year Tour) = Around 50% of the 4 gospels address the last 7 days of the earthly life of Jesus (from a donkey to a cross -humility to humiliation) 483 years - Daniel 9 = The King is coming into Jerusalem = The King is riding into Jerusalem = Jerusalem is called the holy city in the Holy Scriptures = Jesus was born in Bethlehem = Jesus was raised in Nazareth = Jesus will die in Jerusalem = Jesus will be buried in Jerusalem = Jesus will rise in Jerusalem = Jesus will ascend from Jerusalem = Jesus will return to Jerusalem I. The Triumphal Entry - 1st Coronation vs 2nd Coronation The Witness on the way There Won’t be silence Kingly Entrance II. The Triumphal Exit - From the Gory Cross to the Great Commission - GO The Witnesses since then There Won’t be silence If the rocks could speak: 1VERSE Evangelism Luke 19:10 (Seeking Savior) John 3:16 (For God - His passion, plan, purpose. Romans 6:23 (The 3 Contrasts; The “but” changes everything). 3:23; 5:8;10:9-10 I Timothy 2:5 (The Middle Man) But Pastor John, I have trouble remembering verses. What else can I say? You can share your personal testimony! John 9:25-33 - OUR PERSONAL TESTIMONY (blind man made well)

I. Motivation for Ministry/Ministers 1. The CHARGE - 4:12. His Presence 3. His Judgment 4. His Appearing 5. His Kingdom II. The COMMITMENT - 4:21. Preach the Word2. Be Ready 3. Reprove, Rebuke, Exhort

What do we do when things in life don’t go the way we expected? How do we react when things do not go the way we expected? Life is full of “off the rail” moments - John 16:33 There is no one here who can escape the problems of life that come up in a way that interferes with our lives as we intended. •    Illness and Injury •    Persecution •    Job or Financial Situations•    Marriage problems •    Natural Disasters •    Death Following Jesus will cause some “off the rail” momentsLuke 8:22–25 Matthew 8:23–27 Mark 4:36–41 Following Jesus does not keep us from life's problems. Many great believers doing great things for God have suffered and even died from the sicknesses and difficulties of life that everyone else experiences. And these scary and tragic events in life hurt just the same. When life goes “off the rails,” our faith in Jesus can be tested. The disciples panicked... but Jesus was calm. In this they did right . . . when we are fearful or hurting,  1 Peter 5:7 “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” We accuse God of not caring about us, but really it is the other way around. The truth is that Jesus knows what is best for us, and out of his great love, he will take us through the storms we don’t want. So the ultimate truth is, the disciples did not understand who they had in the boat with them. 1.  The disciples that they had an earthly, but spiritual messiah. They wanted to be the head of his kingdom on earth. 2. They knew Jesus was powerful, but they were still coming to terms with how great his power was. 3.  They did not understand that Jesus was God incarnate. But we have the full picture...Colossians 1:15-17 Would you turn back to Genesis 1:1–2 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This is the God that reigns - completely in control of our off-the-rail moments. We can trust him, and we can obey him.

• The Priority of the New Testament: From Acts to Revelation! I. The Permanence - Matthew 26:29 1. Revelation 1:4-7 2. Revelation 2:8 3. Revelation 5:6-14 4. Revelation 7:9-10, 13-17 5. Revelation 11:4-11 6. Revelation 12:10-12 7. Revelation 13:5-8 8. Revelation 14:1-6 9. Revelation 15:1-4 10. Revelation 19:6-13 11. Revelation 20:12, 15 12. Revelation 21:1-4, 9, 14, 22-27 13. Revelation 22:1-5

I. God is the total focus of the 7th Day (Then & Now): God finished - 2:1-2a God rested - 2:2b God blessed - 2:3 II. The Surprises on the Sabbath: Man is not mentioned - Sabbath is not stated - Exodus 16:22-26; Exodus 20:8-11 The Prophets rebuked over it - Isaiah 1:13; Hosea 2:11 Jesus didn’t follow it - Matthew 12:1-8, 9-14; Mark 2 :23-28 ; Luke 4:1-6; John 5:1-18 “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” “Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” The Early Church & Paul - The Silence of the in JC - Acts 15 The Statements - Romans 14:5-6; Galatians 4:8-11; Colossians 2:16-19, 20-23; Hebrews 3:7-19 The Savior / Salvation - Matthew 11:28-30 III. Jesus came and… Abolished the temple - Abolished the priesthood - Abolished the sacrificial system - Did He abolish the sabbath?

Notes are attached

I. The God of Creation-Same God II. The Lord God of Creation: 1. ELOHIM (1:1) - The powerful One; The transcendent One (separated from creation - II Corinthians 4:16-18, eternal) 2. YAHWEH (2:4) - The personal, relational, covenant-maker 3. EL ELYON (14:18-20) - God Most High used by Melchizedek; “Your highness” 4. EL ROI (16:13) - “The God who sees me” used by Hagar 5. EL SHADDAI (17:1) - “God Almighty” used when est a covenant w/ Abraham 6. EL OLAM (21:33) - “The Everlasting God” used by Abraham when making a treaty with Abimelech. 7. YAHWEH-YIREH (22:14) - “The God who Provides” used by Abraham when offering IsaacIII. God distinguishes (separates)separation brings structure •Day 1 - Separates light from darkness (Ex. 10; 13) •Day 2 - Separates the water above from the water below •Day 3 - Separates the land from the sea •Day 4 - Separates day from night, “for signs & seasons” •Day 5 - God fills the waters; God fills the skies; then God fills the land on Day 6! •Day 6 - Fills the earth; Finishes by making mankind; Eve is made last; See 3:20 Summary in chapter 1 then Specifics on humankind in chapter 2! •Day 7 - (1) Establishes the Sabbath; (2) Sets in place how humans would live out their work week; Exodus 20:8-11; 3 distinct blessings - 1:22; 1:28; 2:3; God gets more personal. He gets intimate. He provides a boost to the humans He made! This is another level of God’s interest in us - His goodness to us IV. Four Different ways Scripture applies to humanity: 1. God blesses us - Psalm 1; Matthew 5:1-12 2. We bless God - Psalm 103 3. Some give false blessing - Psalm 62:4 4. Some refuse to bless - Psalm 109:17, 28

Genesis 1:1-2:3I. The God of Creation:Day 1 - Genesis 1:2-5Day 2 - Genesis 1:6-8Day 3 - Genesis 1:9-13Day 4 - Genesis 1:14-19Day 5 - Genesis 1:20-23Day 6 - Genesis 1:24-31Day 7 - Genesis 2:1-3II. The Lord God of Creation:ELOHIM (1:1) - powerful; transcendentYAHWEH (2:4) - personal, relational, covenant-makerEL ELYON (14:18-20) - God Most High used by Melchizedek (“Your highness”)EL ROI (16:13) - The God who sees me used by HagarEL SHADDAI (17:1) - God Almighty used when establishing a covenant with AbrahamEL OLAM (21:33) - The Everlasting God used by Abraham when making a treaty with Abimelech. The timeframe is significant.YAHWEH-YIREH (22:14) - The God who Provides, is used by Abraham when he was offering IsaacIII. God distinguishes (separates)Day 1 - He separates light from darkness - Exodus 10:21-29 & Exodus 13:22-22Day 2 - He separates the water above from the water belowDay 3 - He separates the land from the seaDay 4 - He separates day from the nightDay 5 - fills the waters & skiesDay 6 - fills the earth, finishes by making mankindDay 7 - establishing the SabbathIV. Three Separations in Scripture that apply to humanity:Isaiah 59:1-2Matthew 25:32Hebrews 7:26

God said; God saw; God called - It is powerful and personalI. The EARTH - 1:2aWas formless and void - meaning it was unfinished and uninhabited. Material is made then formed.And darkness was over the face of the deep - Gen. 1:9-10II. The SPIRIT - 1:2bWas hovering over the face of the waters - determines, decrees, authority over, is there a veiled reference to Jesus walking on the water? The Trinitarian Creator - John 1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2III. The FIRST DAY - 1:3-5And God said (God is verbal). - first recorded words of our Creator) - Reminds men of several occasions when Jesus spoke with great response: John 11:43; John 19:30; II Thessalonians 2:8-12; Revelation 19:13, 15, 21“God is Light”- future description of our Creator (I John 4); Also God is love ; God is holy.And God saw (God is visual)And God called (God is definitive) - later in chapter 2 Adam would name the animals.+ Creation, Separation, & Light are eventually placed in the context of the gospel of saving grace:= John 1:1-13= Revelation 21:22-27; 22:1-5

I. The Transformed Life:The holy life - 12:1-2The humble life - 12:3-8The healthy life - 12:9-21Jesus in John 13John in I John 4Paul in Romans 12Peter in I Peter 4:1-11

I. The Outline of John’s Gospel: Jesus in time and in eternity - 1:1-18 Jesus manifested to the Nations - 1:19-12:50 *Jesus preparing His own - chapters 13-17 a. The Last Supper - 13:1-30 b. The Impending departure of Jesus - 13:31-38 Jesus passion and resurrection - chapters 18-20 II. Jesus is washing feet - 13:1-17 1. Jesus predicts His betrayal - 13:18-30 (Judas leaving the light and going out into darkness) 2. Jesus predicts His departure - 13:31-38 3. The glory of God - vv. 31-32 (God’s love made known) 4. The children of God - v. 33 5. The removal of Jesus - vv. 34-35 (believers have a special love for one another based on the sacrificial loving example of Jesus; This Christlike love holds His children together when everything in the world seeks to pull them apart) 6. “As I have loved you” - John 3:16 7. John 15:13; I John 3:16 8. Ephesians 4:30-32 & Luke 7:47 9. I Corinthians 13:1-13 = Love is mentioned 27x in the first 3 gospels and 39x in John (26 in I John) = Loved mentioned 40x in the NT - 20x in gospel of John Love is the greatest example Love is the greatest commandment Love is the greatest evidence Love is the greatest virtue Love is the greatest magnet

The God of the Holy Scriptures is the God of clarity, not the god of confusion. We, as followers of Jesus Christ and as lovers of God’s Word, have a huge task before us. We have to clarify the massive amount of confusion that exists about God, about God’s Son, about God’s people, and about God’s mission. The good news is that we are not left on our own to figure out the answers. God reveals Himself to us. God tells us who He is. These past two sentences are the foundation of this sermon series in Genesis. There are two main ways God reveals Himself in His Word. They are found in the first three chapters of the Bible. According to Genesis chapters 1 & 2, God is the Creator of all things. According to Genesis chapter 3, God becomes the Redeemer of fallen humanity. These two descriptions of God dominate the remainder of the Bible all the way to the very last chapter, Revelation 22. God as Creator speaks of His authority. God as Redeemer speaks of His atonement. We read over and over again with incredible detail what kind of Creator God is and what kind of Redeemer God is. This study is much more than informational. The ultimate purpose is being transformational. II. What kind of Creator is God? 1. God is a Powerful Creator 2. God is a Relational Creator 3. God is a Benevolent Creator 4. God is a Judicial Creator 5. God is a Gracious Creator

Randall Davenport, Biblical Counseling PastorFollowing Resurrection Sunday and the impact that it has on all of us. As we think about the resurrection, what do we do with it now?1 Cor. 1:18-19As we look to the cross, it reminds us of the suffering Christ endured. I hope it causes us to respond, one way or another. It can give us encouragement in the fact that Christ suffered too. It can also give us hope that death is not the end. There is hope in the resurrection. The story is not over; it’s only really just being fulfilled, and this is one part of it. 

(1) Do you know Him? (2) Do you know where you’re going (in life and in death)? Know the Man, Know the Mission; Know the Message I. Know the MAN (Jesus) II. Know the MISSION - Mt 28:1-10 III. Know the MESSAGE-28:16-20

The 7 Last Statements of Jesus from the Cross “FORGIVE THEM” - Luke 23:34 “TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME” - Luke 23:43 “BEHOLD YOUR SON” - John 19:26-27 “MY GOD, MY GOD” - Matthew 27:43 “I THIRST” - John 19:28 “IT IS FINISHED” - John 19:30 “FATHER, INTO YOUR HANDS” - Luke 23:46

The power of practical living)I. The New Life in Christ - vv. 1-41. Once raised with Christ - v. 1a2. Start seeking - v. 1b3. Position of Christ - v. 1c4. Heavenly mindset - vv. 2-4II. The Old Life in Adam - vv. 5-111. Kill the sin within - v. 52. Take seriously the consequences - v. 63. The Past is a problem - vv. 7-84. Do not lie to one another - v. 95. Honor God’s Image - vv. 10-126. Bearing with one another (forgiveness) - v. 137. Love one another (unity) - v. 14 8. The Peace of Christ Rule (unity) - v. 159. The Word of God Dwell (richly) - v. 16-1710. Teaching one another 11. Admonishing one another In all Wisdom (not folly) The Motive (in the Name of)The Attitude (gratitude)

I. The Obituary: Paul was born by the name Saul in the great city of Tarsus in Cilicia around 5 AD. Paul was executed for his faith in the city of Rome as a martyr under Emperor Nero (circa 67 AD). Paul was born a Roman citizen and trained as a strict Pharisee under the leadership of Gamaliel. He was a skilled tent maker, follower of the risen Christ, Apostle, Missionary, and human author of at least 13 New Testament books (Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and possibly Hebrews). Prior to his conversion to Christ on a Damascus road he was an aggressive persecutor of the early church. Paul became the most influential proponent of Christianity, preaching the gospel of grace through faith, not by the works of the law. He endured severe hardships, including physical beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecked, and hunger. Paul’s tireless missionary journeys established churches in Asia Minor and Europe, fostering a unified community of Jewish and Gentile Christians. Paul spoke of his death in his final days from prison in his last letter, saying, I HAVE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH (II Timothy 4:7). He is not survived by a family of his own, but by thousands of spiritual children in the churches he founded. He is preceded in death by the Apostle James and the Deacon Stephen. Funeral arrangements are unknown. PRAY!II. The 3 Perspectives of Paul’s life:•What would Paul say about himself?•I Timothy 1:12-15•Phil. 1:21; 3:1-9•What would others say about Paul?•Galatians 1:18-24•What would the Lord say about Paul?•Acts 9:10-16; Acts 18:9-11: II Cor 12:8-10III. We Remember Paul today based on his last words in Acts 20.•A life of serving - vv. 17-19•A life of sharing - vv. 20-21•A life of sacrificing - vv. 22-24•A life of shepherding - vv. 25-31•A life of strengthening - vv. 31-35•A life of sorrow - vv. 36-38•Jesus ends in Jerusalem (Calvary) then begins in Jerusalem (Pentecost)•Acts opens in Jerusalem and ends in Rome - take note of that, my friends.

I. The 2 Biblical Requirements of True Spirituality: The placement in Galatians is critical - Chapter 6 is the culmination of all that Paul has said. He said a lot!(1) Being spiritual(2) Seeking restorationBeing Saved bc God’s grace - Galatians 1:6-10Being a Servant bc of God’s Love - Galatians 2:20Being Impacted by God’s Spirit - Galatians 3:1-3Being Led by/Walk by God’s Holy Spirit - 5:13-26Being Burden Bearers - 6:1-10II. The “One Another’s of Galatians 5: Setting up ch. 6Galatians 5:13 - Through love serve one anotherGalatians 5:15a - Don’t bite and devour one anotherGalatians 5:15b - Or you will be consumed by one anotherGalatians 5:26 - Don’t become conceited (which leads to) provoking one another, envying one anotherGalatians 6:1 - Romans 15:1; I Thessalonians 5:14-15; Hebrews 12:12-13; “Watch” - Greek word meaning continual, diligent attentivenessGalatians 6:2 - See 5:14; Matthew 22:34-40!Galatians 6:3-4 -“test” is to approve of something after testing. Is our spiritual life strong enough to assist others?Galatians 6:5 - We can carry someone’s burden; We cannot carry their consequences (accountability vs responsibility)Galatians 6:6 -Galatians 6:7-8 (both reaping requires waiting)Galatians 6:9-10 (See I Corinthians 8:1-13)

• Paul delights in life after death; II Corinthians 5:8-9• Psalm 116:15 - “precious”• Simeon in Luke 2, “I can depart in peace”• Jesus in John 14:1-3I. The Finish Line of Faith:1. Paul speaks of his death - v. 62. Paul speaks of his life - v. 7• Paul fought (soldier, boxer)• Paul finished (athlete)• Paul kept (words of a vow)3. Paul speaks of his afterlife - v . 8a4. Paul speaks of our afterlife - v. 8b• There is laid up for me -• There is laid up for you -• There is a qualifier - “to all who loved His appearing”II. The Crowns Promised by God:• Some crowns are given on earth: God has been good to His children!• Psalm 8:5 (quoted in Hebrews 2:9) - Humanity has been crowned with incredible sanctity (of life)• The others have qualifiers like the future crowns.• Psalm 103:4 (our salvation) - crowned with steadfast love and mercy• Proverbs 12:4 - An excellent wife is the crown of her husband• Proverbs 14:18, The prudent are crowned with knowledge• Proverbs 16:31 - Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.• Proverbs 17:6 - Grandparents are crowned, Children’s children are a crown to the aged.

I. The 2 Biblical Requirements of True Spirituality: The placement in Galatians is critical - Chapter 6 is the culmination of all that Paul has said. He said a lot! 1. Being Saved because God’s grace - Galatians 1:6-10 2. Being a Servant because of God’s Love - Galatians 2:20 3. Being Impacted by God’s Spirit - Galatians 3:1-3 4. Being Led by/Walk by God’s Holy Spirit - 5:13-26 5. Being Burden Bearers - 6:1-10 II. The “One Another’s of Galatians 5: Setting up ch. 6 1. Galatians 5:13 - Through love serve one another 2. Galatians 5:15a - Don’t bite and devour one another 3. Galatians 5:15b - Or you will be consumed by one another 4. Galatians 5:26 - Don’t become conceited (which leads to) provoking one another, envying one another 5. Galatians 6:1 - Romans 15:1; I Thessalonians 5:14-15; Hebrews 12:12-13; “Watch” - Greek word meaning continual, diligent attentiveness 6. Galatians 6:2 - See 5:14; Matthew 22:34-40! 7. Galatians 6:3-4 -“test” is to approve of something after testing. Is our spiritual life strong enough to assist others? 8. Galatians 6:5 - We can carry someone’s burden; We cannot carry their consequences (we are impacted by the consequences of others, but we cannot take their place) 9. Galatians 6:6 - 10. Galatians 6:7-8 11. Galatians 6:9-10

There are Delights in Good Fellowship & Dangers in Bad Fellowship! I. The New Testament Model - The “one-anothers” 1. We are competent to counsel - Romans 15:14 • Not written to church leaders 2. We have different levels of competency - Exodus 18:13-27 • The Proverbs (father/mother) 3. *Communicating w/ one another (Words hurt/Words heal - Proverbs 12:18; 15:4; 18:21 • Proverbs 6:16-19; 15:1-2 • Matthew 5:37; 12:33-37 • Ephesians 4:15, 25-33 • Colossians 4:5-6 • James 1:19-20 • James 3:1-12 4. Bearing one another’s burdens - Galatians 6:1-5 • The Context - Gal. 5:13, 15, 26 = Seeing others humbly - vv. 1-2 = Seeing ourselves honestly - vv. 3-5= Seeing our leaders gratefully - vv. 6-10 = Seeing the cross clearly - vv. 11-18

THE MAN OF GOD CAN ONLY LEAD THE PEOPLE OF GOD WHEN HE RELIES ON THE WORD OF GODPaul started strong in chapter 1 in this, his last ever epistle. Paul stays strong in chapters 2 & 3. Paul finishes strong in chapter 4.I ended the last sermon looking at the general statements from II Timothy 3:16-17. Let’s review those and then get more specific on what the Bible teaches us.I. The Source of Scripture -All Scripture is …God breathedII. The Strength of Scripture -Is profitable - useful, beneficial,It will teach us -Theology - The Creator God; The Holy God; The Glory of God; The Love of God; The Grace of God; The Mercy of God; The Wrath of God - just to name a few!Anthropology - The Priority of man (image of God); The Innocence of man; The Sin of man; The Pride of man; The Transformation of man is possible bc of …Soteriology - Salvation, Conversion, Justification, Sanctification, Glorification (II Tim 4:6-8)Eschatology (more significant than some think) - Matthew 24; Acts 1:6-11It will reprove usIt will correct usIt will train usIt will complete usIt will equip usIII. The Specifics of Scripture -Our Mission - Matthew 28:19-20The Great Commission is the Grand Finale of the story of Jesus. His story didn’t end in the manger. His story didn’t end at the cross. His story didn’t end in the tomb. His story didn’t end even after the resurrection. His final statement/commitment was a global mission. All 4 GospelsWe must focus on His missionWe must focus on two issuesOur Mandate - Acts 1:3-11We must focus on the KingWe must focus on His KingdomWe enhance His Kingdom through discipleshipWe enlarge His Kingdom through evangelismOur Message - I Corinthians 15:1-4 (DBR)We must focus on the death of Jesus ChristWe must focus on the burial of Jesus ChristWe must focus on the resurrection of Jesus Christ

I. The New Testament Model - The “one-anothers”1. We are competent to counsel - Romans 15:142. Not written to church leaders1. We have different levels of competency - Exodus 18:13-272. The Proverbs (father / mother)1. Counseling in Communication2. Proverbs 6:16-193. Proverbs 15:1-24. Matthew 5:375. Matthew 12:33-376. Ephesians 4:15, 25-337. Colossians 4:5-68. James 1:19-209. James 3:1-12

I. Good Fellowship Creates Good Communion -Acts 2:42-471. all were together2. had all things in common3. as any had need4. received their good w/ glad and generous hearts5. praising God6. having favor w/ all the peopleActs 4:32-371. full number2. one heart and one soul3. everything in common4. great power & great grace5. not a needy person6. as any had needII. Bad Fellowship Negates Good Communion -1. The First Compromise in the Early Church - Acts 5:1-122. great fear upon all who heard3. great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard1. The First Church Known for Division - Corinth2. Division addressed in chap 13. Division addressed in chap 34. Damage addressed in chap 5 & 65. Damage addressed in chap 11a. Paul cannot commendb. Paul criticizes their fellowshipc. Paul confronts their ongoing divisivenessd. Paul affirms God’s sovereignty in the midst of compromise - v. 19e. Paul calls out their damage to the Lord’s Supper - vv. 20-22f. Paul corrects the Corinthians but also warns them - vv. 23-34

The Beauty of the Love of God is far greater than anything we can comprehend. If you don’t love God, you don’t love yourself, and if you don’t love yourself, you don’t love God. Love is from God. Love is defined by God Himself. Love is displayed by God - and demonstrated by Jesus. Love is embodied by believers. Love Readies Us for Eternity

Why are we calling these groups LIFE GROUPS?What is the Biblical Model for LIFE GROUPS in homes?The Core Convictions & Practices of the Newborn Church (early)Roles: Teachers, Hosts, and AttendersReproducible: Teachers need assistant teachers, prayer leaders, care leaders, outreach leaders

When We See the Presence of Christ - vv 5-7When We Understand the Presence of Christ - vv 8-9When We Experience the Presence the Person of Christ - vv 10-13The prophet Isaiah understood what it meant to experience the person of ChristIsaiah 6:1-8

I. The Promises of Christmas: The Promise of the Prophets - The Promise of the Preparer - The Promise to the Parents - The Promise of the Person - The Promise of the Passover - The Manger of the Savior - 2:1-7 The Message of the Savior - 2:8-14 The Mission of the Savior - 2:15-21 The Messengers of the Savior - 2:22-38 The Meaning of the Passover - 3:38-40

I. God Commissioned Christmas:God sent His WordGod sent His ProphetsGod sent His MessagesGod sent His Messenger God sent the World (2) God sent His Angel(s)God sent His SonShe gave birth to her firstborn SonShe wrapped him in swaddling clothes She laid Him in a manger There was no room Shepherds; Shone; *Savior; Suddenly Glory to God in the highest Peace on earth Goodwill to man With whom God is pleased 

III. The PROMISE is a Person (JC) - The Praise of Mary - 1:26-45; 46-56Mary is a WITNESS of Christmas Truth: How so?Mary is a WORSHIPPER - inward worship! Her soul & spirit moved with exaltation and rejoicing - This reaction flows from a heart of faith responding to God’s grace There are 3 Examples of Mary’s Faith that we must emulate: (1) Mary is SAVED - God my Savior! Like King David, when in Psalm 23 he declares, “God restores my soul”(2) Mary is BLESSED - a recipient of blessing - not a giver of blessing(3) Mary is THOUGHTFUL (theologically mindful) - She calls God “holy” and “mighty”; She reminds us of God’s “mercy”; of God’s “strength”; She confronts the “pride” of humanity bc she knows God values humility; She reminds kings that they are under God’s authority; She clarifies how God deals with the poor and the rich; She remembers “Israel”; She remembers “Abraham” -

I. The Grace of God in Galatians:Galatians 1:3-10, 18-24Galatians 2:15-21Galatians 3:1-14Galatians 4:4-6Galatians 5:16-25Galatians 6:11-18

Luke checks off all of the boxes. The WHO of Christmas. The HOW of Christmas. The WHERE of Christmas. The WHY of Christmas. The WHAT of Christmas. The Clues of the Christ. Jesus has the right parents, the right line, the right birth, the right Name, the right life, the right ministry, the right Elijah to come, the right mission, the right death, the right resurrection, the right mission, the right Return, the right forever home. I. The Birth of John the Baptizer - The Witness of the Word-prophetic The Witness of Luke - 1:1-4 The Witness of the Angel - 1:5-25 The Witness of Mary - 1:26-56 The Witness of Zechariah - 1:57-80 John is the Elijah to come; The one chosen to roll out the red carpet for the Messiah; The best man for the wedding for the Groom of His Bride (aka “The wedding coordinator” - Weddings in first-century Israel were a major undertaking and oftentimes lasted for a week-long celebration. John was born to get the people and the place ready. John 3:22-30 Matthew 11:11-19: Two games children played in the days of Jesus were called “Wedding” and “Funeral”. They would be dancing for the Wedding game and a dirge for the Funeral game. Jesus is indicting the JRE for their reasons for rejecting Him and John. John had a dirge and you want a dance. I have a dance and you want a dirge. You are proud. You are jealous. You are hypocrites. BUT WISDOM IS VINDICATED BY HER CHILDREN! II. The Birth of Jesus (the) Christ - The Manger of Jesus - 2:1-7 The Message of Jesus - 2:8-14 The Mission of Jesus - 2:15-21 The Messengers of Jesus - 2:22-40

1. Isaiah 532. Isaiah 553. Isaiah 59:1-24. Isaiah 64:6

Isaiah tells the Gospel Story (aka The Christmas Story) 700 years before the birth of Jesus. Yet he reveals the sinful condition of mankind and the need for a supernatural born Savior. God’s Governor removes the gloom and replaces it with glory! We call this glorious event Christmas! I. The Gospel According to Isaiah II. The Gloom of the Problem of sin - 9:1-5 (1:1-17) - III. The Glory of the Promise - 9:6-7 The Promise Unwrapped - will have several Names - 9:6d-7 (descriptions; character; revelation) - How will He govern?

I. The Gloom of Our Sin - II. The Glory of Our Savior - III. A Jet Tour Through Isaiah:Isaiah 1:1-17, 18-20Isaiah 6:1-8 (John 12:36-41)Isaiah 7:14Isaiah 26:3Isaiah 40:1-5, 28-31Isaiah 53:1-12Isaiah 55:1-2, 8-9Isaiah 59:1-2Isaiah 64:6

= A New Testament Pastor is a Shepherd (points to his task)= A New Testament Pastor is an Overseer (points to his authority)= A New Testament Pastor is an Elder (points to his maturity) = Hebrews 13:7; 17 - congregation to pastor and pastor to congregation. I. Intensity & Intentionality Required - 1. Flee - Run from the wrong things 2. Pursue - Run to the right things 3. Fight the good fight (I Tim 6:11-12) 4. PO/PO - Ephesians 4 5. Flee - James 4:7 • We run away from sin (sanctification), but Satan runs away from you (submission) II. The Shepherds as Bond-Servants: 1. “Must not be” - “quarrelsome.” • I Timothy 2:8; 3:3; 6:4 • Titus 3:2; Titus 3:9 • II Timothy 2:14; 2:23; 2:24 2. “Must be” - Serving & Discerning • Kind to everyone - (leads to repentance - Romans 2:4) • Able to teach - unique word here and I Timothy 3:2. Ezra 7:10, The hand of the Lord is upon him because He SET HIS HEART to (3): Rigorous study; Regular obedience; Robust teaching. • Not resentful - (patient when wronged). Many commentators noted that this is one of the most difficult challenges of a pastor. What is the key to being faithful to this verse? Making sure ministry is about His Name; His Word; His Will. It’s not about us. • Correcting opponents w/ gentleness - (correcting carefully) - Look to Joseph of Genesis and Jesus of Nazareth! Genesis 50:20; I Peter 2:21-23 3. Must Trust God when correcting: We must trust God to change people - We follow His commands • God will grant them repentance • God will lead them to the knowledge of the truth • They will come to their senses - • They will escape from the trap of the devil - “who has taken them captive to do his will.”

Grace-Driven StudyGrace-Driven SanctificationGrace-Driven Shepherding= 5 Encouragements from Paul: being honorable; being holy; being useful; being ready; having a pureheart= The LAST words from LAST week - 2:19, “depart from iniquity” - still on that theme: How do you read that? How can it be read? Is it harsh or isit hopeful? We can depart from sin! We don’t have to stay in bondage. We don’t have to live in our past.I Cor. 6:9-11 is the main passageI Thess. 4:3-5; I Peter 1:14-16I. Being Honorable - 2:20II. Being Useful - 2:21III. Being Decisional - 2:22