A&D Biker Ministries "Growing the Kingdom of God . . . one Biker at a time"
March 08, 2025
Seven Walks in the Book of Ephesians:
I. The Walk in accord with the the course of this world, and the Prince and the
power of the air. Ephesians 2: 2
A. Orchestrated by the Devil- “the Prince of the power of the air”
B. The spirit that works in the children of disobedience. (i.e. rebellion)
C. This was our old way of living- according to our old nature.
D. Filled with fulfilling the lust and desires of our flesh and mind.
E. Filled with, or characterized by wrath.
II. The Walk of Good Works- Ephesians 2:10
A. With lowliness- i.e. humility- vs. 2
B. With meekness dash strength under control- (not weakness) vs. 2
C. With forbearance- vs. 2
D. With Love- vs. 2
E. With Unity- vs. 3
F. With Peace- vs. 3
III. The Walk the Gentiles- Ephesians 4: 17
A. In the vanity of their minds- vs .17
B. Having their understanding darkened- vs. 18
C. Alienated from the life of God- vs. 18
D. In ignorance because of the blindness of their heart- vs.18
E. Past feeling because they have given themselves over to lasciviousness- v19
F. Working all uncleanness with greediness- vs. 19
IV. The Walk in Love- Ephesians 5:2
A. As Christ loved us- vs. 2
B. As Christ gave Himself for us as an offering and sacrifice- vs. 2
V. The Walk in the Light- Ephesians 5:8
A. Separate from darkness- Shun darkness; Light drives away darkness. Cf. Eph. 5:13,14
B. Walk As children of light- “you are the light of the world” Matt. 5:14; I Thess. 5:5
VI. Walk Circumspectly- (i.e. looking around)- Ephesians 5:15
A. Be watchful; be careful! Look around.
B. Walk not as fools.
C. But instead, walk as wise ones.
March 01, 2025
Jesus' Healing and Life-giving Power Demonstrated
Mark 5:21-43
Intro: Setting the Scene
Jesus comes ashore after crossing the sea and a great crowd of people were waiting there on the shore. There a man came to meet him with a desperate request. His little daughter was very sick and dying (the text tells us that she was at the point of death. This man’s name was Jairus and he was a ruler of the synagogue. He came to Jesus and fell at his feet and begged him earnestly that he might come and lay hands on her that she might be healed and live. Jairus realized that Jesus had healing power, perhaps he had heard about others who had been healed by Jesus , or some who came to present themselves to the priest after being healed of some disease or malady. So Jesus went with him, but the crowd of people that had gathered followed him and “thronged” him. I don’t know if you have ever been “thronged”, but this happens when people are walking shoulder to shoulder, side by side, and they are kind of bumping into each other as they try to make their way through a massive crowd.
In the midst of this vast crowd, a woman who had an “issue of blood” other Bible texts refer to it as a “flow of blood” for twelve years, had heard or knew that Jesus was in the crowd, thought in her heart, “if I can just touch Jesus’ clothes, I will be made well.” (v. 28) So she came to Jesus in a covert, or clandestine way and touched his garment, and the text says, that “immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction (v.29).
Verse 30 says, “And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, who touched my clothes?” (Note: Jesus being God know all things; He knew exactly who had touched Him; He knew all about her ailment , her hurt and struggle. )
Surprised, his disciples said to Him “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, “Who touched Me?” They thought, Lord there’s so many people crowded together, and there could have been a number of people who may have bumped into you or brushed against you as they walked in such close proximity. But Jesus knew exactly who had touched Him, and for what purpose. He turned and looked to see her that had done this thing. The woman then, fearing and trembling, and knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before Jesus, and told him all the truth. Note: Jesus already knew what had transpired, but this was her confession.
Jesus said to her, “Daughter your faith has made you whole; go in peace, and be whole of your plague.”
What we see in this story is:
- A Needy Soul (or souls)- vvs. 25,26
- She had suffered for twelve years with this physical condition of continuous bleeding.
- She had been to all the doctors and had paid them all the money that she had.
- She was none the better, but her condition only grew worse.
- She had heard of Jesus- v. 27 Probably had heard that he had healed others.
- She was desperate- she knew her condition was getting worse and she could possibly die (i.e. from infection, or loss of too much blood).
- She was considered “unclean” and therefore unable to worship in the synagogue.
- The Necessary Savior- vvs. 27-29
- Jesus fame or reputation of healing others preceded Him. His healing power had been seen and witnessed and experienced by others.
- Perhaps someone had told her, “if you can only go to Jesus for help, he can heal you.”
- There are many sin-sick, lost souls, that need to hear about Jesus, and we can tell them how he healed us of our spiritual sickness, (the terminal illness of sin, our sin with its devastating consequences)., and saved our lost soul.
- Jesus said, “…I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father, but by me.”
- The Needful Submission- vs. 33
- Whoever desires Spiritual healing , or physical healing , must first admit and acknowledge that they have a need. (i.e. For Salvation- spiritual healing they must acknowledge that they have sinned- Romans 3:23- “For all have sinned and come short.”
- The healing provision is readily available to all who will call upon the name of the Lord.
- John 3:16- “For God So loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
- Romans 10:9, 10- “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised his from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
- Romans 10:13- “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
- John 5:24- “…I say unto you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”
- This Spiritual healing- Salvation is available to all who will come unto Him- Jesus the Savior.
- A Newly Healed One- vs. 34 “Daughter, your faith has made you whole”, “Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
- She exercised faith and was healed and made whole.
- Usually when Jesus healed someone it was in response to someone’s faith. There are many examples: The Centurion requesting that his servant be healed- Matt. 8:5-10; Luke 7:1-11. The Centurion realized Jesus’ authority and believed that Jesus could say the word and his servant would be healed. Jesus’ response was, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” Another example is with the healing of the paralytic man- Matthew 9:2- “then behold, they brought to him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, be of good courage, your sins are forgiven you.” vs.6- “A …arise take up your bed and go to your house.”
- The woman that was healed was able to live life a “normal life” again, which included public worship in the synagogue or temple.
- A New Crisis Resolved- vvs. 35-43
- Jesus and Jairus receive word that his daughter who was sick is now dead v. 35
- Jesus tells Jairus, “Be not afraid, only believe.”
- Jesus takes with him his closest disciples: Peter, James and John.
- When they came to the ruler of the synagogue’s house (Jairus’ house) they saw a great tumult of people weeping and wailing.
- When he came. Jesus said to them, “ Why do you make this ado and weep? This girl is not dead but
- only sleeping- vs 39.
- Verse 40 says, “And they laughed him to scorn.”
- But when he had put them all out, he took the father and mother of young girl and them that were with him and entered in where the young girl was lying.
- Jesus took her hand and said “Talitha Cumi” which is interpreted, “Damsel (young girl) I say, Arise.” V. 41
- And straightway, she arose and walked- v. 42. This verse also states that she was twelve years old.
- All those that were there were greatly astonished and amazed.
- Jesus told them to not tell anyone and commanded that they should give the girl something to eat.
Febuary 08, 2025
WHAT IS THE TRUTH ?
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Our Old Programming How I FEEL = LIES or UNTRUTHS
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Our Blessings in Christ What is TRUE about me |
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I am very loved – John 15:9; Romans 8:35-39; Eph 2:4-6; I John 3:16; 4:10, 19; Rom. 5:8 |
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I am accepted – John 15:15-16; Eph 1:3-6 |
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I am worthy – Romans 8:31-34; I Cor 6:19-20; II Cor 5:21 |
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I am adequate – II Cor 2:14; 3:5-6; 12:9; |
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I am victorious – Rom 8:37; II Cor 2:14; |
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I am free from fear – Ps 4:8; 27:1; 32:7; |
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I am content – Ps 4:8; 37:5; 55:22; Phil 4:6-7, 11; Heb 13:5; 1 Pet 5:7 |
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I am strong in Christ – Acts 1:8; II Cor 12:9-10; Eph 1:19; 3:16; Phil 4:13 |
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I have God’s wisdom – John 15:15; 16:13-14; I Cor 1:30; James 1:5; I John 2:20-21, 27 |
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I am free – John 8:32, 36; II Cor 3:17, |
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I have been adopted by God and am His child – Rom 8:16, 17; Gal 4:5-7; I John 3:2 |
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I am totally forgiven – Eph 1:7; 2:13; Col 1:14 |
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I have the joy of the Lord – John 15:11; 17:13; Rom 15:13; I John 1:4 |
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I have been chosen, set apart by God – |
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I have all the hope I need – Rom 8:20-25, Rom 15:4, 13; Col 1:26-27; I Peter 1:3 |
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I am blameless – John 3:18; 5:24; Rom 8:1 |
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I am never alone – Rom 8:38-39; Heb 13:5 |
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I have access to God – Eph 2:18; Heb 4:14-16; I Peter 2:5, 9; I John 5:14-15 |
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I have authority over Satan – Col 1:13; |
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I have all the confidence I need – Prov 3:26; 14:26; 28:1; Eph 3:12; Phil 1:6, Heb 10:19; |
Febuary 01, 2025
How Can I Know that I am in Christ?
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,” Romans 8:14-16 NKJV
Romans eight comes at the end of a section in this great epistle as Paul is trying to help Christians with the assurance that they are completely secure in God‘s great love. In chapters 1 - 4, Paul has thoroughly explained the good news that God is saving sinners through a righteousness that we could never have in ourselves, but has been given to us freely by God’s grace through Jesus Christ. In chapter 5, Paul explains although by our fallen natures which we inherited from Adam, we are all born as enemies of God and are under his wrath, but as we are united to Jesus, the last Adam, our relationship with God has fundamentally and eternally changed from being enemies of God to being at peace with God and the objects of his love and grace.
So Paul begins this great chapter (Rom. 8) by exclaiming there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. What a wonderful announcement! What Good News!
But immediately we see that this good news is not for everyone. It is only for those who are in Christ Jesus. This should cause each of us to ask with urgency the question- am I in Christ Jesus?
Our text gives us some indicators or evidence of how we can know that we are in Christ Jesus. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God” This answers the question- How can I know that I am in Christ Jesus? I can know that there is no condemnation for me if I am led by the Spirit of God. A great Bible commentator sums this verse up by writing, “the substance amounts to this, that all who are led by the Spirit of God, are sons of God; all the sons of God, are heirs of eternal life; and therefore all who are led by the Spirit of God, ought to feel assured of eternal life.”
(John Calvin in his commentary on Romans)
I want to give us all a spiritual paternity test based on Romans 8:14. If we can confirm that we as individuals are being led by the Spirit of God, we can also confirm that we are the sons and daughters of God.
First, we have to acknowledge that this spiritual paternity test is subjective. To answer the question of whether or not we are being led of the Spirit, we have to look inside ourselves. Here is where some people sometimes get off track. When discerning the Spirit leading in their lives, often people think exclusively of how they feel. I am not denying that subjective feelings aren’t part of the Spirit’s leading. But our subjective feelings by themselves can very often be deceptive. We have all seen how this plays out in people’s lives who base decisions entirely on a feeling they have and it is not too difficult to see how this can sometimes go sideways. For instance, we’ve all known people who have made what appeared to be to us to be irrational and foolish decisions entirely on a feeling they have, but when asked about their decision, they might say something like “God told me to do this” or “God told me to sell everything that I have and buy a ticket to Brazil.” is that the Spirit’s leading? Maybe, but probably not. So being led by the spirit, can’t mean something like that. It can’t mean that we are basing our relationship to God entirely on a subjective feeling (which could change in the next five minutes). Instead, let me suggest a more balanced answer to the question for ourselves, “am I being led by the Spirit of God?” by suggesting evidence based on important aspects of who we are as humans. As people, we all have minds that govern what we think; we have emotions that allow us to feel; and we have a will, that influenced by our minds, and our emotions determines what we will choose and do. The Bible gives us clear indicators that will help us determine if- in these three dimensions- we are lead by the Spirit.
The Renewing of Your Mind
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:1-2 NKJV
The first way that the truth of God impacts us is through our minds. The source and content of that truth is God‘s word- the Bible. How do I know what pleases God? How do I know what God‘s will is? The primary source for that Information is God‘s written word. But also for the true believer, it is always the Word illuminated by the Spirit. So the first part of our spiritual paternity test is this-do you love God‘s Word? Do you read it? Do you love hearing it explained by a teacher or preacher? Does the Holy Spirit take the word of God and apply it to your mind by urging you, comforting you and convicting you?
Changing Your Affections
Second, we can see the Spirit leading by how we feel. Especially when we can see a change in our affections. How do you feel about your relationship to God? In verse 15 Paul continues to write, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:15 NKJV
This verse might remind us of another parallel verse in Galatians 4:6, “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Galatians 4:6 NKJV
This witness by the Holy Spirit is centered in our emotions, in our hearts. You may know that, “Abba” was an Aramaic term of a familial address of a child to her father. It would be very much like our word “Daddy.”
Does the Spirit of God bear witness with your spirit? Does the Spirit produce in your heart warm feelings about God as your father and about your Lord and Savior Jesus?
Transforming Your Will
The third test is centered in our wills and in what we do. We make choices and decide what we do in the area of our personality, that we call our will. Here’s where we can see if we are being led by the Spirit, and others can see it as well. Paul says in Philippians 2:12,13- “…work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
I am not suggesting perfection in everything we say or do. We know that we all fall down very often, and our lives do not perfectly and absolutely align with the faith we profess. Romans 7 articulates this struggle between what we truly believe and desire and what we actually do. But what we desire in our wills is a powerful evidence that we are being led by the Spirit.
One of the greatest commentators on Romans, John Murray, wrote, “the activity of the believer is evidence of the Spirit’s activity, and the activity of the Spirit is the cause of the believers activity.“
How do I know that I am a child of God and that I have been saved from God‘s wrath and condemnation? I know this for certain if I am led by the Spirit. I can know this and be assured of this if I see evidence in my life that my mind is being transformed-that I want my thinking to be governed by the Bible. I can know that the Spirit of God is leading me by a growing affection of God as my heavenly father, a love for Jesus as my Savior and Lord, and and a deep gratitude for the witness of the Spirit in my heart. I can see the Spirit’s leading in my life by the growing desire in my will to seek and do those things that please God, and reject those things that displease Him as I find this information in His Word.
January 25, 2025
Choosing Between Good and the Best
Introduction: We all have many things which via for our attention and consideration; things about which we have to make decisions and choices. Sometimes it becomes a difficult task to choose between what is good, and, what is Best. Perhaps our text illustrates what a difficult choice this can be. Read Luke 10:38-42.
Notice the contrast between these two women, who were sisters, Mary and Martha. Consider their compelling interests, their commensurate choices, and our Lord’s condemnation or commendation to them.
Notice first, Martha, probably the older sister. The text refers to the house as her house. Martha received him into her house. She is a Housekeeper, and as the Hostess- she is hurrying here and there, trying to take care of preparing something to set before her guests. So, she is busy; caring for all the details of entertaining- “cumbered about, much serving.”
We do not know if the Lord’s coming was announced, or expected, or if He and his disciples just happened by. But, Mary and Martha, and Lazarus, being Jesus’ close friends, it can be inferred that Jesus and his disciples visited them somewhat frequently.
Martha, being the eldest, and most probably, widowed at this time; being the housekeeper, felt compelled to make her guests feel welcome and cared for by providing something, (some food) to set before them.
Notice, she is “cumbered about “, “much serving”. She is literally worn out, or worked up to a frazzle. She is distracted by many little things that need her attention. She is overcome with care- i.e. full of care. So much so, that she begins complaining about her sister and comparing herself to her. She has chosen poor priorities.
It should be noted that her service is commendable, for Christ himself taught that whoever would be greatest of all would be servant- Mark 10:43,44; but, her complaining and comparing are not.
Now, notice the other sister, Mary, calmly sitting at Jesus’ feet. She is given to the words of Christ. Choosing to hear the words of Christ, rather than to satisfy hungry appetites. She has a hunger for the Word of God. Jesus during his temptation, said that, “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Her sitting at Jesus’ feet denotes her close attention, concerned to listen intently, and not just catch a word, now and then from the kitchen.
How many times we become like Martha, careful (lit. full of care) and concerned about many things, to the neglect of one thing which is needful. At times, the demands of many things overshadow that which is most important.
Four Principles that will help you in choosing God’s best. I Corinthians 6:12; and 10:23, 31
Is this choice Expedient? That is, Is it Best? I Cor. 6:12
- Is it Enslaving? Does it bind? I Cor. 6:12
- Is it Edifying? Does it build up? I Cor. 10:23
- Is it Exalting? Does it bring Glory to God? I Cor. 10:31
- Is it Everlasting? Does it bring eternal rewards, and withstand the judgement- I Cor. 3:12,13
January 18, 2025
Bible Assurance of What Believers Are
- Believers are Saved Now
- John1:12- But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
- Acts 16:31- Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved…
- John 3:16- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
- John 5:24- Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.
- Romans 8:16- The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
- Believers are Forgiven Now
- Ephesians 1:7- In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
- Colossians 1:13,14- Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.
- I John 1:9- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- Believers are Justified Now
- Romans 5:1- Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Romans 5:9- Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
- I Corinthians 6:11- And such were some of you: but you are washed, you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
- Believers are Sanctified Now
- I Corinthians 1:2- Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours.
- I Corinthians 1:30- But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom,
And righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
- John 17:17- Sanctify them through your truth: Your word is truth.
- John 17:19- And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
- Believers are Kept By the Power of God Now
- Philippians 1:6- Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
- I Peter 1:3-5- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4) to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you. 5) Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
- Hebrews 13:6- So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
- Romans 8: 31- What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
v. 32- He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
v. 33- Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect?It is God that justifies.
v. 34- Who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us.
v. 35- Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
v. 36- As it is written, For your sake we are killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.
v. 37- No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
v. 38- For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
v. 39- Nor height, nor death, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Believers are Preserved By the Grace of God Now
I Thessalonians 5:23- And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Believers are Complete In Jesus Christ Now
- Colossians 2:8-10- Beware lest anyone spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9) For in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10) And you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
- Colossians 4:12- Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in the will of God.
- Believers have been Baptized into the Body of Christ and are in Him Now
- I Corinthians 12:12-14- For as the body is one, and has many members, and all members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13) For by one Spirit are we all Ahave been all made to drink into one spirit. 14) For the body is not one member, but many.
- Ephesians 5: 23-27- For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the savior of the body. 24) Therefore, as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it; 26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
- Believers are One With Jesus Now
- Hebrews 2:11- For both he who sanctifies and they who are sanctified are one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.
- I Corinthians 1:9- God is faithful, by whom you were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
- I John 4:17- Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world
- I John 5:20- And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
- Believers are Awaiting the Return of Our Lord Jesus Christ
- I Thessalonians 1:10- And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
- I Thessalonians 2:19- For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
- I Thessalonians 3:13- To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
- Titus 2:13- Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.
- I John 3:2- Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
November 2, 2024
THE POWER OF SWEET PRAYER Psalm 27: 7-14
Read the passage: Psalm 27:7-14
Questions: God is good. Time with Him is sweet. What keeps you from time with the LORD? What do you run to other than the LORD when looking for peace?
EIGHT Truths From This Passage
1. Verse 7 - THE THREE FOLD PRAYER OF DAVID
• Hear me
• Be gracious to me
• Answer me
2. Verse 8 - DAVID’S PASSIONATE PURSUIT
• You have said, “Seek my face.”
• Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
3. Verse 9a - THE LORD IS RIGHTEOUS AND JUST
• The LORD could rightly hide his face from David
• The LORD could turn DAVID away in His righteous anger
4. Verse 9b - LOOKING BACK
• LORD you have been my help in the past
• Do not cast me off or forsake me.
• O God of my salvation!
5. Verse 10 - FAITHFUL FATHER
• My parents have let me down
• But you O LORD will take me in.
6. Verses 11-12 - DAVID’S PASSIONATE PRAYER
• Teach me.
• Lead me.
• Give me not us to my adversaries.
7. Verse 13 THE LORD IS GOOD - Praise God for that He has done and is doing!
• THE LAND OF THE LIVING - BOTH NOW AND IN HEAVEN
8. Verse 14 - FINAL INSTRUCTIONS
• Wait for the LORD
• Be Strong • Let your heart be encouraged
• Wait for the LORD
PRAYER THE POWER OF SWEET PRAYER
Psalm 27: 7-14
Psalm 27:7–14
[7] Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!
[8] You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
[9] Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!
[10] For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.
[11] Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
[12] Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.
[13] I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
[14] Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! (ESV)
October 26, 2024
Pastor Tim Hoeksema
WHAT TO DO WITH FEAR Psalm 27: 1-6
BIG IDEA: TO KNOW GOD
AND LIVE WITH CONFIDENCE IN THE MIDST OF FEAR BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS.
THE PASSAGE - Unpack verse by verse.
Read the passage: Psalm 27:1-6
Questions: What is causing fear to rise up in you? How does the truth of this passage give you confidence as you move forward? What truths can we take from this passage that help us have peace and joy in the midst of life’s struggles?
SIX Truths From This Passage
1. Verse 1 - WHO GOD IS
• The LORD is MY LIGHT
• The LORD is MY SALVATION.
• The LORD is MY STRONGHOLD
2. Verse 2 - EVIL IS REAL - the reality outside of us that causes fear
• We have adversaries that assail us to eat up our flesh.
3. Verse 3 - FEAR VS. CONFIDENCE - What do we do when evil attacks? Do we fear our circumstance or have confidence in WHO GOD IS?
4. Verse 4 - MORE OF THE LORD - When facing the fear inside, David asks for more of the LORD. It’s what he wants more than anything. Many of us would be asking for the LORD to change our circumstance. David asks for more of the LORD.
5. Verse 5 - HIS PROTECTION
• He will hide me
• He will conceal me
• He will life me
6. Verse 6 - DAVID’S RESPONSE
• I will offer a sacrifice with shouts of JOY
• I will sing and make music to the LORD!
Since God is; my light, my salvation, and my stronghold I can be confident when facing evil and the fear it produces. Like David, I can offer a sacrifice with shouts of JOY. I can worship the LORD and ask for more of His presence in my life!
October 12, 2024
Pastor Tim Hoeksema
Psalm 107:10–16
[10] Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons,
[11] for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High.
[12] So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help.
[13] Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
[14] He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart.
[15] Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
[16] For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron. (ESV)
MAIN POINT: When you are in darkness cry out to the LORD. He will deliver you by His grace. Respond with a thankful heart!
STUCK IN OUR DEATH
Verses 10-11 - DARKNESS, SHADOW, DEATH, PRISONERS, AFFLICTION, IRONS, REBELLED, SPURNED GOD’S COUNSEL.
FREED BY HIS GRACE
Verses 12-14 - HE BOWED THEIR HEARTS. THEY FELL DOWN. WITH NONE TO HELP. THEY CRIED TO THE LORD. HE DELIVERED THEM. HE BROUGHT THEM OUT OF DARKNESS, SHADOW of DEATH and BURST THEIR BONDS APART.
OUR RESPONSE:
THANKFULNESS Verses 15-16 - LET THEM THANK THE LORD FOR HIS STEADFAST LOVE and FOR HIS WONDROUS WORKS. HE SHATTERS THE DOORS OF BRONZE (Bronze doors or gates are obstructions and hindrances) and CUTS THE BARS OF IRON.
August 14, 2024
Russell Forsman - Guest Speaker
“Mom’s Secret Sauce”
What is the secret sauce for successful Christian service? Do you need a special calling revealed during a divine encounter? Maybe it takes a large-scale international organization to make a difference in the world. Perhaps service must be highly visible in order to maintain a good reputation. Or could it be that successful service is measured by the amount of funds collected to fuel the mega-ministry machine? One might get the impression, as I did, that some or all of these things are required for service that pleases the Lord. But such thinking is wrong. I came to understand the most about Christian service from an unexpected source; I learned by observing the good example provided by my own mother. This is the story of how I came to know the recipe for Mom’s secret sauce.
When I was living out of state, my mother decided to write me a letter every week so that I would receive mail regularly and not feel completely detached from home. Many years later, she remained faithful to send those letters. I received more than 350 of them.
When writing so often, it came become difficult to figure out what to say from week to week. Faced with this problem, Mom began to tell me about some of the ordinary events in her life in order to fill up the pages. It was within these seemingly mundane musings that I started to notice a pattern. Here are some examples that typify the events Mom wrote about:
Mom goes to an “older” lady’s house once a week to help her do her hair and to trim her nails. I chuckle at the “older” lady part because Mom herself is retired. However, it also brings back memories from my early childhood, when she trimmed my nails and took care of the basic grooming needs for all her young children.
There are many times when Mom visits someone recovering from illness or injury. She’s not a counselor, but having someone to talk to takes your mind off of your misery. Sometimes, Mom will ask if she can pray for them. This often leads into a discussion of religious backgrounds and ends with an invitation to attend an event at Mom’s church. Most people don’t come right away, but are glad to be invited. Mom doesn’t like to be overly insistent, so patiently waits while keeping the invitations open. I’m sure it helps that Mom and others (like me) pray for these friends.
Somewhere I heard that a need observed is an assignment given. Once, a neighbor lady was shoveling snow without wearing anything on her hands. Mom remembered that she had a new pair of gloves sitting unused and offered them to the neighbor. She was most thankful to receive them.
My favorite stories are when Mom writes about the incredible deals she finds while shopping. She uses her bargain hunting skills to get deeply discounted supplies for the church. We jokingly call this her “spiritual gift of cheapness.”
At first, I didn’t realize that these stories were about serving the Lord. Mom has taken turns helping on church boards and other ministries that are easier to identify as acts of service. When I asked about this possibility, she agreed that they were ways of serving God. This encouraged her to seek out other service opportunities, which she enthusiastically shared with me.
I also had not realized what an active servant my mother was. Reading her stories made me wonder when she became so involved. It was then that my mind was flooded with childhood memories. I recalled stopping off at the church for just a minute while on the way home from running errands. I remembered going along when Mom shared some of our outgrown clothes with a needy family. The memories went on and on.
It turns out that Mom has been ministering right before my eyes for as long as I can remember. I hadn’t noticed because it was already her routine, I wasn’t looking for it, and she didn’t toot her own horn.
There are many lessons about serving that we can take away from my mother’s example. Learn them and you will have the recipe for the secret sauce. Act on them and you will also be successful.
Let’s start out by looking at:
Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
The first thing I learned is to make the most of every opportunity. Someone always needs your help. Look for these opportunities. You don’t have to wait for permission, training, or “perfect” circumstances to act.
Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
Hesitation allows opportunity to pass by. But if a door closes on one opportunity, what is to stop us from acting on one of the many others that present themselves daily? When you help meet needs, doors will eventually open to share the gospel. Persistence and patience will yield their dividends. And the way you live says more than words.
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
… Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
By serving others, you set an example to be followed.
Have you heard the phrase, “little is much when God is in it?” This is the second ingredient. Likewise, “many hands make light work” and “a lot of little things add up to a lot.” Everyone can contribute something, no matter how small. Can you share a smile, your time, comforting words, or a prayer?
Mark 9:41 (NIV)
Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.
Even a cup of water given in the name of Jesus counts. Small works are no less necessary than larger ones and we are not required to serve beyond our capability.
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