A&D Biker Ministries - "Growing the Kingdom of God . . . one Biker at a time"

May 10, 2025

The Forge of Our Faith- (The Refining Fire of Trials and Tests)
Main scripture verses: Romans 5:3; I Thessalonians 1:3-5; I Peter 1:7; I Peter 4:12-14;
“The Trial of your Faith, being much more precious that gold that perishes, though it be tested by fire.”
This verse tells us that our faith must be tested or tried if it is going to be purified or refined, and also if it is
going to be tempered, toughened up and strengthened. We all go through trials, afflictions and tests.
I. The Testing of our Faith is Necessary- It is Needful I Peter 1:7
A. It should be precious to us- Why? Because God is at work and using it to:
1. To purify us and our faith- like gold is refined. An interesting fact: The purer the gold (24k)
the softer the metal. The more durable gold (10k & 14k) used in rings, have other metal
alloys mixed in that makes it harder and more durable to withstand the wear and tear of
the rigors of everyday life.
a. This purifying process will make us more pliable- bendable or moldable which will
enable us to be conformed to God’s will for our life.
b. When we go through the forge of God’s testing , you and I can be more easily
conformed to the image of Jesus Christ our Lord. (i.e. become Christ-like)
2. To prepare us for God’s intended use.
B. It can bring praise, honor and glory to God- at the coming of Jesus Christ.
1. This should be our highest aim or goal- to bring glory to God. v. 7 (cf. Col. 3:17. I Pet. 4:11)
2. The text verse (I Peter 1:7) tells us that the praise, honor and glory will be revealed
eventually at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Hopefully, we will hear the words, “Well done!”
3. You and I were created for a doxological purpose: to glorify God. Ephesians 1:12, 14.
II. The Forge of Our Faith (i.e. the testing fire of trials) is not only for purification, but strengthening
A. Metals go through the extreme intense fire and heat to become tempered- “tempered steel” is
super strong and durable. “A faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted”—Warren Wiersbe
B. Through the fiery forge of trials and afflictions our faith will become tempered- made stronger.
C. I Peter 4:12-14- “Fiery trials” (i.e afflictions and persecutions) not only strengthen our faith, but
allow us to be partakers of Christ’s sufferings. If or Lord and Savior Jesus Christ suffered many
hard and hurtful things, you and I will also have to encounter and endure the same things if we
are going to be like Him. We should endure these with joy. II Timothy 2:12- “If we endure, or
suffer, we shall also reign with Him.”
D. The apostle Paul stated his goal this way, “that I may know Him, and the power of his
resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made comformable to His death.”
Philippians 3:10.
E. II Thessalonians 1:3- *Notice: “Your faith grows exceedingly, and your love abounds toward
each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the Churches of God for your patience
and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is the manifest
evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of
God, for which you also suffer.”

The Forge of Our Faith- (The Refining Fire of Trials and Tests)

F. The apostles, after being beaten for preach in the name of Jesus, departed, “…rejoicing that
they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.”
G. The apostle Paul had a personal trial of affliction- “a thorn in the flesh” which he prayed three
times and asked God to remove, but God revealed to Paul His purposes for not removing it:
II Corinthians 12:7-8
1. Purpose one, that Paul would remain humble- “lest I should be exalted above measure…”
2. Purpose two, That Paul would rely on the Lord- “My grace will be sufficient for you…”
3. Purpose three, That God’s strength would be manifest through Paul’s weakness- “for My
strength is made perfect in weakness.”
4. Purpose four, that God would receive all the glory and praise.
H. We are not told what Paul’s specific affliction was, and I believe that is by God’s inspirational
design, so that you and I, and millions of other saints can relate to this in a personal way.
I. I believe that it was some type of physical affliction or infirmity. Some believe that it may have
been a problem with his eyes since he suffered blindness for a time following his encounter
with the Lord and seeing a great light from heaven on the road to Damascus.
J. Paul’s response was to accept and acknowledge that God was using “this thorn in the flesh’ to
bring glory Himself. II Corinthians 12:9-10
1. Paul said, “therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of
Christ may rest upon me.”
2. “Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in
distresses, for Christ’s sake.”
3. Paul realized, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
K. Romans 5:3- “…but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulations produce
perseverance (patience), character and hope.”
Poem: Pressed – author unknown
“Pressed out of measure and pressed to all length;
Pressed so intensely, it seems beyond strength;
Pressed in the body, and pressed in the soul;
Pressed in the mind, till the dark surges roll.
Pressure by foes, and pressure by friends—
Pressure on pressure, till life nearly ends.
Pressed into knowing no helper but God;
Pressed into loving the staff and the rod.
Pressed into liberty where nothing clings;
Pressed into faith for impossible things,
Pressed into tasting the joy of the Lord;
Pressed into loving a Christlife outpoured

May 3, 2025

FAITH- The Biblical Basics & How to Build Your Faith

Introduction: Faith is essentially Trust. Who or What do you Trust? What is your trust in?
Quote: “Faith Honors God and God Honors Faith” -- Unknown/anonymous
I. The Foundation of Faith-
A. The foundation of our faith is God and His word
God is the foundation – The Psalmist, David expressed this in Psalm 18:2 ; 46:1; 56:3 and many other
references. You can pick up on the personal nature of the David’s declaration of his faith in the personal
pronouns that he uses: “I, and my.” Examples” “What time I am afraid I will trust…”, “My rock, my
fortress, my shield, my refuge (or shelter), my stronghold.” These are his personal expressions of his
trust in his God.
B. David’s faith was personal and profound; it was also pronounced or proclaimed. Our personal faith in
God should be proclaimed as well. Share it! Declare it! Shout it!
C. David’s faith was public- It was evidenced or put on display. When he faced the giant Goliath, he
declared- in front of the armies of Israel and the Philistines, “you come to me with a sword and with a
spear, and with a shield,: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of
Israel, whom you have defied.”
D. God’s word is the fountain, or source or supply of our faith. Romans 10:17- “So then Faith comes by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
II. The Focus of Our Faith- It is on God: His Power, His Might, His Works (evidenced in His Word)
A. In the words of the great hymn- “To God be the Glory, Great things He hath done…!”
B. As a cautionary tale, we should take note that Israel apostatized, or turned back from following God, or
doubted, not because they forgot commandments or laws of God- they forgot the mighty works that
God had done. (e.g. the parting and crossing of the Red Sea; providing water and food in the desert)
Psalm 72:18; 78:3-7, 10.
C. Don’t focus on your own resources- i.e. your abilities, your accomplishments, your strength.
D. Instead, focus on God and His resources- i.e. His Power, His Strength His resources are limitless and
inexhaustible.
E. Biblical Definitions of faith:
1. Believing there will be a fulfillment of those things that are told us- Luke 1:45
2. Believing that it will be just as was told us- Acts 27:25- Read this verse.
3. Not wavering at the promise of God, but being fully convinced that what He has promised He is able
to perform- Romans 4:20-21.
4. Judging Him faithful who has promised – Hebrews 11:11
5. The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen- Hebrews 11:1
F. Focus on God’s word- His promises and His Powerful Fulfillment
1. Numbers 23:19- “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent.
Has he said, and will he not do it? Or, has He spoken and will He not make it good?”
2. II Peter 1:3-4- “by which have been given us exceedingly great and precious promises…”
3. We are to add to our faith- II Peter 1:5-8.
4. Ephesians 3:20-21- “Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask
or think, according to the power that works in us. To Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus to
all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Charles Wesley, studying Abraham’s faith described in Romans 4:13, wrote a hymn of eleven stanzas. Most popular is
the verse, “Faith, mighty faith- the promise sees and looks to that alone, laughs a t life’s impossibilities, and cries, “It
shall be done.”
III. The Fountain (or Source) of Our Faith
A. Romans 10:17- “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
1. The word of God is the source.
2. It is the supply- If you need more faith, get in God’s word.
B. You can also ask God for more faith- Luke 17:5
C. Hebrews 11:6- the belief in God is the basic indispensable component of faith.
1. You must believe that “God is…”
2. This verse promises that, “God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
3. Faith pleases God; and without faith you cannot please Him. Hebrews 11:6
4. We are to build up ourselves up on our Holy faith- Jude 20.

April 26, 2025

The Prayers of Jesus in John 17
Lately I’ve been looking at and reading the prayers of Jesus recorded in the gospels, which have led to some messages
that I have shared recently: There’s the “Not My Will” prayer (Matt. 26:36-46) that Jesus prayed in the Garden of
Gethsemane a few hours before he was betrayed and led to the trial of Pilate’s judgment hall which would lead to his
ultimate pain, suffering and death by crucifixion on that Roman cross. Then there were the three prayers that Jesus
prayed while He was on the cross (Luke 23:44-49).
Today we will be looking at the prayer recorded in John 17, which is known at His “High Priestly Prayer”- That is because
Jesus is going to His Father on our behalf. But as he does so, He first prays for Himself (“Father,…Glorify your Son”) and
His intended purpose (“ that Your Son may Glorify You”).
I. Jesus Prays for Himself- “Father,…Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You” John 17:1
A. “Jesus spoke these words, lifting up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come…”
B. Jesus is saying that he has come to his defining moment, the time to fulfill the Father’s will and the plan
that They had from before the foundation of the world. i.e. His sacrificial death on the cross.
C. He prays that the Father would glorify Him (The Son). He is not praying in an egotistical manner, but,
rather, that He is praying that His Father would glorify him that He might Glorify the Father. v. 1
D. Jesus had stated at various times that he did always those things which pleased His Father. John 8:29
E. Jesus stated, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father, but by me” John 14:6
F. On several occasions God the Father had spoken, and said, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well
pleased (Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5; Luke 3:22).
G. Jesus gave his life (His sinless, perfect life) as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind, and by His
substitutionary death, and triumphant resurrection He did everything necessary to provide redemption
and salvation (including forgiveness of sins and eternal life) to all who will believe by faith. vv. 2,3
H. The purpose of Jesus’ sinless life and selfless ministry, and His sacrificial cross-work, was to provide
eternal life and make the Father known. v. 3 “I and My Father are one.” John 10:30; “he that has seen
Me has seen the Father.” John 14:9
I. The glory which Jesus prayed for was the glory which He had shared with His Father before the world
was existent. vv. 4,5 To “glorify” means to magnify, celebrate, render excellent and honor. Just as
Jesus made it a priority to use every opportunity to glorify God the Father. We, too, ought to glorify the
Father by listening and being obedient to His will.
II. Jesus Prays for His Disciples- John 17:6-19- “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You
have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, and You gave them to Me, and they have kept
Your word.” v. 6 “I pray for them…” v. 9
A. Jesus prays for His disciples, whom the Father had given Him, that they would be kept through the
Father’s name. Jesus said that while He was in the world he kept them through the Father’s name.
B. What a blessing to know that they, and we, are kept by our Father’s name and His power /authority.
C. Jesus prays that through His spoken words, they might have their joy fulfilled. Fullness of Joy. Jn. 15:11
D. Jesus next prayed for His disciples to be protected from the evil one. This reminds us that we are in a
spiritual battle fighting against evil forces and our chief adversary- The Devil. Eph. 6:11,12- we wrestle
or oppose principalities, powers, the rulers of darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in highplaces.
E. After Jesus’ departure from this world, He knew that the disciple’s unity would be under attack.
Therefore, He prayed that they would be kept as one, just as He and the father were one. v. 11 His
disciple’s future success in transforming the world depended greatly of the Lord enabling them to work
as one. i.e. oneness of mind and heart, oneness of purpose, fellowship and ministry. Unity is Essential.

April 19, 2025

The Indispensable Component of the Resurrection

Introduction: The three main components of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are His death, His burial and His resurrection. While each of these are vitally important, it is the resurrection that was the final key component that is the crowning action that proves the effectiveness of Christ’s sinless life, his vicarious suffering and atoning death. In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian Church, he gave a description of The Gospel in chapter 15, verses 1 through 4. Then, in verses 12 through 19 he gives some suppositional statements which present the ramifications of the proposition, “If Christ be not raised…” What are these important ramifications? Let us look at them together.

The first supposition is, “if there is no resurrection…then is Christ not risen.” v.13

Remember that Paul is presenting supposed propositions to answer the argument- If there is no resurrection as some suppose… It is a technique used in apologetics. Apologetics is the religious discipline of defending religious doctrines through systematic argumentation and discourse.
If there is no resurrection as some suppose…then there is no after-life and no eternal life.
If there is no resurrection then is Christ not risen. The final part, or piece of the gospel would not be complete. The Savior’s sacrificial suffering and death would be pointless or meaningless.

The second supposition is, “if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain.” v. 14

Without Christ’s resurrection, we really don’t have a message to preach or proclaim.
Why is that? Because is Christ did not rise from dead, that would mean that His sacrifice on the cross was not complete or sufficient to eternally pay for our sins. Sin and death and Satan would not be the defeated foes that they are now- because of Jesus’ triumphant resurrection.
Christ’s resurrection is proof positive that he had accomplished everything necessary to totally pay for our sins. He had secured redemption for lost mankind, and salvation is now available to all who will turn to Him in repentance and faith and believe and call on Him for salvation. (Hebrews 9:12-15, 26,28; 10:10-14; Romans 5:8-11)
If the resurrection was not real, and Christ’s resurrection was not accomplished, we would be guilty of propagating a falsehood, or proclaiming an untruth. We would be deceivers, or liars.

We would be fraudulently promoting something felonious. We would be false witnesses, But Thank God- Jesus is risen! vv. 4-6.

The third supposition is, “if Christ be not risen our faith is vain.” v. 14 & v. 17

Our faith would be vain because we would have nothing to believe in. It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that saves v.2, and if the resurrection was not accomplished, the gospel would not be complete. It would not be real, relevant, and effective to provide for our salvation.
But, Thank God- Jesus did rise from the dead- “and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” Jesus said, “no man takes my life, but I lay it down of myself. I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it up again.” John 10:18

The fourth supposition is, “if Christ be not risen, we are yet in our sins.” v. 17

Since Christ’s resurrection was the final crowning piece of the Gospel, it was absolutely necessary to accomplish the atonement to provide salvation for mankind- to all who believe.
Yes, it was His suffering, His blood that was shed and the giving of His life that were vital to accomplish our salvation, but it was the resurrection that dealt the final death blow to prove that Christ arose as the conquering Savior, who triumphed over sin, death and Satan.

The fifth supposition is that if Christ be not raised those asleep in Christ are perished.” v. 18

April 5, 2025

"Three Glorious Results of the Cross"

Text verses: Mark 8:31-33 and John3:14-17

We want to look at Three Profound and Powerful Effects of Christ’s Cross-work:

We Are Given Freedom- We have been set free from the penalty and power of sin

John 8:36- “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”

Through faith in Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, we receive a new standing; we

are no longer looked upon as guilty condemned sinners, but as totally forgiven and justified

redeemed ones that have been freed from the penalty and power of sin.

Galatians 2:20- “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
We have been given this new freedom because of God's love and grace (unmerited favor undeserved kindness).
Read Romans 6:6-11; vvs. 17-18; vvs. 20-23. Romans 6:9- “knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.” 6:11-14

“Likewise reckon, (or consider) yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law but under grace.”

The cross demonstrates the love of God to us- Romans 5:8; John 15:13.

Redeeming Love- The redemption price has been paid’
“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Jesus is the friend of sinners.

The cross work of Jesus Christ represents God's supreme sacrifice. God gave his perfect, sinless, spotless son- the Lamb of God for our sins.
The sacrifice that Jesus Christ made on the cross is complete and finished. “It is Finished’ As someone has said, there is nothing you or I can do to make God love us anymore than he does. Conversely, there is nothing you or I can do to make him love us any less. Heb. 8:12

Hebrews 10:10- “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Hebrews 10: 14 – “For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.”

We Get (or Gain) Fellowship Because of the Cross- Reconciliation is now possible because of Calvary- Ephesians 2:16

The Cross- where the just demands of the law was satisfied by the sacrifice of the Just One.

Where God's righteous wrath was satiated, appeased.

The cross removed the middle wall of separation- Ephesians 2:13,14- “But now in Christ,

You who were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

Jesus, who is our peace ( v.14), has made peace (v.15), and preached peace (v.17).
Jesus, who is our peace, has broken down the middle wall of partition. V.14
When Christ died on the cross the veil in the temple was rent from the

Top down signifying that God did it!Matthew 27:50,51 This also signifies that there is no longer a need for any more sacrifices by earthly high priests, because Jesus, our Great High Priest made the one final, forever sacrifice for sin, whereby we have access and can go directly to God on the basis of what Jesus has done.

Our sins and iniquities, which had previously separated us from God are now Gone- Forgiven and Removed and Remembered no more. Cf. Is. 59:2

Hebrews 8:12- “Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”

Christ’s Death on the Cross made reconciliation possible. Romans 5:10- “For when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son.”

II Corinthians 5:18,19- How is this Reconciliation Possible?

His death satiated or satisfied God’s righteous wrath.
His death removed the enmity that was between us and God.

Jesus Made Peace through the sacrifice of His blood. He is now our Peace andour Peacemaker.This is possible because of What it says in II Corinthians 5:21.

Fellowship is now possible; Fellowship has been provided- I John 1:3.4; 7-9

We Are Granted Forgiveness Because of the Cross- Hebrews 10:10; 12,14

Our Forgiveness is Final- “It is Finished” John 19:30
Our Forgiveness is Forever- Hebrews 10:12, 14

**Conclusion: Christ’s death on the cross is where the penalty for our sins was paid in full.

Christ’s Resurrection is the proof He completely accomplished and satisfied all the requirements and everything necessary for our redemption.

March 28, 2025

"The Abundant life" John 10:10

The Abundant life begins with Christ, when you receive him by personal faith and therefore obtain eternal life (John 3: 15,16). All believers have life, but not all are experiencing the abundant life that Jesus wants to give them. To live and experience the abundant life we must have the abundant resources that are available and provided through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; II Peter 1:2-4). Abundant life is only possible by maintaining this vital connection that we have with Christ Jesus as we Abide in Him- John 15:1-5. He is the vine, we are the branches and receive the constant supply of nutrients that we need to sustain life and bring forth fruit (fruit, more fruit, much fruit). The Abundant life (i.e. Dynamic, fruitful life) is not just for a few. It is God’s intended norm for each and every believer. The Abundant life is based on the fellowship relationship with Christ. If you and I are not living and experiencing the abundant life, we are settling for second best, or less than the best that God has for us. If you are not living the abundant Christian life you will soon resort to living a carnal life- I Cor. 3:1-4. The carnal life is circumstance controlled, but the abundant life is Holy Spirit controlled- Gal. 5:16, 17 (i.e. being led and guided by the Holy Spirit). The carnal life leads to defeat; the abundant life leads to victory. If you are a Christian, you should determine not to be satisfied with anything less than the best God has for you: Living life abundantly.

The Abundant Life is a Submissive (Yielded) Life- Romans 6:1-13 Surrendered to God’s will.

Jesus died to deliver people from slavery to sin and death. The Christian is now released from the bondage of sin and is freed to serve the Lord in a life of righteousness.
When a Christian is baptized and goes under the water it signifies dying to our old life and being buried with Christ. As the believer comes up out of the water they are raised to live a new life. There’s a new freedom as a believer dies to the old person that they were- II Corinthians 5:17. A new creation, a new person in Christ.
Since we Christians still have the old nature (i.e. our sinful nature) that is present with us, we must practice crucifying the flesh, which is to die to sinful, selfish and sensual desires. Paul wrote of this battle between the spiritual nature and the carnal, fleshly nature in Romans 7.
The former person used to be ruled by sin and succumbed to temptations time and time again. The believer who has trusted in the finished work of Jesus Christ had their old ways put to death on the cross with Christ. They used to be in bondage and were ruled by sin, but now they are delivered and sin no longer rules over them
We, as believers are under God’s rule. Paul described this as being a slave to God instead of sin. This is where submission comes in. Paul wrote that we are servants to whomever we chose to obey, whether it is sin, or obedience unto righteousness- 6:16.
God’s followers desire to serve Him and they use their freedom to follow Jesus Christ their Lord. They no longer want to serve sin and death. By following and serving Christ in obedience they experience the abundant life of blessing found in holy living.

The Abundant Life is a Service Life- Romans 12;1,2

We as Christians are to present or consecrate our lives to serving God and serving others.
We have been freed from the bondage of sin to now serve God and do His will. Rom. 12:2
“Being made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness.” Romans 6:18
Serving God and others brings blessings and rewards. Hebrews 6:10- “For God is not unrighteous to forget your labor of love, which you have showed toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and do minister.”
We want to hear, “Well done- good and faithful servant” one day when we stand before our Lord. Matthew 25:21, 23.

The Abundant Life is a Separated Life- Romans 1:1 (e.g. Paul was separated unto the gospel)

The apostle Paul was separated unto the Gospel- He had a Gospel commission. A high and holy calling to deliver the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. But he also delivered it to both Jews (his own countrymen according to the flesh), and Gentiles.
You and I as Christians are to carry and deliver the gospel to others as well- Matthew 28:19-20.
We must live a separated or consecrated life of dedication and devotion to God.

The Abundant Life is Spirit-Filled Life- “…but be filled with the Spirit” Ephesians 5: 18

Each believer in Christ has the indwelling Holy Spirit of God residing within them- Ephesians 1:13; 4:30.
The reason the Christian needs the continual filling of the Holy Spirit is that we are leaky vessels. The question is not how much of the Holy Spirit that we have, but rather how much of us does He have. This relates to how much we are led and controlled by Him.
Acts 4:31- “And when they had prayer, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
Gal. 5:16-18- We are to walk in the Spirit and be Led and controlled by the Holy Spirit.

The Abundant Life is Mature Life- II Peter 3:18- “Grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Abundant life is a life of continual growth. As we abide in Christ (John 15) we can grow, flourish and bring forth fruit. Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in You. As a branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except you abide in me.”
Scripture teaches that “by their fruit you shall know them.” Matthew 7:16, 20.

“A good tree brings forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit” Matt. 7:17

We are to grow and increase in our knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ- read the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

March 22, 2025

Not My Will, But Thine Be Done. Matthew 26:39b

After celebrating their Passover meal, Jesus and His disciples to a garden called Gethsemane, which literally means “olive press”.

Olives from this area were brought and crushed there producing oil for Jerusalem and the surrounding area.

The name seems fitting since Jesus would be taken from that garden. He would then be crushed and His Grace distributed not just to Jerusalem and the region, but the whole world.

At Gethsemane, Jesus grieved because he knew what was going to happen. He was distresses because of the physical pain and torture that awaited Him (vv. 38-39). He was also exceedingly sorrowful because of the spiritual horror he was about to endure by taking the place of guilty sinners and receiving their due punishment (II Cor. 5:21).

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

2 Corinthians 5:21

As Jesus went to this garden to pray, He was stressed and filled with exceeding sorrow- “even unto death.” (vs. 38)

Have you ever experienced an event or circumstance in your life that had you really stressed out? Maybe it was a time that you feared for your life.

Jesus experienced this as he was facing the prospect of going to the cross to suffer and die for the sins of mankind.

He asked his three closest disciples to watch and pray with Him, but they failed and fell asleep.

He was stressed because He knew all the sorrows that awaited Him: cf. Isaiah 53

I. The Sorrow of Rejection-

A. He would be despised and rejected of men- Isaiah 53:3

B. John 1:10,11- “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” John 1:10-11

C. His closest friends and followers failed him and later forsook Him.

Jesus warned them that this would happen- Matthew 26:31- All of you shall be offended because of me this night. I will smite the shepherd and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.
Peter’s overconfident statement (v. 33) that he would never be offended because of Him, and would never deny Him. Jesus’ warning that he would deny Him- v. 34
Peter’s proud proclamation- “though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. (v. 35) This verse says that all of the disciples said the same thing.
Yet in Jesus’ darkest hour and time of dire need, His disciples fell asleep when asked to watch and pray.
Later, Judas betrayed Him and all the disciples forsook him and fled- Mark 14:50.
When Pilate asked the people, “what shall I do with Jesus which is called the Christ? They all say unto him, let him be crucified. (Matthew 27:22). Also, they cried, “crucify him, crucify him!” Luke 23:21; John 19:6.

II. The Sorrow of Grief- Isaiah 53:4-12

A. “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we are healed.”

B. “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin…” Isaiah 53:10a

C. “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, But a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (In the volume of the book it is written of me,) To do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.” Hebrews 10:5-12 KJV

D. “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”

Hebrews 10:14 KJV

E. In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus struggled in his humanness with the suffering, shame and humiliation that he would endure as he prayed, “…Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not my will but thine be done.”

Matthew 26:39b KJV

“He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.”

Matthew 26:42 KJV

Jesus prayed and asked the Father three times, “…if it be possible let this cup pass from me…” Matthew 26:44

By the Father not answering or offering any other course or option means that there was no other way possible to accomplish the redemption and salvation for mankind.

Jesus had to drink the cup of suffering.

III. The Sorrow of Loneliness- Matt. 26:56

“But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.”

Matthew 26:56

A. Jesus in his humanity felt emotions:

1. He experienced sorrow and grief- Luke 11:35- “Jesus wept” (i.e. shortest verse in the Bible) He wept at Lazarus’ tomb- because Lazarus was dead.

2. He also wept over the city of Jerusalem- Luke 23:39

Jesus experienced joy of doing his Father’s will- Hebrews 12:2

“looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:2 KJV

Conclusion- Summary: Because of His Great Love- Jesus choose to willingly go to the cross In obedience to the Father’s will and the plan that He and God the Father had made before the foundation of the World; to suffer the sorrow, shame and awful agony on the cross to provide Redemption and Salvation for all who will believe and trust Him by Faith.

Do you choose to willingly follow God’s will even through times of intense suffering, grief or loss? Do you pray as Jesus taught his disciples, “thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” Matthew 6:10

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.

Febuar