I. The Law As A Guardian Vs. 23-25 A. Kept Under Guard, For Faith Vs. 23, 24 1. The Christian’s life is described in two conditions: Before faith and after faith. 2. V. 23- Before faith: A person is kept “under guard” by the law. a. Kept- To keep inward under lock and...
BIBLE TEACHING
BIBLE TEACHING
New Testament
Galatians 4:1-7 Mature Christian Living
Jul 9, 2024 | Galatians, New Testament
I. How Young Children Live Vs. 1-3 A. Under The Authority Of Law Vs. 1, 2 1. Child- nepios- “one that does not speak”. One who is intellectually and morally immature. 2. Slave- doulos- a slave. The child was like a slave who had no authority to make decisions. 3....
Galatians 4:21-5:1 Legalism: Mannish, Slavish, Persecuting
Jul 9, 2024 | Galatians, New Testament
I. Understanding Two Approaches To God 4:21-31 A. Understanding What Legalism Means 4:21 1. The Galatians had been born again by believing the Gospel. 2. They had been saved out of some form of legalism: man made religion with its rules. 3. But they had been deceived...
Galatians 4:8-20 A Pastor’s Agonizing Heart
Jul 9, 2024 | Galatians, New Testament
I. Turning Away From Grace A. Their Lives Before Knowing Jesus V. 8 1. Prior to having a true relationship with the true and living Go, the Galatians had some form of religion with false gods (demonic forces). 2. They didn’t know the true God, and were involved in...
Galatians 5:1-12 True Holiness & Those Who Hinder It
Jul 9, 2024 | Galatians, New Testament
I. The Basis For Holiness Vs. 1-6 A. Stand Firm In Liberty V. 1 1. V. 1- The Galatians needed to maintain their position of freedom from the law. 2. Life under the law- 613 commandments for the Jews. Impossible to remember. a. Living Like A Child-Paul compares that to...
Galatians 5:13-26 Life By The Spirit
Jul 9, 2024 | Galatians, New Testament
I. Misunderstanding Christian Liberty A. Liberty From The Law Is God’s Idea V. 13a 1. V. 13a- Christians have been called to liberty. a. The liberty which Paul speaks of is liberty from having to live under law. b. Freedom from having to approach God according to...
Galatians 5:19-26 Comparing Two Lives
Jul 9, 2024 | Galatians, New Testament
19Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: Paul had exhorted the Galatians to not misuse their freedom from the law as an excuse to indulge themselves in the works of the flesh (5:13). He now identifies those works of the flesh. This list serves as a tool...
Galatians 6:1-18
Jul 9, 2024 | Galatians, New Testament
1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Paul is not speaking of a hard hearted, determined sinner. Instead, the idea is of someone who has...
Galatians 6:1-5 Corrector Or Healer?
Jul 9, 2024 | Galatians, New Testament
I. Restoring A Fellow Christian Vs. 1, 2 A. Two Possible Scenarios 1. Scenario #1-Paul is exhorting them to not be like the legalists when dealing with others. a. Don’t be like the legalists who are harsh when correcting someone. b. The legalists don’t examine...
Introduction To Mark
Oct 23, 2023 | Mark, New Testament
I. Specifics A. Authorship- Written Around 70 A.D. 1. The human author was John Mark, a very young man during Christ’s earthly ministry 2. He accompanied the Apostle Paul on his first missionary journey. a. Mark was unfaithful on that first missionary journey; Paul...
Introduction To Revelation
Apr 17, 2023 | New Testament, Revelation
I. The Purpose Of The Book Of The Revelation A. It Reveals Jesus 1. Revelation 1:1- “Revelation”-apokalypsis- Uncovering of something hidden; unveiling. 2. The word apocalypse has taken on a meaning of total destruction, and yet technically, the word means an...
James 1:1-8 A Godly View Of Trials
Aug 11, 2023 | James, New Testament
I. Introduction V. 1 A. James 1. Bondservant-A willing slave, committed for life. Property of another, but by choice. 2.Half-brother of Jesus-Tradition points to James being the half-brother of Jesus. a. Matthew 13:55 Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother...
James 1:19-27 Holiness in Trials
Aug 23, 2023 | James, New Testament
I. Holiness In Trials Vs. 19-21 A. Holiness Of Speech In Trials Vs. 19, 20 1. Important to remember that the context is speaking about enduing trials and hardships. a. Example- Unfair treatment against you. It’s obvious and clear that it’s unfair. b. Example- Someone...
James 1:9-18 Enduring Trials & Understanding Sin
Aug 18, 2023 | James, New Testament
I. Truths That Help Us Endure Through Trials Vs. 9-12 A. Considering The Eternal Vs. 9-11 1. V. 9- The Christian who is materialistically poor in this world ought to glory in his exalted position as a child of God. a. His sins are forgiven because of his faith in the...
James 2:1-9 The Sin of Discrimination
Aug 23, 2023 | James, New Testament
I. The Exhortation Vs. 1-5 A. The Faith We Hold V. 1 1. Hold the faith- practice the faith. We decide how we are going to practice our faith. a. Our daily walk of faith is neither mindless nor automatic. b. The Holy Spirit prompts us or restrains us, and the Word of...
James 2:8-26 The Evidence Of Faith
Aug 24, 2023 | James, New Testament
I. Obedience Is Not A “Pick And Choose” Arrangement A. Partial Obedience Is Not Obedience Vs. 8-11 1. Some Believers were showing preference to rich people and treating the poor badly. 2. It seems that they were defending their actions of showing special treatment to...
James 3:1-18 Deadly Tongues & Demonic Wisdom
Aug 24, 2023 | James, New Testament
I. Unbridled Speech-The Power To Direct A. Don’t Be Eager To Be Someone’s Teacher V. 1 1. A teacher instructs, warns, exhorts, and comforts others, and enforces a godly standard 2. Since they speak as an authority, they are held to a higher standard. B. The Reason For...
James 4:1-12 Conflicts: Causes & Cures
Aug 25, 2023 | James, New Testament
I. Conflict Among Christians A. The Causes Of Conflict Vs. 1-3 1. Wars and fights- Speaks of the environment of fighting, and the actual fights. 2. V. 1 Desire for pleasures cause conflict. Consider the fights on Black Friday. a. These are not the desire for...
James 4:13-5, 20
Aug 30, 2023 | James, New Testament
I. Presumption & Materialism A. What Presumption Looks Like 4:13 1. The implication is that no prayer or seeking of God takes place in this person’s life. 2. The lives of some Christians are all about presumptive desire and carnal planning. 3. Their self-assurance...
Jesus and the Holy Spirit
Mar 14, 2024 | New Testament
Paul referred to Jesus in 1 Corinthians as the 2nd man and the last Adam. 1 Cor 15:45 (NKJV) And so it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. There have only been two men born alive. All others have been born...
John 1:1-18 Who Is Jesus, And Why Does It Matter?
Apr 17, 2024 | John, New Testament
Key verse of this book- John 20:31 …these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. I. The Nature Of The Word Vs. 1-5 A. Eternal & Divine Vs. 1, 2 Word- Logos- A declaration; a...
John 1:19-34 Pointing People To Jesus
Apr 17, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. John The Baptist A. John Called People To Repentance Vs. 19-23 1. V. 19- The priests and Levites came to question John. The priests were Jews chosen to offer sacrifices to God, and the Levites were their assistants. a. John’s father was a priest. (Luke 1) It was...
John 1:35-51 Encounters With Jesus
Apr 18, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. It’s Not About You Vs. 35-37 1. Behold…- John directed attention to Jesus, urging others to follow Him. (See 3:27-30) 2. Lamb of God- This was a reference to Jesus giving His life for the sins of the world. a. Old Testament Jews would sacrifice animals for their...
John 10:1-10 Abundant Life
May 21, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. True & False Shepherds A. The Sheep Pen 1. One form of sheep pen was a walled enclosure made of stone, with no roof. 2. In town, several flocks might be mixed together in one pen, and the pen was guarded by the doorkeeper. There was a physical door, and only...
John 10:11-21 The Good Shepherd & The Hirelings
May 21, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Shepherds & Hirelings: A Comparison A. The Idea Of Shepherds As Religious Leaders 1. Remember that Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders of Israel. a. They were supposed to be shepherding (feeding and caring for) the people of God. b. By way of contrast,...
John 10:22-32 Those Who Won’t Believe & Those Who Will
May 21, 2024 | John, New Testament
V22. Three months have passed between verses 21, and 22. It is winter. The previous feast was that of Tabernacles; late September or October. The time is now around December 18 according to our calendar. The Feast Of Dedication Celebrated from December 18-25, also...
John 10:33-42 Those Who Won’t Believe & Those Who Will Part 2
May 24, 2024 | John, New Testament
V. 33 Previously, they had wanted to stone Jesus for His good works, but now they believe that He has committed blasphemy, which was a greater offense Blasphemy- slander, injurious speech, impious and reproachful speech injurious to divine majesty. See John 5:16-18;...
John 10:39-11:44 Seeing The Glory Of God
May 24, 2024 | John, New Testament
39Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand. 40And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. 41Then many came to Him and said, “John performed no sign, but all the things...
John 10:39-11:44 Seeing The Glory Of God
May 28, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. The Healing Of Lazarus A. The Setting 1. He is south of Jericho, in a wilderness area where John previously baptized 2. Jesus is still heading towards Jerusalem, where He will be killed 3. Jesus is informed that Lazarus, a dear friend, is ill a. This is a family...
John 11:1-16 Prayers Of Faith & God’s Mysterious Ways
May 24, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. The Setting Vs. 1-3 A. The Relationship V. 1, 2 1. The story of Lazarus isn’t found in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke. 2. You would think that such an amazing miracle would have been written about. 3. The raising of Lazarus from the dead eventually...
John 11:17-44 Giving Life To Bodies & To Faith
May 30, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. The Setting Vs. 17-19 1. V. 17 Lazarus had died on the same day that Jesus got the message of his illness. 2. The Jews believed that within three days the soul might return to the body. a. It seems that Jesus intentionally delayed coming until Lazarus had been dead...
John 11:45-57 People That Reject Jesus
May 30, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Mixed Reaction To Jesus Vs. 45, 46 A. Some Believed On Jesus V. 45 1. Jesus had done the most amazing miracle of His ministry so far. 2. The miracles were used by God to bless people and to demonstrate who Jesus was. 3. Some of these people believed on Jesus. B....
John 12:1-8 Honoring & Worshipping Jesus
May 30, 2024 | John, New Testament
Romans 12:1 NLT And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. I. Simon The Leper A. The...
John 12:27-33 Genesis 3 Why Jesus Came
May 31, 2024 | John, New Testament
V. 27 Jesus had just explained that His mission was similar to a grain of wheat that must be put into the earth and die in order to bring forth fruit. (John 12:23-26) 1. He also said that whoever wants to follow Him must have the same mindset. 2. The realization of...
John 12:34-50 Facets Of Unbelief
May 31, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Selective Faith Leads To Unbelief A. Believing Only Portions Of God’s Word V. 34 1. V. 34- The people understood what Jesus meant when He said that the Son of Man must be “lifted up”. This spoke of crucifixion. “We don’t know that Messiah”. 2. They had heard and...
John 12:9-26 Jesus According To Jesus
May 30, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Different Attitudes Towards Jesus A. Those Who Were Curious Vs. 9, 18 1. V. 9-Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. He drew people who were curious. a. Some wanted to see Jesus, the miracle worker. b. Others wanted to see Lazarus, who had been raised from the...
John 13:1-17 Blessed Are The Servants
May 31, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Jesus’ Mind & Heart Vs. 1-3 A. His Soon Departure 1. V. 1a- Passover Feast: A time of commemoration and expectation. 2. V. 1b- Jesus was fully aware that the time of His death had arrived. The washing of the feet was done with the knowledge that a beating, a...
John 13:18-30 Loving The Betrayer
Jun 3, 2024 | John, New Testament
V. 18 Jesus has just told them that serving others is the key to makarios- blessedness, happiness. He then speaks of the present exception, who is Judas. Not only is Judas not serving, but he is planning to betray Jesus. Jesus had early on prayed about whom to choose...
John 14:1 Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled
Jun 5, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Troubled Hearts A. The Disciples 1. Jesus had just announced that He would be betrayed. 2. The disciples legitimately had much to be troubled about. 3. Specifically, they were troubled because Jesus was leaving them. 4. He had just told them that one of them was a...
John 14:1-11 Comfort For Troubled Hearts, Part 1
Jun 4, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. A Place Prepared For Followers Of Jesus Vs. 1-3 A. Jesus Recognized Their Troubled Hearts V. 1 1. The disciples were troubled in their hearts. 2. They had hoped that Jesus would make all things right in Israel; instead, He told them that He was about to die. 3. He...
John 14:1-31 Passion Week Peace For Troubled Hearts
Jun 6, 2024 | John, New Testament
V. 1 Jesus had just told the disciples that one of them would betray Him. He also told them that He would be leaving them. He told Peter that he would deny Him. Their hearts were understandably troubled. Troubled- agitated, inward commotion, restless, anxious, and...
John 14:12-20 Comfort For Troubled Hearts, Pt. 2
Jun 5, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Continued Works Of God Vs. 12-14 A. While Jesus Was With Them 1. The disciples had seen Jesus do many miracles. a. Turning water into wine. b. Healings of sicknesses, diseases, epilepsy, paralysis, leprosy, fevers. c. The healing of the centurion’s servant from a...
John 14:21-31 Comfort For Troubled Hearts, Pt. 3
Jun 5, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Continued Manifestation Of God Vs. 21-26 A. Jesus Promised To Manifest Himself To His Followers 1. Jesus said that we must have and obey His word. a. V. 24b- Jesus said that the word He brought originated with the Father. 2. V. 21a- Jesus repeats what he said in V....
John 15:1-8 Abide In The Vine
Jun 6, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Jesus, The True Vine V. 1 A. The Setting 1. The setting up this point has been the Upper Room, where the betrayal was announced, where Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, and where communion was instituted. 2. Jesus’ last words in chapter 14 were, “Arise, let us go...
John 15:12-17 Loving Like Jesus Loves
Jun 6, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Love As Jesus Loved Vs. 12, 13 A. Love Is Commanded V. 12 1. Jesus would soon depart from His disciples. 2. His commands to them have been about loving God and loving each other. John 13:34, 35; 14:15, 21, 24; 15:9, 10. 3. There are Christians who love to study the...
John 15:18-27 Living With Opposition
Jun 6, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Opposition Is To Be Expected Vs. 18-20 A. The World’s Opposition Of Jesus 1. Jesus was clearly and violently rejected by the world He entered into. 2. They twisted His words, disapproved of His works, and ultimately killed Him. B. The World’s Opposition Of Jesus’...
John 15:9-11 Living In God’s Love
Jun 6, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. What Keeps Us From Abiding In Jesus’ Love? 1 John 2:15-16 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride...
John 16:1-11 The Divine Witness
Jun 6, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Future Opposition A. Jesus Explains Future Opposition Vs. 2, 3 1. In John 15:18-27, Jesus had been explaining to them about future opposition. a. In verses 26 & 27, He assured them that the Holy Spirit would aid them in the face of opposition, and that they...
John 16:12-15 The Teacher Within
Jun 6, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. The Holy Spirit Guides The Christian Into Truth Vs. 12, 13 A. The Situation 1. The disciples had spent three years with Jesus being instructed by Him. 2. They learned about the kingdom of God by hearing His voice and watching His actions. 3. Now he was departing...
John 16:16-22 When Sorrow Turns To Joy
Jun 6, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Confusion A. A Change From What Is Normal V. 16 1. The disciples had spent 3.5 amazing years with Jesus, but everything was about to change a. V. 16- Jesus described to them what was about to happen, but they had no point of reference to help them understand....
John 16:23-33 Joy & Good Cheer
Jun 6, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. A Shift In Prayer Vs. 23, 24 A. Praying To The Father V. 23 1. V. 23- “In that day you will ask Me nothing”- After Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension, the Holy Spirit would be sent into the souls of Believers to lead them into truth a. Previously, the...
John 17:1-5 Living To Glorify God
Jun 6, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Glorify Your Son A. Jesus Prayed For Glory V. 1a 1. V. 1 We often bow our heads and close our eyes to pray. Jesus’ posture was different. a. There is no prescribed prayer posture in the Bible. b. Truth and sincerity is what matters most in prayer. c. Jesus...
John 17:20-26 Jesus Prays For Us
Jun 8, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Jesus Looked Forward To The Future Church V. 20 A. Jesus Expected The Gospel Message To Continue 1. Jesus looked forward to the Church that would soon be born. 2. He prayed for the yet future Church, which includes us here today. 3. He believed the Disciples would...
John 17:6-19 Jesus Prays For His Disciples
Jun 6, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Jesus & His Disciples Vs. 6-8 A. Jesus’ Ministry To The Disciples 1. V. 6- I have manifested your name- manifest- To make apparent, visible, conspicuous a. William Barclay — It does not mean simply the name by which a person is called; it means the whole...
John 18:1-40 The Path To The Cross
Jun 8, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Jesus Was No Victim Vs. 1-11 The setting: Jesus has just finished His private time with His disciples. (Chapters 13-17) He finished their time in the Upper Room where Jesus initiated the Lord’s Supper. He has completed His walk through the Temple Courts where He...
John 19:1-42
Jun 8, 2024 | John, New Testament
V. 1 In John 18:38, Pilate had said that he found no fault with Jesus. Pilate was in a difficult political position. He needed to keep peace in the city, and that meant he needed to satisfy these blood thirsty Jewish leaders. He also knew that Jesus was innocent, and...
John 2:1-11 The Joyful Miracle
Apr 18, 2024 | John, New Testament
The Purpose Of Gospel Of John John 20:30, 31 30And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may...
John 2:12-23 Zeal For Religion, Or Zeal For God?
Apr 18, 2024 | John, New Testament
The Setting V. 12- During this time, other disciples were called, while the calling of some was confirmed. V. 13- Passover was one the great three religious Jewish feasts. Every Jewish male was required to attend this feast. The visiting pilgrims made the population...
John 20:1-31 The Resurrection Of Jesus
Jun 10, 2024 | John, New Testament
1 Corinthians 15:17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. V. 1- First day of the week- For the Jews, it was Sunday. Mary Magdalene- Jesus had previously cast seven demons out of her. (Luke 8:2; Mark 16:9) Her spiritual dark past...
John 21 You Follow Jesus
Jun 10, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Jesus Reveals Himself Vs. 1-14 A. Meeting Jesus In The Normalcy Of Life Vs. 1-4 1. V. 1- Jesus had told the disciples that He would meet them in Galilee (Tiberius) a. In obedience they returned to their home area around the Sea of Galilee. b. Matthew 28:10, 16 Then...
John 3:1-21 Seeking And Finding Eternal Life
Apr 19, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Nicodemus- Profile Of A Sincere Seeker A. Sincere Spiritual Seeker Vs. 1, 2 1. V. 1- He was a ruler of the Jews. a. There were many rulers of the Jews that were more into religiosity than true spiritual seeking, but Nicodemus was an exception. b. He was a teacher,...
John 3:1-21 Seeking And Finding Eternal Life
May 1, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Nicodemus- Profile Of A Sincere Seeker A. Sincere Spiritual Seeker Vs. 1, 2 1. V. 1- He was a ruler of the Jews. a. There were many rulers of the Jews that were more into religiosity than true spiritual seeking, but Nicodemus was an exception. b. He was a teacher,...
John 3:22-36 The Priority And Authority Of Jesus
Apr 29, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. We Must Decrease, Jesus Must Increase Vs. 22-30 A. The Natural Tendency Towards Wanting To Belong Vs. 22-27 1. V. 26- A situation arose that caused John’s disciples to notice and comment that people were leaving from following John, and following Jesus. a. This is...
John 4:1-26 Jesus, The Lover Of Souls
May 1, 2024 | John, New Testament
Vs. 1-3 Jesus was now gathering a following. The religious rulers had challenged John previously and Jesus recently. Jesus leaves the southern region of Israel seemingly to avoid premature conflict with the religious rulers in Jerusalem. He had much ministry to do in...
John 4:1-42 The Giver and the Gift
May 1, 2024 | John, New Testament
Jesus has been in Jerusalem. Celebrating the Passover Feast. Many miracles done in Jerusalem. Cleansing of the Temple. Private interview with Nicodemus, a Pharisee. The masses recognized Jesus; the religious leaders were jealous and offended. Jesus leaves southern...
John 4:27-42 The Passion Of Jesus
May 1, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. The Woman Vs. 28, 29 A. A Religious Outcast 1. Samaritans were hated by religious Jews. John 4:9 2. Jews didn’t like non-Jews, they looked down on women, never spoke to them in public 3. When a Pharisee walked down the street, he would pull his robes close to his...
John 4:43-54 Familiar, Excited, Or Believing?
May 2, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Rejection Based On Familiarity Vs. 43, 44 A. Historical Setting 1. These verses seem contradictory. 2. It seems to say that a prophet is not welcomed in his own country, but that Jesus went to the Galilee region where He was from, and the Galileans welcomed Him. 3....
John 5:1-9, 14 Do You Want To Be Made Well?
May 6, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. The Historical Setting Vs. 1-4 A. Unusual Healings In The Bible 1. The purified pot of stew (2 Kings 4:38-41) 2. The healing of Naaman by washing in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:10-14) 3. The healing of the man who touched the bones of Elisha (2 Kings 13:20-21) 4....
John 5:10-47 Religion That Rejects Jesus
May 7, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Unbiblical Religion Versus Jesus Vs. 10-18 A. U.R. More Concerned With Rules Than With People Vs. 10-13 1. V. 10- The Jewish religious leaders misinterpreted the 4th commandment. Exodus 20:8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9Six days you shall labor and...
John 6:1-14 When Obedience Doesn’t Make Sense
May 7, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. The Setting A. Jesus Was Trying To Rest 1. V. 2- Luke tells us that Jesus was trying to have a time of retreat away from the masses. Luke 9:10b-12 Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11But when...
John 6:15-21 The Savior In The Storm
May 13, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. The Setting Vs. 15-17 A. The Eager Crowd V. 15 1. Before John 6:1-14, Jesus had originally planned to have a time of rest with His disciples, away from the crowds, but the crowds found Him, and so he ministered to them. 2. take Him by force- to seize violently. 3....
John 6:22-40 Jesus: Bread Man Or Savior?
May 14, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. Seeking Jesus Vs. 22-27 A. For The Wrong Reasons Vs. 22-26 1. The multitudes had been miraculously fed by Jesus. That was a good thing a. They had a very real temporal need, and Jesus met that need. b. They had initially come to Jesus because of His ability to...
John 6:41-71 How Far Will You Go With Jesus? V. 41
May 14, 2024 | John, New Testament
V. 41 Remember, they had been comparing Jesus to Moses, whom they revered. God had used Moses to bring bread from heaven, and they were happy to receive Jesus on that same level. When Jesus spoke Himself as the Bread of Life that was too much for them. V. 42...
John 7:1-17 You Can Be Sure About Jesus
May 14, 2024 | John, New Testament
7:1 The people spoken of here were the religious rulers of Israel. Early in His public ministry, Jesus had driven out the money changers and the sellers from the Temple Mount area. He had also healed a man on the Sabbath day, which the religious rulers considered...
John 7:18-53 If Any Man Thirsts
May 14, 2024 | John, New Testament
Describe the Feast Of Tabernacles Contentions With The Religious Rulers 18He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. If we are the origin of our message, then it is...
John 8:1-11 A Close Brush With Death; A Second Chance
May 15, 2024 | John, New Testament
V. 1 Chapter divisions are not inspired. This probably belongs at the end of chapter 7. V. 2 Jesus rose early to teach the people. It was part of His mission. As a teacher, he sat, they stood. Vs. 3, 4 What an awkward and unusual thing to catch someone in the act of...
John 8:12-30 The Light That You Need
May 16, 2024 | John, New Testament
Vs. 12 Jesus made some tremendous statements about Himself. John 4:13, 14 “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of...
John 8:31-36 The Truth Will Set You Free
May 16, 2024 | John, New Testament
I. The Offer Of Freedom Vs. 31, 32 A. The Path To Freedom V. 31 1. Believed- to think to be true, intellectual faith. 2. to those Jews who believed Him- These people agreed intellectually. a. Though they agreed intellectually, they were not committed to Jesus. b....
John 8:37-59 If God Were Your Father
May 16, 2024 | John, New Testament
V. 37 Though they were physically related to Abraham, they were not spiritual related to him. They took pride in their spiritual ancestry, but were themselves strangers to God. As a result, the words of Jesus infuriated them. They didn’t deny that they wanted to kill...
John 9:1-7 Urgent And Spontaneous Mercy
May 17, 2024 | John, New Testament
9:1, 2 The Jews believed that there was a correlation between sin and physical infirmity. They even believed that a baby could sin in the womb, or that the parents’ sins could cause an infirmity in a child born to them. Job’s friends thought that his afflictions were...
John 9:8-41 Those Who Believe And Those Who Don’t
May 17, 2024 | John, New Testament
The blind man was on a journey of discovering the truth about Jesus. The religious leaders were on a journey of becoming increasingly more blind. I. Rationalist Doubters & The Man Vs. 8-13 A. The Rationalist Doubters 1. V. 8 The former blind beggar was a known...
Luke 1:1-4 Which Gospel Do You Believe?
Mar 15, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
Galatians 1:6-12; Luke 19:28-44 Read National Geographic article on the Gospel of Judas I. The Sources Of The Gospel Luke was a physician- Col. 4:14 Luke was an inquisitive, detail oriented, intelligent man. Luke’s narrative was just that: a report about factual...
Luke 1:5-38 When God Brings Salvation
Mar 19, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
5There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea,… Herod the Great, 6 years before Jesus. An Idumean by birth, who confessed to be a convert to Judaism, but only in so far as it prospered him politically. Herod was a descendant of Esau. Genesis 27: 39Then Isaac his...
Luke 14:1-24
Apr 9, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
This was a formal occasion. People were there by invitation only. Verse 7 tells us that this was the case. 1 Now it happened, as He went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath, that they watched Him closely. 2 And behold,...
Luke 16:1-15
Apr 9, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
1 He also said to His disciples: "There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. Steward- a manger, especially of money or property. The steward was cheating his master. He was in charge of...
Luke 17:11-17 Deliberate Thanks Giving
Apr 10, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
I. The Need Of The Lepers A. Their Physical Condition 1. Their bodies a. The Jews considered several forms of skin diseases “leprosy” b. Hansen’s disease attacks the nervous system, & the victim loses sensation c. They can cut/burn themselves and never know it....
Luke 19:1-10 Steps To Salvation
Apr 10, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
Many, no doubt, were converted to the faith of Christ of whom no account is kept in the gospels; but the conversion of some, whose case had something in it extraordinary, is recorded, as this of Zaccheus. I. The Meeting Of God And Man verses 1-6 A. God Is The...
Luke 19:28-40 Behold Your King And Worship Him
Apr 11, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
The Approach Of The King 28 When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. After carefully correcting His followers as to the true nature of His kingdom and His mission, Jesus heads steadfastly into Jerusalem From Jerusalem to Jericho was only...
Luke 2:1-14 Salvation: God’s Desire For Man
Mar 19, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
I. What God Wants For You A. Joy V. 10 1. Joy-To rejoice, be glad, to be well, to thrive. 2. Joy is more of a state of being as compared to a passing moment 3. Joy is based upon unchanging truth; happiness is momentary, fleeting. 4. John 16:22 Therefore you now have...
Luke 2:14 What Makes An Angel Sing?
Mar 19, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" I. What The Angels Said Towards God "Glory to God in the highest, Praise be to God; honor be to God. A. Who Are These Angels? Angel: messenger The Holy Angels are the messengers of God...
Luke 2:22-35 Simeon’s Fulfilled Expectation
Mar 19, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
I. Simeon Vs. 25, 26 A. Just & Devout B. Waiting For God’s Consolation 1. Israel was under Roman rule at this time 2. They were restricted and oppressed 3. They looked to God for deliverance. 4. How Long Had Simeon waited for this promise? C. Moved By The Holy...
Luke 20 The Day Of Questions
Apr 11, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
This chapter describes what is usually called the Day of Questions. It was a day when the Jewish authorities, in all their different sections, came to Jesus with question after question designed to trap him, and when, in his wisdom, he answered them in such a way as...
Luke 21
Apr 11, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
21:1-4 Two mites=2% of a day’s wage. In California, minimum wage is $12 per hour in 2019. This would be the equivalent of $1.92. NOTE-Jesus had just criticized those who devour widow’s houses. Perhaps this widow’s house had been devoured, and now she is giving from...
Luke 22:1-34 Warnings, Humility, Hope
Apr 16, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
This section of scripture is filled with contrasts. First, the negatives. 1. The opposition of the religious rulers, who desire to kill Jesus. 2. Jesus speaks of His imminent death. 3. Jesus warns the disciples that one of them will betray Him. 4. The disciples...
Luke 22:39-62 Gethsemane: The Garden Of Decision
Apr 11, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
Read 22:39-46 Jesus' agony in the garden BARCLAY The space within Jerusalem was so limited that there was no room for gardens. Many well-to-do people, therefore, had private gardens out on the Mount of Olives. Gethsemane was probably a remote walled garden (Jesus...
Luke 22:63-23:12
Apr 16, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
63 Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. 64 And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck You?" 65 And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him. Jesus is beaten and...
Luke 23:23-56 When God Showed His Love
Apr 16, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. God declares to us that His love for us is demonstrated by the Jesus going to the cross for the sins of every man and woman. Chuck Smith- Love can be...
Luke 23:34 Father, Forgive Them A Study On Jesus’ Willingness To Forgive
Apr 16, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
I. What Is Forgiveness? A. What It Is (Strong’s Hebrew/Greek Dictionary) 1. To send away, of a husband divorcing his wife 2. To let go, let be, let alone, to give up, to keep no longer 3. To disregard, to not discuss 4. To cancel a debt, to remit 5. To go away leaving...
Luke 24 The Heart That Finds Jesus
Apr 16, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
I. Wrong Assumptions Regarding Jesus A. The Women V. 1-10 (We see a series of wrong assumptions, corrections, and surprises) 1. The women came expecting to anoint Jesus’ dead body. V.1 2. They wondered about the stone being rolled away. Mark 16:3 3. They find the...
Luke 24,49 Promise Of The Father
Apr 16, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
I. The Trinity of the Godhead: Father, Son, Holy Spirit A. The word trinity is not found in the Bible. The concept is taught. A better word is tri-unity, which means "three in one". B. The tri-unity of God seen in Genesis 1:1, 1:26 EL- singular; ELAH-dual; ELOHIM- 3...
Luke 4:1-13
Mar 19, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry. Jesus is led by...
Luke 4:1-13
Mar 20, 2024 | Luke, Uncategorized
14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. 15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. (iii) The passage ends by saying that he was held in high reputation by all. This...
Luke 5:1-11
Mar 20, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was...
Luke 7:36-50
Mar 21, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
36 Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee's house, and sat down to eat. This is one of the notable occasions when the Lord Jesus Christ went out to dinner. When He went out to dinner, it was never a dull affair. Remember, He...
Luke 8:4-18
Mar 21, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
4 And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: The word parable comes from the idea of "to set along side"; it is to set a spiritual truth along side a daily truth of living. To illustrate a heavenly truth...
Luke 9:1-10
Apr 9, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
In these verses, we see a model for Christian service, for Christian ministry. The ministries we have certainly differ. The specific callings vary, but the principles are the same. Some of us have been called to full time Christian service. Some are called to the...
Luke 9:18-26 What It Means To Follow Jesus
Mar 21, 2024 | Luke, New Testament
Revelation Jesus Asks For Us To Decide Who He Is 18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" Jesus didn’t come to show mankind a way to live. He said He was “the way.” Jesus...
Mark 1:1-8 The Beginning Of The Gospel
Oct 23, 2023 | Mark, New Testament
I. The Gospel Message Vs. 1-8 A. The Gospel Means “Good News” V. 1 1. God’s “Good News” is all about Jesus: His birth, life, death and resurrection. 2. “Jesus” was His Greek name; His Hebrew name was “Joshua” (Yeshua). 3. “Christ” was His title, which means “the...
Mark 1:9-13 Jesus Identifies With You
Oct 23, 2023 | Mark, New Testament
I. The Baptism Of Jesus Vs. 9-11 A. Why Did Jesus Get Baptized? 1. The people of Judah were baptized as a sign of their confession of their sins. (Mark 1:5) 2. Jesus had no sin to confess, for He was sinless. a. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be...
Mark 14 Jesus’ Last Thursday On Earth
Oct 23, 2023 | Mark, New Testament
14:17-21 “Is it I?” And another said, “Is it I?” The disciples asked the question in such as way as to expect a negative response. More literally- “It can’t be me, could it?”… or “Surely, it’s not me, is it?” They expected a “No, it’s not you” response. They had often...
Mark 2:1-12 Getting People To Jesus
Oct 23, 2023 | Mark, New Testament
I. The Efforts Of The Men Vs. 1-4 A. The Setting 1. Once again we see Jesus teaching. Jesus placed great importance on teaching. (Mark 1:38) 2. The setting was like a home Bible study, not a healing service. They interrupted Jesus. B. What They Did Was Difficult 1....
Mark 2:13-17 Jesus Came For Sinners
Oct 23, 2023 | Mark, New Testament
I. Matthew (Levi) A. The Choosing Of Matthew Vs. 13, 14 1. V. 13-He taught them- The third time Mark mentions that Jesus was teaching the people. 2. V. 14-Levi was also known as Matthew- (Matthew 9:9) a. Matthew- became a follower of Jesus, and later on, an apostle...
Matthew 1:1-17 Qualifications To Be Messiah
Oct 18, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
Introduction to Matthew 1. Matthew- tax collector. They were hated among their fellow Jews. They worked for Rome, collecting taxes from their countrymen, and extorting additional money from them as they had opportunity. 2. Time written- 400 year gap between the...
Matthew 1:18-25 The Obedience Of Joseph (1)
Oct 18, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. What Joseph Felt 1:18 A. Emotionally 1. Betrayal 2. Anger 3. Fear about keeping her as his wife. Many implications re. her, him, Jesus 4. Confusion- what did all this mean; how would it work out? 5. Concern for Mary- An unwed mother would likely never be chosen for...
Matthew 1:18-25 “God Is With Us” (2)
Oct 18, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Immanuel- “God is with us” A. One Reaction 1. It can bring up such wonderful feelings and thoughts. 2. I.E.- “Everything is going to be O.K., because God is with us” B. A Textual Consideration 1. V. 21 Jesus shall save His people from their sins. That is what His...
Matthew 1:18-25 (3) The Arrival Of Jesus
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Why Jesus Came A. Save People From Their Sins Verse 21 1. Jesus- Joshua-Jehovah Shua- Jehovah saves 2. Save- sozo- deliver, protect, heal, preserve, save, make whole. 3. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... 4. Romans 6:23a For the...
Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-15, 19-22
Dec 21, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. What Joseph Felt 1:18 A. Emotionally 1. Betrayal 2. Anger 3. Fear about keeping her as his wife. Many implications re. her, him, Jesus 4. Confusion- what did all this mean; how would it work out? 5. Concern for Mary- An unwed mother would likely never be chosen for...
Matthew 10:1-4 God Calling People To Reach The World
Nov 2, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. God Uses People To Reach The World V. 1a A. Jesus Called The Disciples 1. The choosing of these men came from Heaven, not Earth a. Jesus had a specific calling and mission for these men b. No man or woman can create their own calling from God i. Some believe that...
Matthew 10:5-42 The Call To Discipleship
Nov 2, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Where To Go V. 5, 6 A. These Disciples 1. God revealed Himself first to the Jews. 2. It was His intention that they would manifest Him to the world 3. Jesus called them the lost sheep…they had stayed from relationship with God 4. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of...
Matthew 11:1-30 The Christian & His Listeners
Nov 6, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. John The Baptist A. His Doubts About Jesus Vs. 2, 3 1. John was the forerunner to Jesus, telling people to prepare for His coming 2. John had recognized Jesus as Messiah when Jesus appeared at the Jordan River 3. John 1:32-35 speaks of the sureness that John...
Matthew 11:28-30 Be Yoked To Jesus
Nov 6, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Who Jesus Is Talking To A. To Those Who Labor 1. Literally- to toil, to be wearied 2. It may be labor towards an honorable cause, or a dishonorable, sinful cause a. Trying to improve finances to bless your family b. Working hard at some illegal or unethical pursuit...
Matthew 12:1-14 Jesus Vs. Bad Religion
Nov 7, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Regarding Physical Needs Vs. 1 & 2 A. The Truth About The Matter 1. Regarding the picking of grain was allowable: Deuteronomy 23:25 2. Regarding the keeping of the Sabbath: Deuteronomy 5:12-15 B. The Pharisees’ View 1. The Pharisees believed Jesus and His...
Matthew 12:14-17 The Jesus Style Of Serving God
Nov 7, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Jesus’ Response To Opposition Vs. 14-17 A. Jesus Departed From Those Who Opposed Him Vs. 14, 15a 1. When faced with this opposition, Jesus chose to depart 2. There is a time to face opposition face to face 3. There is also a time move on to others who will receive...
Matthew 12:18-21 Jesus Was Servant
Nov 7, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
18 “Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! Servants are not self directed, but respond to the will of their master Jesus Accomplished His Work By The Power Of The Holy Spirit I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He will...
Matthew 12:22-50 The Danger Of Unbelief
Nov 7, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. The Demonic World A. Its Existence 1. Satan & demons-their origin-(Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:11-17) 2. Their activity a. Can physically afflict people V. 22 i. Not every affliction has demonic origin, but clearly some do ii. Blindness, muteness, superhuman...
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Your Heart & God’s Word
Nov 7, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
God is the sower, the seed is God’s word, people’s hearts are the different soils I. The Hard Heart Vs. 4, 19 A. The Result Of Hardness 1. The hard foot path cannot receive the farmer’s seed a. It is exposed to the seed, but the seed cannot enter the soil b. The birds...
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Your Heart & God’s Word
Nov 8, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
God is the sower, the seed is God’s word, people’s hearts are the different soils I. The Hard Heart Vs. 4, 19 A. The Result Of Hardness 1. The hard foot path cannot receive the farmer’s seed a. It is exposed to the seed, but the seed cannot enter the soil b. The birds...
Matthew 13:24-50 Kingdom Parables
Nov 7, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. The Tares & The Wheat-Sin Due To Imitation Vs. 24-30; 36-43 A. The Kingdom (True Church)) Belongs To Jesus Vs. 24, 37, 38a 1. The field represents all mankind 2. Humanity belongs to Jesus by ownership, but not all choose to submit to Him 3. The kingdom of...
Matthew 13:52-58 Stubborn Unbelief
Nov 7, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
If we asked: “Who among us is a seeker of truth?” most people would raise their hand. We like to think of ourselves as people who are interested in the truth Seekers of truth- May study great books of philosophy & religion, & spend thousands of dollars on...
Matthew 13:9-17 Be Careful How You Listen
Nov 7, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
See also 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, 2:1-16 I. Why Jesus Spoke In Parables A. A General Truth Regarding God’s Revelation Of Truth 1. God desires to reveal Himself to mankind a. Verse 9- He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” b. Jesus is inviting his listeners to pay...
Matthew 14:1-12 The Death Of A Conscience
Nov 8, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Prior To Meeting John, Herod’s Conscience Was Unchallenged A. Who Was This Herod? 1. Who was this Herod? We read about many Herods in the N.T. 2. Herod The Great- ordered death of 1000’s of babies after Jesus’ birth a. Herod the Great- two of his sons, who were...
Matthew 14:12-21 How To Be Used By Jesus
Nov 8, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Motivation To Serve A. Reasons Why Jesus Might Have Avoided Serving 1. It was a time of great sorrow for Jesus 2. Jesus has just been informed of John’s death a. John was Jesus’ cousin b. John was also a great prophet, being used of God c. Jesus has now lost a...
Matthew 14:22-32 Don’t Be Afraid, It’s Me
Nov 8, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
V. 22 The crowds had wanted to make Jesus king. Jesus had miraculously fed the crowd with a few fishes and loaves of bread. Jesus deliberately broke up the crowd, and did not give in to their desires. He sent the disciples away from the crowd, lest they become...
Matthew 15, 29-39 Jesus, Compassionate Shepherd
Nov 14, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. The Setting A. Geographically 1. Jesus has come from the region of Tyre & Sidon: present day Lebanon a. A region of idol worship and a land of Gentiles b. The disciples were probably prejudiced against these people 2. Jesus moves south and east, into the area...
Matthew 15:1-20 Guarding Against Vain Worship
Nov 14, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
2 Timothy 3 I. Practitioners Of Vain Worship A. Fault Finders, Deceived, Zealous V. 1 2 Timothy 3:3, 13 “…slanderers…deceiving and being deceived…” Mark 7:2 “…they fault…” Matthew 15:14 “They are blind leaders of the blind.” (Deceived & deceiving others) 1. There...
Matthew 15:21-28 Wonderful, Desperate Faith
Nov 14, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
John 8:29 Jesus pleased the Father w/everything He did. His words & deeds were always right John 3:34 Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit, & led by the Spirit in all that He did John 6:4-6 Sometimes, God tests us. Tests show what are inside of us. Bring out the...
Matthew 16:1-12; Luke 12:1-3 Beware Of Spiritual Hypocrisy
Nov 14, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Profile Of A Spiritual Hypocrite A. What Is A Spiritual Hypocrite? 16:3; Luke 12:1 1. Hypocrite- an actor, a stage player, one who wears a mask, conceals true identity 2. Spiritual hypocrites pretend to want the truth 16:1 a. “They came testing Him”- their...
Matthew 16:13-19 Who Is Jesus & Why Does It Matter?
Nov 15, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Who Is Jesus? A. Jesus Called Himself The Son Of Man V. 13 1. Jesus is not having an identity crisis; He knows who He is 2. He wants these men to search their hearts & come to their own conclusion 3. They had been with Him a long time, they had heard Him teach,...
Matthew 16:21-28 The Cost Of Discipleship
Nov 15, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. The Invitation To Follow Jesus V. 24a A. Jesus Frequently Invited People To Follow Him 1. More than follow in a physical, philosophical, ethical sense. 2. Jesus invited people to commit their lives to Him B. The Invitations & Blessings Of Following Jesus 1....
Matthew 16:24-26
Nov 17, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
Matt 16:24-26 (NKJV) 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26...
Matthew 17:1-13; 2 Peter 1:16-18 The Reason For Mountain Top Experiences
Nov 17, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Their History With Jesus A. The Teaching Of Jesus 1. Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5-7 2. Teaching on fasting Matthew 9 3. Teaching re. Sabbath Matthew 9 4. Parable of the Sower Matthew 13 5. The 6 kingdom parables Matthew 13 B. The Miracles Of Jesus Matthew 8-15 1....
Matthew 17:14-21 The War Is Won, Prepare For The Battle
Nov 17, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. On The Mountain Top & Down The Hill A. On The Mountain Top 1. They had been on the Mt. with Jesus, & had seen Him transfigured 2. They had seen Moses & Elijah appear w/Jesus, speaking of His upcoming death 3. Peter had suggested that they build three tabernacles,...
Matthew 17:22-27 Lest We Offend
Nov 17, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. The Temple Tax A. It’s Origin & Purpose Exodus 30:11-16 1. Intended as a ransom for their souls Ex. 30:12a a. A recognition of the debt owed to God for when He delivered the people from Egypt, & His gracious covering (ransom, kopher ) of their sin & guilt b. Not a...
Matthew 18:1-3 Greatness In The Kingdom Of God
Nov 17, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. The World’s Path To Greatness A. The Disciples 1. Peter, James & John had just seen Jesus transfigured in glory 2. Jesus had just told the 12 about his coming betrayal and death (Matt. 17:22, 23) 3. In spite of what they had recently seen & heard, they quickly...
Matthew 18:15-20 If Your Brother Sins Against You
Nov 20, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. The Process Of “Gaining Back Your Brother” V. 15 A. “If your brother sins against you…” 1. Brother- The context dictates that it is one Christian sinning against another 2. “Sins”-to miss the mark, to err, be mistaken, to do or go wrong, to wander 3. “Against you”-...
Matthew 18:16-20 If Your Brother Won’t Hear You
Nov 20, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Deciding When To Confront An Offender A. “Coverable” Sins 1. 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover (hide, veil) a multitude of sins.” 2. Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory...
Matthew 18:21-35 The Consequences of Unforgiveness
Nov 20, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Jesus’ Teaching Regarding Forgiveness A. Forgiveness Is Commanded V. 21-35 B. Forgiveness Is Reasonable 1. Man wants to limit forgiveness to other men V. 21 a. The rabbis taught that you should forgive up to three times b. Perhaps Peter thought himself super...
Matthew 18:5-14 Don’t Despise The Little Ones
Nov 17, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Receive Little Children 18:5 A. What Does It Mean To Receive? 1. To receive or grant access to, to not to refuse friendship 2. To receive into one's family 3. To receive favorably, give ear to, embrace, make one's own, approve, not to reject B. “In My Name” 1. The...
Matthew 19:1-12 A Right Heart Regarding Marriage
Nov 20, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. These Men Had Hard Hearts A. Hard Hearts Regarding Jesus V. 3a 1. Testing Him- tempting (KJV) a. To try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining what he thinks b. In a bad sense, testing one maliciously, to prove his feelings or judgments 2. Their...
Matthew 19:13-15 Jesus and Children
Nov 27, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
Matt 19:13-15 (NKJV) 13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." 15 And...
Matthew 19:13-26 Moral, But Empty
Nov 27, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Asking About Eternal Life Vs. 16, 17 A. It’s Deeper Than You Think 1. It was commendable that this young man asked this question 2. He came running and knelt down. Earnestness & humility (Mark 10:17) 3. He came thinking that the solution wasn’t far from his...
Matthew 19:27- 20:16; 1 Cor. 3:9-15 He Will Give Us What Is Right
Nov 27, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Rewards For Followers Of Jesus A. Peter’s Concern V. 27 1. Peter witnessed the conversation between Jesus & the rich, young ruler 2. He heard Jesus’ challenge him to leave worldly loves, & follow Christ 3. He heard Jesus’ offer of eternal life to this young...
Matthew 2 Three Responses To Jesus
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Herod A. Personal History 1. Herod the King- An “Edomite”, who married into the Jewish race. 2. Edomites: not pure Jews; descendants of Esau; somewhat Jewish re. religion 3. Was given the title “King of the Jews” by Caesar Augustus. 4. Small man/big ego: 4’4” tall...
Matthew 20:20-28 True Greatness
Nov 27, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
Regarding the kingdom of God, it has been said… “The way up is down”. To be accurate, the way up is obedience to Jesus, and having a servant’s heart towards all. Some may try to live the lowly life by their own power. Self-directed lowliness is not what Jesus is...
Matthew 20:29-34 Lord, I Want To See
Nov 28, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Their Needs And Ours A. Physical Blindness And More 1. Physical healing- obviously, he had a tremendous need to be able to see 2. Situational healing- what were their lives like b/c of blindness? a. Broken family and friendships? Hardships on families, etc. b. Lost...
Matthew 21:1-17 The Rejection Of The King
Nov 28, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Jesus Presents Himself As King Vs. 1-4 A. Jesus Takes Deliberate Steps To Fulfill Scripture 1. When they drew near- Jesus acts in anticipation of His entrance into Jerusalem a. Bethphage/Mt. of Olives is just across the Kidron Valley b. There are about 2 million...
Matthew 21:1-17 The Rejection Of The King
Nov 28, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
Prior to this moment, the crowds had tried, by force, to make Jesus king. John 6:15 The people had been amazed at his miracle of multiplying the loaves and the fish, and feeding 5000 plus people. But the moment for Jesus’ revealing of Himself as King was not yet come....
Matthew 21:18-22 Having Faith In Prayer
Nov 28, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. What This Teaching Isn’t About A. It’s Not About Having A Fruitful Life 1. Christians are to be “fruitful”; called branches in the vine John 15:1-10 a. What’s similar in these passages? i. Both the fig tree and Christians are called to “bear fruit” ii. Jesus...
Matthew 21:20-22 Having Faith In Prayer Pt. 2
Nov 28, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. The Components Of The Promise A. To Whom The Promise Was Made-Disciples Luke 14:25-27 1. Jesus is not making this promise to people who will pray selfishly or godlessly 2. This promise is for those who make Jesus the priority of their life B. Faith & Believing...
Matthew 21:23-46 Answering Those Who Ask
Nov 28, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Don’t Resist Questioners V. 23 A. Jesus Received Them 1. He did not tell these men to go away 2. Jesus received many questioners during His ministry a. Rich young ruler b. Nicodemus c. Samaritan woman at the well 3. He taught them, guided them into self...
Matthew 22:1-14 God’s Invitation Into His Kingdom
Dec 11, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
Regarding parables: 1. Parables are an earthly story which illustrate a heavenly truth 2. Don’t try to establish doctrine based upon every aspect of a parable 3. Understand that a parable is designed to make one or two main points 4. It is difficult to explain every...
Matthew 22:15-22 Render Your Life To God
Dec 11, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
What must happen in order for someone to willingly render one’s life to another? 1. The understanding that we don’t belong to ourselves 2. The understanding that we belong to someone else I. Those Opposed To Jesus (Unwilling To Render Themselves To God) A. Desire To...
Matthew 22:23-46 Know God & Love Him
Dec 11, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Jesus Answers The Liberal Theologians A. The Sadducees V. 23 1. The Sadducees were formed during the intertestamental period 2. They were equivalent of modern day liberal theologians, i.e., The Jesus Seminar 3. Didn’t believe in the supernatural, angels, miracles,...
Matthew 23:1-12 How To Live With A Hypocrite
Dec 14, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. General Description Of Scribes & Pharisees A. Hypocrites Vs. 13, 14, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29 1. Hypocrite- an actor or pretender; one who wants to conceal their real feeling/motives. Maybe insecurity, pride, selfishness, desire for approval, etc. 2. Not someone who...
Matthew 23:13-22 Closing The Door To Heaven, Pt. 1
Dec 14, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
These verses are often seen as a series of 8 “woes” Perhaps we might consider the 1st “woe” as the overall description of what these men were doing The next 7 woes are descriptions of their evil actions & attitudes in closing the door to Heaven I. Shutting The Kingdom...
Matthew 23:23-39 Closing The Door To Heaven, Pt. 2
Dec 14, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Shutting The Kingdom Of Heaven V. 13 A. Fault Of Jewish Leaders- Obstructing Entrance God’s Kingdom B Christians Are To Open The Kingdom Of Heaven Unto Others Turn to Matthew 28:16-20 II. How They Shut The Kingdom Of Heaven A. They Exploited Vulnerable People To...
Matthew 23:37-24:1-3 The Future According To Jesus Part 1
Dec 14, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
Setting the stage… Realize the disciples’ mindset as they asked these questions. What was their world like, and what were their expectations? Understand what their line of thinking was, and how they asked erroneously re. the future. They misunderstood the near and far...
Matthew 24:1-14 The Future According To Jesus, Pt. 2
Dec 14, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. The Setting (Review) A. The Disciples’ Expectations 1. The O.T. scriptures spoke of a coming Messiah, as Savior for God’s people 2. They expected the Messiah to be a ruling political king. 3. Matthew 20:17-23 Disciples hoped for places of power in the coming...
Matthew 24:1-14 The Future According To Jesus, Pt. 3 The Age In Which We Live
Dec 15, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
The Age In Which We Live Review- These verses have a dual and overlapping application. Compare with Luke 21:8-24 They speak of aspects of the conditions in Jerusalem prior to its destruction. They also speak of the centuries that have followed, right up to this...
Matthew 24:1-14 The Future According To Jesus, Pt. 4
Dec 15, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
The Age In Which We Live I. The Events Before The End V. 14- Jesus said that the following events would take place, and then the end would come. NOTE- These events happened in the lives of those 1st century disciples and have happened in the lives of Christians ever...
Matthew 24:15 The Future According To Jesus, Pt. 5 The Abomination Of Desolation
Dec 18, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. The Last 20 Centuries A. Many Have Claimed To Be Jesus John Lennon- In 1966, Beatle John Lennon announced, "Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. . . . We're more popular than Jesus now." But few people know what was going on inside John Lennon's mind at...
Matthew 24:16-31 The Future According To Jesus, Pt. 6
Dec 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
A Brief Chronology 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 The Rapture of the church, any time. Jesus coming for His church. Daniel 9:24-27 The Anti-Christ makes a 7 yr. covenant w/Israel. Many believe a peace treaty, which is a current goal of many in the Middle East and around the...
Matthew 24:36-44 The Two Returns Of Jesus
Dec 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. An Apparent Contradiction Regarding Jesus’ Return A. The Desolation Of Abomination: A Time To Count The Days 1. Matthew 24:15 Jesus spoke of an event spoken about by the prophet Daniel 2. Jesus said that the Jews in Judea who see this event need to escape for their...
Matthew 24:36-44 The Two Returns Of Jesus
Dec 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. An Apparent Contradiction Regarding Jesus’ Return A. The Desolation Of Abomination: A Time To Count The Days 1. Matthew 24:15 Jesus spoke of an event spoken about by the prophet Daniel 2. Jesus said that the Jews in Judea who see this event need to escape for their...
Matthew 24:45-25:13 2 Peter 3:3-9 Watch And Be Ready
Dec 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. The Parable Of The Servants- Being Found Faithful A. The Faithful & Wise Servant 1. Ruler over a household- Fulfills his responsibility from God 2. Give them food in due season- responsible to care for others 3. Great blessing comes when the master returns...
Matthew 25:14-30 Spend Your Life For God
Dec 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. The Master & His Servants Vs. 14. 15 A. The “Traveling” Master 1. Remember the context- the return of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Master in the story. 2. He has gone to a far away country, (Heaven), but will return for His servants John 14:2, 3 2In My Father’s...
Matthew 25:31-46 An Unconscious Test
Dec 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
Jesus is hours away from being tortured and crucified. The crowds are about to turn against Him, & in a few hours He will not look like a King of Glory. But Jesus sees beyond the cross and the tomb. He sees beyond the centuries of wars, plagues, and people denying...
Matthew 26:1-16 John 12:1-8 The Narrowing Road To The Cross
Dec 20, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
Introduction- Verses 1 & 2 Vs. 1- “All these sayings”- Everything that Jesus has just taught them in Chapters 24, & 25. Vs. 2- Only 2 days until He dies. The nearness of the cross begins to divide people’s heart even more. 1. The approach towards the cross...
Matthew 26:1-44
Dec 20, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
26:1 Jesus has just taught them aspects of the Kingdom. Part of those teachings included that the Bridegroom (Jesus) would be delayed, and that they needed to be ready for His arrival. Those teachings included the idea of a man traveling to a far country who be gone,...
Matthew 26:17-35 John 13:1-30 The Betrayer, The Deniers, & The Redeemer
Dec 20, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Incidental Facts Vs. 17, 18 1. The disciples who prepared the Passover meal were Peter & John. (Luke 22:8) 2. The Jewish day began at sundown. 3. Jesus ate the Passover meal the same day He was killed. He was that Passover Lamb. 4. Certain man- Man carrying...
Matthew 26:36-46 Gethsemane: The Garden Of Decision
Dec 20, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. The Setting A. The Garden V. 36 1. After the Passover Meal… a. Luke 22:39 “Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed” b. He had spent His nights there that week (Luke 21:37); He refused to alter this routine, though He knew it meant that Judas would...
Matthew 26:47-75
Dec 20, 2023 | Matthew, Uncategorized
47And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.”...
Matthew 26:47-75 Moving Towards The Cross
Dec 20, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
26:47, 48 The Greek language indicates an embrace and a kiss. Much more than the kiss that was a customary greeting. Literally- Tenderly kissed him over and over. This was a seemingly more impassioned display of love. What was Judas feeling? Deep seated hatred? Were...
Matthew 27, 11-66 The Cross
Dec 20, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
27:11 When Jesus was tried by the religious rulers, they found Him guilty of blasphemy. (Matt. 26:63-65) According to their laws, Jesus deserved to die. The Jews did not have legal authority to carry out the death sentence. They had to present Jesus to Pilate as one...
Matthew 27:1-10 From Sorrow To Forgiveness
Dec 20, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Judas’ Understanding Of Jesus A. V. 4- “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” 1. Judas saw that Jesus was innocent. 2. If anyone could have put “real” blame on Jesus, it would have been one of the 12. a. They were with Him constantly for 3 ½ years. b. They...
Matthew 28 Moving Forward With Jesus
Dec 21, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. God Desires To Reveal Jesus A. They Had A Wrong Idea About Jesus V. 1 1. They thought He was still dead. They had seen Him die. Understandable. 2. They had come to anoint His dead body (see other scriptures) a. Mark 16:1 1Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary...
Matthew 28:18-20 The Great Commission
Dec 21, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. The Great Commission A. Commanded By Jesus V. 18 1. All authority- Jesus has all authority, and He has told us to do this. 2. We may convince ourselves that this is not important. 3. Others may tell us we shouldn’t do this. People, demonic spirits, etc. B. Speak Of...
Matthew 3:1-12 God’s Call To Repentance
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. God’s Call To Man V. 1 A. John Came Preaching 1. “In those days…” Jesus is now about 30 years old 2. God is always the Initiator with man a. God the Father - John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him...
Matthew 3:13-17 The Baptism Of Jesus
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
John did not want to baptize Jesus. John knew that Jesus had no need of a baptism unto repentance, for Jesus was without sin. John knew that he needed to be baptized by Jesus. Jesus did not deny that John needed to be baptized by Him, but 1st His baptism must happen....
Matthew 4:1-11 Tempted In The Desert
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
Review 1 John 2:15-17 Temptations Regarding The Body Vs. 1-4 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he...
Matthew 4:1-4 Jesus And The Lust Of The Flesh
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. General Observations A. Temptation 1. Tempted- peirazō; pi-rad'-zo To test, to scrutinize, assay, examine, to prove, to try. 2. Root word- peira; pi'-rah. To test through the idea of piercing. 3. Thayer’s- to test: to ascertain what one thinks, or how he will...
Matthew 4:12-25 Called To Follow Jesus
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Their Condition A. Living In Galilee Among Ungodly People 1. Also called “Galilee of the nations” 2. Inhabited by Egyptians, Arabians, Phoenicians 3. Region of Galilee- 204 villages with no less than 15,000 people in each 4. A highly populated area, but populated...
Matthew 4:5-7 Jesus And The Pride Of Life
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. General Observations A. Areas Of Temptation For Mankind 1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and...
Matthew 4:8-11 Jesus And The Lust Of The Eyes
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. General Observations A. Temptation 1. Tempted- peirazō; pi-rad'-zo To test, to scrutinize, assay, examine, to prove, to try. 2. Root word- peira; pi'-rah. To test through the idea of piercing. 3. To be tempted doesn’t mean that one is sinning. a. Jesus was...
Matthew 5: 7-8 Mercy, Purity
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
The 1st three beatitudes speak of man’s spiritual need, and how the realization of those spiritual needs drives a man to God. The 4th beatitude speaks of man crying out to God b/c of his spiritual need, and that God fills that man, first with Himself, and then with...
Matthew 5:1-5 From Spiritual Poverty To Spiritual Riches
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
1And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. This message was to the disciples of Jesus, not to the multitudes. The Declaration of the Kingdom. The nature and the aspirations of the citizens of that Kingdom....
Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed Are The Persecuted
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
Persecution- to make to run or flee, to pursue (in a hostile manner), in any way whatever to harass, trouble, to be mistreated on account of something (because of a commitment to Jesus) I. Righteous Living Will Bring Persecution A. Jesus 1. Predicted it John 15:20, 21...
Matthew 5:13-16 Yield To God’s Salt & Light
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Salt A. Nature & Purpose Of Salt 1. Salt was created by God 2. Many uses throughout history a. Used as compensation: Slaves were traded for salt, soldiers paid with salt: Hence the saying “He is/isn’t worth his salt”. b. Used to keep roads free of weeds c....
Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus And The Law
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Jesus’ Relationship To The Law Vs. 17, 18 A. Jesus Didn’t Come To Destroy The Law Or The Prophets V. 17a 1. Religious leaders wrongly thought Jesus opposed the Law. See Matthew 15:1-9 2. Jesus was not against the Law a. He challenged the wrong interpretation of the...
Matthew 5:21-26 The Truth About Anger & Murder
Oct 19, 2023 | Matthew, New Testament
I. Different Interpretations A. Wrong Interpretation 1. Historically- O.T. written in Hebrew, but the Jewish masses spoke Aramaic 2. They depended upon the Scribes & Pharisees to read & interpret O.T. for them 3. Pharisees cared only about the actual act of...