Awake Us Now

We delve into Acts 8:9-12 about a man named Simon who boasted that he was someone great and so people paid attention to him thinking he had the power of God because he amazed people with his sorcery. However.... When people believed what Philip was saying as he proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom of God in the name of Jesus Christ, people were baptized. THEN… Acts 8:13 tells us that Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip everywhere astonished by the miracles he saw. But then the arrival of Peter and John… Acts 8:14-17 - Peter and John show up to support and bless what Philip is doing and proclaiming. As Peter and John laid hands on the new believers the Holy Spirit came on them because the Spirit is for ALL people. That message that it was for all also had an impact on Simon… We read in Acts 8:18-19 that when Simon saw the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered John and Peter money asking them to give him the ability to have people receive the Holy Spirit from his hands. Simon was a sorcerer - magician - it is obvious Simon is still walking in his old ways. We see the danger of greed. And then we read… Acts 8:20-21 that Peter tells Simon, "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God." The message of Jesus is not about how can I get rich. It is about how can I share the riches of God with others. The gospel message is not about what's in it for me. It's about what God has done for me and what He desires to do for others. The Call to repentance… Acts 8:22-23 Peter continues by saying, "Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that He may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin." But then… Simon doesn't articulate repentance, instead he asks Peter to pray to the Lord for him so that nothing Peter has said would happen to him. In closing… Simon does not show up in the New Testament scripture again. But Simon does shows up in many stories written by early Christians in the 2nd 3rd and 4th centuries. 2 early dependable christian authors: Justin Martyr Samaritan believer Irenaeus Are two who share more about Simon. Twenty Centuries Later… Simony - is the buying or selling of a church office or ecclesiastical privileges. Another way money was used was in the buying of indulgences. (Paying for forgiveness) But it is ONLY the blood of Jesus that saves us. Redemption cannot be purchased,

Acts 8 begins with the day of Stephen's death: Then + Now - What we learn All things - work together for good (God used the persecution for His purpose in spreading the Gospel) We read in Acts 8:1 that starting that day (of Stephen's death) a massive persecution broke out against the believers in Jerusalem and especially against those like Stephen, Greek speakers, who were not native to Jerusalem. And the believers (except the apostles) fled throughout Judea and Samaria and still they talked about Jesus everywhere they went. Gospel Peace - that the message of Jesus changes people and brings divine peace between us and God. Philip and the Samaritans Acts 8:5-8. Philip proclaimed the Messiah in Samaria and when people heard him and saw the signs he performed, that paid close attention to what he said as he proclaimed the risen Savior to them. Spirit Guided - As followers of Jesus we cannot believe in Him without the Holy Spirit. And we are called to listen to the Holy Spirit, go where the Holy Spirit leads, and to keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit. Philip and the Ethiopian Acts 8:26-27a. Philip is told by the Holy Spirit to take the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. He simply obeys God. So from Samaria he heads to that road. Prophetic Word has power. When we share with others, Jesus story, that story has power! To change people, to change lives! Philip meets an Ethiopian eunuch along the road. Acts 27a - 34. This man worked for the Queen of the Ethiopians. The man was reading the Book of Isaiah while riding in his carriage on the way back to Ethiopia. Then the Holy Spirit told Philip to go to the carriage and stay near it. He could hear the Ethiopian reading Isaiah. Philip asks if the man understood what he was reading and is invited into the carriage to explain the verses. The verses were, verses 32-35: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth." These are verses all about Jesus' trial, crucifixion and death. And the man pleads with Philip to tell him who is being talked about. And Philip tells him all about Jesus the Messiah. Christ's witnesses - we are to be God's witnesses to the world as we fallow Him using the gifts He has given us. Philip baptizes the Ethiopian Acts 8:36 - 40 we read that they came to some water and the Ethiopian says that nothing is standing in the way of him being baptized, because after hearing of Jesus, his life was changed. They stop the carriage and he is baptized. As they came up out of the water the Spirit suddenly took Philip away while the Ethiopian continued rejoicing in Jesus. Verse 40 tells us that Philip continued to preach the gospel in all the town along

We dig deeper into a few specific aspects of Stephen's execution.   Acts 7:57 When Stephen completed his speech the leaders and people covered their ears and rushed at him dragging him out of the city to stone him.   Why stone him? Because they thought he was guilty of blasphemy (but he was not) and the Torah in Numbers 15:35 we read that the guilty were to be stoned outside the city. Keep in mind, though, that Stephen was not guilty of blasphemy.    Acts 7:58 We read that the witnesses involved in the stoning, laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.    What do we know about the witnesses? We read in Acts 6:13 that they were FALSE witnesses. We know that they also stripped off their coats. But according to Jewish tradition, the guilty were stripped so that the punishment would be more brutal. However, here we read the witnesses took off clothing. (Unbeknownst to them admitting guilt)    Saul, who we know today as the Apostle Paul, had not yet experienced his conversion, he had not yet met Jesus on the road to Damascus. At this point he is young, probably late teens to early 20's.    Acts 7:60 Tells us that Stephen fell on his knees and cried out to the Lord not to hold this sin against them. Then he died.   Again Jewish tradition sheds light on this. The tradition was that the guilty were to confess their own sins. But instead, here we see Stephen (the innocent one) confessing the sins of the guilty. He was confessing the sins of the ones who were his persecutors.   The enemy attacks the innocent and applauds the guilty but Stephen walked faithfully with Jesus and even in death showed the mercy of Christ in his final words.   Pastor wonders how impactful that prayer of Stephen was as he was being stoned…. Was that prayer part of the reason that the young man named Saul would ultimately become the Apostle Paul?     God moves in mysterious ways!     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For the full list of videos in this series, Dig Deeper, https://www.awakeusnow.com/dig-deeper   For more check out our Sunday series, God ACTS! https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Join us Sundays  <

The Bible is not ancient words. It has so much to say to us today. It is for every generation but especially needed in this generation. Then Accusations False witnesses came forward accusing Stephen of blasphemous words against the Torah and the Temple (Acts 6:11, 13) These are charges that would lead to capital punishment. Acts 7:1 the high priest asks Stephen if these charges are true. Stephen begins his response very graciously "brothers and fathers…" and at that moment Stephen goes from Defendant to Prosecutor. Stephen's Response (part 1) - Torah A trip through Israel's history… Abraham (Acts 7:2b-3) Stephen begins his speech with "The GOD OF GLORY appeared to our father Abraham…" and shares the story of Abraham. We will see he ends His story with the words Glory and God as well! Joseph (Acts 7:9-10) Joseph was hated by his brothers, but ultimately used by God to save his brothers and families. Those God uses are often persecuted. Moses (Acts 7:25-40a) Moses was used by God to save the people, but the people did not recognize he was sent to rescue them. Using the history of Israel Stephen continues to demonstrate how often God's people have rejected the very ones God has raised up. Steven talks about Moses receiving "LIVING WORDS" to pass onto the people. Jesus is the Living Word - we see this in John 1:1, John 1:14. Stephen is communicating that Messiah has come and He is the Living Word all without mentioning Jesus name. Stephen's Response (part 2) - Temple The history of Israel's idolatry… Tabernacle (Acts 7:44-47) God gave Moses the pattern for the tabernacle of the covenant law to have with them in the wilderness. God gave the people the design of the tabernacle and that He would dwell in their midst but the people chose to worship idols instead and that resulted in exile. David ushered in a period of revival and Solomon built the Temple but ultimately ended up worshiping false deities. Temple (Acts 7:48 - 53) Stephen shows how the temple has become an object of worship rather than God: Worship of things rather than the Creator. Stephen calls these important leaders a stiff-necked people and accuses them of being just like their own ancestors. He tells them they resist the Holy Spirit and asks them, "Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute?" And he goes on to accuse them of killing the Righteous One. Now Ignore the Scriptures - Then - they took the parts of Scripture they liked and ignored the parts they didn't. Now - this same thing continues today. Followed self-made gods Then - followed the gods and ideas of others

We dig into Acts 6:9, where we read the opposition against the disciples arose, and members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen - Jews of Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia and Asia began to argue with Stephen.     The "freedmen" had formerly been slaves but were now freed and had also become Roman citizens. They were frustrated that Stephen was proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus and in verse 10 we read that they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave Stephen as he spoke. Then they hatched a conspiracy against Stephen.    Ultimately Stephen is stoned (chapter 7) and In Acts 8:1 we read that Saul approved of their killing Stephen. The question is:  How did Saul get involved with the people of the Synagogue of the Freedman Why was he there when they orchestrated the attack on Stephen Why was he given the job of taking care of the coats as the others stoned Stephen   Going back to Acts 6:9 we see the province of Cilicia (southeastern Turkey) listed as one of the places that the Hellenistic Jews came from. We read in Acts 22:3-4 that Saul was brought up in the city of Tarsus in the province of Cilicia. Cilicia is where he grew up and he may have even been a member of the Synagogue of the Freedmen.    After Saul's conversion - after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus - About 20 years after Stephen's stoning, we read in Acts 9:29 that Saul moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. Saul talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him.    So is it possible that Saul went back to the Synagogue of the Freedmen to the very place he may have been one of those questioning Stephen. Did Saul go back to this very synagogue to preach to the Hellenistic Jews, many who may have been friends and relatives.   Saul's heart had been changed in his conversion and he knew the power of the risen Lord Jesus. As a result he went back to meet with the very people who had killed Stephen and who now were ready to kill him. Saul knew that without Christ they were lost and so he put his life on the line. He would continue to that in the years that follow.   What an example for each of us, what a powerful testimony to our Lord Jesus Christ.     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For the full list of videos in this series, Dig D

Today's class looks at Opposition both then and now: Internal + External Opposition  Complaints + Lies   Internal Opposition - Acts 6:1-7 Acts 6:1 tells us "In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food."    The backgrounds and cultures and languages of these two groups of Jews was different. Hellenistic Jews spoke Greek, Hebraic Jews spoke Hebrew and some of the Greek speaking jews' widows were not receiving the daily distribution of food and thus there is dissension.   Acts 6:2-6 The Twelve gathered all the disciples together to come up with a solution. They chose 7 men (all Hellenistic) who were filled with the Spirit and wisdom to be responsible for this issue, that was the 12 could continue to be devoted to prayer and preaching of the word. Stephen, and 6 others were chosen. The Twelve blessed them to carry out the work.   Acts 6:7 we read that the word of God spread and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly and that a  large numbers of priests also became devote followers of Jesus.   Complaints Then + Now:  Don't ignore complaints Don't get defensive Do address the issues Do act wisely   External Opposition - Acts 6:8-15 Acts 6:8 tells us that Stephen was a man full of God's grace and power and he performed great wonders and signs among the people. We see it is not just the disciples performing wonders and signs.  We do not know what those wonders were, but we know they were "great."     Stephen becomes popular and with the popularity comes persecution. Acts 6:9 we read the opposition arose, and members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen - Jews of Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia and Asia began to argue with Stephen.  The "freedmen" had formerly been slaves but were now freed and also Roman citizens. In verse 10 we read that they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave Stephen as he spoke.    Verse 11 tells us what they then did - they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen and to say they heard him speak blasphemously against Moses and God."  It was not true, it was a lie. Acts 6:12 tells how they seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. The tension is growing and anger is ratcheting up. </

Pastor focuses in on Gamaliel's Speech found in Acts 5:34-39.   We know about Gamliel from the Bible, the writings of Josephus and rabbinical writings: Grandson of the Jewish teacher Hillel Especially influential ca 25-50 A.D. President of the Sanhedrin A devout and respected Pharisee Teacher of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 22:3)   In comparing Josephus' writings with the Bible we find an issue with Acts 5:36-37 "Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered."   The Controversy is the dating of the two men as this is what we know about them from Josephus:  Theudas - revolt at the time of the Roman procurator, Cuspius Faus (44-46 A.D.)  Judas the Galilean - rebellion in 6 A.D.    According to the Acts verses written by Luke, he quotes Gamaliel as saying that Judas the Galilean's rebellion came AFTER Theudas' revolt, but what we know about these two men  from Josephus, shows us that Judas the Galilean's rebellion came BEFORE Theudas' revolt.   The Alternatives we can consider: Josephus was correct, Luke was wrong Luke was correct, Josephus was wrong Both Luke and Josephus were correct.   Pastor leans toward "Both Luke and Josephus being correct."    In Josephus' writings we read of Judas the Galilean as having led a band of people in revolt in 6 A.D.    In Josephus' writings we also read that after the death of King Herod the Great (about 4 B.C.) many revolted. Josephus does not name them.but clearly these rebellions were BEFORE Judas' revolt. Consider this: Is it possible that one of those individuals was named Theudas? Then the writings of Josephus and the Bible align.   Additionally, Luke gives this insight, he tells us that Gamaliel said the following, "Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered."  Note that Gamaliel said ALL Judas' followers were scattered." But history shows us that Gamaliel saw Judas' rebellion as having come to nothing. However, about 25-30 years after Gamaliel spoke these words, those followers of Judas the Galilean not only were around, but had grown in number and

In Chapter 5 we see three types of individuals. Hypocrites Disciples Religionists Scene 1 - (Acts 5:1-11) Hypocrites - ("an actor" appearances matter most) Then: Ananias and Sapphira sold property to give to the group and made it look like they gave it all to the apostles'. But without letting the group know Ananias and Sapphira held back a portion of the sale for themselves. (This wasn't wrong - but what was wrong was making everyone thing they had given it all) Somehow Peter knew Ananias and his wife had lied about giving it all to the group and Peter tells Ananias that he has lied not just to the group but to the Holy Spirit, which is the same as lying to God. And then suddenly Ananias dies. Three hours later… Peter asks Sapphira if she and Ananias had given all precedes to the group and she says yes and she dies too. Great fear seized the whole "church" (the people of God) when they heard about Ananias and Sapphira. Now: God is saying we are to take Him seriously. Not that we are perfect, but that we walk with Him. We see the danger of hypocrisy from this story. God is asking us to be genuine in our faith, to be humble before Him, to focus on Him and not in how we appear to others. Scene 2 - (Acts 5:12-16) Disciples - (followers of Jesus - following Jesus matters most) Then: The apostles performed many signs and wonders and the believers met together in Solomon's Colonnade. More and more men and women believed and were added to their numbers. People brought the sick into the streets for healing. Now: We see there is power in the name of Jesus, there is power in the Jesus movement and power in the Holy Spirit. We are to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, to be committed to the Lord Jesus. Scene 3 - (Acts 5:17-42) Religionists - what matters most is power and position regardless of what God says. Then: We see the Sadducees are filled with jealousy and arrested the apostles. Then during the night an angel of the Lord opens the doors of the jail and tells the apostles to go and stand in the temple courts and tell the people all about new life in Christ. They go to the temple courts and began to teach the people and that set in motion a series of events: People reported that the apostles had escaped The captain of the temple guard and his officers did not use force to re-arrest the apostles as they didn't want to anger the crowds. All 12 apostles are brought before the Sanhedrin to be questioned. The Sanhedrin had told them earlier they could not teach in the name of Jesus Peter and others respond that they must obey God rather than human beings and that God raised Jesus from the dead - who they had killed by putting Him on a cross. They told that God's pla

Pastor Dodge gives us the 5th "P" from his list of "p's from last Sunday's message. If you would like to look at that message, "God ACTS! Chapter 4" go here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now (scroll to that title). This message was a study of Acts 4:1-22. In this class we look at Acts 4:23-31. Here's the list he shared surrounding chapter 4: Prophecy Power Proclamation Passion And the 5th one? Prayer The believers gather together for prayer. As they pray they include a part of David's prophetic prayer that he had written a thousand years earlier. Acts 4:25-26 "You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.'" (The italicized words in the prayer are quoted from David's writings in Psalm 2:1-2) Pastor points out the words "anointed one" are one word in the original Greek text - Χριστός - it's the word "Christos" meaning "the anointed one" as we see it translated here in the NIV. It also means "Messiah." The word used for "his anointed" in the original Hebrew text for Psalm 2:1-2 is - מָשִׁיחַ - it is the word "Meshiach" meaning "anointed" as we see it translated in Psalm 2 in the NIV. It also means "Messiah." As we continue to read the next verses we see that what David had foretold in Psalm 2, we see happening/fulfilled in this story in Acts. In the next verses (29-30) we read the rest of their prayer: "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." Again we see "the Name" which Pastor explored on Sunday's message, "God ACTS! Chapter 4" here: https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now (scroll to that title) The group of believers did not retreat in terror, they asked the Lord for the ability to proclaim Jesus' name with boldness and request the Lord does healings, signs and wonders. They redouble their commitment to God. The result? Their prayer is answered! Acts 4:31 concludes: "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." They are refilled with the Holy Spirit! And they share, preach, teach and speak of God boldly! Their prayer is a summation of all the points Peter and John had spoken and the actions they displayed before the Sanhedrin. Now in this prayer by the believers, Peter and John's words and actions are agreed upon, prayed upon and acted upon by these believers in Jerusalem.

The story in chapter 3 continues in chapter 4. Pastor reminds us of the story from last week and the miraculous healing of the lame man. After the healing the people, the healed man and Peter and John, they all gathered in Solomon's Colonnade - an area inside the Temple walls. Chapter 4 As Peter and John were talking to the multitude teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus' name the resurrection of the dead, the priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees come and they are greatly disturbed by what Peter and John are preaching. So they seize Peter and John and put them in jail until the next day. Yet many who had heard their message believed and the number of believers grows. The message of Jesus is spreading quickly. Prophecy Then: using the prophetic scripture they tell people the gospel message quoting Genesis and Isaiah showing them that Jesus was the fulfillment of the scriptures. God's prophecies of a Savior were fulfilled in their lifetimes. In Luke 12:11-12 Jesus' prophetic word to His disciples were not to worry when brought to authorities because the Holy Spirit would teach them what to say. In verses 5-9 we see Peter and John brought before authorities and "then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit" just as Jesus had predicted. Now: Today in our lifetimes we've not only seen these same prophecies fulfilled in the scriptures by Jesus, but also we see those things spoken by Jesus coming to fulfillment. And like Peter we too are filled with the Spirit as Jesus prophesied would happen. Power Then: Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and accomplished God's divine purposes through the power of the Holy Spirit. Now: We too are filled with the Holy Spirit and are to keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit's power. We are to allow the Holy Spirit to have control of our lives because that is how we accomplish divine purposes through the Holy Spirit's power. Proclamation Then: Peter proclaims to the authorities and the people that it is by the name of Jesus Christ, whom they crucified (but God raised from the dead), that the man was healed. He tells them that they have rejected the Cornerstone (Jesus). Peter ends with, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 Peter shares the gospel message. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice who saves us. Peter proclaims the Name of Jesus and the gospel message: Death, Deity and Resurrection. Pastor does a dive into "the Name" used in the chapters 2-4 of Acts. There is power in the name of Jesus and no name above the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11) Now: We are to proclaim the gospel today. Have we received the proclamation in our own lives? Because everyone who calls on Jesus' name will be saved. Is that proclamation guiding and

Pastor digs deeper into the question "where was the temple gate that was called the 'Beautiful Gate' located?"   In Acts 3:1-2 we see that there was a lame man begging for alms at the Beautiful Gate. Pastor opens with stating that we are not sure exactly where it was located, but that there are several theories on its location.   Several locations have been proposed:   One of the earliest proposed locations is that it may have been the Eastern Gate or the Sushan Gate. However, surviving literature says this gate was not used by the people to go in and out of the Temple Complex, but was used for the religious practices like taking sacrifices out. Without the coming and going of people the lame man would not have been begging there. Another proposal is the Nicanor Gate made of bronze. It was one of the gates in a secondary wall that surrounded the Sanctuary area within the Temple Complex, but there is a good deal of evidence that it was not a practice to allow the lame into the inner court area.  The third proposal has been suggested by many as the gate the lame man would have used.  It is a gate located at the southern end of the Complex and known as the Double Gate,  the main gate through which the people would have entered the Temple Complex. Pastor Dodge references a book by archeologist and architect, Leen Ritmeyer, entitled "The Quest: Revealing the Temple Mount in Jerusalem." Ritmeyer suggests that the Double Gate is where the lame man would have been. Pastor shares recent archeological work exposing the massive pilgrim route from the Pool of Saloam up to the Double Gate entrance of the Temple Complex. Some of the "Southern Steps" leading up to the Double Gate from Jesus' day and before, can still be seen today.    While we do not know exactly where the lame man was that day, what we do know is that he was changed. In the hours after the lame man's miraculous healing remarkable things followed and that's what we will look at in our exploration of Acts chapter 4 of our study "God ACTS! Then and Now." ( https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now )     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For the full list of videos in this series, Dig Deeper, https://www.awakeusnow.com/dig-deeper   For more check out our Sunday series, God ACTS! ht

Acts Chapter 3: The Setting - Acts 3:1-5. The chapter takes place in the late afternoon at 3 pm, the time of the evening sacrifice. Peter and John are headed to the temple for prayer and worship and on the way they see a lame man who has been lame since birth collecting alms at the Beautiful gate. He asks Peter and John for money and Peter and John respond. What we learn from this setting is that prayer and worship were important. We also see their attentiveness to the hurting as an example for ourselves.   The Miracle - Acts 3:6-11. Peter responds to the lame man, "silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Peter takes the lame man's hand and helps him up. Right away the man's feet and ankles became strong and he jumps to his feet and walks. He goes with them into the Temple courts jumping and praising God. People see the lame man walking and are filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. They all begin to gather at Solomon's Colonnade. The word that's translated "jumping" is the very word in the book of Isaiah about what will happen when the Savior comes. See Isaiah 35:6.    What do we learn from the miracle? We see humility before God from Peter and John and they took no credit for the healing. They also spoke healing in the name of Jesus. Additionally, we see the power of Jesus' name. Jesus' name has the power to restore the broken and bitter, to break the chains of bondage, to transform minds and hearts. Jesus' name is powerful then and now.   The Message - Act 3:12-26. Peter tells the crowd it was not by their own power or godliness that made the man walk but that it was Jesus. He tells them how they had disowned Jesus, plotted to murder Him and then crucified Him. Peter goes on to tell of Jesus' resurrection and how they were witnesses. Peter also tells of Jesus' authority.  Peter goes on to tell them that he understands that they acted against Jesus in ignorance and that it is how God fulfilled what He had foretold through the prophets - in saying that the Messiah would suffer. Then Peter calls them to repent and turn to God so that their sins would be forgiven.  He calls them to turn to Jesus and prepare for the Second Coming, and calls them to a life-defining moment because God desires a change of heart.   What do we learn from Peter's message? We learn again of John and Peter's humility before God - taking no credit for the healing. They proclaimed Jesus to the crowd and the importance of knowing why He came and what He did for each one of us. Peter shares what the Scriptures tell us and how they point to Jesus as the fulfillment. Lastly, w

Pastor digs deeper into being "Devoted."   Acts 2:42 "They DEVOTED themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."   They understood that the message of Jesus and the biblical faith is not an "add on" in our lives. It is the heart and center of our lives and influences how we look at God, others and the world.   God broke in, in person, in the Person of Jesus Christ through His life, death, resurrection and pouring out of the Holy Spirit. And they realized this changes everything. And so they devoted themselves to: The apostles' teachings - We still have those teachings - The New Testament! And it still speaks to us today. It is why we need to be in God's word. Fellowship - with those with whom they had things in common. Believers together, sharing a common faith, caring for each other, a bond, unity through faith, in the family of God.  Breaking of bread - Met together in homes and eat together and shared the "Lord's Supper" together. Prayer - prayerful worship of God. They prayer for God's will, for the world to know God and for all nations to come to God.   When we are changed and live out devotion it changes others.   The result of their devotion was that the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.    God moved mighty. God is moving mightily today.  God desires to move mightily in and through each of us today.     Let's be like those early believers. Let's be devoted and change the world!     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service   Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

The book of Acts has so much to say not only about our past but also about today and how followers of Jesus are called to live. This book also speaks to those who don't yet know Jesus as Savior, those on the fence, seekers, doubters and those questioning or interested. Chapter 2 Acts 2:1-2 "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a soundalike the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting." This chapter starts out with the Jewish Festival of Shavuot or Pentecost. And the disciples and others gathered in a house. There would have been 10's of thousands of people gathered in the streets of Jerusalem and at the Temple for this festival. Acts 2:3-4 "They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (languages) as the Spirit enabled them." Rushing wind! Tongues of fire! Acts 2:5ff The group has moved into the streets and Jews from every nation who had come to Jerusalem for the festival, heard the sound of the wind and gathered in bewilderment because each one heard their own language being spoken by those with the tongues of fire. The crowds were amazed to hear the disciples with the tongues of fire declaring the wonders of God in their own languages. In verse 13 we hear the disciples being made fun of as they speak in tongues. Some people saying they are drunk. But in the following verses Peter speaks to the crowd. Then and Now Holy Spirit is Predicted by Joel (Acts 16-21) Then: Peter speaks the prophetic words from God given to Joel "I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." Peter ends with "and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." They were witnessing what was predicted/prophesied hundreds of years earlier. This book (often referred to as The Acts of the Holy Spirit) shows us the remarkable ways God was moving. Now: Pentecost ushered in a new era in human history. In our day God's spirit is still moving. The gospel of Jesus is spreading around the world like never before. It is everywhere. God continues to move and pour out His spirit and change people's lives. The Risen Christ is Proven by God (Acts 2:22-24) Then: Jesus' miracles and teachings were seen and witnessed. Jesus was crucified on a cross but God raised Him from the dead. They had living proof. Now: No human life has ever made so powerful an impact than did the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It has changed the world. And we have the recorded history of those who did witness Jesus works, dea

Pastor digs deeper into "Who was Theophilus?" He is mentioned 2 times in the New Testament: Luke 1:3-4 "With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." Theophilus evidently had come to know Jesus. "Most excellent" possibly denotes a position of significance or of high authority. Acts 1:1 "In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach…"   Theophilus means:  Lover of God Friend of God Loved God Theophilus was a common name.   Some Suggested Identities given for Theophilus Ageneric name for every believer - but this is not an accepted idea Unknown high ranking Roman  Civic leader in Antioch Paul's defense attorney  Jewish High Priest (37-41 A.D,) This suggestion has been gaining popularity over the past few years. It is possible that perhaps Theophilus was an individual who was part of the ruling elite as a high priest and that he became so dissatisfied by what he was seeing and so overwhelmed by what he was seeing in Jesus that he actually became a follower of Jesus and thus removed from high office as a result. There is no proof of this, but what a story if this is true, that one of the people instrumental in Jesus' crucifixion, actually saw the Light and came to faith.   God changes hearts! God does the impossible! God turns lives around through faith in the risen Savior.     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer  FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For more check out the series, "God Acts!" https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/streams   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service   Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Acts is a book filled with dramatic events, amazing characters and has great application for the Christian life. It is a powerful book showing the acts of God through the Holy Spirit and how He acts in the lives of those He calls!   This study will take us through the book of Acts one chapter at a time with a specific look at Then - things that really happened.  It's not a storybook but a history book of what really happened. And Now - it is dramatic application for today.  It's a record of what really happened long ago but these things are still happening today and it shows us what God wants in the lives of His followers today.   Chapter 1  In verses 1-2, Luke is identified as the author of the Book of Acts. In volume, Luke wrote 27.5% of the New Testament. He was a physician and accompanied Paul on some of his mission trips.   Then   and   Now Proofs then - verse 3 - the disciples and others saw Jesus after His resurrection.  Proofs now - historical, archeological, scientific and documentary evidences. What has happened in the last 100 years shows evidence for the biblical message.  There have been many pieces showing that early believers really did believe Jesus was alive. They were bold and courageous in sharing that news. More and more confirmation comes through archeology as we are finding the very places where these events took place. And unearthing little things that show that what Luke wrote really is accurate. Power then -  verse 8 the disciples were to stay in Jerusalem until they received the gift that God the Father had promised to give them - the Holy Spirit - who would give them power. Power now - we today receive the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live the Christian life and to be effective witnesses for God. Purpose then - verse 8 - Jesus told them to be His witnesses Purpose now - we are to testify by our life example, words and actions that Jesus is alive, risen and the Messiah and Savior. We are to bring Jesus to family, friends, neighbors, and to the ends of the earth - We have the same mission - it is still our purpose today. Promise then - verse 11 - Jesus ascended to heaven and then the angels promised His return. Promise now - the second coming of Christ is the heart of the New Testament teaching and the heart of a believer's witness.  Jesus is returning!</li

What happens before the resurrection?  What happens to believers who die before Jesus comes back.   The Apostle Paul is Rome ca 61 A.D. He is in jail awaiting trial and he writes the following to the Philippians: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!  I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." (Philippians 1:21-24)    In this writing we see Paul is tired from all the travels, a shipwreck, stoning, beatings, being in jail and it is personally at this point he desires to depart the world and be with Christ.    Did you hear his words "BE WITH CHRIST!"  However, he knows he has a job to do and so he continues to work for the Lord.   Five years later Paul is again in prison and in Rome ca. 66/67 A.D. and he the circumstances are that he knows he will die for his faith in Christ and he writes these words to his good friend Timothy: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8)    Paul knows he will be with Jesus and he knows that he will be raised from the dead on "That Day" (the day of Jesus' final appearing, the day the dead are raised and we are taken up to be with Jesus forever.)   As we live out our lives here on earth, with eyes looking "That Day," we are to fight the good fight of faith, not with human weapons but with divine power. We are to finish the race hanging tightly to Jesus all along the way.   Fight the good fight! Finish the race! Keep the faith!     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer  FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service   Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to downlo

This is a question Pastor has received over and again throughout the years, "Will our bodies be resurrected?" The answer is "yes!" Even through there is biblical teaching and a recognition of the resurrection by believers throughout the centuries, there are still many questions from believers and non-believers when it comes to the future resurrection.    Resurrection: Doubt and Denial existed among the educated elite (Acts 17:32), religious elite especially the Sadducees (Matthew 22:29), and church members (1 Corinthians 15:12) Old Testament does not say a lot about the resurrection, but there are mentions of it and people did look forward to the resurrection.  Job is one who looked to the resurrection (Job 19:25-27), as did Solomon (Ecclesiastes 3:11), Isaiah (Isaiah 26:19) and Daniel (Daniel 12:2) Jesus' Teaching in the New Testament - Jesus was clear that resurrection was what was ahead for believers. Jesus talked of the resurrection of both the good and the evil (John 5:28-29), the resurrection comes on the Last Day (John 6:40), Jesus talks about His identity being tied to the resurrection (John 11:25-26). The clear declaration of Jesus is that we will be raised! There is a tie between Jewus' resurrection and the resurrection of those of us that follow Him. There are consequences if we don't believe (1 Corinthians 15:13-14), the implications of the resurrection - our salvation is dependent on the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus' resurrection guarantees that we also will rise (1 Corinthians 15:16-18), and Jesus is the "First Fruits" of those who will rise from the grave (1 Corinthians 15:20-23),  What Kind of Body are we going to have?  The New Testament gives us only a glimpse of what our bodies will be like, God has not yet revealed fully what it will be like (1 Corinthians 2:9), there is an analogy of the seed that is used to describe the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:35-36), we also learn that our bodies will be transformed from a perishable body to an imperishable body and that it is beyond our ability to comprehend (1 Corinthians 15:43-44), Continuity will continues as we will be able to recognize each other, irregardless of the change that will happen. What it it will all be like is not yet known, but we know we will be like Christ and will see Him as He is - risen! (1 John 3:2-3), and because of Jesus we have the Final Victory (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)   When we realize the resurrection is what is ahead for us as believers, the outcome is that we want to serve the Lord even more faithfully, to concentrate on the things that are important to eternity, to be immersed in the things of God, to love our Creator, to love Jesus, love the Holy Spirit and to love others (ev

Pastor takes us through an exploration of one of the earliest Christian statements of faith.   1 Corinthians 15:3-5 Paul said, "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve."   Of FIRST Importance is that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. Jesus is the sacrificial victim who pays for the sins of the world. Only an innocent victim can pay for the sin of another and only God Himself can pay for the sins of all.   The statement goes on with… that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures and that he appeared to Cephas (Peter) and the twelve.   This is a statement of faith about who Jesus is. The followers of Jesus declared: Jesus' deity Jesus' death Jesus' resurrection   These are the fundamentals of biblical faith and they are at the heart of everything Jesus taught, Jesus has done and Jesus is doing and they are everything the Scriptures proclaim.     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer  FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service   Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This is a controversial topic. The Shroud of Turin is the most studied, most scientifically tested artifact in history. It has been subjected to literally hundreds of thousands of hours of intensive study by people of multiple disciplines. What do we know for certain…. The Foundation: 1 Corinthians 15:1-5 "Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born." Paul is calling us to anchor our faith in the Biblical foundation: Heed the Prophetic Scripture - God will send the Messiah, and here's how to recognize Him, and then the Messiah comes as Jesus Eyewitness Testimony - from the early believers who saw Jesus post-resurrection and who were willing to share that news at the risk of their lives Holy Spirit's Witness - Jesus said the Holy Spirit leads us to understand who He is. Historical Confirmation - from ancient authors who were not believers in Jesus, who were not christian, but who freely confessed the fundamentals of the christian faith: that there was Jesus, that He did remarkable things, that He was crucified by Pontius Pilate, that His tomb was empty on the third day, that His followers spread rapidly, that many were brought to faith in a short time, and that the christians were willing to die for what they believed in. 50 years later: We still can not duplicate the image - it has stumped scientists. The physics contradicts the chemistry and the chemistry contradicts the physics. The Contradictions: Depth - why is this just a microscopic image - why didn't it seep through the cloth Contact - chemical reactions on the Shroud happened outside the area that was touching the body. Heat - If this image was produced by a burst of energy - it should have burned through the cloth and it did not.. Is it the real thing? Pastor says he doesn't know. He's read from both sides, he's not certain…. But he says there are two possibilities: 1 Inexplicable Art 2 Incomparable Artifact Is this possibly the burial shroud of Jesus? - Pastor says, "Yes, it could well be, and also there's eviden

Dig Deeper - Week 12 - What did they see? Today we take a look at what John and Peter saw when the got to Jesus' grave.   John 20:3-7 ESV tells us, "So Peter went out with the other disciples, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself."   Note: the linen cloths were "lying there" undisturbed.   We continue with John 20:8-9 "Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise from the dead."    When Peter saw the cloths lying as they were, his reaction was something dramatic has happened!  John on the other hand, he believed. What did John believe? He accepted what the women had told them that the angel had said that the Lord was risen!   Later they saw Jesus.  The disciples' stories of Christ's resurrection are based on them SEEING Him! (Not the abandoned linen clothes.) They saw Him alive. At the very risk of their lives they believed and told that Jesus was alive. And many died for this truth and the world has never been the same.     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer  FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service   Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

The Shroud of Turin is a relic housed in the cathedral in Turin Italy and claimed to be the burial cloth of Christ. The Gospels give us some details: Matthew 27:59-60 ESV "And Joseph (of Arimathea) took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away." Mark 15:46 ESV "And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking Him (Jesus) down, wrapped Him in the linen shroud and laid Him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb." Luke 23:53 ESV "Then he (Joseph) took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid Him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid." John 19:40 ESV "So they (Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus) took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of Jews." Shroud of Turin A linen shroud approximately 14 feet long, 3 1/2 feet wide. Pastor shares a picture of the shroud. It's very hard to discern what shows on the shroud. But on May 28, 1898 Secondo Pia (1855 - 1941) received permission to take a picture of the shroud. The photographic negative ended up being an image of a man's brutalized face. He said "I think I may have been the first person in centuries to see the face of Jesus!" In the following years many others have used developing technologies in photography to take photos of the shroud. Pastor shares his pictures and how it shows the person has been crucified and brutally whipped with over 300 lacerations. Many people have asked the last 100+ years if this is indeed Jesus. Shroud of Turin Research Project (STURP) a group came to examine and test the Shroud 1978 - 40 U.S. scientists, multiple institutions and laboratories. Went to Turin Italy - 5 days, 122 hours, to study the shroud, fully expected to find a forgery Tests- large variety of tests and equipment And in the following years 1978-1981 they spent an additional 100,000 - 150,000 hours of intensive study on the results of their testing. And made their final report in 1981. 1981 STURP Report Findings Image is on the top surface of linen fibers. The image is only .2 - .7 microns - that's several hundred times thinner than a human hair) Identity - it is the image of a scourged and crucified man. Approx 5' 11" tall around 178 lbs. Origin - No evidence of paint of pigment Bloodstains were found of hemoglobin + serum albumin - which is evidence of a person having been horrifically tortured. 3D data - used a VP8 Image Analyzer (developed for the space program) and discovered that what is recorded on the shroud had 3 dimensional properties. Mechan

We will look at the two pictures of the Messiah found in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).   2 Pictures of Messiah Reigning King Humble Substitute   This double picture is what led some of the great Hebrew rabbis to suggest there might be two Messiahs that would come at different times and in different manners. And that then became the dominant tradition: Messiah will raise the dead Messiah will be victorious Messiah will reign in Jerusalem Messiah will bring peace   If we look at the New Testament the early followers of Jesus believed this same thing about the Messiah. However, when we go back to the pictures of Messiah in the Old Testament we don't simply see the reigning King we also see the Humble Substitute.     The eyewitnesses of Jesus raised and alive, is why those believers in Jesus as Messiah changed the world - for the first time they put together that Jesus was both a Reigning King and a Humble Substitute.   They said "There is ONE Messiah but He comes 2 times!"   The resurrection of Jesus puts these 2 Old Testament pictures of the Messiah together into ONE Messiah  New Testament:  Messiah was raised from death Messiah was victorious Messiah will return in victory Messiah will reign in Jerusalem Messiah will bring lasting peace   The Messiah is Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! He is the King of Kings, He is the Prince of Peace and He IS coming back!     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer  FREE.   View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class   For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service   Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This message focuses on the question: "How are minds opened today?", which is part of our ongoing series: "What's the answer?" Pastor explores how people's lives are changed and what changes their attitudes about God, about Jesus, the resurrection, and about the power of God's Word. Pastor takes us through Luke 24:36-47, an encounter with Jesus that His disciples have with Him after His resurrection. Jesus tells them: "This is what I told you while I was still with you; Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." Luke 24:44. He tells them everything written there points to Him. Then next verse says, "Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." How did Jesus do that? Let's look at Luke's clues … Law of Moses Passover Lamb - Exodus 12. As protection from the tenth plague God told them He would passover their homes if they would take a lamb without spot or blemish, kill it, spread its blood on the doorposts of their homes, then roast and eat the lamb. In Luke 22:15-16 Jesus tells His disciples: "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." What He is saying about the Passover is that HE is the one that will fulfill it as The Passover Lamb. The Passover is a preview of God's redemption through the shed blood of Jesus. Blood of the Covenant - Exodus 24. Moses built an altar at the foot of Mt. Sinai and the Israelites pledged to follow God. Moses took the blood of bulls, sprinkled it on the altar and the people saying, "This is the blood of the Covenant that the Lord has made with you…" Exodus 24:8. What this is, again, is a preview of the coming Christ and the fulfillment being found in Him. Luke 22:20 Jesus says, "This cup (passover meal glass of wine) is the New Covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you." This is just what Moses was showing was coming in Jesus. Prophets New Covenant - Jeremiah 31:31. God said that the days were coming when He would make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah and put His law in their minds and hearts and change them from the inside out! A Heart change!" Jesus says, "This cup is the New Covenant!" Luke 22:20 Meaning He is the New Covenant. Suffering Servant - Isaiah 53. "He was despised… He was pierced for our transgressions… the punishment that brought us peace was on Him… by His wounds we are healed… the Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all… it was the Lord's will to crush Him… to make His life an offering for sin… He will see the light of Life (raised)… He poured out His life unto death and numbered with the transgressors." In Luke 22:37 Jesu

Join us as we dig deeper into the teaching on "What's the answer: What did Jesus tell them?", found in Luke 24:13-27 - the story of 2 men "On the Road to Emmaus." Two men are on their way, walking to the town of Emmaus are joined by Jesus.  Let's focus in on who these men were. For one of them we are given his name. Luke 24:18 " One of them, named Cleopas, asked Jesus, …" Cleopas is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible, but there is another name very similar - Clopas - and this name is mentioned other places in the Bible. Over the centuries, many believers, scholars and teachers have considered that Cleopas and Clopas could be one and the same person. John 19:25 "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene."  Clopas sounds very much like Cleopas, a simple shortening of the name. So one of the men walking to Emmaus may have been the husband of one of the women who stood at the foot of the cross at Jesus crucifixion. If Cleopas and Clopas as the same person - here's what we know from early Christian historians - Eusebius (c.260-339 AD) says, "They all discussed together who ought to succeed James, and all unanimously decided that Symeon, son of the Clopas mentioned in the Gospel, was worthy of the bishop's throne. It is said that he was the first cousin of the Savior, for Hegesippus relates that Clopas was the brother of Joseph."  (Joseph was Jesus' step-father, making Clopas Jesus' uncle.) Who was the other disciple on the road to Emmaus? Some have thought maybe it was Cleopas' wife. Others have thought it may have been one of Cleopas' sons. Or maybe it was Luke. - the author of the Gospel of Luke. And writer of this story found in Luke 24.  Pastor ends with a recommendation for further study: Easter Enigma by John Wenham.      Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Pastor gives us a look at the story, "On the Road to Emmaus," found in Luke 24:13-27. We don't know the actual location of Emmaus, nor do we know the names of those walking with Jesus in this story.  The story takes place later in the day on the day of Jesus' resurrection. Those Jesus walks with do not recognize Him. They are trying to figure out everything that had happened with Jesus and thinking about what the women had said about Jesus being alive and about the disciples having gone to the tomb and found it empty. Then Jesus begins to explain the scriptures to them concerning Himself. What Jesus shared is not recorded, but wouldn't it be fascinating to hear what was shared during that multi-mile walk!  What did Jesus tell them? Pastor shares the idea of Jesus, starting with the story of Abraham and Isaac in the book of Genesis: Genesis 22:1-18 - this is the story of Abraham and Isaac at Mt. Moriah.  Pastor shares some overwhelming details of this prophetic event. God tells Abraham He is going to test him and tells Abraham to sacrifice his son. And Abraham steps into obedience.  Pastor explores several phrases found in Genesis 22 "only son," "whom you love, "Moriah." (Moriah is where the temple wold be built in Solomon's day.) Abraham travels to Moriah and "on the third day" they arrive at Moriah and Abraham and Isaac leave the servants and head out the rest of the way alone. Isaac carries "the wood" for the offering.  Isaac asks Abraham "where is the lamb?" And Abraham replies that "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." Isaac willingly allowed his father to place him on the altar. As Abraham raises the knife, an Angel of the LORD calls out, "Abraham, Abraham, don't lay a hand on the boy. I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Isaac comes off the altar and the LORD provides a lamb for the sacrifice. In verse 14 we read that Abraham called the place "The Lord Will Provide." What Abraham saw was a picture of the sacrifice of God the Father in giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. The story ends with, "and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." The fulfillment to that promise to Abraham is found in Christ alone.   Jesus is the Living Hope of all the world.   First use of "love" in the Gospels… Matthew 3:17 - at the b

Happy Resurrection Sunday - Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Today's question is "Why do you believe He is risen?" Pastor starts today's class with a personal testimony in which the Bible changed the direction of his life at the age of 15. Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:14 "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." Pastor shares the Evidence Trail of Jesus' Resurrection on the bases of writings from believers, unbelievers, recorded data, and old and new studies. The Evidence Trail will encourage believers and will challenge those who are skeptics. 1. Resurrection was a scandalous message in the ancient world. a. The CROSS was foolishness (1 Cor 1:18,23) Sources beyond the Bible record Christ's crucifixion - this was a scandalous way to die. If it was made up they would have chosen a more honorable way to die for Jesus. b. The CROSS as stumbling block (1 Cor 1:23) yet many gave their lives for faith in Christ c. The RESURRECTION story was nonsense (Lk 23:11) yet they proclaimed the truth of His resurrection Painful Honesty a. All 4 gospels declare that women were the first eyewitnesses to Jesus' resurrection. We nowadays have no problem with this. But in the ancient Middle East and the ancient mediterranean world, people of that time were skeptical about anything told by woman. Example - Women could not testify in court trials. In that day women were considered untrustworthy. Yet the writers of the Bible honestly reported the truth saying that women were first irregardless of perceived credibility. (Mt 28:1ff; Mk 16:18, Lk 24:1ff; Jn 20:1ff) b. Gospel "heroes" were flawed (Mt 26:60ff; Lk 22:54ff; Jn 7:5; Jn20:25ff) The writers of the New Testament told of their flaws and failures and did not hide the truth of their actions. They didn't "clean up" the stories, instead they boldly told the truth in painful honesty. Strategic Locale a, Jerusalem as the center of Judaism b. Unsilent witnesses of the empty tomb - even the enemies of Jesus admitted the tomb of Jesus was empty. Multiple Witnesses a. Jesus' chosen Apostles - boldly shared the story of Jesus' resurrection b. Significant doubters - Jesus' brother James, for example, did not believe Jesus was who He said He was, but after the resurrection James did believe and was later martyred for His faith in Jesus. (1 Cor 15:7-10) c. 500 eyewitnesses (1 Cor 15:6) d. Vocal opponents against Jesus freely conceded that Jesus did amazing things, was crucified by Pontius Pilote, that many believed He rose from the grave, and that the message was spread throughout the ancient world. Sacrificial lives a. Being a believer in that day was not the popular thing, as many of th

Luke 22:7-8 'Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover."" What we know about the Passover during the time of Jesus, is that the Passover meal had to be celebrated in Jerusalem itself.  The lambs were killed at the Temple and the priests worked hours and hours to slaughter all the lambs needed for the meals - as many as a quarter million lambs were killed.  The people came to the temple to pick up their lambs. This is where Jesus was sending Peter and John. Let's take a closer look at what the slaughtered lambs were distributed. Joseph Tabory, Ań Israeli scholar wrote in the "Jewish Quarterly Review 86:3-4" (1996): 395-406 and tells us this: "An examination of the rabbinic evidence…seems to show that in Jerusalem the Jewish paschal lamb was offered in a manner which resembled a crucifixion." Justin Martyr, (lived in the early 100's) in "Dialogue with Trypho the Jew, 40: tells us this: "For the lamb, which is roasted, is roasted and dressed up in the form of a cross. For one spit is transfixed right through from the lower parts up to the head and one across the back..." When the lambs were picked up they were handed out via the cross they were dressed on. In the time of Jesus before the destruction of the temple in 70AD, the practice shows us that even the lambs were crucified.  Even the smallest of details declare the glory and plan of God! Remarkable details that come to fulfillment in the life and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. God IS in the details and it all gives glory to HIM! Worthy is the lamb that was slain, our Lord Jesus Christ.   Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Happy Palm Sunday! Hosanna! Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem: Palm Sunday - Passion Sunday - story is found in: Matthew 21 Mark 11 Luke 19 John 12 Many of us know the Palm Sunday story, but do we know the details? Today we will look at some of the most fascinating and intentional details of this story. 1. Did you know that donkeys around the world have a similar dark marking on their backs that runs along the spine and across their shoulders? It is a cross. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a beast with a cross emblazoned on its back. 2. Why haven't I heard this before - meaning why didn't I know about this and other details before? Join us as we talk a look at the Palm Sunday story with a Jewish view of the story to see some amazing and significant pieces of the story. PASSOVER - Pastor reviews the story of the Passover and the 10th plague. By placing lamb's blood on their door posts, the angel of death would pass over their homes. Passover was celebrated annually. In Exodus we read about God telling Moses how to annually celebrate the Passover event, "This month (Nissan) is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household." Jewish Passover Schedule: Nissan 10 - the lamb was chosen and set apart and we read in Exodus 12:6 "take care of them (lambs) until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight." Nissan 14 - the lamb was killed as the sun was setting. Nissan 15 - the Passover lamb was eaten. A closer look using several verses from the Bible, we see: ⁃ Nissan 9 - John 11:1 we read "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead." ⁃ Nissan 10 - Palm Sunday - John 12:12-13 "The next day (the day after Nissan 9) the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the king of Israel!"" ⁃ Reminder - Nissan 10 is the day the Passover lambs were herded into Jerusalem and set aside for sacrifice and it is at this very time that Jesus, the Lamb of God sets Himself apart as the sacrifice for all Israel and all the world as He comes into Jerusalem with all the other lambs. ⁃ Nissan 14 - Luke 22:7-8 "Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover."" The Jewish people had all come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. As many as a quarter-million lambs would be needed and slaughtered. Then at sunset the next day starts - so that evening it is Nissan 15 - the day the Passover meal is eaten. Our God is a God with a plan! He'

The past Sunday Pastor taught on "What's the Answer -  Are the Gospels believable?" This teaching is a follow up to that message. Pastor takes us to the story of the Feeding of the 5000 BUT it's not about the feeding!! So what is this teaching about if it isn't about the miracle of Jesus feeding 5000 men (plus all the women and children) from 5 small barley loaves and 2 little fish, then what's this teaching about? Why even bother looking at the story if we're not going to look at the miracle of Jesus? Well, come along and find out what Pastor is going to show us today! The story of the Feeding of the 5000 is found in all 4 Gospels and Pastor shares a small detail that has great impact on exposing the truth of the Gospels. Feeding of the 5000 in all 4 Gospels     ⁃    Matthew 14:13-21     ⁃    Mark 6:30-44     ⁃    Luke 9:10-17     ⁃    John 6:1-14 Feeding of the 5,000     ⁃    Mark talks about "the green grass" - Mark 6:39     ⁃    John tells us there was "plenty of grass" - John 6:10     ⁃    This is important because it shows that the 4 Gospels compliment one another and together give us insights we might otherwise miss. It is a testimony to their reliability and that they are written by eyewitnesses and people who know the eyewitnesses.     ⁃    John 6:4 we read "The Jewish Passover Festival was near,"     ⁃    Mark 6:31-32 tells us the "so many people were coming and going" that Jesus and His disciples "went away by themselves."     ⁃    Then we read from Luke 9:10 "they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida."     ⁃    Then in Mark 6:34 Jesus "saw a large crowd"…. And He "began teaching them". With this being the time of the Passover there would be many in Jerusalem and the surrounding area.     ⁃    Then in John 6:5 we read that Jesus said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" (Philip was from the town of Bethsaida)     ⁃    Next Andrew speaks up in John 6:8-9, "Here is a boy with 5 small barley loaves and 2 small fish…" (Andrew was also one of the disciples from Bethsaida)      ⁃    Why is "barley" significant? It's because the Passover follows the Barley harvest. (Late March or early April)      ⁃    The feeding of the 5000 is happening during Passover and barley harvest times, which means the rainy season is over, and the season moves into drier hotter weather - the harvest time. The rains from the previous months during growing season would have left the hill sides full of "green grass" as Mark tell us in chapter 6 verse 39 and there was "plenty of grass" as John says in John 6:10 This is a small thing to prove, but these small details testify to an even greater truth and that is that we can trust the Word from God! He is faithful. He keeps His Word and His Word is TRUE even when it comes to green grass that grows! Now What? Learn about God at htt

Today's question is one that Pastor has heard most often from young people.  The questioning of the Gospels seems to center around miracles, especially the resurrection. Atheistic Materialism Worldview     ⁃    No God - universe is by chance      ⁃    Matter only - Life came from non-life     ⁃    No Miracles - Life is meaningless Bible's Worldview     ⁃    There is a Creator     ⁃    He created life     ⁃    Life has a purpose These two worldviews are in conflict with each other but careful analysis of the Bible shows the Biblical worldview to be trustworthy. No matter your worldview - there is evidence of the Biblical worldview. THE FOUR GOSPELS:     ⁃    The Gospels are Jewish in both their content, background and details     ⁃    Matthew - Genealogy + 55 quotations     ⁃    Mark begins with Old Testament quote     ⁃    John: "In the beginning…" just like Genesis starts     ⁃    Luke: Priesthood + "deathbed prayer" Luke 23:46 + Psalm 31:5 (Jesus spoke this prayer "into your hands…")      ⁃    Geographical knowledge - written by people familiar with the territory     ⁃    26 different towns; Sea of Galilee, etc.     ⁃    Up to/Down from Jerusalem     ⁃    John: 2 pools - Bethesda + Siloam (archeological proof has been found)     ⁃    2 Gardens - Gethsemane + Golgotha     ⁃    Details      ⁃    Common Jewish names in Israel      ⁃    Clarification: e.g. frequently used names: Simon…Mary… thus the need for the clarity given in the Gospel around common names     ⁃    Dill and cumin dispute (Mt 23:23) things known at only a specific time in history     ⁃    Tax Collectors in Capernaum/Jericho     ⁃    Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic languages     ⁃    Identity - not the most likely candidates to have written the Gospels     ⁃    Interesting names of Gospel authors     ⁃    Matthew = former tax collector     ⁃    Mark = not one of the original 12     ⁃    Luke = physician, Gentile(?)     ⁃    John = Jesus' closest friend     ⁃    Dating - when were they written? Everything that we have suggests that these books were written early and are accurate     ⁃    The Gospels reflect the "early days" of the Jesus movement. Jesus is Jewish, the 12 disciples were Jewish, the early believers were Jewish - The Gospels speak from a Jewish view     ⁃    Passover within Jerusalem's walls     ⁃    Best documented texts from antiquity     ⁃    Paul quotes Luke's Gospel (1 Tim 5:18 from Lk 10:7 and 1 Cor 11:24-25 from Lk 22:19-20)      ⁃    But this verse is a stumbling block for acceptance to the gospels because it is "productive prophecy": Jesus said, "Jerusalem will be destroyed…" And that brings us back around to the word: MIRACLES. If your worldview is that of atheistic materialism, a miracle / predictive prophecy

The past Sunday Pastor taught on "What's the Answer - what is the unforgivable sin?" using Matthew 12:24-32. Today, Pastor digs deeper and takes a look at Mark 3:22-29 - which also talks about the "unforgivable sin."  In Mark 3:22-26 we read that the teachers of the law say that Jesus is possessed by the devil, doing healings in the devil's power and doing what the devil wants. But Jesus responds by sharing parables and asking how can Satan drive out Satan? A house divided cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand.  Jesus explains how illogical their accusations are. Jesus goes on in verse 27 saying that in fact no one can enter a strong man's house without first tying him up. Then his house can be plundered. Jesus is not denying the devil is strong, but He's saying He is stronger!  He is challenging these men to think things through, to think about what they are saying. Jesus is encouraging them to listen not to their prejudices, but to the Holy Spirit's testimony, that of what is spoken in scripture and the things that Jesus is doing and what the Spirit is revealing about who Jesus is. In verses 28-29 Jesus continues, "Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin."  He doesn't say they have done that sin, but reminds them that is the path they are on. Jesus tells them that ALL and any sins and slander can be forgiven, except the persistent refusal to listen to the Holy Spirit. Meaning never letting the Spirit in or listening to Him. The Spirit will transform our lives, Jesus will heal us, forgive us, and bring us into His eternal kingdom. Jesus' power and the Holy Spirit can deliver us from the bondage of the enemy and give us freedom through Jesus' saving power at the cross and resurrection because Jesus HAS bound the strong man! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Today's question is one that Pastor says has been the question asked with the most fear. Other ways this question is asked: ⁃ What is the unforgivable sin? ⁃ What is the sin against the Holy Spirit? ⁃ How can I be sure I haven't done this? ⁃ If I have done this is there any hope? ⁃ How do I avoid the unforgivable sin? Matthew 12:31-32 Jesus says, "And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." What is that sin? Let's start by looking at the context … ⁃ Jesus was preaching and healing. Religious authorities saw Jesus as a threat. Jesus heals a paralyzed man and the religious leaders say Jesus is blaspheming because He told the man your sins are forgiven, take up your mat and walk. And the religious leadership are angry and they continue to get angrier. Matthew 9:3 ⁃ Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples, hosts a dinner, invites his tax collector friends and Jesus attends too. The religious leaders accuse Jesus of "eating with tax collectors and sinners." Matthew 9:11 ⁃ Jesus heals a demon possessed man and the religious leaders say Jesus was able to heal the man through demonic powers. Matthew 9:34 ⁃ Jesus and disciples are walking in the grain fields on the Sabbath Day, picking and eating grain and the religious leaders say they are working on the day of rest, which is unlawful. Matthew 12:2 ⁃ Jesus heals a demon possessed man and now the religious leaders plot to kill Jesus. Matthew 12:14 ⁃ Jesus heals a man and they say that Jesus healed by the power of Beelzebul (the devil) Matthew 12:24 It is at this point that we continue with the verses just before our text for the day on the unforgivable sin. We read in Matthew 12:25-28 "Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? (Meaning how can I be healing from demons by using demons?) And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." What Jesus is saying is look at what you see. Stop judging on the basis of your own anger and bitterness and look at what the Bible has said along. God's healing is being brought to people. The Holy Spirit is testifying that the Messiah has arrived! Then Jesus speaks the words we started with this morning. Note that the first words are "EVERY KIND OF SIN AND SLANDER CAN BE FORGIVEN." Jesus goes on and what He's saying is if we continually refuse to listen to the Holy Spirit and actually go so far as to call what the

Pastor starts today's class by taking a look at Matthew 24:37-39a "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away." This text is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount of Olives and He is talking about His second coming. Jesus compares what it will be like at the end of time, to what happened at the time of Noah's flood. Noah and his sons built the boat over a long period of time and people could see he was building a huge boat, but they continued doing their regular life things and the flood took them all away. They had not listened to Noah's preaching and warnings. It will be like that at the end when Jesus returns.   In 2 Peter 3:3-10 Peter shares another comparison of what the Second Coming of Christ will be like. There will be a time when God keeps His word once again.  There's been a warning that there will be an end - the Second Coming of Christ and it will take place. We are called to be alert, listen and respond and not to ignore that He is returning. We are to be ready and waiting. Matthew 24 continues with verses 39b-42 "That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. 'Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.'" Pastor zeroes in on the words "one will be taken the other left." The question is taken to where? Believer opinions are:     ⁃    Taken for judgement     ⁃    Taken to be with Christ Pastor refers back to a recent teaching entitled "What Happens When I Die?"  That teaching can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/live/5L41Ufkiq2w?si=xxcv4CNj2FC-y7XD Part of that teaching is on 1 Thessalonians 4:13- 5:6. These verses are Paul's description of the Second Coming of Christ. Paul makes it clear that when Jesus returns the dead believers will be raised first and those still alive will be caught up with them. Pastor takes a deeper look at the original Greek text of the word Jesus uses for our translated word "taken." For the "taken" Jesus uses here, the word is paralambanō which means to be taken to one's side, to receive to one's self. It is a positive and affectionate word. It's the picture of the Bridegroom taking His bride (His people) to Himself.  In our day it is like Noah's day and Jesus' day where people are just going on like normal and ignoring God or not paying attention to Him or His Word. But Jesus speaks a word of warning to those not listening and a word of encouragement  to believers. In verse 42 He says, "Therefore keep watch!" The greek text for "keep watch" is the word grēgoreō and

Pastor opens with a prayer for God to build unity among believers especially in the areas where we have differing opinions, that we would show grace to one another and humility before God. Pastor begins with the "rapture" passage in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, "After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will be with the Lord forever." "Will be caught up." This caught up is the rapture. "Will be caught up" is one word in Greek: harpazō (Latin was used to translate the Greek work and in Latin the word is rapiemur from which we get "rapture") Let's check out 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 where Paul answers the question about Christian believers who have died, "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. According to the Lord's word we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God and the dead in Christ will rise first." These are encouraging words for believers, giving them the assurance of Jesus' Second Coming and the assurance of the resurrection of the dead, the gathering of the living and all going with Jesus in the air and of being with Him forever. If we take Paul's powerful words of summary of the Second Coming in these verses - it seems to be saying that the rapture occurs when Jesus returns, when the dead are raised and when we are all caught up in the air with Him. Paul goes on to say in verse 18: "Therefore encourage one another with these words." In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 we read that Christ comes at a time no one knows, and He comes not only to bring His people to Himself, but to bring judgement. Verses 4-6 goes on to tell us that we belong to the Light and not to the darkness and Paul calls us to understanding that Jesus can come anytime and that we should be ready and looking forward to His return. Common questions: What is all this talk about the Rapture - its referring to believers who have died in Christ and those who are alive when He returns and the risen dead and the alive will be united with Christ Will there be a rapture - Yes!!! Where is the rapture found in the Bible - In 1 Thessalonians 4 When will the rapture take place - at the Second Coming of Christ Will Christians go through the Tribulation - The word for tribulation is the Greek word thlipsis. It is used 45 time in the New Testament. (Suffering, persecution, tribulation) Pastor takes us on an exploration of the ways thlipsis is used in the New Testament by looki

In today's class we are going to do a little math!  Come along with us as we look at the Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments.  The word "Holy Spirit" in the:     1.    Old Testament - 3 times     2.    New Testament - 90 times The New Testament which is considerably smaller than the Old Testament uses the word "Holy Spirit" 30 times more frequently. The word "Spirit" + other expressions for Spirit:     1.    Old Testament - 74 times     2.    New Testament - 268 times It is clear that the Holy Spirit is being poured out! We are in the age of the Spirit! And doing the math makes that very clear!  God is at work! May we be attentive! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

The answer? EVERYONE! The Holy Spirit is found in the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament the Spirit came mainly to specific people for specific purposes, but there was the foretelling of the Spirit being poured out in abundance - an age of the Holy Spirit ushered in by Jesus. Jesus the Messiah ushers in the Age of the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:7-8 John the Baptist tells us, "And this was his message: "After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:8 Jesus tells us, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 2:16-17 "this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." One of Jesus' teachings on the Holy Spirit is found in Luke 11:9-13: A.S.K.: Ask - for the Holy Spirit and you will receive Seek - the Holy Spirit and you will find it Knock - and the door will be opened Jesus' desire is that the Holy Spirit is moving in each of our lives. Then Jesus ends this teaching with Luke 11:13 "So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him." Jesus is not rebuking us - He's inviting us to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. His desire is to have the Holy Spirit poured out on all of us. The Holy Spirit in the disciple's life: 1. Romans 8:5-6. "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." We are to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and direct our lives. We are invited to let go and let the Spirit of God take control of our thoughts, behaviors, prayers and lives. 2. 1 Corinthians 3:1 "Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ." We do not want to remain spiritual babies. We need to rely upon God through the power of the Holy Spirit in us. We are called to new life through the Holy Spirit governing how we think, behave and live. 3. Galatians 5:22-25 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." We can ask ourselves if we see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Pastor starts with a deeper exploration of John 16:13 "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears and he will tell you what is yet to come." People have used this verse to argue that the word Spirit is not about a personal being but about an impersonal force because in the original Greek text "spirit" (pneuma) is a neuter noun. Yes, this is true, and so they determine that neuter means the Holy Spirit is an IT. Yet the verse goes on by saying, "…He will guide you…, He will speak…. He will tell you…" The original greek text for He is a masculine pronoun (ekeinos). The Holy Spirit is a HE!  We must pay attention to this! God is speaking very intentionally here!!  The author of scripture is the Holy Spirit and the Spirit is making sure we understand HE IS personal because He's a person not an it. He desires to be a part of our lives. He's not a force imposed upon us.  The Spirit is the very presence of the Living God and desires that we come to know Him more and more and He reveals Jesus Christ to us. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

This question is often asked this way:     ⁃    Is the Holy Spirit an impersonal force?     ⁃    What does the Bible say about this?     ⁃    What does the Holy Spirit do?     ⁃    Why are some afraid of the Holy Spirit? Let us consider: Is the Holy Spirit a "Force" or a "Person"  Marks of Personality:     ⁃    Intellect     ⁃    Emotion     ⁃    Will Are these evident in the Holy Spirit? Let's look in the Bible and see what we find, as there is so much confusion about the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit     ⁃    Speaks  - Acts 13:20 (….the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."     ⁃    Forbids certain things - Acts 16:6-7 (….having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching….but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to."      ⁃    Guides - gives direction - John 16:13 Jesus says, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…."     ⁃    Teaches - John 14:26 Jesus says, "but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my team, will teach you all things…."     ⁃    Helps - John 14:16-17 Jesus says, "And I will ask the Father and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, the Spirit of truth….."     ⁃    Predicts - insight and prophetic revelation - Acts 21:11 "Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.'" And this is something that did happen to Paul.     ⁃    Can Be Lied to - Acts 5:3-4 The story of Ananias and Sepphira selling property. Peter says, "Ananias how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit ….. You have not lied just to human beings but to God."     ⁃    Can be Grieved - disappointed by our behavior or when we do not listen to God - Ephesians 4:30 "And do not grieve the Holt Spirit of God…"     ⁃    Intercedes for us - he prays - Romans 8:27 "And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God."       ⁃    Testifies - bears witness to Jesus and makes Jesus known - John 15:26 Jesus says, "When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about the Me." The Holy Spirit testifies to who Jesus is and what Jesus has done. The Holy Spirit testifies to each one of us that Jesus is our only Hope, and our Messiah. Back to the ques

We take a look at Matthew 6:13, a portion of The Lord's Prayer. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."  However, we read in James 1:13 "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;" So are these two verses contracting each other? Or are we misunderstanding something. So let's look at the original words used in this Scripture.      1.    Peirazō - verb meaning to test/try or tempt - two very different meanings     2.     Peirasmos - noun meaning testing/trail or temptation - again, two very different meanings How can I know the difference? Identity: who is doing the test or the tempt. The devil tempts us into going against God's word and will. God tests us - will we follow Him and do His will? Motive: who is doing the testing or tempting. The devil's motive in tempting us is to destroy us.  God tests us to strengthen, guide and uphold us. When we are facing Peirazō (temptation or test) we can look at that experience in two ways.      1.    The devil tempting us to go against what we believe, what Jesus desires, what the Scriptures teach and what the Holy Spirit reveals OR     2.    That God is using a temptation to test us, to strengthen us, to cause us to rely on Him more and more, to look to Him and to call upon Him in the day of trouble. Testing and temptation go together in the Bible - they are the same word, but the identity of who is Peirazō"ing" us is the key.  Are we going to listen to the one who wants to destroy us - the devil - or will we listen to the One who has saved us and desires to help and save us. 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." In God is strength, and even when we fall and fail we are assured of finding and receiving His forgiveness through our faith in Christ and will be given the power to start over again.  "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" - what we are praying is - "Lord, let us not fall into the devil's temptations but deliver us from the evil one and help us find our strength in you. Deliver us from what is evil and from the evil one. Deliver us from the power of the devil and help us to hold onto Your strength and power so that when we face trials we can face them with confidence because our eyes are on You!" Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-serv

Common questions on this age old topic: ⁃ Why is sin so tempting? ⁃ Why do I do things I don't want to do? ⁃ How can I conquer temptation? ⁃ Where can I find strength to resist? ⁃ Why is this so difficult? Genesis 3:1-7 - First sin in the Bible. But prior to sin, Adam and Eve were in a time of blissful innocence. A perfect creation, perfect relationship with God, perfect relationship with each other. No death, no sorrow, no pain, but that would change once sin came. Who is the serpent in Genesis 3:1? We find the answer in Revelation 12:9 "The great dragon was hurled down - that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray." Satan is a Hebrew word meaning - the adversary, the enemy. And the serpent takes on the form of a serpent. We read what Jesus says about the devil in John 8:44 that the devil "was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." Satan's Garden Strategy ⁃ Doubt God's Word - Genesis 3:1 the devil says to Eve "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The devil plants doubt. Eve replies in Genesis 3:2-3 that they could eat fruit from the trees except not from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, lest they would die. ⁃ Deny the consequences - Then the devil replies in Genesis 3:4 "'You will not certainly die,' the serpent said to the woman." The devil moves her toward denying the consequences. ⁃ Deify ourselves - The devil continues in Genesis 3:5 "'For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'" We want to be in control instead of allow God to be. Then we read in Genesis 3:6 "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her and he ate it." From this we learn that temptation comes with: Passion - I want things that I like and that look good Pleasure - I want things that give me joy and comfort Pride - I want to be in control 1 John 2:16 we read, "For everything in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - does not come from the Father but from the world." Our story continues in Genesis 3:7 "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made a covering for themselves." They now understood good and evil, their eyes were opened to evil and they had shame, sorrow, loss, pain, suffering, guilt. Sin took away their blissful innocence. What happened next? Then we read in Genesis 3:21 "The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." What does this tell us? It tells us that sin brought death to an innocent victim - an animal was slain

Today's class is a study of Ephesians 5:21-33. A group of verses that are controversial, often attacked and many times misunderstood. Ephesians 5:21-22 "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, [submit] yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord."  In the original Greek text the second [submit] word is not there. There is not a verb in this sentence and so in traditional Greek practice, you take the verb from the previous sentence and insert it into the next sentence.  Please note that this is really important - because what this is saying is, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, to your husbands as you do to the Lord." Meaning husband and wife alike are to submit to each other, to look out for one another, in service and submission to the Living God. There is no denying that throughout history many men have treated many women shamefully. But that is not biblical. It is never approved.  Instead, the Scriptures tell us that God intends for married people to be a unity and to willingly submit to one another because of their reverence for Christ. Men and women are to treat their husbands in a way that is consistent with their faith. Ephesians 5:23 goes on to say, "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior." Please note the word is "head" not the boss, not the dominant individual. It says he is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church.  How does Jesus show He is the head of the church.  He seeks what is best for her, He loves her, He sacrifices Himself for her, He gives Himself completely to her. And here it says the husband is to love His wife in that very same way. Loving, caring, supporting, defending, protecting, doing whatever it takes for the woman he loves. Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her…" That is what submission is all about.  It says, because I love the Lord, I will love my wife in the way He loves me. Both husbands and wives are to practice submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:32 goes on to say, "This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church."  God designed marriage to be a picture of the kind of love that Jesus has for his body, the church. Marriage is a reflection of Jesus' love. Verse 33 concludes: "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."  God made us male and female and He knows we each have unique needs. Husbands thrive when their wives respect them. Wives thrive when they know how deeply their husbands love them. These verses are a prescription for a happy, joy-filled, life-long marriage. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com

In this message we will look at what the Scriptures have to say about marriage, analyze concerns and questions raised in our day, overview the cultural changes that have led to many questioning the value and benefit of marriage, and do so from a Christian worldview. We will also take a look at some secular contemporary research and what it indicates. Common Reactions: 1. The culture has changed: - Married Couples comprised: 1950 — 78% of all US households 2020 — 47% of all US households - Living together before marriage: 1960's — 5% 2020's — 70% - Recent analysis of the General Social Survey data tells us Americans' happiness declined from the 1970s to the 2020s. Sam Peltzman, Professor emeritus, University of Chicago says one thing explains the most recent decline in overall happiness - the decline of marriage. The data indicates the benefit of what the Bible has said all along. Genesis 2:18 "The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." The literal Hebrew translation for the word helper is: "Helper equal to Him." This is talking about two people who are complimentary to each other. Our Creator recognized we function better together. 2. Divorce makes me fear marriage: - the spike in divorce rate have left an impression on the generation raised in one parent households. 3. Why not just live together? - the Bible tells us to be faithful before and after marriage to our spouse. - Couples who live together: 4-5 times more likely to break up than married couples more likely to divorce once they do marry (by about 50%) higher incidence of alcohol abuse, drug abuse and domestic violence 4. How can I know the right one? "Fall in like before you fall in love." This means - find an individual who is like minded, who shares your faith, your values, your outlook on life, an individual who truly is a potential soulmate. Make sure that the person you choose as your life partner and spouse is one who holds like values and believes as you do. 5. I'm not sure marriage is for me: One does not need to feel pushed into marriage. In 1 Corinthians 7:7 Paul refers to the gift of celibacy saying, "I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that." God does not say everyone is to be married. Contemporary Research: 2 books ⁃ "The Two-Parent Privilege" by Melissa S. Kearney Professor of Economics, University of Maryland 2023 - tells us that "Americans stopped getting married and started falling behind." Her work has been printed in: Wall Street Journal New York Times National Review Atlantic Magazine She offers a "provocative, data-driven case for marriage by showing how the institution's decline has led to a host of economic woes…" She shows how children do better in a family where their parents are married to each other. ⁃ Education outcomes ⁃ Physical and mental health ⁃ Diminishes suicide po

Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Let's look at the words "God" and "created." in this verse in Hebrew the word used for God is a plural noun and created is a singular verb. What day did God create the world? It says God created everything in 6 days and He rested on the 7th day, the Sabbath, and that is Saturday. Which means the first day of creation was on Sunday. What was the day of the week that God began a new creation?  That was on the day Jesus arose from the grave. The Bible tells us this was on the first day of the week, on a Sunday. Jesus' closest friend, John, begins his gospel this way: "In the beginning  was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." Psalm 33:6 "By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth."  In Genesis 1 we read over and over, "And God said…" God brought everything into being through His Word and the Bible describes Jesus as that Word, the Living Word. John 1:3 tells us "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."  Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. Hard to comprehend, but true. John goes on in verse 14, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."  Let's look at these words from that verse, "made his dwelling" in Hebrew it is one word. Tabernacles. Jesus, the Word became flesh and tabernacles among us. Not simply in the spirit, but in the flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.  Colossians 1:15-17 "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." The only way we can be held together in this fallen world is in Jesus Christ, the Savior of us all. The only way to face the future and the difficulties of life in a fallen world is through the power of His Son who has redeemed us and through His Holy Spirit who strengthens, guides and directs us. Our God is an awesome God! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class For more check out the series, "What's the Answer"  https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Does God exist? The Bible has described this as a reality for thousands of years.  Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."     ⁃    There was a beginning     ⁃    There is a God     ⁃    God created everything This is looked at as a religious belief, but it is increasingly a scientific fact as the scientific world sees that the creation had a beginning.     ⁃    Natural knowledge of God     ⁃    Nature - Romans 1:20 "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."     ⁃    Teleological argument - "Design requires a designer." It is obvious there is incredible design which requires a designer.       ⁃    DNA - "DNA is like a computer program but far, far more advanced than any software ever created." Bill Gates.  "The coding regions of DNA have exactly the same relevant properties as a computer code or language. We know books and computer codes are designed by intelligence, and the presence of this type of information in DNA also implies an intelligent source." Stephen C Meyer, PhD.   "What I think the DNA material has done is that it has shown, by the almost unbelievable complexity of the arrangements which are needed to produce life, that intelligence must have been involved in getting these extraordinarily diverse elements to work together." Professor Anthony Flew.  There is a creator because DNA is so complex it requires a creator.     ⁃    History - "I'm a lapsed atheist… I go to church every Sunday, precisely because having been brought up as an atheist I came to realize my career as a historian that not only is atheism a disastrous basis for a society… but also because I don't think it can be a basis for individual ethical decision making"  Professor Sir Niall Ferguson.     ⁃    Conscience - Romans 2:15 "They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them."  The conscience bears witness to a Creator, to a God who is:     ⁃    Transcendent     ⁃    Immaterial     ⁃    Timeless     ⁃    Powerful     ⁃    Personal     ⁃    Brilliant     ⁃    Caring To simply know that God exists is good, but to know God - that is what is necessary. And that requires that God reveals Himself to us - the revealed knowledge of God - showing Himself and drawing us to Himself.     ⁃    Revealed Knowledge of God     ⁃    Bible - profound unity of what it tells us. Read and listen to His Word and allow it to speak into our lives.     ⁃    Jesus Christ - The Living Word - Savior, Redeemer, our only Hope. God is love and gave Himself for us all.  Forgiveness and new life.  John 1:18 "No one has ever seen God, but the

Dig Deeper Preview: Why does Jesus have two family trees shared in the Bible? Today's class is a special preview of the upcoming Tuesday Bible Class series: Dig Deeper.  Why does Jesus have 2 family trees?     1.    One in Matthew 1:1-16     2.    One in Luke 3:23-38 And they are different. So let's look a little deeper. The major accepted answer has been that one tells the genealogy of Jesus' mother, the Virgin Mary, and the other the genealogy of His step father, Joseph. There is evidence to support and suggest that that is the case.     1.    Matthew 1:1-16 The Legal Genealogy - Jesus is legally accepted as Joseph's adopted son and Joseph is a descendant of king David.     2.    Luke 3:23-38 The Physical Genealogy - born of the Virgin Mary. But as we did deeper what do we see? There are differences. They are different. Matthew Abraham David Solomon Jehoiachin Jacob Joseph Jesus Luke Adam Abraham David Nathan Heli Mary Jesus Is there significance that the lineage changes following David? Yes, dramatic significance:     1.    Matthew traces Jesus' legal genealogy from David to his son Solomon. Matthew is telling us that Jesus as the legally adoptive son of Joseph, is a descendant of David and all of the kings of Judah who followed.     2.    Luke traces Jesus' physical genealogy from David to his son Nathan. Luke is telling us that Jesus is a descendant of David in the flesh but not through Solomon but through Solomon's brother Nathan.  And this is fascinating because the prophet Jeremiah was given this word: - A word about David's decendants ending with Jehoiachin the last of the kings of Judah to survive. Jeremiah 22:30 "This is what the Lord says:'Record this man [Jehoiachin] as if childless, a man who will not prosper in his lifetime, for none of his offspring will prosper, none will sit on the throne of David or rule anymore in Judah.'" The curse came upon the line of David after the time of Solomon until the time of Jehoikin and then God says no descendant of the kingly line of Jehoichin will ever sit on the throne. Jesus inherits the kingship that could never have been given to any descendant of Jehoiachin. He receives that through legal means by his adopted father. But he is the descendant of David in the uncursed  line  who will reign for ever. This is just what the angel told Mary - the angel Gabriel announced Mary that she would give birth to a son. Luke 1:32-33 " He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end." Legally Jesus was part of

Merry Christmas! The Christmas story from Luke 2 may be a story that is new to some of us and to others it may be very familiar. We are going to look at the part of the story that is about the shepherds. Luke 2:8-9 we read, "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified." Did you know that being a shepherd in Jesus' day was one of the lowliest jobs one could have? They were in the fields all the time, they smelled like sheep and were treated like sheep. But isn't it interesting that they are the first ones to hear the announcement that the Savior has come! What was their first reaction to the first Christmas?  FEAR!  Luke 2:10-11 go on to tells us, "But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." What we see happen is that the shepherds absolute fear is turned to overwhelming JOY! But let's not stop there. Let's look at what the angel says, "I bring you good news (Gospel!) that will cause great joy for all people!" And today when the GOSPEL breaks into a person's life it brings JOY!  Because Jesus would go to the cross and rise from the grave, He brings JOY!   Gospel Joy centers around one person. In vs 11 we read that a Savior has been born; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This good news brings the news of a Savior. The Old Testament is very clear about who the Savior is:     ⁃    Isaiah 43:11 "I, even I, am the Lord and apart from me there is no savior."     ⁃    Hosea 13:4 "You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me." The Savior is none other than God Himself! Messiah, Savior, Lord!  God has come down to earth exactly as the Old Testament prophets predicted and what the New Testament declares. The One who created the universe took on human flesh. The Living Word of God dwelt among us.  He saved us by offering Himself as the sacrifice for our rebellion. He did it because we were helpless and bound to sin and destined to judgement.  But HE is the Savior, the Lord, and He comes for ALL people. He wants all to be saved!  That's the good news! THAT'S THE GOSPEL MESSAGE!   And thus, how great our joy!  1 Peter 1:8-9 says, "… you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." The Christmas story is about far more than peace on earth. The Christmas story is about the fact that God has stepped in and He offers to all of us, who repent and believe, forgiveness and life forever. THAT'S the Gospel story, that's

A difficult and challenging message, this week we address the reality of hell. Hell is not a topic of regular conversation, yet the reality of hell is true. Therefore, it is essential we understand the consequences of our beliefs, our actions, and our behaviors, and that we understand what the future holds. The Bible teaches we have only two destinies: With God (heaven) - or - Apart from Him (hell). Which destiny are we living for?

The Gospel of John Week 26 Scripture: John 20:19 - 21:25. Today's study will conclude our two year study of the Gospels with a dramatic and amazing ending. We begin with John 20:19, it is the first day of the week (Sunday) and the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly Jesus was standing among them saying "Peace be with you." This is a phrase in English that sounds so common, like "have a good day." But in Hebrew it carries much more meaning. Shalom (peace) more than just an absence of conflict or warfare, it refers to all creation - it means everything is right between us and God. Real peace, lasting peace, God's peace, life-changing peace the way things were intended to be before sin broke into a perfect creation. Jesus shows them His hands and side and the disciples are overjoyed. Everything the Jewish people have been longing for has come to a dramatic crescendo. Then He breathed on them saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit." In verse 23 Jesus says, "If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." Pastor spends time digging into what this verse is really saying. When we accept Jesus as our Savior our sins are forgiven through faith in Christ. But to those who say they don't need a Savior, that think they are just fine on their own, we can say to them, "That won't cut it. Without Christ there is no hope." Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." This commission from Jesus is given so that they can speak truth, so that they can use it to draw people into a relationship with the Living God. We read next of "Doubting Thomas." The disciples are again gathered together and Jesus appears, "Peace be with you. Put your finger here and put your hand into my side and stop doubting and believe!" And Thomas replies, "My Lord and my God!" That's not just an expression, this is a clear biblical title for the Living God. And Thomas suddenly realized that Jesus is not only alive, but He is the very One that was promised. Jesus is more than a miracle worker, He's more than a great teacher, He is God come to earth. John concludes chapter 20 with these words, "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." We move into chapter 21, the epilogue. Pastor starts this chapter by sharing the story of a friend, a Russian Jew, who moved to Israel and became a Messianic believer and follower of Jesus. Pastor goes on to share the growth of Jewish believers in Jesus worldwide. Our story continues with the disciples fishing all night and not catching anything. Then a voice calls out to them to put their nets on the right s

This is the final week in our study of 400 years of Kings and Prophets from Solomon to Jeremiah. King Josiah     •    Young King seeks God     •    Spiritual cleansing of Jerusalem     •    Book of the Law discovered     •    Reform beyond Judah     •    Passover observance  - King Josiah gives an order to all people to observe God's Passover. This had not been celebrated according to what was written, not even in the days of the judges, nor in the days of any of the kings of Israel and Judah. Josiah made sure the celebration was carried out according to what was written in the Book of the Covenant. He, like David, was a man after God's own heart. He reads the scriptures and applies them and a time of revival begins.  We read in 2 Kings 23:25 "Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did - with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses."     •    Death at Megiddo - A prophetic word comes from Huldah telling Josiah of the judgment that is coming from God against the people, but that because Josiah's heart was repentant he would not see the judgment that would come.  During this time there was great international upheaval between Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon.  2 Kings 23:29 "While Josiah was king, Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt went up to the Euphrates River to help the king of Assyria. King Josiah marched out to meet him in battle, but Necho faced him and killed him at Megiddo."  Jeremiah and the nation were devastated by the loss of king Josiah. Then Josiah's 3 sons reign. None were the king that their father was. They returned to the old ways for faithlessness to God. Josiah's 3 Sons     •    Jehoahaz - 2 Kings 23:31-33; 2 Chronicles 36:1-3 - reigned 3 month doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. He was imprisoned by Pharaoh Necho of Egypt, who was the one who had killed his father. Jehoahaz dies in Egypt.     •    Jehoiakim - 2 Kings 23:34 - 24:7; 2 Chronicles 36:4-8 - reigned 11 years and did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He was an evil and inefficient ruler. Constructed a new palace and Jeremiah denounces him for ignoring the people and ignoring God. Jehoiakim rejects Jeremiah and even burns the first copy of the book of Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 36:23) The city of Jerusalem is overtaken in 605 BC by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and many of the people are deported to Babylon. (Daniel was one that was taken - Daniel 1:1-2). When Jehoiakim dies he is given the "burial of a donkey." Jeremiah 22:13-19. Johoiachin, his son reigns for 3 months doing evil like his father and was taken captive by Babylon - 2 Kings 24:8-16; 2 Chronicles 36:9-10     •    Zedekiah - 2 Kings 24:17 - 25:21; 2 Chronicles 36:11-21; Jeremiah 39:1-10 - reigns for 11 years and he did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Zedekiah breaks the treaty with Babylon (Ezekiel 17:18). He looks t