Mon, 30 April 2018
Be Ready Matthew 25:1-13 INTRODUCTION Jesus Christ often spoke in parables. A parable is very simply defined as an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Parables were told to portray a spiritual lesson in a way that was clear and memorable. Matthew 25 is made up of three parables about the return of the Lord.
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Mon, 23 April 2018
The Path to Fellowship 1 John 1
INTRODUCTION John in our passage emphasizes the physical reality of the person of Jesus when He was in this world. Evidently some regarded Jesus Christ as a phantom or spirit. John’s concern is that Christians have true fellowship with God, and the test of such fellowship is that it will be through the person of Jesus.
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Mon, 16 April 2018
April 15: Open Doors and Opposition I Corinthians 16:7-9, 13-14 INTRODUCTION “Take the path of least resistance.” That’s a common piece of wisdom that many of us have used in making decisions. We have a tendency when faced with important choices to make the one which is easiest … the one that requires the least effort … the one that appeals to our personal desires. But be careful because often the door through which God leads us is one which is accompanied by great challenges. CONTEXT Paul is given an invitation to visit his friends in Corinth. He’s wanted in Corinth. He’s been used by God in Corinth. However, he chooses to stay in Ephesus. He chooses to stay in a church that has been riddled with problems and full of challenges. His obedience to God led him through a door that was demanding and difficult. CONTENT
#1 External Challenges Acts 14:19-20, 17:6
#2 Internal Challenges Fear Num 13 Near-sighted Jer 29:10-11
Final Advice on Going through Open Doors vv13-14 Focus — “watch” v13, Heb 12:2 Foundation — “stand firm” v13, I Cor 3:11 Live out of the center of Who You Are — “love” v14, I Jn 4:7
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Mon, 9 April 2018
April 8: The Man Who Missed Easter John 20:19-31
INTRODUCTION “I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world.” That’s a common comment to an uncommon “happening.” A family member’s wedding, a graduation, a retirement dinner, a baptism … the list is long but the sense of needing to be present prevails.
CONTEXT Jesus appeared to a small group of his followers on that first Easter evening. Understandably, they were overjoyed. Thomas, one of the disciples, was not present. When he heard their reports, he needed more evidence. So, Jesus met Thomas where he was! Thomas responded with one of the most powerful, insightful views of the real Jesus, “My Lord and my God.”
CONTENT
#1 Thomas was WELCOME by the community of believers vv24-26 #2 INVESTIGATION…Jesus moves toward Thomas vv26-27 #3 EXHORTATION v27 #4 PROFESSION v28
3. The Life of Faith…for you and me A step of faith v29 An informed faith vv30-31, Rom 10:17, II Tim 3:16, II Pet 1:16-21
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Tue, 3 April 2018
The Road to Life Luke 24:13-35
INTRODUCTION All of us are travelers. Some of us like to travel, others of us tolerate travel. Some of us are anxious to get some place and others of us are ready to get away from some place. Whether you like it or not, you are on a journey. If you get to where you are going, will you be satisfied with where you are?
CONTEXT Jesus is dead! Two eyewitnesses of his crucifixion are on the road that leads from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a small village about 7 miles away. Their tone is somber, their walk is slow, and their footsteps are heavy with grief. As they travel, they are intersected by a man who changes the direction of their life.
CONTENT
#1 Our Mind … engaged by Scripture vv25-27, Is 53:4-10, Rom 10:17, II Pet 1:16,20-21
#2 Our Eyes … opened by God v31, I Cor 12:3; Eph 2:1-9
#3 Our Purpose … confirmed vv33-35; II Cor 5:17; Jn 10:10 A change of life … a change of Direction!
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