THE CHRISTIAN’S MANIFEST DESTINY
#414 THE CHRISTIAN’S MANIFEST DESTINY
Scripture John 14:15-21, NIV Orig. 8/27/1967
Rewr. 1/8/1984
Passage: 15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Purpose: To call my people to a higher understanding of those measures of our faith that are vital to Christian growth.
Keywords: Christ the Lord Holy Spirit Obedience Creed Spiritual Growth
Introduction
A phrase was coined back in the 1840’s that expressed the nationalistic thinking of many Americans. That was during the time that much was happening in the sphere of national expansion. Many of our countrymen during that era felt that, because of economic and political superiority, the free and democratic government of the United States was destined to rule all of North America.
The phrase “manifest destiny” was born. It was first used in an article promoting the annexation of Texas. It was as if we, our country, had some sovereign right to lay claim to any territory that we would, irregardless of its inhabitants or claims by other governments.
“Manifest Destiny” as it referred to national expansion was a false tenet. It could not be upheld in courts of law.
A similar term could be coined just now among Southern Baptists as we banter back and forth about a “Baptist creed.” Jimmy Draper, our present president, has spoken openly and often about such a need. Many strong, sound voices have spoken in opposition. Baptists have never had a creed. We don’t need one now.
When Charles Colson (Watergate conspirator) last spoke to Southern Baptists, he responded to an often-asked question about why, after his conversion, he had chosen to unite with Southern Baptists. Among other sound reasons, he stated that the lack of a creedal posture had appealed to him.
However, we must not confuse lack of “creed” with a lack of conviction. There are some things that are vital to our welfare, not just as Baptists, but as believers. There are scriptural positions that are so clear, and so often-stated, that we endanger ourselves when we violate or even speculate about such matters.
I want to share four of these scriptural positions with you this morning. 1-The Mediatorial Posture of Jesus. 2-The Counseling Primacy of the Holy Spirit. 3-The Necessary Practice of Loving Obedience. 4-The Enduring Practicality of Father Discipline. 5-The Distrust of the World.
I. The Mediatorial Posture of Jesus. V16, And I will pray the Father and He shall give you another advocate . . . . V18, I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
1. This is to be applied to the salvation experience. Romans 14:4, every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Zechariah the prophet wrote of his experience with the judgment of God. “I looked and, behold, a man with a measuring line. ‘Whither goest thou?’ ‘To measure Jerusalem.’”
2. Jesus Christ is God’s measuring rod for salvation.
John 3:16, For God so loved
Romans 6:23, The gift of God is eternal life
Galatians 3:13, Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law
I Corinthians 16:22, If any man love not Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema
Sunday School lesson—if you earnestly studied then you got past those 12 verses in the printed text to verse 19. I had rather speak five words: Jesus Christ, God, Son, Saviour.
II. The Counseling Primacy of the Holy Spirit. V16, He shall give you another comforter, that He may abide with you forever.
1. The Spirit remains in the world to help Christians to grow in grace. Old Testament concept—the spirit came at times of particular stress and was given to certain people. Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samuel. David—more written by and about him; examples of inspired writing; time of depraved life—spirit spoke through Nathan.
2. We have His help and power in exact proportion to our willingness and openness. There is a oneness in marriage _______. I Corinthians 6:17, He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Arthur Pierson—Isaac Newton, Mendelssohn, Michelangelo—their spirit wedded to his he would be like them—so with Christ.
III. The Necessary Practice of Loving Obedience. V15, If ye love me, keep my commandments. Matthew 7:21, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven.
1. You will note the careful description of this. It is loving obedience. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego. If you are ready, good; if not, into the furnace, and who is the god who can deliver you? If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, He will deliver us. But if not, be it known to thee O King, that we will not serve your gods, or worship the golden image which you have set up.
2. Obedience without love has not place in the Christian gospel. It is this love that makes obedience a necessity. The mangrove tree grows along tropical _____, near the ocean. Growing along rivers, their stilt-like roots trap silt and build up the land. When built up beyond reach of tide, they die.
IV. The Practicality of Father Discipline. V23, My Father will love him (who loves me) and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
The story is told of a missionary who was serving amidst difficult circumstances and came to feel defeated and frustrated over his work. He tried praying but no answer came. He determined to go into the interior and in a place alone, struggle with God until an answer came. He stopped in the home of another missionary. Going in to pray he saw a placard, “Try thanksgiving.”
Gail Brook Burket, Paradox, C Miller A View p58
Men call me Master, but will not obey;
Good Shepherd, yet delight to go astray;
The Sun of R_________, but choose the night;
The Truth, yet put my precepts from their sight;
The Way, but follow other paths through life;
A Sure Foundation, while they build on sand;
The King of Kings, and spurn my great command.
Men call me Lord and Saviour even now,
Who press the thorns of hatred on my brow.
V. The Distrust of the World. V19, Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more, but ye see me. V22, How is it thou manifest thyself unto us and not to the world?
Edgewater Beach—paragraph missing
Those nine men were called to stand before God in judgment. They learned that their wealth was of no benefit. We will stand before Him and discover that the lack of wealth is no benefit. Only Christ can save and that through personal experience.
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.
Paul’s five words: Jesus Christ, God, Son, Saviour.
Closing
What is it like to become thus a child of God? It’s like you have been driving in a great city during rush hour in one of those places where a lane is closed, and tenseness and aggravation know no bounds. Suddenly the lanes are open again and you are beyond the city and the suburbs.
All of the traffic and all of the danger may still be present, but the tenseness and the anxiety have disappeared in the open air.
Edgewater Beach--https://thereformedbroker.com/2012/07/25/nine-financiers/
ARISE, . . . AND WALK
#803a ARISE, . . . AND WALK
Scripture John 5:1-16 Orig. 10/19/1983
Rewr. 2/19/1990
Passage: Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda[a] and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. [4] [b] 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”
9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” 11 But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ” 12 So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?” 13 The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.
14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.
16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him.
Purpose: Continuing a study from the Gospel, here measuring the three words spoken to an impotent man as a sample of our impotence to sin.
Keywords: Biographical Manuscript Miracle of Christ
Series, John Series, New Testament Characters
Introduction
John here records the first of two Sabbath healings (9:1-14). He explains in the ninth verses and following why this is important.
There are seven of the Sabbath events in all. They happen all over Palestine: in Jerusalem (both of John), Capernaum, other unidentified places through Jesus’ ministry. Three take place in synagogues, one immediately following a synagogue service, the other three without mention of same.
The healings cover all kinds of circumstances in the lives of the people involved. They are both man and women. They cross a total spectrum of kinds of people from a demoniac (Jesus’ first) to Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. They are the impotent, the blind, the lame, the withered.
We find these people under Satanic influence (Luke 4:31), bowed down in despondency (Luke 13:10), paralyzed, as the man in the text. We hear from a man in his condition for 38 years, a woman infirm for 18 years. When next we hear from John on this subject, it will be of a man “born blind” (John 9:1f).
Jesus approaches them all differently. He addresses the devil to come out of one (Luke 4:34), He commands another who could not to “stretch out his hand” (Luke 6:10), as He commanded this man who could not “to arise . . . and walk.”
There is one special feature that is common to all seven of them. Not one of the seven came to Jesus seeking His help. Not one of them thought that Jesus would or could intervene in their behalf. To what degree do you . . . seek Christ’s help . . . in your life? Hear His command “Arise?” What is it that we are hearing Him say to us . . . to do . . . that we clearly cannot?
I. First, There is a Scene Needing to be Set. V1, “There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.”
Twice before has Jesus performed miracles. At Cana (John 2:1), almost against His own will, but v1 “manifested forth His glory, and His disciples believed.” When next He came to Cana, a “nobleman” went himself to Jesus to plead for his son whom Jesus healed. There were also Nicodemus, and the Samaritan woman. Jesus seems not to know the difference between poor and rich, haves and havenots. It anything, the level of His compassion is directed more to the poor.
Back in Jerusalem, He finds Himself surrounded by a sea of diseases. John describes them [as] “impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered.” The number described is four. The meaning is “needs abounding.” His gaze rests upon one special man. “A certain man, which had an infirmity, . . . thirty and eight years.”
The last thirty-eight years in my life are a tribute to grace: discharge, college, marriage, family, seminary, six pastorates; such troubles as there have been, have been quickly turned. But this man has lain in the same place, on the same pallet, for 38 years waiting for someone to assist him.
There are other needs at “Bethesda: house of mercy.” This pool, near the sheep gate, “having five porches.” Some say this did not happen. They call it a parable. The five porches stand for the failure of the five books of law for the Hebrew people. Legitimate truth, but the greatest is heeding what happens. This is the telling of only one story. We know not what else happened.
II. Second, We Must Search the Message of Meaning Contained Here. V6, “When Jesus saw him . . . and knew that he had been . . . a long time, . . . He saith, ‘Wilt thou be made whole?’”
The genius of the ministry of Jesus is here contained. The son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost. They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick. I come to call, not the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.
The congregation went from “wonder” (John 4:22), to “wrath” (v28) when Jesus described their faithlessness in ministering to the world’s neglected. It was a Samaritan, woman, to whom Jesus described Messiahship. Samaritans became an object of His compassion. John 8:48 “Thou art a Samaritan, hast a devil.”
Publicans likewise found Him concerned for their welfare. See Matthew 9:10. Luke 7:34 “a friend of publicans.” Publicly he called to Zacchaeus.
Isaiah, other prophets, knew that God was the God of the lost sheep, the infirm, the leper. Isaiah 14:32 “The Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of His people shall trust in it.”
Any ministry, purportedly Christian, that does not make room for the benighted of this earth is doomed to failure.
III. Thirdly, We Must Give Attention to the Three Words Spoken by Jesus to This Man. V6, “Wilt thou be made whole?” V8, “Rise, take up thy bed and walk.” V14, “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee.”
He speaks first to the man’s absolute-most need. “Wilt thou be made whole?” An unconscionable thing to ask if He cannot meet this man’s needs. It is in the same way we are confronted. What ties us to the ordinary? What will free us to do God’s will? Do you want to do what you cannot? Are you willing to will His Will? It is not drink, or drugs, or sexual privation where such are not problems. Jesus doesn’t demand what he cannot deliver: Why youth are indifferent; why adults compromise their faith.
Next, He places a three-fold demand upon this helpless man. He is to do what he cannot: “Rise!” Walking can be a near impossible thing; wildebeest calf running with the herd. We perceive God’s will through His Word, and follow Christ who is His son. “Take up your bed!” Marcus Dods (T2p218) gives us a thumbnail application: “Why was the man to take up his bed? In order that there should be no provision made for a relapse.”
He was not to leave himself vulnerable to succumbing to the old ways again. Even a 38-year-old pallet is tempting when struggles persist. Hebrews in the wilderness were ready to return to Egypt (Numbers 11:5). The thing that keeps you from HIM you must not only surrender, you must sacrifice. “Walk!”
The third word spoken to this man takes place later, in the temple. “Sin no more lest a worse thing come upon thee!” Isn’t it graphic to discover this man so suddenly in the temple. 2,000 weeks disappeared with God? It is also graphic to measure our excuses for not being. You, child of His love, of His blood, of His power dare to go on sinning the same sin.
You know God’s will; stop sinning. There will always be another, but we best not be indifferent to it. A thing worse: 38 years in hopelessness.
THE LITTLE BOY WHO WOULD / THERE IS A LAD HERE
#816 THE LITTLE BOY WHO WOULD/THERE IS A LAD HERE
Scripture John 6:1-15, NIV Orig. 1/18/1984
Passage: Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Festival was near.
5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages[a] to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. 12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
14 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
Purpose: To call attention to Jesus’ attention to a seemingly worthless little lad through who he chose to bless other people
Keywords: Biographical New Testament Characters Sacrament
Introduction
We don’t know his name, or his age; we don’t know how much or little schooling he had had or if he was a forthright student; we do not really know what kind of home he comes from, or even the community. All that we know of this lad is that he came under the searching gaze of Jesus, and for two thousand years he has been praised for being willing for Christ to have the only thing of value that he possessed.
If we were dealing with miracles, this little boy would qualify because he has come many miles and some hours with his lunch intact. There may not ever have been another boy of whom that could be said. Troy Lee told of taking boy scouts on an excursion to Arkansas, and one boy spent every penny he had had at their first rest stop.
1. We must first look back. John 6:1, After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee. John the Baptist is dead. Matthew 14:1-13. Now when Jesus heard it He withdrew, . . . to a desert place apart. The disciples have returned from their preaching mission. Luke 9:1-6, v10, and when they were returned, . . . and He took them and withdrew.
An occasion of revitalization—Mark tells some of the mission, Mark 6:6-13; Mark tells all of John the Baptist, Mark 6:14-29; but he also singles out a need, Mark 6:31—Come ye yourselves, apart unto a desert place and rest awhile (a desert is a desolate place).
Link to all of this is Luke 9:9—Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this, about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see Him.
Add to all of this is that it was the Passover, John 6:4.
2. Then we need to see where they were going: To the other side of the sea of Galilee.
Luke says “to Bethsaida” (house of fishing): a suburb of Capernaum (Luke 9:10) across the north end of the lake; Phillip the Tetrarch, son of Herod of Iturea, Trachonitas, had made this town, now named Bethsaida Julias in honor of Augustus’ daughter.
Where had they been? There is a boat on both sides (see Mark 6:45). [They were] preaching “throughout the villages,” Matthew 11:1/Luke 9:6 (back to Capernaum).
A prior story—“The nobleman whose son was healed”—John 4:46f. Attention called to certain order of John 4-6: John 4:54 in Galilee; John 5:1 in Jerusalem; John 6:1 over Sea of Galilee; John 7:1 walk no more in Jewry because the Jews sought to kill Him. Also, John 5 Feast—late spring/summer, John 6 Passover—spring, John 7 Tabernacles—late summer.
3. There is a problem relative to the “company.” V5 He saw a great multitude. Jesus is there first, sees them coming; Mark 6:33f seems to place them there first. Matthew 14:13f, “They followed Him on foot from the cities. And He came forth and saw a great multitude.”
4. Two men important to the story.
Philip—from Bethsaida (John 1:44); name is Greek. Called forth because it is his town. He doubts their ability, not because it is logistically impossible but because they do not have 200 denarii, the working man’s pay for 6 months
Jesus has given them occasion for a faith assessment. Like Phillip, we often look for reasons why we cannot do a thing, not why we should, or must.
Andrew is also familiar with the area but his speculations are those of faith. His mind doesn’t turn to bakery shops, but to potential within the multitude.
Both were given same conditions: one doubts, one believes.
5. Thus comes the boy into the story. V9 There is a lad here with five barley loaves and two small fishes.
There are contemporary skeptics. Jesus could not multiply bread and fish; Jesus would not multiply bread and fish, Matthew 4:3-4. Jesus inspires the boy to share and thus hundreds do likewise. (Andrew implies that the boy only.)
William Barclay suggests “sacramental meal.” John 6:35 “Bread of Life”—communal passage, Lord’s supper.
The boy—barley bread is the bread of the poor. Taste was bitter, and accompaniment was necessary, thus the fish. It was also the bread of offering for adultery.
The blessing—“Blessed art thou O Lord our God who causes bread to come forth from the earth.”
The remnant—They had a standard word, “peah,” for the remnant that would be held in trust for the servants [or the poor]. Twelve baskets, twelve disciples.
THE FIRING OF FAITH: HEALING THE NOBLEMAN’S SON
#803 THE FIRING OF FAITH
HEALING THE NOBLEMAN’S SON
Scripture John 4:46-54, NIV Orig. 10/3/1983
Rewr. 1/21/1990
Passage: 46 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. 48 “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” 49 The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52 When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” 53 Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed.
54 This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.
Purpose: Continuing a series from the Gospel, here showing Jesus’s concern for more than a father’s seriously ill son.
Keywords: Bible Study Faith Christ as Teacher
Series, John Series, New Testament Characters
Introduction
It has been a number of weeks since we discussed the Cana miracle where Jesus turned water into wine. It was pointed out then that John records seven miraculous signs manifested by Jesus. This is the second. He will heal a lame man in the next chapter, feed the 5,000 and walk on water in the one following, restore sight to a man born blind in Chapter 9, and raise Lazarus from the dead in Chapter 11.
These cannot be random events. John surely had a connected purpose. Of the dozens (35-40), five of these seven are recorded nowhere else. Where the other gospel writers refer to the miracles of Jesus, John refers to “signs.” (Greek sémeion.) It’s the same word, by the way, that John uses in Revelation 1:1 where he presents the book, its purpose, and the link with Jesus.
John chose the seven with great care. (1) Cana: to reveal the expulsion of the old order, and the infusion of the new. (2) In Jesus’ absence as John writes these pages, the second acknowledges the power of Jesus still available to them though His presence is not. (3) The healing on the sabbath 5:1-9 attests to the unique sonship of Jesus. (4) Feeding of the 5,000 declares the spiritual nourishment that rests in Him. (5) Walking on the water (6:16-21) is told by both Matthew and Mark. Both emphasize the stilling of the water. John does not. His purpose is to show Jesus’ viability in the stress times of life. (6) He chooses in the sixth sign to depict Jesus restoring powers of sight, physical and spiritual. (7) Finally, this sign (11:1-44) reveals the redemptive purpose of Christ, as in death, also in life.
Notes from an earlier sermon—John 4:46-54, Matthew 13:52
1. Where—Cana of Galilee, Luke 4:28
Samaritan—John 4:1-42
2. Who—Nobleman of Capernaum (20 miles)
Healing of Centurion’s son Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:10
3. Question of order
John 4:54 Second miracle after coming from Judaea to Galilee
John 5:1 After this Jesus went to Jerusalem
John 6:1 After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee
John 7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee for He would not walk in Jewry because the Jews sought to kill Him (see John 5:18)
Feasts: Passover, John 6:4; Feasts of Tabernacles, John 7:2; “another” Jewish festival, John 5:1
4. What happens
1) A man willing to humble himself (John 4:46-47)—a petty king, court official, his son was dying. Herod Antipas.
2) A man who suffers testing (John 4:48)—addressed the man and the crowd; the man had to go back to the court
3) A man with faith (John 4:50)
4) A man with enlarged faith (John 4:53)
THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER AND THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
#849 THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER AND THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Scripture John 17:18; I Peter 4:11,12, NIV Orig. 6/26/1988
Passage:
John 17:18
18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
I Peter 4:11,12
11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
Purpose: Continuing to lead my people in a doctrinal study during Church Training.
Keywords: Christian Life Doctrine
Timeline/Series: Priesthood
Introduction
I. Open with the reading of John 17:18. As this will be referred to later, go on to I Peter 4:11,12. Ask class for their explanation.
II. Go to display of Cel 5 (The Priesthood of the Believer and the Christian Life)
1. The Priesthood as Sacrificial Servant
2. The Priesthood as Glad Herald
3. The Priesthood as Sympathetic Confessor
4. The Priesthood as Courageous Prophet
III. Display Cel 5 i
1. Ask class for definitions of each of above.
2. In turn, show class what has been written of each.
IV. Display Cel 5 ii
1. Under above headings [are] specific scriptures that bind us to these concepts.
2. Discuss these separate texts
a. Sacrificial Servant—Philippians 2:5-8
b. Glad Herald—I Peter 2:9, II Corinthians 5:20
c. Sympathetic Confessor—Hebrews 5:1-3
d. Courageous Prophet—Philemon 8-10
V. Refer to PLA #9
1. Re-read John 17:18 “As thou didst send me into the world, so have I sent them into the world.”
2. Ask: What do you think it means to be sent into the world as Jesus was sent into the world?
3. Divide class into groups of 4-5. Ask for 1-2 sentence synopsis.
VI. Go to the display of Cel 5 iii
1. Pass out worksheet 5 (Agree/Disagree)
2. Have class work on this.
3. Check one’s own answers.
VII. A look at local Church Strategy
1. Other churches: Episcopal/Presbyterian
a. Decisions made by spokesperson
b. Sundays sequential: all produce alike
2. Congregational
a. Choice of Mission/Ministry await need.
i. Church in New Orleans turned over to African Americans.
ii. Seguin, Texas, church hired Mexican staff member to serve need. In time the main pastor became Mexican.
iii. Church in New Orleans ceased to be. Seamans’ Ministry took over building.
3. Author tells story of New York pastor in the diner frequented by cabbies. Owner kept change available to serve customers.
VIII. The Measure of Priesthood
1. Display Cel 5:ii
2. Four characteristics
a. Sacrificial Servant
i. Read first two paragraphs p. 81
ii. Commitment should raise the question, Not “What does it cost?”, but “What have I to give?”
b. Glad Herald
i. Think of others who witness to us.
1. Barber about weight program
2. Friend about radio program—Keillor
3. Preacher about helpful tape
4. Member about AA
ii. Purpose of such sharing
1. Each knew of interest in message
2. Each occurred naturally
3. Each spoke without demeaning lack
4. Each had some enthusiasm about product
5. Each offered additional support
6. None were experts
c. Sympathetic Confessors
i. Read James 5:16 on confession
ii. Learned from Sunday School class participation
1. Priesting comes unexpectedly
2. What hurts the most, helps the most
3. Priesting goes beyond “eatin’ meetin’”
4. Sharing pain, celebrating joy are rooted in the gospel
d. Courageous Prophet
i. Refer to examples of Jesus
ii. If time use PLA #10
EASTER WEEK SERVICE
#828 EASTER WEEK SERVICE
Scripture Gospels
Special Occasion: Easter
It was the third day since the crucifixion. Mary Magdalene, with other sorrowing women, made her way to the bleak sepulchre where loving hands had laid the crucified body of the Nazarene named Jesus. Memories must have flooded their anguished minds as they slowly edged their way along the rocky path toward the garden. Events of the past week had followed each other with such swiftness that there had been little time for reflection prior to this.
There had been His triumphal entry into the Holy City. Surely this meant the days of Roman occupation would soon be over and their Messiah would declare their national independence. Joyously, the pressing multitude thronged around Him, casting their garments into the street before Him and chanting: Hosanna! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.
“He is Still the King of Kings” (3rd verse)
Along with the other women, Mary Magdalene arrived at the borrowed tomb to find it empty.
“Gone” (First Verse)—Betty Walley
In the words of John: “Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping; and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, . . . and she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, ‘Woman, why weepest thou?’ Thinking it was the gardener, she fell at his feet sobbing, ‘Sir, if thou hast taken Him hence, tell me where thou has laid Him, and I will take Him away.’” Tenderly, Jesus spoke only one word: “Mary.” She would have recognized that tone of voice anywhere! Seeing the livid marks of the nails in His hands and looking up into His face, she whispered: “Master!”
P 118 “Low in the Grave He Lay” (3 verses/chorus)
But these were not the only persons to gaze upon the face of the resurrected Saviour. Luke tells of Cleophas and his friend who walked the winding road to Emmaus, talking as they went of events that occurred during the past week. Events that had seemed like a terrible dream.
“Ten Thousand Angels” (4 verses, w/o chorus)
They had heard of the Passover Feast in the upper room, when Judas had strangely disappeared into the night to keep his treacherous rendezvous. All of this was followed by the tranquil scene in the garden out on the hillside. How could they ever forget?
“Neath the Old Olive Trees” (sheet)
As Cleophas and his companion talked, they became more and more enthusiastic. Their words came pouring out in a torrent of recollection. They remembered the contemptible kiss of Judas . . . the arrest itself . . . Peter’s impetuous act with the sword . . . the return to the city. . . the emphatic denial of Peter . . . and the all-night vigil.
So absorbed were they in these memories, that they did not notice the approach of a stranger. Suddenly, he was walking beside them. When he inquired as to the subject of their conversation, they sadly answered, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And He replied, “What things?”
Then they proceeded to tell Him of the terrible events. Not knowing who He was, they begged the mysterious stranger to spend the night with them, or at least to share their evening meal.
There was something about the way the Stranger gave thanks . . . the way He reached across the table and broke the bread with a characteristic gesture. Perhaps the fold of His robe fell back, or they may have noticed the scarlet nail-prints in His hands. But whatever it was, at that instant they knew that Jesus was Alive!
P. 114 “Christ the Lord is Rise Today!” (v 1 & 2)
Some of the disciples were completely unwilling to believe the news brought by Mary Magdalene. And now the breathless Cleophas and his friend bore the same words that she had used: “We have seen the Lord!” One of the disciples, named Thomas, stepped forward and said what some of the others had been too timid to say: “I don’t believe you! The things you have seen and heard these past few days have driven you insane!” Such a response was understandable from one who recalled so vividly the recent arrest and trial of their Lord, as well as the tortured march to Calvary.
“The Blood-Stained Road to Calvary” (sheet)
“Lonely Road—Up Calvary’s Way” (sheet)
Now Thomas had proclaimed that unless he could see the nailprints in Jesus’ hands and could thrust his hand into the gaping wound in His side, he would not believe the resurrection story. Eight days later Thomas had his proof, for Jesus suddenly appeared with the disciples who were gathered together. Singling out Thomas, He smiled as He spoke: “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing.” Overwhelmed, Thomas lost all his blustering skepticism. All he could say as he fell to his knees was: “My Lord and my God.” Jesus was Alive!
P. 114 “Christ the Lord is Risen Today!” (v 3)
One of the witnesses to this scene was Simon Peter who had emphatically denied the Saviour three times. What he was seeing now left no doubt in his heart. Something tremendous had happened, But how? He remembered that at Calvary the shouting of the mob had hushed only when the nails were driven into the hands of Jesus. He recalled being blinded by hot tears that filled his eyes, while his very heart broke. He could never forget the group of soldiers who grasped the crossbeam and slowly lifted it off the ground. With each movement the nails tore at the flesh of the Nazarene. Peter shuddered at the dull thud when the cross was dropped into the hole prepared for it. There before his eyes was being enacted the awesome drama of the redemption of mankind. And he only sat and watched.
“Rise Again” (special)
P. 111 “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” (vs 1 & 3)
“Ten Thousand Angels” (chorus only)
“Had It Not Been” (sheet)—Ladies
“If That Isn’t Love” (sheet)—Men
Mocked by the bitter shame caused by his denial of Jesus, Peter went back to his fishing, taking six friends with him. After toiling all night and catching nothing, they rowed to shore. Someone was standing there calling out, “Children, have you any meat?” To their negative reply He called again: “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find.” Having nothing to lose they followed the Stranger’s advice, this time with success. Nearing the shore John spoke four words: “It is the Lord.” Jesus was Alive!
“He Lives” (vs 1 & 3/chorus)
PHILIP
#795c PHILIP
Scripture Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Matthew 10:3; John 1:43-48, 6:5-7, 12:21-22, 14:8-9
Orig. 3/2/1983
Passage:
John 1:43-48, 6:5-7, 12:21-22, 14:8-9
143 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” 48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”
65 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages[a] to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”
1221 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
148 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Mark 3:18
18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot
Luke 6:14
14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew
Matthew 10:3
3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus
Timeline/Series: Personality Profiles
I. What We Know of Him
· Bethsaida—NE shore of Galilee
· Greek name reflects Hellenistic influence only
· Jesus “found” him—“what was known to Him”
· Tradition takes him to Hierapolis in Phrygia
o Faithful witness
o Sister canonized by Greek church
o Martyred
II. What John Tells Us
· John 1:43 “follow me”
o v45, Philip finds Nathaniel
o Messiah and son of Joseph
o “Come and see”
· John 6:5-7, feeding of multitude
o To Jesus, “where are we to buy bread?”
o 200 days wages won’t be enough
o “But at your word we will start”
· John 12:21-22
o Greeks, “Sir, We would see Jesus.”
o V18, Father, glorify
o V33. And I, if I be lifted up
· John 14:6-9
o I am the way
o Show us the Father
NICODEMUS
#795d NICODEMUS
Scripture John 3:1-14, 7:50-52, 19:38-40 Orig. 3/23/1983
Passage:
John 3:1-14
1Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d] 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[e] 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[f]
John 7:50-52
50 Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, 51 “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?” 52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.”
John 19:38-40
but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.[a] 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two 38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.
Timeline/Series: Personality Profiles
Introduction--What We Know of Him
· Name means “Conqueror of the people.”
· Pharisee (3:1), Sanhedrin (ruler of the people)
· Scribe or Rabbi, 3:10, 7:50
I. What We Know of Sanhedrin
· Sadducees, aristocrats—majority
· Pharisees
· Scribes—teachers (Rabbi)
II. The Measure of His Coming to Jesus
· As a private enquirer
· As a Jewish official
· He came with a culture block
· We note his timidity—3:19, "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light.”
III. An Attempt to Accept Jesus—7:32f
· Pharisees and Chief Priests sent officers, v32
· They fail, v 44
· Nicodemus defends the officers, v50
IV. An Attempt to Befriend at Jesus’ Death, 19:38-40
V. Could This Have Been “Rich Young Ruler”? Matthew 19, Mark 10, Luke 18—Probably not!
VI. Other Use of Name
· Josephus—sent to Pompey 63 BC on behalf of Aristobulus
· Talmud (Babylonian)—Nakdimore (Buni); 70 AD date raises a serious question
JOHN THE BAPTIST
#796a JOHN THE BAPTIST
Scripture Luke 1:5-15 Orig. 3/1983
Passage: 5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.
8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.
Timeline/Series: Personality Profiles
Introduction
Strange man, dress, diet, clothing; manner was abrasive and abrupt. “The Greatest Man Who Ever Took Second Place.”
I. Who He Was
· Son of a priest named Zacharias, and wife Elizabeth, Luke 1:5
· Related to Jesus through Mary/Elizabeth, Luke 1:35
· Parents were much older, v7
· His name from Gabriel means Yahweh gives grace
· To be a Nazarite, v15—refer to Numbers 15:2-8
· Little is known of childhood, 1:80
· Other traditions hold that he was reared in one of the Essene communities
II. His Preaching, Luke 3:3, Matthew 3:1
· The coming kingdom, Matthew 3:2,3
· Repentance, Luke 3:3, Matthew 3:2
· Show a change of life, Luke 3:8,10,11, Matthew 3:8
· Even the authorities interested in who [he was], John 1:19
III. Baptism Was the Result of Repentance
· Jesus was baptized, Mark 1:9
· Others as an expression of repentance
IV. Imprisoned at Fortress of Machaerus for preaching, Luke 3:19-20
· Sent his disciples to Jesus, Matthew 11:2-6 (profound), wanted some assurance—Messiah or just another John the Baptist
· Herod had him beheaded, Matthew 14:1-11
V. His Life in the Wilderness (Hebrew midhbar)—limited grazing
· Matthew 3:1, Wilderness of Judea—west of Dead Sea
· W.F. Albright, John 3:23 in Samaria
· Essenes—“adopt other men’s children”
· Priesthood—division and disunity
· Final—Matthew 21:26, Mark 11:30, Luke 20:6—the baptism of John
PETER
#796b PETER
Scripture John 1:35-42, NIV Dates unknown
Passage: 35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter[a]).
Keywords: New Testament Characters John
Timeline/Series: Personality Profiles
Introduction
I. What We Know? Much
Father: Jonah, Matthew 16:17. Brother: Andrew, John 1:40. Lived in Capernaum, Mark 1:29, had a fishing business with James and John. Was married, Matthew 8:14, Mark 1, Luke 4. She accompanied him, I Corinthians 9:5. Names: Symeon, Simon, Cephas (Aramaic), Peter.
II. Most Prominent
· Mentioned first in listings
· Most open in dialogue with Christ
· He denied, yet is commanded to shepherd, John 21:15
· Special events
o Raising of Jairus’ daughter, Mark 5:37
o Transfiguration, Matthew 17:1, others
o Gethsemane, Matthew 26:37
o Empty tomb, John 20:2
· Leadership in early church
o Proposed replacing Judas, Acts 1:15f
o Preached at Pentecost, Acts 2:14
o Healed, Acts 3:1f
o Exposed Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 1f
o Led in acceptance of Gentiles, Acts 9:33f
o Miraculous deliverance, Acts 12:17
· Bishop of Antioch? Galatians 1:18f, Paul’s rebuke
· Asia Minor—I Peter 1:1, Galatia, Pontus, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Asia
· Corinth—“Cephas” party, I Corinthians 1:12
· Babylon, I Peter 5:13; cryptic, Revelation 14:8
· Rome?—Paul doesn’t mention, nor Acts
III. Other Examples
· AD 95, Clement of Rome “died a martyr”
· AD 115, Ignatius, Peter and Paul died there
· AD 180, Irenaeus, both preached there
· Tertullian, Peter died at Nero’s hand, Quo Vadis
· Clement of Alexandria, I Peter written [in Rome]
· Catacombs/Papal pronouncements