Awake Us Now

"Prayer Power" - by Pastor Chris Dodge In a nation that is increasingly polarized and divided, the prayers of God's people are more essential than ever. The Scriptures resound with calls to prayer because God both desires and answers His children when they cry out to Him. Various forms of the word "pray/prayer" are found over 370 times in the Bible. Here are just a few examples: - Devote yourselves to prayer... (Colossians 4:2) - Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Luke 18:1) - Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17) - Pray in the Spirit on all occasions (Ephesians 6:18) - The prayer of a righteous person is powerful (Jas.5:16) An "appeal to Heaven" is more desperately needed than ever before. I encourage you to take a listen to "Prayer Power." Abundant blessings, Pastor Dodge

Who is really in charge here? Who alone can accomplish what needs to be done?

An antidote is a remedy for countering the affects of poison. Pastor shares Truth #20: "It all begins and ends in a garden," and digs into freedom, the power of Jesus, and the power of God's Word to deliver us from bondage to sin, death and the devil!

It all begins and ends in a garden. The fall into temptation, sin, and death began in the Garden of Eden with our first parents. But the antidote to the deadly poison of sin and death also took place in a garden, on the day when Jesus rose in triumph from His tomb. "At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb... they laid Jesus there." John 19:41-42

The Gospel of John Week 9 Scripture: John 5:41- 6:22.

The feeding of the 5,000 (this is 5,000 men plus all the women and children there). Speculation is that there were close to 10,000 people there and from five loaves of barley bread and two fish, Jesus multiplies the food and feeds all 10,000. And not just a small portion, but as much as they wanted!

Can you picture it? What is everyone thinking? What are they whispering to each other about this amazing miracle? Then Jesus has the leftovers gathered filling twelve baskets.

This feeding of the 5,000 happened during Passover - a time the Jewish people remember God delivering His people from captivity, feeding them manna and leading them out of captivity by tribes. 12 tribes feed manna by God and now we have twelve baskets and the people fed fish and loaves by Jesus. Jesus is providing for them just as the Heavenly Father did in the wilderness. With this being Passover - this likeness had to be obvious to them, because we read that they began to recognize that Jesus is the One Moses predicted. John 6:14 "After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." In Deuteronomy we read "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him." Deuteronomy 18:15) They thought when Messiah came He would bring them back to the glories of the time of King David and so Jesus withdraws to a mountain by Himself. "Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself." John 6:15

Pastor speculates on which mountain this may have been and shares pictures.

Later that evening the disciples went to their boat and set off into the Sea of Galilee.

Pastor then shares the discovery of a Sea of Galilee boat found in the summer of 1985. There was a drought and the Sea of Galilee had sunk to a new low and a couple brothers, amateur archeologist, went searching for items of antiquity and they found a 2,000 year old fishing boat from Jesus' day!

Our story continues with the disciples struggling against a storm and they see someone walking toward them. They do not recognize it is Jesus until He says, "I Am, don't be afraid." This is the same name God gave Moses, "I Am." Jesus is saying He is the God of the Old Testament who appeared to Moses.

When we are going through the storms of life - the person we want in the boat with us is Jesus!

The story continues with "Then immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading." What was that like!!??

The author, John, continues to emphasize who Jesus is - Jesus is the One that Moses predicted - He is the Living God who took on human flesh, gave Himself for all, and shows us all the attributes of the Divine in His life, ministry and work.

And His disciples are coming to the realization that Jesus is the One that Moses predicted! He is the only One who can deliver His people and He does only what God can do.

These stories are Real people in Real situations, in a Real boat, encountering the Real Savior! And that changes their lives forever - May it also change the lives of everyone of us!

Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com

Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper

Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

⁃ The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. ⁃ The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most "Gentile/Greek" of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before.

Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time!

"Hypocrite." This word is used a grand total of seventeen times in the entire New Testament — and Jesus is the only one who uses it. (Hint: He does not have a good opinion of hypocrites!)

The word Jesus uses is actually a technical term meaning actor. In Jesus' vocabulary, a hypocrite is one who outwardly plays the part of a religious person to perfection, while inwardly having no genuine relationship with the Living God.

Some of the toughest words Jesus ever spoke were addressed to the religious leaders of the nation of Israel. Matthew 23 records many of these scathing indictments.

It would be a mistake to assume these words only applied to people living 2,000 years ago. Religious hypocrisy is alive and well today. Matthew 23 speaks powerfully to the current religious scene in America.

Family traditions, handed down over generations—or recently established—can be a real blessing to young and old alike. They help us remember and celebrate the past and give reason to anticipate the future. On the other hand, some traditions can be spiritually deadly. Jesus highlighted the danger when He warned, "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions." (Mark 7:8) In Jesus' day many religious people went through the motions of faith without truly practicing that faith. That kind of religious traditionalism is self-centered and arrogant. It mistakes religion for a genuine faith relationship with God. It is often easier to recognize the failures of the past than to identify today's mistakes. "Traditions" applies the teachings of Jesus to our own day and calls us to a joyful relationship with the risen Jesus.

This week Pastor goes back to the beginning to explore this truth: God's Word is for my generation. Adam and Eve were real people and there is a growing body of evidence showing some astounding discoveries over recent years. This evidence points to a Brilliant Creator. Join us and be convinced of the truth of the Story of Creation.

The Gospel of John Week 8 Scripture: John 5:19-40, Revelation 20.

As we pick up our story, the religious authorities continue to question Jesus about who He says He is and about His actions and miracles. Jesus not only claims to be the Messiah, but also the God of the universe come in human flesh.

Chiastic Structure is used as a teaching method by Jesus in John 5:19-30 - a speaking structure that repeats over and again certain fundamental truths. It's a way of speaking what's spoken first and then speaking it last. It's speaking what is spoken second and repeating it second to the last and what's spoken third, speaking it again as the 3rd to the last item. A diagram of this type of speaking looks like this:

A1 verse 19 B1 Verses 20-21 C1 verses 22-23 D1 verse 24 D2 verse 25 C2 verses 26-27 B2 verses 28-29 A2 verse 30

Chiastic Structure is a complex speaking structure that Jesus uses to emphasize the seriousness of these life-changing truths.

Other items Pastor discusses: Spiritually dead vs alive in Christ

The 4 views of the millennium - Revelation 20 Historic Premillennialism Postmillennialism Amillennialism Dispensational Premillennialism Pastor focuses on the commonalities of the 4 views rather than what they don't agree on. Their commonalities are: missionary age, great tribulation, rapture, millennium, physical return of Jesus to earth, dead will be raised, new heaven and a new earth.

Pastor also explains first resurrection is when we become believers. The Bible says we go from death (not knowing God) to life (knowing God) through faith in Jesus Christ. The second resurrection is when Jesus returns and the dead are raised.

The first death is unbelief. The second death is hell itself on judgement day for those who do not repent and believe on the Son.

This teaching closes with the testimonies of Christ's identity and with an emphasis on knowing Jesus, believing in Him and having a relationship with Him.

Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com

Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper

Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01

⁃ The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. ⁃ The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most "Gentile/Greek" of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before.

Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time!

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-9, Luke 9:28-36, Psalm 104:2, John 14:8-9

Pastor's teaching on Jesus' transfiguration on a mountain top with Jesus, Peter, James, John, Elijah, Moses and the Voice of God brings this series of God's Ten Words to a conclusion. It's a surprise ending, because how could Jesus' transfiguration be remarkably connected to God's Ten Commandments, while also having a tremendous application to what we have been studying these past weeks?

When Jesus was transfigured his face glowed like the sun. The three disciples Jesus brought along are in awe and amazed. Psalm 104:2 says, "The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment;" The disciples knew the psalms well, did this verse come to mind as they saw Jesus shining so bright? They are witnessing the true revelation of who Jesus is. True God and true man - God-man who has come to deliver us all. Then suddenly Moses and Elijah appear with them as a cloud (the presence of God) comes over the entire group and they hear the Voice of God, "This is My Son who I love. With Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him." Jesus is revealed as the Son of the Living God. God in the flesh who has come to earth to deliver us all.

Why do Moses and Elijah appear? 1. Both were devout followers of God 2. Both had unique ends to their lives on earth 3. Both went to Mt. Sinai 4. Both heard God speak at Mt. Sinai 5. But neither of them saw God's face. But today, at Jesus' transfiguration Moses, Elijah, John, Peter and James all saw the face of God as revealed in the face of Jesus, the Living God. John 14: 8-9 tells us, "Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." 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'?"

Jesus revealed Himself to them. He is the Living God, the Deliverer and He alone saves and He is our only Hope because apart from Him we have nothing.

And then suddenly it is just Jesus and the 3 disciples. Jesus tells them not to tell anyone about what they have just witnessed until after His is risen from the dead.. (but they didn't understand what He was talking about or what He meant.)

In summary, The Ten Commandments are brilliant, powerful and profound instructions from God, but they can't save us - they are like a curb, a mirror and a guide but they don't save us.

In Jesus, the Messiah, are revealed grace and truth and He alone can save. He willingly went to the cross to bring us righteousness as He bore our sin on Himself..

A. W. Tozer says, "The only sin Jesus ever had was ours. The only righteousness we can ever have is His."

We are encouraged to follow the Ten Commandments, but that will never save us. There's only Jesus, the Living God, The Living Word of God, The Word that became flesh who can do that!

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words

Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwt1kzFvsbAtGq6PLMPCn65

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Exodus 20:17, Mark 7:21-23, Matthew 6:33, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 1 Timothy 6:6-10

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17

Covet - to yearn to possess or have what belongs to another. Covet - insatiable desire for more at the expense of others.

Today's tenth word is unique as it regulates thought. The other ten words all regulate behavior (e.g. have no other gods, remember the Sabbath Day, honor your parents, don't steal, don't murder).

We see in scripture how our thought-life has a huge influence on our behavior: Cain - Genesis 4 Joseph's brothers - Genesis 37 Korah - Numbers 16 David - 2 Samuel 11 Ghazi - 2 Kings 5 We see in the Bible that our thought-life greatly controls our behavior, actions and even our futures. As the mind thinks - so we behave.

Pathology Envy Jealousy Dishonesty Relationships Dissatisfaction Focus Mental health Financial issues

Where does coveting come from? Mark 7:21-23 tells us, "For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person." (ESV) Jesus is calling us to realize our thought-life matters!

How do we stop coveting? 1. Christ - we need to look to Jesus and remember that He died on the cross and rose for us. Matthew 6:33 tells us to rely on Him and 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2. Contentment - while in this fallen world, we still know what the future holds: life forever with God. This is where our containment is found - in the promise of our future with Him. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 "But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 3. Celebration - celebrate what we have. In Philippians 4:4-7 we are told, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Celebrate the good things of God and have a thankful hearts.

God's 10 Words are still powerful words today. He gives them to us to: 1. Protect us - keep us on His path 2. Reveal our sin - so that we come to Him 3. Give us direction - that guides our lives and shows us how to live

When we take to heart God's Ten Words - that brings blessings to us as believers AND blessings to the world.

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out the video from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/ten-words

Check out the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwt1kzFvsbAtGq6PLMPCn65

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.