• Genesis 2:7

• Isaiah 49:14-15

• Matthew 28:20

• Isaiah 66:13

• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

• Hosea 13:8

• Luke 13:34

• Matthew 9:36

Easter Sunday

Dave Riddle - 4/12/20

Key Passage: John 20:1-29

I am saved from the darkness of confusion and enter into the light of a new calling

• John 20:14-18

I am saved from the darkness of fear and enter into the light of a new presence and peace

• John 20:19-22

• John 16:33

I am saved from the darkness of doubt and enter into the light of a new beginning. 

• John 20:24-29

You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9, NLT) 

What is Christ’s Kingdom?

Dave Riddle - 4/5/20

Key Passage: John 18:33-36

Jesus’ Kingdom is…

Present

Matthew 4:17 at hand

Mark 1:15
near

Luke 17:20-21
In your midst

Matthew 28:20
With you always…

A Gift
John 3:3 

Power

Luke 1:35
His life began in power

Power = dynamis (δύναμις)

Romans 8:11 The Holy Spirit

Problems

Isaiah 53:3
He experienced the full gamut of what it means to be human.

Matthew 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven…

John 16:33
in this world you will have trouble…

Purpose

To proclaim the kingdom!

Matthew 4:23t
eaching, preaching the good news, and healing.

Mark 1:15, Mark 9:35, Luke 4:43

Perfection

Hebrew 4:15
He was tempted in all ways and yet He was sinless.

Matthew 4:48
Our calling as well
Hebrews 12:2

Revelation 21:3-5a
Perfect relationship
All things made perfectly new.

The Recipe for Spiritual Unity

Dave Riddle - 3/29/20

Key Passage: Philippians 2:1-4

Our Motivation for Spiritual Unity (Philippians 2:1)

Encouragement in Christ Encouragement = paraklēsis (παράκλησις)Coming alongside someone to give them assistance, comfort, or console.

Consolation of Love Consolation = paramythion (παραμύθιον)Speaking closely with someone. Giving comfort and solace. The word used for a mother who holds and comforts a crying child.

Fellowship With The Spirit Fellowship = koinōnia (κοινωνία)a partnership. invested in a shared relationship. Implies a commitment. A word of deep intimacy.

Affection and Mercy Affection = splagchnon (σπλάγχνον)Referring to one’s deep emotions. A heart of affection and tender mercy. Mercy = oiktirmos (οἰκτιρμοί)emotions, longings, pity

The Posture of Unity (Philippians 2:1-2)

Thinking the Same Way Fully alignedLikemindedHaving a common understanding

Having the Same Love To love others equally.Characterized by our love for one another.1 John 3:14

United in Spirit The only occurrence of this word in the New Testament.Living harmoniously. United in SpiritBeing in full accord.living in selfless harmony with others.

Intent on One Purpose Similar to “Thinking the Same Way”“One-minded”emphasizing our pursuit or intentions.

These four principles are complementary and inseparable.

How Spiritual Unity is Lived Out (Philippians 2:3-4)

In Humility In Humility =  tapeinophrosynē (ταπεινοφροσύνῃ)Having a humble opinion of one's self1 Corinthians 10:241 Corinthians 13:5Leviticus 19:18Mark 10:45

Hope in the Midst of Fear

Dave Riddle - 3/15/20

Key Passage: 2 Corinthians 1:4

Life can be difficult, Uncertain, Painful and Scary

John 16:33 - we will have trouble

Matthew 6:34 - Don’t worry about tomorrow… each day has enough trouble of its own.

Our God is Lord of All

Isaiah 46:10

He is present in our struggle

Emmanuel: God with us.

2 Corinthians 1:4 - He’s the one who comforts us in all our trouble…

There is hope beyond the struggle

John 16:33 - In this world you will have trouble… I have overcome the world.

Seize This Opportunity!

Trust in GodPsalm 56:3 - When I am afraid, I will trust in you.John 14:1  - Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

Grow in your faithJames 1:2 - Consider it pure joy when you face trials… because the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 1 Peter 1:3-7

Be there for one another2 Corinthians 1:4 - Comfort those in trouble with the comfort we have received from God.

Show God’s LoveMatthew 5:13 - Salt and lightMatthew 22:39 - Love your neighbor as yourself.