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A Blessed Christmas (Luke 11:14-28)

 

[14] Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. [15] But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” [16] while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. [17] But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. [18] And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. [19] And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. [20] But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. [21] When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; [22] but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. [23] Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. [24] “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ [25] And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. [26] Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.” [27] As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” [28] But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

1. The goal of beelzebul’s Christmas “holiday” carols is to keep you from talking to God, listening to God, and obeying God in the midst of this invisible war you are in.

2. The goal of beelzebul’s narrative tales and network news feeds is to make you think less about Jesus and even negatively about Jesus, so that you listen to his lies and do what he wants you to do in the midst of this invisible war.

3. The goal of beelzebul’s world religions and spiritualities is to blind you to Christ through moral reform and good behavior, or to give you an excuse for moral corruption and evil behavior in this invisible war you are in.

4. The goal of beelzebul’s marketing strategy is to neutralize and sentimentalize the realities of truth and lies, darkness and light, God and satan, heaven and hell in the midst of this invisible war you are in.

Bottom Line: Jesus wants us to experience the full victorious blessing of hearing the Word of God and doing what it says. Will you take advantage of that blessing this Christmas, and this next year?

*Additional Application: In 2017 we will be reading through the Bible together as a church! Will you prayerfully consider joining us, encouraging your family to take this journey, and inviting others to join with us? For more information and resources please see the handout that will be passed out the next few weeks, and also see our website at: http://christfellowshipgadsden.com/readingplan/

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Father Christmas: Where Do You Take Your Christmas Wish List?

(Luke 11:5-13)

Dr. Deric Thomas

[5] And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, [6] for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; [7] and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? [8] I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. [9] And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. [11] What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; [12] or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” [Luke 11:5-13]

1. Knowing God as Father is better than friendship (Father Friendship).

2. Our Heavenly Father loves for us to come to Him regularly with impudent, shameless, bold, and persistent asking, seeking, and knocking (Father Faith).

3. The Father delights in providing for our needs, and you are never a bother or annoyance to Him (Father Full).

4. Go to the Father first, before you go to any people, and then go to people if He leads you to them (Father First).

Bottom Line: The Father gave the Christ what we deserve so that we could get what the Son deserves (Fellowship with Father Christmas, Jesus Christ, & The Holy Spirit)

[2] …You do not have, because you do not ask. [3] You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. [James 4:2-3]

[7] “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. [9] Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? [10] Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? [11] If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! [Matt. 7:7-11]

[41] …he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, [42] saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” [Luke 22:41-42]

[46] And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” [Matt. 27:46]

 

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From: Jesus To: You… Learning to Pray (Luke 11:1-4)

Dr. Deric Thomas

[1] Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” [2] And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. [3] Give us each day our daily bread, [4] and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”

1. Talk to God personally, intimately, warmly, lovingly, as His children, as Father (Abba), through Jesus Christ.

2. Talk to God reverently, respectfully, and with honor since He is holy, set apart, and your awesome Creator.

3. Ask your holy Father for your basic everyday physical, spiritual, and relational needs because He wants you to look to Him for everything, and delights in providing for you.

4. Joyfully ask for and submit to God’s loving leadership in your life through daily prayerful dependance.

5. Use “The Lord’s Prayer” as a model, a framework, a basic outline for your personal prayer life, and as you teach others to pray.

[9] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. [10] Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread, [12] and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [14] For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, [15] but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. [Matt. 6:9-15]

[18] Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. [19] He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. [Micah 7:18-19]

 

 

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Having a “Mary” Christmas in a Martha World (Luke 10:38-42)

Dr. Deric Thomas

[38] Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. [39] And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. [40] But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” [41] But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, [42] but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

1. Our work for God should flow from our worship of God.

2. Only our devotion to Christ will prevent us from being distracted at Christmas (and beyond).

3. We need a Mary heart that leads to Martha hands (Mary 1st, Martha 2nd).

4. The most important part of the Christian life is the part that only God sees.

Bottom Line: Having a “Mary” Christmas in a Martha World takes: Priority, necessity, focus, intentionality, grace… Jesus.

[5] The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. [Psalm 16:5]

[4] One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. [Psalm 27:4]

[13] …seek to show hospitality. [Rom 12:13]

[9] Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. [1Pet 4:9]

[2] Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. [Heb 13:2]

[2] Therefore an overseer must be… hospitable… [1Tim 3:2]

[10] …if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints… [1Tim 5:10]

[4] …”‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” [Matt 4:4]

[32] …Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” [John 11:32]

[3] Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair… [John 12:3]

[2] It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. [Psa 127:2]

[14] …as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. [Luke 8:14]

[5] …The Lord is at hand; [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Phil 4:5-7]

[31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. [Matt 6:31-33]

[5] I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. [John 15:5]

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Christ, Compassion, and Care In Our Community (Luke 10:21-37)

Dr. Deric Thomas and Daniel Sheshi

[21] In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. [22] All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” [23] Then turning to the disciples he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! [24] For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” [25] And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [26] He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” [27] And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” [28] And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” [29] But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” [30] Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. [31] Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. [32] So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. [34] He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. [35] And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ [36] Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” [37] He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

1. A heart of true joy and thankfulness can only come through the Holy Spirit as we realize God’s grace toward us in Christ, and as we begin to live the life He has called us to by His leading and power (21).

2. God graciously reveals Himself and His ways to the humble of heart, those with childlike faith (21-24).

3. No one can attain eternal life through the keeping of God’s law perfectly. Salvation is found in Christ alone; the law giver and law keeper (25-37).

4. Through Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, and out of the overflow of our growing love for the Father, we will love the people of the world in maturing ways as we grow as Christians (25-37).

Bottom Line: Will you begin praying even more fervently for ways we can share Christ, and show His compassion and care in our community as a church, as families, and as individuals?

[10] For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” [11] Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” [12] But the law is not of faith,

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Harvest Fields and Heaven’s Joys (Luke 10:1-20)

Dr. Deric Thomas

[1] After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. [2] And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. [3] Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. [4] Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. [5] Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ [6] And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. [7] And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. [8] Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. [9] Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ [10] But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, [11] ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ [12] I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. [13] “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. [14] But it will be more bearable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. [15] And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades. [16] “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” [17] The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” [18] And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. [19] Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. [20] Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

* Ministry success (faithfulness and fruitfulness) is dependent on God’s appointing and anointing (1).

* Ministry partnership is key to long term health and growth (1).

* Will you join me in praying each day for God to raise up laborers for the harvest (2)?

* Are you willing to take earthly risks for the sake of heavenly rewards (3)?

* Will you live in light of the urgency of eternity and the urgency of the mission (4, 13-20)?

* Will you be a person who helps others find true peace with God (5)?

* Will you devote yourself to King Jesus and the spreading of His Kingdom (7-12)?

* You have been given authority over all the power of the enemy, and better yet, you have been given eternal life with God forever (13-20).

Bottom Line: Give yourself to the “Harvest Fields” as you look forward to “Heaven’s Joys.”

[20] Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. [2Cor 5:20]

[18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold,

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Living With Purpose in a Time of War (Luke 9:51-62)

Dr. Deric Thomas

[51] When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. [52] And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. [53] But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. [54] And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” [55] But he turned and rebuked them. [56] And they went on to another village. [57] As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” [58] And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” [59] To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” [60] And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” [61] Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” [62] Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

1. God created you for an Eternal Kingdom purpose (vs 51).

* God designed you to fulfill His purpose for your life with passion and focus (vs 51).

* It’s not about your acceptance, but God’s, not your kingdom, but God’s, and not your glory, but God’s (vs 52-55).

* Following King Jesus as our supreme monarch is how we know and fulfill our Kingdom purpose (vs 56-62).

* Will you choose comfort or a cross, maintenance or mission, a wartime mentality or peacetime complacency (vs56-62)?

[6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. [Isa 9:6-7]

[15] Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world–the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life–is not from the Father but is from the world. [17] And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. [1Jn 2:15-17]

[36] For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, [37] but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. [Acts 13:36-37]

[4] Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. [5] Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. [6] And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. [7] For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. [8] So there was much joy in that city. … [14] Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, [15] who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, [16] for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jes...

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Glory, Greatness, and Getting Things Done (Luke 9:37-50)

Dr. Deric Thomas & Michael Holt

[37] On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. [38] And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. [39] And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. [40] And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” [41] Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” [42] While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. [43] And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, [44] “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” [45] But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying. [46] An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. [47] But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side [48] and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

[49] John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” [50] But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”

Children in the Big Picture of the Gospel

1. In light of Creation, every child is a    gift    from God.

2. In light of the Fall, every child is a    sinner   

3. In light of Redemption, every child needs a     savior   .

4. In light of Restoration, every child is    forever   .

The Core Identity of Children in Relationship to the Church

Every child is a potential or actual —-    brother     or    sister   in Christ.

Ways to Serve

I. In Christ Fellowship

1. Trunk or Treat (Tomorrow)

2. Sunday Mornings: Transportation (Driving or Riding), Food, Prayer, Teaching

3. Wednesday Evenings (Future Vision): Music, Teaching, Food, Prayer, Transportation (Driving or Riding)

4. Sunday Morning Worship: Displaying for children what it means to worship God corporately and receive His Word.

5. Vacation Bible School (VBS)

II. In the City

1. Summer Missions with the EBA

2. Integrity Time at Southside Elementary (Molly)

3. After School Programs

4. Breakaway Ministries

III. Around the World

1. Compassion International

2. The International Mission Board

3. Short Term Mission Trips

[14] And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. [15] And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. [16] And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” [17] And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. [18] And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down,

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Christianity According to Jesus (Luke 9:23-36)

Dr. Deric Thomas

[23] And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. [25] For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? [26] For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. [27] But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” [28] Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. [29] And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. [30] And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, [31] who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. [32] Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. [33] And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”–not knowing what he said. [34] As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. [35] And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” [36] And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

1. Our sinful and selfish “self” must be denied so that the holy and loving Savior can be submitted to as our King (vs. 23).

2. Our personal passions, purposes, and plans must be crucified so that we can live for those of our heavenly Father (vs. 23). 3. We are no longer led ultimately by ourselves or others, but by Jesus (vs. 23).

4. Our lives are lived for Christ because He is our treasure and delight (vs. 24).

5. We are unashamed witnesses to our glorious King Jesus and His perfect kingdom (vs. 26-35).

*Bottom Line: Are you really a Christian, or have you been sold a lie?

[25] Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, [26] “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. [27] Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. … [33] So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. [Luke 14:25-27, 33]

[34] “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. [35] For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. [36] And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. [37] Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. [38] And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. [Matt 10:34-38]

[38] For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” [Mr 8:38]

[2] …he was transfigured before them,

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Why Jesus Wouldn’t Run For President of the United States… Even If We Wanted Him To

(Luke 9:7-22)

Dr. Deric Thomas

[7] Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, [8] by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. [9] Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him. [10] On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. [11] When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. [12] Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.” [13] But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish–unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” [14] For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” [15] And they did so, and had them all sit down. [16] And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. [17] And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. [18] Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” [19] And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” [20] Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” [21] And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, [22] saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” [Luk 9:7-22 ESV]

Jesus wouldn’t run for President of the United States… Even if we wanted Him to because…

1. The presidency of the U.S. is to small of an office.

2. The presidency of the U.S. is to temporary of an office.

3. Most Americans would want Him to be President for the wrong reasons because they don’t understand who He really is.

4. President is an important office, but it is not as important as most people think.

5. A president or a government can’t save us.

[31] …some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” [Luke 13:31]

[9] So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. … [11] And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. [Luke 23:9, 11]

[15] Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself…

[24] So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. [25] When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” [26] Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you,