Mark 4:1-9, 4:13-20

I.   Introduction: Soul Soil

II.  Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed (Mark 4:1-9 & 4:13-20)

III. Different Soil Types and Their Meanings

IV. Our Good Farmer/Father

V.  Good Soil and Good Souls Take Work

Matthew 25:1-13

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Historical context of first century weddings in Israel:

Stage 1: Engagement – often arranged at a young age

Stage 2: Betrothal – public exchanging of vows that occurred as the couple approached marriageable age, accompanied with exchanging of gifts, could occur one year prior to the wedding feast, required a divorce to annul the betrothal

Stage 3: Wedding Feast – Officially consummated the marriage, couple would live together after this time, lasted several days to a week, bridegroom would be greeted by bridesmaids and guided to the wedding feast, often started at night

Source: And Jesus Said: A Handbook of the Parables of Jesus by William Barclay

Important Symbols:

Important Lessons from the Parable

1. The Lord may delay in his second coming. 2 Peter 3:1-4, 8

2. Daily rhythms will continue while we wait the second coming of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12

3. The form of religion and participation in a visible religious institution does not guarantee that one is a follower of Christ and ready for the return of Christ. 2 Corinthians 13:5, Revelation 3:1-4,

4. Self-improvement apart from the Spirit-filled work of God does not prepare one for the return of Christ. Colossians 2:20-23, Galatians 5:1-4,

5. Genuine, living faith cannot be transferred from one person to another. John 3:16-18, Romans 10:9-14,

6. Knowing Jesus is the only way to be ready for his coming. Matthew 24:11-13, Matthew 7:21-23,

How can we know if we truly know Jesus and are ready for his return? 1. Do I abide in Christ? John 15:4-6

2. Do I have an earnest desire to follow God’s commands? Am I grieved by my sin? John 14:15, Luke 9:26, 1 John 1:8-10

3. Does my life show evidence of spiritual fruit? Luke 6:43-45, Galatians 5:22-24,

4. Does my life show evidence of sanctification and spiritual growth over the long-term? Colossians 2:6-7, Philippians 1:6

5. Do I have a desire to see others follow Jesus? Am I taking steps based on that desire? Matthew 13:23

What Should We Do?

1. If you know that you do not know Jesus: Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Acts 2:37-38

2. If you are not sure if you know Jesus: Honestly test your faith. 2 Corinthians 13:5

3. If you are sure that you do know Jesus:

Rest in the assurance of salvation for those who believe. 1 John 5:13, Romans 8:31-39

Seek to know Christ more. Philippians 3:10-14

Revelation 5:5

1. Lamb vs. Lion

a. Lamb of God

i. ‘The animal you select must be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no defects. ‘ Exodus 12:5

b. Lion

i. Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.” ‘ Revelation 5:5

2. King Jesus

a. Revelation 1:12-18

b. Revelation 19:11-16

3. Invitation : interact with Jesus as KING

4. What does this mean?

a. How you view Jesus (lion/lamb/King)

i. They all matter

b. How you view yourself

i. A Christian?

5. Story of Gideon, Judges 6:1-16

3 types of soldiers

1. Timid and afraid

2. Drank water directly from the stream

3. The final 300 –

The results? All of Israel received the reward

What did the first two groups miss? Judges 7:12-22 (Israel wins!)

They missed being intimately involved in what God was doing and they missed seeing with their own eyes the glory and power of God.

The Invitation: Interact with Jesus as king and to be like the 300

What do you value most?

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” ‘ Deuteronomy 31:6

The Invitation: The Holy Spirit is asking you today?

Will you accept my invitation, even if it means prison? (your perspective/posture)

Will you pray & read the Word more, interacting with Jesus the King (your time)

Will you worship Jesus as King? (your body, mind, will, emotions)

What do I do?

The Parable of the Vineyard Worker

Matthew 20:1-16

Big Idea: Grace is not about fairness. It’s about God being gracious to us when we believe in Him. Through that grace, He provides every person what they need for each day.

What is grace? Getting something good that we don’t deserve.

What is fairness? Impartial and just treatment or behavior without favoritism or discrimination

The 5 W’s and the H

Who is Jesus speaking to? The disciples

Who are the people in the story? The landowner and the workers

What was a full day’s wage?

A denarius was the payment for a full day’s labor for a skilled laborer or soldier.

The denarius was the standard Roman silver coin. It was used for centuries for everyday transactions, trade, and taxation.

When does the story take place? During one full day from early morning to evening (most likely sunrise to sunset – 6 AM – 6 PM). Probably during the late summer during the harvest time.

Where does the story take place? The vineyard and the marketplace

We are going to figure out the why and the How by looking at the what together.

Why is Jesus telling us this story?

How can we relate it to our lives today?

Let’s go back and look at what is happening together.

Matthew 20:1

Jesus is revealing that the Kingdom of Heaven starts here on earth.

How we live, what we do with our time, how we treat others, all of that matters.

Matthew 20:2

Jesus is starting to reveal the character of God which gives us an example of how to live

1. God is trustworthy

The landowner agreed to pay a normal daily wage and that’s exactly what he did (Matthew 20:2, 9)

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (Numbers 23:19)

2. God pursues us – He desires to be in relationship with us (Luke 15:4-7)

The landowner is going to the marketplace to find workers to help with the harvest (Matthew 20:3-7)

We are like those workers. While we are waiting around in the world (the marketplace) in our sin, God pursues us. He wants to bring us into the vineyard, the Kingdom of Heaven if you will, into a relationship with Him.

There’s an urgency because God knows the harvest (our time here on earth) is short compared to eternity.

3. God provides for us

It’s important to note that the workers were paid in the evening at the end of the day.  They didn’t have to wait till the end of the week to get paid.

a. In the evening, the landowner told the foreman to call the workers in to be paid (Matthew 20:8)

It was a law that day laborers would get paid at the end of each day. (Deuteronomy 24:14)

b. They each earned a full day’s wage. (Matthew 20:9-10)

We can also relate this back to the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

“Give us this day our daily bread” (KJV)

This prayer is a collective us. When we pray, we ask God to give us; everyone; all people what they need for each day.

That’s how daily bread works – like manna from Heaven.

4. God is gracious to us when we don’t deserve it

The workers protested because they were jealous that the workers that came last got paid the same as they did when they had been there all day. (Matthew 20:9-12)

Jealousy is a sin that leads to other sins (anger, bitterness, resentment, coveting) (Proverbs 6:34)

a. We all sin – A sin is a sin; no matter the depth of that sin. Sin separates us from God.

We all sin, BUT GOD

Romans 5:8 But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

God knew we would sin. In his grace, He had a plan to restore our relationship with Him.

James 2:10 – For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.

(Pastor Rebecca shared this when she preached about covenant relationships)

Despite our sin,

b. We all have access to God’s grace when we believe in Jesus

The landowner paid each worker what he promised.

Everyone that accepted the invitation to work was paid the same.

He didn’t show favoritism to the workers that accepted the invitation first.

When we believe in Jesus (accept the invitation), admit we have sinned, ask for forgiveness, and turn away from that sin, God is quick and gracious to forgive us. Even if it’s in the last hour of our life because He loves us and desires to have a relationship with us.

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (1 John 1:9)

Romans 3:22-25

God doesn’t pick and choose who He’s going to forgive.

He doesn’t have favorites.

Everyone who believes in Jesus is welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven

Regardless of our past sins

Regardless of when we accept the invitation (early in life or late in life)

5. God elevates us to “friend” status, when we believe in Jesus

“Friend, I haven’t been unfair” (Matthew 20:13)

John 15:12-17

How we live our lives here and now in this short time we have on earth matters.

Are we living our lives as a reflection of the character of God?

The landowner chose the workers to help bring in the harvest.

God chose us, He created us to be in relationship with Him.

God also called us to love others and share the gift of salvation with others.

God is calling us into action. To go into the world and be the example that Jesus was to others.

To love people the way Jesus did so that we can produce lasting fruit – a harvest of Jesus followers that will secure their seat at the table in Heaven for eternity.

6. God is sovereign

The landowner said, “Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money?”

God is the landowner. He created the world and everything on and in the earth.

Shouldn’t He get to decide who is deserving of grace?

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36)

If we look past the parable in Matthew 20:17-28

Jesus is predicting His death and teaching the disciples about serving others.

The mother of James and John asks her to let her two sons sit on his right and left in the places of honor in Heaven.

Jesus responds in Matthew 20:23

Jesus is confirming that we will experience challenges in this life because of our faith (“you will indeed drink from my bitter cup”)

Jesus is also declaring that God is sovereign (“I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My father has prepared those places..”

7. The Kingdom of Heaven operates on different principles than the world does

In the world, in our human ness we feel like we are more deserving if we work more hours than someone else or if we have done more good things than someone else.

In the Kingdom of Heaven, worldly achievements and success don’t matter. What matters is our humility, how we serve others, and how we love God and love people

God rewards us not on human merit but on His own sovereign will. He predestined each of us to receive salvation and all of the blessings that come with that free gift (Ephesians 1:11)

The landowner told the foreman to call the workers in to pay them beginning with the last workers first (Matthew 20:8). At the end of the parable, it reiterates that the first will be last and the last will be first (Matthew 20:16)

When something is repeated, we know we need to pay extra attention to it, right?

It doesn’t matter if we come to faith when we are 3 years old, 103 years old, or today years old.

It doesn’t matter if our sins feel bigger or heavier than someone else’s.

We all have the same opportunity to receive salvation by believing in Jesus

God in His sovereignty makes all things new.

All we need to do is accept His invitation.

Because of Jesus, we have more than we deserve.

Quote by Timothy Keller, a presbyterian preacher

“Jesus Christ was treated as we deserved so that when we believe in Jesus, God treats us as Jesus deserves.”

This parable is a beautiful picture of not only how we should treat each other here in this short time on earth but also a little glimpse of what Heaven is like.

It will be a place where everyone will have exactly what they need for each day.

A place that is filled with the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

We can choose to live our lives doing what the world does by feeling like we are owed something or deserve more

OR

We can choose to live our lives with humility, serving others, loving God and people, and following the example of Jesus walking in His character and grace.

Titus 2:11-14

Closing

What should we do next?

How can we apply this to our lives today?

1. We can accept God’s free gift of grace by believing in Jesus

2. We can live out of thankfulness because of that gift

3. We can share that free gift with others by living like Jesus

Being trustworthy, Being kind, Being grateful (not envious)

Being compassionate, Being gracious (forgiving) Living our lives as an example of God’s love; reflecting His character and His heart for humanity.

Maybe we are like those workers that came early in the morning and we have been trying to follow Jesus for a long time.

Maybe we are like the workers that came at the end of the day, and we are just starting to figure who God is.

What matters the most isn’t how many hours we’ve put in or who has followed Jesus longer or who has sinned less.

The thing that matters the most is whether or not we accept the invitation. Whether or not we choose to receive God’s free gift of salvation.

Big idea: Grace is not about fairness. It’s about God being gracious to us when we believe in Him. Through that grace, He provides each of us what we need every day.

God is a good and gracious father more than a fair father.

There is no sin too big, nothing we have done that God’s grace doesn’t cover.

Matthew 6:33

PREVIEWING our series on the KINGDOM of Heaven

You’ll have questions.  You may not have all of the answers, but you’re going to get some. That’s a good thing! This is about seeking! This is about learning! This is about pursuing!

After this preview, you may have MORE questions, but let’s start by explaining the structure.  We’ll talk about tensions, and then refer to truth:

First tension:

What do I need to own, or whom must I defeat, in order to live another day?

First truth: Matthew 6:33

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Jesus is King (see: last two Sunday messages), but not everyone acknowledges Him as King here on this earth (right now)

Revelation 19:16

Two things are fighting it out ? Some people are focused on what I need to own, whom I must defeat, how do I survive.  Others are focused on the Kingdom of Heaven and living righteously.

This discord is often not like a clash of sword and steel. It’s a difference in perspective.

Do you recognize Jesus as King?  Or are you just living amongst those who do?

The parables Jesus shared sometimes had some harsh realities tied to them.  Some seem unfair, others seem too harsh, some seem improbable, others are hard to understand. But they all rely on us accepting Jesus as King to truly understand.

What does it mean to Seek the Kingdom of God? Put the Kingdom of God above all else?

Second Tension:

You do you!

You really need to worry about yourself first.

Do what’s best for you (and your family).

Second Truth: Matthew 6: 9-10

Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.  May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Priority number one is God’s will (Your Kingdom come, your will be done)

What does it mean to live righteously? What is the difference between living righteously and seeking His Kingdom?

Third Tension:

Living Righteously according to who?

Third Truth:

Matthew 5:21-48

Basic:

Don’t be angry with someone.  Don’t call someone an idiot. Don’t curse someone. Settle your differences quickly.  Don’t look with lust. Don’t make empty promises.  Just say, I will or I won’t.

Advanced:

Someone slaps you, offer the other cheek. If you are sued and they take your shirt, give them your coat. Someone demands that you carry his gear: carry it two miles. Give to those who ask and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.  Love your enemies.

Expert:

Be perfect, as your father in heaven is perfect.

The standard is impossible, but it is still the standard.

What does he mean by: “He will give you everything you need” or “All these things will be added to you?”

Fourth Tension:

Jesus did not seem to have a very enjoyable life.  He wasn’t rich, he died young, was tortured and shunned, only knew like 12 people or so, and was way too popular for my liking.  Who could stand having people follow you around all the time???

Fourth Truth:

“Many of us will experience the pain of unmet needs in this life. We may not have the food, medicine, or other provisions we need to survive, even if we faithfully follow Jesus to the end. We may live with justice for all and still receive oppression in return. Some of us will be hurt and have no one to tend to our needs. Jesus’ life and words speak to this reality as well. He himself experienced betrayal, poverty, hunger, and violence as he lived in the ways of God’s Kingdom. But he never felt insecure.” (The Bible Project)

CONCLUSION:

This verse is about VALUE:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

What do you care about?

What does Jesus care about?

Where do these two things align?

Sources:

https://bibleproject.com/articles/what-matthew-6-33-seek-first-the-kingdom-of-god-means/

Revelation 1:5-6

What kind of king is Jesus? How did Jesus present himself? How did people respond? Matthew 1:1, 2:2; 21:1-5; 27:11, 29, 37 Zechariah 9:9-10

John Newton said, “Thou art coming to a king, large petitions with you bring, for his grace and power are such, none can ever ask too much.”

Ephesians 1:19-23

What should we do? Treat Jesus as King of thoughts.

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” – 2 Corinthians 12:5 ESV

Hebrews 9:15

“Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.” – Hebrews 9:15  ESV

List of Covenants

Between the Edenic Covenant and the New Covenant there was a continual cycle that happened between God and those he made covenants with: Covenant, Probation, Failure, and Judgement

By the time Jesus came the leaders of the Jewish nation had perverted and twisted the Mosaic Covenant by their traditions (Mark 7:1-15). They had become spiritually proud of their choice under the Abrahamic Covenant. They were characterized by hypocrisy, arrogance and lack of any spiritual perception.

Words

Matthew 5:3-12

Vs. 3-Blessed are those who are poor and realize their need for him,  for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

Vs. 4- Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Vs. 5-Blessed are those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

Vs. 6-God blesses those who hunger & thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

Vs. 7-Blessed are those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Vs. 8-Blessed are those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

Vs. 9-Blessed are those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

Vs. 10-Blessed are those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

Vs. 11-12, Blessed are you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Blessings of Atonement

Also: Blessing of Eternal life and Cursing of Eternal Damnation

1.       Repentance of Sin evidenced by genuine sorrow and change.

2.       Love – ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37

3.       Faith (The whole book of Hebrews:)

4.       Obedience –  John 14:15 ”If you love me, keep my commandments.”

Hebrews 5:8-9 ‘Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. ‘

Ezekiel 36:26-27 ‘And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.’

Oath of the Covenant

‘Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.’

Blood – Christ’s Blood

Occurrence | Elements of Power

Ephesians 1:13-14 ‘And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you The Holy Spirit, whom He promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee (seal) that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. ‘

Jesus fulfills and is the New Covenant!

Covenant Purpose

The Everlasting Covenant is the purpose of God designed before the foundation of the earth

What do I do?

Revelation 1:18 I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

Philippians 2:6-11 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

He has risen as he said!

Amos 3:3

1.     Covenants are the framework for understanding God’s dealings with man.

2.    The Covenants are the basis to understanding the Bible.

3.    There is an attack on covenant truth in society today.

4.    Our lives are determined by covenants and our response to them.

Core Details

What is a covenant?

Between people

Between God and people

Amos 3:3 – ‘Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? ‘

Covenant is commitment and agreement

Who Originated the covenants? God

God is a:

How a covenant works:

A treaty is only valid when there are guidelines which give the boundaries and the parameters for that agreement.

The keeping of covenants is only possible when there is relationship between the two parties.

Must be a balance of commitment and relationship/friendship

People who only take the commitment side become legalistic and people who only take the friendship side refuse to listen to the law. (we tend to gravitate to one side or the other)

A balance of Commitment & Relationship brings comfort

A covenant helps to define more clearly the nature and extent of the relationship between the different parties.

Dependent on communication, otherwise, one or both sides can take things for granted

Parts of a Covenant

“God has given us the ability to choose, but He has never given us the right to choose evil”

1st Covenant in the Bible: Edenic Covenant

Words

Promise of Blessing

No matter what I break, I’m violating the will of the Father

Blood

Seal

The Choice

Obedience or disobedience

Summary

This covenant stands unique as it is the only covenant made with man before the entrance of sin. It declared God’s creative purpose from man including covenantal relationship, character, dominion, fruitfulness and eternal life upon obedience and faith. The fall of  man necessitated the revelation of the redemptive covenants to bring this covenant to fulfilment. This was particularly made possible by the New covenant, which restores to man all that was lost in the Edenic covenant.

Thread that is present throughout the Bible – God wants to reconcile Himself to sinners, we can live at peace with God.

So what do I do?

Romans 4:24-25

Jesus was raised from the dead to save us (for our atonement).

·       What is the importance of the resurrection of Jesus?

·       Why was the resurrection of Jesus necessary?

·       What are the evidences of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead?

“It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” – Romans 4:24-25  ESV   “It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.” – Romans 4:24-25  NLT

What is the importance of the resurrection of Jesus?

1.     Essential element of Jesus Christ’s identity as Savior, Lord, and victorious King – Romans 4:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15

2.     Foundational to all Christian faith – 1 Corinthians 15

1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-28  NLT

Without the resurrection of Jesus, we are still guilty in our sins with no hope of forgiveness or eternal life. Jesus must then be a liar or lunatic. The resurrection of Jesus is most important.

3.     The number of more than 100 New Testament references indicates its importance – Romans 4:25; 5:10

4.     Peter emphasizes the resurrection – Acts 1:22; 2:24, 32

5.     Paul emphasizes the resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15; Acts 13:30, 34; 17:31

Why was the resurrection of Jesus necessary?

1.     Fulfills Jesus’ predictions, authenticates his identity, and confirms his purpose – Matthew 16:21; 17:22, 23; 27:63; John 10:17-18; 2:19

2.     Fulfills the plan of atonement and redemption – John 11:23-27; 1 Corinthians 15: 1, 4, 14, 17-22

3.     Fulfills Old Testament prophecies – Isaiah 53:10; Psalms 16:10

What are the evidences of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead?

Matthew 28:1-10  NLT

Acts 1:3  NLT

1.      There were many witnesses – Matthew 28:1-10, 16; Acts 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:5-6

2.      The missing body – Matthew 28:1-6

3.      The empty tomb – Matthew 28:1-6

4.      The stone rolled away – Matthew 28:1-6

5.      The broken Roman seal – Matthew 27:66-28:6

6.      The empty grave clothes – John 20:2, 7

7.      The surprised guard – Matthew 28:2-4

8.      The transformed disciples – Matthew 28; Acts 1-5

9.      The Christian Church – Acts 1-6

10.   The books of the New Testament

11.   External documentary evidence

“God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” – Romans 5:8-11  NLT

What do we learn?

1.     God has shown us his love through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

2.     God atoned our sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

3.     Through his resurrection Jesus Christ has shown power over sin and death.

What should we do?

1.     Receive atonement, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus Christ.

2.     Daily choose gratitude for our salvation.

3.     Share the Good News of Jesus with those around you.

Bible study notes from Ken Malmin of Portland Bible College