friendly connection

God had spoken through countless prophets. God had spoken through angels. God had been the “handwriting on the wall” (Daniel 5); God had once spoken a warning through a donkey (Numbers 22:21-39). God had spoken from the Ark of the Covenant to a boy named Samual (1 Samuel 3). Still, for the first time in human history, since the fall, God spoke face-to-face with humanity through His dear Son, Jesus, The Christ.

Main Text: Hebrews 1:1-7 (ESV)

We do not know who wrote the book of Hebrews; however, God has always used humans to write His thoughts, and no group of human writers could write with such clarity, comprising 66 books over approximately 1,500 years without divine guidance. Thus, God is the actual author of Hebrews.

Main Text: Hebrews 1:1-7 (ESV)

1) Jesus Alone Can Save, but it is on His terms; 2) Jesus Alone Can Save, but when and where He is welcome; and 3) Jesus Alone Can Save and can save to the uttermost.

To hear this message in its entirety: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendlyConnection

Main Text: Luke 4:23-36 (ESV)

As believers, Jesus commands that we are the real deal. Jesus sets an example for us, particularly related to acts of love, humility, and service. Anything more or less is superficial evangelism.

Main Text: Matthew 23:1-7 (ESV)

Unlike the religious leaders, Jesus did nothing to be seen or praised by others. Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Main Text: Matthew 23:1-7 (ESV)

Jesus reminds His audience to listen to the reading of God’s Word when it is read in the synagogue but not to follow the religious leaders’ actions. The actions of the religious leaders did not match the Biblical command set forth by God through the lawgiver Moses. Unfortunately, this picture represents the current state of the church more and more every day. Outwardly, we appear healthy, but inwardly, we are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (Matthew 23:27-28), to the point of setting up Hollywood idols and political leaders as the objects of our worship.

Main Text: Matthew 23:1-7 (ESV)

Jesus says to listen and receive the Word in your heart but not follow the religious leaders’ actions.

Main Text: Matthew 23:1-7 (ESV)

I am reminded of the old adage, “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one.” James says in his epistle to the church, ‘Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only’ (James 1:22a).

Main Text: Matthew 23:1-7 (ESV)

Because Jesus identifies with us, He understands how much we need the Holy Spirit. Jesus understands we must know that we are children of God. Jesus understands our need to worship. Jesus understands our enemy’s traps. Jesus understands we need to know Scripture. Jesus can identify with us in every way because He has been tempted in every way, just like us. So, like the writer of Hebrews has said: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Main Text: Luke 4:1-13 (ESV)

Because Jesus identifies with us, He understands how much we need the Holy Spirit. Jesus understands we must know that we are children of God. Jesus understands our need to worship. Jesus understands our enemy’s traps. Jesus understands we need to know Scripture. Jesus can identify with us in every way because He has been tempted in every way, just like us. So, like the writer of Hebrews has said: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Main Text: Luke 4:1-13 (ESV)