"A Sure Foundation" Luke 6:39-49

What happened between the Testaments? Empires Rise and Fall. Alexander. Antiochus Epiphanes. The Maccabees. Hanukkah. Herod. Septuagint. Apocrypha. Synagogs. Dispersion. Pharisees. Sadducees. Scribes. Nature of "Testament". God's choosing of Israel is central.

~~~~~~~ No 27 in the series - The Epistles of Peter. ~~~~~~~ **Considering 2 Peter 1:16-21** For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, .....We have also a more sure word of prophecy; .....holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. *1/ Peter and the Apostles made known the power the coming of our Lord. 2/ They were NOT following cunningly devised fables. 3/ They WERE eye witnesses. 4/ They point to a word more sure than visions.* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon establishes the absolute authority and reliability of Scripture by contrasting it with human fables and subjective visions. Drawing on 2 Peter 1, the message emphasizes that the apostles were eyewitnesses to Christ's majesty, particularly at the Transfiguration, rather than promoters of invented stories. It argues that while spiritual experiences like Paul's visions are significant, the written Word remains a more sure foundation for faith and doctrine. The preacher urges believers to treat the Bible as a divine light that exposes the darkness of the human heart and reveals Christ clearly. Ultimately, the text affirms that Scripture is God-breathed, historically verified, and sufficient for guiding the church without reliance on private interpretation or extra-biblical revelations.

Working verse by verse through John 1:30-37, the preacher shows how John the Baptist kept pointing away from himself and back to Christ, repeating the same testimony day after day: "This is he." He argues that people search for meaning, purpose and love without knowing what they are looking for, and that Jesus is the answer to every one of those questions, though His first coming addressed a spiritual problem rather than the political deliverance the crowds wanted. Drawing on Luke 1 and Matthew 16, he stresses that it was God the Father, not family or human testimony, who revealed the Son to John, and that the same revelation is what opens any person's eyes. He calls believers to find their purpose in Christ, to get alone with God as John did in the wilderness, and to keep giving out the same gospel message even when no one appears to respond. The passage closes with two disciples finally hearing and following Jesus, which he presents as the reward of faithful, repetitive witness.

Pastor Mike continues in our study of the Gospel of John with John 12:1-8. This Bible Study contrasts the selfless devotion of Mary, who anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, against the greed of Judas and the worldly attachment of the rich young ruler. It draws parallels between this act and Old Testament types of sacrifice, such as Abraham and Isaac, to highlight Jesus as the ultimate Lamb provided by God. The preacher emphasizes that true love for Christ requires total surrender and willingness to give up one's most treasured possessions. Believers are called to become the fragrance of Christ, releasing the aroma of life to others through a broken and humble spirit. The message concludes with an urgent invitation for listeners to abandon their sins and trust in Jesus to escape condemnation and receive eternal life.

FINAL OLD TESTAMENT AUDIO (Begun February-2025) Malachi's question and answer technique is classic! And Elijah (has come, is coming, both) ! NEXT TIME: Between the Testaments, 400 years of prophetic silence.

Zechariah: Nations will come against Jerusalem, and God will come against all nations! Jesus will be King over all the earth! Earth citizens will visit Him year-round. Malachi: Jacob and Esau compared.