Messages

[1 Peter 4:7] End of all things is near, THEREFORE... In this second sermon focusing on this passage, we narrow in on the first statement about being of sound judgement and sober - having a focused mind with control and clarity in all areas of life for the purpose of prayer. Sobreity in Paul's letters and the teaching of Jesus has a goal: alertness, prayer, and resistance to sin as the end draws near.

[1 Peter 4:7] In this first sermon focusing on this passage, we narrow in on the first statement about being of sound judgement and sober - having a focused mind with control and clarity in all areas of life.

[Acts 2:42-47] What does the quasi biblical term “discipleship” mean, and should we even be using it?

[Acts 2:37-38] Baptism is like a wedding; it is a public, formal commitment to another. Baptism accompanies repentence toward God as a symbol of core realities of Christianity and salvation through Union with Christ. Jesus himself defines how baptism should be done - by immersion.

[1 Sam 13:8-14] David was a man after God's own heart because he constantly and repeatedly inquired of the Lord as to what he should do, seeking God's will above his own. Jesus encourages us to do what the story of David in 1 Samual depicts - constantly ask, seek, and knock because your Father in heaven wants to give what is good to those who ask Him. How often do you come to your Father to ask for His will and His help?

[ 1 Pet 4:7] How should we think about this term "near/at hand" if it has been 2000 years already since Peter wrote this? 1. God’s perspective of time (2 Pet 3) and 2. Sudden and unexpected (Matt 24, 1 Thes 5)

[Heb 5:1-10] Priests are appointed by God to deal with our sin problem; blood is required to pay for sin. Prophets spoke to the people on behalf of God throughout the Old Testament, but priests are tied to a covenant and bring the people to God. Jesus is the ultimate and final great high priest who brings us to God.

[Heb 1:3-4] The radiance of His glory here is referring to the mount of Transfiguration where Jesus shone forth light. Jesus upholds all things by the word of His power, which is a job attributed to Yahweh all throughout the Old Testament. Jesus’ purification for sins is effective and final, evidenced by his sitting down at the right hand of the majesty on high, inheriting a more excellent name than the angels.

[Heb 1:1-2] The Psalms lay the foundation for the Prophets, hundreds of years beforehand. There are 7 Old Testament passages referenced in Hebrews 1, all from the Psalms and 2 Sam 7, not the prophets. Hebrews is a book of contrasts between the New Covenant and the Old Covenant, and the introduction highlights that God spoke long ago in type/shadow/Promise through Prophets (OT) vs reality/Fulfillment (NT) in Jesus. Jesus is the foundation of everything: our life and hope, the alpha and omega of Christianity

[1 Cor 15:23-26] Jesus, exalted at the right hand of the Father is ruling and reigning over all His enemies. He was raised from the dead as the firstfruits of the resurrection and will appear to bring human history to its appointed end, when death is destroyed as the last enemy and Jesus presents everything to God the Father.