Jesus quotes the beginning of Psalm 22 on the cross, indicating that in his dying moments -- as he absorbs the sins and just punishment of his people -- he is thinking of the contents of the psalm. In looking at the psalm, we learn that some of Jesus' final thoughts are about his personal relationship with God, discipling other believers, and missions - evangelism. We then take the time of communion to renew our covenant with the Lord to live lives centered around these things.

As Jesus continues the Bread of Life Discourse, he addresses the unbelieving Jews who only sought him for physical goods, and confronts them with the reality of their unbelief. Jesus declares that he came to do the Father's will, keeping all whom the Father gives him. The people criticize Jesus' description of God's eternal plan of salvation, and Jesus responds with a stinging rebuke - only those whom the Father draws will believe in the Son, and only those who believe in the Son will eat of the Bread of Life.

Pastor Andy preaches at Rock Church in the Upper East Side. In response to Peter's confession, Christ promises that the church will prevail against the kingdom of darkness in a spiritual offensive because it is ultimately Christ Himself who will ensure her victory.

Not only is the Gospel the central theme of the Bible, but unashamed boldness in the Gospel goes together as a necessary implication of the Gospel. Christians are to live a life of courage - we are to not only have the right content, but also a courageous posture of holding out the truth we believe.

This is part one of a two-part series on creation. Part one covers the what, who, and why of creation, while part two covers the how and when of creation. In this lesson, we examine God's act of creation -ex nihilo, spiritual and physical, Triune, and good-, God's relationship to creation -God is transcendent and yet immanent-, and God's purpose for creation -to display His glory-.

In this passage, Paul gives instructions on how older men, older women, younger women, and younger men are to conduct themselves as God's people. However, Paul gives these commands through the older men-women teaching, training, and exhorting the younger men-women -- in essence, Paul commands discipling in godliness. We look at the necessity of such personal discipleship in the local church, and practical suggestions for how older - younger saints can carry it out.

Pastor Andy examines three themes in this text- not ashamed, the righteousness of God, and the righteous living by faith. The Gospel is uniquely foolish to those who are perishing - its exclusive message is offensive to the unregenerate mind. The righteousness of God demands that perfect justice to be satisfied. Those who live by faith are called righteous, and the righteous will in turn live a life of faith. Beholding the Gospel of the righteousness of God transforms us and causes lasting change.

Q62. What are the normal outward ways that Christ communicates the benefits of salvation-----A. The normal outward ways that Christ communicates the benefits of salvation are mainly the Word of God -'Bible'-, baptism, the Lord's Supper, and prayer. These all work together to grow God's elect in the grace of salvation. -Rom. 10-17- James 1-18- 1 Cor. 3-5- Acts 14-1- 2-41-42-----Q63. How does the Word of God function in salvation---A. The Spirit of God makes the reading and especially the preaching of the Word the way to convince and convert sinners. It also functions to build up believers in holiness and comfort, through faith in what the Word says. -Ps. 119-11-18- 1 Thess. 1-6- 1 Pet. 2-1-2- Rom. 1-16- Ps. 19-7-----Q64. How should the Word of God be read and heard so that it functions in salvation-----A. In order for it to function in salvation, the Word should be read and heard with carefulness, preparation in prayer, faith, and love. Then the Word will live in our hearts and we will do what it says with joy. -Prov. 8-34- 1 Pet. 2-1-2- 1 Tim. 4-13- Heb. 2-1-3- Heb. 4-2- 2 Thess. 2-10- Ps. 119-11- James 1-21-25-

Shortly after Jesus fed the five thousand, the crowds again demanded Him for proof of His Messiahship. Yet their demands were not genuine - they merely wanted material gain. Jesus, who is dedicated to the truth, corrected their misunderstanding of the Old Testament narrative of manna, and pointed them to the spiritual reality that He is the satisfying bread of life.

In this passage, Paul expresses his thankfulness for the Roman saints, desire to be encouraged by them, and longing to go to Rome and preach the gospel. Paul shows us that it is spiritual intimacy with Jesus that alone can create a thankful - faithful heart -which will result in praying for the saints-, that even the weakest of the saints can know Jesus in such a way as to be inspiring to the greatest of apostles, and that the way Christians grow into such saints is through a gospel-centered life.