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Woodland Hills Church of Christ episodes

September 24 2 Chronicles 35 & 36
Bible Classes / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
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44 min
September 20 2 Timothy Class (Lesson 11)
Bible Classes / Speaker:Adam Malone
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43 min
September 20Jeremiah 20: You Can’t Win!
Old Testament Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
You Can’t Win!
Jeremiah 20
Introduction: On Wednesday evening David led a short talk from 1 Peter 4:12, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” But no matter the warning, we are always shocked!
Jeremiah 20 concludes a strange and shocking period in the life of Jeremiah. He was called to be a prophet to Judah in his early twenties, about 626 BC. He became a prophet just 20 years prior to the invasion of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. What is shocking to Jeremiah is that he is a prophet during the reign of Josiah, one of the best kings Judah ever had. One would expect he would experience success with the people. But in his first 20 years, Jeremiah is unable to convince anyone, and his discouragement reaches an all time low.
As a reminder, God had instructed Jeremiah to go to the potter’s house two times.
First, Jeremiah observed a potter making a vessel that became spoiled in his hand so that he had to rework it. Therefore, Jeremiah was to remind Israel that they were as this clay that had become spoiled, and just as this potter, God had the power to reshape them for disaster. They needed to return from their wicked ways and be spared.
In the second visit to the potter’s house, Jeremiah was commanded to purchase an earthenware flask that he was to shatter in the presence of the elders of the people. The nation was now past the hope of being clay that could be reworked, they now would be shattered by their enemies.
Jeremiah now enters into a battle, with himself, with his enemies, and with the Lord.
Persecution Turns Physical (1-6)
Jeremiah 20 begins with the response of a priest who was the chief officer of the house of the Lord.
In previous chapters Jeremiah had dealt with threats, verbal abuse, and plots against his life. We remember that Jeremiah was shocked and confused by those responses, and even repeatedly prayed for the people. But now, he is being physically abused. It is the first of many times in the coming 20 years of Jeremiah’s life.
The real surprise is that it is the chief priest over the temple who instigates the abuse, and it is severe. Remember, the purpose is to silence Jeremiah. That is the purpose of all persecution; that is the purpose of Satan and those who follow him. But it is also the repeated warning of the Lord to his people. We are not allowed to keep silent.
“But Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.’” (Acts 4:19-20 ESV)
“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” (Revelation 12:11 ESV)
Another thing that makes this trial extremely difficult for Jeremiah and repeatedly happens throughout scripture—the persecution comes from a fellow priest, a respected, religious leader. Jesus repeatedly warned that those who think they are doing God’s service, are the ones who will desire to kill you (John 16:2). That was a first century normal for disciples of Christ!
Consider, who will the people more likely follow, Jeremiah, a lone voice, or a multitude of priests and even the chief priest who say he is a liar? How would you feel if you were that lone voice? Even Elijah, considered the greatest prophet of all, fell into deep depression and tried to escape the reality of it all. This is the nature of fiery trials.
Now notice Jeremiah’s response when he was released the following day. It is as if Pashur let’s him loose expecting that he has learned his lesson and will simply disappear. But no. The moment Jeremiah is released, he refuses to go away quietly. He tells Pashur that God has given him a new name. Oh, isn’t that nice! Will it be like Abraham’s new name or Jacob’s new name? No Pashur. God’s new name for you is, “Terror on Every Side.” I wonder what went through this priest’s mind when years later he was chained along with his friends that he had deceived, and carried off to Babylon. He would never see home again. He would die in captivity.
Possibly the greatest challenge is the realization of how much of one’s life is being taken up by the trial. It seems that your “life” has been ruined. It is a prolonged nightmare. In Jeremiah’s case, it is essentially his whole adult life.
Please remember, this kind of life experience in serving God is not unique to Jeremiah. When we closely examine Paul’s explanations of what God expects of a servant of Christ in 2 Corinthians, it is evident that though the sufferings and challenges are different for each Christian, we are not to be “surprised by the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). Cf. 2 Timothy 3:12
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV)
Jeremiah’s Lament (7-13)
First, please note: When Jeremiah is at his lowest, where does he turn? The challenge of every trial is the loneliness of the burden being carried. Others around us, even those who love us, cannot feel the immensity of the pain. There is only One who can truly sympathize with us and bring us through, and that is the Lord.
Now notice a repeated phrase used four times in verses 7-11:
7: Concerning God, “you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed.” Jeremiah continues to speak to God as if the Lord did not warn him of the consequences of delivering God’s warnings of judgment to the people. Maybe Jeremiah thought he would be such a persuasive preacher that he would surely have success. After all, he had many friends, and he was a priest! But to his horror, his very friends and relatives have plotted to kill him! Therefore, God was stronger than him and prevailed over him as his prophet.
9: Concerning Jeremiah, “I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot [prevail].” Jeremiah finds himself with two impossible choices. If he speaks he becomes a laughingstock and threatened with violence. If he decides not to speak, God’s word is burning like a fire inside him and he cannot overcome the battle against himself either!
10: Concerning his enemies: “Perhaps he will be deceived; then we can overcome [prevail] and take our revenge on him.” This verse shows how determined his “close friends” are. He has called Pashur “Terror on Every Side,” so they turn that against him and whisper “terror on every side.”
11: Concerning the Lord: “But the Lord is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble; they will not overcome [prevail] me.” Finally, Jeremiah takes the proper course. He realizes the battle cannot be won by himself. Therefore he looks to the Lord as a “dread warrior” so that the persecutors will not be able to overcome him.
12-13 His words in these verses shows how he has come to a condition of peace and praise to God, knowing that he will deliver his life from the evildoers.
Here is the lesson that must be learned by every child of God:
Trials find us in an impossible condition. We begin by basically battling against God (without realizing what we are doing) concerning what we are having to endure. We complain as did Jeremiah, but we do not win; God overcomes us.
Then we might conclude, this is hopeless, I might as well give up. But we can’t. We recognize that like Jonah regardless of the pain, God expects us to endure, and the fire inside will not allow us to forget God. [which reminds us of the need to prepare for trials.]
Then the trial gets worse, to the point that it seems there will never be any relief; my life is over, Satan is crushing me.
Finally, in the depth of despair we remember the promise of God, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” God sees my heart and my pain. He will not allow the “enemy” to succeed. Now I can stop battling God, and instead trust him as a dread warrior who will not allow me to be defeated. The result? “Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord! For he has delivered the life of the needy!” Peace, peace, perfect peace!
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 Paul gives the perfect explanation.
Jeremiah Curses the Day of His Birth (14-18)
These verses seem out of place compared to the previous verses. How can he go from praising the Lord to cursing the day of his birth? I will suggest two principles we must learn:
First, this illustrates the ups and downs of trials. We can finally find peace that the Lord will deliver us and we can trust him. But that does not mean the trial vanishes or the pain goes away. Having our eyes on God gives us joy, but true glory is yet to come.
Second, Jeremiah now realizes that with the upcoming destruction of the city and the nation, he has been born for a life of suffering. Not every trial ends with the blessing of Job in this life. In such a condition, we can easily go through a time in which we mourn what could have been. The purpose of the inspired text is to remind us of the despair we can feel in our flesh and alert us to these negative feelings.
In conclusion, consider Peter’s encouragement:
“But if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” (1 Peter 4:16-19 NAS20)
Peter’s message is that as Christians we are suffering “judgment” [suffering] now, through which we obtain salvation. But if the Christian goes through such “fiery trials”/judgment now, what will become of the godless and sinner in eternal judgment! Our “judgment” is suffering now. The unrighteous will suffer eternally.
Berry Kercheville
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34 min
September 17 2 Chronicles 34
Bible Classes / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
The post 2 Chronicles 34 appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
45 min
September 13 2 Timothy Class (Lesson 10)
Bible Classes / Speaker:Adam Malone
The post 2 Timothy Class (Lesson 10) appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
46 min
September 13 Distracted From God’s Presence
New Testament Sermons / Speaker:David Desloge
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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29 min
September 10 2 Chronicles 33 The Untold Story of King Manasseh
Bible Classes / Speaker:David Desloge
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The post 2 Chronicles 33 The Untold Story of King Manasseh appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
45 min
September 06 Reaching the Lost: Preparing for Biblical Discussions
Topical Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
The post Reaching the Lost: Preparing for Biblical Discussions appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
41 min
September 06 2 Timothy Class (Lesson 9)
Bible Classes / Speaker:Adam Malone
The post 2 Timothy Class (Lesson 9) appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
45 min
September 06Luke 18:1-8 We Ought Always to Pray and Not Lose Heart
New Testament Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
We Ought Always to Pray and Not Lose Heart
Luke 18:1-8
Introduction: This parable is typically called “The Parable of the Persistent Widow.” I like studying parables. We typically think the message is simple to see, which can throw us off track from Jesus’ greater intention. Also, in reading a parable, we often overlook Jesus’ purpose to reveal a deeper message to an audience who are not strong seekers. Jesus is attempting to stir their dullness and discover the riches of God. Therefore, a parable screams, “Look again!”
As we read this parable, our thought is that the message is about prayer and the persistence of prayer. But of greater importance is this is a parable about God and one’s estimation of God during the most difficult times. We think, and would readily say, that we have a high estimation of God. But how often have you felt like the woman in this parable? We come back repeatedly in prayer seeking to be vindicated for injustice we are suffering, but there seems to be no answer. Soon, we quit “beating on God’s door.” And that response harms us deeply because the next time we need to be relieved of injustice, we simply default to our own attempts to solve the problem because, we reason, “why go to God? He obviously is not that concerned about these matters.”
Introductory Observations
We begin by highlighting two verses, verse 1 and verse 8. In verse 1, Jesus tells us upfront the purpose of the parable: we “ought always to pray and not lose heart.” Verse 8, “when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
These verses bookend the message of the parable. Jesus is urging his people that the answer to losing heart or “growing faint,” is prayer. What goes between that statement and verse eight is the concern that when he returns, will he find the faith in God extended by prayer, or will his people grow weary and lose heart? Will they “faint” on the way?
To fully understand the text, we must connect it to the previous setting.
In chapter 17, Jesus has been preparing the disciples for the coming judgment on Jerusalem. Though we might reason that the context therefore does not apply to us, we must always know that every “judgment” throughout scripture carries the same warnings and the need for preparation.
The connection between 17 and the beginning of 18 are fairly clear. Jesus speaks of the days coming on Jerusalem are like the days of Noah and the days of Lot. Life is going on as usual and there is nothing notable or threatening until it is too late. Jesus states in verse 30, “so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed.” In the midst of these judgment warnings, Jesus warns about how a person is living his life when the Son of Man comes/revealed —“whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.” With that, we can make the connection to 18:8 where Jesus again refers to his coming.
Considerations:
There is a big picture contrast between those who live for themselves in the world and those who are preparing for the Lord’s return. Do you see the difference? Those who are of the world live for the present time with no consideration of the imminent judgment. They are eating and drinking and marrying as if they will live happily ever after. But on that very day, they will all be destroyed.
But the opposite is taking place with those who are seeking the return of the Lord. Those forsake their goods and flee as the Lord commanded. The followers of Jesus are not living the easy life, nor unprepared. Their lives are like the woman seeking justice with an unrighteous judge. It is not that Christians never have good times, but a Christian whose goal is having an easy life enjoying earthly abundance does not fit descriptions of the righteous in scripture. The Christian life has always been lived in the presence of powerful forces that are opposed to it. Followers of Christ remain even today as the most persecuted in the world. This is the reason Jesus proclaims that a disciple “ought always to pray and not lose heart.”
Therefore, the Lord has given us two choices: it is either prayer or fainting and losing heart. Therefore, if one is fainting, he is not praying. And if he is praying, he is not fainting! Why is that true?
For one, if he is praying, he is trusting! He knows the Lord and keeps his focus on God’s word and God’s promises. That’s why he prays!
Second, the one who prays knows that it is the Lord who gives justice and he will never succeed by his own wisdom or strength.
There is a third reason for following the Lord’s command. We owe it to God, we owe it to our family, we owe it to the world in which we shine as lights, and we owe it to ourselves to pray and not faint!
The Judge and the Widow
The judge is a reflection of the world around us. The very person that should be just and should give justice, is unjust! Therefore, we again see a revelation of a disciple in the midst of crooked and evil generation as Jesus often described it. This judge did not care about God, but even more surprising, he did not care about the condition of the weakest person in his jurisdiction, a woman alone, a widow abused, with no other option.
Now look at the widow. What does she do about her predicament? The beauty of this woman is that she understands that the judge is the only possibility of receiving justice. There is no other. So she keeps coming to the judge. She will not stop. She will not give up. She will not lose heart or grow faint! She just keeps coming.
And what does the judge do? “For a while he refused.” He won’t do anything for her. In other words, this judge is not going to be bullied into doing anything he doesn’t want to do. But finally, after a period of time, and I would assume a fairly long period, the judge does something no one expects; he gives her justice. But why? Well it isn’t because he cares about her! No, he cares about himself. Look at his words, “lest she beat me down by her continual coming.” Note the word “beat.” It means just that. This woman is beating him! She’s bruising him! The Greek is, “to strike one upon the parts beneath the eye; to beat black and blue.” Do you feel sorry for this judge! A little, weak widow is beating him black and blue. And now he is the one who wants relief! Ha! The tables are turned.
What Is Jesus Teaching?
Most of you have heard the interpretation before. It is said that Jesus is telling us to do just what this woman was doing. When you don’t get an answer to your prayer, just keep asking and knocking until he finally answers. For sure, it is not wrong to ask the Lord more than once. Paul asked three times for his thorn to be removed. But just as in Luke 11, that is not the teaching of the parable.
The teaching is that there is a contrast between the judge and the Lord! How dare us go to God in prayer thinking that he is like this judge who does not care about anyone but himself, and therefore will only respond if you badger him. Indeed, how many times have you heard someone say, or maybe even thought it yourself, “I don’t need to bother the Lord with this request. After all, he’s really busy!” Ha! How foolish. That attitude is exactly what the Lord is urging us not to do.
Hebrews 4:15 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
Do we realize that God has bound himself to do for us the very things that this judge would not do? God’s very character makes it impossible for him to ignore us. He made a promise to us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” But this promise can only be answered if we pray. Otherwise, we are trusting ourselves. 1 Peter 5:7
Again, look at the difference between the judge and God. The judge delays. Nothing in his being requires him to help. He acts to save himself. But God will not delay to give justice because of his elect. How could God not give justice to those whom he has chosen?
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32 ESV)
Now, what of the elect? What are they doing? They “cry to him day and night.” That is not badgering and beating on God like the widow did the judge.
Jesus is teaching the same thing Paul taught in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks.”
Jesus uses this parable to teach us that we ought always to pray. We are to always pray, not because God answers when we are persistent, but because he is always listening and always ready to give justice.
Consider! What happens when we do what the Lord has taught here? Oh my! What contentment! What joy! What peace! When we pray and never cease to pray, there is no fainting; there is no losing heart!
“…but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 ESV)
Conclusion: Note Jesus’ final words, “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” There are two lessons:
Jesus has circled back to his coming. When he returns, will he find his elect continuing to pray and trust and put their lives and needs in the Lord’s hands? Or will they faint?
That brings us to the second message. For Jesus to make this parable such a priority in his teaching, sends a strong message of the troubles his people must endure before that day comes. We are so often at ease and confident that tomorrow will be no different. How foolish we are in those thoughts. Jesus is warning. Times will come that will bring us to the brink of fainting and losing heart. There is one answer: “we ought always to pray and not lose heart.”
Berry Kercheville
The post Luke 18:1-8 We Ought Always to Pray and Not Lose Heart appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
33 min