Chosen to Serve (Acts 6:1-7)
Introduction The church rapidly grew from a group of 120 (1:15) > 10,000+ within Jerusalem. Before it spread beyond (8:1), leadership and structure were established. Read Acts 6:1-7 The growth of the church is a good thing, but it brings new challenges. Prior to this passage, the church had withstood persecution and moral corruption. Now, we see how they fight the threat of division. The selection of these seven men will prove to be instrumental in the spread of the…
Wisdom is Better (Ecclesiastes 9:13 – 10:20)
Introduction What’s the point of living? The Preacher has been breaking down the most common cultural strongholds: the pursuit of a comprehensive knowledge, the indulgence of worldly pleasures, and a general sense of self-sufficiency. In the Preacher’s study of wisdom he has come to the consistent conclusion that life is filled with frustration. It would be easy to see him as a hopeless fatalist, but he has challenged us to enjoy life despite the existence of injustice and unpredictability. Read…
The Baptism of Jesus (Luke 3:21-22)
The baptism of Jesus raises several questions such as: Why was Jesus baptized? Why does Jesus pray? What were the roles of the Spirit and Father? This is an excellent passage for teaching the doctrine of the Trinity since all three persons participated in the Son’s baptism. That fact that Jesus began his public ministry with his baptism also highlights the importance of this event. The Trinitarian work of redemption provides believers with their only comfort in life and death.…
Enjoy Life! (Ecclesiastes 9:1-12)
Introduction The Preacher has been looking at wisdom and cycling back around to the same conclusions, namely that we aren’t capable of grasping the knowledge we seek. His final three chapters are mostly positive, but we have another chapter that is mostlyfrustration. Read Ecclesiastes 9:1-12 Considering all the injustice and frustrations of life, is it even worth living? He’s done this before. In fact, this is the 6x the Preacher has called his readers to enjoy life. Why say it…
The Preaching of John the Baptist – Pt. 2 (Luke 3:15-20)
Introduction The Spirit-filled preaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones: Catherwood The one thing he prayed for, the one thing he relied on, the one thing he waited for and the one thing above all else beyond most other preachers of his generation which thousands felt under his preaching was the unction, or anointing, of the Holy Spirit. That would’ve been the testimony of many who heard John’s preaching. Read Luke 3:15-20 What kind of preacher was John? Greatest prophet > Example for…
The Preaching of John the Baptist (Luke 3:7-14)
Introduction Jesus’ birth and childhood (12y/o remained in the temple after Passover). Ch.3 transitions to John’s ministry during a time of political corruption and religious compromise. He prepares the way of the Messiah. Read Luke 3:7-14 John directs his preaching to individuals with spiritual insight (2). He warns the whole crowd, but zeroes in on a portion of them specifically. Their questions show a level of conviction that leads them to ask, what repentance looks like in their case. Repentance…
Who Is Like the Wise (Ecclesiastes 8:1-17)
Introduction Carrie and I recently watched Murder on the Orient Express. I’m sure Agitha Christie’s novel was better, but it had a pretty unbelievable ending that perfectly wrapped up every loose end. Unfortunately, the Preacher won’t be doing that for us in Ecclesiastes… We will be left with the same challenges. But struggling teaches us to trust in God even when we don’t have the answers. The benefits of wisdom are often paradoxical (funerals > birthdays). Wisdom limited (7:27-28). Read…
Number Our Days – Pt. 2 (Psalm 90)
Introduction Never resolved: “I hope to spend less time in prayer…” Hengstenberg There are scarcely ten in ten thousand moved by these things as they ought to be. Read Psalm 90 Our Shelter (1-2) God’s eternal affection despite our fickleness. The “dwelling place” all generations. Our Judge (3-11) Our Help (12-17) Teach Us and Have Pity On Us (12-13) Satisfy Us and Gladden Us (14-15) Illuminate Us and Favor Us (16-17) Our Judge (3-11) 3-4 Spurgeon, “God resolves and man…
Number Our Days – Pt. 1 (Psalm 90)
Introduction Historically preached at end of the year. Church of England (19c) read this at funerals. Moses probably prayed this for Israel near the end of his life. He looked out across the Dead Sea at the Promised Land that would be divided among the twelve tribes. Appreciating the hills, valleys, and vegetation, he meditated upon the sovereignty and justice of God. Read Psalm 90 He likely prayed this prayer before the people, warning and encouraging the next generation to…