“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” v.35 (NLT)
When was the last time you went to an isolated place to pray and talk with God?
I confess, if I don’t intentionally carve out time to pray and talk with God, it’s easy to get caught up in the day to day things that are beckoning my attention. But, Jesus had to deal with the demands of the day-to-day things also. Jesus knew what was at stake and He still made time to meet with God. He understood that this time was the most important time of the day for him. This was where he would talk with God and hear from God. He didn’t get caught up in doing the work of God, and not being with God. He understood the importance of having time alone with the Father and protected it, modeled it, and made time for it.
Today, have you intentionally set up times to meet with God? Are you protecting it, modeling it, and making time for it?
Happy Easter! What a great weekend we have had despite the rain and tornado’s. Today was filled with celebration and contemplation at FBC Harvester as we wrapped up our Triumph series. We celebrated the fact that Jesus has risen, and that we can find forgiveness of Sin only in Him, and contemplated the reality that one day we too will die. Death is one of those things that we don’t like to talk much about but it is something that everyone will face. However, as Christ Followers, we can Triumph over death because of the Cross of Christ and the Resurrection of Christ!
Here are my notes from todays Easter Service.
TRIUMPH Over Death Hebrews 9:27-28
“(God) has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
*The Good News of Easter is that Jesus is God, He died a brutal death on the Cross, and has resurrected Himself and now lives! That is what Easter is all about.
“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” Hebrews 9:27-28 (NKJV)
TO REALLY CELEBRATE EASTER TODAY REMEMBER . . .
1. DEATH Is Unavoidable.
“. . . it is appointed for men to die once . . .” Hebrews 9:27a (NKJV)
*We live forever, our body doesn’t.
*We have to be careful not to confuse the body with the soul. The body will die, the soul will live forever.
*We live in a world that is fascinated with death but terrified of it. But it’s something we need to think about.
“A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time.” Ecclesiastes 7:4 (NLT)
*It takes a death to have a resurrection. In order to get a new life, the old one has to die.
2. JUDGMENT Is Inevitable.
“. . . but after this the judgment. . .” Hebrews 27b (NKJV)
Sin -> Death -> Judgment
*Every person faces these three problems.
“When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” Romans 5:12
“For the wages of sin is death . . .” Romans 6:23a (NKJV)
*We may be able to hide from others, but we cannot hide from God. He see’s everything.
“No one can hide from God. His eyes see everything we do. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done.” Hebrews 4:13
*One day we will face Judgement and have to give an account for everything we have done.
*On Judgement day, we will either stand alone and defend ourself, or be defended by Jesus work on the Cross.
3. SALVATION Is Available.
“. . . so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” Hebrews 9:28 (NKJV)
*Jesus died for our sins, he rose from the dead conquering sin, and one day He’s coming again to eliminate sin and take those who have trusted Him as Lord and Savior Home.
“For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NLT)
*Christ stands as our defender against sin, death , and judgement.
*Good people don’t go to Heaven … Forgiven people do!
“Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (NLT)
*The Question: Have you Surrendered your life to Him?
*If you would like more info on how to become a Christian, or what it means to be a Christ Follower simply click here.
THE RESURRECTION CHALLENGE
*Today, we have MET the resurrected Christ, we have WORSHIPED the resurrected Christ, now the challenge is for us to REPRESENT the resurrected Christ and SHARE the resurrected Christ with others!
This has been a great series as we learn to stand Triumphantly through the power of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. If you missed today, or simply want to hear/watch todays teaching simply click here and it will direct you to our online teaching resources.
We would love for you to begin serving with us by using your spiritual gift/s. We have created an on-line resource that allows you to see the various ministries here at FBC Harvester and we encourage you to take some time to see where you can serve and then contact the place that seems like a fit for you. You can see that resource by clicking here.
Make plans to join us next week as we start a brand new series titled, “Parent Trapped … Biblical Wisdom for Popular Pitfalls.”
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’ And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. v34 (NLT)
Jesus asked God to forgive the people who were putting him to death – Jewish leaders, Roman politicians and soldiers, by standards – and God answered that prayer by opening up the way of salvation. Even while Jesus was being nailed to the cross, we were on his mind. In the greatest expression of love, Jesus gave up his life as a sacrifice for me and for you! How have you responded to His sacrifice for you?
Today, have you surrendered your life to Jesus? He died for you, will you live for Him?
“But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. 25 As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.” v. 23-25 (NLT)
Have you ever listened to the crowd? Pilate wanted to release Jesus, but the crowd loudly demanded his death; so Pilate sentenced Jesus to die. No doubt Pilate did not want to take the risk losing his position, which may already have been shaky, by allowing a riot to occur in his Provence. As a career politician, he knew the importance of compromise, and he saw Jesus more as a political threat than as a human being with rights and dignity.
When the stakes are high, it is difficult to stand up for what is right, and it is easy to see our opponents as problems to be solved rather than people to be respected. Had Pilate been a man of real courage, he would have released Jesus no matter what the consequences. But the crowd roared, and Pilate buckled. Often times I find myself like Pilate, knowing what is right but deciding not to do it. When we have difficult decisions to make, don’t discount the effects of peer pressure. Realize beforehand that the right decision could have unpleasant consequences: social rejection, career derailment, and or public ridicule. Then think of Pilate and resolve to stand up for what is right no matter what other people pressure us to do.
Today, who will you listen to, the crowd or Christ?
“At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: ‘Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.’” v. 61 (NLT)
BUSTED! Have you ever been caught doing something you 1. said you would never do? or 2. know that you shouldn’t be doing it? This is exactly what Peter felt as he was denying Christ that third time and heard the rooster crow and make eye contact with Jesus. However, this was the changing point for Peter. He would change from a halfhearted follower of Jesus to a repentant disciple, and finally to the kind of person Christ could use to build His Church.
Today, are you more like Peter before the roosters Crow, a halfhearted follower who denied Christ, or are you like him after the roosters crow, a repentant disciple that can be used for His Kingdom?
“But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.” v.26 (NLT)
Greatness is often defined by doing something that others look at as extraordinary. We use it to describe something that has value, influence, or that allowed us to have a positive experience. It’s the great dream we have as children to grow up and be great at what ever we do. When people describe us, we hope they say that we are great at what we do. The word great in our eyes = achievement!
However, Jesus turns the table here and say that real greatness is found in the way we serve. It changes our focus from us becoming great to us doing something great for others.
Today, will you spend the time trying to become great or will you do great things for others? Yes, they are similar, but very different.
“Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, 4 and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. 5 They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. 6 So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.” v.3-6 (NLT)
As we enter what is known as Holy Week. I’ll be posting readings from passages our staff are reading each day as we prepare for Good Friday and Easter. I want to encourage you to read the scripture here and then think about and pray through what you have read also. You can see my thoughts below.
One of the facts about Judas that has always troubled me was the fact that he was one of the 12 disciples. I’m not saying that in a legalistic way, I am simply saying that here is a guy, that walked with Jesus, learned from Jesus, saw the miracles of Jesus, and had every opportunity to Trust Jesus. However, the Bible says that Judas allowed Satan to enter him and lead him to betray the One he had spent the last three years with. The fact that Judas would trade all the things he had seen, heard, experienced, and promised, for a couple of earthly coins amazes me. It reveals that Satan is waiting for the perfect moment of attack. More than likely it will happen in these two ways.
First, Satan uses the lure of sin with a thought. Judas allowed Satan to manipulate his thoughts and Satan tries to do the same thing to us. If he can convince us to entertain the thought, we are likely to look at that sin in a way that is opposite of what God says about it. When this happens we find ourselves justifying our thoughts and actions as well as looking for reasons to support them.
Second, Satan loves to attack us when we are alone. Satan’s strongest pursuit came when Judas was alone. When we are alone, thoughts can wonder and actions can take place. It’s in moments like these that we find ourselves doing things we never thought we would do, or things we hope no-one will find out about.
Today, where have you traded truths for lies, sin over a Savior, selflessness for selfishness? What are you doing to protect yourself from Satan’s attack?
This week we continued our Triumph series learning about Being Triumphant over Sin. What a great day it was at FBCH. The Gospel was preached, people responded and lives were restored. God is really doing some great things in our midst! Each week I am excited to see what will happen next! Special thanks goes out to Sean and Mary for sharing their story. God used each of you greatly!!!
Here are my notes from today.
TRIUMPH
“Over Sin”
John 19:16-30
* The Cross is the Crux of Christianity
* Religion is about man trying to get to God, The Cross is about God descending to man.
* All of us are born for the purpose of living, Jesus was the only one born with the purpose of dying.
ON THE CROSS OF CALVARY JESUS FINISHED THE WORK OF . . .
1. Being Our SUBSTITUTE.
*Substitute = paying my penalty
“Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but He was raised to life in the Spirit.”1 Peter 3:18 (NLT)
*Jesus didn’t just die for me, He died instead of me.
*The sinless one died for the sinful ones; The perfect one died for the imperfect ones.
*It was the Roman Soldiers that nailed Him there, but it was my sin that put Him there, and it was His love for me that kept Him there.
“Yet it was our weaknesses He carried; it was our sorrows that weighed Him down. And we thought His troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for His own sins! But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on Him the sins of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6 (NLT)
*Jesus was our Substitutional Atonement … Substitutional = paying my penalty, Atonement = making it right.
2. Satisfying the LAW.
“But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When He was hung on the cross, He took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’” Galatians 3:13 (NLT)
*The Law will tell you to fly, but will give you no wings. It will tell you to run, but give no legs. It will tell you to be clean, but give you no soap.
*The Law Exposes that we are Sinners in need of a Savior.
*Jesus not only reveals the law, but allows us to satisfy it.
“The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.” Romans 8:3-4 (NLT)
“For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in Him are made right with God.” Romans 10:4 (NLT)
3. Conquering SIN & DEATH.
“For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.” Romans 5:17-18 (NLT)
*Without Christ we have no power over sin.
*The Sanctification process is Gods power living in me & giving me power over sin. And One day, it will deliver me from the presence of sin.
“When He died, He died once to break the power of sin. But now that He lives, He lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:10-11 (NLT)
*As a church we are seeing God radically change people from the inside out. We are beginning the process of collecting stories of what God is doing in the lives of the people here at FBCH. Here is the first story that we have captured and want to share with you.
4. Defeating the Devil.
“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for He forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by His victory over them on the cross.” Colossians 2:13-15 (NLT)
HOW SHOULD I RESPOND?
* Repent of My Sin & Trust Jesus to Save Me.
“For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT)
*There is more to repentance than saying, “I’m Sorry.”
*Repentance includes
**Confession – Saying the same thing about sin that God does
**Contrition – mourning over the fact that you have sinned.
“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” Romans 3:22 (NLT)
* Live in Continual Gratitude.
“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” Romans 5:11 (NLT)
* Tell Others About It.
Easter is next weekend, who will you invite? Your invitation could be the invitation they are waiting for? I pray that you will take the opportunity and talk to someone this week about Jesus.
This is proving to be a great series as we learn to stand Triumphantly through the power of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. If you would missed today, or simply want to hear/watch todays teaching simply click here and it will direct you to our online teaching resources. If you still have not taken a spiritual gifts test I want to encourage you to take that by clicking here.
Lastly, we would love for you to begin serving with us by using your spiritual gift/s. We have created an on-line resource that allows you to see the various ministries here at FBC Harvester and we encourage you to take some time to see where you can serve and then contact the place that seems like a fit for you. You can see that resource by clicking here.
Until next week, I pray that you will seek the Lord, and remember that thru Christ, we have Overcome the World!
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” v.18-20 (NLT)
This passage is known as the Great Commission. Sadly, this has become the Great Omission by many who claim to be Christ Followers. This is the essence of the Gospel. As Christ Followers we have a great responsibility. With this responsibility come great rewards and great sacrifices. It’s the sacrifices that trip many of us up, keeping us from living a Great Commission life.
Today, Are you living a Great Commission Life or a Great Omission Life? It’s easy to say that we are living a Great Commission Life, but do our actions and intentions prove that what we say is true?
“Pilate responded, ‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’” v.22 (NLT)
This is the most important question we can ask! How we respond has great impact on our present life, and the life to come.
Today, how have you answered this question? Have you believed Jesus to be the Messiah? Have you surrendered your life to Him as Lord and Savior? If not please click here for more info.
Dan Gould 