This weekend, we are looking at Jesus as our protector. Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd who cares for and protects His sheep. Even in the Old Testament, God was known as His people’s protector. The title of this weekend’s message is “OUR SHEPHERD KING.”
This weekend, we turn our attention to the response to the gospel. It is not enough to merely hear the truth; we must respond to the gospel. Our response must be made up of both repentance and belief. They are two sides to the same coin. The call of the gospel is to turn from sin and to believe in Christ as your savior. This weekend’s message is titled “REPENT AND BELIEVE.”
When it comes to our salvation, we have to count the cost. We have to ask ourselves, “What all am I willing to give up in order to be saved?” Please don’t misunderstand. Giving up doesn’t save us. Salvation from start to finish is the work of God. It’s only by grace through faith in the cross of Jesus and the empty tomb that we are saved. But, being willing to give up everything reveals whether or not we understand the gospel. It demonstrates how sincere and how committed we are to follow Christ our king.
This weekend, we are focused on the kingdom of God. Many times, we think of God’s kingdom as a future reality, something that has yet to come. However, when Jesus came, he inaugurated the kingdom of God here on earth. Through His teaching and His life, He taught His disciples how to live a life fitting of God’s kingdom. The message this weekend is titled “KINGDOM HERE.”
In this message titled “Choose Jesus, Choose Life” we will look at the central role played by the second person of the godhead in our salvation. No one can skip Jesus and get to God. He is the source and the goal of our salvation.
Here are some key points to remember from the message:
First, we will see how Matthew got his call to follow Jesus and how he immediately complied. We need to remember that God is constantly calling men and women, boys and girls to follow Him. Is He calling you? What is your answer? Furthermore, Matthew got busy inviting his old buddies to come and meet Jesus. Do your friends know Jesus? Have you invited them to meet Him?
Here are the followup questions to today's message ENCOUNTERS 1
This weekend I will be preaching the second message titled – “Have you received God’s Eternal Love?” The Bible tells us that Jesus was the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” This means that you and I were on the heart of Jesus Christ even before the world was created! Knowing that it would cost Him His life, He still created the world and all of us.
In our series on the life of Christ we come to the passage where Jesus called Peter. We typically think of the passage where Peter and his brother Andrew were by the Sea of Galilee mending their nets and Jesus called them to follow Him. We picture them dropping their nets and following Him immediately. Many of us have heard wonderful messages on the need to follow Jesus immediately. Only problem – did you know that there are 4 different accounts of Jesus’ interaction with Peter?!! The point is – it took 4 different callings (at least that many are actually recorded in the gospels) before Peter left all and followed Jesus. The message is that God is more gracious than we realize. He works with us and draws us to Himself, even when we keep turning back. We don’t deserve anything but His wrath. God is so compassionate and patient towards us. It’s time to turn to Him and follow Him.
John tells us in chapter 1 that Jesus was “the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.” The adjective “true” cautions us that there are many false lights. There is no doubt that we are living in darkness but the real issue is are we looking to the false lights to light up our lives. Jesus is the true light of the world who immediately sets everything into clear view – Sin is exposed, holiness is revealed, and salvation is offered. Without Christ we will continue to live in darkness in our homes, relationships, and spiritual lives. With Christ our world comes alive. Have you ever received the light of Jesus in your life?
In Matthew 2 we see the encounter between the magi from the east and King Herod. The magi traveled over 400 miles to come and worship the King of the Jews while Herod was clueless of His birth just 6 miles south in Bethlehem. Even when he found out about Him, Herod was envious and threatened rather than submissive and obedient. What a tragedy! It’s no less a tragedy when people are going to hell right from under the shadow of the steeple. They have heard the truth but have become inoculated. It’s time to ask the Holy Spirit to knock on the doors of the hearts of our friends, family, and neighbors and ask the question –“Where is Jesus?” If they don’t know, it’s our responsibility to share Him with them.
In Matthew 2 we meet some unusual visitors to the baby Jesus. They were the Magi from the east. Through the centuries scholars have debated over them: Who were they? Who told them about the coming of the Messiah? What was this star? Although, many of these questions may remain a mystery, one thing is for sure – the coming of Jesus Christ reminds us that God is not just the God of the Jewish people but of all peoples. Our world desperately needs to hear the message that God loves all people. Jesus came to save everyone who is willing to receive Him. On one hand, we need to remain firm in our biblical convictions and, on the other hand, we need to be full of compassion.
We should never lose sight of the fact that “We Stand By God’s Grace.”
It is up to us to step out of our comfort zones and understand the philosophy and worldview of people around us and then communicate the gospel to them in a way they will understand.
Many people remain confused as to what really happens when they get saved.
it’s four weeks since we began this series and someone has come to Christ and followed through in baptism.
There is a big difference between excuses and obstacles.
There are plenty of excuses and reasons to hold off the most important decision that we can ever make. Receive Christ as your Savior now before it is too late.
Most people have never truly understood the true gospel. They think that the gospel is being a good person or a church going person or a praying person. Although all those things are great but they are not remotely close to being the true gospel.