These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, April 12. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

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1 Samuel 20:1-42

Intro

• Samuel anointed David because the Lord had rejected Saul.
• David then entered Saul’s service and quickly proved faithful and successful.
• After David killed Goliath, his reputation and popularity grew.
• Saul became jealous because he saw David as a threat to his throne.
• Jonathan, however, loved David and made a covenant with him.
• By chapter 20, Saul’s opposition is no longer subtle. David now knows that following God’s purpose will be costly.
• As the chapter unfolds, we see faith seeking the truth, sin exposing the heart, and loyalty bearing the cost.

Faith seeks the truth – vv. 1–23

• David asks what he has done (v. 1)
• David sees how near death is (v. 3) “there is but a step between me and death”
• David appeals to covenant kindness (v. 8)
• Jonathan swears loyalty before the Lord (vv. 12–13)
• Jonathan submits to God’s purpose for David (vv. 14–17)
• The Lord stands witness between them (v. 23) “the LORD is between you and me forever”

Sin exposes the heart – vv. 24–34

• David’s empty seat exposes the tension (vv. 24–27)
• Saul’s anger exposes his jealousy (vv. 30–31)
• Jonathan’s question exposes Saul’s injustice (v. 32)
• Saul’s spear exposes his violent heart (v. 33)
• Jonathan’s grief exposes the cost of sin (v. 34)

Loyalty comes with a cost – vv. 35–42

• Jonathan gives the warning sign (vv. 35–37)
• David receives the message (vv. 38–40)
• David and Jonathan weep together (v. 41)
• Jonathan sends David away in peace (v. 42)
• The covenant stands before the Lord (v. 42)

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THE WHAT NOW

• When life feels unfair, do not quit obeying God. Stay faithful.
• Thank God for the people who help you walk in truth and follow Him well.
• Guard your heart from jealousy, comparison, and the need to control everything.
• Trust that God is still working, even in painful seasons.
• Remember that obedience may be costly, but it is never wasted.
• Jonathan gives us a beautiful picture of covenant love, reminding us of God’s covenant love toward His people, declared from the beginning and displayed perfectly in Christ.

Stay loyal to God’s purpose, resting in His covenant love, even when obedience is costly.

Mark 3:22–30

INTRO

• Jesus’ ministry and influence were rapidly growing
• Opposition from His family and the religious leaders was increasing
• The scribes could not deny His miracles, so they accused Him of working by Satan’s power
• Jesus is stronger than Satan, rescues sinners from darkness, and warns against rejecting the truth.

Jesus Refutes the Charge Against Him — vv. 22–26

v. 22 — The scribes accused Jesus of being empowered by Satan

• Beelzebul refers to Satan, the ruler of demons

vv. 23–24 — Jesus answered with the picture of a divided kingdom

• A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand
• Satan is evil, but he is not foolish
• Jesus’ miracles prove He is opposing Satan, not helping him

vv. 25–26 — Jesus used the picture of a divided house

• Satan does not work against himself
• Jesus is proving that Satan’s kingdom is being defeated
• The coming of Christ marks the beginning of Satan’s downfall
• Genesis 3:15; 1 John 3:8

Jesus Reveals His Authority Over Satan — v. 27

v. 27 — Satan is the strong man, but Jesus is the stronger man

• The word “bind” means to restrain or overpower
• The word “plunder” means to take captives or spoils
• Jesus came to overpower Satan and rescue sinners
• Every transformed life is evidence of Christ’s victory

Satan is bound in the sense that:

• He cannot stop the spread of the gospel
• He cannot prevent Christ from saving His people
• He cannot keep the nations in darkness as before
• Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 2:14–15; Revelation 20:1–3

Jesus Warns About Rejecting the Holy Spirit — vv. 28–30

v. 28 — Jesus begins with a statement of grace

• All sins can be forgiven through Christ
• No sinner is beyond the reach of God’s mercy

v. 29 — Jesus warns about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit

• “Blaspheme” means to slander or speak evil against
• This was not doubt or confusion
• This was deliberate, hardened rejection of Christ
• The unpardonable sin is persistent, final rejection of Christ
• Hebrews 3:12–13

v. 30 — The scribes saw the truth clearly and still rejected Him

• Their problem was not lack of evidence but unbelief
• Acts 7:51; John 16:8–9

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The What Now

1. Remember: Jesus is bigger than the “Boogeyman.”
2. Satan is a defeated enemy. Quit letting him win.
3. Be careful not to deny or dismiss the work of the Holy Spirit.

Easter is more than a special Sunday. It is the declaration that Jesus Christ is alive. The empty tomb is the foundation of our hope, salvation, and faith.

Because Jesus rose from the dead, grace is available. Lives can change. Hope is possible. The risen Christ still saves, still changes hearts, and still gives new life today.

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Jesus Rose from the Dead – John 20:1–18

She came in sorrow – v. 1

• Grieving. In darkness
• Without expectation

She Found an Empty Tomb – vv. 2–10

• Stone moved. Grave clothes left
• Death defeated

She Met the Living Christ – vv. 11–18

• Called by name
• Sorrow turned to joy
• Sent to tell

Jesus Demonstrated True Grace – Acts 9:1–19

Saul was an enemy of Christ – vv. 1–2

• Opposing the gospel. Persecuting believers
• Blind to his true condition

Jesus Stopped Saul in His Tracks – vv. 3–9

• Heaven broke into his rebellion
• Christ confronted his sin
• Saul bowed before the risen Lord

Grace Made Saul a New Man – vv. 10–19

• His eyes were opened
• His sins were forgiven
• His life was forever changed

Jesus Gives New Life Today – 1 Corinthians 15:1–11

Christ must be received by faith – vv. 1–2

• Receive the gospel
• Believe in Christ
• Stand in true saving faith

Christ died for our sins – v. 3

• He took our place
• He paid for sin
• He fulfilled Scripture

Christ was buried and raised – v. 4

• His burial proved that He died
• His resurrection proved He lives
• His resurrection secured salvation

Christ was seen, received, and proclaimed vv. 5–11

• The risen Christ still changes lives
• Grace still reaches the undeserving
• Grace still produces faithful messengers

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The Gospel Changes Everything

• The Gospel gives forgiveness to all of us…as sinners.
• The Gospel gives joy and hope instead of emptiness
• The Gospel gives the passion and purpose to follow Christ daily.
• The Gospel gives us the discipline and diligence to live a holy life
• The Gospel gives the desire to serve and minister to others
• The Gospel gives confidence and the conviction to share Christ with others.
• The Gospel gives the strength and courage to press on this side of heaven

The Gospel Changes Everything

• Know Christ
• Come to Christ
• Follow After Christ
• Daily Live for Christ

Isaiah 53:1–12

My Bible study notes for Wednesday night, April 1. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. They are provided as an outline each week for our Tabernacle Church family. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.

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INTRO

• Isaiah ministered during a time of rebellion, idolatry, and coming judgment, but later chapters shift toward comfort, hope, and God’s promise of salvation.
• By Isaiah 53, the great question becomes: How will God save sinful people?
• God’s Servant will come, not first as a conquering King, but as a suffering Savior who is rejected, condemned, and crushed for sinners.
• Isaiah 53 gives us the gospel beforehand, showing that Jesus suffered in our place so we could be forgiven and brought to God.

Jesus Was Rejected – vv. 1–3

• Many would not believe the message about Him.
• He came in humility, not worldly power.
• He was despised, mocked, and ignored.
• He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

Jesus Bore Our Sin – vv. 4–6

• He was pierced for our transgressions.
• He was crushed for our iniquities.
• The punishment that brought us peace fell on Him.
• The Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Jesus Chose the Cross – vv. 7–9

• He was oppressed and afflicted.
• He did not defend Himself.
• He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
• He was cut off out of the land of the living.
• Though innocent, He was treated like a criminal.

Jesus Satisfied the Father’s Wrath – vv. 10–12

• It was the will of the Lord to crush Him.
• Jesus became a guilt offering for sin.
• His death satisfied the justice and wrath of God.
• His resurrection proved His work was accepted.
• He now intercedes for those He has redeemed.

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The What Now

• Stop minimizing your sin.
• Trust in Christ alone to save you.
• Rest in His finished work, not your own efforts.
• Worship Jesus for what He suffered in your place.
• Live in grateful obedience to Him.
• Tell others about the Savior who was crushed for sinners.

John 12:12–13, 27; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26

The King’s Entrance

John 12:12–13

• Large crowds gathered in Jerusalem for Passover
• Palm branches symbolized victory and deliverance
• “Hosanna” means “Save now”
• “King of Israel” was the right title
• The crowd wanted rescue from Rome, not rescue from sin
• They praised Jesus without fully understanding why He came
• They wanted a crown without a cross
• They celebrated a version of Jesus shaped by their own expectations

You can say the right things about Jesus and still miss who He truly is.

The King’s Sacrifice

John 12:27

• Jesus knew exactly why He came
• “Now is my soul troubled” shows His real anguish
• He saw the suffering of the cross before Him
• “For this purpose I have come to this hour”
• The cross was not accidental — it was God’s plan
• Jesus entered Jerusalem to become the Lamb of God
• He came not only to be praised, but to be pierced
• He came not only to wear a crown, but to bear our sin

The King entered Jerusalem to become the sacrifice for sinners.

The Lamb’s Remembrance

1 Corinthians 11:23–26

• The Lord’s Supper points us to Christ’s suffering
• Bread reminds us of His body given for us
• The cup reminds us of His blood shed for us
• Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)
• Salvation comes through His substitutionary death
• “Do this in remembrance of me”
• “Proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes”
• The table calls us to repentance, faith, and gratitude

The Lamb who was slain is the Savior we remember.

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The What Now

• Stop trying to make Jesus fit your agenda. Submit to Him as King, Savior, and Lord.
• Do not seek the blessings of Christ while ignoring the cross of Christ. Repent and trust His sacrifice for your sin.
• Come to the Lord’s Supper seriously and worshipfully. Remember His body, remember His blood, and proclaim His death until He comes.

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, March 22. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

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1 Samuel 19:1–24

INTRO

• Time has passed, but Saul’s heart has not changed
• Saul is determined to eliminate David
• God has already determined David will be king
• God’s plan advances despite opposition

Jonathan Intervenes – vv.1–7

• Saul commands David’s death
• Jonathan warns David and intercedes
• Jonathan speaks truth and confronts sin
• God uses people and relationships to protect

Saul Attacks – vv.8–10

• David succeeds in battle again
• Saul’s jealousy reignites
• Saul attempts to kill David again
• God limits evil and preserves David

Michal Protects – vv.11–17

• Saul sends men to kill David
• Michal warns David and helps him escape
• God uses unexpected and imperfect people
• God works through ordinary means

The Spirit Overrules – vv.18–24

• David flees to Samuel
• Saul sends messengers—God stops them
• Saul himself is overcome by the Spirit
• God directly intervenes to protect His plan

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TRUTHS TO EMBRACE

• God is sovereign—His plan cannot fail
• God is providential—working through people and events
• God uses means—people, decisions, and timing
• God’s purposes cannot be overturned

THE WHAT NOW

• Trust God’s plan in uncertainty
• Speak truth with courage (be a Jonathan)
• Recognize God’s hand in all circumstances
• Do not resist what God is doing

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, March 15. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

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1 Samuel 18:1–30

Introduction

• David’s victory over Goliath begins shaping the future of Saul’s kingdom.
• The chapter reveals the hearts of three leaders.
• Our hearts reveal who we truly are and the direction of our lives.

Jonathan — A Humble Heart – vv.1–5

• Son of the king with influence and prestige.
• His soul is knit to David — v.1
• He makes a covenant with David — v.3
• He gives David his robe and armor — v.4
• Jonathan sees God’s hand on David and joins God’s work.

Jonathan is a leader who is right with God. Humble, Open to God’s Working, Servant’s heart. Sees God and work and joins Him.

Saul — A Jealous Heart – vv.6–13a

• The people celebrate David’s victory — v.7
• Saul becomes angry and jealous — v.8
• Saul watches David with suspicion — v.9
• Saul attempts to kill David — vv.10–11
• Saul fears David because the LORD is with him — v.12
• Saul removes David from his presence — v.13a

Saul is a leader who is NOT walking… seeking after God. He is prideful, paranoid, jealous, and murderous. Notice the progression of Saul.

He shows no sensitivity to the workings of God (Cannot determine God’s will and purpose).

David — A Faithful Heart -vv.13b–30

• David is placed over the army and leads well — v.13b
• David succeeds because the LORD is with him — v.14
• Saul fears him, but the people love him — vv.15–16
• David responds humbly — vv.17–18
• David remains steady and faithful — vv.19–23
• David acts courageously — vv.24–27
• David continues acting wisely — vv.28–30

Walks humbly with the Lord, serves faithfully where he is placed, and lives wisely because the Lord is with him.

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The What Now

• Walk humbly — trust God’s timing.
• Remain faithful — serve the Lord steadily.
• Live wisely — let your life reflect the Lord’s presence.

A few weeks ago in our study of Gospel of Mark we examined the Sabbath controversy between Jesus and the Pharisees. In that passage, Jesus confronted a rigid and legalistic understanding of the Sabbath and reminded the people that “the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27, ESV).

That moment raises an important question for believers today: How should Christians understand the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day?

The following study takes a deeper look at worship, rest, and how the Sabbath fits within the unfolding covenants of Scripture, ultimately pointing us to the rest that is found in Christ.

I. The Sabbath is in Creation

Genesis 2:2–3

• God rested on the seventh day after creation.
• This establishes the pattern of divine rest.
• The pattern anticipates the greater rest God would provide for His people.

II. The Sabbath as a Sign of the Mosaic Covenant

Exodus 20:8–11; Exodus 31:12–17; Deuteronomy 5:12–15

• The Sabbath command is given specifically to Israel.
• It functions as a covenant sign between God and Israel.
• It distinguished Israel from the surrounding nations
• It reminded Israel of creation and redemption from Egypt.

III. The Sabbath Pointed Forward to Greater Rest

Psalm 95:7–11; Hebrews 3–4

• Israel observed the Sabbath but had not yet entered God’s ultimate rest.
• The promise of rest remained open… points to the future.
• Hebrews 4:9–10 – “There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.”

IV. Christ Fulfills the Sabbath

Matthew 11:28–30; Mark 2:27–28

• Jesus declares Himself Lord of the Sabbath.
• He offers the true rest the Sabbath anticipated.
• His redemption accomplishes what the law could not.
• Matthew 11:28  “Come to me… and I will give you rest.”

V. The Mosaic Covenant Has Reached Its Fulfillment

Colossians 2:16–17

• Sabbaths were part of the covenant structure given to Israel.
• These observances were shadows pointing forward to Christ.
• The shadow gives way to the substance.
• Colossians 2:17 – “These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”

VI. The Church Gathers on the Lord’s Day

Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10

• The early church gathered on the first day of the week.
• This day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus.
• The resurrection signals the beginning of the new creation.

THE WHAT NOW

• The church gathers on the Lord’s Day. Believers assemble on the first day of the week to worship Christ, hear the Word, and encourage one another (Acts 20:7; Hebrews 10:24–25).
• Christians are not under the Mosaic Sabbath law. The Sabbath was a covenant sign for Israel that pointed forward to Christ (Colossians 2:16–17).
• True rest is found in Christ. The Sabbath anticipated the greater rest fulfilled in Him (Matthew 11:28–30; Hebrews 4:9–10).