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Roots of the Faith – “The Works of Christ” part 2

My notes for Wednesday night, Dec 6th. 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. Our study over the next few months will be “The Roots of the Faith.” This study will focus on key biblical truths that will transform our thinking and allow us to faithfully live out the Christian life. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.

Resources for this Study

50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith – Gregg R. Allision

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine – Wayne Grudem

Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth  – John MacArthur & Richard Mayhue

Basic Christian DoctrinesCurt Daniel

What Jesus accomplished when He died on the Cross

INTRO

  • The offices of Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King.
  • The Works of Jesus Christ. His work on the cross.
  • Jesus died on the cross in place of sinners that He might purchase their freedom, reconcile them to God, and thereby satisfy the righteous demands of a holy and just God.

Reconciliation

  • 2 Corinthians 5:18-21
  • The barrier of sin is removed.  There is peace with God.
  • Reconciliation is manward: man was the one that moved out of fellowship because of sin, and man needed to be reconciled to renew the fellowship.

Justification

  • Romans 5:1; Titus 3:7
  • To be declared righteous…not guilty.
  • Whereas forgiveness is the negative side, justification is the positive side.
  • To declare righteous the one who has faith in Jesus Christ.  It is a legal term that conveys the act of God declaring the believing sinner righteous based on the cross of Christ.
  • It involves:
    • The pardon and removal of all sin and the end to the separation with God.
    • Bestowing righteousness upon the believing person and a title to all the blessings.

Forgiveness

  • God removes our guilt.
  • Colossians 2:13 – To forgive out of His grace
  • Ephesians 1:7 – to let go…to release.
  • Forgiveness is manward; man had sinned and needed to have his sins dealt with and removed

Victory

  • Colossians 2:15
  • The defeat of sin, death, and curse of the law
  • Satan is defeated.
  • Satan cannot bring a charge against us. Romans 8:33

Luke 11:14-26 – “Your Are Either With Me Or Against Me”

Luke 11:14-26

INTRO

  • Growing opposition – vv. 14-54 (Closer He gets to the cross)
  • Doubting and testing
  • Rejection from religious leaders
    • Lack of faith. Who is Jesus?
  • Two kingdoms – vv. 14-26
    • God’s
    • Satan’s
  • YOU ARE EITHER WITH ME OR AGAINST ME

The Miracle – vv. 14

The Healing

  • Jesus saves. Jesus delivers. Jesus heals
  • DONE… PAID IN FULL (WED NIGHT… Works of Jesus)

The Reaction – vv. 15-16

The Gospel demands a reaction

  • Slanderers – You are not who you say you are. You are from Satan.
    • They did not deny what He had done, rather they were denying who He did it for.
    • Today, the world says that biblical truth is evil
    • The church (The Word) is evil… because it stands on God’s Word.
  • Skeptics – Do more.
  • They were open, but not receptive to Christ.
  • Prove He is who He says He is (Today.. you have your opinion… I have mine.  Many ways)
  • Pride is the issue.  We have more than enough evidence.

The Kingdom Comparison– vv. 17-23

A kingdom divided against itself will fall – vv. 17-19

  • Your thinking is illogical
  • Satan would not cast out his demons
  • Also, then explain the Jewish leaders casting out demons

I cast out demons with the finger of God – vv. 20-22

  • Not by the power of Satan, but by the power and will of God
  • Finger of God. Exodus 8:19
  • Matthew 12:28 – The Spirit of God
  • The Son does the will of the Father by the power of the Spirit (Trinity)
  • Satan appears to be strong man guarding his house.  All is well and secure… BUT
  • Jesus is stronger. STRIPS HIM, CLAIMS THE GOODS

You are either with me or against me – v. 23

  • Will I live for Him or against Him?
  • ALL IN or nothing!!!!!
  • JC RYLE – Let it be the settled determination of our minds, that we will serve Christ with all our hearts if we serve Him at all. Let there be no reserve, no compromise, no half-heartedness.
  • Which kingdom reigns over our life

A Closing Illustration – vv. 24-26

  • The man Jesus healed was delivered and made whole.
  • The man in the parable man made apparent progress. (Moral improvements… Dealing with the actions rather than the heart.)
  • A picture of not acknowledged the rule and reign of Christ over ones life.
  • The man tried, but without the power of God
  • The Spirit was not dwelling within him
  • Ok for a season and then worse.
  • Demons returned and he was worse off.
  • We need more than behavior change… People need heart change.

Roots of the Faith – “The Works of Christ” part 1

My notes for Wednesday night, Nov 29th. 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. Our study over the next few months will be “The Roots of the Faith.” This study will focus on key biblical truths that will transform our thinking and allow us to faithfully live out the Christian life. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.

Resources for this Study

50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith – Gregg R. Allision

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine – Wayne Grudem

Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth  – John MacArthur & Richard Mayhue

Basic Christian DoctrinesCurt Daniel


What did Jesus accomplish when He died on the cross?

INTRO

  • The offices of Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King.
  • The Works of Jesus Christ. His work on the cross.
  • Jesus died on the cross in place of sinners that He might purchase their freedom, reconcile them to God, and thereby satisfy the righteous demands of a holy and just God.

Substitution

  • Romans 5:6-8;1 Peter 2:21-24
  • He is the Passover Lamb.
  • He died instead of sinners and in their place.
  • He bore the penalty

Propitiation

  • Romans 3:21-26; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 4:7-10
  • On the cross, Jesus bore our sin and guilt.
  • Jesus faced the wrath of God in instead of us, and fully paid on our behalf the debt we owed.
  • Because God is holy and righteous, He cannot overlook sin, through the work of Jesus Christ, God is fully satisfied that His righteous standard has been met.
  • Through union with Christ, the believer can now be accepted by God and be spared His wrath.
  • Propitiation is Godward; God’s holiness is vindicated and satisfied by the death of Christ.

Propitiation means “averting the wrath of God by the offering of a gift.” It refers to the turning away of the wrath of God as the just judgment of our sin by God’s own provision of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. – Ligon Duncan

Redemption

  • Mark 10:45; Ephesians 1:7
  • The act of being set free from the bondage of sin.  In NT times, the word conveyed being bought in the marketplace.
  • In regard to the bondage of sin, it conveys in the NT:
    • Being purchased
    • Being removed
    • Being set free
  • Redemption is sinward; mankind was in bondage and sin and in need of release from the bondage and slavery to sin.

Luke 11:1-13 – Teach Us to Pray – Digging Deeper

Here are a few “Digging Deeper” resources for your personal study. These are additional nuggets of information from Sunday’s Word. I believe they will be extremely helpful as you hear and apply the Word each week into your life. Please reach out if you have questions. ENJOY YOUR READING!

Should I pray to the Father, the Son, or the Spirit? – John Piper

How can I improve my prayer life?– Donald Whitney


(I mentioned this in the Sermon)

3 Possible Understandings of God’s Will

  1. God is in control of nothing.
  2. God is in control of certain things.
  3. God is in control of all things – THE RIGHT ANSWER
    • It is all or nothing.
    • He is God…we are not
    • People will say…WE HAVE FREE WILL.  I always say yes, we do, but OUR WILL IS NOT SUPERIOR TO HIS WILL.
    • If someone really believes in TOTAL FREE WILL.  THEN why pray at all…WHAT CAN GOD DO?????
    • A perfect example – Acts 2:23 – this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. (ESV)

Luke 11:1-13 – “Teach Us to Pray”

My sermon notes for Sunday morning, November 26th, 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. The church provides a live stream of the service each Sunday at 10:30 on Facebook. We also provide the services through YouTube by Sunday afternoon.  You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.

Luke 11:1–13

INTRO

  • Jesus prays throughout the book of Luke.  From Galilee to the cross.
  • Disciples should:
    • Love their neighbors -10:5-37Listen to the Word – 10:38-42
    • Learn to Pray – 11:1-13
  • TEACH US TO PRAY

Pray with Perspective – vv. 2-4

God

  • Father, hallowed be your name
    • Personal. (John 1:12 – Children of God)
    • His Holiness
  • Your kingdom come
    • God’s Glory, Sovereignty, Goodness, Care
    • His rule and reign over HIS CREATION
    • His Kingdom. His Glory

The Needs of His people

  • First person plural. (Us and others… the church)
  • Daily bread
  • Needs. Daily. (dependent upon Him)
    • Work hard and trust Him
  • Forgiving others
    • Receive forgiveness. Offer forgiveness.
  • Lead us not into temptation
    • Taken away by our own desires
    • Keep us close and clean (PERSONAL HOLINESS)
    • Desire, Devotion, Discipline
    • 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:2-3

Pray with Persistence – vv. 5-10

Hospitality in biblical times was important (sacred duty)

  • Could not or would not answer
  • Eventually the man gave in.

The friend’s impudence

  • Shameless persistence
  • Boldness
  • Pray with passion and purpose… till we get God’s answer

James 4:2-3 – Asking with pure motives

  • Motive of our heart
  • Seeking His will, not presenting our agenda.
  • God does not need more information, nor is He surprised by the circumstances
  • Our heart should change the more we pray

Our requesting (Our responsibility in prayer)

  • Ask, seek, Knock
  • Progression. Continuous

God’s will revealed

  • Receive, Find, Opened

Jeremiah 29:11-14

Pray awaiting His provision – vv. 11 – 13

The love of Our Father

  • From a friend to a father
  • How much more will a Father give to his son what is best?

If you, being evil

  • Not doing evil…being evil. Depravity

How much more…heavenly Father

  • Perfect love, Infinite wisdom

WHY PRAY? BECAUSE OF OUR FATHER’S LOVE

ALL IN at TAB– Passion, Purpose, Excellence and Truth

Implementing our ALL IN Vision

A vision that considers every generation

  • What is our average age?  What needs to change?
  • Structuring our ministries with the family in mind.
  • Having a “whatever” it takes mindset.
  • Being intentional, yet flexible.
  • LESS I and more THEM.
  • Longing for the future rather than clinging to the past (Phone and fax example).

An emphasis on spiritual growth over numerical growth

  • Intentional evangelism and discipleship strategies (Reaching Out and Building up)
  • Putting a strong emphasis on Sunday worship, SS, Wednesday nights, and DLIFE.
  • Having seasonal topical studies/small groups… other than SS and Dlife. (Wed & Sundays)
  • Weekender Conferences
  • Biblical counseling and discipleship training
  • Emphasis on the Word
  • Emphasis on personal holiness (personal study and growth)
  • Emphasis on prayer
  • Expectations and accountability (Biblical and loving)

An excitement and priority for gathering on the Lord’s Day

  • Make Sunday a big deal!  Who are we worshiping!!!!!
  • A worshipful (Singing) church
  • A welcoming church
  • Worship services that are theologically sound and congregationally involved
  • Keeping in mind the next generation

A priority on our grounds and facilities

  • Welcoming and Inviting
  • Excellence in all things
  • Taking care of our grounds
  • Refurbishing our facilities

An ALL IN Church

My sermon notes for Sunday morning, November 18th, 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. The church provides a live stream of the service each Sunday at 10:30 on Facebook. We also provide the services through YouTube by Sunday afternoon.  You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.


My desire is to see Tabernacle be a church that truly makes a difference for the Lord. A difference in Macon, Middle Georgia, and beyond. But what will it take? Personally, I think it is going to take all of us being ALL IN. ALL IN on God’s plan for His Church as revealed in Scripture. God has given us a great pattern. Let’s just do what they did!.

Matthew 28:18–20 – [18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV)

Go – With confidence.

  • He has all authority.  He is Lord. He is sovereign
  • We can be all in because…
  • He is ALL knowing, powerful, every present.

Make Disciples – Followers of Jesus Christ

  • Process, Lifestyle
  • Each disciple is making disciples
  • Instruction, Example.

Acts 2:42–47 – [42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [43] And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. [46] And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (ESV)

Devoted – Passionate and Dedicated

  • Continue, steadfastness
  • To be earnest towards
  • Goal of completion
  • Devoted to the Word
  • Devoted to one another
  • Devoted to prayer

All who believed were together

  • All means All
  • Were together

Acts 11:19–26 – [19] Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. [20] But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. [21] And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. [22] The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. [23] When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, [24] for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. [25] So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, [26] and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (ESV)

Preaching the Gospel

  • The Gospel
  • In a tough setting

Hand of the Lord was with them

  • The joy of being in His will
  • Experienced His Grace

Remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose

  • His whole heart was on this endeavor….Remain true to the Lord.
  • HE HAD PURPOSE
  • My personal purpose statement

For a whole year

  • Investing in one another

Ephesians 4:11–16 – [11] And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, [14] so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. [15] Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (ESV)

Equip the saints for the work of the ministry

  • Make fully ready
  • Completion
  • The doing and going of ministry

Mature manhood…fullness of Christ

  • Spiritual maturity.  Christlikeness
  • Progressive sanctification

A built-up body is a maturing body

  • Doctrinal stability – v.14
  • Speaks the truth in love – v. 15
  • Joined and held together. AS ONE – v.16

Our “ALL IN” Core Values

Passion

  • I love the Lord
  • I love living my life for the Lord
  • Excited about what God is doing in and through my life
  • My Christian life and my Church life is the same life. (Look at the early church)

Purpose

  • Where are we going. Our Vision
  • What we do determines where we go. (Why do churches decline?)
  • Disciple making mindset.
  • Encouraging others to live for Christ (KNOW, GROW, GO)

Excellence

  • Do a few things very well. An attitude of excellence.
  • Our ministries
  • Our worship services
  • Our facilities
  • Expectation. Where we set the bar will determine who we become.
    • ex. – Happiness goal or Holiness goal. Keeping people happy or encouraging people to be holy.
  • Evaluation (Our scorecard is our purpose…disciple making)

Truth

  • The unchanging truth of God’s Word
  • Never comprising the truth
  • God blesses obedience.

The Roots of the Faith – “The Offices of Jesus Christ”

Jesus as Prophet, Priest, and King

INTRO

  • God established three offices in Israel: prophet, priest, and king.
  • Held by different people, these three offices featured three different types of work.
  • The Old Testament projected the coming of One who would be Prophet, Priest, and King, uniting the three offices.
  • The Son of God fulfills this Old Testament expectation.
  • As Prophet, he reveals God and his ways.
  • As Priest, he mediates between God and his people.
  • As King, he rules over creation, including humanity.[1]

Prophet

  • Spoke God’s Word
  • Proclaiming truth
  • Revealing God’s plans
  • Matthew 21:11 – And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
  • Jesus spoke the Word.
  • ‌Mark 1:22 – And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.

Priest

  • Served as mediators between God and Man
  • Offered sacrifices
  • 1 Timothy 2:5 – For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
  • Hebrews 4:14–16 – Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 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. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

King

  • King David
  • ‌2 Samuel 7:16 – And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.
  • ‌Gabriel and Mary
  • ‌Luke 1:32–33
  • His authority and rule
  • Matthew 28:18–20
  • Return one day as King
  • 1 Corinthians 15:24–28 – Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.

Additional Reading

Ligonier Ministries – Jesus Christ: Our Prophet, Priest, and King


[1] Gregg R. Allison, 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith: A Guide to Understanding and Teaching Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2018), 155.