Christ Covenant Church
Weekly sermons from Christ Covenant Church in Lakewood, Colorado. Rigorous, biblically-backed teaching that takes Scripture seriously — and takes you places most churches won't go.
Episodes
Sabbath Teaching: Jesus, the Jews, and New Covenant Judaism - Part 3
(Jer 31:31-34)1. Jesus is the Yhwh of the OT (and OC).(Luk 22:20 w/v31 “LORD” [Yhwh]; hence Jud 1:5; 1Co 10:1-4)2. Salvation is a marriage to Jesus.(32, “I was a Husband to them” [34b, “for I will forgive their sin”] = God’s covenants for salvation are marital in nature - i.e., they are marriage covenants; NC: Mat 9:15; 2Co 11:2; Eph 5:25; Rev 19:7; Because the salvific covenant we enter
Sabbath Teaching: Jesus, the Jews, and New Covenant Judaism - Part 2
(Jer 31:31-34) 1. Jesus is the Yhwh of the OT (and OC). (Luk 22:20 w/v31 “LORD” [Yhwh]; hence Jud 1:5; 1Co 10:1-4) 2. Salvation is a marriage to Jesus. (32, “I was a Husband to them” [34b, “for I will forgive their sin”] = God’s covenants for salvation are marital in nature - i.e., they are marriage covenants; NC: Mat 9:15; 2Co 11:2; Eph 5:25; Rev 19:7; Because the salvific covenant we
Sabbath Teaching: Jesus, the Jews and New Covenant Judaism (Part 1)
Jesus, the Jews and New Covenant Judaism (Part 1)(Jer 31:31-34)1. JESUS IS THE YHWH OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.(Luk 22:20 w/v31 “LORD” [Yhwh];1 hence Jud 1:5; 1Co 10:1-4)2. SALVATION - IF WE ARE TO BE SAVED - IS A MARRIAGE TO JESUS.2.1. (32, “I was a Husband to them” [34b, “for I will forgive their sin”] = God’s covenants for salvation are marital in nature (i.e., they are marriage covenants).2
Through A Mirror Dimly (Part 2)
(1 Co 13:9-12)FORECAST OF EVENTS THAT COULD TAKE PLACE IN THE NEXT 220-272 WEEKS (probability scale of 1-10)1. (9/10) Christ will return to Jerusalem [Mt. of Olives] from the sky above in apocalyptic fashion on an unknown day and time in 2030 with His angels to gather and glorify all of history’s saints.2. (9/10) Christ’s return will also mean the immediate and fiery destruction of Satan
Through A Mirror Dimly (Part 1)
(1 Co 13:9-12)(9 w/12) For we know in part and we prophesy in part…for now we see in a mirror dimly” = What God provides to His people with respect to prophecy is not only incomplete (“in part”) but often a poor reflection of its reality making any consistency in accuracy when forecasting the future almost impossible (e.g., Act 21:11 w/31-33). As a result, the church functions like capric
What Jesus Teaches About The Lost
1. Jesus wants the faithful who love God to show it through shepherding the lost who also love God. 1.1. (Mat 9:9-13 w/36) 1.2. (13) “sinners” = Lost people who love God - versus lost people who love self/their sin. Jesus made the former a priority in His ministry (versus the latter who were a waste of time – TBD). “I desire compassion and not sacrifice” (Hos 6:6 “in the knowledge [unders
Revisit The Reboot
Truths about the NHNE you may have forgot (or never known):1. It will be a place without sin, a place of unending love.1.1. There will never be any sin in the NHNE (no sin = no lawlessness [1 Jo 3:4]; a place of perfect lawfulness or equity [the purposeof God’s Law]). Hence the reason there will no human death/curse (existence of human death/curse = existence of sin; Isa 65:25;1Co 15:26 w
Alcohol Consumption
(1Ti 4:4-5) Psalm 104 credits God – at least indirectly, with the creation of alcohol – which means according to Paul (1Ti 4), it (like other “foods” created by God – v3) “is good” (Gen 1:31) and not to be “rejected (condemned or forbidden) – but rather “received with gratitude.” However (as Paul also makes clear), its place as good is dependent on it being “sanctified by means of the wo
Giving Thanks To God
What I (Rabbi Scott) Would Tell My Younger Self In Christ
I (Rabbi Scott) have been saved and following Christ for 30 years. Here are some things I would tell myself if I could go back in time to the beginning. 1. Send thank you cards to those who persecute you. 1.1. Though 2Ti 3:12 makes clear that persecution is promised to those who attempt to preach and practice faithfulness to Christ, we nonetheless seem to be caught off guard when it happe
Baptism and Covenant Commitment
1. Baptism 1.1. What happens in baptism? 1) We take the sign which represents our life-long marital vow of faith/faithfulness to Christ as our Head/Husband necessary to establishing a saving covenant w/Him and becoming a part of His Bride, the church, - i.e., God’s family (Mar 16:16; 1Pe 3:21 “appeal” = A vow/pledge; “good conscience thru the resurrection” = God receives our vow of faith
Unrealistic Expectations
The danger of unrealistic expectations is that it can lead to: 1) failure, anger, depression and being deceived (Pro 19:3; Gen 4:3-5; 1Th 3:1-4 “disturbed” = deceived). 2) apostasy and hell (Gen 4:6-14 “from your face I will be hidden” = No longer able to bring sacrifice for forgiveness; Pro 11:7). 1. If we have the truth/true gospel, then it will not cause problems with blood family.1.1
Evidence of the New Covenant Rabbi
The destruction of Solomon’s Temple in 586 BC, caused the Levitical priesthood to be displaced by synagogues (congregations or assemblies) and rabbis, men who because of their devotion to righteous behavior and deep study of the Old Testament were ordained by their congregations to function as their anointed shepherds, teachers and judges. The authority of these old covenant communities a
NCJ Sabbath - Part 3
As part of His messianic mission, Jesus came to see that the principles established by the Old Testament Scriptures (the laws governing Old Covenant Judaism) are faithfully obeyed (Isa 2:1-3; Mic 4:1-3; Mat 5:17-20) according to their transformation by His ministry (i.e., their application in New Covenant Judaism) For example (1Co 5:1-5 [Lev 18:8 w/20:10] w/Heb 9:13-14) = Unlike the forme
NCJ Sabbath - Part 2
As part of His messianic mission, Jesus came to see that the principles established by the Old Testament Scriptures (the laws governing Old Covenant Judaism) are faithfully obeyed (Isa 2:1-3; Mic 4:1-3; Mat 5:17-20) according to their transformation as a result of His ministry (i.e., their application in New Covenant Judaism; e.g., Isa 66:21 [Exo 28:1,40-43; Num 3:1-3] w/Heb 7:11-22, 28).
NCJ Sabbath - Part 1
As part of His messianic mission, Jesus came to see that the principles established by the Old Testament Scriptures (the laws governing Old Covenant Judaism) are faithfully obeyed according to their application for New Covenant Judaism (Isa 2:1-3; Mic 4:1-3; Mat 5:17-20). This includes those principles established by the various Sabbath day commands. That being said… 1. There are four pri
New Covenant Judaism - Part 3
How did we arrive at NCJ? What paradigm shifts in our understanding of God’s Word did He use to reveal to me (pastor Scott) that what Jesus and His New Testament authors are teaching is not a new religion (Christianity), but a restoration of ancient Judaism according to its New Covenant expression? 1. (2006) Lord Before SaviorFully submitting/dedicating ourselves to Jesus’ Lordship by rep
New Covenant Judaism - Part 2
How did we arrive at NCJ? What paradigm shifts in our understanding of God’s Word did He use to reveal to me (pastor Scott) that what Jesus and His New Testament authors are teaching is not a new religion (Christianity), but a restoration of ancient Judaism according to its New Covenant expression? 1. (2006) Lord Before SaviorFully submitting/dedicating ourselves to Jesus’ Lordship by re
New Covenant Judaism - Part 1
Christ Covenant Church and her members will no longer identify themselves as Christians or their religion as Christianity. We are instead New Covenant Jews – and our religion, New Covenant Judaism.[1] The following represent the reasons for this change: 1. Jesus did not come to create a new religion (e.g., Christianity) but a new covenant for the already existing and ancient religion of J
The Worldview of New Covenant Judaism - Part 2
Worldview (def.,) = What humans express through their religion (loyalty/truth), ethics (values/justice) and culture (identity/beauty) as the answer to the question, “why do we exist?”1. People should reject all forms of Christianity not only because its doctrines are unethical but also its worldview.1.1. There are three main branches of Christianity: Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy a
The Worldview of New Covenant Judaism - Part 1
Worldview (def.,) = What humans express through their religion (loyalty/truth), ethics (values/justice) and culture (identity/beauty) as the answer to the question, “why do we exist?” 1. People should reject all forms of Christianity not only because its doctrines are unethical but also its worldview.1.1. There are three main branches of Christianity: Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy
Additional Thoughts With Respect to Children, Parents and Apostasy
1. Anyone having children for personal pleasure is treating them like pets and priming them for apostasy.1.1. One of the most popular reasons people have kids today is because they want to experience heart-warming moments and memories w/them, live vicariously through them and feel some sense of validation or acceptance because of them. Or, if you are too weird and controlling to have real
Why People Go Apostate
Preliminary Considerations:1) What markes understanding the WHY (on this topic) so important?2) Though apostasy is a loss, we need to be very careful to understand that it is not the loss of a lvoed one. It is a loss of betrayal.Why People Go Apostate1 They REFUSE to make God their greatest love. (Lk 14; 1 Pe 1:8; Joh 5:42; Rom 5:1-5)1.1 Three things that lead to apostasy:1.1.1 The things
Discovering the Equity of God
Equity = Those principles which establish fair treatment for all free will beings (e.g., Exo 20:1-11; 1Co 6:3; Deu 4:5-8, 6:24) 1) One moral lawgiver and law for all (Isa 33:22; Jam 4:12; Deu 4:2 w/5-8; Num 15:16). 2) Free to choose (not free from consequences, Deu 30:19) 3) Everyone gets what their choices/deeds deserve (Psa 28:4, 62:2; Pro 24:12; Isa 3:10-11; Jer 17:10, 21:14, 32:19; Ez
Christian Cognitive Dissonance
Christian Cognitive Dissonance (CCD) = A feeling of distrust toward God as righteous (just and equitable[1]) that occurs when what the Bible teaches conflicts with a desirable situation (e.g., an attractive female unbeliever expresses interest in dating a single Christian male. The Christian finds himself interested and excited. However, when he finds out that God not only prohibits all s
A Profile of Public Enemy #1 (Satan) - Part 5
Why study Satan? 1) The Bible identifies Satan as public enemy #1, the greatest adversary (Heb., Satan = Adversary) of all sentient beings – including God. To fight him we need to know him[1] (2Co 2:11).[2] The following profile is based on the conclusions that may be drawn about Satan when considering the teachings of Scripture and traditions of the Ancient Near East (ANE).Distilling wha
A Profile of Public Enemy #1 (Satan) - Part 4
Why study Satan? 1) The Bible identifies Satan as public enemy #1, the greatest adversary (Heb., Satan = Adversary) of all sentient beings – including God. To fight him we need to know him[1] (2Co 2:11).[2] The following profile is based on the conclusions that may be drawn about Satan when considering the teachings of Scripture and traditions of the Ancient Near East (ANE).CREATION AND P
A Profile of Public Enemy #1 (Satan) - Part 3
Why study Satan? 1) The Bible identifies Satan as public enemy #1, the greatest adversary (Heb., Satan = Adversary) of all sentient beings – including God. To fight him we need to know him[1] (2Co 2:11 = Paul’s use of the plural personal pronoun [“we”] when claiming they were “not ignorant” of Satan’s “schemes” implies that he and his pastoral team -and possibly those in the Corinthian ch
A Profile of Public Enemy #1 (Satan) - Part 2
Why study Satan? 1) The Bible identifies Satan as public enemy #1, the greatest adversary (Heb., Satan = Adversary) of all sentient beings – including God. To fight him we need to know him[1] (2Co 2:11 = Paul’s use of the plural personal pronoun [“we”] when claiming they were “not ignorant” of Satan’s “schemes” implies that he and his pastoral team -and possibly those in the Corinthian ch
A Profile of Public Enemy #1 (Satan) - Part 1
Why study Satan? 1) The Bible identifies Satan as public enemy #1, the greatest adversary (Heb., Satan = Adversary) of all sentient beings – including God. To fight him we need to know him[1] (2Co 2:11 = Paul’s use of the plural personal pronoun [“we”] when claiming they were “not ignorant” of Satan’s “schemes” implies that he and his pastoral team -and possibly those in the Corinthian ch
Questions You Have Been Meaning To Ask About Evangelism and Love
1. Why was evangelism was so much easier in the 1st century?1.1. Textual support for my question (Act 11:19-21) = Those doing the evangelism are not the apostles but the untrained laity of the Jerusalem church (Act 7:51-8:1). Given then their evangelistic success, what advantage did the laity of the early church possess that we do not have today? Why was it so much easier?1.2. Unlike tod
Coherent Trinitarianism - Part 2
“Come now, let us reason (think coherently) together says the Lord” – Isa 1:18Coherent (def.): clear, consistent, logical and reasonable (equitable/just). Coherent things are intelligible, they make sense. Coherency is therefore a prerequisite to the identification of something as truth. The doctrine of the Trinity believed by most of Christendom since the first and second councils of Nic
Coherent Trinitarianism - Part 1
“Come now, let us reason (think coherently) together says the Lord” – Isa 1:18Coherent (def.): clear, consistent, logical and reasonable (equitable/just). Coherent things are intelligible, they make sense. Coherency is therefore a prerequisite to the identification of something as truth. The doctrine of the Trinity believed by most of Christendom since the first and second councils of Nic
How To Prepare For The End Of The World
“When disaster strikes, life becomes like molten metal…Old customs crumble, instability rules.” – Dr. Samuel Prince (“Catastrophe and Social Change”) All signs point to Jesus’ return in 2030. And though this event will be a day of great joy and excitement for His faithful followers, getting to that day without going apostate will prove difficult – even impossible for many. Why? Because th
The Return of the King - Part 3
One of the biggest challenges to determining the proper chronology of those events relevant to Jesus’ return is deciding which portions of prophecy were fulfilled in the past (original audience relevant), have yet to be fulfilled (future audience relevant), and which portions will experience dual fulfillment (original and future audience relevant) (e.g., Isa 7:10-16 w/8:1-4 w/Isa 9:6-7; I
The Return of the King - Part 2
Determining the window of possible dates:1. Jesus was condemned to death by the Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate.1.1. (Mat 27:26; Mar 15:15; Luk 23:23-24; Joh 19:14-16)1.2. “Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus.” – Tacitus (Annals)1.3. Josephus (Antiquities, War
The Return of the King - Part 1
1. Why should we be planning for Jesus’ return in 2033 or 2034?1.1. According to Jewish tradition and the belief of the early church, the shelf-life of God’s first Creation – before the final return of Christ and the beginning of His second and eternal Creation, would be 6,000 years, a corollary to the six literal creation days of Genesis one. “Six thousand years the world will exist and
Divorce, Remarriage, and Sexual Fraud
1. Like the ancient societies around them, divorce was already an axiomatic (or unquestioned) part of Jewish society when God adopted them as His people. Hence the reason there is no place in Scripture which establishes divorce but only case laws which regulate it.1.1. (Deu 24:1-4 “When a man takes a wife…and he writes her a certificate of divorce” [1]) = Not establishing divorce but regu
Three Strikes And You Are Out
If we are to accurately discern Paul’s point (in Tit 3:10-11), we must first determine what’s going on in the letter as a whole. Why? Because context always determines meaning (e.g., reading comprehension [larger picture det’s individual parts]). 1. What’s going on? (What is the context or backstory of the letter?) 1.1. This is a pastoral epistle. It was written to Paul’s church-planting
Overcoming Sexual Sin
1. If you are going to follow Christ and make it to heaven, then you must be a person characterized by sexual purity not sexual sin. (Gal 5:19 w/21; Eph 5:5; 1Th 4:1-6; 2Pe 3:14 “spotless” [Grk., aspilos = Without stain versus 2Pe 2:13-14 “eyes full of adultery” consider w/Job 31:1) = IOW: their eyes/minds are not fixed on covenant faithfulness to their wives (or God) but instead their ne
Coherent Christianity
Coherent (def.): clear, consistent, logical and reasonable (equitable/just). Coherent things are intelligible, they make sense. Christ Covenant Church seeks to a place that possesses coherent Christianity. The reason for this endeavor is the following: 1. Coherency is essential to the confirmation of something as truth especially as it relates to what you believe. 1.1. In Philosophy this
Coherence - Part 2
Coherent (def.): to be clear and consistent, logical and reasonable.The accusations of our critics:[See PREVIOUS SERMON (Coherence Part 1) for accusations 1-3] 4. Your requirement of faithful obedience to be a Christian is too difficult. We are totally broken and unable to live faithfully obedient lives to God. It is for this reason the message of salvation is faith in Christ not faithful
Coherence - Part 1
Coherence (def.,) to be intellectually clear and consistent, logical and reasonable.The accusations of our critics:1. Your list of capital crimes and their punishments are completely arbitrary. The NT possesses no such list or penalties. The only law is love.Our biblically obedient and coherent response: 1.1. The NT (or more specifically, Jesus) affirms the OT Law’s (including its capital
Satan's Playbook - Part 2
Satan's Playbook - Part 1
The Anatomy of Belief (in God) - Part 2
1. Relevance of this study 1.1. Unbelief wb at an all-time high at the return of Christ (Luk 18:8).1.2. Without sustaining belief (or faith) in God, His Person and Words (1Ti 1:5 [“love” = For God and others – loyalty/equity]; Heb 10:37-39 [w/Heb 11:6]; 1Jo 5:4-5; 1Pe 1:5-7), it is impossible to sustain faithfulness to God and others (the other necessary instrument of salvation and to rec
The Anatomy of Belief (in God) - Part 1
1. Relevance of this study 1.1. Unbelief wb at an all-time high at the return of Christ (Luk 18:8). 1.2. Belief (or faith – Mar 11:22-23) in God, His Person and Words is the first necessary instrument of salvation and to receiving God’s blessings (Gen 15:6; Isa 7:9; Mat 13:58 ; Luk 1:20, 45; Joh 3:15-18, 5:24, 10:26; Act 10:43, 16:31; Rom 1:16, 3:28; Heb 3:18-4:2; 11:6 [He is there and H
Life For Dummies
1. The book, "Life for Dummies" is the Bible, which means the less you know and believe, the more you reveal yourself to be a dummy. (Is 8:20)2. Life is a test, and God is the proctor of that test. He is the one judging/grading how you do. It is why you exist. This is our purpose: pass His test. Those who pass the test seek Him through the constant, consistent, and permanent practice of l
Gospel Fitness Test
QUESTIONS1. Can you give the Big Picture (from God's Word)?2. Can you show that salvation is a marriage?3. Can you show it is a marriage to Jesus?4. Can you show who Jesus is and what He did?5. Can you show that baptism necessary as the place where we pledge our allegiance to Jesus?6. Can you show that God's vow to us is dependent on us being faithful?7. Can you show that obedience is nec
Young Church Loyalty Pledge
1. God is real. This life is the test. 2. Extreme ownership.3. Self suspicion before evil suspicion.4. See something, say something.5. No victim mentality.6. Use the courts.7. Those who fail to fulfill the second greatest commandment are fit only for the pit.CLOSING THOUGHTS1. The first generation ministry is to raise up the second generation.2. Hold them accountable so that their generat
The Ministry of Mercy
An important ministry in the church is the ministry of mercy. This study will discuss various aspects related to this subject. 1. Historically the church has recognized the existence of only two forms of ministry: the ministry of mediation and the ministry of mercy. The ministry of mediation includes all those gifts and tasks related to teaching (e.g., preaching, discipleship, counseling,
Culpability, Correction, Compliance, and Counsel
1. Culpability: without exception, every person able to reason, who knows that what they are doing is wrong (Jam 4:17) is not only fully culpable for their actions but also fully capable of turning from them (repentance) (Act 17:30; Deu 30:9-14). With respect to one’s ability to reason consider:1) God makes such a distinction in multiple OT texts (Jon 4:11 “know the difference between the
God's Existence, Religion and Gospel
GOD’S EXISTENCE (The Moral Test argument)1. Through our inescapable drive to assess (judge) all things from an ethical perspective (right and wrong), we (humanity) are not only confirming our unique identity as moral creatures but also our belief in: 1) this life as a test (ethics indicate a test) and 2) the existence of God (i.e., an objective test-grader) Who in the after-life, will rew
Doorstep Theory
Stranger things = Those fringe[1] subjects of the Bible which exist at the intersection of the supernatural and natural, the immaterial and material worlds. Why we are discussing these kinds of subjects = So that we are viewing of our world in the same way Jesus and those living in the ancient near east (the bible’s authors) viewed their world since this is not only the real world but al
God's New Covenant Prescription for Singing in the Church
Scholars agree that the subject of Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 is corporate worship on the Lord’s Day (Sunday). What many also agree on is the interchangeability of the terms “psalms”, “hymns” and “spiritual songs.”[1] IOW: these terms do not refer to different types of songs but rather function as “overlapping near synonyms”[2] meant to emphasize the imperati
Divine Council - Part 3
Stranger things = Those fringe[1] subjects of the Bible which exist at the intersection of the supernatural and natural, the immaterial and material worlds. Why we are discussing these kinds of subjects = So that we are viewing of our world in the same way Jesus and those living in the ancient near east (the bible’s authors) viewed their world since this is not only the real world but als
Divine Council - Part 2
Stranger things = Those fringe[1] subjects of the Bible which exist at the intersection of the supernatural and natural, the immaterial and material worlds. Why we are discussing these kinds of subjects = So that we are viewing of our world in the same way Jesus and those living in the ancient near east (the bible’s authors) viewed their world since this is not only the real world but al
Divine Council - Part 1
Stranger things = Those fringe subjects of the Bible which exist at the intersection of the supernatural and natural, the immaterial and material worlds. “It would be dishonest of us to claim that the biblical writers read and understood the text the way we do as modern people, or intended meanings that conform to theological systems created centuries after the text was written. Our cont
What the Bible Teaches About Resurrection
Resurrection (def.,): The supernatural phenomenon whereby the present state of those who have died is replaced by once more being alive in a physical/material body yet unable to die again. 1. Easter is also known as “Resurrection Sunday” since it marks the day Jesus Christ became the first person to experience resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection is also the reason God’s people corporately w
A Tale of Two Kings: David
1. David had all the potential to be a great king. - 16:1, 5-13 = Divine blessing, confirmation, & guidance**notice however, humble beginning**notice also, God’s choice for ‘most likely to succeed’ v.716:18; 17:4-11, 26, 32-37, 45-47; 18:30 = Courageous, confident, & great leader (vs Saul hiding in the luggage), giving guarantees ahead of time. 2. David demonstrates his righteous
A Tale of Two Kings: Saul
1Sa 2:1-10 - Similar to Charles Dickens’ intro to his famous book “A Tale of Two Cities”, Hannah’s prayer provides for us a preview and an intro to the themes present in 1st & 2nd Samuel. In these two books, we are told the life-stories of Israel’s first two kings, Saul & David.1. Saul had all the potential to be a great king. 9:1-2 = Rich upbringing & physical presence10:1-1
Dimensional Portals - Part 3
Stranger things = Those fringe subjects of the Bible which exist at the intersection of the supernatural and natural, the immaterial and material worlds. “It would be dishonest of us to claim that the biblical writers read and understood the text the way we do as modern people, or intended meanings that conform to theological systems created centuries after the text was written. Our cont
Dimensional Portals - Part 2
Stranger things = Those fringe subjects of the Bible which exist in the intersection of the supernatural and natural, the immaterial and material worlds. What to keep in mind when discussing subjects like this: (1Ti 1:3 “strange doctrines”) = Doctrine that does not agree with orthodoxy – e.g., Gen 6:1-4 according to 1Enoch (fallen angels mated with human women who gave birth to the giant
Dimensional Portals - Part 1
Stranger things = Those fringe subjects of the Bible which exist in the intersection of the supernatural and natural, the immaterial and material worlds. What to keep in mind when discussing subjects like this: (1Ti 1:3 “strange doctrines”) = Doctrine that does not agree with orthodoxy – e.g., Gen 6:1-4 according to 1Enoch (fallen angels mated with human women who gave birth to the gian
Understanding For Encouragement And Overcoming
1. The problem is not ours, but theirs.2. We are in good company.3. Our primary mission is to be the aroma of Christ to the lost, not win the lost to Christ.4. Our primary audience and antagonist is and will be the false churches of the world.5. God uses the persecution of false churches to purge the apostate from Christ's true church.6. Persecution serves as one of the greatest and most
What the Bible Has To Say About The Transfer Of Our Church Membership
Common belief today: “We have the right to transfer our membership whenever we want, for whatever reason we want, as long as we believe the other church to be biblical.” Those who believe such things indicate they are not only completely ignorant – or rebellious to, what the Bible actually teaches on this subject, but also the church’s divine authority in such matters[1]. 1. We cannot tra
Mission Critical Truths
Our Billboard campaign has begun! Below are the mission critical truths we need to know if we are to be successful in fulfilling our evangelistic ministry (2Ti 4:5): 1. Salvation requires you believe/practice the right gospel (i.e. the gospel of gain by faith in Jesus Christ and maintain by faithful obedience to all His commands versus the false gospel of faith alone). 1.1. (Rom 3:28 [gai
God's Family Versus Human Family
Just as children bear the image of their family, God created us as image-bearers to be a part of His family. He also created human families with this goal in mind: we would teach our human families to join - and be supremely loyal to, God’s family -i.e., to embrace “the blood of the covenant [family as] stronger than the water of the womb”. The wonderful gift of family is therefore a deep
Christian Talking Points on Feelings
We live in a world dominated by feelings and that is not by accident. It is God’s ordained trial for us (and as such, Satan’s most prized strategy). Here then is what we need to know:1. Getting to heaven requires that we stop living by our feelings[1] and become characterized by a life of obedience to Jesus’ words (i.e., God’s will [Law and mission]): 1) the terms “flesh”, “fleshly”, “pa
What You Should Expect If Your Church Truly Possesses a Shepherd from Jesus
A major reason churches fail to trust or follow their shepherds — or identify them as legitimately from Jesus, is bc they are ignorant of their job description - or more accurately, the job description they possess for that position in the church, does not agree with Scripture. BC I want to avoid that pitfall in this church, this morning we are going to discover and be reminded of what Go
Acts 3
WGO?Peter heals a lame beggar and preaches to the crowd who have gathered because of the miracle. WTP?1. Evangelism can look like going to another church’s bible study (1; Act 17:1-3; Deu 33:10; Mal 2:7; Joh 18:20 = Temple courts [e.g., Solomon’s Portico] were where the people in Jerusalem would go to find teaching from various experts on the Law [priests/scribes, lawyers/judges, Pharise
Acts 2
1. The Christian Pentecost should be viewed as Sinai 2.0. given: 1) the sacred holiday of Pentecost (Shavout - Feast of Weeks, Exo 34:22) represented not only a celebration of God’s bountiful giving of physical food (or harvest), but also spiritual food since according to Jewish tradition, Pentecost was the day Israel received the Law from God at Sinai (Hag Matan Torateinu – The Festival
Acts 1
1. Important people can help us advance the Kingdom (1; “Theophilus” – See Luk 1:3 “most excellent Theophilus” = Title reserved for those with high social status, power or influence [Act 23:26, 24:3, 26:26]. Given that Luke’s audience was much larger than just Theophilus, strongly implies the mention of his name was for the purpose of adding extra validity - and therefore readership, to h
Acts: Signs You Are Part of a Genuine Jesus Movement
Acts stands for “Acts of the Apostles.” IOW: What the apostles did, endured or experienced as God used them to spearhead the first genuine Jesus movement after His death and ascension back to heaven. Given the purpose of Scripture, those actions and events can be considered the signs of when such a movement is taking place today. In broad strokes, they are the following:1. The gospel mess
Canon Formation
Canon (definition): Those books containing God’s spoken words (the Old and New Testaments otherwise known as Scripture, God’s Word or the Bible) preserved for the purpose of saving (physically, spiritually) His people (the covenant community). A major deterrent to canonical confidence[1], is not only a poor understanding of the canon’s formation, but the intended function of God’s spoken
Canon Function
Canon (definition): Those books containing God’s spoken words (the Old and New Testaments otherwise known as Scripture, God’s Word or the Bible) preserved for the purpose of saving (physically, spiritually) His people (the covenant community).A major deterrent to canonical confidence[1], is not only a poor understanding of the canon’s formation, but the intended function of God’s spoken w
Value-Add Christianity
1. Accomplishing the mission of our Master1.1. The mission of our “Master” = Using our potential to be a value-add to His (new) kingdom (i.e., the church) through thecultivation of its assets (14-17). (14) “entrusted his possessions…talents [literally, weights of value]”, (27) “money” = Kingdom assets, those things determining the kingdom’s value. (15) “each according to his ability” = Po
Making Sense of Revelation - Part 2
“One of the ironies of the Bible is that its most difficult book is called ‘Revelation’.” Making sense of the book of Revelation requires:1. We treat Revelation like all other prophetic literature in Scripture which operates according to the principles of symbolism (Rev 1:1, “communicated” [Grk., saymainoe] = Communicated through symbols/signs), original audience relevance (Rev 1:3-4, wri
Revelation 2-3: Jesus' Final Message To His Shepherds
Ephesus · Smyrna · Pergamum · Thyatira · Sardis · Philadelphia · Laodicea1. The senior pastor (or shepherd) –and therefore his helpers/under-shepherds (i.e., deacons/officers – Luk 12:58), are the one(s) responsible for the spiritual health of their churches (Rev 1:20 “stars are the angels of the seven churches” or “messengers sent by God to those particular churches)”(2:1, 8, 12, 18, 3:
Making Sense of Revelation - Part 1
“One of the ironies of the Bible is that its most difficult book is called ‘Revelation’.”Making sense of the book of Revelation requires:1. We treat Revelation like all other prophetic literature in Scripture which operates according to the principles of symbolism, original audience relevance, unconventional fulfillment, and recapitulation.1.1. Symbolism(Rev 1:1 “communicated” [Grk., saym
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