Messages

A message from the series “Not Part of a Series.” The Transforming Spirit
Romans 8:1-4
Main Point:
Jesus sent His Spirit to live in us and transform us in our weakness that we may live new life in this world!

1. Pentecost’s Provision – Acts 1:4-8 Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will come to them, indwell and empower them

2. Believers Privilege! 2:1-4 The Holy Spirit is poured out on all the believers, not just the apostles…

3. He is the indwelling Spirit. He is Christ’s Spirit sent to us to indwell, live in us. John 14:20

4. He is the enabling/empowering Spirit. He empowers & enables us to live differently – a new life. Acts 1:8 > receive power… be my witnesses to all peoples, all over the world.

John 14:16-18 Jesus promised to send the ‘Helper’

5. He is the transforming Spirit! He brings the Holy Presence of Jesus Christ into our lives -The One who is Morally & righteously pure & perfect. He imputes and implants the righteousness of Christ into our hearts and minds – and begins to transform us!

Romans 12:1-2

The Spirit is the jealous Spirit – wants us only for Christ!
(James 4:5)

A message from the series “Not Part of a Series.”

A message from the series “Not Part of a Series.”

A message from the series “Not Part of a Series.”

A message from the series “Not Part of a Series.” The Easter Effect
Acts 2:22-41
God’s plan was for Messiah to die for our sins, be raised from the dead. (verses 31-32) and so God provided a way for us to be forgiven of our sins, and live in connection to Him thru the indwelling Spirit.

Main point:
Even during this pandemic, we can still live in peaceful, purposeful connection with the risen Jesus Christ every day.

Verse 34 David speaks of the Messiah “The LORD (YHWH) said to my Lord (awdone = lord, master, sovereign) …”

1. I live in connection with Jesus Christ because His Spirit lives in me bringing me forgiveness of my sins. (verse 38)

Verses 25-28 = Psalm 16:8-11 Messiah is speaking of His death & resurrection.

Acts 4:12 What about you – have you received Christ by His indwelling Spirit??

2. I am at peace because the indwelling Spirit of Christ brings His life and His peace to me. John 14:15-20; 25-27

3. I live with purpose because the indwelling Spirit of Christ gives me purpose – to glorify Jesus Christ and represent Him.

II Corinthians 5:20

A message from the series “Not Part of a Series.”

A message from the series “Not Part of a Series.”

A message from the series “Not Part of a Series.”

A message from the series “Not Part of a Series.” Chosen for Obedience
I Peter 1:1-9
Main Point:
God has called and chosen us to be His sanctified people, to obey Jesus Christ so that we represent God to others.

1. The Apostle Peter. (v.1) Peter an Apostle of JX = ‘One called and given a mission.’ Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16. Jesus gives them a mission, and He also gave them authority, in those passages, and in Matthew 18:19.

Writing to God’s ‘elect.’ (Greek.‘Elektos’) What does this mean? = God’s ‘chosen ones’ – come back to that more in v.2.

a. God’s calling/drawing (v.1 to God’s chosen) – this happens before we come to Christ – John 6:44 & 65

b. Justification (past) = ‘declared righteous’ – happens at the moment I am saved. Romans 5:1

c. Sanctification (present) I am being saved from the power or influence of sin. Being made holy or conformed to the image of Jesus, for God’s use.

d. Glorification (future)– I will be glorified – I will be saved from even the presence of sin. I John 3:2

2. ‘Strangers’ in the world. (v.1) What does this mean?
(Greek. parepidamois = resident foreigners/aliens)

*Philippians 3:20 “Our citizenship is in Heaven…”
3. Chosen by God (v.1 & 2) How is it that they are God’s elect – Grk. ‘Elektos’ = chosen ones? They and we were chosen (Grk – prognosin) according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. Foreknowledge = Grk ‘Prognosis’ = ‘before knowledge, before arrangement’ God chose us according to His foreknowledge of our response of faith to Jesus Christ.

4. Sanctified by the Holy Spirit (v.2) – (Greek hagiosmos – set apart, made holy) So, we have been called, chosen and ‘made holy’ and ‘set apart’ for God’s holy use. And we are to sanctify ourselves…
Jesus said in John 16:8 “For when He (Holy Spirit) comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness and judgment…”

Hebrews 10:14 “For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”

5. For obedience to Jesus Christ (v.2) We have been saved to serve, called to obedience of JX. He details what that looks like in vv 13 ff. -And sprinkled with His blood speaks of Christ’s atonement, the ongoing covering and cleansing of our sin.

So, in our walk of obedience we have ongoing cleansing, and covering for our sins – we live in His grace and His forgiveness!
And this is what communion symbolizes!

A message from the series “Not Part of a Series.”