“Why Jonah Can’t Sing” Jonah 4 Bible Study 04/3/16
Jonah Can’t Rejoice (v. 3:10–4:1)
Jonah Can’t Forgive (v. 4:2–4)
Jonah Can’t Be Thankful (v. 4:5–11)
The Problem is that Jonah Doesn’t Value what God Values.
Maybe the reason I can’t rejoice, or forgive, or be thankful is because I don’t value what God values.
“Empty Tomb Impact” Luke 24:1-12 Bible Study 03/27/16
Magnificent messages can shape the trajectory of individual lives as well as entire nations (think of Matthew Henry, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King, Jr.) Yet all messages pale in comparison to the message of the church that salvation/deliverance comes through faith in the resurrected Son Of God. The message of the empty tomb has the power to change the course of one’s eternal destiny. That message, first delivered in a Jerusalem cemetery at dawn on a long-ago Sunday morning, retains a timeless impact. As we think about the empty tomb this morning, it is important that we connect it to the occupied cross that preceded it. The cross and resurrection are inseparable aspects of Christ’s saving work. The cross testifies to the truth of God’s redeeming grace. The resurrection testifies to the triumph of God’s transforming power.
I. Observe the empty tomb experience (1-3)
-context: women 23:55-56
-early dawn on Sunday
-stone rolled away
-empty tomb
II. Take note of the angelic address (4-8)
-perplexed women
-two dazzling “men”
-question
-declaration
-reminder
III. Resurrection results in true amazement (9-12)
-return and report
-three women
-“too good to be true”
-Peter: running, stooping , looking and marveling
IV. So what?
-Because the truth of the empty tomb has the capacity to change your life now and forever, ceaselessly celebrate it with fixed amazement.
-Don’t forget to remember!
-“Christ’s resurrection not only gives you hope for the future; it gives you hope to handle your scars right now.” (Tim Keller)
-Are you living a life which is stupid if Christ isn’t raised from the dead?
-The whole point of Easter: that you may have God as your highest joy
-“If you do not bow/worship/trust/obey, you commit high treason against the King who is Lord over all.” (John Piper)
-“Crown Him the Lord of heav’n, Enthroned in worlds above, Crown Him the King to whom is giv’n The wondrous name of love. Crown Him with many crowns, And thrones before Him fall; Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns, For He is Lord of all.” (M. Bridges/G. Thring)
“Fulfillment and Fellowship” Acts 2:14-47 Bible Study 03/20/16
This morning, as we examine Peter’s sermon at Pentecost and the unity of the early church, we will focus on two vital concepts: fulfillment and fellowship. The pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was a direct fulfillment of prophetic promises and a testimony to the truth of the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ. As a result, the early church flourished through a supernatural fellowship. This fellowship went far beyond the “punch and cookies” variety. It led to a healthy church characterized by qualitative and quantitative growth.
I. Survey the sermon (14-41)
-correction of misapprehension
-confirmation of God’s faithfulness
-fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32
-the “paradox” of God’s plan
-foundational truths of Psalms 16:8-11 and 110:1
-conclusion: Lord and Christ!
-conviction and response: 3000 souls!
II. Focus on the fellowship (42-47)
-concentrated devotion
*apostles’ teaching
*fellowship
*breaking of bread
*prayers
-God-centered disposition of awe
-generous distribution
-gracious development
III. So what?
-When the gospel is magnified, its adherents manifest the mission of Jesus with a profound unity.
-Prize the power of the gospel.
-Promote the unity of the church.
-Understand that Christian unity has a unique source, view, affection and aim.
-“Unless I can leave off loving Jesus Christ, I cannot cease loving those who love Him.” (Spurgeon)
-“Blest be the tie that binds, Our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds, Is like to that above. Before our Father’s throne, We pour our ardent prayers; Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, Our comforts and our cares. We share each other’s woes, Our mutual burdens bear; And often for each other flows, The sympathizing tear.” (John Fawcett)
“Supernatural Churchbirth” Acts 2:1-15 Bible Study 03/13/16
This morning’s text focuses on the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon the early church. This event stands as a powerful fulfillment of that “promise of the Father” for which the apostles were to wait in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4-5). The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is a unique historical event which marks the supernatural birth and empowerment of the church.
I. Look at the location (1)
-context: promise/ascension/selection of Matthias
-Jerusalem: according to the promise
-in one place: about 120 (Acts 1:15)
II. Observe the manifestation (2-3)
-sound…wind…filled (hearing)
-sight…tongues of fire…distributed (seeing)
-supernatural indicators
III. Recognize the verification (4-12)
-filled with the Holy Spirit
-tongues-“glossa”-languages in this context
-empowered by the Holy Spirit-supernatural enablement
-response of bewilderment and amazement
-roll-call with an “all the known world” emphasis
-Language/Babel connection and significance (Genesis 11)
IV. Consider the explanation (13-15)
-accusation of drunkenness
-Peter’s 9:00 a.m. response
-Joel 2:28-32 fulfillment (Acts 2: 16-21)
V. So what?
– Because of the fulfilled promise of the Holy Spirit, the church is equipped supernaturally for the task of transmitting gospel truth.
– Remember, we go forward with the Lord’s power and presence.
– Magnify the supernatural nature of the gospel.
– Invest in Kingdom expansion!
– “When anemic sermons are red again with the crimson blood of Jesus…showers of revival fire and blessing will again fall in America.” (Bill Piper)
– “Joy of the desolate, light of the straying, hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure! Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying, ‘Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot cure.’” (T. Moore)
– “How sweet and awesome is this place with Christ within the doors, While everlasting love displays the choicest of her stores. We long to see Thy churches full, That all the chosen race may with one voice and heart and soul, Sing Thy redeeming grace.” (I. Watts)
“This Same Jesus” Acts 1:1-11 Bible Study 03/06/16
This morning we begin a new study in the book of Acts. This book is the “companion” text of Luke’s gospel and serves as its continuation. Addressed to Theophilus, it records the work of the Holy Spirit in empowering the early church as a witness of the good news of Jesus. Our text this morning essentially revolves around two crucial concepts: instruction and ascension.
I. Considering the context
-repetition of “taken up”
-connection to Luke 24: 44-53
II. Prizing the promise (1-5)
-the “first book”
-resurrection to ascension: 40 days
-proofs: resurrection, prophecy, presence, power
-command: wait in Jerusalem
-Holy Spirit baptism
III. Receiving the instruction (6-8)
-question and correction
-reception of power
-present assignment: witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, ends of the earth
-global scope
IV. Appreciating the ascension (9-11)
-“lifted up” and “cloud”
-gaze of apostles
-addressed by angels
-preview: reign and return
-significance: accomplishment (Heb. 10:11-14), intercession (1 John 2:1), enthronement (1 Pet. 3:22), empowerment (Eph. 1:15-23)
V. So what?
– Because Jesus reigns as Lord, you can be empowered to obey His command to engage the globe with the gospel.
-2.8 billion “unreached” people
-“When someone says he has a passion for the nations, that only qualifies him to be a Christian.” (David Platt)
-Missions Strategy (Romans 15-16 and Acts): biblically-grounded, spiritually-dependent, missionally-urgent and church-driven. (David Platt)
-“Jesus shall reign where’er the sun does it successive journeys run; His kingdom spread from shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more. Let every creature rise and bring honors peculiar to our King; angels descend with songs again, and earth repeat the loud amen!” (Isaac Watts)
He Who has Ears Let Him Hear (Matthew 13:1-13)
The Setting of the Parable
• Jesus sitting in a boat (v. 1)
• Crowds gathered on sea shore (v. 2)
• Disciples gathered nearby (v. 10)
The Content of the Parable
• Seed on the Way (cp. v. 19)
• Seed on Rocky Ground (cp. vs. 20-21)
• Seed in Thorns (cp. v. 22)
• Seed in Good Soil (cp. v. 23)
The Proper Reception of the Parable
• Nature of Hearing (v. 9)
The Nature of the Parable
• Usage of Parables (v. 3)
• The Questioning of the Usage of Parables (v. 10)
• Reason for Parables (vs. 11-13)
Concluding thoughts
• Necessity of Reading and Listening Well—Theologically
• Necessity of Reading and Listening Well—Biblically
• Necessity of Reading and Listening Well—Spiritually
“Something Greater…” Matthew 12:38-42 Bible Study 02/21/16
In this morning’s text we will observe an encounter between the scribes/Pharisees and Jesus which is reflective of the growing opposition to Jesus by the religious establishment and its refusal to acknowledge His authority. After having received the scathing rebuke of Jesus (see 12:33-37), the scribes/Pharisees demand that Jesus produce a sign to confirm His authority and identity. This sets the stage for the comparison Jesus makes between Himself and the prophet Jonah and between Nineveh/Queen of Sheba and the scribes/Pharisees.
I. Introduction
-contextual considerations
-Matthew 12: rejection and conflict
II. Consider the request (38)
-scribes/Pharisees
-the nature of “a sign”
III. Observe the rebuke (39)
-evil: Deut. 32:5
-adulterous: Hosea 3:1; 9:1
-the “sufficient” sign of Jonah
IV. Analyze the response (40)
-Jesus/Jonah comparison: its central focus
-three days and three nights and belly of fish/heart of earth
-“Son of Man” reference
V. Apply the warning (41-42)
-men of Nineveh: Jonah 3
-Queen of Sheba: 2 Chronicles 9:1-12
-“…something greater…”
VI. So what?
-Because God’s work in Jesus is the ultimate indicator of His identity, eagerly receive His revelation and completely rely on Him.
-Should we not “tremble” about our own generation?
-Respond to sensation-seeking unbelief with text-driven communication.
-See the connection between Holy Spirit filling and holy boldness (Acts 4:23-31).
-Sermons need a discipline of delivery, to be sure, but just as surely a discipline of listening.” (D. Thomas)
-Stress that which is of “first importance” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
“The Great Invitation” Matthew 11:25-30 Bible Study 02/14/16
The message of salvation/deliverance is the dominant theme of Scripture. As Matthew’s gospel unfolds, we see an intensifying emphasis on the absolute authority of Jesus. He is Lord over creation, disease, demons and, as we shall observe this morning, salvation. Interestingly, the “great invitation” of 11:28-30 is preceded by some stern warnings to those who refused, through sinful rebellion and/or indifference, to acknowledge the authority of Jesus and, specifically, His exclusive capacity to save. In our text this morning we see a beautiful blending/balancing of the truths of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Jesus takes the initiative and issues the invitation. We have responsibility to hear it and heed it.
I. Consider the context
-“At that time…”
– macro and micro levels
-three cities
-reality of judgment
II. Recognize God’s sovereignty in revelation (25-26)
-His initiative
-“…these things…”: Kingdom
-hidden/revealed
-His “good pleasure”
III. Grasp the complete authority of Jesus (27)
-“…handed over…
-intimacy/intensity of knowledge
-divine sovereignty/human responsibility in balance
IV. Savor the gospel invitation (28-30)
-Come: believe
-Take: submit
-a “yoke” that fits
-promise of “rest”
V. For further reflection
-Since the authority of Jesus extends to the determination of your eternal destiny, respond to His invitation with total submission.
-“There’s a wideness in God’s mercy Like the wideness of the sea. There’s a kindness in His justice That is more than liberty…” (Faber)
-“Lay aside system and fly to the Bible; receive its words with simple submission…Be Bible Christians, and not system Christians.” (Simeon)
-“What we do every time we pray is confess our impotence and God’s sovereignty.” (Packer)
“Fearful and Fearless” Matthew 10:26-33 Bible Study 02/07/16
After recording demonstrations of the authority of Jesus over disease and creation, Matthew’s gospel turns its attention to the calling of the first disciples. This calling is preceded by the appeal of Jesus to “…pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (9:38). After calling the twelve disciples, Jesus tells them of the cost of following Him. They can expect criticism, abuse and danger because of their identification with Jesus. This background sets the stage for our text this morning and its repeated encouragements to “have no fear” (26, 28, 31). Because of the Lord’s comprehensive control and care, you can be a fearless witness in the face of danger.
I. Truth triumphs over error (26-27)
-expectation of opposition
-“So have no fear…”
-contrasts: covered/revealed, hidden/known, dark/light, whispered/proclaim
-complete transparency
II. The soul matters more than the body (28)
-do not fear-they can only kill you!
-do fear the One who controls your eternal destiny
-fear: occurs when our greatest values are threatened
III. Nothing escapes the Lord’s notice (29-31)
-two sparrows for a penny-intensity
-hairs of your head-intimacy
-do not fear-the Lord values you
IV. Acknowledge Jesus confidently (32)
-before men
-choose death rather than denial
V. So what?
-Jesus refuses to disguise or minimize the cost of discipleship.
-“When Christ calls a man, he bids him, ‘come and die.’” (Bonhoeffer)
-“Don’t count this life with all its attachments as most valuable.” (Piper)
-“Christ suffered for propitiation. We suffer for propagation.” (Piper)
-“Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; His kingdom is forever.” (Luther)
-His eye really is on the sparrow!
“Say the Word” Matthew 8: 5-13 Bible Study 01/31/16
After the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount and a final emphasis on the authority of Jesus, Matthew’s gospel records three instances of the authority of Jesus over sickness and disease. The second of these accounts concerns the appeal of a Roman centurion. While this account certainly points to the healing power of Jesus, it also provides us with the reminder that a right relationship with Jesus is a matter of “faithline” and not “bloodline.”
I. Scene 1 (5-7)
-Capernaum-ministry headquarters
-the centurion appeals
-response of Jesus
II. Scene 2 (8-10)
-the centurion replies
-Jesus marvels
III. Scene 3 (11-12)
-Jesus makes application
– inclusion of the unexpected
– exclusion of the expected
IV. Scene 4 (13)
-command of Jesus
-healing from a distance
V. So what?
-When you trust Jesus to be who He is and to do what only He can do, you give evidence of your Kingdom citizenship.
-Appreciate the authority of Jesus.
-Acknowledge your own unworthiness.
-Affirm the ability of Jesus.
-Frequently, those closest to the truth are most likely to take it for granted.
-“Jesus Christ, in the depth of His nature and the width of His work, stands alone. (MacLaren)
-Jesus is still the Great Physician!