His Promise…
Luke 24:49-53 Matthew 28:16-20
A change in our:
– Understanding
– Desires
– Spiritual power
The Purpose Of The Holy Spirit Acts
1:1-26 John 14:15-26 John 16:7-11
– You can’t serve God without Him.
– The Holy Spirit came to change our life, not fix it.
– A new way of life, not just an experience.
– To glorify God, not us.
1. Jesus’ resurrection means that Our Sins can be Forgiven, we can be Spiritually Healed.
2. Jesus’ resurrection means that Death is Defeated, Diminishing, and soon will be Destroyed, forever.
3. Jesus’ resurrection means that the Material World Matters.
4. Jesus’ resurrection means that the We are A ll going to Get New Bodies.
5. Jesus’ resurrection means that Human Beings are the most Valuable Things in the Entire Universe.
The Important Disciple Nobody Remembers
Luke 23:50-56 Matthew 27:57-61 Mark 15:42-47 John 19:38-42
Life Lessons From A “Secret Disciple”
1. A warning to the strong.
I Corinthians 10:1-13 Matthew 7:2-5
2. Encouragement for the weak.
Matthew 12:20 Philippians 1:6
3. Good news for all of us.
John 6:1-14
– It’s never too late to step forward.
– It’s never too little to make a difference.
It’s A Two-Sided Cross
Luke 23:26-49
Why Is The Cross Necessary?
John 3:16-28 Romans 3:25 Leviticus 16:34 Leviticus 17:11 Isaiah 53:5-7
– Sin separates us from God.
– All sin must be dealt with.
– A life must be sacrificed.
– It is how God rescues and redeems us.
– It cleared the way for God to work in us.
Two Questions Then And Now:
Luke 23:26-39
– Why is this happening?
– Why isn’t God doing something about it?
Three Common Responses:
– Confusion and tears.
– Personal gain.
– Mocking.
The Real Question:
Isaiah 40:12-31 Job 38-42:6
– How big is your God?
Gladly The Cross I’d Bear?
Luke 23:26 Matthew 27:26-32 Luke 9:22-23 Luke 14:25-27 Colossians 1:24
– Your cross is something you do to carry out His agenda.
Four Myths
The Truth: We accept our cross, we don’t seek a cross.
James 1:17 Ecclesiastes 5:19
The Truth: We endure, we don’t enjoy our cross.
Hebrews 12:1-3
The Truth: Some crosses are too heavy to bear alone.
Luke 23:26 Galatians 6:2, 5
The Truth: We each have our own unique cross to bear.
John 21:18-22
The Truth About Suffering
1. It’s not unusual – it’s normal.
2. It’s not a sign of God’s disapproval.
3. It’s an opportunity for growth.
The Truth About Faith
1. Faith is trusting God enough to do what He says.
2. Faith doesn’t keep us from suffering.
3. Faith guides us through suffering.
When Injustice Regins…
1. Never repay evil for evil.
Romans 12:17-21
2. As far as possible, do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
3. Let God even the score in His perfect timing.
Setting The Scene: When Darkness Reigns
Luke 22:47-53
– Judas’ kiss
– Malchus’ ear
The Truth About Betrayal
Genesis 41
How To Battle Betrayal
1. Know who you are and what you’re supposed to do.
2. Pursue obedience and nothing else.
3. Surrender it to God.
4. Let God be the judge and jury.
How Did We End Up Here?
Christmas And The Cross:
One Glaring Difference:
Setting The Scene
Luke 22:31-38
Three Keys To Understanding Failure
How To Overcome Failure
Luke 22:54-62