WHAT DID THE BIRTH OF JESUS MEAN???

Text: Luke 1:26-33.

Delivered on: December 21, 2008. Streetsboro.

INTRODUCTION.

1. John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God.  John 1:14. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

2. Philippians 2:5-7. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

3. We have arrived at that time of year where everyone is thinking about the birth of Jesus.

4. While it should be noted that Christmas is not a Biblical holiday (we don’t read about it in the Bible), I am grateful that at least once a year, so many stop to think about Jesus.

5. Unfortunately though, I am convinced that most don’t fully appreciate the enormous importance of the birth of Jesus.

6. Even more tragic, most don’t respond to life and death of Jesus in the way that they should.

7. The birth of Jesus was a herald of many profoundly important changes that were about to take place.

8. This morning, let us answer the question, “What did the Birth of Jesus Mean?”

BODY.

1. IT MEANT THAT THE FULNESS OF TIME HAD COME. Galatians 4:4. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.
   

   1. “Fullness of time” is making reference to the fact that Jesus came into the world when the time was just right.

      1. God knew before He created the world that there would be a day when He would end His Son into it.  1 Peter 1:20. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.

      2. The Old Testament is a record of the preparations that God made for the day when the fullness of time had come.
         

   2. From the very first days in the Garden of Eden, we see preparation being made.

      1. Genesis 4:3-4. And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. ⁴ Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, ⁵ but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.

      2. Abel’s offering was made by faith. Hebrews 11:4. By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

      3. Why were Cain and Abel even offering sacrifices?

      4. God was already teaching them the consequences of sin.

      5. He was already showing the need for a sacrifice for sin.

      6. Perhaps this is why God was not pleased with Cain’s sacrifice. God demanded a blood sacrifice for sin.
         

   3. We see this preparation being made in the Law of Moses.

      1. Hebrews 10:1-4. For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. ² For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. ³ But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. ⁴ For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

      2. Galatians 3:24. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
         

   4. We see this preparation in the 4 great world empires.

      1. Babylon – Contributed synagogue worship which was important in the spread of the early church.

      2. Medes & Persians – Contributed a profound respect for law. Even the king could not alter the law once it was given. See the books of Daniel and Esther.

      3. Grecian – Contributed a universal language.

      4. Roman – Contributed a near global peace and system of roads for easier travel.
         

2. IT MEANT THAT THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN WAS AT HAND.
   

   1. The Kingdom was to be established by the Son of God.

      1. Daniel 7:13-14. “ I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. ¹⁴ Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.

      2. 2 Samuel 7:12-13. “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. ¹³ He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
         

   2. Jesus, John, the 12, and the 70 all taught that the kingdom was at hand.

      1. Jesus. Matthew 4:17. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

      2. John. Matthew 3:1-2. In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
         

      3. The 12. Matthew 10:7. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

      4. The 70. Luke 10:8-9. Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. ⁹ And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
         

   3. Jesus’ kingdom is His church. John 18:36. Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
      

   4. His kingdom was established on the first Pentecost after His resurrection.

      1. Mark 9:1. And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”

      2. After Pentecost, the kingdom is here. Colossians 1:13. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.
         

3. IT MEANT THAT THE OLD LAW WAS ABOUT TO PASS AWAY.
   

   1. Some mistakenly believed that Jesus had come to destroy the Law of Moses.

      1. Not so.

      2. He came to fulfill the law.

      3. Matthew 5:17-18. “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. ¹⁸ For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

      4. All of the law pointed to Christ.
         

   2. Jesus is the guarantee of a better covenant. Hebrews 7:18-22. For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, ¹⁹ for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is thebringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. ²⁰ And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath ²¹ (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: “The LORD has sworn And will not relent, ‘ You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek’”),  ²² by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.
      

   3. He is the mediator of a better covenant. Hebrews 9:11-15. But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. ¹² Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. ¹³ For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, ¹⁴ how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? ¹⁵ And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
      

   4. Hebrews 8:13. In that He says, “A new covenant, ” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
      

4. IT MEANT THAT THE SACRIFICE FOR SINS WOULD SOON BE OFFERED. Matthew 1:21. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
   

   1. We have already noticed that the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin. Hebrews 10:4. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.
      

   2. It took Christ’s blood to take away our sins.

      1. Hebrews 9:22-28. And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. ²³ Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. ²⁴ For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; ²⁵ not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another— ²⁶ He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. ²⁷ And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, ²⁸
         so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

      2. 1 Peter 1:18-19. Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
         

CONCLUSION.

1. What does Jesus birth mean to you?

2. Is it just an excuse to have a celebration once a year?

3. Or do you celebrate His birth every day of the year?

   
   

THE FIRST GOSPEL SERMON

THE FOCAL POINT OF ACTS 2

Text: Acts 2:22-38.

Delivered on: June 29, 2008. Streetsboro.

Introduction.

1. If Acts 2 is the Hub of the Bible.

2. Jesus is the center of the hub.

3. The events that occurred on the Day of Pentecost are all about Jesus and the establishment of His kingdom.

4. The purpose of Peter’s sermon here is to convince the Jews that they had crucified not just a man from Nazareth, but the Son of God.

5. His sermon had three main points.

   1. Jesus’ claims to deity were confirmed by the Father.

   2. Jesus’ death was God’s plan all along.

   3. Jesus rose from the dead.

Body.

1. JESUS WAS ATTESTED BY GOD. Verse 22. “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know.

   1. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. John 9:35-38. Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” ³⁶ He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” ³⁷ And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” ³⁸ Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.

      1. John 5:18. Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.

      2. There is no middle ground here.

      3. Either He was telling the truth and therefore deserves our service and devotion.

      4. Or He was a liar or crazy man and is not, therefore, worthy of our service and devotion.

   2. One of the proofs that Jesus was who He claimed to be is that God, the Father attested to His claims.

      1. “Attested” = approve, set forth, show.

      2. God set forth Jesus to show that He was His Son.

      3. He did this by the miracles that Jesus performed. John 5:36. But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.

   3. God attested to Jesus’ identity at His baptism. Matthew 3:17. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

   4. God attested to Jesus’ identity at the Mount of Transfiguration. Matthew 17:5. While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”

2. HE WAS DELIVERED BY THE FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD. Verse 23. Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;

   1. Many would have seen the death of Jesus as proof that He was not who He claimed to be. Luke 23:35. And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”

   2. So Peter had to make sure that they knew that the sacrificial death of Christ was God’s intention all along.

      1. Christ was delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God.

      2. Ephesians 3:10-11. To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, ¹¹ according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

      3. Isaiah 53.

      4. Psalm 22.

      5. Luke 24:46. Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,

      6. This is important because there are some who believe that Jesus did not come to die.

      7. Oprah Winfrey claims to be a Christian. But recently, she has become a disciple of Eckhart Tolle and is now spouting all kinds of nonsense. Listen to this statement which she made. “I thought Jesus came, died on the cross, that Jesus’ being here was about His death and dying on the cross. When it really was about Him coming to show us how to do it, how to be. To show us the Christ consciousness that He had, and that that consciousness abides with all of us.”

         1. She is also on record saying that even though she is a Christian, she believes that there are many, many different ways to God. John 14:6.

         2. She does not believe in the exclusivity of Christianity. Acts 4:12.

         3. Don’t support this woman!

         4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM5ILOsHLnw

      8. If Jesus did not come here to die then logic can only lead to one conclusion. He is not the Son of God.

3. GOD RAISED HIM UP. Verse 24. Whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.

   1. Another way that God attested to Jesus’ deity was by raising Him from the dead. Romans 1:4. And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

   2. Peter quotes from Psalm 16:8-11.

      1. This is a Psalm of David.

      2. David predicts that His soul would not be left in Hades. But whose soul?

      3. Not his own. As Peter points out, David is still in the grave. Acts 2:29. “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

      4. Therefore, it was a prophecy about Christ. Acts 2:30-32. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, ³¹ he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. ³² This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.

   3. As a result of Jesus’ resurrection… “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36.

4. HOW WAS MAN TO RESPOND TO THIS INFORMATION?

   1. Many of those who heard Peter’s sermon were cut to the heart. Acts 2:37. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

      1. They felt godly sorrow. 2 Corinthians 7:10. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

      2. They wanted to know what they could do.

   2. Peter tells them what they must do. Acts 2:38. Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

      1. These people had already come to believe. But there was more to do.

      2. They had to repent. To turn and follow God.

      3. They had to be baptized.

      4. Baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God. 1 Peter 3:21. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Conclusion.

How will you respond?

TO WHOM SHALL WE GO?

TO WHOM SHALL WE GO?

Text: John 6:53-69.

Delivered on: January 8, 2006. Streetsboro.

Introduction.

1. To whom shall we go?

2. This is a question we ask ourselves all the time.

3. To whom shall we go for:

   1. Medical help.

   2. Auto repair.

   3. Plumbing problems.

   4. Legal Assistance.

   5. Etc.

4. However, mankind’s greatest need is spiritual help.

5. To whom shall we go?

6. John 6:53-69. Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. ⁵⁴“Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. ⁵⁵“For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. ⁵⁶“He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. ⁵⁷“As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. ⁵⁸“This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.” ⁵⁹These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.⁶⁰Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” ⁶¹When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? ⁶²“What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? ⁶³“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. ⁶⁴“But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. ⁶⁵And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” ⁶⁶From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. ⁶⁷Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” ⁶⁸But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹“Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Body.

1. To whom shall we go for peace?

   1. Sinners do not have peace.

      1. Isaiah 48:22. “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”

      2. Peace is not found in wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:9-13). Moreover the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field. ¹⁰ He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity. ¹¹ When goods increase, They increase who eat them; So what profit have the owners Except to see them with their eyes? ¹² The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, Whether he eats little or much; But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep. ¹³ There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun: Riches kept for their owner to his hurt.

      3. Peace is not found in power (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11). I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure”; but surely, this also was vanity. ²I said of laughter—“Madness!”; and of mirth, “What does it accomplish?” ³I searched in my heart how to gratify my flesh with wine, while guiding my heart with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives. ⁴I made my works great, I built myself houses, and planted myself vineyards. ⁵I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. ⁶I made myself water pools from which to water the growing trees of the grove. ⁷I acquired male and female servants, and had servants born in my house. Yes, I had greater possessions of herds and flocks than all who were in Jerusalem before me. ⁸I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and of the provinces. I acquired male and female singers, the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments of all kinds.⁹So I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. ¹⁰ Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward from all my labor. ¹¹ Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done And on the labor in which I had toiled; And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun.

      4. Peace can not be found in the pleasures of sin (Hebrews 11:25). choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin

      5. All these things are mere temporary pleasures.

   2. True peace is found only in Jesus Christ.

      1. John 14:27. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

      2. Isaiah 48:18. Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

      3. Philippians 4:6-9. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.⁸Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ⁹The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

   3. This peace is only possible because Jesus paid the price.

      1. Colossians 1:20. And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

      2. Hebrews 9:22. And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.

2. To whom shall we go for spiritual security?

   1. Should not go to:

      1. Our own opinions (Proverbs 14:12). There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

      2. To religious teachers or parents.

         1. 2 John 7-9. For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. ⁸Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. ⁹Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.

         2. Israel was commanded to teach their children God’s word (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. ⁷“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

         3. Yet they had failed in that (Matthew 15:7). “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

   2. We can go to Christ.

      1. John 10:27-29. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. ²⁸“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

      2. Christ alone can save us from our sins and give us security (John 14:6). Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

3. To whom shall we go with our sins?

   1. Money will not pay away our sins.

      1. Psalm 49:6-7. Those who trust in their wealth And boast in the multitude of their riches,⁷ None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him.

      2. 1 Peter 1:18-19. Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, ¹⁹but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

   2. Modern “Positive Thinking” preacher.

      1. Proverbs 28:13. He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

      2. Jeremiah 6:14-15. They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, Saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ When there is no peace. ¹⁵ Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time I punish them, They shall be cast down,” says the Lord.

   3. Not to an earthly priest to confess (1 Timothy 2:5). For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.

   4. We must go to Calvary with our sins.

      1. He died for us.

         1. Isaiah 53:6. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

         2. Acts 4:12. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

         3. Acts 20:28. “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

      2. Believe, Repent, and Be Baptized or else die in your sins.

         1. John 8:24. “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

         2. Luke 13:3. “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

         3. Mark 16:16. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Conclusion.

1. At the time of your death.

   1. If you rejected Christ and His Way…

      1. You have no hope.

      2. Can not got to, turn to, anyone for relief or help.

   2. If you accepted Christ and His Way and have continued therein…you are safe in the arms of Jesus.

2. Nothing will matter more at the time of your death than your relationship with Christ.

BELIEVE ALSO IN ME

BELIEVE ALSO IN ME

Text: John 14:1-6.

Delivered on: March 23, 2008.

John 14:1-6. "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know." ⁵ Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" ⁶ Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

1. “LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED…”
   
   

   1. Troubled about what?

      1. Why did Jesus feel it was necessary to encourage His disciples at this time?

      2. Notice the previous chapter.

      3. Jesus told them that He was going to be going away.

         1. John 13:33. Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you cannot come,' so now I say to you.

         2. John 13:36-37 ³⁶ Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, where are You going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward." ³⁷ Peter said to Him, "Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake."

      4. Can you imagine what the disciples must have been feeling? Jesus was their whole world.

         1. They had left all to follow Him.

         2. Mark 1:16-20. And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." ¹⁸ They immediately left their nets and followed Him. ¹⁹ When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. ²⁰ And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

         3. Matthew. Luke 5:27-28. After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." ²⁸ So he left all, rose up, and followed Him.

         4. Luke 18:28. Then Peter said, "See, we have left all and followed You."

      5. Imagine how you would feel in their place.
         
         

   2. Jesus still tells us today, “Let not our hearts be troubled…”

      1. We worry and fret.

      2. We deal with sickness.

      3. We deal with death.

      4. We worry about money.

      5. We worry about loved ones.

      6. We worry about our own salvation.

      7. We forget that He is with us. Matthew 28:20. Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

      8. Our God is a God of comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

      9. Philippians 4:6-7. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

      10. 1 Peter 5:6-7. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, ⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
          
          

2. “BELIEVE ALSO IN ME…”
   
   

   1. Now Jesus tells the disciples why they should not be troubled.

      1. He says, “Believe also in me.”

      2. Jesus never said that He was leaving them forever.

      3. Jesus knew that He would rise again.

         1. His disciples should have known as well.

         2. Matthew 12:40. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

         3. John 2:19. Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

         4. Mark 8:31. And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
            
            

   2. The FACT of Jesus’ resurrection ought to be very comforting to all believers.

      1. It comforts by confirming Jesus’ deity. Romans 1:4. And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

      2. It comforts us by showing that death will one day be defeated.

         1. 1 Corinthians 15:26. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

         2. John 16:33. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

      3. It comforts us because it is a foretaste of what is coming for us.

         1. 1 Corinthians 15:20. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

         2. John 5:28-29. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice ²⁹ and come forth--those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

         3. Philippians 3:21. Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
            
            

3. “IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE…”
   
   

   1. Another reason not to be troubled.

      1. Jesus is preparing a place for His followers.

      2. He is not dead.
         
         

   2. Jesus is talking about heaven here.

      1. “House” – oikia – house, edifice, dwelling, property, wealth, goods, occupants of a house.

      2. “Mansions” – mone – an abode, dwelling.

         1. The same word in used in John 14:23. Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

         2. Heaven is the final abode of the soul of the righteous person.

      3. Heaven is a spiritual realm.

         1. We often sing the song “Mansion over the Hilltop.”

         2. I trust that we understand that our “mansions” are not made of brick and stone.

         3. Undoubtedly, they are more beautiful than we can even imagine.
            
            

   3. One day, the faithful of all ages will dwell in the house of God. Revelation 21:1-3. Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. ² Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
      
      

4. “I WILL COME AGAIN…”
   
   

   1. Another comforting thought. Jesus is coming back for us.
      
      

   2. Philippians 3:20. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
      
      

   3. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.
      
      

   4. Revelation 22:20. He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
      
      

5. “AND THE WAY YOU KNOW…”
   
   

   1. The only way to heaven goes through Jesus. John 14:6. Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
      
      

   2. Acts 4:12. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

HE WILL COME AGAIN

HE WILL COME AGAIN

Text: Acts 1:9-11.

Delivered on: June 1, 2008. Streetsboro.

Introduction.

1. One popular song says… We walked not with the chosen few who saw thee from the earth ascend… But we believe that human eyes beheld that journey to the skies.

2. The events discussed in this song are recorded for us in Acts 1:9-11.

3. Jesus left the earth on that day long ago.

4. But we have a promise that He will return.

5. This is a blessed hope.

6. Let us notice:

   1. What are we told about His coming.

   2. What are we not told about His coming.

1. WHAT WE ARE TOLD ABOUT HIS COMING.
   
   
   

   1. His coming is certain.

      1. We know it is certain because of the testimony of the angels. Acts 1:9-11. Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, ¹¹ who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

      2. We know it is certain because of the testimony of Peter. 2 Peter 3:3-10. Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, ⁴ and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” ⁵ For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, ⁶ by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. ⁷ But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. ⁸ But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. ⁹ The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. ¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

      3. We know it is certain because of the testimony of Paul.

         1. Philippians 3:20-21. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

         2. 2 Timothy 4:1. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

      4. We know it is certain because of the testimony of John. Revelation 1:7. Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

      5. Most of all, we know it is certain because of the testimony of Jesus.

         1. John 14:1-3. “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

         2. Revelation 22:20. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
            
            
            

   2. His coming will be visible.

      1. Sometime you may hear someone tell you that Jesus has already come but His coming was in secret or invisible.

      2. That is contrary to the teachings of Scripture.

      3. John said that every eye would see Jesus when He comes. Revelation 1:7. Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
         
         
         

   3. His coming will be audible.

      1. Yes, we will hear Jesus coming.

      2. 1 Corinthians 15:52. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

      3. 1 Thessalonians 4:16. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
         
         
         

2. WHAT WE ARE NOT TOLD ABOUT HIS COMING.
   
   
   

   1. We are not told when He will come again.

      1. We are not told when He will come again.

      2. We are not told when He will come again.

      3. We are not told when He will come again.

      4. We are not told when He will come again.

      5. Matthew 24:36-39. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. ³⁷ But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. ³⁸ For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, ³⁹ and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

         1. The angels don’t know.

         2. Jesus says that only the Father knows.

         3. This necessarily implies that Jesus, Himself did not know.

      6. The problems occur when people take passages out of context.

         1. For example… the first 35 verses of Matthew 24.

         2. These verses are dealing with signs of the coming destruction of Jerusalem.

         3. Matthew 24:1-3. Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. ² And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” ³ Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

         4. Two questions were asked.

            1. When will these things be? When will the temple be destroyed?

            2. What will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?

         5. Whenever someone uses a passage to try to predict the coming of Jesus, you can know that they are using it out of context. Because Jesus told us that we can’t know.
            
            
            

   2. We are not told that He will ever set foot on the earth.

      1. NO passage that deals with Jesus’ return even hints at Him ever setting foot on the earth.

      2. Rather, we are told that we will meet Him in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

         1. There are those who believe that this passage teaches that there will be a rapture.

         2. The doctrine of the rapture is the belief that when Jesus returns, only the righteous will be resurrected. Hence, all the bumper stickers that say, “In case of the Rapture, the vehicle will be empty.” Then, at a later time, the wicked will be resurrected.

         3. However, Jesus taught that all, both good and evil, would be resurrected at the same time. John 5:28-29. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice ²⁹ and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

         4. Therefore, if 1 Thessalonians 4:17 teaches that the righteous will be resurrected at Jesus second coming, then John 5:28-29 tells us that the wicked will be resurrected at the same time.

      3. When He comes, the earth will be destroyed. 2 Peter 3:10. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

      4. Setting up an earthly kingdom would make Scripture false.

         1. Jesus will not be a King on the earth.

            1. Jesus is a descendant of Jechoniah. Matthew 1:11. Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon.

            2. Therefore, He cannot rule in Jerusalem. Jeremiah 22:28-30. “ Is this man Coniah a despised, broken idol— A vessel in which is no pleasure? Why are they cast out, he and his descendants, And cast into a land which they do not know? ²⁹ O earth, earth, earth, Hear the word of the LORD! ³⁰ Thus says the LORD: ‘ Write this man down as childless, A man who shall not prosper in his days; For none of his descendants shall prosper, Sitting on the throne of David, And ruling anymore in Judah.’”

         2. Jesus will not be a priest on the earth.

            1. Part of the premillennial doctrine is the belief that the Law of Moses will be re-established when Jesus returns and that Jesus will then be a priest.

            2. If that is so, Jesus could never be a priest. Hebrews 7:14. For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.

Conclusion.

1. Jesus WILL come again.

2. We WILL know when He comes.

   1. We will see it.

   2. We will hear it.

3. We DO NOT know when He will return.

4. He WILL NOT set foot on the earth when He comes.