Conservatively estimated, there have been 300 prophecies fulfilled about Jesus so far.

Revelation and the End Times:

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Why read Revelation at all?

"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." Revelation 1:3

If only 8 of the prophecies were fulfilled, it would have been 10 to the 21st power probabability to happen. 300 of the 300 that have been fulfilled we cannot even comprehend this number. So, we are going to look at just 8 of the prophecies -- just random ones Shannon picked out.

Prophecy #1 Woman's offspring would get Satan!

"And I will put enmity
    between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring[a] and hers;
he will crush[b] your head,
    and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15

"Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus." Revelation 12:17

"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you."
Romans 16:20

Prophecy #2 The Messiah would be a Jewish man of Jewish Descent and David's Descendant.

"This is the genealogy[a] of Jesus the Messiah[b] the son of David, the son of Abraham:" Matthew 1:1

"Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me[a]; your throne will be established forever.’” 2 Samuel 7:16
"You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David," Luke 1:31-32

Prophecy #3 Virgin Birth

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[a] (which means “God with us”)." Mathew 1:22-23

"Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you[a] a sign: The virgin[b] will conceive and give birth to a son, and[c] will call him Immanuel.[d]" Isaiah 7:13-14

Prophecy #4 Born in Bethlehem

"When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:" Matthew 2:3-5

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    though you are small among the clans[a] of Judah,
out of you will come for me
    one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
    from ancient times.” Micah 5:2

Prophecy #5 Herod's murder of the little boys

"When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi." Matthew 2:16

“A voice is heard in Ramah,
    mourning and great weeping,
Rachel weeping for her children
    and refusing to be comforted,
    because they are no more.”  Jeremiah 31:15

Prophecy #6 Coming out of Egypt

“When Israel was a child, I loved him,
    and out of Egypt I called my son." Hosea 11:1

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”[a]" Matthew 2;14-15

"After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” Matthew 2:19-20

Prophecy #7 Riding on a donkey
"The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna[a] to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b]
“Hosanna[c] in the highest heaven!” Matthew 21:6-9

"Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
    Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
    righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
    on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Zechariah 9:9

Prophecy #8 Died with criminals, buried with wealthy

"As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away." Matthew 27:57-60

"He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
    and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
    nor was any deceit in his mouth." Isaiah 53:9

What does this mean? 

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." Romans 15:4

"Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." Joshua 21:45

Until the day dawns!

"We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." 2 Peter 1:19

Pay attention to the prophecy that has yet to be fulfilled.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you[a] this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” Revelation 22:16

We must wait in anticipation and joy!

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Romans 13:1-7

Paul was writing during Nero's reign -- an evil Roman empire. Nero was in power for 12 to 15 years.

"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone."
Titus 3:1-2

"Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.'" Matthew 22:21

"13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor." 1  Peter 2:13-17

We should be free people and God's slaves. Our leaders are appointed by God. The Assyrians, Babylonians and the Persians -- all conquered God's people. He chose these nations to bring about his judgment.

"This is what the Lord says to his anointed,
    to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of
to subdue nations before him
    and to strip kings of their armor,
to open doors before him
    so that gates will not be shut:" Isaiah 45:1

Here God used Cyrus. God used Nebuchadnezzar. 

"In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it." Daniel 1:1

God's people were under siege for 10 years. They had time to repent. But they didn't. 

Sometimes we do have disobey our leaders -- we are called to do it respectfully.

"16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[a] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.'"
Daniel 3:16-18

Two more examples of civil disobedience in the BIble:
 The Jewish Midwives in Egypt.

And Obadiah hid 150 prophets of God from Jezebel...and he worked in the palace. When we are commanded to do evil, we must respectfully disobey. God first, then men. There's an order higher than man.

"27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” 29 Peter and the other apostles r replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!'" Acts 5:27-29

What do we do today, right now?

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,"
1 Timothy 2:1-5

We pray. We speak up when able.  Be involved in the process. Pray. Petitions, prayers, intercession and Thanksgiving.

Petitions -- Ask God to send godly leaders.
Prayers -- pray for the health and well-being of those appointed over us.
Intercession -- Pray that God's will be done, no matter our desires.
​Thanksgiving -- be thankful for what we have been given.

 
"29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. 32 Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34 But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord." Exodus 34:29-35

They couldn't handle the glory shining off of Moses's face.

The temple veil (found in Exodus 26:31-33 -- which I will copy and paste below) was 30 feet tall by 30 feet wide. And it was 4 inches thick -- one single piece of fabric!

"29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. 32 Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34 But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord." Exodus 26:31-33



"37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." Mark 15:37-38

"51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split." Matthew 27:51

"44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two." Luke 23:44-45

Both Mark and Matthew had Jewish upbringings. Luke did not. Mark and Matthew understood the temple veil being torn from top to bottom was physically impossible for a human to accomplish.

In Jewish tradition a grieving father would tear his garment wide open in grief. This temple veil being ripped apart could be seen as God's own heart breaking for the loss of his son. While Jesus died and became our sin he was separated from the Father. There was real grief.

Jesus was the veil and the High Priest and the Offering. It was his death that gave us a way to the Father:
​

"10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." Hebrews 10:10-14

"19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:19-22

God's love and Sacrifice:

"He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
    and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
    nor was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
    and though the Lord makes[a] his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
    and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand." Isaiah 53:9-10

God has left the building!:

24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else." Acts 17:24-25

Wide-open Door with a Welcome Sign for all:

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[a] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6-7

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.'" Acts 4:12

 "Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John-- 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee." John 4:1-3

Jesus decided to go straight through Samaria to get to Galilee. Samaritans and Jews were enemies -- they hated each other. So, this was not what Jews typically did. 

Shannon gives us a brief history lesson why Samaritans and Jews hated each other:

930 B.C. -- The Israelite kingdom divides -- Israel and Judea. The Larger part -- Israel, known as Samaria, fell into a golden calf worship.
732 B.C. Assyrians conquer Israel (Samaria) and take the people out. They send in Gentiles to take care of the land. Eventually the people return but they intermingle with the Gentiles there. They still consider themselves to be Jews.
585 B.C. -- Babylon conquers Judea. The people are taken into exile for 70 years.
332 B.C. Alexander the Great conquers all of the Holy Land. Samaritans accept Greek Rule. Jews rebel (and hate the Samaritans for accepting the Greek Rule).
113 B.C. -- Maccabees try to unite all of Israel again so they destroy the Samaritan temple (possibly thinking they will come back to Jerusalem to worship?) So, the Samaritans fill the Jewish temple with bones the day before Passover and cause the temple to be unclean.

In Jesus's time, the hatred continued.

"4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon." John 4:4-6

Jesus was there at the hottest part of the day. When the woman arrives it was customary that a man would step back 20 paces so she could do what she needed to do. And it was a big taboo for them to speak. Jesus ignores these customs. She does too.

"7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])"
                                                                                                                                                             John 4:7-9

​She has a claim to Judaism

. "13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.'" John 4:13-15

First time in the conversation Jesus uses the pronoun "I." He is getting the conversation personal. The woman's initial reaction is self-interest. 



'16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”" John 4:16-26

He is getting personal with her. She changes the subject. He was the very first person in the gospel of John he told his true identity too. A Samaritan woman! 

"27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” 28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him." John 4:27-30

The woman was the first evangelist (besides John the Baptist). And she showed great courage going into town and talking to all the people who shunned her daily. 

Jesus himself was an outsider. He was from northern Israel -- Galilee. Jerusalem, the urban part of Israel was in the south. In the Northern part people had a distinct accent. They dropped their Hs when they spoke. And Galilee was full of farmers and fishermen. They were the rural Jews. Jews from the the south looked at the northern Jews as backwards.

"6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight." Acts 1:6-9

Where is your Jerusalem (family and loved ones); your Judea (acquaintances); your Samaria (the 'other' people)? And then tell the world. Everyone needs to hear.

"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20

​No one has an excuse! Open your eyes and you know God exists, and God has a plan for you. He knows you better than anyone. He knows you better than you know yourself. He knows what you were made to do. He knows what will make you soar with joy. Who doesn't want the best version of their life?

"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:4-5

We can't earn this or buy this. We can't earn or buy life no matter what we do or rich we are. So, how do we get this wonderful incredible version of life?

Tactic #1 Read the instruction manual:

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

The Word is alive! It will speak to you. It will speak to your right now!

Tactic #2 Call the "Vendor/Customer Service":

Pray! Talk to God. Listen to God. Get into that ongoing conversation He wants to have with you. 

"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." John 16:24

"Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:12-13

Tactic #3 Phone a friend:
We have each other. We need to seek each other out when we need help. We are a family. We are a community.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

Today, church attendance is lower than it has been in history in this country. Part of it is that lots of people have never returned since Covid. They got too comfortable staying at home. 46% of protestant pastors surveyed are considering quitting. That is up from 27% in 2020. 

We need each other.

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

Tactic #4 Use your resources:

Resources are things you have to help you. 

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." John 16:13

Do we ask? We need to ask. We need to listen. We need to follow Him. We need to obey -- believe what He says and do it. The Spirit is the Comforter and Teacher and Guide. Be sensitive to His moving. If we allow Him he will move through us.

​"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

God isn't finished with you yet. If you're alive you need to be growing. God's not done. He will open new doors. He will give us new insights. God has a plan. Let Him carry it out in your life!

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

You are not alone. You are not friendless. Attach yourself to the Rock!

We believe in "adult" baptism -- meaning the person who is to be baptized is at the age where he or she can make his or her own choice to follow Jesus. Today we baptized a 70+ year old woman and a 5th grade young woman. 

The history of baptism starts in the Old Testament with Noah and the flood. In this instance, water was used by God as a death sentence.

​"18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive,[a] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits-- 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.[b] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ," 1 Peter 3:18-21

Then we have the Red Sea -- God parted it to save His children. And the Egyptians were killed in it.

Old Testament cleansing rituals were done. 

"Wash and make yourselves clean.
    Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
    stop doing wrong." Isaiah 1:16

"I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols." Ezekiel 36:25

"Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin." Psalm 51:2

We are saved by nothing but the blood of Jesus. We are washed clean by His blood. 

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin." 1 John 1:7

"It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process." Hebrews 10:13-14 The Message Bible Translation

Only through His blood. It's the "taking part" part we need to consider. Everything in creation is following God's rules all the time -- everything but humans. Humans have been given free will. 

"Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing." Ephesians 2:8-9

You have to make the choice. 

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:4

We die with Him and are raised a new creature. 

John the Baptist -- he was the last prophet of the Old covenant. But his baptism was different than anything that came before him. It was a baptism of repentance. Those who chose it were taking responsibility for their own sin. 

The baptism of Jesus:

11 “I baptize you with[a] water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with[b] the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.' 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him." Matthew 3:11-16

Why was Jesus baptized? He was baptized to be an example to all believers -- if He did it, surely we should! His human side needed to be baptized -- and we see the entire trinity revealed in that moment.

Baptism is a command.

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Baptism is the beginning of your walk with Christ./

"37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:37-38

More baptism in the New Testament:

"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." Acts 2:41

"17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized," Acts 9:17-18

The Words of Christ:

"5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit." John 3:5

This is the new covenant.

"15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16:15-16

Enter into the Body of Christ. We become responsible for our choice. Yes or no.

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:1-6

The Blood, Grace, Faith, Water.

"and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.[a] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ," 1 Peter 3:21

​
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16

Wolves are intentionally hostile to sheep. They do not hide their hostility. They do not disguise it. They are predators. They do not care for the welfare of the sheep -- in fact they disdain it. The world can be a hostile place -- full of wolves.

Serpents -- 
"Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made." Genesis 3:1a

If a snake doesn't want to be seen, it won't be seen. If necessary a snake will fight, but usually it just leaves when there is a threat.

Doves --
"and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;[a] with you I am well pleased.”[b]" Luke 3:22

The example of Christ:
"a bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;" Mathew 12:20

Jesus as a dove is easy to picture.

"When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick."
Matthew 14:14

32 Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” Matthew 15:32

You gotta be gentle in speaking about Jesus. Gentleness is strength when used correctly (not by being a doormat). 

Innocence of Christ
46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” John 8:46-47

37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him." John 18:37-38

The wolves were always after Jesus.

​
 'The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.'
Mark 8:11

"And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” Mark 10:2

"And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk." Mark 12:13

At first he tried to share the word with the Pharisees, but they refused to listen.

Jesus's response to the wolves?  Wisdom. 

10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand." Matthew 13:10-13

How were the disciples sent?
"And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. " Mathew 10:1

Jesus gave them power to do what He does. He gave the opportunity to minister. His power is a threat to the world. We are not to go out as conqueroring warriors.

7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’[c] 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers,[d] cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics[e] or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town." Matthew 10:7-14

The wise part = if they don't receive you, just leave. Walk away. Do it Jesus's way. Use Discernment. There are places where no one will listen. Just leave then.  Be blameless.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain." Philippians 2:14-16

Why do stars shine? Because they're in the darkness. Gotta be different than the darkness to shine, to be seen.

2 Do not be conformed to this world,[a] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.[b]" Romans 12:2

Let your love abound.

9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11

​"12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling," Phlippians 2:12

With children we expect growth as they age -- all kinds of growth. God expects the same from His children. What does the above verse mean?

It does not mean our salvation is based on works.

​"24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself." Hebrews 9:24-26

In this passage Fear= respect.

We need to work out our life -- we need to keep growing spiritually. 

When we do a math problem we are proving the truth of it -- proving the answer exists. We are proving the truth in our lives as we produce fruit (this is God's will for us). 

 "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?" James 2:14

We should see actions that back up Belief. 

Work out to Prove Truth. 

Work out = infinitive = constant process = sanctification. It is ongoing. We are to become more and more and more like Christ. If you have been saved, you should be growing into Jesus's likeness. 

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

How do we work it out? Layers -- supplement faith.. See next verse:

5 "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble," 2 Peter 1:5-10

They will know we are Christians by our love. If you aren't growing you're dying. 

Do not be conformed but transformed.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Your life should be your praise to God. The path is narrow. In deed and truth:

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:16-18

Put the knowledge you have into action. Act on the truth you know.

We are not alone:

God wants us to grow. He will help us to grow -- this is His will for us. Every commandment is to make our lives better. 

"14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by[a] the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." John 17:14-19

Accepting Jesus is just the beginning of faith. Until your heart stops you should be seeking God. 


"7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish,
and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:7-11

Nobody plants a seed and doesn't expect that seed to bear fruit and mulitiply --- God expects us to grow and bear fruit. Jesus wants to celebrate your victory!

6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Self-Check:
Am I growing in all aspects of Christ?
Am I growing in knowledge of the Word of God?
Am I growing intentionally?
Am I following the leading of My Savior?

The world is a minefield. You gotta stay on Jesus's path intentionally, it is narrow. What are you doing about it right now?

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14

Our country has had God's hand on it, but this is going to end if we don't turn back to God. Look at all the awful stuff happening in our country. This is the beginning of God's judgment. God's righteous right hand -- the favor of God. We have been protected by all kinds of evil. But, if we don't turn back He will discipline us. 

"25 Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, 26 and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span." Exodus 23:25-26

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
    the people he chose for his inheritance." Psalm 33:12

The United States -- it was built on Christian truth. It wasn't until the 1960s that people began saying this wasn't true. We were the first country to ever break away from a Super Power successfully. All state constitutions mention God. God ordained us to be a light to the nations, to this world. We are mocking Him with our flagrant sin and our choices. Look at what our country is putting out into the world. 

The Beginning Lines of the Declaration of Independence:
"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

God has given us warnings against falling away from God. 

13 The Lord warned Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers: “Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your ancestors to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets.” 2 Kings 17:13

God is warning us. We see the lessons in history. He warned his people over and over but they insisted on ignoring those warnings. One thing they did was worship Baal who demanded child sacrifice. Not much different than what people do now -- abortion on demand. Killing children for own benefit. 

"12 Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his attendants, his nobles and his officials all surrendered to him. In the eighth year of the reign of the king of Babylon, he took Jehoiachin prisoner. 13 As the Lord had declared, Nebuchadnezzar removed the treasures from the temple of the Lord and from the royal palace, and cut up the gold articles that Solomon king of Israel had made for the temple of the Lord. 14 He carried all Jerusalem into exile: all the officers and fighting men, and all the skilled workers and artisans—a total of ten thousand. Only the poorest people of the land were left. 15 Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiachin captive to Babylon. He also took from Jerusalem to Babylon the king’s mother, his wives, his officials and the prominent people of the land. 16 The king of Babylon also deported to Babylon the entire force of seven thousand fighting men, strong and fit for war, and a thousand skilled workers and artisans. 17 He made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah. 18 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. 19 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as Jehoiakim had done. 20 It was because of the Lord’s anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end he thrust them from his presence." 2 Kings 24:12-24

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
    the people he chose for his inheritance." Psalm 33:12

Is that us, the United States, now? No!

There was another time in history where we wouldn't discuss differences with each other; when all we did was divide ourselves and see others as enemies -- the Civil War. We lost more men in that war than ALL the wars combined America has been part of (and that doesn't include civilians). 

God has no use for America if we don't serve Him. 

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Galatians 6:7


"18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools" Romans 1:18-22

Sound familiar?

God's love is waiting for our return. 

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

What do we do?

"19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus." Acts 3:19-20

AND PRAY!!!

"2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time." 1 Timothy 2:1-6