Calvary Baptist Church - Canyon Texas - David Crump, Pastor

If it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:39 NIV84) The Gospel is unstoppable because it is the power of God. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name. Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:17-20 NIV84) On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “ ‘Why d

You are looking for the perfect gift. And you do it because up you want to see a smile on your wife or husband or children's faces on Christmas because you love them. The same is true of God. He loves us and desired to give us the perfect gift. But what did we need? Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. We needed someone to come help us find our way to God. Isaiah 59:12-16 12 For our offenses are many in your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: 13 rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God, fomenting oppression and revolt, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. 14 So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. 15 Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The Lord looked and was displeased that ther

We are engaged in a war. It is a war for the lives of men, women, and children. The outcome of the battle will affect you and your family, the peoples’ lives around you, and future generations for eternity. There are things you must know – things you cannot be ignorant about or you will be caught unprepared for battle. 1. You must know you are engaged in battle. 1 Peter 5:8-9 – Your enemy looks for someone to devour. Whether you are ready or not to battle, your enemy is at war with you. If you are not ready, you are an easy target for destruction. (Example) you and your wife have had a few rough weeks or months or years. Thoughts begin to run through your head "maybe we'd be better off apart. Maybe I could do better. Maybe I deserve better." These are the whisperings of our enemy. If you are not prepared, you are easy prey. If you don’t recognize this as darkness, you will be tempted to listen. And if you listen long enough you'll start to believe it. If you come to believe it, you'll start to act on i

Imagine if you were given the opportunity to meet God. What would it be like? What would he be like? Today we’re going to read about people who had the opportunity. Exodus 19:9-25 v. 9 – “I am going to come to you.” God would be meeting the Israelites. His presence with them. v. 10 – “consecrate them for two days” – there is always a need for people to be purified before they can be in the presence of God. “wash their clothes.” v. 11 – “be ready by the third day b/c the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people”! They were going to see God for themselves! On the third day this revelation of God would happen – Just like the revelation of God in Jesus Christ. V. 12 – “Put limits” – in the OT, there were restrictions; people could not be in God’s presence. Jesus had not put away their sins. They were cleansed, but not purified. God’s plan at redemption, still at a distance. Not so with the NT; we are purified, sins removed, and there is nothing left to keep us from God’s presence. “do not go up the mo

Matthew 18:21-35 v. 21-22 – Peter must have felt that to forgive someone 7 times was extremely gracious. v. 23 – A king settling accounts – God v. 24 – “ten thousand talents” millions of dollars. How bad was your sin? How big was the debt that had to be paid for your sin? The size of your sin debt was horrendous and totally beyond your ability to pay. To understand the size of your sin debt, look at Jesus’ suffering on the cross. v. 25 – sold to repay the debt – not an uncommon practice – people and their families could be sold into slavery until a debt was repaid. We were sold as a slave to sin. v. 26 – What did the servant have to pay off his master? Nothing. He resorted to pleading for his life. v. 27 – Out of pity – He canceled his debt and let him go. Jesus’ answer reveals that Peter completely missed it. Jesus was not only telling about how we need to forgive each other, but also in this parable tells about his own work on the cross – that through Jesus’ sacrifice, sinners are forgiven completely. In t

Which of these two statements applies more to you? "I am a great sinner." "Christ is a great savior” The first statement recognizes how far you and I are from God. It recognizes how sinful we are. The second statement recognizes the deep love that God has for us demonstrated at the cross and how complete Christ’s work at the cross is. We run into trouble when we don’t recognize that both are true. “I am a great sinner, but Christ is a greater savior.” Luke 6:37-42 Judging others forbidden Why do we judge other people? – Tim Keller’s story about good and bad lies. Why are we tempted to remove the speck from our brother’s eye and leave the plank in our own eye? Because we have a tendency to develop for ourselves a standard by which we live. We pick and choose from what the Bible teaches and decide these are important and develop our own system of morality. We ignore the stuff we’re not good at. The natural tendency of the human heart is toward self-justification. Luke 12:1-3 get rid of hypocrisy. Get rid of

Hebrews 12:1-3 v. 1 – Witnesses “testifiers” or “martyrs” What does sin do? It entangles you, keeps you from being able to run the race God has called you to. Throw it off. In fact, throw off anything that entangles you. “A great cloud of witnesses” – that’s great in number, not that their faith was that great. Even in imperfect faith, attempts to follow God, He rewarded them. v. 2 – Fix your eyes on Jesus – He is the supreme witness who already ran the race, endured, persevered and overcame the hardship and suffering. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. Our faith began with Jesus, and will complete in him. He is the start and the end of the race. v. 3 – Jesus suffered far more than we ever will. Hebrews 2:10 10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Jesus suffering made him the perfect author of our salvation. Hebrews 5:8-9 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedie

Hebrews is a book to Jewish believers at a time of hardship. The writer encourages them to hold firm to their faith, despite their circumstances. He does this by affirming that Jesus Christ is absolutely supreme and sufficient as the revelation of God and as mediator of God’s grace. He uses the OT to show that Jesus is greater than angels, greater than Moses, greater than the high priesthood, and the sacrificial system. Ultimately he writes that all prophecies and promises of the OT are fulfilled in the new covenant. As Jesse pointed out last week, the book of Hebrews is full of the words “new,” “better,” and “superior.” Throughout the OT the Israelites struggled to follow God. God would work on their behalf, they would follow him for a time, then they would forget him and chase after idols. Then they would repent, God would forgive them, show them mercy and they would follow Him – but only for a time. (Sound familiar?) They had the Law; they had the prophets; they had priests, judges and kings, but they cou

1 Peter 1:1-12 vv. 3-5 New birth and new life vv. 6-9 Joy in the midst of suffering vv. 10-12 Glory of salvation v. 3 – “new birth” –Peter (and Jesus) use this radical term to describe what has happened in the life of the believer. What has happened in the life of the believer is entirely new and different. It is nothing short of a new life. There is a decisive change. There is now in the believer a new and divine life. Why do we have this new life? It is because of Gods’ great mercy. By Christ’s great sacrifice and the power of God to resurrect him from the dead. The result of this new birth is hope. Hope is not wishful thinking. It is in view of the past that gives a certainty to the future. It has in mind the idea of waiting for something expected. It is a living hope, meaning it is active and will be brought to reality. It is a living hope, meaning it is made possible by Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Believers will rise from the dead just as Christ did. v. 4 – We also have hope of an inheritanc

John 14:15-24 v. 15 – Love for Jesus results in obedience. Not to be confused with our obedience results in God loving us. v. 16 – The counselor – paraklete – one who stands beside as in a legal proceeding. He is given to us as a gift, just like Jesus was a gift to us. He will be with us forever. Jesus is departing, but the disciples can be comforted that they will not be abandoned. v. 17 – He is the Spirit of truth – just as Jesus is the truth (v. 6). “You know him” seems strange, since Jesus has yet to request the Spirit (v. 16; 16:7) and the disciples have not yet received the Spirit. Jesus says this Paraclete will be in you. He already remains among them (v. 17; in the NIV “lives with you”). The Spirit is not absent before the glorification. Indeed, he is present "without limit" in Jesus (3:34) and must be at work in the disciples in order for them to have the faith and love that Jesus mentions (vv. 12, 15). But the Paraclete has not yet been sent to the disciples and received by them in the new way Jesu

This is what the LORD says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it… Jer 6:16a The Way of Submission Throughout human history, there is a common theme between God and mankind. God reveals Himself and His way. What is man’s consistent reaction generation after generation? “I’ll do what I want.” Jeremiah 18:1-4 – ¬The pot was marred – we are all marred by sin. He formed it into another pot. His desire is to transform us into His masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” As seemed best to Him – The potter determines the shape of the pot. He knows its purpose. You will wrestle with God over this for the rest of your life. In time, walking with the Lord, you learn, He really can be trusted. He really does intend good for me. After God had carried out his punishment on the Israelites, he spoke to them through Jeremiah: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I

VIA SACRA – The Sacred Way This is what the LORD says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it… Jer 6:16a How to Pray What to Pray Luke 11:1-4 Praise God – Worship Him for Who He is, His character and very being. “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.” Psalm 29:2 Thank God – Thank Him for His goodness. “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20 Confess Sin – Admit and ask for help to turn from sin – daily. “I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.” Psalm 38:18 Pray for His Kingdom – This is prayer for His kingdom to increase to the lives of people. “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 Pray for Needs – Ask for what you need. “Give us each day our daily bread.” Luke 11:3 How to Pray Pray Boldly – Luke 11:5-13 Pray Persistently – Luke 18:1-8 Pray On All Occasions with

VIA SACRA – The Sacred Way This is what the LORD says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it… Jer 6:16a The Bible is God’s instruction manual for how we’re supposed to do life, marriage, finances, sexuality, relationships, business, every facet of life. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Life is as good as it will get when we are surrendered and submitted to the authority of the Bible. (Psalm 19:7-10) 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether right

The Biblical qualifications of an elder describe one who is a mature Christian of good repute, with gifts for teaching, management and pastoral ministry. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Titus 1:5-9 Biblical Qualifications for Elders Above reproach Elders must be blameless, presenting no patterns of Scriptural disobedience or grounds of accusation. Husband of one wife Elders, if married, must be devoted spouses. (A previous marriage does not necessarily disqualify.) Temperate Elders must be self-controlled, enslaved in nothing, free from excesses. Prudent Elders must be sober, sensible, wise, balanced in judgment, not given to quick, superficial decisions based on immature thinking. Respectable Elders must demonstrate a well-ordered life and good behavior. Hospitable Elders must be unselfish with their personal resources. They must be willing to share blessings with others. Able to teach Elders must be able to communicate the truth of God and exhort sound doctrine in a non-argumentative way. (See 2 Tim 4:2; 2:24) Not

Today we celebrate Jesus triumphing over death and over our sin. When it looked like death had overcome Jesus, he raised from the dead – by his own power. When it looked like our sin had overcome him, his resurrection proved his power over our sin. When it his people had rejected him, he turned it into our acceptance by the Father When the Pharisees hated, he overcame it by his love. When he looked completely humiliated, we saw his glory more completely. His suffering brought our healing. His followers’ sorrow turned to joy. Enjoy your time together with family and friends. Build memories together. Celebrate together. Even in times of sorrow, God brings joy. Story – Hunting Easter balls. The Bible says that there was joy in the cross for Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. How could there be joy in the cross? He was mocked, sneered a

Guest Speaker Scott Auth

Luke 2:1-20 vv. 1-3 – Clay pointed out, “How would God have Jesus born in Bethlehem as prophesied in Micah 5:2 when his parents lived in Nazareth? He would use a pagan government.” vv. 4 – Jesus would be David’s descendant, the king who would always be on His throne. vv. 5-13 – Born in a manger. Angel told shepherds, not political nor religious rulers – humility. v. 14 – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Favor – (eudokia) “good will, kind intent, delight, pleasure” Easter is a celebration of God demonstrating his love for us. The Lord shows Moses his glory. Exodus 33:18-20 18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” 19 And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” Exodus 34:5-7 5 Then the LORD came

Being “in Christ” forever changes your identity, your direction, and your destiny. Your identity has a lot to do with what you’re about. What you’re focus is. Where you spend your time and energy. Where your passion is. The scriptures and the Holy Spirit are always reading our intentions – what we’re about. The scriptures are really clear – all of us, all our existence, all the creation – it’s all for Him. It’s not about us. If you are “in Christ,” then you are coming to understand that you are intended to be for the glory of God. You are people for His glory. Short story – all of mankind sinned and was alienated from God. We all refused God’s authority over us. When you refuse authority to a government over you, it is treason. We were all guilty of treason – which in all cultures in all times brings the death penalty. We had all tread on God’s authority. But even before that, God had planned to rescue men and women from their sins by sending his son to absorb the punishment for their sins. It didn’t end t

Who we are in Christ is our identity, our direction, and our destiny. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 “In Christ,” is our union or relationship with him through faith. In Christ, I have a new identity. I am a new creation. Before Christ I was sinful, far from God, hopelessly lost in my own sin and selfishness. Romans 3:10-12 10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” We were all the fool in proverbs – morally deficient. Like people wondering around in the dark. If you are in Christ (in relationship with him) through faith, then your identity has changed. 1. In Christ, you are a new creation - It is hard to over-state the change Paul is taking about. - it is not just that we’ve had our sins wiped out like a white board’s been wiped clean. - Christ’s work has made us new creatures. “New” (kainos) (kī-no's) – in respect to f

Who are you as a Christian? Who are you in Christ? The world (and we, sometimes) limit who we are to how we behave. But who we are in Christ is so much more than what we do. Who we are in Christ is our identity, our direction, and our destiny. 1 Peter 2:4-12 – In Christ, Christians are: A Royal Priesthood – This was said of the Israelites in Exodus 19:6. You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” Now it is true of Christians. • Reflect the holiness of God (1 Peter 1:15) • Offer spiritual sacrifices o Sacrifices of our bodies (living in holiness) (Romans 12:1) o Sacrifices of money or material goods (Philippians 4:18) o Sacrifices of praise to God (Hebrews 13:15) o Sacrifices of doing good (Hebrews 13:16) • Intercede for people before God (James 5:16) • Represent God before people (2 Corinthians 5:20) A chosen people – This was said of the Israelites throughout the OT. Deut 10:15 15 Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers an