B-Side - Mark 11:27-33

Beschreibung

Today's text marks the beginning of six conflict stories showing genuine faith vs. false faith. It parallels the triumphal entry: welcoming him as King vs opposing his authority. The spiritual leadership of Israel has missed what the people see clearly. v28... they challenge Jesus' authority. His authority struck people, amazed the crowds. He's not quoting the rabbis; he's speaking as God, with God's authority, as the arbiter of truth. He performed miracles and forgave sins! He himself is authority. v29... the old religious guard didn't like John, so they didn't want to give weight to his words. Instead of genuinely inquiring of Jesus, they attempt to trip him up, showing they don't care about truth, just about finding an excuse to kill him. George Washington held above all else the character of an honest man. To stand with the Lord Jesus is to stand with the truth, and against corruption and lies... and to be hated by the darkness. We are to be a people of the truth and hold our ground! We are to eschew tactics like what the Sanhedrin do here. The Sanhedrin are the elite theological, intellectual, legal experts. They challenge Jesus on the basis that he has not earned the same credentials they have. People who are losing arguments will often make this appeal. If an idea is true, it will stand on its own merit, credentials or not! So be anchored in the truth, the Word of God. Paul was happy that the Bereans checked what he said against Scripture! The clergy here feel they have the authority over Jesus because of their institutional office. They're not questioning what he's said, but his right to say it because they, the governing board, haven't approved him to speak at the temple! v30-32... Jerusalem has become the new Egypt; their hearts are hardened as Pharaoh's heart was hardened during the plagues. The Sanhedrin have become like Pharaoh! They walk in darkness and can't even tell where the light came from. Like Eli the high priest, they have become like blind guides. Jesus rode to Jerusalem in peace... but because they've rejected him, they will be brought low and exposed. We must be open to the teachings of the Lord, walk in the light as he is in the light, completely submit to his Word, and resist resisting him! If it opposes Christ, it has to go.

America 250 - Build This House Upon the Rock - 1 John 2:12-14

1 John 2:12-14 Our country was discovered by Europeans in the name of Christ. Many of our founding documents speak of God as our guide. The idea was to found it under Christian principles. We're rich in resources, surrounded by allies north and south. We've experienced multiple great awakenings, won two world wars and could have taken over the world, but we didn't, because it wasn't the right thing to do. We are so blessed! We have freedom of speech, religion, self-defense, to elect our own leaders. Thank God for what he's given us! Today we have climate control, advanced medicine and technology... So... Is the foundation for the next 250 years as strong as the foundation for the last 250? We've become successful... and in doing so, we've unfortunately become rather self-sufficient. There's less need to rely on God. We're shifting away from the God who has provided our prosperity! There is no morality without religion, without God. Satan's influence is seeping into the highest levels of government. We must embrace the One who caused our prosperity, and reject the one who seeks to destroy us! We must return to the Lord. V12... - Children: new converts - Young men: laborers - Fathers: mature Christians The children, v12... They're the newcomers. We never actually mature beyond this, just build upon it! Their sins are forgiven! They understand and acknowledge the bad news of their own sinfulness before welcoming the good news. Their sins are forgiven, and why? For his name's sake. Any righteousness in us is a gift given by God, not of your own doing. It's only because he chose to love you! There is no boasting in our own righteousness. They know the Father. You can only know him once you've come to the Son! Jesus tells us to pray not to him or to the Holy Spirit, but to God the Father! The fathers... v13-14 They're marked by one defining thing: they know him who was from the beginning! The self is not involved... it's all in who they know. The teachings of great men of God tend to become more simple over time. It shows perspective. The church consistently needs to hear the character and attributes of God, simple, foundational truths! The church needs great, faithful men who preach the Word of God. This is what America needs! Mature faith is built over a lifetime. It's about daily faithfulness in the Word. Compounded over a lifetime! But the time hasn't passed for you; it's never too late to start. There's still time! They're are treasures waiting for you. Young men... v13-14 These are those who are laboring for the Lord... They have strength. The Word abides in them. Every chapter points to Jesus! This is where the Fathers are made. This means to live God's Word! You know no biblical principle until you've lived it. They have overcome the evil one. The overcoming is not in progress, but is finished! We need to stop living as if Satan has won. The gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church! Christ has secured the victory. America already belongs to the Lord; every knee will bow and every tongue will confess! Our job is to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. The Church is not called to be accepting our tolerant of Satan. We must resist the devil. We need to call out evil. In closing... Is the foundation for the next 250 years as strong as it was originally? No. But with God's grace and strength, it can be. Seek his face, repent, and follow him. We must reject the tolerance we're being forced to adopt. We just call good good, and evil evil! So... Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of Christ, we can continue what they started. All is not lost. He is able! Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on us and on this country! The next generation will need you to be one of the fathers. Are you strong? Are you worth building a house upon? Decide whom you'll serve! Where's your hope? What is your rock? Joshua 24:15, "... As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!"

5. Juli 202654 min

B-Side - Mark 11:27-33

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