Mt Zion Christian Church

Who Is Jesus? Rabbi and Teacher 5/19/24

Today, we are diving into Luke chapter 6, verses 17 through 26, which is Luke's version of the Beatitudes. While Matthew covers them in more detail, our focus today is on the difference between true and false prophets. Jesus stood on level ground, symbolizing the importance of standing on sound doctrine. He had just chosen His twelve disciples and came down to teach the people how to live in their day. A large crowd gathered from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal regions to hear Him and be healed of their diseases. Power was coming from Him, and people tried to touch Him to be healed. The first point is that Christians should stand on the level ground of sound doctrine. Jesus emphasized the importance of standing on solid ground, especially in a world that often tells us things that are not true. Isaiah 52:7 says, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news." We must stand firm on the doctrine that says, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." We can't tell people what they want to hear; we must stand on the truth of God's Word. The second point is that troubled people were healed by the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus. When Jesus came up out of the water after being baptized by John, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. Acts 1:8 says, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." Have you received that power? If you have opened your heart to Christ, the Holy Spirit lives inside you. We can't be on a diet when it comes to the Gospel; we need the full power of the Holy Spirit to navigate the challenges of life. The third point is the importance of discerning true prophets from false ones. True prophets are often opposed, while false prophets are loved because they tell people what they want to hear. Jesus said, "Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets." True prophets, like Jesus, are often persecuted for standing on the truth. They are opposed because they don't conform to the self-satisfying culture. The fourth point is that we are blessed when the world treats us like they treated Jesus. Jesus was the greatest prophet who ever lived, and He was persecuted for telling the truth. He said, "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven." We must stand firm on sound doctrine, even when the world tells us otherwise. The culture we live in wants to do what it wants and expects God to be okay with it. But we must follow our Savior and stand on the truth of God's Word. Finally, we must be aware of the loud voices in our culture that try to lead us astray. The media, radio, television, and movies all have millions of dollars behind them to tell us what to do and what not to do. But we must listen to the voice of God and stand on solid ground. The Holy Spirit will guide us and give us the strength to do what God tells us to do. We must resist the devil, and he will flee from us. Let's honor God and live for Him, knowing that our reward is in heaven.

Who is Jesus: Rabbi, Teacher, and The Twelve

Reading from Luke 6:12-16, we see Jesus going to the mountainside to pray and spending the night in prayer. The next morning, He called His disciples and chose twelve of them, designating them as apostles. These included Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Him. From this passage, I learned three key lessons. First, we need to spend time alone with God, just as Jesus did. Second, we should not focus on our failures but on the faithfulness of our Savior. Peter's story teaches us that even when we fail, repentance brings restoration. Third, the importance of community is evident in the lives of the disciples. They stayed together even in despair, valuing the unity Jesus had brought them into.

Who Is Jesus: Friend of Sinners 4.28.24

Pastor Riley Sampson - Who Is Jesus: Friend of Sinners - Luke 6 Today, we explored the profound concept of Sabbath rest, drawing from both the Old and New Testaments to understand its significance and application in our lives. We began by reflecting on the creation narrative in Genesis, where God completed His work in six days and rested on the seventh. This act of rest wasn't due to weariness but was a deliberate cessation of work, setting a precedent for us to follow. In Exodus, we delved into the instructions given to the Israelites about the Sabbath. God provided manna for six days and instructed them to gather double portions the day before the Sabbath to ensure they could rest without labor. This was not just about physical rest but about being spiritually present with God and the community. We then examined how Jesus interacted with the Sabbath. In Luke chapter 6, Jesus clarifies the purpose of the Sabbath through His actions and teachings, emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. This highlighted the importance of the Sabbath as a time for doing good and being in communion with God, rather than adhering to strict legalistic practices. The discussion included practical insights into how the Sabbath can be observed in contemporary times. It's not merely about ceasing from work but about being intentional in resting and engaging with God and our community. This involves unplugging from daily routines and being fully present, not distracted by the digital or hurried aspects of our lives. We concluded by addressing the need for a balanced life, where we are not overwhelmed by the burdens of our schedules and responsibilities. By aligning ourselves with the rhythm of Sabbath rest, we can ensure that our lives reflect the peace and order that God intends for us.

Who is Jesus: Friend of Sinners 4/21/24

In today's sermon, we explored the transformative power of Jesus Christ and His call to us to be agents of change and healing in a world marred by sin and separation from God. We began by acknowledging our own inability to fix our problems and our deep need for the Savior. This acknowledgment opens our hearts to the grace that only Jesus can offer, allowing us to submit to His will and walk in obedience. We delved into the story of Levi, a tax collector who was viewed unfavorably by society, yet was called by Jesus to follow Him. Levi's immediate response, leaving everything behind without question, exemplifies the radical obedience and transformation to which we are all called. This act of leaving his tax booth symbolizes our own call to abandon our former lives and identities for a new life in Christ. The narrative continued with Levi hosting a banquet for Jesus, inviting other tax collectors and sinners. This scene was pivotal, illustrating Jesus' mission to reach the lost and broken, those deemed unworthy by societal standards. The Pharisees' criticism of Jesus for associating with sinners highlights a recurring theme in the gospel: Jesus came not for the self-righteous, but for those who are aware of their spiritual sickness and need for a physician. We also explored the metaphor of new wine being poured into new wineskins, which Jesus used to signify the new covenant of grace, contrasting with the old covenant of the law. This new covenant is not just a modification of the old but a complete transformation that requires a new receptacle, symbolizing our need to be made new in order to contain the fullness of life that Jesus offers. The sermon concluded with a call to personal transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are encouraged to become new creations, shedding our old selves and our reliance on human efforts and law-keeping for salvation. Instead, we are to embrace the new life that is characterized by grace, mercy, and the Spirit's renewing power.

Who is Jesus: Friend of Sinners 4.14.24

Who is Jesus Series - Book of Luke Pastor Bo Boilek