Awake Us Now

We begin by looking at John the Baptist. Matthew 3:1-2 and 5-6 tells us.  "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.' People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River." Pastor shares a personal visit to the Jordan River with pics of the area. As our story continues we see John calling out to the Pharisees and Sadducees who had come to the Jordan River to see what he was doing. He tells them that they need to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. What John is saying is that when they truly turn to the Living God, it will change them, that their attitude, behavior and thought patterns will be radically transformed.  John goes on in verse 11 of chapter 3 to say, "I baptize you with 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 the Holy Spirit and fire." John's message was repent. His message was that the Messiah they had been waiting for was coming. He says that the Messiah will baptize them with the Holy Spirit and with fire, the fire of judgement.  People were drawn to John the Baptist because he spoke the truth in love. He wasn't the only one that talked about repentance. The Call to Repentance     ⁃    John the Baptist - Matthew 3:2     ⁃    Jesus Christ the Messiah - Matthew 4:17     ⁃    Apostle Peter - Acts 2:38     ⁃    Apostle Paul - Acts 17:30     ⁃    Holy Bible - 2 Peter 3:9 Repent means to: Change your mind Change your attitude Change your thoughts Change your direction Turn around - do a 180 Repentance IS important. Who needs Repentance?     ⁃    Isn't this the punchline to a joke? - No. Jesus says in Luke 13:3 that unless we repent, we will all perish. Jesus considers repentance to be absolutely essential.     ⁃    Isn't repentance just for bad people? - this depends on how you translate the word bad. The point of comparison is not against people, it is against a holy God. The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Matthew 21:31 Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you."     ⁃    This isn't for religious people, is it?  Jesus continues in Matthew 21:32 "For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him." Repentance is for ALL people especially the religious. This teaching brings anger and bitterness from the religious because it exposes them for what they really are not and for what they show to others.     ⁃    Isn't this Old Testament teaching? Yes, but it is also New Testament teaching as seen earlier in this message.      ⁃    Surely Christians don't need to repent? From Jesus we read a series of seven epistles in Revelation. In Revelation chapters 2 & 3 Jesus says the word "repent" 7 times. Martin Luther said in Thesis 1: "When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, 'Repent' (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance". If you find yourself rebelling against what you are hearing today - we encourage you to hear the rest of the story. What is True Repentance     1.    I am a Sinner - when I recognize this then I understand that     2.    I need a Savior - turning to the only one who can save us. We are all sinners and we need a Savior. Without Him we are lost forever and it calls us to say     3.    I trust in Christ alone - because the Living God stepped into this world, living a life of perfect obedience and willing went to the cross to pay for rebellion and sin and the one who rose victorious of death. Jesus is that Savior. We are called by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, to trust in the redemption found only in Jesus and then to say     4.    I will live for Him - repentance changes the way we think, the way we look at God and look others and the world, it changes the way we turn to the Living God and hang onto the Lord Jesus who is our Savior and Deliverer and seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit to live a life of faith, obedience, joy and peace, power in Him. This true repentance. Although the call to repent may sound scary, the gift of God through repentance is the greatest joy any one can know in this world and the life of the world to come. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

"Followers" challenges us with the question: Who are we following? Jesus extends this invitation, "Follow Me" to each of us. Matthew 8:1 says, "great multitudes followed Him." Will we choose to follow Him too and live a lifestyle that shows we are His? Even the most popular Mega Influencer in social media today will gradually age, diminish, and fade from public memory. Is there any influencer who lasts forever? Yes! Jesus! Jesus, the Good Shepherd, does not "lead from behind" but is out in front, calling us to follow Him. He laid down His life for us and rose again in power and glory. He now leads the way for each of us to triumph over the grave and to live forever.

The Gospel of John Week 23 Scripture: John 18. Our story begins with Jesus in the Garden and soldiers, high priests, and Judas come to the garden carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus goes out to meet them asking, "Who is it you want?" Clearly showing who's in charge. Something we will see Jesus repeat in the next hours. Jesus is in charge and He's always been in charge and that is a take home for us in our own lives as well. He's in charge! He's the Lord. Jesus knows all that is going to happen to Him. He's shared that with His disciples, though they will not fully understand until Jesus' resurrection. He is not blindsided by this group coming to the Garden. This is the reason He came, and this is the purpose for which He has come to carry out His work. Then Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest, cutting off his right ear. Jesus tells Peter to put his sword away - and Jesus says, Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?" Jesus knows what's coming and is willing to go through with it all because it is the Father's desire and the Son always obeys the Father. Pastor delves into the personality of Peter and how we will see him go from cutting off the ear of this man, to denying he knows Jesus, to going on to become a powerful evangelist. And yet Peter was flawed, we are all flawed individuals. The Lord still used Peter. He transformed Peter and He transforms us and this story is a reminder that Jesus uses us, too. As we return to our story we know Jesus is in control but He willingly allows His hands to be bound. Jesus is willing to go all the way to the cross for us. He is then taken to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.  Pastor shares some info on the recent discovery of an ossuary, bone box, belonging to Caiaphas and also some other archeological discoveries including a palatial mansion that may possibly be one of the locations where Jesus was tried. Pastor also reads some fascinating information from Eusebius' History of the Church and puts together some interesting pieces of historical evidence to help bring light to all that John is telling us. Now our story moves into Peter's first denial of knowing Jesus. Followed by Peter's second and third denial of knowing Jesus. And then we read that at that very moment the rooster crowed. And Peter suddenly remembers what he has done and what Jesus had said. There is a contentious conversation, verses 19-24, "the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. "I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said." When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded. "If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest." From Caiaphas Jesus was taken to the palace of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. It is now early morning. Pastor shares the logistics of getting Jesus there and the possible location of the praetorium, the governor's house. Pastor shares on the map the possible locations of this home. Jesus is brought before Pilate in verse 29 and Pilate asks what charges are being brought against Jesus, thus opening a court proceeding. Pastor shares interesting historical information about Jewish executions (stoning to death) and Roman executions (crucifixion), and what they were like. He shares the history of how the Romans, in the early first century, took away from the Jewish high priests and from the Sanhedrin, the right to convict and punish in capital cases and how the Romans demanded that they be the ones to carry that out. So this is why Jesus was crucified, and not stoned. Pilate then begins his questioning of Jesus and they have an in-depth conversation during which Jesus says, "The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."  Pilate replies, "What is truth?"  We live in a society where people are still asking that same question. And the answer is still the same. Jesus is Truth. The truth sets us free! Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01     ⁃    The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels.      ⁃    The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible.  Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most "Gentile/Greek" of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before. Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time!

Scripture: Acts 2;1-21, Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:1-4, 2 Peter 3. Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian church, but it's even more than that.  Join us as we explore the story of the first Pentecost and specifically focus in on Acts 2;17 "'In the LAST DAYS,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit on all people.'" The New Testament makes it clear that these are the last days - with the coming of Jesus in the flesh, His ministry, His death and resurrection, His ascension and Pentecost a new era has begun. Beginning then we have entered into the Last Days of what we know of planet earth.  Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe." 2 Timothy 3:1 says, "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God"  2 Peter 3:3 "Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires." The "last days" are also in the Old Testament and they were: Israel's Hope (The day they were longing for) Numbers 11:23 Ezekiel 36:26 Hosea 3;5 Micah 4:1 Jeremiah 31:31-34 What the Old Testament pointed to is now being fulfilled in the New Testament.  God's intent and plan has been there all along! Applications     ⁃    These are the Last Days! God is fulfilling his plan - not a cause of panic - God is faithful - we are to take Him seriously - these are exciting times - dangerous many times - difficult, yes - these last days are days that change our world view.     ⁃    Holy Spirit is outpoured and that outpouring continues. Holy Spirit yearns to fill us to overflowing so that we walk and pray in the Spirit - Holy Spirit points us to Jesus, the Spirit convicts, guides, leads and directs our lives.     ⁃    The New Covenant is here. The law shows us God's will but it doesn't save because we are all sinners. The New Covenant is about the grace of God in Jesus Christ - God paid the price of the penalty for our sin at the cross.     ⁃    Heed God's Holy Spirit. Seek the Holy Spirit - do what He says - Keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit - we need the Holy Spirit to live the Christian life and to grow in faith.     ⁃    Be Prepared - Be Awake!  We are to be ready, on guard and awake!     ⁃    Awake to:     ⁃    What God has done     ⁃    What God's word has declared     ⁃    The truth that the Last Days are here     ⁃    The reality of the Holy Spirit's indwelling     ⁃    Awake and prepared for what is ahead. We need what only God can provide:     ⁃    Divine Wisdom     ⁃    Divine understanding     ⁃    His truth     ⁃    Strength for today     ⁃    Power for tomorrow     ⁃    Assurance of life forever through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Everything we do is to revolve around the goodness, grace, mercy, presence, love and forgiveness of God because He changes everything! Pentecost is not just the birth day of the Christian church it is the culmination of all God had promised His Old Covenant people for centuries and that is fulfilled in Christ Jesus and His return. We are in the Last Days - but THE Last Day is coming - as is the age to come that is forever with Him! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10 Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Psalm 145:13b, Acts 1:3, Acts 1:4-12, Ephesians 5:18, Matthew 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 How many promises are in the Bible? The number given by many different individuals and groups ranges from many hundreds to many thousands.  We will settle on saying there are "lots and lots!" Today, we take a look at several more of Jesus' appearances after His resurrection and explore three specific promises found in Acts 1 that are applicable to any believer's life. Promise #1: Holy Spirit Promise #2: Witnesses Promise #3: Second Coming Applications     ⁃    Holy Spirit - given to all who believe. Ephesians 5:18 says, "keep on being filled with the Spirit of God."  Listen to Him and seek His guidance.     ⁃    Witnesses - disciples of Christ. Matthew 5:16 tells us to "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Our witness flows from our faith in Jesus. We bear witness to Jesus with our actions and words (not to earn salvation, as it is a free gift through faith, but rather it flows from us in thanks for the gift of salvation.) We are called to be His witnesses in the world today     ⁃    Jesus' second coming - a source of comfort and peace in the midst of a crazy world. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 assures of we will be raised to life forever with Christ. Our salvation was won at the cross Our salvation was guaranteed at the empty tomb Our salvation is secured because Jesus is coming back! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10 Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:6-8, Acts 1:15, Matthew 28:16, Matthew 28:20, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 4:11 During the forty days between Jesus' resurrection and His ascension, Jesus saw many individuals and small groups, but He also saw over five hundred people at one time.  Where was it, and when did Jesus see this large group of people? Jesus kept showing up…     ⁃    Jerusalem     ⁃    Emmaus     ⁃    Mount of Olives     ⁃    Galilee (Pastor shares why he thinks that Jesus may have been in Galilee when He saw the 500. Pastor shares several pictures of the area around Galilee.)   Those Jesus appeared to had a heart to share the amazing news after seeing Jesus truly was alive.  Because Jesus is alive - because there are convincing proofs - what does that mean for our lives?     ⁃    sharing the Gospel message     ⁃    Obeying what Jesus had commanded  APPLICATIONS     ⁃    Purpose: Testimony - The One who rose, changes our lives and He is coming back! Peter's testimony - 1 Peter 3:15 "but in your hearts revere Christ as lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect."  When God has changed our lives through Jesus Christ, that gives us a testimony, it gives us purpose to share our personal testimony with friends, family, strangers. Our testimony isn't just what we say, it's how we live, too.     ⁃    Purpose: Maturity - We are to grow in our faith, in our witness, in our knowledge of the living God,  and not remain baby believers. 2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen."  We are not saved because we are mature, but rather it is because we're saved, we want to mature. We don't; want to remain baby believers, we want to grow up in Christ. And that gives Him glory, Our purpose is anchored and centered in the Lord Jesus Christ, our risen King. And we are to keep on maturing.     ⁃    Purpose: Service - We are called to service Him with the gifts He has given us, with the time He has given us, with the opportunities and settings He has given us,  1 Peter 4:11 "If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen."  Speak the words of God and bring joy and hope, conviction and power into the lives of others. And serve them in God's strength so that He is praised through the witness we share of Jesus and who He is. Be encouraged to serve Him with the gifts you've been given., to serve Him with your lives, your talents, your examples and in the opportunities He provides. Our purpose is to live for Him - Not for ourselves - but for HIM! Today, people are coming to faith in the Lord Jesus like never before, faith in Christ is exploding. And we are called to be part of that!!  Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10 Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Our story picks up with Joash (the hidden royal) being brought forth at the age of seven and hailed as the king of Judah followed by the death of Athaliah. Peace reigns in Judah as we see over 100 years of four fairly "good" kings reigning in Judah from 835-731 B.C. These kings started well but didn't always finish well: Joash, Amaziah, Uzziah and Jotham. King Joash     ⁃    Takes the kingship at age 7     ⁃    Jehoiada, the High Priest, is Joash's mentor, advisor and instructor     ⁃    Spiritual reformation was taking place across Judah as Joash starts out so well with Jehoiada as his advisor -  until Jehoiada's death     ⁃    Joash then gets new advisors (2 Chronicles 24:17-18) and they led him astray, worshiping idols and God's anger came.     ⁃    Zechariah is the High Priest after Jehoiada. Zechariah was Jehoiada's son. He tells Joash and his new advisors of their sin against God, so they plot to kill him. 2 Chronicles 24:20. Zechariah is stoned to death.     ⁃    Hazael is victorious in bottles over Judah     ⁃    Then Joash's assignation follows Amaziah      ⁃    Amaziah is Joash's son - Amaziah starts well but doesn't finish well, following the pattern of his father.     ⁃    Mercenaries come from Israel     ⁃    Amaziah is given victory as he acts on the words of God through a prophet.  2 Chronicles 25:9      ⁃    But then Amaziah brings idols back from that victory. 2 Chronicles 25:15. Again a prophet comes to Amaziah to warn him, but this time Amaziah doesn't listen.      ⁃    He is then defeated by Jehoash, king of Israel and he too is assassinated. King Uzziah (also known as Azariah)     ⁃    Uzziah is Amaziah's son. 2 Chronicles 26:4-5 tells that he had godly counsel and as long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.     ⁃    He was an extremely capable king     ⁃    Ruled for 52 years     ⁃    In Israel, Jeroboam II was ruling. Uzziah and Jeroboam II expanded both nations to the original size of the kingdom at the time of David and Solomon.     ⁃    New prophets arise during the reign of Jeroboam II and Uzziah: Jonah, Amos, Hosea and Isaiah     ⁃    Their kingdoms experienced the glory days of David and Solomon     ⁃    But then Uzziah does not finish well. His pride went to his head and he usurped the role of the priests in burning the incense and immediately gets leprosy.  2 Chronicles 26:16-17 King Jotham     ⁃    Uziah's son, Jotham becomes king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 27:2. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but the people, however, continued their corrupt practices.     ⁃    Battle with the Ammonites - Godly king who is victorious over the Ammonites. 2 Chronicles 27:6     ⁃    Prosperity & Spiritual decline begins. The renewal did not spread throughout all the people.      ⁃    We see the growing power of their enemy in Assyria Next week our story continues with the rise of the power of the Assyrians. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Acts 1:3, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Galatians 1:18-19, 1 Timothy 1:13-17. In today's study we take a look at a Credal Statement. What is a Credal Statement?      ⁃    It is a fundamental of faith     ⁃    It enable people to talk about what they know and believe     ⁃    It is easily memorized     ⁃    It is easily understood     ⁃    It is easily shared Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 "What I received I passed on to you. And it is the most important of all. Here is what it is. Christ died for our sins, just as Scripture said he would. He was buried. He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as Scripture said he would be. He appeared to Peter. Then he appeared to the 12 apostles." (The Credal Statement in bold.) Then Paul continues with verses 6-8, "After that, he appeared to more than 500 brothers and sisters at the same time. Most of them are still living. But some have died. He appeared to James. Then he appeared to all the apostles. Last of all, he also appeared to me. I was like someone who wasn't born at the right time." Paul mentions three men in these verses: Peter, James (Jesus' 1/2 brother) and himself. 2000 years later we have evidences of authenticity: There is convincing physical evidence of Peter's home in Jerusalem.  Pastor shares pictures.  There is a bone box, The James Ossuary, which has also been discovered and has an inscription, "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus." The basic consensus of scholarly opinion is that this is very likely authentic.   Who were these men?  Peter: denied Jesus publicly three times James: his brother, was an unbeliever - did not believe Jesus was who He was, and James ridiculed his brother Jesus Paul: persecuted and killed believers and denounced Jesus Who did they become?     ⁃    Peter became an apostle of Christ and bold preacher of God's Word. Even arrest, beatings, and threats didn't lessen Peter's determination to preach the risen Christ.     ⁃    James, after seeing Jesus risen from the grave, became a believer and also became the leader of the early Christian church in Jerusalem.     ⁃    Paul was born Saul and he persecuted believers, but after meeting Jesus on a walk to Damascus Saul became Paul the Apostle and defender of the Gospel. What did these three have in common?     ⁃    They had all failed Jesus     ⁃    A denier     ⁃    A radical     ⁃    A persecutor     ⁃    All come to faith in the Risen Lord      ⁃    Their lives are changed     ⁃    They give powerful testimonies to Christ's love  for all sinners What else do they have in common?     ⁃    The PARDON of Christ - Forgiveness in full.     ⁃    Each of their stories is a story of redemption in Jesus and a testimony that not a single one of us is beyond the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.     ⁃    In these three men we see that God saved the worst of us so that He might save all of us. Their changed lives are a testimony to the heart of God wanting us all. How do their stories speak to us today? Applications of the Pardon of God     ⁃    Christ's mercy and grace is for us too - 1 Timothy 1:13-14 "I used to speak evil things against Jesus. I tried to hurt his followers. I really pushed them around. But God showed me mercy anyway. I did those things without knowing any better. I wasn't a believer. Our Lord poured out more and more of his grace on me. Along with it came faith and love from Christ Jesus."     ⁃    Christ's saving power is for us too - 1 Timothy 1:15 "Here is a saying that you can trust. It should be accepted completely. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the worst sinner of all."     ⁃    Nothing we have done can cause Jesus not to want to win us over to Himself     ⁃    Nothing that would cause Him to say He's done with us     ⁃    God wants ALL to be saved.     ⁃    Christ's patient renewal is for us too- 1 Timothy 1:16 "But for that very reason, God showed me mercy. And I am the worst of sinners. He showed me mercy so that Christ Jesus could show that he is very patient. I was an example for those who would come to believe in him. Then they would receive eternal life." Incredible Love - Incredible Grace - Incredible Pardon And Jesus' mercy and grace, saving power, patient renewal and incredible love are for us, too! Paul, Peter and James were living examples of God's incredible grace - we too are living examples of His incredible grace. Pardon - God offers pardon, forgiveness to all who will repent and believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and we become the children of God…. FOREVER!! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/40-10 Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Scripture: Acts 1:3, Luke 24:36-47, John 14:27, Philippians 4:7. What does the sermon series "Forty Pus Ten" mean? There were forty days from Jesus' resurrection to His ascension. Pastor will focus on the convincing proofs of Jesus resurrection demonstrated in what Jesus' final words and actions during the forty days and will show us how they still speak to our lives today. There were ten days from Jesus' ascension to the Day of Pentecost. Pastor will focus on what happened on Pentecost and what that means for our Christian walk and daily lives. Jesus lives!  This is the most important event of the planet since creation! Join us and see why! Our study for today is on the evening of Jesus' resurrection. They are experiencing fear, confusion and uncertainty. They've heard some of the stories going around that Jesus was alive and risen from the grave but just days earlier they had seen Him arrested, crucified, put to death and placed in a tomb. They were not expecting a resurrection! On Resurrection Sunday morning the tomb had been found empty. As they gathered together in fear in a locked room, there was also confusion. They had heard the reports of people seeing and talking to Jesus.  There was uncertainty - how could this be true? And then, "While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you.'" Luke 24:36 How is this story relevant for us today? All of us has encountered fear and Jesus speaks to us, just as He spoke to His followers that day: "Peace" Shalom. He spoke into their fears, confusion and uncertainties and He speaks Peace to each of us into our lives to our fear, confusions and uncertainties. Jesus goes on and says why are you troubled? Why do doubts rise in your minds and then He shows them His hands and feet. In effect saying that it really is Him!  He tells them to touch Him and then He eats food - He's in the flesh, He is alive. He goes on to tell them how all that is written about Him in the Old Testament must be fulfilled and as He continues it begins to become clear to their minds - Jesus opens their mind explaining the what the Scripture declared all along has been about Him. Then He goes on to say what's ahead, "He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Luke 24:46-47 What this means for us today - because Jesus is alive it changes everything and it changes each one of us! It changes:     ⁃    How we look at life     ⁃    The way we handle difficulties, fears, uncertainty, doubts and troubles     ⁃    The way we look at the future     ⁃    What matters in life It gives us:     ⁃    A reason for living     ⁃    True living - forever! Application     ⁃    The call is personal to encounter Jesus Christ. To encounter Him and His Peace     ⁃    We are called to heed the scriptures and to listen to them. As we listen - He comes into our hearts     ⁃    We are called to experience a new mind - the Holy Spirit changes us from within. Jesus is ALIVE!  His resurrection is not only the most significant event in the history of the world, it is the most important thing in each of our lives.  No matter what we are going through - the fact that He is alive and that we by faith receive what He offers: forgiveness, hope, assurance and life forever —- that changes everything! Pastor closes with the words from the chorus of a song from Bill and Gloria Gaither. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
 Because He lives, all fear is gone;
 Because I know He holds the future,
 And life is worth the living,
 Just because He lives! Life is worth living, just because He lives!!! Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out the video from our website:  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Let's dig deeper into today's question by exploring five additional questions about Christ's upcoming return.     1.    Will Christ actually return in the flesh? Yes, Jesus will actually return in the flesh. Here's some words from the angels. Acts 1:11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."  Coming back the same way He left. At the Mt of Olives, visibly, physically to reign.     2.    How will every eye see Him? We live in a unique age where we can witness things around the world in real time. Revelation 1:7 "Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen." (See also - Daniel 7:13 and Zechariah 12:10) What seems impossible will be a reality, we all will see Him.     3.    Why so many different interpretations of Christ's return will be like? There are basically 4 views of Christians of the Book of Revelation:     ⁃    PRETERIST - everything in the book of Revelation was fulfilled for those 1st century believers.      ⁃    HISTORICIST - What the book of Revelation does is it tracks Christian history until the very end of time when Christ returns.     ⁃    FUTURIST - say what the book of Revelation portrays is the events that are yet to come and will happen in the last days of our planet's history.     ⁃    IDEALIST - maintain that what the book of Revelation does is it gives us timeless truths and principles that have always been true and will be until Jesus returns.     4.    Why all the different views. Who is right? Pastor posses a "what if": What if they are all right? What if God intentionally gave this so that people of every age would see what needs to be seen to stay close to Him.     ⁃    PRETERIST -  what if the book of Revelation really did have remarkable application to the 1st century believers     ⁃    HISTORIST - What if the book of Revelation does track the Christian history til Christ returns     ⁃    FUTURIST - What if the book of Revelation will be fulfilled in some future ways.     ⁃    IDEALIST - What if the book of Revelation applies in every age because what it says is timeless and true. God is brilliant - He can and does brilliant things! Differing interpretations doesn't make the Bible unclear - it means that God is amazing!  Common Beliefs of each differing view:     ⁃    Missionary Age - great commission     ⁃    Great tribulation      ⁃    Rapture     ⁃    Millennium     ⁃    Physical return of Christ     ⁃    Resurrection of the dead     ⁃    New heavens and New Earth Early believers put together basic statements of the fundamentals of the Bible. Examples Nicene Creed says, "I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come." and the Apostle's Creed says, "I believe in… the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting." They chose short summations of basic agreed on biblical beliefs and leaving out the details, acknowledging the wide diversity of interpretation around what Jesus' return will look like and because we will find out the details when He returns. The first advent Jesus came as a humble servant and laid down His life for us all. For His second advent Jesus comes in glory!     5.    What are the sign of the times that indicate the eminent Second Coming of Jesus?  Signs of the times:     ⁃    Gospel to the entire world Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."       ⁃    Persecution, apostasy & deception Matthew 24:9-11 "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many."     ⁃    Warfare, earthquakes & famine - Mark 13:8 "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains." What we have observed since Jesus' first advent, these signs are closer together.     ⁃    Israel's return  Luke 21:24 "They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." About 40 years after Jesus spoke these words in 70AD they happened and now in 1967, after nearly 1900 years, the Jewish people have returned.  In Matthew 24:42 we are told by Jesus, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." How do we stay awake?  We keep our eyes on Jesus! The Savior of the world. God is for us! He's coming back and the day is fast approaching! May we trust the Lord Jesus with all our hearts and rejoice in the salvation He won for us at the cross as a gift by faith. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

"Assurance" tackles centuries-old questions: Can I know for certain, what is my eternal destiny? Can I be sure of salvation? Can I know I'm going to heaven? Can I know my sins are forgiven? Can I know that God loves and cares for me? Pastor shares some life-changing truths that will show us the ASSURANCE we need for answering these questions!

The Gospel of John Week 22 Scripture: John 17:1-21. Pastor starts today's class off with an interesting observation. The other three gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke mention the prayers of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, but John does not. John talks about the prayer that occurred before Jesus got to the garden, the prayer He prayed on the way there.  When we put those two different sets of prayers together (the ones from John on the way, and the ones from the other writers at the Garden) it gives us a greater sense of Jesus' heart during this evening, but also of the assurance the He had from the Father that this is going to turn out for our deliverance.  In Hebrews 12:2-3, we are encouraged to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men that you may not grow weary and lose hope." And so we are blessed by Jesus' obedience and faithfulness so that we also do not grow weary or lose hope, but that we see and understand that God is in control. Jesus and His disciples have left the upper room and are walking to the Garden of Gethsemane. In John 17:1-2 we see Him pause on His way to the garden to pray what has been referred to as the "High Priestly Prayer." Jesus begins with, "Father." It's personal and it's an example for us to be personal with God as well. Jesus says, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you." The Father is glorified by the obedience of Jesus, His Son, by Jesus being obedient even unto death on the cross.  Jesus continues, "For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."  What is eternal life? It is eternal life to know the Father and know the Son and to be in relationship with the Living God. In verse 6 Jesus starts to pray for His disciples and we see the love He has for them. He sees them as precious and loved. He looks past their mistakes and loves them and He looks at us the same way, He looks past our mistakes and loves us. We are precious to Him. We don't need to remember our failures and allow those to control us. We remember what God says about who we are and allow Him to guide and direct us as His loved children. As Jesus' prayer continues we see Him blessing them, interceding for them and praying for their protection. And He prays for them to be protected in the power of the Father's name. God's name IS His character and Jesus has revealed His name, His character, because if you want to know what the Father is like, you look at the Son. Jesus goes on to pray that he wants the full measure of His joy within His disciples. He says this knowing that in just a bit He will be arrested, tried and crucified. But what He also knows is that there is victory coming. He focused on the outcome, that of giving us an eternity with Him for all who believe in Him. And that's what He wants them to hold onto, too. And he prays for their protection from the evil one and that they would be set apart for the Father's work and His purposes. Then Jesus' prayer moves from the 12 to pray about us. verses 20-21, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."  Pastor talks about how Jesus continues to pray for us and believers today. In Hebrews 7:25 we read, "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." (Intercede is to pray for). Jesus is praying that we will live in unity with God and one another. We want to love as He loved, obey as He obeyed, speak as He speaks, follow as He followed. To go where He goes.  He prays unity of the believers, so that others, non-believers, the world, will know that God the Father sent Jesus because of His love for us and that is the love we share together and with others. We should flee religion and rush to the Father, seeking out a relationship with Him through faith in the Lord Jesus and becoming transformed. It's not about knowing certain facts, it's about knowing God. It's not about knowing the answer to how to get to heaven. It's is about knowing the One who get us to heaven!!  Jesus says, "no-one comes to the Father, except through Me." And that is Jesus; prayer, complete unity, unity with Him, even as He and the Father are one. Jesus goes on with, "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world." Wow, He wants to spend eternity with us. We are truly loved! We may live in His presence and live in relationship with Him, basking in His love and taking to heart what He has promised: "I am always with you, even to the end of the age." And then we read that when He had finished praying, Jesus left with His disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. (And they continued to the Garden of Gethsemane.) Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01     ⁃    The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels.      ⁃    The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible.  Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most "Gentile/Greek" of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before. Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time!

No matter what we have done, God calls us to repent and turn to Him. The example of Manasseh shows how God can use even the most despicable individual to demonstrate His grace and power.

We all have blind spots. Wouldn't it be great if Jesus could help us see them? He can... and He will!

Happy Thanksgiving!  This is a time to thank God for His amazing blessings. Thankfulness is an important part of our lives. Thankfulness is to be part of the life of every believer. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  God calls us to rejoice in Him always and calls us to pray continually. He desires we talk to Him throughout our day. He also calls us to give thanks in all circumstances, in the good times and bad times. Thanksgiving puts our eyes on the God who has saved us. It causes us to focus on the things that are good and worthy of praise instead of the difficulties.  Thanksgiving gives strength to God's people. It's a way of life.  "Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." Daniel 6:10 Prayer was part of Daniel's life in the good days and the bad days, the days of deep and difficult persecution, but Daniel risked it all to remain faithful to God and to his prayer life with his God, even to the point of being placed in the Lion's Den. The Lord was faithful to David and delivered him. Thankfulness is powerful because God is powerful! Let us not just give thanks just today but every day all the time, because He is good. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Ever feel trapped in a hopeless situation? Let Jesus Christ surprise you!

John the Baptist preached a message of repentance which asks for a twofold response -- that of turning FROM sin and death, TOWARD God and life!

Jesus Christ calls every person on earth to follow Him. Matthew teaches us how to answer His call!

Today's question, "How should I read the Bible?" is often asked by new believers, church going people who've never read the Bible and those questioning what they've heard about the Bible. It is often stated this way:     ⁃    Which is the best Bible translation?     ⁃    Where should I start as I begin reading?     ⁃    What schedule should I follow?     ⁃    Where can I find extra help and resources? And the often not asked question, but should be asked:     ⁃    What are the essential things to remember? The Bible is the Word of God and is self authenticating, speaking to every generation. There are difficult parts and very clear parts. The Scriptures speak the Truth from God, and they are practical and very beneficial. Which translation? There is no perfect translation. Each translation works to capture what was originally written down to convey it's original meaning without translating word for word.     1.    New International Version  (NIV) - seeks to follow a literal translation      2.    English Standard Version (ESV)  - emphasizes word for word translation     3.    King James Version (KJV) - a favorite for centuries - a language different than today's modern day language, and is easily memorized     4.    New Living Translation (NLT) - seeks to convey the thoughts of Scripture versus a word for word translation - more easily understood     5.    New King James Version (NKJV) - attempts to keep the text and rhythm of the King James Version but in more modern language Pastor shares an example of each translation using Matthew 5:17. Where to start?     1.    Start with one of the Gospels (1 of the first 4 books of the New Testament) where we meet Jesus. Listen to what He says.     2.    Matthew - written from a Hebrew perspective - Prophesied Messiah.     3.    Mark - shortest of the 4 - speaks in dramatic terms and talks about the active Son of God - Mark offers lots of details.     4.    Luke (and Acts) - Jesus as the Savior of the Nations - Luke has a heart for the desperate.     5.    John - an insiders view of Jesus' ministry and teaching and covers what's not covered in the other gospels. John's focus is the Deity of Jesus Christ. What Schedule?     1.    Find a time that works for you     2.    Consider your season of life - and don't let the enemy trip you up or discourage you     3.    A place to meet with God - it is beneficial to have a place to sit down and reflect on what God is saying in His Word.     4.    Read a section of Scripture - important to listen to God as He speaks to us in sections: chapter, book.     5.    Select a plan that will work:     •    Chapter a day, one book at a time     •    Gospel chapter and a Psalm every day     •    Bible in a year - 3+ chapters a day     •    Foundational books: Genesis, Exodus, Luke, Acts, John, Romans, Ephesians     •    Read a section of scripture out loud     •    Listen to the Bible with various platforms Where to find help?     1.    Use a study Bible - each of the suggested Bible translations mentioned at the beginning have a study Bible available.     2.    BibleGateway.com a great place to go to take a look at the Bible in a multitude of translations and also a great way to listen to the Bible - completely free.     3.    AwakeUsNow.com we have everything available free of charge: Sunday services, Tuesday Bible class, Bible in a Year, TV and radio and podcasts. What are the Essentials?     ⁃    Purpose - Read the Scriptures with the purpose of allowing God's word to be transformative in your life, for the purpose of wanting to encounter the Lord Jesus, the Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit.     ⁃    Approach the Scriptures with Prayer - talk to the Author, ask Him what He wants to say to you. Look at your time in God's Word not as a class assignment but a time to draw close and closer to Him.     ⁃    Ponder what you are reading, think on what you are hearing God say to you in His Word.     ⁃    Practice what you read and learn from the stories you read. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. God desires that we know Him, that we experience His goodness and forgiveness in Christ, that we experience the power of His Holy Spirit and that we be used by Him to be a blessing to others. He desires we share the news of the only One who can save. Jesus, our crucified, risen Lord who is coming back and coming soon.  May we encounter Him daily in His Word. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

How do we deal with worry that threatens to overwhelm us? Be it money, job security, relationships, health, current events... the list goes on! How does a believer deal with these? There is clear guidance and Godly wisdom in the Scriptures.  Scripture testifies to this truth: God cares for His Children. He calls on us to TRUST in Him, REJECT the lies of the Enemy, ACT on His promises, and GROW in the new nature He has given us through faith in Christ Jesus.