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  • The Answer - Week 11: What About the Virgin Birth?

    The Answer - Week 11: What About the Virgin Birth?
    2026/07/08

    The message starts with Matthew 1:18 "This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit."

    Pastor explores today's question: "What about the Virgin Birth?" by tackling these 5 questions:

    ⁃ Is the "Virgin Birth" really that important?
    ⁃ Why do only Matthew and Luke mention it?
    ⁃ Couldn't this have been a later development?
    ⁃ This seems impossible to the modern mind!
    ⁃ Isn't it based on pagan mythology?

    Importance of the Virgin Birth
    ⁃ It is taught by clear Scripture throughout the Bible. Note: Matthew 1:18 (above) and Matthew 1:22-23 "…an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
    ⁃ It is foreshadowed in Genesis 3:15 - a Messiah from the seed of a woman.
    ⁃ It is announced by angelic authority
    ⁃ It explains the sinlessness of Christ
    ⁃ It confirms Christ's two natures - that Jesus is both fully human - but also fully divine. He is God incarnate, became flesh. His nature shows the Good News, because God loved this world so much He offered up His only Son for each one of us. This is the Good News.

    Only in Matthew and Luke?
    ⁃ Only 2 Gospels (Matthew and Luke) mention the Nativity
    ⁃ John (from the Gospel of John) goes back to the beginning, "In the beginning was the Word and the word was made flesh and dwelt among us…"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning…"
    ⁃ Mark repeatedly asserts Jesus' deity
    ⁃ See Philippians 2:5 & Colossians 1:15-16 - these verse tell us Jesus was in the very form and nature of God and took on human flesh, died and rose. Makes it clear that God has come down to earth in the flesh and that the universe was created by the pre-incarnate Christ.

    A later development?
    ⁃ Early dating of the New Testament - always been a part of the testimony from eye-witnesses
    ⁃ Clearly taught by early authors (examples: writings by Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, and the great scholar Irenaeus,)
    ⁃ Testimony of the early Christian Creeds - the virgin birth was from the early teaching of followers.

    Impossible for modern people to accept this?
    ⁃ The ancients weren't gullible! Even Joseph didn't accept it until the angelic visit.
    ⁃ The real issue is the miraculous. "If I haven't seen a miracle, then they don't happen!"
    ⁃ God is supernatural! He does supernatural things. Pastor shares some miraculous stories.

    When we, in our own wisdom, seek to remove and erase the miraculous, we are not proving our brilliance, we are showing, for all the world to see, our folly.

    Pagan mythology?
    ⁃ Note the differences! Example the "birth" of Athena from Zeus' head

    Pastor closes with a graphic showing: incarnation, virgin birth and deity of Christ stating that if these are true then that changes everything. And it changes each one of us because God loves us and wants us back. He calls us to accept Him for who He really is: The Almighty Creator of the Universe who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for each on of us that we might live forever with Him! And THAT is the Good News!


    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.
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    25 分
  • The Answer - Week 10: Is Jesus Really the Messiah?

    The Answer - Week 10: Is Jesus Really the Messiah?
    2026/07/07

    Today's message looks at the words of John the Baptist from Matthew 11:2-3, "When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'"

    John although a deep believer came to a point where he had his doubts. Such big doubts that he had his own disciples travel 100 miles to ask Jesus that question.

    Matthew 11:4-5 "Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor."

    These are words from the Old Testament's prophecies, Jesus quoted from Isaiah 35:5-6 "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy."

    And Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor."

    Jesus quoted these verses about the prophecies of the Messiah to show that He was the Messiah, that He and the prophecies were one.

    John's disciples are still listening as Jesus goes on and says in Matthew 11:11-15 "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist...For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear."

    Again, these words are quotes from Old Testament Scriptures found in Malachi 3:1, Malachi 4:45-6 and Isaiah 40:3 that tell about the one who will prepare the way for the coming Messiah. These are words about John the Baptist.


    The Controversy: What kind of Messiah?
    ⁃ Will he be prophetic, priestly or kingly?
    ⁃ Will he be a Messiah of mercy or judgment?
    ⁃ Would he suffer or reign?
    ⁃ Will there be 2 Messiahs who come once or 1 Messiah who comes twice?

    The Biblical Evidence for Messiah:
    ⁃ Birthplace Micah 5:2
    ⁃ Lineage Isaiah 11:1
    ⁃ Miracles Deuteronomy 18:15
    ⁃ Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11
    ⁃ Resurrection Isaiah 53:11

    We close with Pastor's heartfelt encouragement to let the word of God speak to our hearts, to search the scriptures and find what Jesus the Messiah has to say to us.

    No matter who you are, think about this: If Jesus really is who He claimed to be, there is nothing more important than knowing Him and being known by Him.

    Jesus is different than what we expected….

    But

    He is exactly what the Bible predicted!

    If God loved us so much He was willing to take on human flesh and fulfill everything spoken beforehand by the prophets, lay down His life on a cross, rise from the grave and announce forgiveness to all who believe, who would reject such an offer?

    It's true He was different than what was expected, but He is exactly what was predicted and He's coming back! Therefore, we need to know Him and be known by 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/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.
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    25 分
  • The Answer - Week 9: What is True Repentance?

    The Answer - Week 9: What is True Repentance?
    2026/07/06
    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.
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    25 分
  • Daniel: When Kingdoms Collide (12) - Antichrist

    Daniel: When Kingdoms Collide (12) - Antichrist
    2026/07/04

    Jesus warns us to be awake and alert to the signs of the times. But He also makes it clear that our task is to make disciples and to live in a relationship with Him, not to argue and speculate over who the final Antichrist will be.
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    25 分
  • Intercede for America

    Intercede for America
    2026/07/05

    It is God's desire that this nation be brought back to Him. He desires that the arm of judgment be withheld from the land. The only way that will take place is for the children of God to cry out to Him and come before Him in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, interceding for our country. Because only a move of the Holy Spirit, can restore and redeem what is broken.

    From Pastor Chris Dodge: "I pray for my country and I pray God that He will enable me to intercede as never before. I pray that you too will be down on your knees for this land."

    1 Timothy 2:1-6
    God is pleased when we take Him at His Word and cry out for our nation to know and follow Christ.

    https://www.awakeusnow.com

    Today God is saying to His people pray for those in need, understand that God's Holy Spirit is calling His people to be a people of prayer. One of the things that we have seen over these last months is God telling us to be in prayer. The Holy Spirit has been pleading with us to pray for this land, pray for its leaders, pray for it's people, that God may bring people back to Him. I am not sharing anything that none of you haven't already figured out. We are living in very, very difficult and dangerous times and it is absolutely essential that God's people pray. He is calling us to come before the throne in heaven with prayers for our people, for our leaders, for our country, and for the nations of the world.

    When God's people listen to His voice and come before Him in prayer He hears, He answers, and He responds. I believe He is telling us in this very critical juncture not only in our nations history but in the history of this planet that it is absolutely essential for God's people, the faithful remnant, to be a people of prayer asking that God would do a mighty work in our day calling people back to Him. Paul says, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Now what does it mean to live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and holiness? Does that mean that we are supposed to have a nice middle-class lifestyle and be able to sit back and just enjoy our days? No! It means we are praying and coming before the throne of God that opportunities may be given to bring the message of Jesus to the nation and to the world. We are praying that there would be times of peace and refreshing so that people's hearts would be open to hear the voice of the living God and to respond to what He has done. Just so we know that's what God has in mind and what the apostle was all about listen to the next two verses. 1 Timothy 2:3-4, Paul says, "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." God's desire is that every man, woman, and child on the face of this planet come to know His love and mercy in Jesus Christ. The Scriptures cry that out. You and I are living in an amazing time. These are such exciting days in every sense of the word. Yes, they are frightening in some ways, but for the person who knows the living God we know He's got this. We know that in the end God wins and so do we, and therefore, we are not fearful

    We are closer than ever before to the fulfillment of the ages, If ever there were a time when God's people needed to be praying this is it because He desires all people to be saved, and that ought to be not only on our hearts but at the heart of our prayers. This is where our lives are to be focused. Listen to what the apostle says, 1 Timothy 2:5-6, Paul writes and he says, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time." If it was the proper time 2000 years ago what time is it now as are watching all of the promises of God unfold before our very eyes? Jesus is not only the Messiah of Israel and the Hope of the nations, He is the only one who can rescue. He is the only one who can save. He is the only one who can renew a life, restore a family, rebuild a broken heart, heal permanently a ruptured soul. He is God. He is good. He is the Redeemer and He listens to the prayers of his children.
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    36 分
  • The Answer - Week 8: Is Jesus Christ Coming Again?

    The Answer - Week 8: Is Jesus Christ Coming Again?
    2026/07/03
    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! ...
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    25 分
  • The Answer - Week 7: How Should I Read the Bible?

    The Answer - Week 7: How Should I Read the Bible?
    2026/07/02
    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. ...
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    25 分
  • The Answer - Week 6: Why Read the Old Testament?

    The Answer - Week 6: Why Read the Old Testament?
    2026/07/01
    Today's question, "Why read the Old Testament" is often asked by church going people. It is often stated this way: ⁃ The Old Testament is so hard to understand. ⁃ I like the New Testament better than the Old. ⁃ God seems so angry and mean in the Old. ⁃ Hasn't the New Testament replaced the Old? ⁃ All those animal sacrifices are a huge turn off. Why read the Old Testament? Here are four main themes which Pastor will use to answer today's question: ⁃ Revelation ⁃ Foundation ⁃ Confirmation ⁃ Salvation Revelation: God reveals Himself, the past, the future, His plan, His character: ⁃ All Scripture is God-breathed. God breaths life. The Old Testament is God's Living word, it's Him speaking, His breath - a God-breathed book. ⁃ The Old Testament is for future generations - 1 Corinthians 10:11 tells us, "These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come." The Old Testament is for all generations. It's not out of date and aids us in understanding the time in which we live. ⁃ The Old Testament is for our instruction. Not just the story of people from long ago, it is for our instruction. 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." ⁃ The Old Testament is revealing God's character. It shows us what God is like. It's a record of thousands of years and we see His patience with a goal of bringing people back to Himself. Exodus 34:6-7 "And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin." God's character is good. Foundation: ⁃ The Old Testament shows God is our Creator. Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." ⁃ The Old Testament shows the Sin-Death connection. Death is not natural it is a result of rebellion against God. Genesis 2:16-17 - sin brings death. ⁃ The Old Testament shows the need for Sacrifice. Genesis 3:21. An innocent animal had to die to clothe Adam and Eve after they sinned. Salvation requires an innocent victim to die for sin. ⁃ The Old Testament shows Grace and Faith. What saves is God's grace and our response of faith. Genesis 15:6. Confirmation: The Old Testament confirms what we read in the New Testament. ⁃ The Old Testament points to Christ. It carries a unified theme that points us to the One that was promised, the One who would defeat the devil. John 5:39-40. Luke 24:27 "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself." ⁃ The Old Testament points to the Son of Man. Jesus' favorite term for Himself. Daniel 7:13-14. The Old Testament reveals Jesus. ⁃ The Old Testament points to the cross. 1 Peter 1:10-11 "Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the suffering of the Messiah and the glories that would follow." ⁃ The Old Testament points to the resurrection of Jesus. Luke 24:46-47. Salvation: ⁃ The Old Testament makes us wise for salvation. 2 Timothy 3:15 "…from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." ⁃ The Old Testament makes the New Covenant clear. The definition for the word "testament" has changed over the last several hundred years. Testament originally meant "a covenant." Jeremiah 31:31 "The days are coming," declares the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the People of Judah." ⁃ The Old Testament makes Messiah's death our's. Isaiah 53:4-5. ⁃ The Old Testament makes the world's future clear. Philippians 2:10-11 "…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Isiah 45:23 the Living God says, "By Myself I have sworn, My mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked; before Me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear." Why should I read the Old Testament? Because God speaks in it! Let Him speak to you through ALL of 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:...
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    25 分