"Rescuer," based on Mark 5:21-43, shares two powerful and encouraging stories of Jesus rescuing people. Even today He is still rescuing us, because as Truth #31 says: Jesus is our Rescuer! He rescues all of us who trust and believe in Him and His victory over sin, death and the devil.

The Gospel of John Week 24
Scripture: John 18:38 - 19:24.

As we begin our story today, Pilate is telling the crowd he finds no basis for a charge against Jesus. So he offered to free a prisoner asking if they wanted Barabbas or Jesus released. The crowd wants Barabbas release and then Pilate has Jesus flogged.

Pastor talks in graphic detail what a flogging was like, the equipment used and what Jesus experienced: excruciating pain, horrendous suffering, brutal torture, and cruel ridicule.

Again Pilate goes out to the crowds telling them he can find no basis for a charge. Pilate brings Jesus out in front of the crowd and the crowd shouts to crucify Him. The Jewish leaders insisted that Jesus had to die because he claimed to be the Son of God.

Pilate says to Jesus, "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" And Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." From that time on Pilate tried to set Jesus free. But the Jewish leaders kept shouting, that if Pilate let Jesus go that he would be opposing Caesar.

So then Pilate brought Jesus out and Pilate sat down on the judge's seat and on this day, The Day of Preparation of the Passover, at noon, Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified.

The soldiers took Jesus. Carrying His own cross, Jesus was brought to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha) and Jesus was crucified with two others —one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

Pastor shares in graphic detail about the brutality and reality of crucifixion. And how this is what Jesus endured for us. Jesus goes to the cross willingly, a clear testimony that God loved this world so much that He was willing to endure this and that, in a way beyond our ability to fully comprehend, is the love of the Living God in such a way that He took on human flesh, and He endured this for us. It is a clear indication of just how much He cares for us and when we read this it drives us to our knees realizing, "Oh Lord, have mercy on me a sinner." The the Son of God came to save us, because we could not save ourselves.

Pastor goes on to talk about archeological discoveries and the possible locations of Golgotha and Jesus' tomb along with sharing many personal photos including a picture of the "Jerusalem Cross."

We pick back up with the story with Pilate having a sign posted on Jesus' cross that said in three languages, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." The religious leaders protested because they told Pilate it was what Jesus only "claimed."

Pastor then shares a personal discovery that came to him as he was preparing for this study. It's a fascinating piece about the name of the Living God, written by Pilate and placed over the head of the crucified Jesus. (No I won't share any more than that!! You will have to take a listen to Pastor sharing what he discovered!)

In verse 23 of chapter 19 we read that the soldiers took Jesus clothes, dividing them into 4 pieces and then took his undergarment and cast lots for it. This is a fulfillment of the prophetic words from Psalm 22:18.

Pastor takes the time to explore more of Psalm 22 that has several verses fulfilled in the death and crucifixion of Jesus. We see that this is not a miscarriage of justice by evil human beings. Rather, this is a profound fulfillment of God's prophetic word that was uttered by King David a thousand years before it took place. And this is not just simply a story. This is history. This is His - story.

This is my Savior's story.

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⁃ 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 2:14-21, Joel 2:28-32, Acts 2:38, Luke 11:13, Acts 2:17.

Have you repented? And have you been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and believe on Him? Then the gift of the Holy Spirit is already yours (Acts 2:38). But... have you opened that gift?

Pastor will examine what the Scriptures have to say about the Holy Spirit and what that means for our lives today.

Our text is Peter's speech to the crowd on the day of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit found in Acts 2. Peter shares that what has happened to a group of believers is that they had received the power of the Holy Spirit.

This giving of the Holy Spirit came after Jesus ascension and was told in the book of Joel. Peter recounts those words:

Acts 2:17 "'In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams."

We are living in "The Age of the Last Days." Those days are from the coming of the Messiah until His final return. These are the days of God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit, being poured out. This is "the age of the Spirit" the Spirit is poured out on all flesh.

What does the Holy Spirit Do?
He gives the power to
Live for God
Live a meaningful and significant life in a world that is decaying around us
Live confidently

What does the Spirit's power look like?
Teaches us
Convicts us of sin and our need for a Savior and to turn our lives around
Dwells with the people of God, our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit
Reveals the things of God
Guides us, leads and directs us
Gives us gifts
Intercedes and prays for us
Sanctifies, transforms and renews us, changes our minds, attitudes and behavior to resemble the mind, attitude and behavior of Christ.

Why is it that many Christian circles ignore the Holy Spirit? God instructs us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, to follow Him, listen to Him and to be guided by Him. What is it that has prevented so many of God's people from doing that?

THE ANSWER: F E A R

What will happen if we start talking about the Holy Spirit
What will take place if we begin to explore what the scriptures say about the Holy Spirit
How will people respond
What will be the result
Fear sets in the idea it might cause division

F E A R does not produce good theology!

F E A R leads to a crippled theology that ignores the reality of the Holy Spirit. It speaks about the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, but so often stops there. BUT THE BIBLE DOES NOT!

This is a new age - the age of the Spirit - and so we must act on it by faith. Fear keeps us from going where God wants us to go. IS FEAR KEEPING YOU FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT?

The Bible declares we do not need to fear having the Holy Spirit, BECAUSE WE ALREADY HAVE IT!

ACTS 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

When we repent, received Jesus as our Savior and are baptized we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

So the question is: HAVE YOU OPENED THAT GIFT?

A good gift needs to be opened! God is saying "Open the gift and just watch what I will do!"

We are not to have half-hearted faith but rather whole-hearted commitment to God who has given us His Spirit!

What are you waiting for? OPEN THE GIFT!

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Scripture: Mark 16:15, Acts 16:11-34.

Individuals matter to God, and so do families. In today's study of God's Word, we see entire households being baptized into the family of God.

God calls us to proclaim the Truth of the Message of Jesus, The Gospel of God. For today's teaching let's consider this frequently asked question:

Is baptism necessary for salvation?
Answer: NO

BUT!

Is baptism necessary?
Answer: YES

Baptism IS necessary but the Bible makes it clear it's not necessary for salvation. Yet, it's incredibly important.

Today's story is of Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke in Philippi. In this city of retired Roman soldiers, there was evidently no synagogue in town, so on the Sabbath Day Paul and his group went to where people would be gathered. That was at the river outside of town and it was women that were gathered there. Paul's team shared the gospel with the women and Lydia - a business woman - was there. God opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.

After accepting Jesus as her Savior, she and her household (family, servants, employees) were baptized.

As the story progresses, Paul and Silas end up being thrown into jail after being flogged. They were held in irons around their ankles and how are they responding to this? It's midnight and they are trusting God in this time of difficulty, praying and singing while the other prisoners and the jailer were listening.

Suddenly there was a violent earthquake causing the prison doors to fly open and the chains to fall off. The jailer woke and when he saw the prison doors were all open he drew his sword and was going to kill himself because he thought all the prisoners had escaped.

But instead this jailer's life was spared in every way imaginable: Paul shouts for him not to hurt himself. The jailer calls for light to be brought in and he sees they are still in their cells and he says "what must I do to be saved?" The jailer sees something in Paul and Silas that he himself is lacking and he wants what they have: JESUS!

In Acts 16:31 we read, "And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." Then the jailer invites them to his house. Paul and Silas share the Gospel Message with him and his family and then the Bible text tells us that "immediately" he and his household were baptized. The jailer now has what Paul and Silas have - JESUS - and the jailer was filled with joy because he and his household came to believe in God.

Biblical Basics RE: Baptism

⁃ Baptism is not magic
⁃ Baptism is miraculous
⁃ Baptism is the beginning nt the end
⁃ Baptism is never delayed
⁃ Baptism is never restricted.

Baptism changes lives!

God wants His Gospel Message to reach households, the people nearest and dearest to us all. God desires all to be saved to come to a knowledge of the truth. He wants all to become followers of Jesus and be baptized into Him.

We are important to God, our families are important to God and He wants all to be part of His family, the Family of God because Family Matters!

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Acts 8:26-39, Psalm 51:7, Isaiah 53

God offers His invitation to every single one of us.

Pastor opens today's class with a story from Ruth Bell Graham's life (the wife of Billy Graham) and how personalizing chapter 53 of the book of Isaiah in the Bible changed her life.

Our scripture story today is the story of an angel telling Philip to go south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. On the road, Philip meets a eunuch who is an Ethiopian high official in charge of the treasury. He is on his way home from Jerusalem.

When God calls, when God invites, we ought to answer, we ought to respond, and Philip did.

Things to learn from this story:
1. God loves individual people.
2. God especially seeks seekers.
3. God arranges encounters.

The Spirit of God told Philip to go to the Ethiopian's chariot and stay near. As Philip approaches, he hears the man reading out loud chapter 53 of Isaiah and Philip asks the him if he understands what he is reading. And the eunuch says he can't unless someone explains it to him and so he invites Philip up into his carriage so that Philip can explain the powerful words that we find in this chapter. It is a chapter that talks about Jesus and who he is. Philip shares the good news about Jesus. This chapter that changed, Ruth Bell Graham's life had previously changed the Ethiopian's life.

Through Philip answering God's call, the Ethiopian is given the invitation to experience life forever through faith in Jesus who died for him, for you, for me and who rose from the grave and who is coming back.

The Ethiopian believed, and they stopped the chariot so that he could be baptized. Have you received the invitation? Have you received the invitation to believe on Jesus as your Savior? Have you received the invitation to be baptized into His name? If not, we invite you to reach out to us at mail@awakeusnow.com.

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Today we come to one of the most fascinating times in the history of the kingdom of Judah, an amazing king who does amazing things by the power of an amazing God.

But first we take a look at King Ahaz who ruled from 731-715 BC. In 2 Kings 16:2-3 we read that Ahaz did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He followed the ways of other kings, even sacrificing his son in the fire.

King Ahaz
⁃ Finds himself under attack by Pekah and Rezin
⁃ Discovers there is a price to pay when you turn your back on the Living God
⁃ Seeks help from the Assyrians - Assyria was a massive growing super power.
⁃ Then God brings a rebuke through the prophet Isaiah (a most effective and influential prophet) but Ahaz refuses to listen.
⁃ Ahaz continues to turn away from God and desecrated the Temple of God as he continues to rebel against God.
⁃ His rebellion brings sadness and tragedy and he continues to suffer military attacks.

During Ahaz's reign in Judah, we read in 2 Kings 17:5-6 that Israel is defeated by the Assyrians after a 3 year siege.

At the end of Ahaz's reign we see that in spite of the faithlessness of God's people, God remains faithful. The next king of Judah is one of the best. King Hezekiah is Ahaz's son and Hezakiah rules 715-686 BC.

King Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. 2 Kings 18:3.

King Hezekiah
⁃ In the first month of the first year of his reign he had the Temple cleansed. 2 Chronicles 29:3-5
⁃ Then Hezekiah holds a national Passover celebration inviting all of Israel and Judah. They had a 2 week Passover celebration. 2 Chronicles 30:1.
⁃ Hezekiah destroys the sacred stones, high places and Asherah poles and also brakes into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had used to God's glory but that had become an idol of the Israelites who had been burning incense to it. 2 Kings 18:4
⁃ Hezekiah is facing the enemy of Assyria as they are coming to conquer Jerusalem and so in 2 Kings 20:20 we read that he built a tunnel and a pool. In the 1880's the Siloam Inscription was discovered. It tells the story of the building of the tunnel. Hezekiah built this tunnel to ensure there would be water when under siege by the Assyrian army by diverting the Gehon spring into Jerusalem leaving no fresh water available to the Assyrian army.
⁃ Then the siege begins against Jerusalem. 2 Kings 18:28-29 the king's commander, speaking in Hebrew, calls out that the king of Assyria says that Hezekiah has deceived you because he will not be able to deliver you from me and my army. The king of Assyria is trying to get the people in Jerusalem to just give up.
⁃ Then Hezekiah prays a beautiful prayer - 2 Kings 19:15-16 and God listens and the King of Assyria is defeated by God Himself. 2 Kings 19:35-36. The Assyrians withdraw and return to Nineveh and the siege is ended.
⁃ Then Hezekiah becomes very ill to the point of death. Isaiah comes to Hezekiah to tell him to put his house in order. Hezekiah weeps and prays and God sees Hezekiah's tears and hears his prayer and God heals him. 2 Kings 20:1-5
⁃ Hezekiah is visited by the Babylonians, a rising power that will ultimately defeat the Assyrians. 2 Kings 20:13 we read of Hezekiah being tempted by pride. The prophet Isaiah then brings a word to Hezekiah telling him that everything you just showed off to the Babylonians will be taken by Babylonians. Hezekiah repents.
⁃ The prophets Micah and Isaiah were very active during Hezekiah's reign.
⁃ Hezekiah was one of the greatest kings the nation had ever known. 2 Kings 18:5-6 tells us that Hezekiah trusted the Lord, that there was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, both before and after him, that Hezekiah held fast to the Lord and did not stop following God and that he kept the commands of the Lord.

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Scripture: Acts 2:41-42.

What we see in today's Scripture is that believers "practiced" living out their faith by doing. Not with head knowledge of "HOW to do things," but by simply "DOING things." Today's verses tell us they devoted themselves NOT to the "How," but rather to the "Doing."

Today verses say:

Acts 2:41-42 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

They not only DID these things, they "devoted" themselves to doing them. They practiced them.

Practice definition - noun:
1. The actual application of use of an idea, belief, or method as opposed to theories relating to it.
2. The customary, habitual or expected procedure of way of doing of something.

Pastor shares a great basketball example to help us understand the difference between "how to do things" and "doing things." And in his example we will see that doing requires practice!

Let's examine verse 42.
1. Devoted themselves to the apostles teaching - the Greek word used for "devoting" actually is more accurately translated as "continually devoting" themselves to what they had been taught about the Gospel message of Jesus. We are to hold onto the right teachings and truth and practice living them. The application for us for "being devoted to the apostles teaching" is through:
⁃ Regular study of God's Word
⁃ Solid biblical teaching
⁃ Christ-centered, Spirit-lead
2. Devoted themselves to fellowship - time with others that believed. Fellowship has several meanings, all which apply. It can mean communion both in having communion with the Holy Spirit and communion with the body and blood of Jesus. It can also refer to participation in sharing with others, being generous. The application for us for "being devoted to fellowship" is through:
⁃ Large and small groups
⁃ Christian friends and mentors
⁃ Generous life style
3. Devoted themselves to the breaking of bread which is they had meals together for sharing their faith both privately and publicly. They went to temple (large groups) and to small home groups along with doing the Lord's Supper together. The application for us for "being devoted to breaking of bread" is by:
⁃ Christian fellowship at mealtime
⁃ Faith talk at meals
⁃ Lord's Supper
4. Devoted themselves to prayer by following the morning and evening prayer times, formal times of prayer, but also informal prayer times in home gatherings and other places both public and private. The application for us for "being devoted to prayer" is by:
5. Having a personal prayer life - God desires we talk to Him
6. Prayer partners - people we pray with
7. Public prayer and worship

We too are called to practice, not just understand what the Bible says about the Christian faith but DOING what the Bible says about the Christian faith

Questions - Am I aware of what God is saying? Am I growing in the apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer? Am I putting these into practice? Do I understand AND apply this verse? Do I understand what I am to do and do I do it?

God is calling us to act on - to practice - the application of what we saw in today's verse.

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Scripture: Acts 2;22-41

Pastor continues our study of Pentecost with a look at part two of Peter's sermon as shared in Acts 2 on that first Pentecost.

The Bible account of this story tells us that "Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"

So let's dig into what Peter said that pierced their hearts, into what the Holy Spirit was doing and into their response. Then, let's see what we can learn.

In part one of Peter's sermon in Acts 2, he shared the story of Jesus' incarnation - of God coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. As we pick up with the rest of this sermon, Peter is talking about how Jesus is the Promised One that fulfills God's promises made in the Old Testament. Then Peter tells them of Jesus' suffering and crucifixion and states that they are the ones who crucified Jesus.

As we consider this accusation, we ask who did put Jesus on the cross? Was it the Roman rulers who ran the Jesus trial? The soldiers that beat, whipped and nail Him to the cross? Was it the religious zealots that wanted Jesus stopped? Who put Jesus on the cross. The Bible tells us that "everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." Meaning we all need a Savior Jesus died for our sins. WHO put Him on the cross? WE put Him on the cross.

Peter goes on with the good news of Jesus' resurrection from the grave and that death could not hold Him quoting King David, "'…My body rests in hope. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave….'" Acts 2:26b-27. Peter shares that this prophetic word from David was about Jesus who is the Messiah they have been awaiting.

Peter tells them that after Jesus' resurrection He ascended to God's right hand and that the Holy Spirit was released just as Jesus had promised and tells them that is what they are witnessing this very day.

Then the high point of the message is reached in verse 36, "So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!" Jesus is the Chosen One, the Savior!

In the next verse we see their response to hearing Peter's words. It is the verse we started with today, "Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?"

Their response was their hearts are pierced, cut to the heart by what Peter said, heart-broken, filled with sorrow, convicted. Having their hearts pierced, led them to see Jesus' story as personal and made them want to change so they say, "What shall we do?"

Accepting Jesus as our Lord, our Savior, our Messiah requires a response. What He's done for each of us is personal and it requires a personal response.

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

Peter's message is one of the most important ever taught.
⁃ Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophesied Messiah
⁃ Repentance is recognizing that, "I'm a sinner. I need a Savior." It is a change of heart and a change of mind.
⁃ Baptism in Jesus' name for the forgiveness of sin.
⁃ Holy Spirit - Jesus desires to pour the Holy Spirit out into us today and everyday!

Peter's sermon brought thousands of people to faith in who Jesus is, to repentance, and to baptism.

If you have walked away from Jesus or if you have not come to faith in Jesus, our prayer is that Peter's message pierces your heart and brings you to faith in Jesus your Savior and Messiah!

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