Grace Connections

04/09/2023

04/09/2023

THEN CAME THE MORNING
Matthew 28:1-10

INTRODUCTION
It is a story not so much to be explained but to be experienced.


1. THEY THOUGHT HE WAS DEAD
Despite all of her negative expectations, her impression and conclusion were wrong.


2. THEY HEARD HE WAS ALIVE
They thought one thing, but then heard another.


3. THEY WERE COMMANDED TO GO AND TELL
They would accept and declare this message by faith because they had not yet seen Jesus.


4. THEY MET JESUS PERSONALLY
1. The Enlightenment View: The Resurrection as a Non-event
2. The View of David F. Strauss: The Resurrection as a Mythical Event
3. The View of Rudolf Bultmann: The Resurrection as a Mental Event
4. The View of Karl Barth: The Resurrection as a Faith Event
5. The View of Wolfhart Pannenberg: The Resurrection a Historical Event

CONCLUSION
They were challenged to
Believe in the Resurrected Lord by faith.
Share the Good News with others.
Rejoice in Jesus.

04/02/2023

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CRUCIFIXION
Matthew 27: 33-56
INTRODUCTION
They crucified Him!

1 DEPENDS ON THE APPRAISAL OF YOUR ATTITUDE AROUND THE CROSS
Soldiers
Religious Leaders
Bystanders
Thieves
Followers

2 DEPENDS ON OUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE PERSON AND WORK ON THE CROSS
Prophet - Revealer
Priest - Atonement
King – Redeemer

3 DEPENDS ON YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE CROSS
Continuation of the fulfillment of His prophecy.
Completion of His sufferings
Consummation of all history
Confirmation of his deity
Conclusion of his earthly incarnational goal

4 DEPENDS ON YOUR AFFIRMATION OF THE PROOF AND AUTHORITY FROM THE CROSS
The torn veil
The open graves
The resurrection
The ascension

CONCLUSION
The thief knew his punishment was justly deserved;
recognized the sinlessness of Christ; realized the deity of Christ; knew a living Christ beyond the grave, and a Kingdom beyond the cross

03/26/2023

THE WAY OF TEMPTATION part II
Matthew 4:1-11

INTRODUCTION

“going with the flow” versus “living in the know”
“following the herd” or “trusting the Word”

PART 1

I. ​TEMPTATIONS CATEGORIZED
Physical – 5 senses – Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, Feel
Soulical – 3 areas – Emotion, Intellect, Volition (Will)
Spiritual – 2 spirits – Spirit of man and Holy Spirit

PART 2

II. ​TEMPTATIONS CHARACTERIZED
(1) Temptation is proposing any act which is inconsistent with the plans and purposes of God for that person.

(2) Temptation may prompt an action which has the appearance of godliness and righteousness and may even seem to have a biblical basis.

(3) Temptation appeals to man to satisfy a need or a desire, but in a way that is displeasing to God.

(4) Temptation is an appeal to act independently of God and to pursue self-interest above God’s will.

(5) Temptation often seeks to motivate disobedience by creating a doubt about God’s goodness or power, thus prompting one to act in his own behalf.

(6) Temptation is an enticement to pursue God’s will and calling, but by motives or means which are inconsistent with that calling.

(7) Temptation proposes a short-cut, an easier way to reach our goals.

(8) Temptation thrives on falsehood, deception, and evasion.

(9) Temptation is very frequently a solicitation to act immediately, hastily, without prayer, counsel, or deliberation.

(10) Temptation usually appeals to our lower motives and instincts.

(11) Temptation usually appeals to the person who feels the need to prove himself.

III.​TEMPTATIONS CONTRASTED
(1) Thinking The World’s Way vs. The Word’s Way

(2) Taking The Easy Way vs. God’s Way

(3) Following the Popular Way vs. the Proper Way

(4) Wanting the Spectacular Way vs. The Spirit’s Way

CONCLUSION

From a Godward perspective, temptation solicits doubt
From a man-ward perspective, temptation stimulates desire
From a satanic perspective, temptation
seeks diversion