Blog Archives

"SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED"

4/28/2024

Ephesians 1:13-14

1. We have the Presence of the Holy Spirit. (13a)

Many Christians live as if the Holy Spirit doesn't exist.
Others may fear the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit has a vital ministry.
The Holy Spirit is present in the life of every believer.

2. We have the Imprint of the Holy Spirit. (13b)

In ancient times, the seal was a symbol of authority.

Implications of being sealed by the Holy Spirit
a. a sign of protection
b. a sign of ownership
c. a sign of a completed transaction
d. a sign of commitment

3. We have the Pledge of the Holy Spirit. (14a)

a. The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance.
b. The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our security.

4. We have the Preview of the Holy Spirit. (14b)

a. The Holy Spirit gives us a foretaste of God's glory.
b. Because of this, we should yield to Him today.

"OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST"

4/21/2024

Ephesians 1:3-11

Doctrines of sin
1. Original sin (Psalms 51:5; Gen. 8:21)
2. Total depravity

When we are saved
1. We are forgiven for all the sins we have committed.
2. Our human condition is reversed.

God's favor- our basis for self-esteem
1. You are chosen. (vs. 4)
The only way to be chosen is to place your faith in Christ. (vs. 5-6)

2. There is redemption. (vs. 7)
God saw that we were in trouble, and He thought enough of us to rescue us. (Romans 5:6)

3. We receive an inheritance. (vs. 11)

An heir is
a. given the riches of the estate (8)
b. made privy to the reading of the will. (9)
c. given a promise of what is to come (10)

The only way to love yourself is in Christ.

"THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO BARABBAS"

4/7/2024

Matthew 27:15-26

Barabbas becomes a “type” or symbolic representative of all mankind under condemnation of sin.

1. Barabbas was guilty.

I John 1:8 “If we say we have no sin we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.”

God can see the stain of our sin.

Jesus' substitution for Barabbas did not constitute a miraculous reprieve for an innocent man.

2. Barabbas was under the sentence of death.

All the world is under the curse of the law, which demands the shedding of blood and death for the transgressor. (Romans 3:23; 6:23)

3. Barabbas was substituted.

God's justice and holiness call for payment for sin.

Galatians 3:13- “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law having become a curse for us.”
II Corinthians 5:17 - “He made Him who had no sin to be sin for us.”

4. Barabbas was made new.
Romans 8:7 – the sinful mind is hostile toward God.”

So we have the opportunity to look to the cross and be drawn to Him.