SERMON NOTES
What is our real problem?
What is our real solutions?
Moving forward, how to persevere with hope in the future?
SERMON NOTES
Recovering the distinction between the Law and the Gospel
The Law, in that it is powerless to save us and change our hearts, is less glorious than the gospel
The ordinary gospel ministry as the means by which the Holy Spirit unites us to Christ
SERMON NOTES
Who are these invited children?
How is the Kingdom of God manifested on earth?
What is the blessing of Jesus?
SERMON NOTES
The call of the disciples: It is God who makes disciples.
The diversity of disciples: God works through all sorts of different people.
The weakness of disciples: God uses us, even with all our foibles.
SERMON NOTES
Introduction: Another example of damaging both the "new wine" of the gospel and the "old wineskins" of the law.
How did the Pharisees misinterpret the Sabbath?
What does it mean for Jesus to be the Lord of the Sabbath?
Conclusion: What does it mean for us to rest?
SERMON NOTES
Fasting unrequiredly as an external that should reflect the spirit of our religion.
Protect the new covenant from ritualistic types and shadows, ceremonies, and moralisms.
Protect the purpose of the law in the old covenant in a way that drives us to the newness of the gospel.
SERMON NOTES
The unexpected and confounding method of salvation
We are saved by believing and trusting in God's remedy. God's unexpected method of rescue requires faith!
The interpretive key of Numbers 21 is John 3. Lift high the cross!
SERMON NOTES
The way of the cross
A kingdom not of this world
Avoiding an over-realized eschatology
The hope and peace of being a pilgrim in this foreign land
SERMON NOTES
Jesus pursued Levi before Levi pursued Him, and we must humbly admit that it is the same with us who were dead in our trespasses and sins when Jesus effectually called us to salvation.
Levi's conversion to Christ gave him a fresh start and a completely new beginning to life as he left all to follow Jesus, imitating Jesus' mercy to sinners.
The Pharisees could not respond to the call to salvation and enjoy its fruits because they were unteachable in their self-righteousness.
SERMON NOTES
God answers, "Something horrible will happen."
Habakkuk has hope in heaven.
Habakkuk harmonizes himself with history.
SERMON NOTES
It is only by faith that we are saved
Forgiveness of sin is more important than miraculous physical blessing in this life
Trust that Jesus has the divine power to save, not just body, but soul trough the forgiveness of sins
SERMON NOTES
The Mosaic law concerning leprosy points us to the need for cleansing of sin (Leviticus 13-14)
The leper recognizes his desperate predicament and trusts that only Jesus can do anything about it (v. 12)
Jesus is willing to love by reaching out to unclean sinners while still upholding the law (vv. 13-14)
Jesus humbly downplays His healing ministry, seeking to do God's will which is to take away the sin of the world, not just disease (vv. 15-16)
Conclusion: This miracle ultimately points to the cross where Jesus willingly took upon Himself the costly uncleanness of our sin so that both law and love were satisfied.
SERMON NOTES
Introduction: Jesus makes fishers-of-men out of ordinary fishermen
The multitudes are drawn to Jesus but the individual must be caught by Him
Jesus displays His divine omnipotence and omniscience
Peter is caught and sees his own unworthiness
Peter is redeemed to participate in redemption
SERMON NOTES
The authority of His truth
His authority over the powers of evil that denied His truth and corrupted His creation
His authority over the effects of that corruption, namely disease
SERMON NOTES
Why did those in the synagogue so quickly turn from amazement to wrath?
How did Jesus combat their proud prejudicial tribalism?
How is this a cautionary tale for us?
SERMON NOTES
God's compassion biblically defined
The truth of the Gospel proclaimed by Christ
The synagogue in Galilee is the perfect setting
Jesus interprets Isaiah 61 as being fulfilled in their hearing
The people marvel at the gracious words proceeding from His mouth