Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Exodus 33:20 "And He said, Thou canst not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live." The Disciples did not understand when Jesus told them He was GOD. Thomas ask questions that Jesus answered and Philip followed up with the same question!?!? This has to be a little heartbreaking for Jesus. Jesus explained again, "...the words that I speak unto you I speak NOT of MYSELF: but the FATHER THAT DWELLETH in Me, He doeth the works." GOD is doing what they see Jesus doing. It's all GOD'S work. Working through His beloved Son. This is not even a new idea in the Hebrew tradition! The Old Testament has events where God becomes manifest in our world. They would think of God "dwelled in" or "rested upon" those whom He favored. They even have a word for it, SHEKINAH. They would refer to the divine presence of God as the "Shekinah Glory." In today's verse, we are reminded of the time God showed Himself to Moses! God cautioned M...

John 14:8-10 "8 Philip saith unto Him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works." Don't for one second think that Thomas is the only Disciple who did not understand. This is not something that is easy to wrap your mind around. This is not the only place where we read about the people walking and talking with GOD in the flesh and understand that they did not understand. We were blessed by Thomas's questions. His questions are our questions! We often feel like we just don't know! We are even more blessed by Jesus's answer. And, even more so if we remember that last bit? Where Jesus tells His Disc...

John 14:5-7 "5 Thomas saith unto Him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. 7 If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him." As we study events of GOD showing Himself to people, we learn about God, people and ourselves. The Ultimate Epiphany is Jesus's death and resurrection! It is the event that changes everything! Jesus teaches some hard lessons like; "LOVE ONE ANOTHER." We will become better people if we just try. We have every reason to TRY; followers of Jesus, we are adopted into God's family! Christians are GOD'S sons and daughters, who He wants to dwell in heaven with Him! AND! More than that, Christians will be transformed into the same image as our Lord and Savior! "WE shall be LIKE HIM!" This is GREAT encouragement to walk in the FAITH and h...

1 John 3:2 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." Last week we studied an Epiphany event that Moses lived, it was foreshadowing the life and work of Jesus Christ. The Ultimate Epiphany is Jesus's death and resurrection! It is the event that changes everything! As we begin to see God’s plan revealed in the Holy Scriptures, we clearly see what Jesus was teaching; "LOVE ONE ANOTHER." This is Jesus's Great Commandment for all of us. And, a challenge for us all to live up to. It just might be impossible for many of us, but we will become better people if we seriously try. Just try. All the more reason to TRY; as followers of Jesus, we are adopted into God's family! Today's verse, "Beloved, now are WE THE SONS of GOD, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, WE shall be LI...

1 John 4:10&11 "10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." The Ultimate Epiphany is Jesus's death and resurrection! It is the event that changes everything! As we study Epiphany events, like the part of history that Moses lived, it is foreshadowing of the life and work of Jesus Christ saving everyone from sin, death and the clutches of the Devil. The more we study the Holy Bible, the more we see Jesus in literally every nook and cranny.  We can only come to the conclusion we read in today's verses; "Herein is love, NOT that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to LOVE ONE ANOTHER." This is Jesus's Great Commandment for all of us. And, a challenge for us all to live up to. It just might be impossible for many of us, ...

Hebrews 1:1&2 "1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;" Moses was recruited and put into service by "The Angel of The LORD" in Exodus, chapter three, we studied this week. "I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest BRING forth MY people the children of Israel OUT of EGYPT." This was the pre-incarnate Jesus giving out the marching orders. Moses served GOD well, leads the Israelites through some of their most challenging times. Moses is very famous for parting the Red Sea and receiving the Ten Commandments. (Both actions of GOD.) Moses is nonetheless important and pivotal. So much so, that he is present at Jesus's Transfiguration!  So, don't miss the forest because of all the trees. God the Father sees our suffering and sends His Son to deliver us from ...

Exodus 3:9&10 "9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto Me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of Egypt." Your mission! Moses is on Holy Ground in front of the burning bush hearing from the GOD of his forefathers! This is the first time in the Holy Bible where the enumeration of the nations then in possession of Palestine. This is a pivotal moment of geopolitical world history. Moses is on a mission from God! "I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest BRING forth MY people the children of Israel OUT of EGYPT." It is highly unlikely that you or I will need to speak with the political ruler of the world on God's behalf. But, we will definitely have a mission and purpose from GOD. Like Moses, we will need to position ourselves to see the burning bush! Moses had to ...

Exodus 3:7&8 "7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of My people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; 8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites." By all accounts, being in the presence of a Holy God is the scariest experience you can have. Moses hides his face. Moses is terrified! The voice confirms he is on Holy Ground and that this is the GOD of his forefathers! And he was being called by name. In today's verses, GOD tells Moses that He knows the sorrows of His people. God hears the cries of His afflicted people. God has witnessed the oppression they have endured. God promises speedy deliverance. GOD begins sharing His plan. ...

Exodus 3:5&6 "5 And He said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 6 Moreover He said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God." Moses is NOT celebrating! Moses saw the flames but saw no source of fire. Moses heard the voice but saw no lips speaking. Moses saw no person but sensed a being in the flames. Who else could this be but GOD? And he was being called by name. Moses is terrified! The voice confirms he is on Holy Ground and that this is the GOD of his forefathers! Moses hides his face. By all accounts, being in the presence of a Holy God is the scariest experience you can have...

Exodus 3:3&4 "3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. 4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I." During Epiphany we remember and celebrate the signs and events that confirm the presence of GOD. We have turned to the event when Moses met Jesus for the first time! "And The ANGEL of The LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush!" It's a moment we are familiar with, but do we always remember that it's Jesus in the burning bush? It's important.  Moses lived in Egypt for 40 years, and now he has lived in the wilderness for 40 years. He's not accustomed to hustle and bustle. He sees this fire and figures he might as well check it out. As he is about to find out; his life will never be the same. "God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, MOSES, ...

Exodus 3:1&2 "1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. 2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed." We are in the church season of Epiphany. A time to remember and celebrate the signs and events that confirm the presence of GOD. We started with the wise men visiting the baby Jesus. Then the baptism of Jesus, where GOD says "This is My Son in whom I am well pleased." This last week we studied the Transfiguration! Where GOD says "This is My Son in whom I am well pleased." We also saw Moses show up emphasizing Jesus's connection to the gift of the Law! It's very dramatic situation that we are very comfortable putting on the back burner of our mind. However, we will think about it ...

Matthew 17:7&8 "7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. 8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only." Back to "normal." Back to what the three Disciples were familiar with. But, note; Jesus brought His Disciples up to the mountain top to show them who He REALLY was! Jesus radiating light, Moses & Elijah showing up by His side, the voice of GOD ringing from the Heavens. All theses "supernatural" things are the revelation of how things TRULY ARE!!! Now, back to "normal" is the deception, the world cloaked in a way that is less frightening to you and me.  Our challenge as Christians is live in this cloaked world with a twinkle in our eyes, knowing it's the supernatural that is the REAL world. We know that it is GOD'S Laws that are of ultimate importance and GOD'S Son that saves us all. Jesus says; "be not afraid." He saves us and asks us to follow Him. It...

Matthew 17:5&6 "5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him. 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid." When Jesus took three of His Disciples up to the mountain top to show them who He really was, the two wing men who show up to help are both there based on GOD'S Laws. Moses who first received GOD'S Ten Commandments. Elijah the prophet who is a most zealous restorer and defender of the law. As we study and follow the golden thread of redemption, we have to study the Law and the Gospel. If you are only hearing about the Gospel, you only have half the story.  But wait! There's more! In today's verses we hear the voice from heaven, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him." The same words we heard at Jesus's Baptism! With the added advice of "liste...

Matthew 17:3&4 "3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with Him. 4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias." Jesus took three of His Disciples up to the mountain top. The Transfiguration takes place, and they see how Jesus really is! Jesus has told His Disciples who He is, many times. And they have witnessed many of His miracles. But, now He is showing them!  Jesus revealed His true nature. Jesus the Son of God! And, more is revealed in the two people who appear in today's verses. Moses who first received GOD'S Ten Commandments. Elijah the prophet who is a most zealous restorer and defender of the law. So, we are getting the idea that God's Laws are important.

Matthew 17:2 "And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light." Show don't tell, is the mantra of modern writers.  In the previous chapter, Jesus was asking His Disciples who they thought He was. Peter gave a great answer. But, he kept talking and revealed that he didn't understand at ALL. So, six days later, Jesus has a small detour planned for three of His Disciples. The four left the others and headed up to the mountain top. These Disciples thought they KNEW how things would go. They were going to be somebody. Jesus has to recalculate them back to God's plan.  Jesus has told His Disciples who He is, many times. And, they have witnessed many of His miracles. But, now He is showing them, "And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light." What a sight to behold! This is one of the greatest moments of all time! 

Matthew 17:1 "And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart," We are in the Epiphany season. We are studying ways that Jesus demonstrated He is the Son of God! It's CRAZY! This is still the question that divides our world. Just WHO is Jesus?  Yesterday we read about where Jesus was teaching His Disciples between miraculous events. He asked them THE question and, Peter answered, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." It was a home run. He knocked it out of the park! As Jesus continues in conversation with His followers, it becomes very clear that they DON'T understand at ALL! Peter didn't understand what was about to unfold, and pledged to keep Jesus away from the cross. And, Jesus replied, “GET behind me Satan.” Today we turn the page to chapter seventeen where Jesus has a small detour planned for three of His Disciples. The four left the others and headed up to the mountai...

Matthew 16:15 "He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?" It's CRAZY! This is still the question that divides our world. Just WHO is Jesus? Last week we studied Jesus's Baptism. When the heavens opened and GOD said, "Thou art My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Many witnesses were there, some Disciples. After this, Jesus would begin publicly preaching and performing miracles. He is about to go viral and disrupt the whole society.  Fast-forward a year or two and Jesus is teaching His Disciples between miraculous events. He asks them the question in today's verse. And, Peter answered, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." It was a home run. He knocked it out of the park! As Jesus continues in conversation with His followers, it becomes very clear that they DON'T really understand at ALL! Peter didn't understand what was about to unfold, and pledged to keep Jesus away from the cross. And, Jesus replied, “GET behind...

Mark 1:11 "And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." And, this is a MORE amazing moment!!! GOD'S voice is heard calling Jesus His Son!!! Isn't this what people dream of? God speaks to them! All the while not picking up the Holy Bible and reading GOD'S Words written down for us! Here we have a time when God spoke to people and some of them recorded what He said! It's incredible! Here on the banks of the Jordan River, John the Baptizer's ministry of making way for the Messiah comes to an end. From here Jesus will spend 40 days in the wilderness, resisting the temptations of Satan. Then he would begin publicly preaching and performing miracles. He is about to go viral and disrupt the whole society.  Today, people need to hear the Gospel message, especially the parts hot with fire and brimstone! The Roman Empire crumbled long ago. Satan's empire is still with us today. More successful than ever. Our wo...

Mark 1:10 "And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him:" This is a amazing moment.  The heavens opened! The Holy Spirit descending like a dove! It's beautiful and it's powerful! This is grabbing the attention of everyone present. Everyone sees this event as Jesus stepping onto the public stage as the Son of God. This is the penultimate event of John the Baptizer's ministry. Just before this happened, he said he was NOT WORTHY to untie the sandals of Jesus. He is the voice calling out in the wilderness, making way for the Messiah. He has seen the glory of our Lord and will let nothing stop him from speaking TRUTH! Jesus did NOT free the Jewish people from their Roman oppressors. Jesus came to save people from our REAL ENEMY; Satan. The Roman Empire crumbled long ago. Satan's empire is still with us today. More successful than ever. People need to hear the Gospel message, especially the pa...

Mark 1:9 "And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan." We are studying Jesus's Baptism from the verses of Mark's Gospel. John the Baptizer is the voice calling out in the wilderness, making way for the Messiah. He said he was NOT WORTHY to untie the sandals of Jesus. In today's verse he BAPTIZED Jesus!!! The whole point of John the Baptizer's ministry was to announce the arrival of the Messiah. Everyone sees this event as Jesus stepping onto the public stage as the Son of God. From here, Jesus will spend 40 days in the wilderness and then His ministry becomes a whirlwind of miracles, preaching and teaching. 

Mark 1:8 "I indeed have baptized you with water: but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." We are studying Jesus's Baptism from the verses of Mark's Gospel. John the Baptizer is the voice calling out in the wilderness, making way for the Messiah. He is telling everyone who will listen that the Savior is about to arrive. John offers them the chance to repent of their sins and turn their hearts and minds towards GOD! This event is taking place in the countryside on the banks of the Jordan River. This is the same place that Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land from wandering the wilderness for forty years. John the Baptizer was Jesus's cousin. He lived the life of a Nazarite and was unusual to his contemporaries. And, he talked about his cousin in a way people don't normally talk about their family.  John, the Baptizer, is exceedingly humble and honest with the crowd gathered before him. In today's verse he continued to reveal Jesus's cha...

Mark 1:6&7 "6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose." We are in the Epiphany season leading up to Lent. During these weeks, it's time to remember the events that revealed the divinity of Jesus Christ. This week we are studying Jesus's Baptism from the verses of Mark's Gospel. John the Baptizer is the voice calling out in the wilderness, making way for the Messiah. He is telling everyone who will listen that the Savior is about to arrive. John offers them the chance to repent of their sins and turn their hearts and minds towards GOD! This event is taking place in the countryside on the banks of the Jordan River. This is the same place that Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land from wandering the wilderness for forty years. John ...

Mark 1:4&5 "4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins." You and I know the Gospel events, and we have the word of God to read and study. All of us can read and appreciate the words of the Apostle John we read yesterday. "Behold, what manner of LOVE the Father hath bestowed upon US, that WE SHOULD be called the SONS of GOD: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not." The world doesn't know our Lord and Savior. Much of it is willful ignorance. When someone wants to know Jesus there are plentiful places to help them. And, there are several times during the year when it's right to get to know Jesus. One of them is the Epiphany.  Observed on January 6, it is the OLDEST of the Christmas festivals and ORIGINALLY the MOST important. It ...

1 John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." Last week we studied the wise men visiting the baby Jesus and giving Him gifts. Being wise men, they KNEW not to return to King Herod. "...they departed into their own country ANOTHER WAY." We need to learn from these wise men and travel by a different path. We know how dangerous and wicked the ways of the world are. We must find "ANOTHER WAY." Change what we are doing for the benefit of others. Change the course of your life. Change the script of your life. Change the course of our culture and society. The wise men knew the wickedness of people, and they knew the promises of God. They saw the newborn Messiah. You and I know the Gospel events, and we have the word of God to read and study. All of us can read and appreciate the words of the Apostle John in chapter three of his lette...

Matthew 2:11&12 "11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country ANOTHER WAY." On the Ephany we celebrate the wise men visiting the baby Jesus and giving Him gifts. This week we have studied where they traveled to seek and find the newborn King who the Jewish prophecies foretold. They arrived at the royal court of King Herod and experienced wickedness and evil there. Leaving that place, they were reminded of God's promises and joyfully returned to following His guiding light. In today's verses we read about them reaching their goal, finding the baby Jesus! How brilliant this moment must have been for them following the darkness they went through. Being wise men, they KNEW...

Matthew 2:9&10 "9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." Stars shine during the day. We don't see them because of the light from the sun. It's only after our place on the earth rotates away from the great light of the sun that we see the faint light from the stars. The wise men traveled here seeking the newborn King foretold in prophecy. Their arrival at the court of King Herod was a challenge to the king. The wise  men witnessed king Herod's scribes withholding part of the prophecy out of fear of the evil king. However long the wise men were the guests of king Herod they were immersed in the wickedness of his culture and rule. In today's verses, the wise men get out of King Herod's court and back on the trail of their mission. They see the star again and rememb...

Matthew 2:7&8 "7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also." LIES! Herod didn't want to worship Jesus. He wants to KILL Jesus. Surely, the wise men could pick up on that. The wicked king thinks he can trick the wise men into finding baby Jesus for him. The wise men traveled here seeking the newborn King foretold in prophecy. Their arrival at the court of King Herod was a challenge to the king's rule. Here the Wise Men experience the tension and wicked nature of Herod's rule. Herod thought he was the one and only King of the Jews. And, he would NOT entertain the idea of ANY competition. The wise  men witnessed king Herod's scribes withholding part of the prophecy. They left out “whose goings forth have been from of old...

Matthew 2:5&6 "5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule My people Israel." This week we are studying the WISE MEN seeking the newborn King. Their arrival in the court of King Herod was a challenge to the king's rule. Here the Wise Men experience the tension and wicked nature of Herod's rule. Herod thought he was the one and only King of the Jews. And, he would NOT entertain the idea of ANY competition. How embarrassing it was for outsiders to come and reveal the prophetic writings in the Jewish Scriptures! Herod "DEMANDED of them where Christ should be born." In today's verses we read their answer. "In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of t...

Matthew 2:3&4 "3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born." This week we are studying the WISE MEN seeking the newborn King. This group of travelers showing up in the court of King Herod was a challenge to the King. "Saying, Where is He that is BORN KING of the JEWS? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to WORSHIP Him." Herod might have thought they were looking for him. Only to be embarrassed to learn otherwise. The Wise Men would be experiencing first hand the tension and wicked nature of Herod's rule. Herod thought he was the one and only King of the Jews. And, he would NOT entertain the idea of ANY competition. He did not like this news and if King Herod was not happy, nobody was happy. "...he was TROUBLED, and all Jerusalem with him." Outsiders had co...

Matthew 2:2 "Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him." This week we are studying the WISE MEN seeking the newborn King. Traditionally we refer to them as the Three Kings. Our enthusiasm for the manger scene has inspired people to fill in details we simply do not know. We are going to focus on what is written in the Holy Scriptures. This group of travelers showing up in the court of King Herod was a challenge to the King. "Saying, Where is He that is BORN KING of the JEWS? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to WORSHIP Him." Herod might have thought they were looking for him. Only to be embarrassed to learn otherwise. The Wise Men would be experiencing first hand the tension and wicked nature of Herod's rule...