Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Numbers 14:3&4 "3 And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? 4 And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt." We’re studying how God prevails despite human failures. The Israelites, freed from slavery through God’s miracles, wandered in the wilderness but rebelled against God ten times, often demanding idols. Now, on the cusp of the Promised Land, they falter again. Discouraged by a reconnaissance report, they wept, feared Canaan’s inhabitants, and doubted God’s promise. They preferred death in Egypt or the wilderness over trusting God’s power. This wasn’t mere nostalgia for their enslaved past—they actively planned to return, seeking a new leader to take them back to bondage. This rebellion against God and Moses reveals their refusal to enter the Promised Land, despite His proven faithfulness—a Epic Failu...

Numbers 14:1&2 "1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. 2 And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!" Last week, we began our series Epic Fails, God Prevails, reading from 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul describes Christ’s return and reign over all creation. Ultimately, Christ will submit to the Father, so God may be all in all. God Prevails, Amen! This week, we turn to Numbers. The Israelites, freed from slavery by God’s miracles, wandered in the wilderness but rebelled against Him TEN times, often demanding idols. Now, on the verge of the Promised Land, they falter again. After a reconnaissance mission, the people, discouraged by the report, wept and expressed fear, doubting God’s promise to give them the land. They lamented, preferring death in Egypt or th...

Philippians 2:10-11 "10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This week, we studied 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul discusses death, judgment, and humanity’s final destiny—eschatological teachings about the end times. These complement John’s writings in Revelation and other biblical texts. Today’s verses from Philippians emphasize Jesus Christ’s universal lordship, extending to all realms: “in heaven” (angels and righteous spirits), “on earth” (all living humans), and “under the earth” (the dead, possibly including fallen angels or evil spirits). This universal confession fulfills Old Testament prophecies like Isaiah 45, where every knee bows and every tongue swears allegiance to God. This act of homage may include both joyful worship and compelled acknowledgment by the lost, recognizing Jesus’ sovere...

1 Corinthians 15:28 "And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all. ALL IN ALL In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul addresses death, judgment, and the final destiny of humanity. When all things are subjected to Christ, He will submit to God the Father, so that God may be ALL IN ALL. Christ will replace every rule, authority, and power, then relinquish His mediatorial role to the Father. This submission reflects the divine order within the Trinity, not inferiority, as the Son remains equal in essence. Once Christ's work as mediator—governing, redeeming, and reconciling creation—is complete, the need for mediation ends. The phrase "God may be ALL IN ALL" signifies the triune God's supreme rule over creation, fully united with His creatures in harmony and worship. This fulfills God's plan, where His presence and sovereignty are all-encompassing. Hallelujah! ...

1 Corinthians 15:25-27 "25 For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For He hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under Him, it is manifest that He is excepted, which did put all things under Him." Paul outlines the resurrection sequence: Christ, the firstfruits, rises first, ensuring resurrection for believers. At His return, those who belong to Him are raised, linked to the Rapture. Christ reigns until all enemies, including death, are defeated. This reign fulfills God's redemptive plan, as prophesied in Psalm 110, where the Father places all things under the Son's feet. However, "all things" excludes the Father, who subjected them. Ultimately, Christ delivers the kingdom to God the Father after abolishing all others rule, authority, and power.

1 Corinthians 15:23&24 "23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power." While Revelation is often cited for end-times prophecy, Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15 are profoundly prophetic. He outlines the resurrection sequence: Christ, the firstfruits, rises first, guaranteeing resurrection for believers. At His return, those who belong to Him are raised, an event tied to the Rapture. Christ reigns until all enemies, including death, are defeated. The "end" follows when He hands the kingdom to God the Father, having subdued all opposition, marking the transition to God’s eternal kingdom in the renewed creation. Adam’s sin brought death to all humanity, but Christ, the second man, brings life through His resurrection. All united with Adam die; al...

1 Corinthians 15:21&22 "21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." Genesis 1:1 reveals the Holy Trinity’s perfect creation. Yet, Adam and Eve’s disobedience introduced death, necessitating a Savior. In 1 Corinthians, Paul stresses that Christ’s resurrection is central to Christian faith; without it, our faith is meaningless. This historical event—Jesus’ death and resurrection in a glorified body—establishes the foundation for our hope. Today’s verses draw a theological parallel between Adam and Christ. Adam’s sin brought death to all humanity, but Christ, the second man, brings life through His resurrection. All united with Adam die; all united with Christ will be made alive. This "making alive" refers to the future physical resurrection of believers, guaranteed by Christ’s resurrection, the "firstfruits" of those who have died. This corporate sol...

1 Corinthians 15:19&20 "19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept." Our new series, Epic Fails—God Prevails!, explores God’s power to redeem human failure. We began with Genesis 1:1, where the Holy Trinity created everything perfectly. Yet, Adam and Eve’s disobedience—failing to keep one commandment despite God’s warning, “You will surely die”—brought death into the world, creating the need for a Savior. In 1 Corinthians, Paul emphasizes that the Christian faith hinges on Christ’s resurrection. If Christ has not been raised, our faith and preaching are meaningless. His resurrection is a historical event: Jesus died and was raised in a glorified body. As the “firstfruits” of those who have died, His resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of all believers. United to Christ, believers have confident hope, sustained through life’s trials and...

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." We concluded our "Follow Me" series yesterday, exploring powerful lessons from Jesus. We ended with John 21:25, where John underscores Jesus’ divinity from Creation onward. As a close witness, John chose accounts to affirm Jesus as the Messiah, guiding readers to faith and eternal life. Today, we launch a new series: Epic Fails—God Prevails! We’ll explore God’s power to redeem human failures, starting with Genesis 1:1, when the Holy Trinity created everything. Things began perfectly until Adam and Eve’s epic fail. They knew God, including Jesus, and communed with Him. Yet, they couldn’t keep one commandment. Despite God’s warning—“You will surely die”—their disobedience brought death into the world, creating the need for a Savior.

John 21:25 "25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." Jesus said, “Follow Me.” Praise the Lord, Peter and John obeyed! Despite great dangers, they faithfully spread the Gospel for future generations. Though John escaped martyrdom, his imprisonment proved his steadfastness. The Gospel of John powerfully declares Jesus as God, most notably in John 1:14, “The Word was made flesh.” Yet, the final verse (21:25) is equally profound. It’s no exaggeration—John emphasizes Jesus’ divinity, present from Creation onward. How could we chronicle all He has done since the beginning of time? As a close witness, John carefully selected accounts to show Jesus as the Messiah, sufficient to lead readers to faith and eternal life. Hallelujah!

John 21:23&24 "23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? 24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true." Our study of Jesus’ teachings on following Him will conclude with these last verses from John’s Gospel, where Jesus restores Peter after his denial and foretells his martyrdom. In a candid moment, Peter asks about John’s fate, and Jesus rebukes him, urging him to focus on his own path. The lesson is clear: our duty is to follow Jesus, not to speculate about others’ destinies. Despite dangers, Peter and John faithfully answered Jesus’ call to “Follow Me,” spreading the Gospel for future generations. Though John escaped martyrdom, he endured imprisonment, proving his steadfastness. Verse 23 corrects a rumor that John would not die, clarifying J...

John 21:21&22 "21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me." On the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus restored Peter after his denial and foretold his martyrdom, a prophecy that would unsettle anyone. Seeing John, the disciple Jesus loved, Peter asked, "Lord, what about him?" Whether out of curiosity or rivalry, Jesus rebuked him: "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You must follow Me." This wasn’t a prediction about John’s fate but a call to focus on his own path. The lesson is clear: our responsibility is to follow Jesus, not to speculate about others’ lives or destinies. Peter and John answered Jesus’ call to “Follow Me,” despite the dangers of growing the church. Though John wasn’t martyred, he endured imprisonment. Their faithfulness spread the Gospel, enabling us to live anew in Christ. Let Christ’s...

John 21:19&20 "19 This spake He, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He saith unto him, Follow Me. 20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on His breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth Thee?" By the Sea of Galilee, Jesus forgave and restored Peter, commanding him three times, “Feed My sheep,” entrusting him with shepherding His flock to maturity and fruitfulness. Jesus also prepared Peter for his future trials, foretelling his crucifixion, a death that would glorify God through total devotion to Christ. The call to “Follow Me” implied not just physical following but a commitment to endure suffering and death, as Jesus did. Peter then noticed the disciple whom Jesus loved, John, following them. This moment contrasts Peter’s martyrdom with John’s longer life, highlighting different paths of discipleship united by love for Christ and obedience to His call. Th...

John 21:17&18 "17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, Lovest thou Me? And he said unto Him, Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed My sheep. 18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not." These verses highlight Jesus’s forgiveness and restoration of Peter by the Sea of Galilee, as He leads Peter to reaffirm his faith. In verse 17, this is Jesus’s third time to command, “Feed My sheep.” Jesus entrusts Peter with the shepherding role, equipping the flock for maturity and fruitfulness (see Ephesians 4:11-16 for pastoral responsibilities). This establishes Peter as the first pastor, a tradition spanning over 2,000 years. In verse 18...

John 21:16 "He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed My sheep." This passage reflects Jesus’s forgiveness and restoration of Peter. After Peter’s three denials, overwhelmed by shame, Jesus leads him to reaffirm his faith by the Sea of Galilee at dawn, with a campfire glowing, bread baking, and fish frying—a vivid scene of reconciliation. Jesus’s command, "Feed My sheep," elevates Peter from "Follow Me" to a shepherding role, equipping the flock for maturity and fruitfulness (see Ephesians 4:11-16 for more on pastoral responsibilities). Peter wasn’t to replace Jesus—only the Holy Spirit could do that (John 14:16)—but to care for Jesus’s sheep. This marks Peter as the first pastor, a tradition continuing for over 2,000 years.

John 21:15 "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed My lambs." Last week, we explored how James and John wanted to call down fire from heaven, like Elijah. Jesus taught three lessons on rejection: not everyone follows Him, and those who do should emulate Elisha by leaving their old life to serve God wholeheartedly. This week, we return to the Gospel of John to reflect on Jesus’s forgiveness and restoration. Before the crucifixion, Peter denied Jesus three times, betraying both his Lord and himself, overwhelmed by shame and guilt. In today’s verse, Jesus offers Peter a chance to reaffirm his faith. The scene unfolds at dawn by the Sea of Galilee, with a campfire glowing, bread baking, and fish frying—a vivid setting for forgiveness and restoration.

1 Kings 19:19-21 "19 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. 20 And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee? 21 And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him." In Luke 9:54, after James and John sought to call down fire on a Samaritan village that rejected Jesus, they referenced Elijah, saying, “even as Elias did?” Jesus then taught three lessons about rejection: 1- Discipleship demands sacrifice, embracing hardship and forgoing earthly security. 2- Following Jesus requires immediate, un...

Luke 9:61&62 "61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow Thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." After James and John sought to call down fire on a Samaritan village that rejected Jesus, He taught three lessons about rejection. First Lesson: Discipleship demands sacrifice, hardship, and lack of earthly security. Second Lesson: Following Jesus requires immediate, unwavering commitment. Third Lesson: Bid farewell and don’t look back. The plowing metaphor shows a farmer must focus on the furrow ahead for straight rows; looking back creates crooked furrows. Jesus teaches that following Him demands wholehearted dedication, without distraction or regret for past attachments. “Looking back” reflects a divided heart, hindering effective service in God’s kingdom. This lesson emphasizes that discipleship requires resolute co...

Luke 9:59&60 "59 And He said unto another, Follow Me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God." James and John wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village that rejected Jesus, leading to three lessons about rejection. Yesterday’s Lesson: Discipleship demands sacrifice, hardship, and lack of earthly security. Today’s Lesson: Following Jesus requires immediate, unwavering commitment. Jesus isn’t dismissing a funeral but emphasizing spiritual priorities. The man’s request to bury his father—whose death isn’t confirmed in the text—may be a delay tactic. Jesus uses "dead" spiritually, referring to those focused solely on earthly matters, unlike His disciples, who left everything to proclaim God’s kingdom. His hyperbole underscores that following Him takes precedence over even significant family duties.

Luke 9:57&58 "57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto Him, Lord, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head." James and John wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village that rejected Jesus. Jesus rebuked them, emphasizing His mission was to save, not destroy, lives. This led to three lessons about rejection. Today’s lesson: the journey is difficult. A man approached Jesus, sincerely desiring to become a disciple and follow Him without reservation. Instead of accepting immediately, Jesus explained the cost of discipleship, highlighting the sacrifice, hardship, and lack of earthly security it demands. Jesus and His disciples led an itinerant life without a permanent home. Following Him meant enduring challenges and prioritizing the Kingdom of God over personal comfort. While preaching in synagogues or f...

Luke 9:55&56 "55 But He turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village." Jesus rebuked James and John for wanting to call down fire on a Samaritan village that rejected Him. He stressed His mission was to save, not destroy, lives. The Samaritans’ rejection stemmed from religious and ethnic tensions, as Jesus was heading to Jerusalem, symbolizing Jewish authority. This act reflected broader human sinfulness. James and John’s vengeful response mirrored the same cultural hostility. The incident contrasts human impulses for retaliation with Jesus’ call to love, forgiveness, and peace. It prompts Jesus to teach three lessons about rejection...

Luke 9:53&54 "53 And they did not receive Him, because His face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?" We follow Jesus’ teachings. In Luke 9, Jesus begins His journey to Jerusalem to fulfill His mission through His death and resurrection, shifting from His Galilean ministry to preparing His disciples for His sacrifice and the church’s foundation. Committed to the Father’s will despite impending suffering, Jesus sent messengers ahead to arrange lodging or other preparations. However, a Samaritan village rejected Him because He was heading to Jerusalem, reflecting deep-seated religious and ethnic hostility between Jews and Samaritans. Their refusal was not just personal but a rejection of Jewish religious authority and Jerusalem’s centrality, highlighting human sinfulness. When James and John saw this, they sough...

Luke 9:51&52 "51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that He should be received up, He stedfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before His face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for Him." In our study Follow Me, we’re exploring key teachings Jesus shared with His followers. Last week, we learned about denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily, and following Him unashamedly, trusting in His sacrifice for our eternal life with God. Today, in Luke 9, Jesus begins His journey to Jerusalem, where He will fulfill His mission through His death and resurrection. This shift moves from His Galilean ministry to preparing His disciples for His sacrifice and the church’s foundation. The phrase “set His face” reflects resolute determination, rooted in Old Testament language, showing Jesus’ commitment to the Father’s will despite danger and suffering. The Greek term analempseos (“taken up”) carries a dual mea...

Luke 9:26 "For whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He shall come in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels." All week, we've studied the verses preceding today's, where Jesus instructs His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. Through His teachings, we understand the kingdom of God is established by Christ's resurrection and the Holy Spirit's work. Jesus warns that true discipleship demands sacrifice: life is found not in self-preservation but in losing oneself for His sake. Today's verse stresses that loyalty to Jesus and His teachings is paramount. Being "ashamed" of Jesus means fearing others' disapproval or ridicule, leading to denial or concealment of faith—a misplaced priority driven by fear of human opinion rather than reverence for God. The consequence is severe: when the Son of Man returns in glory, He will disown tho...

Luke 9:25 "For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?" "Cast Away" It might not sound dire. God is love and mercy, right? Surely He wants us to have "the whole world"? Yet our sinful nature, like the Serpent in the Garden, deceives us into mishearing God’s truth. "Cast Away" echoes Rev. Jonathan Edwards’ 1741 sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, from the Great Awakening. Edwards’ vivid imagery—sinners as spiders dangling over a fire by a fragile thread—highlights the precariousness of human existence and divine judgment, instilling fear and underscoring life’s fragility. "Cast Away" is no trivial matter. Heed our Lord and Savior: “Take up your cross daily.” Seek forgiveness. Christ died to forgive your sins. As God forgives you, forgive yourself and others. Forgiveness brings freedom. Release hate, resentment, and hurt—they no longer belong to you.

Luke 9:25 "For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?" Following Jesus is meant to be challenging. Jesus calls us to reject self-centeredness and align with God’s will. He instructs us to "take up our cross daily," embracing sacrifice for Christ and surrendering our personal desires for His mission. Following Jesus brings forgiveness. He died on the cross to forgive our sins. As God forgives you, forgive yourself and others. Forgiveness brings freedom. No matter the cost, choose to forgive. Let go of hate, resentment, and hurt—they no longer belong to you. If we invest our time pursuing worldly success at the cost of our soul, that is ultimate futility! No earthly gain—wealth, power, fame, or material possessions—can compare to the value of eternal life with God.

Luke 9:24 "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it." "Follow Me," Jesus said. He instructs us to "deny ourselves," rejecting self-centeredness to align with God’s will. He calls us to "take up our cross daily," embracing sacrifice for Christ as an ongoing commitment. This reflects total devotion, surrendering personal rights for Christ’s mission. God’s plan leads to true life. Jesus promises that those who lose their life for Him will find eternal life and peace with God, while those who cling to their life will lose it. This universal call to discipleship invites all to humility, service, and sacrifice, finding identity in Christ, not personal gain. Following Jesus brings forgiveness. He died on the cross to forgive our sins. As God forgives you, forgive yourself and others. Forgiveness frees you. No matter the cost, forgive. Let go of hate, resentment, and hurt. It...

Luke 9:23 "And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Jesus instructs His followers to take up their cross and follow Him, a deliberate call tied to His prediction of suffering, rejection, and crucifixion by the Sanhedrin—elders, priests, and scribes—followed by His resurrection on the third day. This "must" happen for salvation, according to God’s plan. To "deny oneself" means rejecting self-centeredness and aligning with God’s will, overcoming the idolatry of self. The phrase "take up his cross daily," unique to Luke, uses the Roman crucifixion metaphor—where the condemned carried their cross to execution—to signify embracing suffering and sacrifice for Christ. "Daily" underscores this as an ongoing commitment, requiring believers to prioritize Christ despite personal cost. This act reflects total devotion, laying down one’s rights, even life, for Christ’s...

Luke 9:23 "And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." Jesus often taught about following Him, and this week’s lesson is particularly challenging. He instructs His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him, a teaching situated between the feeding of the 5,000 and the Transfiguration. Here, Jesus reveals His true mission, subverting the disciples’ expectations of a political savior. Referring to Himself as the "Son of Man" (echoing Daniel 7:13–14), He signifies His divine authority. Jesus predicts His suffering, rejection, and death by crucifixion at the hands of the Sanhedrin—elders, chief priests, and scribes—followed by His resurrection on the third day. This "must" happen as part of God’s plan for salvation, preparing His disciples for the emotional and spiritual turmoil ahead and deepening their understanding of His role post-resurrection. Jesus’ command to "deny ...

Luke 9:22 "Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day." Jesus often taught about following Him. Last week, we studied the rich young man who sought eternal life but couldn’t part with his wealth. This shows how "wealth"—material or otherwise—can hinder discipleship. Yet, Jesus looked at him with love, just as He looks at you, knowing the sincerity in your heart.  This week, we turn to Luke’s Gospel, where Jesus instructs His followers to take up their cross and follow Him. This teaching follows the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 and precedes the Transfiguration. Sandwiched between these events, Jesus reveals the true nature of His mission. His disciples expected a political savior, but Jesus, calling Himself the "Son of Man" (echoing Daniel 7:13–14), signifies His divine authority. He then predicts His suffering, rejection, and death by crucifixion ...