Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Ephesians 2:7-10 "7 That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." The cross: God’s blazing power and the most beautiful emblem of freedom and salvation; our greatest reason for unending thanks and praise! Once spiritually dead, we have been made alive with Christ by God’s rich mercy and great love. By grace alone He has raised us up and seated us with Him in the heavenly places; more than forgiven, we are exalted, sharing Christ’s victory, authority, and honored place at the Father’s right hand. In saving us, God puts the immeasurable riches of His grace and kindness on full display, not only now but throughout the ages to come. Salvatio...

Ephesians 2:4-6 "4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" The cross—dismissed by the world as foolishness and shame—is God’s chosen display of wisdom and power, supremely vindicated in Christ’s resurrection. To us it is the blazing power of God and the most beautiful emblem of freedom and salvation, our greatest reason for unending thanks and praise! This passage deepens what we’ve seen before. Though we were spiritually dead—utterly helpless, beyond self-rescue—God, rich in mercy and moved by great love, made us alive with Christ. By grace alone He raised us and seated us with Him in the heavenly places. This is no mere forgiveness; it is exaltation. We now share Christ’s victory, authority, and honored place at the Father’s right hand. Every stage o...

1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." The message of the cross is "moria", in Greek literally “foolishness” or “absurdity” (from which we get “moron”) — to those who are perishing. To unbelievers, a crucified Messiah is nonsense; it offends human wisdom and pride. “Them that perish” = those who reject the gospel; they are spiritually blind (2 Cor 4:4) and on the path to eternal judgment. “Us which are saved” (literally “being saved”) = believers undergoing the whole process of salvation: already justified, presently being sanctified, and awaiting future glorification. To us, the cross is not weakness but the power of God — the decisive display of divine wisdom and might, supremely proven in Christ’s resurrection. What the world counts as folly and shame is actually God’s chosen means to save and transform His people. We see the cross as the blazing power of God and ...

1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." Jesus’ death and resurrection were God’s eternal plan, settled before the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8; 1 Pet 1:19–20; Eph 1:4). He chose us in Christ—not because we deserved it, but purely by His grace and good pleasure. Everything—every promise, every mercy, every moment of history—centers on one Person: Jesus. His cross. His empty tomb. His glory. From eternity past to eternity future, it has always been all about Him. When we grasp this, the cross is transformed. What the world sees as weakness and shame becomes, to us, the blazing power of God and the most beautiful symbol of freedom and salvation ever given—our greatest reason for unending thanks. Praise the Lord!

Ephesians 1:4&5 "4 According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of His will," There was never a “Plan B.” Christ’s coming—His cross and resurrection—was the eternal Plan A, decided before the first star was lit. Yesterday (1 Peter 1) we saw that Jesus was foreordained as Savior before creation began. Today (Ephesians 1) Paul echoes the same truth: God chose us in Christ before the world existed—not because we were good, but because of His sheer grace and delight. He predestined us for adoption—to be His own sons and daughters—through Jesus Christ, simply because it pleased Him to do it. Everything—every promise, every mercy, every moment of history—revolves around one Person: Jesus. His death. His resurrection. His glory. It’s literally all about Him—from eternity past t...

1 Peter 1:20 "Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you," As we wrap up our series Epic Fails—God Prevails, one truth rings out: people fail again and again, but God never does. And God’s idea of success looks nothing like the world’s. Yesterday in Revelation 13:8 we saw Jesus described as “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Think about that: before God ever said “Let there be light,” the cross was already the plan. Your redemption wasn’t God’s backup plan—He never needed one. Before time began, He knew you, chose you, and secured you in Christ. Peter says the same thing here. Jesus was foreordained—appointed, chosen, destined—as the Savior before a single star was hung. The Fall didn’t surprise God or force a scramble. Long before sin entered the story, the remedy was already settled in the heart of the Trinity. Christ’s manifesting “in these last times” wasn’t Plan B. It was the eternal Plan A...

Revelation 13:8 "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." This week we finish our series Epic Fails—God Prevails. It’s been powerful to see how people fail again and again—yet God always comes through. Last week we looked at Saul becoming Paul: from persecutor of Christians to apostle of Christ—one of history’s greatest proofs of God’s redeeming grace. No one is beyond His reach. Not even you. When he was Saul, the world called him a success—respected, feared, powerful. But when God prevailed and he became Paul, the world rejected him: jailed, beaten, and finally killed. God’s idea of success looks nothing like the world’s. Today we’re jumping to the last book to see how the story ends. Revelation 13:8 tells us a day is coming when everyone on earth will worship the beast—everyone whose name is not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation o...

Acts 9:17&18 "17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized." Baptized into the faith.  For three days Saul had been blind, fasting, and praying.🙏 He had seen the light—literally—and now knew the truth: Jesus is Lord. God sent Ananias, who obeyed despite Saul’s fearsome reputation as a persecutor of Christians. It took real courage to trust God’s word over human fear. Saul became Paul. His dramatic transformation—from hunter of Christians to herald of Christ—remains one of history’s greatest proofs of God’s redeeming grace. No one is beyond His reach.✝️ 👉Not even you.👈

Acts 9:9&10 "9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord." Saul is in divine “timeout.” For three days he is blind, fasting, and praying nonstop. He has seen the light—literally—and now the truth is sinking in: Jesus is God. The man who was spiritually blind while persecuting Christians is now physically blind and finally sees. Meanwhile, God is preparing His faithful servant Ananias. Like Saul, he is a respected Jew deeply devoted to the Law. His name means “the Lord is gracious.” Unlike Saul, he already follows Jesus. Ananias is obedient by nature, yet even he hesitates when God tells him to go to the notorious persecutor. Imagine the prayers it took for him to say yes and walk toward the man every Christian feared.

Acts 9:7&8 "7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus." Saul’s companions heard the sound but saw no one, highlighting the supernatural nature of the event. Saul, now physically blind despite open eyes, had to be led into Damascus. This blindness began a three-day fast (v. 9), almost certainly filled with prayer, marking the start of Saul’s radical transformation—from fierce persecutor to Christ’s chosen apostle and a foundational leader of the Christian faith.

Acts 9:5&6 "5 And he said, Who art Thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." Have you ever hunted Christians? Arrested believers? No. Saul did. He thought he was serving God; actually, he was fighting Him. Jesus’ words cut straight to the heart: “Why are you doing this? It’s futile—and wrong.” We do the same today, just less dramatically. We ignore God’s commands, neglect the weak, pray half-heartedly, and live as if we’re daring Jesus to stop us on the road with blinding light and a voice from heaven. We want the thunder, the trembling, the hair-standing-on-end moment where we finally cry, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” We’re like Elijah, craving another Mount Carmel fireworks show. But that’s rarely how God works. He spe...

Acts 9:3&4 "3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" Have you ever been so successful at something that the other side recruits you? That’s exactly what happened to Saul. He was the star persecutor of the early church. Christians were fleeing Jerusalem to escape him, but Saul wasn’t done. He obtained letters from the high priest authorizing him to travel 150 miles to Damascus, arrest any followers of “the Way” (men or women), and drag them back in chains. Burning with zeal, Saul believed he was defending God by crushing this “heresy.” Then, on the road, heaven broke in: a blinding light knocked him flat, and Jesus Himself asked, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” He wasn’t bowing in worship—he was terrified, hitting the dirt in pure survival mode. In that instant he realized the horrifying truth: he...

Acts 9:1&2 "1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem." Epic Fails—God Prevails: Saul of Tarsus (An apparent “huge success”… until God intervenes) Saul was the total package: ○ Born a Jew with rare Roman citizenship ○ From the tribe of Benjamin—a “Hebrew of Hebrews” (Phil 3:5) ○ Trained in Jerusalem under the renowned Rabbi Gamaliel, mastering the Law He excelled at one thing: persecuting Christians. Believers were already fleeing Jerusalem to escape him, yet Saul wasn’t finished. He secured official letters from the high priest authorizing him to hunt down followers of “the Way” (the earliest name for Christians) in Damascus—150 miles away. Men or women, it didn’t matter; he planned to drag them back to Jerusalem in chains for tria...

Acts 22:4 "And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women." We continue Epic Fails—God Prevails. Last week: Peter's denial of Jesus—an epic failure. Post-resurrection, Jesus showed how His suffering, death, and resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit ignited Peter's faith; he preached, and thousands believed. Peter established the Church and bravely endured torture and crucifixion under Roman authority. We learn from faith heroes and seek to join God's plan. With Jesus' love in us, we're empowered to stand for Him. This week: Saul of Tarsus's Damascus road conversion. It starts differently—Saul saw himself as a success. Born ~AD 5 in Tarsus, Cilicia, to a Jewish family; Roman citizen with rare privileges. Circumcised on the eighth day; from the tribe of Benjamin; a "Hebrew of Hebrews." Trained in Jerusalem under Rabbi Gamaliel (Sanhedrin member), masterin...

Luke 24:48 "And ye are witnesses of these things." In Epic Fails—God Prevails, we see people make big mistakes—yet God uses our shortcomings to advance His plan. God is Amazing! Peter did much right (even walking on water!) but epically failed by denying Jesus. Post-resurrection, Jesus showed how His suffering, death, and resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. Despite years with Him and deep Scripture knowledge, the disciples couldn't grasp it alone—they needed divine help. True understanding requires God's intervention; human insight falls short. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit ignited Peter's faith; he preached, and thousands believed. On Damascus road, Jesus converted Paul, who evangelized and wrote most of the New Testament. You and I can be used in God’s plan too. With Jesus’ love inside, we are empowered to stand for Him. Like empowered Peter! Like empowered Paul! Like countless empowered saints! Like the empowered you! Today's verse affirms the ...

Luke 24:46 "46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." “Peter went out and wept bitterly.” The cock crowed; he had denied Jesus three times. Like Peter, we crumble under fear. Willpower fails; our strength is never enough. Without Jesus, we are weak and broken. Yesterday’s verse—“Then He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures”—captures the pivotal post-resurrection moment: Jesus shows how His suffering, death, and resurrection fulfill Old Testament prophecies. Despite years with Him and deep Scripture knowledge, the disciples couldn’t grasp it alone. They needed God’s help. True understanding requires divine intervention; human insight falls short. This was true for them—and for us. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit ignited faith in Peter and the discipl...

Luke 24:45 "Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures," Peter broke. He wasn’t who he thought he was. “And Peter went out and wept bitterly.” When the cock crowed, he had denied Jesus—three times. Jesus had warned him; Peter vowed, “Even if all fall away, I never will. Even if I must die with You, I will not deny You.” Then the beaten, bound Jesus looked at Peter—not with condemnation, but love—and Peter shattered. Like Peter, we crumble under fear. Willpower fails; our strength is never enough. Without Jesus, we are weak and broken. It worsens. The disciples watch from afar as Jesus is tortured and killed. They bury their friend and teacher, believing it’s over. Even when Easter’s Good News spreads, they don’t believe. They need Jesus and the Holy Spirit to open their eyes. Today’s verse marks that pivotal post-resurrection moment: Jesus clarifies how His suffering, death, and resurrection fulfill Old Testament prophecies. Despite years wi...

Luke 22:62 "And Peter went out, and wept bitterly." Jesus had warned Peter he would deny Him three times. Peter vowed: “Even if all fall away, I never will. Even if I must die with You, I will not deny You.” But when the cock crowed, Peter had denied Jesus—three times. Beaten and bound, Jesus looked at Peter—not with condemnation, but with love. Peter broke. He was not who he thought he was. “And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.” Are you who you think you are? Or do you truly know? Have you wept bitterly? Like Peter, we crumble under fear. Our willpower fails. Our strength is not enough. We are all weak and broken...

Luke 22:61 "And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice." The cock crowed. Peter had denied Jesus—three times. Peter, who had walked on water, confessed Jesus as Messiah, and opposed the cross (earning “Get behind Me, Satan”). That day was already crushing: the Last Supper, Gethsemane, Jesus’ arrest. Peter drew his sword, then stood down. Following at a distance, he was recognized: “You were with Him.” “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Third denial. Earlier, Jesus warned Peter would deny Him thrice. Peter swore: “Even if all fall away, I never will. Even if I must die with You, I will not deny You.” (Matt 26:33–35; Mark 14:29–31; Luke 22:33–34; John 13:37–38) Now Jesus—beaten, bound—looks at Peter. Not with condemnation. With love. Peter breaks. He is not who he thought he was...

Luke 22:60 "And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew." Sermon Summary: Epic Fails, God Prevails Only Jesus was perfect. Every Bible hero fails—except Him. Peter, James, and John formed Jesus’ inner circle. They walked with Him, shared life, and witnessed the Transfiguration. Yet even Peter, the standout, fails. Peter walked on water. He correctly identified Jesus as the Messiah. He opposed Jesus’ path to the cross—earning “Get behind Me, Satan.” Still, alone without support, his willpower and experience failed him. It had been a grueling day: the Last Supper, prayers in Gethsemane, Jesus’ arrest. Peter tried to fight but was told to stand down. Now, with Jesus in custody, Peter followed at a distance. The crowd recognized him: “This fellow was with Him; he is a Galilean.” Peter could have declared, “Yes, I’m a Galilean, and this is WRONG—legally and morally!” Instead, he said, “Man, I know not what thou sayest.” He d...

Luke 22:59 "And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with Him: for he is a Galilaean." Sermon Summary: Epic Fails, God Prevails Last week, Elijah hid in a cave, fearing for his life. God had bigger plans for him and his successors. Lesson: Our isolation and despair are illusions. Focus on God’s greater, ongoing plan. Only one person was ever perfect: Jesus. Every Bible hero fails—except Him. Yet we rank them anyway. The Twelve were Jesus’ inner circle from all Israel. Peter, James, and John were the inner three. They walked with Jesus, shared life with Him, and saw the Transfiguration. And Peter, the standout among them, fails too…

1 Kings 19:17&18 "17 And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. 18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." God shows Elijah his true impact and future plan. He commands Elijah to leave hiding and anoint three figures: Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha. These appointments signal judgment and renewal, as Hazael and Jehu will help overthrow the Omride dynasty, including Ahab and Jezebel. God provides not just succession but a plan to purge Baal worship. His work persists through new agents beyond Elijah. The passage stresses that God’s purpose depends on no single person; Elijah is not alone—7,000 in Israel remain faithful to God, unbowed to Baal. This remnant upholds God’s covenant amid apostasy. Elijah’s story teaches: our isolation and despair are illusions. Focus on God’s greater,...

1 Kings 19:15&16 "15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room." Elijah wanted more events like Mount Carmel, dramatic and decisive victories. That grandiose miracle fell short of hopes, but the faithful example of his daily conduct far surpassed expectations, anchoring 7,000 believers in the one true God. God sees Elijah’s real impact and holds a plan for his future. Today's verses outline that plan. God commands Elijah to return from his place of hiding and undertake three specific tasks. This divine instruction marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, shifting Elijah from a state of fear and retreat to active service, fulfilling God’s purpose for Israel’s future leadership. The command to anoint new kings signi...

1 Kings 19:14 "And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, thrown down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." Elijah repeats his prior complaint, trapped in earthly events without heaven’s vantage. Spurgeon notes: “Because the success of Carmel melted like the morning mist, he thought that his career had been a failure all along... but he was reading with the eyes of unbelief, and his imagination was leading him rather than the facts.” God knows 7,000 faithful scattered across Israel, strengthened by Elijah’s witness. His grand miracles fell short of hopes, but his daily conduct far surpassed them, anchoring those 7,000 in integrity. God sees Elijah’s true impact and holds a plan for his future...

1 Kings 19:12&13 "12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?" In the wilderness cave, God told Elijah to stand on the mountain. A mighty wind tore mountains and shattered rocks, but the Lord was not in it. Then an earthquake—but the Lord was not in the earthquake. Today’s verses add fire: “…but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” “What doest thou here, Elijah?” God asked. He already knew the answer; He wanted Elijah to face it. Elijah had expected the dramatic fire on Mount Carmel to turn Israel back to God. It didn’t. The priests of Baal were destroyed, yet hearts stayed hard. This matters for Christians, especially preachers. Spectacular power and warnings...

1 Kings 19:11 "And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:" Elijah, distressed and feeling alone, fled Jezebel’s death threat after defeating Baal’s prophets on Mount Carmel. Hiding in a cave on Horeb (Mount Sinai), he believed his efforts were in vain. God asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”—knowing the answer but prompting reflection. Elijah expressed his zeal, lamented Israel’s apostasy and the slain prophets, and succumbed to self-pity and fear, overshadowing God’s victory. God told Elijah to stand on the mountain. A mighty wind tore mountains and shattered rocks, but the Lord was not in it. Then came an earthquake, but the Lord was not there either. God’s presence isn’t always in dramatic forces; He often speaks ...

1 Kings 19:10 "And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." The LORD asked "What doest thou here, Elijah?" (v. 9). After defeating Baal’s prophets on Mount Carmel, Elijah fled Jezebel’s death threat to a cave on Horeb (Mount Sinai). God’s questions prompt reflection, not information. Elijah’s reply reveals distress and isolation: he affirms his zeal, mourns Israel’s apostasy and the prophets’ deaths, yet exaggerates his solitude—ignoring the people’s recent repentance (1 Kings 18:39) and Obadiah’s 100 hidden prophets (1 Kings 18:4, 13). Self-pity and fear overshadow God’s victory. Elijah’s vulnerability is relatable. Do you ever feel alone, hiding in a cave?

1 Kings 19:9 "And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?" Sermon Summary: Epic Fails, God Prevails Last week, we saw Jonah flee God’s call and end up in the fish’s belly. This week, Elijah hides in a cave—another low point. The disciples did the same, locking themselves away after Jesus’ crucifixion. Elijah had just defeated Baal’s prophets on Mount Carmel. But Jezebel, a ruthless queen devoted to Baal, swore to kill him. Fleeing her threat, he ran to the wilderness and reached Horeb (Mount Sinai), where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. Hiding in a cave, Elijah sought God’s help—a wise move when we fail or fear.

Matthew 5:43&44 "43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" Jesus’ words from the Gospel of Matthew. Jonah fled Nineveh because it was dangerous—and because he feared they would repent and God would spare them. It happened: Nineveh repented, and God showed mercy, the very outcome Jonah dreaded. Are there parts of God’s plan you resist? Do you truly love your enemies? Loving friends is easy; loving enemies is hard. Jesus descended into hell, rose from the dead, and defeated sin and death. Your sins are forgiven. You owe it to Him to try.

Jonah 1:16&17 "16 Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows. 17 Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights." Jonah fled God’s call. A fierce storm halted the ship bound for Tarshish. Jonah told the sailors to throw him overboard; when they did, the storm ceased. Jonah’s story reminds us: we cannot escape God. A life-threatening storm can be the wake-up call we need. It turned the sailors into believers; more lessons await Jonah (and us). Swallowed by a great fish, he is regurgitated on the coast toward Nineveh, back on track to preach in the dangerous city. He succeeds; the people repent, and Jonah witnesses God’s mercy—the outcome he dreaded. Are there parts of God’s plan you resist? Read Jonah’s remaining three chapters for deeper insight.