The Course of Discipleship
                             Matthew 11:25-30 (ESV)

            1. We can know God intimately.

             Matthew11:25-26  At that time Jesus declared, “I 
             thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that
            you have hidden these things from the wise and
            understanding and revealed them to little children;

             yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

              The Father reveals himself to those who come to     
              Him in faith. It is not our knowledge or intellect that
             is the key, but a humble trusting heart.

            2. Jesus wants to reveal God to us.

            Matthew 11:27 All things have been handed over to 

           me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except
           the Father, and no one knows the Father except the
           Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal

           him.

          When we see Jesus, we see the Father. To follow Jesus,
          is to learn who God is, His nature, character, and will,
          and to be known by Him.

      
            3. When we follow Jesus, we find rest.

             Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and
             are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my

             yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle

            and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your

             souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

              Being a disciple is about trust, not about our
             proficiency or effort. It is resting in  the reality that

             God will transform us more completely than we

            could ever change ourselves.

              SO WHAT?

              ALL disciples imitate Jesus.

“Disciples, Joining the Mission of God Together”

Acts 2:36-47

“For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”  - Peter in Acts 2:39 (NASB)

Purpose: to show how disciples join the mission of God as the church of Jesus Christ

What is the God doing here in Acts 2?

            Jesus is both Lord and Christ (2:36)

            Using Peter’s Preaching (2:37, 40)

            Promising Salvation to gospel believers (2:32, 39)

            Providing the Holy Spirit (2:38)

Calling People to Himself (2:39)

            Adding more saved people (2:47)

The Lord’s Church in Born When People Respond

            Pierced to the heart (2:37)

Repent (2:38)

            Each believer baptized (2:38)

            “Be saved from this perverse generation” (2:40)      

How many did this? 3,000 +  (2:41, 47)

            The Way of Life in the Church of Jesus Christ:

            Continually devoting themselves to (2:42):

1. the apostles’ teachings (discipleship)
2. fellowship
3. breaking of bread
4. prayer

Everyone felt awe, apostles’ signs & miracles (2:43)

Together in biblical fellowship how?

            All things in common (2:44-45)

            With one mind, worshipping, praising (2:46-47)

            Gladness, heart sincerity, eating together (2:46)

The Mission of God is About The Gospel

            The gospel of Jesus Christ saves sinners

            The gospel gathers the saved in church

            The gospel church continues the mission

First Baptist Church Exists to Glorify Christ

in Worship, Discipleship, and Mission

The Call of Discipleship
Matthew 4:18-22 (ESV)

1. Jesus meets them where they are.

Matthew 4:18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 

              Jesus meets them at their daily work of fishing. They are not in a religious
              school, nor is this a monumental moment, but a miracle of the ordinary.

2. Jesus gives them a new identity and purpose.

   Matthew 4:19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

   Jesus tells them who they will be, no longer fishermen, but fishers of men.

3. Jesus meets them where they are.

   Matthew 4:20Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

              Following Jesus required an immediate and decisive answer.

SO WHAT?

ALL disciples are called.

It is possible that some of us still haven’t chosen to follow.

Are we still fishing when he is wanting to do so much more through us?

The King’s Commission

Matthew 28 (NASB)

Purpose: Making disciples of the nations is the first command of the risen King!

• The King’s Cross

            The Crucifixion of King Jesus (Matthew 27:33-56)

                        FULFILLMENT of Psalm 22

Jesus is buried (Matthew 27:57-61)

The Pharisees and Pilate post a guard (Matthew 27:62-66)

• The King’s Victory – Jesus Is Alive!

Matthew 28:5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6 “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. 7 “Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.” 8 And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

“Go quickly and tell” what? That Jesus is risen from the dead! (Matthew 28:7)

Another last-ditch fabricated conspiracy (see Matthew 28:11-15)

“Worship!” Mourning turned into worship! (Matthew 28:9, 17)

• The King’s Command!

Matthew 28:16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The King’s authority is universal (v. 18)

“Go” means “Go”! (v. 19)

The King’s command is particular, make disciples of Jesus Christ!

                        “How to” make disciples? “baptizing” and “teaching” (vv. 19-20)

The King’s commission is to His church

The object of the King’s message is “all the nations”

The King promised His presence as we engage in His mission

Making Disciples of the Nations, the First Command of the Risen King!

Jesus is King of Kings

Matthew 27 (NASB)

Purpose: Despite the false claims, Jesus is the true King!

• King Jesus Handed Over to Roman Judgment – While Judas is “Too Little, Too Late”

Matthew 27:1 Now when morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus to put Him to death; 2 and they bound Him, and led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate the governor.

Matthew 27:3 Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty 1pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to that yourself!” 5 And he threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the temple treasury, since it is the price of blood.” 7 And they conferred together and with the money bought the Potter’s Field as a burial place for strangers. 8 For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “AND THEY TOOK THE THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER, THE PRICE OF THE ONE WHOSE PRICE HAD BEEN SET by the sons of Israel; 10 AND THEY GAVE THEM FOR THE POTTER’S FIELD, AS THE LORD DIRECTED ME.”

Judas is remorseful for his betrayal and hangs himself

            FULFILLMENT of: Zechariah 11:12-13

• King Jesus Tried by Romans, Sentenced by Crowds – While Pilate is a Weak Judge

Matthew 27:11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed.

Matthew 27:15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that because of envy they had handed Him over.

Matthew 27:19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. 21 But the governor said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Crucify Him!” 23 And he said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they kept shouting all the more, saying, “Crucify Him!”

Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.” 25 And all the people said, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

Jesus admits He is the King of the Jews (vv. 11-14)

Pilate offers to release a prisoner (vv. 15-18)

Pilate is warned by his wife (v. 19)

The chief priests and elders manipulate the crowds (v. 20)

The crowds cry crucify (vv. 21-23)

Pilate releases Barabbas, washes his hands, and delivers Jesus to death (vv. 24-26)

• King Jesus in Victory Over Sin and Death – While Soldiers Mock Jesus

Matthew 27:27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. 28 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 They spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. 31 After they had mocked Him, they took the scarlet robe off Him and put His own garments back on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. 32 As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross.

The King's Prayers

Matthew 26:36-75 (NASB)

Purpose: King Jesus does the Father's will, fulfilling Scripture and declaring His sovereignty!

• King Jesus Prays Submitting to the Father's Will

Matthew 26:36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38 Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me."

Matthew 26:39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." 40 And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? 41 "Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Matthew 26:42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done." 43 Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45 Then He came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 "Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!"

King Jesus prays to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane

Three times Jesus prays for His Father's will to be done (vv. 39, 42, 44)

• King Jesus Arrested Fulfilling the Scriptures

Matthew 26:47 While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him." 49 Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed Him. 50 And Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you have come for." Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.

Matthew 26:51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 53 "Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 "How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?"

Matthew 26:55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me. 56 "But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets." Then all the disciples left Him and fled.

Judas betrays Jesus the King (vv. 47-50) 

            A disciple (Peter) attacks a priest (vv. 51-54)

            Jesus says that the Scriptures must be FULFILLED in this (vv. 24, 54, 56)

            Jesus addresses the crowds (vv. 55-56) 

• King Jesus Testifies "“ Declaring His Sovereignty!

Matthew 26:57 Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 58 But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome.

Matthew 26:59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 60 They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61 and said, "This man stated, "I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.'" 62 The high priest stood up and said to Him, "Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?" 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, "I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God." 64 Jesus said to him, "You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN."

Matthew 26:65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; 66 what do you think?" They answered, "He deserves death!"

Matthew 26:67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, 68 and said, "Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?"

            The high priest compels Jesus "by the living God" to answer if He is Christ (v. 63)

Jesus the King's defense: He will FULFILL Psalm 110:1 & Daniel 7:13 (v. 64)

• Peter Denies Jesus 3 Times " “ Fulfilling the Prophecy of Jesus

Matthew 26:69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, "You too were with Jesus the Galilean." 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about." 71 When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." 72 And again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man." 73 A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away." 74 Then he began to curse and swear, "I do not know the man!" And immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, "Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.

            FULFILLMENT of Matthew 26:33-34

Conclusion:

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

GO - Sharing Christ in Everyday Life

We are all evangelists -  sports teams, preferred vehicles, favorite restaurants, essential oils"¦.   5 OBSERVATIONS, 4 OBEDIENT ACTIONS, 5 OPPORTUNITIES.

THE POINT           

• John knew Jesus and points others to Him.  (John 1:35-36)
• We all heard the gospel from someone else.

• The two investigated themselves. (John 1:37-39)
• They spent time with him themselves.
• We all have to have our own relationship
• Andrew and Philip believed and told others. (John 1:40-46)
• Andrew found his brother.
• Philip found his friend.
• Both said we have found him.
• Come and see"¦.
• Philip is obedient. (Acts 8:28-38)
• Spirit provides an opportunity.
• Shares with one whom the Spirit is already preparing
• Paul and Barnabas are set apart. (Acts 13:1-4)
• Have learned. (They teach)
• Are worshippers.
• Seeking the glory of God with their lives.
• Barnabas "“ Cyprus, Paul "“ Rome.

OBEDIENT ACTIONS

Start with what you know
             What has been revealed to you about Jesus?
             What are you learning about him?

Start with who you know
              Family "“ kids, brothers, and sisters, etc.
              Friends "“ People you know and are close to already

Start new relationships
              Pray about it. Be determined to be obedient.
               The Holy Spirit will set the appointments and bring people into
                your life.

        
         Start to change the World
                         God may send you across the street.
                         God may send you across the world.
          

SO WHAT?

Every movement of God starts when his people take responsibility.
           Who will you be responsible for?

We want to be a church where people don't just come, but where people go"¦

OPPORTUNITIES

      Tonight "“ Start with your kids, grandkids. "“ Sunday night to family time.

       June 27th "“ Community night      Food pantry on Wednesday mornings.

       Life on Purpose Workshops "“ Helping find your role.

      Go on the next mission trip. 

The King's Table

Matthew 26:17-35 (NASB)

Purpose: King Jesus fulfills the Passover in the New Covenant Lord's Supper

• King Jesus Celebrates the Passover With His Disciples

Matthew 26:17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?" 18 And He said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, "The Teacher says, "My time is near; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My disciples."'" 19 The disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

            Jesus tells the disciples where to prepare to eat the Passover

• King Jesus Fulfills Scripture!

Matthew 26:20 Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. 21 As they were eating, He said, "Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me." 22 Being deeply grieved, they 1each one began to say to Him, "Surely not I, Lord?" 23 And He answered, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. 24 "The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good 1for that man if he had not been born." 25 And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" Jesus *said to him, "You have said it yourself."

            Jesus will go "AS IT IS WRITTEN" (v. 24; See also Luke 24:44-49)

            Jesus FULFILLS ALL of Scripture!!! (and see 26:54, 56)

• King Jesus Fulfills the Passover in the Lord's Supper!

Matthew 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." 30 After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

            Jesus tells them that His is the "blood of the covenant" (v. 28)

See also Jeremiah 31:31-34 & Hebrews 8-10; and esp. Heb. 10:16; 12:22-24

            In King Jesus and His blood shed for us is the New Covenant!

            King Jesus Fulfills the Passover with the New Covenant Lord's Supper

            The Old Covenant Passover is Fulfilled in the New Covenant Lord's Supper

            Jesus is the True Passover!

• King Jesus Prophesies His Death & Resurrection Again!

Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, "I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED.' 32 "But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee." 33 But Peter said to Him, "Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away." 34 Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." 35 Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You." All the disciples said the same thing too.

            FULFILLMENT of Zechariah 13:7

            Jesus prophesies His own Resurrection! (v. 32)

Jesus prophesies His death by crucifixion and His resurrection throughout Matthew

See 12:39-41 & 16:4 (sign of Jonah); 16:21, 17:22-23; 20:17-19; 26:1-2, 6-13, 31-32

            Jesus tells Peter that he will deny Him 3 times (vv. 33-35)

The King's Triumph and Reign

Matthew 26:1-16 (all Scriptures NASB)

Purpose: God's prophesied plan of salvation is fulfilled in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus the King!

Introductory verses:

Job 42:1 Then Job answered the LORD and said, 2 "I know that You can do all things,

         And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted."

Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever,

         The plans of His heart from generation to generation.

Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom and no understanding

         And no counsel against the LORD.

Isaiah 14:27 "For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?"

Acts 2:22 "Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know "” 23 this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. 24 "But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power."

• Jesus prophesies His death by crucifixion "“ Fulfilling His Purpose!

Matthew 26:1 When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples, 2 "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion."

            This is two days before Passover

• The Religious Leaders Plot Against Jesus "“ Fulfilling God's Plan!

Matthew 26:3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, named Caiaphas; 4 and they plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him. 5 But they were saying, "Not during the festival, otherwise a riot might occur among the people."

            Even the enemies of Jesus fulfill God's greater plan of salvation for the lost and help

to install Jesus as Eternal King!

• A Woman Prepares Jesus for Burial "“ Proclaiming the Gospel!

Matthew 26:6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table. 8 But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, "Why this waste? 9 "For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor." 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me. 11 "For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. 12 "For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. 13 "Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her."

            Jesus prophesies His own death again!

Jesus prophesies His death by crucifixion and His resurrection throughout Matthew

Matthew 12:39-41 & 16:4 (the sign of Jonah); 16:21, 17:22-23; 20:17-19; 26:1-2, 6-13

• Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver "“ Fulfilling Prophecy

Matthew 26:14 Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, "What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?" And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. 16 From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus.

            See Zechariah 11:12

Persevering to the End

Matthew 25

Purpose: Three parables, one meaning, the King's disciples follow Him to the very end!

• King Jesus Tells the Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 "Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. 3 "For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. 5 "Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. 6 "But at midnight there was a shout, "Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' 7 "Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 "The foolish said to the prudent, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 "But the prudent answered, "No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' 10 "And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11 "Later the other virgins also came, saying, "Lord, lord, open up for us.' 12 "But he answered, "Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 "Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour."

            Waiting for a bridegroom to arrive is filled with great expectation

            It's an honor to be a guest

The prudent are prepared! Live your life with the end in view!

The foolish are lazy, too little, too late, and are not allowed at the wedding feast

Live your life patiently expecting the return of Jesus Christ

Live your life knowing the return of Jesus Christ will come unexpectedly

• King Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:14 "For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 "To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. 16 "Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. 17 "In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. 18 "But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money."

Matthew 25:19 "Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 "The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, "Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.' 21 "His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'

Matthew 25:22 "Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, "Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.' 23 "His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'

Matthew 25:24 "And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, "Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25 "And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.'

Matthew 25:26 "But his master answered and said to him, "You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. 27 "Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28 "Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.'

Matthew 25:29 "For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30 "Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

            This is all about your stewardship of life itself

All of life is given by God, and must be surrendered back unto God

Be faithful with what God gives you now"¦

Knowing that you must give an account to Him later!

How are you investing your life in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ? Discipleship!

How are you investing the gospel in the lives of others? Evangelism!

Do you view your whole life as a worshipful offering unto God?

The faithful servant enters into the joy of the Master!

The unfaithful servant is thrown into the outer darkness!

• The Parable about Separating the Sheep from the Goats

Matthew 25:31 "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 "All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; 33 and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.

Matthew 25:34 "Then the King will say to those on His right, "Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 "For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, "Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38 "And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 "When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 "The King will answer and say to them, "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'

Matthew 25:41 "Then He will also say to those on His left, "Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.' 44 "Then they themselves also will answer, "Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?' 45 "Then He will answer them, "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' 46 "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

King Jesus teaches about the final judgment of all the nations

The sheep described, and their great reward (vv. 34-40)

The goats described, and their great punishment (vv. 41-46)

            What you do unto the least of His brothers, you do to Jesus (vv. 40, 45)

            There are only two options, both eternal, fire punishment or life! (vv. 41, 46)

Title: The Cosmic Power of Christ

Text: Colossians 1:15-23

The Point: The power of the omnipotent Christ, saves and sanctifies, and secures us for himself and his glory.

1. The Cosmic Power of Christ.  (15-16)
   1. Image of God.
      1. Visible manifestation. Took on flesh
      2. Character – Compassion, Holiness, Zealous

• Power – miracles, resurrection

1. Firstborn
   1. Position of blessing and authority
      1. Son of Man – authority Daniel 7:13-14.

1. Creator
   1. For himself
      1. His pleasure – Saw that it was good.
      2. His glory – Creation declares
         1. Dominions, rulers Pharaoh.

1. Holds all things together. (17-18)
   1. Nothing is out of his control.
      1. Where is God?
      2. Working all things together for the good.

1. Nothing is able to overcome him.
2. Example of His Church
   1. Brought together every tribe and nation
      1. Overcoming languages, cultures, hatred
   2. Building his Church, Gates of hell will not overcome.

1. Preeminent – fort importance, dignity, rank and glory

• Makes Peace. (19-22a)
  1. Great Power – Great Love and Mercy.
     1. Great power comes Great responsibility (Spiderman)
        1. Great rulers work for their people
        2. Jesus worked for his enemies.

1. Great mercy.
   1. How great an offense.
   2. We were powerless
      1. Dead in sins – slaves to sin
      2. Overcame power of sin and death
      3. Made us alive, Calls us friends, Adopts us as coheirs.
   3. Keeps us. (22b-23)
      1. He will Present the church to himself.
         1. It’s going to happen.
            1. John 10:27-30
         2. Continue in the faith…. – Endure.

• Phil. 2:12-13

SO WHAT?

Your sin is not too great.   Non-believer. Believer who struggles. Kill your sin.

No one can snatch you away. – Nothing in life. Nothing in death, not the enemy.

You are his prize possession. He has bought you with his blood, and he will have you for eternity. To love. – To glorify God and enjoy him forever.