What is Your Foundation?
Easter Sunday 2020
Easter Sunday
Dave Riddle - 4/12/20
Key Passage: John 20:1-29
I am saved from the darkness of confusion and enter into the light of a new calling
John 20:14-18
I am saved from the darkness of fear and enter into the light of a new presence and peace
John 20:19-22
John 16:33
I am saved from the darkness of doubt and enter into the light of a new beginning.
John 20:24-29
You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9, NLT)
Good Friday Message & Communion
What is Christ’s Kingdom?
What is Christ’s Kingdom?
Dave Riddle - 4/5/20
Key Passage: John 18:33-36
Jesus’ Kingdom is…
Present
Matthew 4:17
at hand
Mark 1:15
near
Luke 17:20-21
In your midst
Matthew 28:20
With you always…
A Gift
John 3:3
Power
Luke 1:35
His life began in power
Power = dynamis (δύναμις)
Romans 8:11
The Holy Spirit
Problems
Isaiah 53:3
He experienced the full gamut of what it means to be human.
Matthew 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven…
John 16:33
in this world you will have trouble…
Purpose
To proclaim the kingdom!
Matthew 4:23
teaching, preaching the good news, and healing.
Mark 1:15, Mark 9:35, Luke 4:43
Perfection
Hebrew 4:15
He was tempted in all ways and yet He was sinless.
Matthew 4:48
Our calling as well
Hebrews 12:2
Revelation 21:3-5a
Perfect relationship
All things made perfectly new.
The Recipe for Spiritual Unity
The Recipe for Spiritual Unity
Dave Riddle - 3/29/20
Key Passage: Philippians 2:1-4
Our Motivation for Spiritual Unity (Philippians 2:1)
Encouragement in Christ
Encouragement = paraklēsis (παράκλησις)
Coming alongside someone to give them assistance, comfort, or console.
Consolation of Love
Consolation = paramythion (παραμύθιον)
Speaking closely with someone. Giving comfort and solace. The word used for a mother who holds and comforts a crying child.
Fellowship With The Spirit
Fellowship = koinōnia (κοινωνία)
a partnership. invested in a shared relationship. Implies a commitment. A word of deep intimacy.
Affection and Mercy
Affection = splagchnon (σπλάγχνον)
Referring to one’s deep emotions. A heart of affection and tender mercy.
Mercy = oiktirmos (οἰκτιρμοί)
emotions, longings, pity
The Posture of Unity (Philippians 2:1-2)
Thinking the Same Way
Fully aligned
Likeminded
Having a common understanding
Having the Same Love
To love others equally.
Characterized by our love for one another.
1 John 3:14
United in Spirit
The only occurrence of this word in the New Testament.
Living harmoniously. United in Spirit
Being in full accord.
living in selfless harmony with others.
Intent on One Purpose
Similar to “Thinking the Same Way”
“One-minded”
emphasizing our pursuit or intentions.
These four principles are complementary and inseparable.
How Spiritual Unity is Lived Out (Philippians 2:3-4)
In Humility
In Humility = tapeinophrosynē (ταπεινοφροσύνῃ)
Having a humble opinion of one's self
1 Corinthians 10:24
1 Corinthians 13:5
Leviticus 19:18
Mark 10:45
He is With Us in This Boat
He is with us in this boat
Dave Riddle - 3/22/20
Key Passage: Mark 4:35-41
“Let’s take a boat ride.”
Mark 4:35
Jesus knew what they were getting into.
What Jesus didn’t say was “you guys go, and I’ll meet you later”.
He got in the boat with them.
Storms were not unusual for the sea of Galilee
Mark 4:37
megas lailaps
megas - big, huge, great, oversized.
lailaps - whirlwind, tempest, violent winds
“It is never a single gust, nor a steadily blowing wind, however violent; but a storm breaking forth from black thunder-clouds in furious gusts, with floods of rain, and throwing everything topsy-turvy.”
“Don’t you care?”
Mark 7:38
God understands us absolutely and completely.
“Hush be still”
Mark 7:39
From chaos to calm.
Psalm 107:24-30
“Why are you afraid?”
Mark 4:40
A great question for us too. Why are we afraid?
Fear is not something to be ashamed of.
“Fear will always knock at your door, just don’t invite it to come and stay”
Fear can alert us to danger.
Fear can’t have the last word and it can’t be our guide.
“Do you still have no faith?
Mark 4:40
These disciples had been with Jesus a long time.
They had witnessed him do incredible things.
Mark 4:41 - The followers were very afraid…
Fear will be with us.
David - “When I am afraid I will trust in you”
not if, but when.
Fear will be there, but will we allow it to have the last word?
“Who is this?”
Mark 4:41
An important question for them, and for us!
The most important question we can ask.
Hope in the Midst of Fear
Hope in the Midst of Fear
Dave Riddle - 3/15/20
Key Passage: 2 Corinthians 1:4
Life can be Difficult, Uncertain, Painful and Scary
John 16:33 - we will have trouble
Matthew 6:34 - Don’t worry about tomorrow… each day has enough trouble of its own.
Our God is Lord of All
Isaiah 46:10
He is present in our struggle
Emmanuel: God with us.
2 Corinthians 1:4 - He’s the one who comforts us in all our trouble…
There is hope beyond the struggle
John 16:33 - In this world you will have trouble… I have overcome the world.
Seize This Opportunity!
Trust in God
Psalm 56:3 - When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
John 14:1 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
Grow in your faith
James 1:2 - Consider it pure joy when you face trials… because the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
1 Peter 1:3-7
Be there for one another
2 Corinthians 1:4 - Comfort those in trouble with the comfort we have received from God.
Show God’s Love
Matthew 5:13 - Salt and light
Matthew 22:39 - Love your neighbor as yourself.
Just a Couple More Things...
Just a Couple More Things...
Dave Riddle - 3/08/20
Key Passage: Romans 16:17-23
Caution
Romans 16:17 - “Now I urge you brothers and sisters to watch out...”
“Urge”: parakaleō (παρακαλέω) - to admonish, exhort, entreat, beseech, or beg.
“Watch out”: skopeō (σκοπέω) - to take aim at (spy), to consider, take heed, mark.
Romans 16:17 - watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles...
Divisions, disunity...
Obstacles: skandalon (σκάνδαλον) - a trap, snare, any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall.
Romans 16:18 - ...such people do not serve our Lord but their own appetites.
Serve: douleuō (δουλεύω) - to be a slave, serve, do service
Slaves to their own desires
Romans 16:18 - ...they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words.
Avoid: ekklinō (ἐκκλίνω) - to deviate; to shun or turn away from, to go out of the way, avoid.
Separate yourselves from such people.
Encouragement
Romans 16:20 - The God of peace will soon crush Satan.
Not just caution, but encouragement!
Victory is on the way!
Psalm 8:16 - everything is beneath God’s feet.
Romans 16:21-23 - greetings from Paul, and his entourage.
Timothy: Paul’s protege
Tertius: Paul’s administrative assistant.
Gaius: Paul’s host
A reminder that they are all in this together.
The Apostle's Loving Salute
The Apostle’s Loving Salute
Dave Riddle - 3/01/20
Key Passage: Romans 16:1-16
The Wonderful Messenger - Phoebe
Romans 16:1 - I commend to you our sister Phoebe...
Romans 16:2 - welcome her and assist her as she did the same for me.
“Servant”: diakonos (Greek: διάκονος) - servant, deacon, helper.
An important partner in Paul’s ministry entrusted to deliver this important message.
The Gutsy Couple - Priscilla & Aquila
Romans 16:3-4a - my coworkers who risked their own lives for mine...
They discipled and invested in Paul early in his ministry
Read more about them in Acts 18
Romans 16:4b - not just significant to Paul, but to all the gentile churches.
The Dedicated Friends - Many people!
Romans 16:5-15 - a long list of names.
A Few Takeaways from this list of people
Diversity / Unity
Diverse: Both Jews and gentiles.
Diverse: Significant class diversity
This list includes names that were popularly used for slaves.
Also included are people of influence and power, including possibly people in Caesar’s own household.
Diverse: among the men there are also 9 women mentioned (4 women singled out for their hard work).
United: Brothers and sisters in Christ
United: one church united despite their differences.
Depth of Relationship
These are people who Paul has spent time and served with.
Not shallow acquaintances.
Strength of Character
Romans 16:7 - “noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles...”
Apostle: two ways to interpret this word:
Strict: the 12 core disciples of Jesus (minus Judas plus Matthias). Paul is often included in this group as well.
General: all those sent out by Jesus.
A better translation would probably be: “outstanding among the apostles”
Missionaries sent out by Jesus, included among the more general definition of the word “apostle”.
What do we take away from this list of names?
An incredibly diverse list like this reminds us of how the gospel unites us despite our differences.
It cuts through our differences and brings us together.
Pray for Me!
***We’re sorry to say that this week’s message was not recorded due to some technical difficulties. The notes from the message can be found below and we hope to be back up and running with audio next week. We’re sorry for the inconvenience! ***
Pray for Me!
Dave Riddle - 2/23/20
Key Passage: Romans 15:30-33
Paul’s Passionate Plea
Romans 15:30 - “I appeal to you”
“Appeal”: parakaleō (Greek: παρακαλέω) - to beg, entreat, beseech.
Romans 15:30 - “strive together with me”
synagōnizomai (Greek: συναγωνίζομαι) - agonize together, struggle in company with, to labor fervently, i.e. (figuratively) to be a partner (assistant):—strive together with. Used to describe ancient Olympic wrestlers.
Why don’t we ask for prayer in this way?
Pride? Unbelief?
Paul’s Specific Requests
Related to Jerusalem
Protection
Romans 15:31 - “pray that I may be rescued...”
Reception
Romans 15:31 - “pray... that my ministry will be acceptable to the saints”
Why is Paul asking this?
The offering we talked about last week.
There was some tension between Paul and the Jewish believers who felt that he had devalued his Jewish heritage.
Related to Rome
Arrival
Romans 15:32 - “that, by God’s will, I may come to you with joy.”
He has been prevented many times from visiting them already (Romans 15:23b)
Rejuvenation
Romans 15:32 - “refreshed together with you.”
Paul’s prayer for them:
God’s Serene Presence
Romans 15:33 - “May the God of peace be with all of you. Amen”
eirēnē (Greek: εἰρήνη) - peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord. The tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
How does the story end?
we can assume the Roman believers prayed along with Paul for these things.
Most likely an answered prayer
We don’t know how the Jewish believers accepted Paul’s gift.
From what we can see this gift didn’t appear to have caused any problems.
Most likely an answered prayer.
Was Paul protected?
A mixed bag of answered and unanswered prayers.
He went through some terrible things and was protected from some terrible things.
Did Paul arrive in Rome safely?
An answered prayer, but not in the way Paul expected.
Paul arrived, but as a prisoner after a long and harrowing journey.
Paul’s Apostolic Travel Plan
Paul’s Apostolic Travel Plan
Dave Riddle - 2/16/20
Key Passage: Romans 15:22-29
What Was
Romans 15:23b - ...I have strongly desired for many years to come to you...
He never allows his personal desires to override his calling.
Taking the gospel to those who had never heard it was Paul’s primary objective.
What Is
Romans 15:23a - But now I no longer have any work to do in these regions...
There was still a lot of work to be done, but Paul’s work was finished.
He had planted churches, trained leaders, and empowered believers.
Romans 15:25 - Right now I’m traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints...
Why was the church in Jerusalem so impoverished?
Potentially as a result of their extreme generosity (as seen in Acts 2 & 4).
Romans 15:26-27
Paul acknowledges the importance of the Jerusalem church in the planting and thriving of churches all around the Mediterranean.
He is asking now for those churches to bless the Jerusalem church in the midst of their great need.
What‘s Next
Romans 15:28 - I will visit you on the way to Spain.
Spain was one of the furthest reaches of the Roman government at the time
Many Jews, few Christians.
A place ripe for the gospel.
A tremendously long and difficult journey.
Romans 15:24 - I hope to see you when I pass though and to be assisted by you...
He isn’t staying long.
He anticipates being “filled up” by their fellowship and support.
What’s For Sure
Romans 15:29 - ...I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
He takes the focus off himself and places it on Jesus.
What do we take away?
Paul’s preoccupation with the Gospel
The importance he places on people in need.
The importance Paul places on the mutual benefit we have in building each other up.
Paul's Apostolic Recap
Paul’s Apostolic Recap
Dave Riddle - 2/09/20
Key Passage: Romans 15:14-21
Notes to His Readers
Affirmation
Romans 15:14
you are full of goodness and knowledge
Challenge
Romans 15:15
nevertheless... remember
Description of His Ministry
Priestly
Romans 15:16
a priest of the gospel.
Offering his gentile converts up to God as a living sacrifice.
Acceptable and pleasing
Supernatural
Romans 15:18-19
His ministry is not about his own talent or intellect, but what God is doing through him.
Good News
Romans 15:19-20
Paul’s one desire was to be obsessed with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Everything that we have to offer the world is rooted in the good news
Trailblazing
Romans 15:20
Taking the gospel where it’s never been before!
Do you have a clear picture of what God is calling you to do?
Stay The Course
Stay The Course
02/02/2020 - Dave Riddle
Key Passage:
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Romans - The Weak and The Strong
The Weak and The Strong
Dave Riddle - 1/26/20
Key Passage: Romans 14:1-15:13
In this context, “the weak” are most likely Jewish Christians who are hung up on strict dietary and ceremonial laws.
Full and Total Acceptance
Romans 14:1
Welcome them and don’t quarrel over opinions!
“Welcome” - proslambanō (προσλαμβάνω) take hold of; bring along; lead aside; welcome; gather together; take as ones helper; partner.
Love them.
Romans 14:2
Freedom vs. strict adherence
No Contempt or Condemnation
Romans 14:3-13a
We can’t allow minor disagreements to cause division among us.
We welcome them:
Because God does.
Because of Christ’s work
Because they’re our brothers and sisters.
Because we will ALL stand before God’s judgement some day.
Seek Peace and Health, not Stress and Destruction
Romans 14:13b-23
14:13 - don’t cause stress and strife
14:19 - pursue peace and build others up.
Choose to Support Others More than Satisfying Self
Romans 15:1-13
15:1 - the strong have an obligation to bear the weakness of the weak.
15:2 - how do my choices impact others and help them grow in their faith?
Practical exhortations built on theological foundations.
Therefore...
Romans 15:7
Accept (proslambanō) one another, just as Christ also accepted (proslambanō) you!
Romans - Living In-Between
Living In-Between
Dave Riddle - 1/19/20
Key Passage: Romans 13:11-14
You Know What Time It Is
It’s time to get up.
Romans 13:11
Our salvation is getting close
Romans 13:11
It’s almost daybreak.
Romans 13:12
Therefore…
Dress for battle
Romans 13:12
Live properly.
Romans 13:13
Sink into Jesus.
Romans 13:14
Romans - It Really is This Simple...
It Really is This Simple…
Dave Riddle - 1/12/20
Key Passage: Romans 13:8-10
Love
It’s the one thing we owe each other
Romans 13:8
It summarizes and completes the law
Romans 13:8-9
It seeks the best for others
Romans 13:9-10
It’s personified in Jesus
Romans - Government Matters
Romans - Government Matters
Dave Riddle - 1/05/20
Key Passage: Romans 13:1-7
The Authority of the State
Romans 13:1 - let everyone submit
“Submit” - hypotassō (Greek: ὑποτάσσω) to place; arrange under; to post under; to subject; to be obedient, to carry a burden
Luke 2:51 - Jesus submitted to his parents’ authority.
Ephesians 5:21 - submit yourself to one another
John 19:11 - you would have no authority over me if it had not been given to you from above.
The Function of the State
Romans 13:3-4
We know that this isn’t always true.
Paul is expressing the ideal.
1. The state should exist to restrict and punish evil.
2. The state should promote and reward goodness
Is wrong to speak out against authority? No!
We have a right and a responsibility to do so when the state isn’t living up to these ideals.
Our Relationship with the State
Romans 13:5
Therefore, you must submit.
What about when the will of the state is at direct odds with the will of God?
Acts 5:27-29
We must obey God rather than men.
Romans 12:18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone
Romans 13:6-7
what do we owe?
Tangible - tolls and taxes
Intangible - respect and honor
The Excuses We Make
The Excuses We Make
Paul Trulock - 12/29/19
Key Passage: Exodus 3-4
The simple call
Exodus 3:7-10 - I have a plan, and you have a role to play.
God sees what’s happening.
God is sending you.
I’m not qualified!
Exodus 3:11 - “who am I...?”
What is God asking you to do?
I don’t have all the answers
Exodus 3:13 - what if they ask me...?
You don’t have to have all the answers.
It’s ok to say “I don’t know”
Exodus 3:14 - you don’t have to have all the answers, just point them to God.
I might look foolish!
Exodus 4:1
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
God can use us despite our weakness and lack.
It’s not about the man, but the message
Exodus 4:2-7
I’m not good with words!
Exodus 4:10 - I’m slow and hesitant in speech.
Exodus 4:11 - Our strength is not in ourselves but in God
Can you pick someone else?
Exodus 4:13 - please send someone else
Exodus 4:14-16 - He didn’t need Aaron, all he needed was God, but God provided a support system anyway.
Embarrassed to share God’s call with others
Exodus 4:18 - he comes up with an excuse for why he needed to go to Egypt.
We need community and we need encouragement, and we need to be willing to be those things for others!
Hello My Name is... Prince of Peace
Hello my name is: Prince of Peace
Dave Riddle - 12/22/19
Key Passage: Isaiah 9:6
sar (Hebrew: שַׂר) - a captain, master, chief, ruler, commander, leader, or prince. A person of nobility or rank.
used over 380x in the Hebrew Bible, to refer to various types of government or religious officials, rulers of cities, etc.
see also: czar, tsar, caesar
Not just a prince over us, but a prince with us.
shalowm (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם) - a very broad term that means health, security, tranquility, good condition, success, comfort, and more.
it has layers of meaning related to peace.
Widely used in the Hebrew Bible, shalowm clearly depicts a satisfied condition, an unconcerned state of peacefulness.
Peace Brings Confidence
John 16:33
You will have suffering in this world, but be courageous because Jesus has conquered the world!
Peace Brings Rest
Matthew 11:29
...you will find rest for your souls.
Peace Brings Reconciliation
Romans 5:1
Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God.
Peace is a Gift
John 14:27 (HCSB): Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.
Unending
Complete
Above & Beyond
Philippians 4:7 - (ICB) And God’s peace will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The peace that God gives is so great that we cannot understand it.
Colossians 3:15
Is He the master of your heart?
Is He your sar of shalowm?