http://http:lakeregionbiblechurch.org Lake Region Bible Church Podcasts en Lake Region Bible Church Podcasts Lake Region Bible Church no Lake Region Bible Church efcamarcus@sbcglobal.net ℗ & © 2010 Lake Region Bible Church 720 INTRODUCTION (adapted from The Epistle to the Romans, by Douglas J. Moo): 1. Rome & the NT Church (50’s A.D.): ● The Greco-Roman World: a Greek influenced culture of the Roman Empire. Jews/Christians were scattered throughout, but were minority groups living in a pagan world. ● The Church in Rome: probably started by Roman Jews converted at Pentecost (Acts 2), who brought the gospel back to Rome. Gentile presence within the church was increasing as the gospel spread. The Jews were temporarily expelled from Rome (A.D. 49-54), so the church in Rome become largely & quickly Gentile in membership (and was probably made up of numerous house churches – see Ro 16:1ff). By the time Paul writes Romans, the Jews had returned, but relationships between Jewish & Gentile Christians were strained (with Gentile indifference-arrogance towards Jews; and the Jews’ reliance/overemphasis on the OT law in their NT faith). ● Our Church & World Today. 2. Paul’s letter to the Romans: ● Paul as a Missionary: Paul’s on his 3rd missionary journey, probably writing while in Corinth (A.D. 57), with plans to visit Jerusalem, Rome, & then begin a mission work in Spain (Ro 15:22-29). ● Some Theological Highlights: The continuity/faithfulness of God’s salvific plan from the OT thru the NT (& how Israel/Gentiles, law/grace fit in); The problem of sin; Justification by faith thru Christ; Life in Christ & holy living; The believer’s security amidst trials & death; and Unity in the church). ● The Overarching theme of Romans: “the Gospel” (Ro 1:16-17). KNOWING THE GOSPEL (Points #2 thru 6 adapted from a message by D.A. Carson on 1Cor 15:1ff). 1. This is God’s Gospel: grounded in God’s Promise and Faithfulness (vs1-2). 2. The Gospel is Prophetic and Biblical: grounded in the Holy Scriptures (vs1-2). 3. The Gospel is Christ-centered: and Eschatological in Nature (vs3-5). 4. The Gospel is Historical: and Apostolic in Nature (vs1,3-5). 5. The Gospel is Life-transforming: and Cross-culturally Relevant (vs5, 14-15). 6. The Gospel is Theological: and Personally Relevant (vs6-7, 16-17). 7. The Gospel is Missional: and Experienced in Unifying Fellowship (vs8-17). LIVING & PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL. 1. Do we know the Living Christ? 2. Do we have a Godly Passion & Confidence in the Gospel? ● thru Biblical Faith & Understanding: Knowing God and His Gospel; ● thru Discipleship & Encouragement: Living in the fellowship of the church, as Christ’s servants and for His glory; ● by Trusting in God’s Power: Unashamed of the Gospel and sharing Christ with unbelievers. http://www.sermoncloud.com/lrbc/living-and-proclaiming-the-gospel-with-godly-passion-and-confidence-romans-11-17--message-39-03-14-10 http://media.monkserve.com/EKK/2070/living-and-proclaiming-the-gospel-with-godly-passion-and-confidence-romans-11-17--message-39-03-14-10.mp3 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:54:28 GMT Pastor Marcus Johnson Discipleship and Evangelism 55:01 INTRODUCTION. 1. Our New Sermon Series ● Topic: Discipleship & Evangelism; ● Theme: Engaging the Culture and Preaching the Cross; ● An Emphasis on God (out of which rises who we are/what we do): God’s Love & Call, God’s Revelation, God’s Gospel, God’s Wrath, God’s Wisdom, God’s Kingdom, God’s Suffering-Church, God’s Missional-Church, God’s Eternal Plan & Sovereign Power. 2. The Gospel according to John (today’s passage in context) ● Author: the Apostle John (known as the beloved disciple: Jn 21:20); probably writing from Ephesus (Turkey); in the 60’s to 90’s A.D. ● Recipients: probably Greek-influenced Jews and God-fearing Gentiles familiar with OT Scriptures (but not believers in Christ) ● Themes: Jesus as the Son of God; Various topics such as life, light, darkness, night, witness, true, truth, the world, glory, and belief. Quote: “…the Son of God was sent into the world to become the Jesus of history, so that the glory and grace of God might be uniquely and perfectly disclosed [made known]” – D.A. Carson (The Gospel According to John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary). ● An Evangelistic Purpose for Writing: “but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31 (ESV). KNOWING JESUS. 1st, thru the Gospel Witness: and within a Christ-Centered Discipleship (vs35-37); 2nd, by Seeking Christ: thru a Faith-based Relationship (vs38-40); 3rd, as the Lord of the Scriptures: who knows us and transforms us into His likeness (vs41-42). SHARING THE GOSPEL THRU RELATIONSHIPS. 1st, by Intentionally Making Disciples: with the people God entrusts to us; 2nd, by Intentionally Pointing people to Christ: and bringing unbelievers to Him; 3rd, with Engaging Invitations: and by speaking the “language” of sinners (see: http://vimeo.com/8085333 by Karl Anderson); 4th, with the Joy of being Christ’s Witnesses: and by trusting in His captivating presence and power. http://www.sermoncloud.com/lrbc/knowing-jesus-and-sharing-the-gospel-thru-relationships-john-135-42--message-29-03-07-10 http://media.monkserve.com/EKK/2070/nowing-jesus-and-sharing-the-gospel-thru-relationships-john-135-42--message-29-03-07-10.mp3 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:50:25 GMT Pastor Marcus Johnson Discipleship and Evangelism relational_evangelism,sharing_the_gospel,knowing_jesus 56:06 INTRODUCTION. 1. Some Key Terms for our new Sermon Series: ● Topic (Discipleship & Evangelism): "Discipleship" - following Jesus by faith in obedience to God’s word, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and thru the fellowship of the Church (a disciple is a learner, follower). "Evangelism" - "Evangel" means “the gospel or good news” (Mk 1:1; Rom 1:1; 1Co 15:1); from the Greek word euangelion (good news). "Evangelist" means “messenger/preacher of the gospel” (Eph 4:11). "Angel" means “messenger” in Greek (Lk 2:9-10) (hence "ev 'angel' ist"). "Evangelism" means “proclaiming or preaching the gospel” (Mt 11:5; 1Co 15:1). "Evangelical" means “characterized by the gospel” (the evangel). ● Theme (Engaging the Culture and Preaching the Cross): "Engaging the Culture" (see 1Cor 9:19ff) - Becoming all things to all people through all means for the purpose of leading sinners to saving faith in Christ. "Preaching the Cross" (see Rom 1:16ff; 1Co 1:18 – 2:5) - Proclaiming the gospel as God’s power to save & transform sinners thru the cross (and His choosing the lowly of the world). The message of the cross is offensive to a spiritually blind and rebellious world (the cross is a stumbling block and foolishness to those who refuse to believe, due to its intrinsic humility, weakness, shame, surrender, suffering and death). 2. Today’s Scripture in Context (Matthew 9:9-13): ● “The Gospel according to Matthew” – written by the Apostle (and Evangelist) Matthew probably in the 50’s – 60’s A.D.; possibly to the church in Antioch (Jewish-Gentile membership). Matthew (Levi) was a Jewish tax collector in Israel, who left everything to follow Jesus. ● Mth 1 – 4: Introduction to Jesus Christ and the Gospel; ● Mth 5 – 7: Discipleship/Kingdom living defined (Sermon on the Mount); ● Mth 8 – 9: the Kingdom is Expanding: → thru the Messiah’s Authority & Power (showing Jesus as the Messiah); → thru Jesus’ Healing & Compassion (for the social outcasts); → thru the Cost/Call of Discipleship (disappointing & unexpected). ● Mth 10: Missionary Mandates (for the Apostles; to Israel/the World). THE RADICAL CALL OF DISCIPLESHIP. 1st, is Unexpected & Life-transforming (v9); 2nd, is for Social Outcasts: and it is Experienced thru Jesus’ Compassion (v10); 3rd, is Offensive to the Rebellious: but Good News for helpless Sinners (vs11-13). CUTTING-EDGE EVANGELISM 1st, Rises out of Radical Discipleship: in which we Follow Jesus wholeheartedly as a way of life; 2nd, is Lived out Incarnationally [Christ became one of us & lived among us (loving us sinners) – Let us follow in His example]: ● as we Meet People on their Turf; ● as we Love and Reach out to Social Outcasts; ● as we Open up our Homes to the Lost; ● as we Introduce People to Jesus Christ; ● as we Share the Gospel with Sinners. http://www.sermoncloud.com/lrbc/radical-discipleship-produces-cutting-edge-evangelism-matthew-99-13--discipleshipevangelism-message-19-02-28-10 http://media.monkserve.com/EKK/2070/radical-discipleship-produces-cutting-edge-evangelism-mt-99-13--discipleshipevangelism-msg-19-02-28-10.mp3 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:45:53 GMT Pastor Marcus Johnson Discipleship and Evangelism discipleship,evangelism,incarnational_ministry 56:12 http://www.sermoncloud.com/lrbc/do-justly-love-mercy-and-walking-humbly-with-your-god-micah-61-8--by-elder-kurt-anderson-02-21-10 http://media.monkserve.com/EKK/2070/do-justly-love-mercy-and-walking-humbly-with-your-god-micah-61-8-02-21-10.mp3 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:34:56 GMT Topical micah,justice,mercy,humility,worship 41:59 INTRODUCTION. 1st, Summary of 1 – 3 John*: ● 1 John: probably written to one church, yet intended to be read by multiple congregations in the surrounding area. ● 2 John: written to and for one church (possibly the church which initially received the letter of 1 John). ● 3 John: written to one person named Gaius (possibly in the church which received the letter of 2 John). It is possible, but uncertain, that all 3 letters were written and sent together by John, and delivered by a man named Demetrius (see 3rd John v12). ● Interpreting 1 – 3 John: (a) The Gospel according to John guides us in understanding 1st John; (b) 1st John guides us in understanding 2nd & 3rd John. 2nd, A Comparison of 2nd & 3rd John: ● Expressing Godly-pastoral Love: 2 John vs1-3; 3 John vs1-3; ● Giving Encouragement with Requests: 2 John vs4-7; 3 John vs4-8; ● Giving Exhortations in Fellowship: 2 John vs7-13; 3 John vs9-15; ● Let us Follow John’s Example: of Godly Leadership & Discipleship. (Two Main Points). BE DEVOTED TO GOSPEL MINISTRY. 1st, As Believers who are Loved: Pastorally & in the Truth (Gospel) (vs1-2). 2nd, By Walking in the Truth (or in Faithfulness to the Gospel) (vs3-4). 3rd, By Supporting Ministers of the Gospel (vs5-8). EMBRACE BIBLICAL AUTHORITY. 1st, By Guarding against Selfish-ambition and Exercising Church Discipline (vs9-10). 2nd, Thru Godly Living and by Praising the Godly among us (vs11-12). 3rd, Unto the Joy of Christ-centered Fellowship (vs13-15 ). http://www.sermoncloud.com/lrbc/devoted-to-gospel-ministry-and-embracing-biblical-authority-3-john-1vs1-15--message-1414-02-14-10 http://media.monkserve.com/EKK/2070/devoted-to-gospel-ministry-and-embracing-biblical-authority.mp3 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 22:35:33 GMT Pastor Marcus Johnson The Letters of John itinerant_preachers,selfish_ambition,biblical_authority,apostle_john,gaius,diotrephes,demetrius,gospel,truth 53:35 INTRODUCTION: (The Letters of John). 1. BACKGROUND: most likely written in the 70’s to 90’s A.D., by the apostle John, to believers living in Asia minor (modern day Turkey). It is reported that John began to minister in and around Ephesus, after leaving Jerusalem (before its fall to Rome in 67 to 70 A.D.). This same John wrote The Gospel according to John and probably Revelation. The church/churches addressed in 1-3 John are possibly connected to or similar to the 7 churches listed in Revelation 2 & 3. 2. A BRIEF SUMMARY: ● 1 John: probably written to one church, yet intended to be read by multiple congregations who had been ministered to by John. ● 2 John: written to and for one church (possibly the church which initially received the letter of 1 John). ● 3 John: written to one person, an individual named Gaius (possibly in the church which received the letter of 2 John). It is possible, but uncertain, that all 3 letters were written and sent together by John, and delivered by a man named Demetrius (see 3rd John v12). ● Some Dominant Themes: God’s revelation in Christ, fellowship, joy, walking in the truth, loving one another, guarding against false teachings, and assurance of eternal life. JOHN’S PASTORAL HEART. 1. Expressing Godly Love (vs1-3): pastorally, in the church, and thru Christ’s abiding truth. 2. Requesting Godly Love (vs4-6): that we love one another by obeying God’s commands. 3. Exhorting fellow Believers (vs7-13): ● to recognize demonic deception (v7); ● to watch ourselves and win a full reward (v8); ● to abide in the teaching of Christ (v9); ● to take a stand against false teachings, amidst faithful hospitality (vs10-11); ● thru a Christ-centered fellowship that makes our joy complete (vs12-13). SUMMARY: WALKING IN THE TRUTH AND LOVING ONE ANOTHER. 1. with a Christ-centered Faith & Life; 2. thru the fellowship of the Church; 3. by Standing against False Teachings (which is one way we love each other biblically). http://www.sermoncloud.com/lrbc/walking-in-the-truth-and-loving-one-another-2-john--message-1314-02-07-10 http://media.monkserve.com/EKK/2070/walking-in-the-truth-and-loving-one-another-2-john--message-1314-02-07-10.mp3 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:11:08 GMT Pastor Marcus Johnson The Letters of John walking_in_the_truth,loving_one_another,pastor's_heart,belief_in_jesus_christ,local_church,standing_against_the_false_doctrines 55:59 ANGER: What it is and how you deal with It. I. FOUR TYPES OF ANGER: A. Explosive; B. Non-explosive; C. Righteous; D. Fear. II. WHY WE GET ANGRY: A. Comparative living; B. Thinking God does not hear; C. Left out of the loop; D. Disappointment; E. Losing control. III. WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT: A. Be kind; B. Be compassionate; C. Be forgiving; D. Get rid of bitterness: 1. Rage, 2. Anger, 3. Brawling, 4. Slander, 5. Malice. IV. WHY GRACE IS THE ANSWER. http://www.sermoncloud.com/lrbc/anger-ephesians-426-32--by-elder-clarence-williams-01-31-10 http://media.monkserve.com/EKK/2070/anger-ephesians-426-32--by-elder-clarence-williams-01-31-10.mp3 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:23:16 GMT Clarence Williams Topical god's_grace,anger 45:06 Introduction *The notes in this introduction rely heavily upon the following two sources: The Epistles of John by I. Howard Marshall, and 1-3 John by Robert W. Yarbrough. 1. John’s Purpose for Writing (reminder: he is writing to believers) ● that we would have a Christ-centered, Joy-filled Fellowship with God & each other (1Jn 1:1-4). ● that we may not sin, yet know we are forgiven when we do sin: thru confession & thru Christ (1Jn 1:5-2:2). ● that we may know we have eternal life (1Jn 5:13). ● all three of these purposes are themes found in 1Jn 2:12-14. 2. Three-fold Assurance of Eternal Life (found throughout 1st John) ● Doctrinal: Belief in Jesus as the Christ & the Son of God. ● Ethical: Obeying God’s commands. ● Relational: Loving God & loving one another. 3. Experiencing Assurance of Eternal Life (in 1Jn 5:13-21) ● thru Godly confidence in prayer. ● thru God’s power & protection in our daily lives. OUR ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE... 1. is based on our Faith in Jesus Christ (v13) 2. is Experienced thru Godly Confidence in Prayer (vs14-17) ● God Hears us and grants our Requests (vs14-15) ● God grows us in Christ thru our Intercessory prayers for each other (vs16-17) 3. is Experienced as God’s children: (vs18-19) thru His Power and His Protection 4. is Given to us thru the Revelation of Jesus Christ (vs20-21). http://www.sermoncloud.com/lrbc/our-assurance-of-eternal-life-experienced-in-daily-life-1-john-513-21--message-1214-01-24-10 http://media.monkserve.com/EKK/2070/ur-experience-of-eternal-life-experienced-in-daily-life-1-john-513-21--message-1214-01-24-10.mp3 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:34:06 GMT Pastor Marcus Johnson The Letters of John assurance_of_eternal_life,faith_in_jesus,son_of_god,confidence_in_prayer,god's_power_and_protection,revelation_of_jesus_christ,true_god,idols 53:02 Review of 1 John 4:13-21 ● True love is Gospel-Centered: To say that the Gospel is about love is true, but incomplete. John addresses this issue in the reverse order. Love is defined, revealed, and experienced thru the Gospel, which itself is God-centered (revealing and proclaiming God’s being, God’s character, and God’s actions). ● Perfect love casts out fear: We fear the Lord in godly living, but as God’s children we do not fear the final judgment. Therefore, as God’s love transforms us and because we do not fear judgment, we are empowered and set free to love one another, which we will do if we truly believe. THE POWER IN OUR CHRIST-CENTERED FAITH 1. We live Victoriously in this Life (vs1-5) ● thru Faith in Jesus: He is the Christ and the Son of God (vs1&5) ● thru Spiritual Birth: which empowers us to Love God & others and to obey His commandments (vs1-3) ● by Overcoming the World: thru Spiritual Birth & Faith in Jesus. (vs4-5) 2. Summary Highlights of vs1-5: ● The God-centeredness of Love (1 John 4:7 – 5:5) We love ← (because) we are born of God and we know God: 1Jn 4:7 Some people do not love ← they do not know God: 1Jn 4:8 We know love ← God sent His Son and loved us: 1Jn 4:9-10 We love ← God abides in us/His love is perfected in us: 1Jn 4:11-13 We confess Jesus as Son of God ← God abides in us/we in Him: 1Jn 4:14f We love ← we abide in God & He first loved us: 1Jn 4:16-19 Some people hate ← they do not love God: 1Jn 4:20 We believe in Jesus as the Christ ← we are born of God: 1Jn 5:1 We love each other ← we love the Father/obey His commands: 1Jn 5:1-3 We overcome the world ← we are born of God: 1Jn 5:4 We overcome world ← we believe Jesus is the Son of God: 1Jn 5:5 ● We overcome the Lovelessness of the World thru Christ’s Victory. THE THEOLOGY OF CHRIST-CENTERED FAITH 1. We know the Truth about God (vs6-13) ● Jesus Christ is the God-Man who died on the Cross (vs6-8). ● God reveals Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ and by the Spirit (vs9-10). ● God’s Testimony assures us of our Eternal Life (vs11-13). 2. Summary Highlights of vs6-13: ● Be well-versed in Gospel-centered Christology. ● Live with the assurance of eternal life thru fellowship with Christ. http://www.sermoncloud.com/lrbc/overcoming-the-lovelessness-of-the-world-and-living-with-the-assurance-of-eternal-life-1jn-51-13--message-1114-01-17-10 http://media.monkserve.com/EKK/2070/overcoming-the-lovelessness-of-the-world-and-living-with-the-assurance-of-eternal-life-1jn-51-13--message-1114-01-17-10.mp3 Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:36:39 GMT Pastor Marcus Johnson The Letters of John faith_in_jesus,christ,son_of_god,victory,overcoming_the_world,god's_testimony,spirit,assurance_of_eternal_life 56:51 http://www.sermoncloud.com/lrbc/sermon-recording-failed-for-01-10-10-1jn-413-21message-1014-sorry Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:14:18 GMT