A&D Biker Ministries - "Growing the Kingdom of God . . . one Biker at a time"

1/03/2026

Three Cheers for the Christian

I. The Cheer of Christ’s Forgiveness – Matthew 9:2-8

A. A paralyzed man was once brought to Jesus, the Lord saw his faith and said, “Son be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” Matt.9:2-8.

B. Forgiveness was extended or offered and granted. This brought allegations of blasphemy against Jesus by the scribes because they did not recognize Him as God (Messiah). They did not believe Jesus had the authority to forgive sins.

C. Full forgiveness of sins is available to each person that will by faith believe on Jesus Christ and call on him for salvation (John 1:12; Romans 10:9-10,13).

D. Full forgiveness was accomplished when Jesus died on the cross and made the once for all sacrifice for sins through his substitutional vicarious sacrifice.

E. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” all was effectively accomplished.

F. Jesus’ resurrection demonstrated that He had defeated sin, death and Satan. It also proved that the sacrifice He made on the cross was accepted by God the Father.

II. The Cheer of Christ’s Companionship – Mark 6:50

A. Jesus had told his disciples to get into a ship and go over to Bethsaida, while He sent the people away and then went into a mountain to pray.

B. Later that evening, Jesus came to his disciples while they were in the midst of the sea and “toiling in rowing,” as they fought the wind gusts and the gales.

C. When Christ miraculously walked on the troubled sea of Galilee, He told his fearful disciples, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid” Mark 6:50.

D. This account demonstrates that Jesus can give us the peace of His presence during our storms of life.

III. The Cheer of Christ’s Victory – John 16:33

A. The day before His crucifixion, the Lord promised the His disciples, “Be of good courage. I have overcome the world” John 16:33.

B. In the previous verses the disciples affirmed their belief that Jesus came from God the Father and knew all things.

C. Jesus responded by asking his disciples, “Do you now believe?”

Do you really believe? Do you??? (John 16:31)

D. He then told them that soon they would all be scattered and leave him alone. (John 16:32) Yet, He would not be alone for the Father was with Him.

E. Jesus then proclaimed, “these things have I spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace.

F. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” V.33

Conclusion: These three accounts of Jesus saying, “Be of Good Cheer” provide us with reasons we as well can be assured of forgiveness, companionship and victory through Christ.

12/27/2025

The Visit of the Wise Men

Matthew 2:1-11

What Did the Gifts of the Magi Signify and Represent?

The Magi presented to the young Jesus three types of gifts: Gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were not random gifts that they had lying around, they were each significant at the time, and they have important meanings for us today.

During the Christmas season, the story of the Magi bringing their gifts to the Christ Child in Matthew 2 can be a helpful reminder of the kinds of “gifts” that God wants from us. Their gifts of the Magi weren't just valuable; they were deeply meaningful and filled with spiritual significance. The gifts symbolized their recognition of Jesus as King, God, and Savior. In the same way, their story can inspire us to think about the “gifts” God desires from us today.

At some point, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem, several Magi traveled to see him by following a unique star or light in the sky. These Magi (otherwise known as “Wise Men”) were a special class of priests in the Persian Empire that had been around for a long time, at least since Daniel was appointed to be their leader by King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 5).

They were religious professors, philosophers, and scholars who were highly educated in many fields, including religion, astronomy, and even astrology (which is why they were paying attention to the stars in the first place).

It is very possible that while Daniel was overseeing these Magi, he taught them the prophecies about the coming Messiah (such as in Numbers 24:17 and Micah 5:2). Quite possibly, they had been waiting on Jesus’ birth for a long time.

Because of their knowledge and influence, they also served as political advisors and even “king-makers,” — which is a very interesting connection considering that the Book of Matthew (that presents Jesus as the rightful king in the line of Judah) is the only gospel account that mentions this story.

But these men did not risk their lives to make this journey (especially considering their interaction with the evil King Herod) in order to make a political move, teach a seminar, or advise a king — they were traveling from the Far East to worship “he who has been born king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2).

When the Magi finally found the house where the Christ Child was staying, they “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy,” fell down on their faces before Jesus and Mary and worshiped him (an appropriate reaction to being in the presence of the King of Kings).

Then they opened their treasures and presented three types of gifts to the young Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were not random gifts that they had lying around; they were each significant at the time, and they have important meanings for us today.

The Three Gifts of the Magi

1. Gold is a precious metal that has been used for jewelry, ornaments, currency, and idols throughout human history because of its color and shine.

2. Frankincense is an expensive fragrance or perfume made from trees in India and Arabia.

3. Myrrh is a specific kind of costly perfume made from rare thorn bushes in Arabia and Ethiopia that is used as an antiseptic anointing oil and embalming fluid.

While these gifts would have been rare and very costly for the Magi to give to Jesus’ family, they were not unheard of in first-century Palestine.

However, while gold and perfume might make nice “Christmas gifts,” myrrh is an odd (or even inappropriate) gift choice for a family with a newborn baby. As one writer put it, “Embalming liquid never appears to top the lists of baby shower gifts in society today.”

But as this author suggests, these gifts were diplomatic representations of each of the Magi’s cultures. Based on where they were each from, they “honored the King… in a way that fit their nationality.”

In a similar way, because these gifts were expensive, they demonstrated the level of sacrificial love and worship they had for this newborn King. This was not a gesture of altruism. It was adulation.

The Magi were not purchasing anything with their gifts. They were praising. John Piper eloquently expressed it like this:

The gifts are intensifiers of desire for Christ himself in much the same way that fasting is. When you give a gift to Christ like this, it’s a way of saying, “The joy that I pursue… is not the hope of getting rich with things from you. I have not come to you for your things, but for yourself. And this desire I now intensify and demonstrate by giving up things, in the hope of enjoying you more, not things. By giving to you what you do not need, and what I might enjoy, I am saying more earnestly and more authentically, ‘You are my treasure, not these things.’”

Almost ironically, though, God is clear through his word that he does not need anything that we have to offer. As the apostles preached in the Book of Acts:

“God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made by man, neither is he worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he gives to all life and breath and all things. And hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth and has determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation, that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though He be not far from every one of us, for “In him we live and move and have our being...” (Acts 17:24-28).

Spiritual Meaning of the Magi Gifts

The ancient church understood that the three types of gifts clearly symbolize three key aspects of Christ’s identity. Many infer that there were three wise men because of the mention of the three gifts, but there may have been more than three Magi who visited.

The gift of gold points to Jesus’ royalty, the frankincense to his divinity, and the myrrh to his humanity.

In fact, you could argue that through their gift-giving, the Magi “preached” the gospel in a tangible way. Whether they fully knew it or not, their gifts told the story of how God himself came down from Heaven as our King (gold) to fulfill the prophesies of one that would sit on the throne of David forever- II Samuel 7:16. And in fulfillment of his priestly duties frankincense was used for special anointing and offering of sacrifices- Exodus 30:34-38; and eventually He died for our sins as our sacrificial Savior and myrrh was used as a special apothecary used in the burial process.

Since the gift of myrrh was the oddest gift, it especially points forward to the day that Jesus would die for the sins of the world.

This element was given to Jesus here at the beginning of his life as well as at the end of his life when he was hanging on the cross (Mark 15:23) and then was buried in the tomb (John 19:39).

Thankfully for humanity, though, that burial was only temporary — because three days later, he rose again. And because of his resurrection, we can have eternal life.

Today, as we read about this “first Christmas” event, there are at least two important lessons that we need to learn.

First, we need to learn that the main message behind the Magi story, gift-giving, and the rest of the Christmas (or Advent) holiday is that Jesus Christ came to earth to die to offer salvation for sinners — meaning you and me (1 Timothy 1:15; Luke 19:10). We should not lose sight of that.

Secondly, just as the Wise Men responded to the heavenly light above them by going and worshiping Jesus, the Christmas season calls us all to respond to Jesus in one way or another. There is a very interesting and informative video on YouTube-” The Star of Bethlehem” that explains how the star that led the Wise Men/Magi was super bright.

This truth is not only clear in the story of the Magi, but we also see it in the stories of the angels, the shepherds, the older saints in the temple, and even Herod (who responded to the news of a king by trying to kill him).

This is because Christmas presents us with the gospel, and the gospel demands a response. For Christians, Christmas calls us to worship. However, we have to choose what we worship. This is not just about avoiding materialism through the holidays (although that is important to do). It is about choosing to worship Jesus over everything else.

And because Jesus is the only true King, when we bow our hearts to him and lay our precious “gifts” before him, “then we are saying that he alone can satisfy our hearts.” Thankfully, King Jesus “never turns away from any heart that is open to him. Those who seek him will find him every time.” BTW, “Wise men still seek Him!”

God isn’t asking us for gold or rare spices, but He does invite us to give Him the best of what we have—our time, our talents, our love, and our trust. Just as the Magi offered their treasures with joy and reverence, we’re called to offer our hearts and lives to Him as acts of worship. This season is the perfect time to reflect on what we can bring to Jesus. Is it more time in prayer? A step of faith in sharing His love with others? A sacrifice of selfless service to someone in need?

The story of the Magi reminds us that the greatest gift we can offer isn’t something material—it’s the devotion of a heart fully surrendered to Him. Christmas is a time to celebrate the ultimate gift we’ve been given in Jesus and to consider how we can respond with gratitude, faith, and love.

12/13/2025

The Message of Christmas
is that God Came Down
Jesus came down to Earth
and took on Human flesh
Luke 2:9-11
John 1:14

The marvelous message of Christmas is that Jesus came down to earth and took on human form/human flesh in the incarnation. In doing this, He fulfilled centuries old prophesies and completed the plan that He and the Father had for the redemption of fallen man (Isaiah 9:6-7; John 1:14; Ephesians 1:3-4; I Peter 1:18-20.

I. God Came to Us- Luke 2:9-11; John 1:14

A. What a Great Condescension - Jesus left Heaven’s throne room to come to earth- His footstool (His creation).

1. He came and was somewhat subject to his creation.

2. This King of David’s line was not born in the grandeur of a palace but in a humble stable stall and was placed in a manager- an animal feeding through

B. What a Glorious Conception- Conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin.

1. This is a mystical miracle! Conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin.

2. This was unheard of, unthinkable- inconceivable! Matthew 1:20; Luke 2:18

3. As Mary questioned, “how can this thing be, seeing I have not known a man?

4. I love the statement in Luke 1:37- “For with God nothing shall be impossible”

5. BTW, if anyone knew that Mary was a virgin and that the baby conceived in her was a miracle- it was Mary! What a mystical miracle!

C. What a Grand Entrance- Galatians 4:4-5 At the precise time, God sent forth His Son- Heralded by the angelic announcement- Luke 2:9

1. “The glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they (the shepherds were sore afraid; and the angel said unto them, ‘fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” This good news is to us as well!

2. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Then verses 13-14- “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace good will to men.”

II. God Came For US- God's Gift to us- Isaiah 9:6; “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.” Consider John 3:16

A. Jesus came to be our Savior- “you shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins- Matthew 1:21

B. II Corinthians 5:19 & 21- “For He hath made Him who knew no sin, to be made sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

III. God Came to be With US= Immanuel (God with us) Isaiah 7:14- “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call His name Immanuel.” Cf. Matthew 1:23

A. Jesus came to be with us. For those of us who are saved, His indwelling presence is with us- His Holy Spirit indwells us.

B. And Jesus said, “...I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” And He also said, “...I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

C. God with us means that He is not aloof, or uncaring or uninterested. Sometimes we may feel that He is distant- but He is here, He is near! Have you talked with him in prayer? He longs for our fellowship- for conversation.

D. What does God with us mean today? It means that He is with us in the pain of losing a loved one; in our anger or frustration; in our pain or sadness of loss; in our times of joy and celebration- HE is With US!!

E. No matter where life has brought you to in this moment—through the good and through the bad—Jesus has been with you, drawing you to Him. He is the promised Immanuel. He is God with us!

11/21/2025

Luke 18:9-14

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Two Prayers and

One Conversion

Test: “He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and treated
others with contempt: Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax
collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men,
extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I
get.’ But the tax collector, standing afar off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his
breast, saying God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you this man went down to his house justified,
rather that the other. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles
himself will be exalted.”
**Notice first, Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves and treated others with
contempt. Such were the Pharisees, an esteemed group within Judaism, who viewed themselves as
keeping the law of Moses as perfectly as a man could (though no man kept the Law perfectly- except
Jesus). The Pharisees had a self-righteous pride, and looked down on others.
I. Two Different Men- Luke 18:10
A. The Pharisee- A very devout, religious man. V.10
1. Self-righteous. He was trusting in his own righteousness.
2. Condemned others in his proud arrogancy.
B. The Tax Collector- A despised, contemptuous person- V. 10
1. Viewed as a sell out to his own countrymen.
2. Accused of extorting others for personal gain.
II. Two Different Prayers- 18:10-13
A. Prayer of Pride- vs. 11-12
1. Thanking God not for His blessings, but that he is not like other men.
(we all tend to judge others or compare ourselves with others, or look down on some).
“I am not like others: extortioners, unjust, adulterers…”
2. Reminding God of how righteous, or religiously devout he was:
“I fast twice a week,” “I give tithes of all that I get.”
B. Prayer of Humility- v. 13
1. The tax collector, “standing far off,” not in a prominent place; “would not even lift up
his eyes to heaven.”
2. He beat on his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner.” Feeling completely
unworthy, he asked for God’s mercy. (i.e. The sinner’s prayer)
III. Two Different Results- 18:14
A. The Tax Collector was justified and forgiven.
B. The Pharisee left the temple unchanged and unjustified.
C. Romans 10:13- “For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”

11/08/2025

Five Things That God Wants Me To remember:

Introduction: Maybe you have a daily habit, like an exercise routine, devotional practice, or
some other activity that you do daily. Recently, I was asked what is a daily habit that I will
do to center my focus on God and draw closer to Him. Therefore, I have purposed to
review and meditate on the following Five Things that God wants me to remember:
I. I am Never alone- for Jesus said, “I am with you always…” Matthew 28:20
“…I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b
II. Nothing takes God by surprise-
A. He is all-knowing, sovereign and in control of everything.
B. Psalm 139:1-4; Hebrews 4:13
III. When I am weak, He is Strong-
“…for when I am weak , then am I strong” (in Christ) II Corinthians 12:10b
IV. He is the God of New Beginnings-
A. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed
away, behold all things have become new.” II Corinthians 5:17
B. “Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:5
V. His Love Never gives up on me-
A. Jeremiah 31:3b- “…I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
B. Romans 8:35; 37-39- “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall
tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or
sword?” vv.37-39- “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors
through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to
come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

11/01/2025

An Outline from the Model Prayer our Lord gave us. . .

Text verses: Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 (Read these passages)

I. Calling on Him as our Father- “Our Father which art in heaven” Matthew 6:9

A. He is our father through faith in Christ. Can you call Him your father? Do you know that you have been saved, born again, and that you are a child of God. (sing chorus: The Family of God)

B. He is in Heaven- above all, exalted. He is Transcendent- He is available and knows our needs. Greater yet, is that He cares and desires us to come to Him with our requests. He is not too busy.

II. Praise to Him- “Hallowed be Thy Name.” Matthew 6:9b

A. Praise is essential in prayer because it sets the tone in recognition that we are approaching a Holy God. Give Him reverence! Exalt and Praise Him!

B. Some Bible references: II Samuel 7:22-23; II Chronicles 6:14-15; Isaiah 37:16; Daniel 2:23 and Acts 4:24.

III. Submission to the Will of God- “Thy Kingdom Come. Thy Will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

A. Are we really submitted to the Will of God? So many times, it’s not “Thy will be done,” but, “my will be done.”

B. How apt or ready are we to do the will of God if He was to show it to us. We need to pray that God will make His will known to us and make it clear.

IV. Request for Personal Needs- “Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11

A. Bread is representative of what we need for daily life. It can also be taken literally, as bread for food.

B. It can also involve the physical and emotional needs that are required for our daily sustenance

C. It can surely involve spiritual bread for spiritual needs.

V. Request for Spiritual Power to Live Victoriously in Fellowship with the Lord and with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ- “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matt. 6:12

VI. Deliverance from the Power of Satan- “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:” Matthew 6:13a

· Our deliverance needs to be from the evil one, Satan, and from our flesh nature which is sinful.

VII. Praise to Him as We Close Our Prayer- “For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen.” Matthew 6:13b

A. Jesus opens and closes this model prayer with praise.

B. This is to be a pattern for us. “Let everything that hath breath Praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6 “In everything give thanks: For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18

10/25/25

Five Things to Remember When You’re Feeling Down

When life gets rough, our thinking can get clouded and unfocused. What we remember and meditate on will have a definite impact on how long we will stay down and discouraged. It’s a choice to discipline our minds to remember what is of real importance compared to what we are going through. Remembering these Five things will help us climb out of the doldrums and rise with a confident mental perspective so that we can do what God has for us to do.

#1) Remember God loves us.

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice (the propitiation) for our sins” (1 John 4:10).

Feeling unloved and rejected by life’s circumstances and other people can dampen our vision of God’s love for us. We are reminded in Romans 8:35, 38 that nothing in this world, neither in the heavens, nor in the depths of hell can ever separate us from the love of God. We are made in His image and for His glory. The Lord loves each of us individually and unconditionally. We can take hope in our times of discouragement when we remember how much we are loved. The ultimate expression of God’s love for us is that God Sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us- to take our place-through His substitutionary, sacrificial death on the cross – John 15:13; Romans 5:8.

#2) Remember God is in control.

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:10).

Life can get us down when we feel like everything is out of control and we are merely pawns in the situations of our lives. However, even if the midst of extreme chaos our God remains in control. Everything is going according to His plan and purpose for our lives. We can trust in the Lord’s strength and power to be revealed when we remember that He is in control even when there seems no reason to continue hoping. Whenever you think that you are having a bad day, remember Job in his trials and testing, how he continued to trust God was mindful that God was working in his life. cf. The Book of Job

#3) Remember God has a plan for our lives.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Just as God is in control, He has a distinct plan and purpose for each of our lives. We forget in the midst of trouble that our time of suffering is a part of His Master’s plan just like the times of rejoicing. God’s plan is structured with mountain top and valley experiences that are ordained to make us more like His Son, Jesus Christ. We can have peace when we remember that God has planned to give us hope and future in this lifetime.

#4) Remember God uses everything for our good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

It’s incomprehensible to the human mind how the Lord can use everything (both good and bad) for our good. In the midst of our painful moments, the idea that good will eventually come out of it seems a remote possibility. Yet through the quiet strength of the Holy Spirit we are empowered to keep moving forward even though we can’t always see our way. We will make it through the tough times when we remember that God is able to make everything work out for our good in the end.

#5) Remember God won’t let this season last forever.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Everything in this life has season—it’s always changing around us. Nature gives us the clearest understanding of the seasons of life with spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each season is necessary for the continuity and vitality of its existence. The seasons of nature remind us that there is a beginning and an end. Our seasons of hardship have a beginning and an ending designed by God. We can press on in this life when we remember that God regulates the season of our suffering.

Summary: Remember all these things, and then remember to call out to God…”In the day of my trouble, I sought the Lord...”...”I remembered the Lord...” (Psalm 77:1-3)

In all situations especially when we feel like giving up, we must remember God. He is the One who hears and answers our prayers according to His will. Our lives are in His hand and He will take care of those who look to Him. There will be failure and struggle in this life, but when we remember who our God is—His power, strength, and glory—we are empowered to move forward without fear nor regret. He is with us in all things at all times.

10/18/25

Haggi 2 - Thhe Word of the Lord came again...

Review: Last week we looked at Haggai Chapter One and we saw that the LORD spoke His words to the prophet Haggai to give to Zerubbabel, the Governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the high priest. And in this message the LORD recalled the saying of the people, “The time is not come that the LORD’s House should be built.” These people, are those who had been in captivity and had returned to Jerusalem under the directive of Cyrus the Great of Persia, and one of the primary reasons was to rebuild the temple and reestablish the worship of God and their culture. But these people began to build their own houses, and had them finely finished, but God’s house was still a pile of rubble. “The LORD of Hosts” told them, “Consider your ways.”v.5,7 God also told them that they had not been very fruitful or prosperous in the land because they had not put God first. (When we get our priorities right and put God first, He can and will bless us abundantly!) God then gave them a Directive, “Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house of the Lord” v. 8 And, God gave them an Assured Promise, “I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified” v. 8. God said, “You looked for much, and it came to little.” He is saying, you worked hard to promote yourselves and sought possessions, but it accomplished little. Why? Because God was withholding His full blessing. Because of the misplaced priorities of the people... Because of My house that is waste (in rubble) v. 9. God the re-emphasized His blessing would be withheld- vv.10,11. But then something Amazing happened, verse twelve says the Zerubbabel, and Joshua, and the remnant of the people, “obeyed the voice of the LORD their God,” and... “the people did fear before the LORD.” In response to their change of mind and heart (repentance), the LORD gave them this Reassuring Promise- “I am with you.” (1:13b) But God also did something else Amazing, not only did He give them the Reassuring Promise- “I AM WITH YOU.,” He gave them a Restorative Purpose, “the LORD ‘stirred up’ the spirit’ of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, the spirit of Joshua, the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did the work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God.” v. 14 You have not been stirred in your spirit, until God gets ahold of you and stirs your spirit! That’s Revival!

Now let’s look at Haggai Chapter Two, to get ‘the rest of the story,’ as Paul Harvey used to say. In Chapter 2 verse one, we read, In the seventh month, in one and twentieth day (The 21^st day) of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,” (*Notice a specific date) “Speak now to Zerubbabel...and to Joshua... and to the residue of the people, Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory?” “Is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?” I. God’s Disturbing Question- v. 3 “Who of you can remember this house in her first glory?” (i.e. Solomon’s Temple which he built using all the glorious materials which King David, his father, had provided). If there were some that returned from captivity that could remember the glory of the first temple, they no doubt had memories of its beautiful grandeur. This likely brought back Glorious Memories, but also a Glum Mood as they thought about how the temple that they were endeavoring to build would not come close to comparing to the glory of Solomon’s temple.

In verse 4 we see God’s Impactful Command- “Be Strong” and God’s Reassuring Promise, “I am with you.” This is the promise of the Ever-present God. God continues, “According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My spirit remains among you...Fear not.” v. 5 He says, Remember. God used this charge or command many times in the past and throughout scripture…”Be Strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed: For the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” His words to Joshua, who would be the new leader after Moses’ death (Joshua 1:9).

II. God’s Demonstrative Quaking- i.e. God is going to Shake some things up! vv. 6,7

A. He is going to shake the heavens and the earth, and the sea and the dry land; ...and all nations. vv.6,7 When God shakes things up, it is the Ultimate shaking…more powerful than any earthquake or force of nature.

B. God’s Promise, “The Desire of all nations shall come.” This is a Messianic reference to Jesus Christ. What the world needs is JESUS! This reference is used in Handel’s Messiah- Librette

C. Another promise, “I will fill this house with glory says the LORD of hosts.” v. 7

D. An Additional promise, “the glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former” says the LORD. V.9 How is this possible? Because of the abiding presence of the LORD. Remember the ever-present, all-existent One. Jesus promised, “...I am with you always- Matthew 28:20.

E. Also, we see God’s promise of peace. “...and in this place will I give peace.” There is no peace like God’s peace. The peace of God surpasses all understanding.

III. God’s Deciphering Questions to the Priests- “Ask now the priests concerning the law...” v. 11 This is a Priestly Pop-Quiz: Regarding that which is clean and holy and that which is unclean touching something:

A. “If one bear holy flesh in the fold of the skirt of his garment and he touch bread, pottage, wine, or oil, or any meat shall it be holy? The priests answer, “no.” v.12

B. “If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, it shall be unclean.” v. 13

C. The point that God is making, and the message that Haggai conveys is this, “So is this people and this nations before Me says the LORD.” You are unclean and your work of your hands & what you offer is unclean.

D. God also makes another point regarding His blessing that was withheld, He said there were shortages v.16 and smote with mildew and hail, their crops and fields and the work of their hands, yet they turned not to God v. 17 God says, “Consider now” “Consider it.” V.18 God is saying, in the past you just didn’t get it, but consider it now, that you God is working among you. Then He says, “from this day I will bless you.”

E. Don’t we all want the blessing of the Lord upon our lives, upon our work, upon what we offer to the Lord? Yes! We just need to get things right with God. Confess any known sin, seek to draw closer to God in our daily walk, our daily relationship with Him. (James 4:8). God will forgive (I John 1:9) God will heal (II Chron. 7:14).

IV. God’s Declarative Qualified Leader- Zerubbabel, Son of Shealtiel…My Servant…I will make you a Signet: for I Have Chosen You! Says the LORD of Hosts v.23

It is important to understand who Zerubbabel is. He is the governor of the rebuilt Jerusalem and is himself of royal blood, being a descendant of David and the grandson of Judah’s King Jehoiachin. Years earlier, Jehoiachin had lost his throne when he was deported to Babylon; in fact, God pictured Jehoiachin as a signet ring being removed from God’s finger (Jeremiah 22:24). Now, God calls Zerubbabel the “signet ring,” but this time it won’t be removed.

In Haggai’s prophecy, God is giving Zerubbabel encouragement and hope. The governor is “chosen” for a unique and noble purpose. As God’s signet ring, Zerubbabel is given a place of honor and authority. God is reinstating the Davidic line and renewing His covenant with David. Judah still has a future as they look forward to the coming Son of David, the Messiah, who would one day “overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms” (Haggai 2:22).

Zerubbabel is also called “my servant.” This title was often a Messianic reference in the Old Testament (2 Samuel 3:18; 1 Kings 11:34; Isaiah 42:1–9; 49:1–13; 50:4–11; 52:13-53:12; Ezekiel 34:23–24; 37:24–25). The triad of servant, son, and signet ring created a special combination of encouragement for Zerubbabel in his important and difficult task of reconstructing the Jewish temple. As God’s “signet ring,” Zerubbabel becomes a picture of the future Messiah, Jesus Christ, who will establish His people in the Promised Land, construct an even grander temple (Zechariah 6:12–13), and lead the righteous in never-ending worship.

Summary /conclusion:

Some of the remnant of the people that had been in captivity in Babylon and later Persia, had returned to the land, but instead of doing the work of rebuilding the temple they had resorted to selfish interests-building their own houses, and the Lord rebuked them through His prophet.

The people eventually repented and began to obey the Lord and fear Him and the work of building the temple resumed and God promised his blessing.

Haggai reminds us that even though we may have stopped following the Lord for a time and disobeyed Him and have not followed through with doing His will, we can ‘consider our ways,’ repent and get things right, and He will add his blessing once again.

Application:God no longer dwells in a temple made with hands, but in the hearts of his redeemed.For each born-again believer in Christ, He indwells with His Holy Spirit and His glory and presence abide with us.We can experience His Power, His blessing and His peace.

“The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace saith the LORD of hosts.”

10/11/25

Haggai 1- Hearing From God- The Lord Speaks- Are We Listening?
I. God Speaks- “The word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet…” v.1
“…to Zerubbabel, ...the governor of Judah, and to Joshua, …the high priest, saying…” v.1
A. God speaks to the leaders to speak to and inspire the people.
B. God mentions what the people were saying, “this people says, the time is not come…
that the Lord’s house should be built” v. 2
C. The Lord knows our thoughts and words- Psalm 139:1-4
1. “O Lord, you have searched me and known me, You know my sitting down and my
rising up” (actions).
2. “You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways”
(habits)
3. “For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether”
(our words) **Note: Our words lead to actions which form habits.
4. These verse lead us to the questions? What are we thinking? What are we saying?
5. Have you noticed, as someone has said, “when everything is said and done, there’s
usually more said than done!”
II. The Lord says, “Consider your ways.” v. 7
A. The Lord is saying, you have only been thinking of yourselves: your house, your
possessions. You have forgotten the One who blessed you with these things.
B. The Greatest Command- “…Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all
your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.” First & foremost, love
God! Love him supremely!
C. Matt. 6:33- “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all
these things will be added unto you.”
D. The people that returned from the captivity had fallen into the ways of their
forefathers. They were not honoring God and obeying his commands.
III. God’s Blessing Withheld- v. 6
A. You’ve sown, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but
are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who
earns wages, earns wages to put in a bag with holes.
B. The LORD of Hosts says, “Consider your ways!” v. 7
C. You looked for much, and indeed it came to little; when you brought it home, I
blew it away! You ever bought something that you wanted and then it didn’t
really satisfy, and it didn’t really last? God is able to send blessing or withhold it.
D. Joel 1- speaks of the locust consuming the crops in the fields leaving it bare. And
enemies coming that laid waste the vineyards and stripping bare the fields.
E. God’s general blessing- “…for He makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good
and sends the rain on the just and the unjust. Matthew 5:45 But God has special
blessings that he wants to bestow on his children, especially those the obedient,
And to those who ask Him. Matthew 7:11; Eph. 3:20- Exceedingly Abundantly!

Haggai 1- Hearing From God- The Lord Speaks- Are We Listening?
IV. When Zerubbabel, Joshua and the Remnant of the People Obeyed the Voice of God
and Feared the presence of the Lord… Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, spoke the
LORD’s message to the people, saying, “the Lord is with you, says the Lord.” vv.12-13
A. This is an Assuring Promise- “the Lord is with you!”
B. So the Lord stirred up thespirit of Zerubbabel…, and the spirit of Joshua.., and
the spirit of all the remnant of the people, and they came and worked on the
house of the LORD of Hosts. This name LORD in all caps as signified in the KJV,
Is the Jehovah- from YHWH- it the personal name of God- The existing One, “I M
That I AM” Later you see this name connected with what God does “Jehovah
Jirah”, “Jehova-Nissi”.
C. Later, next week, we will see an Inspiring Command- “Be Strong.”

10/04/25

We Are Ambassadors For Christ- II Corinthians 5:20

Introduction: Just the other day I met a man who said that he was an ambassador for the city of Milwaukee. He had come to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission because the apt. place that he and his wife had been renting for eight years, had been sold and the new owner was not going to be working through the housing program which this couple was involved with to have a housing subsidy. As I spoke with this man, I asked him what his position as an Ambassador entailed, and he said that he basically spends eight hours a day on the streets of Milwaukee, talking with people he meets, and welcoming them, answering their questions and giving out information and directions. His job is basically being a public representative showing hospitality.

Meeting this man and thinking about his description of what he does in his occupation as an ambassador led my mind to consider what we as Christians are called to be and do as Ambassadors for Christ. So let us look together at II Corinthians 5:20-21. Read these verses.

We see the first two words in verse twenty, “Now then” it could be akin to saying, “because of this”, or ”because of this condition or state.” It is similar to the use of the word, “Therefore” which we see in verse seventeen, “Therefore, if any man (anyone) is in Christ, he is a new creature (creation), old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.” Based on this, or because of this, we have this ministry or position of being an ambassador for our Lord Jesus Christ.

So what is an ambassador? An ambassador is one that is sent as the highest official representative of his or her country, stationed in another nation as a diplomatic envoy who represents their country’s interests. An Ambassador is responsible for maintaining diplomatic relations, promoting the sending government's foreign policy, protecting its citizens, and advancing economic interests. They lead the embassy staff, conduct high-level negotiations, and serve as the main point of communication between their government and the host country.

I. We are Now Ambassadors- Not someday, or maybe a some-of-the-time ambassador We are now the fulltime, all-of-the-time representative of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In our text verse (v.20) did you notice the word, “we.” The Apostle Paul states, “Now then, We are ambassadors for Christ.” It’s not just Paul who is an ambassador, but this applies to all Christians.

An Ambassador in ancient times:

• William Barclay observes that, in the Roman Empire, when it was time to form a new province, ambassadors played a key role.

• When a new territory was conquered. The military governor would rule it for a while, but eventually the Senate, back in Rome, would dispatch a team of 10 ambassadors to the place (it’s the same Greek word Paul uses here.) It would be the job of those 10 people “… [to determine] the boundaries of the new province, [to draw] up a constitution for its new administration, and then [return] to submit what they [have] done for ratification by the senate.

• They [are] the men responsible for bringing others into the family of the Roman Empire. Bringing others into the ideas, ideologies, the culture, the life of Roman rule. So, Paul thinks of himself as the man who brings to others the terms of God, whereby they can become citizens of his empire and members of his family.”

II. Paul tells us he began his role as an Ambassador right after the Encounter on a road

• Paul told King Agrippa, as I went to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, at midday, O King, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. When we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew tongue, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the pricks (goads).' "And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?'

• "'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,'’ the Lord replied. 'But rise, and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me'" (Acts 26:12–16). The one, (Jesus) I once persecuted, and now I beg men and women to give their hearts to him. I am now an Ambassador of Jesus.

III. As an Ambassador Paul has a message “And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation” vs 18

• Paul’s Message- we are forgiven, justified, made ready for the kingdom; we’re reconciled.

• Paul’s message- we have access to Grace For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

• Paul’s Message Heavenly Citizenship is yours “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God” Ephesians 2:19

• Paul’s Message- the old is Gone: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” vs 17

• Paul’s message- Gone is self-centeredness now we are Christ centered. An ambassador doesn’t represent his or her own interests.

IV. As an Ambassador we share the righteousness of God living in our hearts.

The believer shares the righteousness of God imputed through Jesus Christ.
How is this possible? The answer is in verse 21- “for He (God the Father) has made Him (Jesus , the Son) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” II Corinthians 5:21
Therefore, I can live right, I live according to Gods Word, Live in humility, live in peace, live in love, live a life of forgiveness, live a life of generosity, live a life full of faith, living a life of compassion; living to love God and others.

V. We are Ambassadors for Jesus, our Lord and King!

A. Everywhere we go, we are Christ’s ambassadors, whether we like it or not.

B. The only way some people will experience the love of God, in Jesus Christ, is if disciples like us demonstrate it for them.

C. Recall the words of the old hymn continue to be true for every sort of Christian:

• Christ has no hands but our hands to do His work each day;

• He has no feet but our feet to lead men in His way.

• He has no tongues but our tongues to tell men how He died;

• He has no help but our help to bring them to His side.

Summary / Conclusion: May we indeed be Ambassadors for Christ because God has called us and appointed us; He urges us to be reconciled to God, and to tell others how they too can be reconciled to Him.

09/20/25

Pastor Ken Jones

THE GOOD SAMARITAN. Luke 10:30-37

This lawyer, being "willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?" (v. 29). The world has never seen anyone better fitted to answer such a question than Jesus. "He knew what was in man." There are few who are not willing to try to justify themselves in their neglect of truly being a good neighbor- that is treating your neighbor with love, kindness and mercy (v. 37) This is a parable, an earthly story with a spiritual meaning. It is a beautiful reflection of the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, unexpectedly coming into contact with a destitute and desperately needy soul. Notice--

I. The Threefold Misery of this Individual. He was—

1. Stripped of his clothing (v. 30). This certain man in going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, a distance of about eighteen miles, fell among thieves and was stripped. Ever since the fall of Adam this world has been a den of thieves. Every man's business, more or less, is just to get out of others all he possibly can because of greed or covetousness. Only those taught of God can look, not at their own, but at the good of others. All who fall into the clutches of sin and iniquity are sure to be stripped of their clothing of righteousness and of their "garment of praise." The devil is still seeking whom he may devour. “The thief comes to steal, to kill and to destroy: I am come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

2. Wounded (v. 30). He in all likelihood received His wounds in His desperate attempts to withstand the robbers. Our own strength and wits are a poor defense against the sudden onslaughts of evil. The morally wounded and disabled in the battles of life are found lying everywhere along the highways of human landscape. So many have sunk into the ditch of a city slum through being stripped of their reputation and having their hopes and prospects wounded to the death. “From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but wounds, bruises and putrefying sores. They have not been closed or bound up “ (Isaiah 1:6).

3. Half Dead (v. 30). In this wretched condition he could do nothing but wait and pray. Waiting for the compassion of someone with a loving heart and the kind touch of some neighborly hand. To be half-hearted about anything is to be half-dead to the matter. With regard to the things eternal, how many are half-dead and quite unconscious of it. Backsliders in heart are lukewarm and do not have a passion for God or compassion for others (Rev. 3:16). But let us not in our pride condemn this poor outcast, for if we had gone the same way we might have been in the same plight. If we had gone the way of those who are born and raised in an inner-city neighborhood , where crime is rampant, and where drug usage is prevalent and dark deeds are done by those who are not guided by any moral or ethical rules or standards. In these crime ridden areas, it’s “the law of the jungle’ or “survival of the fittest”, or at least surviving by practicing “street smarts”. I wonder, would we fare any better than they are in these conditions?

II. A Threefold Attitude. In the Priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan we see three different attitudes toward the helpless and unfortunate man that was beaten and left for dead . The Attitudes of—

1. Perfect Indifference. "The priest passed by on the other side" (v. 31). This priest was doubtless on his way home from the Temple service. In the discharge of his ceremonial duties he is very meticulous, and would pass by nothing, but a needy, dying brother by the wayside is unworthy of his notice. He is "Weighed in the balance and found wanting." No hope can on the Law be built.

2. Interested Curiosity. "The Levite came and looked, and passed by on the other side" (v. 32). This man is a type of those who are just a little inquisitive, but who are not even a little compassionate. They want to know, but they don't want to help. This Levite could tell a story about this poor man when he went home, and justify his heartless conduct by saying that the place was too dangerous for him to remain there and lift the fallen. He also by his act is "weighed in the balance and found wanting" (1 John 3:17).

3. Practical Sympathy. "The Samaritan came where he was, and had compassion on him," (vv. 33-35). Although the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans, this Samaritan in mercy would have dealings with the half-dead Jew. This is the point in the parable. Jesus flipped the script… A despised one, compassionates, shows mercy, and saves one who was living at enmity with him, thus manifesting that love of God in Christ Jesus which stoops to show mercy with a self-sacrifice that slays the enmity (Ephesians 2:16).

III. The Good Samaritan bears the features of the despised Nazarene, Jesus, who comes to seek and save the lost.

(1). "He came where he was." Christ comes to us right where we are. In our stripped and wounded condition we could do nothing for ourselves (Romans 5:6).

(2). "He had compassion on him" (v. 33). His heart was moved toward him. The Salvation of Christ was “heart work.” "He loved us, and gave Himself for us."

(3). "He bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine." Christ is the Great Physician and compassionate healer.

Although we are full of wounds and bruises (Isaiah 1), Christ can bind up and heal (Luke 4:18). This He does by the oil of His Spirit and the wine of His Word.

(4). "He set him on his own beast." Those whom the Lord lifts up are also set in His own place. "Now are we the Sons of God." I John 3:2

(5). "He brought him to an inn." The saved individual also finds shelter and refuge in the Church and new friendships.

(6). "He took care of him." In the Salvation of Christ there is not only a great deliverance, but also a special provision and providence (Romans 8:28). “…All things work together for good…” He cares for you.

(7). He left a promise concerning him (v. 35). Our Great Shepherd has also left enough for our need during His absence in "the exceeding great and precious promises." "And inasmuch as you did it unto these, you did it unto Me." "When I come again I will repay you."

The Great Lesson and application: In this parable, the most unlikely and unexpected person cared and came to the aide of the beaten, fallen wounded individual. He showed real compassion, kindness and mercy, treating him like a neighbor

Christ has suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow His steps. "Go you and do likewise" (V. 37).

09/20/25

Pastor Ken Jones

What We Believe- Our Profession- Statement of Faith
Introduction: Someone suggested recently that we go over and review our Statement of Faith, and I think
that that is a good idea. I am thinking of doing this once or twice a year because I believe it is important to
know what we believe and to have it clearly defined. Some churches or denominations have catechism
classes which may include a manu