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

4/4/2026

Good News from a Graveyard- Matthew 28:6-7

Summary: Good News from the Graveyard Matthew 28:6-7 Intro The message of Christianity is good news from a cemetery. Graveyards are always melancholy places because they are associated with grief, sadness, and separation from our loved ones. The cemetery is normally a place of quietness, designed for respectful reflection and remembrance.

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Introduction:

The message of Christianity is good news from a cemetery. Graveyards are always melancholy places because they are associated with grief, sadness, and separation from our loved ones. The cemetery is the last place from which one would expect to receive good news.

From the beginning of time, man has raised the question that was asked by Job in Job 14:14, “If a man die, shall he live again?” Century after century the small and the great, the wise and the foolish, the rich and the poor, the young and the old marched into the silent, clammy chambers of death. For centuries, people stood in fear of death and the tomb. It remained for Jesus Christ, the God-man, to come with an authentic answer to Job’s painful, perplexing question. With an emphatic, Yes! Jesus proved by His glorious resurrection, that man can live again! He is the Resurrection and the Life- John 11:25- “I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live:” Jesus spoke these words before he raised his friend Lazarus back to life.

I. The basic doctrinal truth of Christianity- The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the key concluding component of the Gospel (The Gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ). If Christ be not risen- His incarnation, sinless life, His death on the cross, would be meaningless- it would fall flat. “and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” I Corinthians 15:14 (i.e. we have no message, we have no hope of salvation or for immortality.) If Jesus had not risen, and therefore had not kept his promise and procured the means of salvation, then, yes, our preaching would be in vain; there would be no reason to proclaim any hope of salvation; Yes, then, our faith would be vain, it would be pointless. There have been many religious leaders and founders of some religious movements that have died, but none of them have ever risen again. Jesus Christ alone is the only One who ever rose again from the dead! Dramatically punctuating all of human history! With a triumphant exclamation mark, He is Risen! Dividing History and Calendar-keeping into B.C. and A.D. Yes, for many years B.C. was used to denoted Before Christ and A.D. (Anno Domini- in the year of our Lord) after the resurrection of our Lord. In recent times, historians in a subtle attempt to remove Jesus Christ from prominence in regard to this date notation, have changed it from B.C. to B.C.E. (i.e. Before Common Era), and A.C.E. (After Common Era). You can find this explanation on an online web search. Me, always, loving a pun and being somewhat sarcastic, refer to B.C.E. or A.C.E. as “Before Common Error” or “After Common Error”.

A. The basic truth of Christianity is found in this angelic announcement: “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said, Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead.”

B. The Easter message is not an argument- it is a fact! “He is Risen as He said…”

C. It is a divine proclamation. Jesus gave His prophetic proclamation that He would rise again.

1. The angels declared that Jesus Christ had conquered death and had risen to life.

2. The apostles experienced his living presence to the extent that they died martyr’s deaths rather than surrender their faith and deny their relationship to him.

3. The Scriptures record at least eleven appearances of the living Christ to the disciples.

4. The empty tomb spoke with a shout to declare that he was no longer dead.

5. The present strength of Christianity is a dramatic testimony to the presence of the living Christ who has waked the corridors of time.

II. The message of the empty tomb

A. During the last six months of our Lord’s earthly ministry, he sought repeatedly to instruct his disciples concerning the necessity and nature of his forthcoming death on the cross.

B. They found these teachings impossible to understand and they sought by every means at their command to prevent Christ from going to the cross.

C. His shameful and horrible death on the cross was, for them, a great personal tragedy:

The Personal Tragedy:

1. He was their dearest friend.

2. They had placed their complete confidence in him.

3. They had pinned their hopes for the future of the nation on him.

4. His death, for them, was a great political tragedy because they expected him to be a nationalistic messiah who would deliver Israel from the domineering power of Rome.

5. His death on the cross, for them, was a public disgrace.

The Shameful conviction and death

1. There was no more shameful manner in which a man could die.

2. Jesus was condemned as a common criminal and sentenced to death by crucifixion.

3. This was a fate so horrible that Roman law forbade the crucifixion of a Roman citizen even for the most heinous crime.

III. The Eventual Understanding of the Disciples- It was not until the mystery miracle of the first Easter morn that they began to understand what the Savior had been trying to communicate to their minds and hearts.

The empty tomb declared to their minds and hearts that Jesus Christ was really the divine Son of God. Romans. 1:4- “and declared to be the son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”

As a man:

1. Jesus Christ of Nazareth had worked in a carpenter shop.

2. He had walked about Galilee.

3. He had become hungry like other men.

4. He had experienced weariness and exhaustion.

5. He knew loneliness and sorrow.

6. He was a man, but he was also God. (John 1:14)

As God the Son- The Messiah

1. He gave sight to the blind; he made the deaf hear, he made the lame walk; he brought the death back to life.

2. He commanded the winds to cease their blowing, and they obeyed.

3. He ordered the wind and waves of the sea to be calm, and without hesitation they carried out his orders.

4. On several occasions, he claimed to be the Son of God.

5. He had the audacity to forgive sin.

6. He claimed to have the power to lay down his life and to take it up again.

7. This was the boldest of his claims. “destroy this temple and in three days, I will raise it up.” John 2:19

8. It was the fulfillment of this claim that authenticated the truth of all of his teachings and declared him once and for all to be the God-man.

9. He was the eternal God with a human body. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us; and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

B. The empty tomb declares that his death on the cross made atonement for our sins. (Romans 4:25)

1. The hymn writer said, “Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow.”

2. So, let’s ask the question: “How can we know that the death of Jesus Christ took care of the sin that separates the souls of humans form God?”

a. Hebrews 10:10 tells us, “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

b. Hebrews 10:14- “For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.”

c. “Neither by the blood of goats or calves, but by hi own blood he entered in once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us” Heb.9:12

3/21/2026

The Suffering Servant- Isaiah 53 – Our Sacrificial Savior, Messiah
Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-6
Summary: We will look at the heart of Isaiah 53, a prophetic passage that unveils the
redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Introduction: In these verses we encounter the suffering servant who bore our griefs and
carried our sorrows. As we look into Isaiah 53:3-4, we will discover profound truths about
the character and mission of Christ, and how His sacrifice brings healing and redemption
to our lives.
I. The Rejected Messiah (Isaiah 53:3)
A. “He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and
B. acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was
despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:3
C. Isaiah paints a vivid picture of the suffering servant, describing Him as
despised and rejected by humanity. Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah,
experienced profound sorrow and grief as He walked the earth, bearing the
weight of our sins.
D. Despite His unparalleled love and compassion, many turned away from Him,
choosing to disregard His message of Salvation. John 1:10-11- “He was in the
world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” “He
came unto his own and his own received him not.”
E. In their rejection, they failed to recognize the identity of the one who came to
save them.
F. Isaiah’s portrayal of the suffering servant aligns with the gospel accounts of
Jesus’ earthly ministry, where He faced rejection and opposition from
religious leaders and society at large. The phrase “a man of sorrows and
acquainted with deepest grief” underscores the depth of Christ’s suffering
and His identification with human pain and brokenness.
II. The Suffering Savior (Isaiah 53:4)
A. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem
him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” Isaiah 53:4
B. Isaiah reveals the profound truth that Christ bore our weaknesses and sorrow
upon Himself, carrying the burden of our sin and suffering. Though innocent
and blameless, Jesus willingly embraced the pain and punishment that
rightly belonged to us. In His sacrificial love, He took upon Himself the
consequences of our transgressions, offering Himself as the ultimate atoning
sacrifice for humanity’s sin. (i.e. the sacrificial, substitutionary, vicarious
death of Jesus Christ).

The Suffering Servant- Isaiah 53 – Our Sacrificial Savior, Messiah
C. Despite the misconceptions and misunderstandings of those around Him,
Jesus remained steadfast in His mission to bring redemption and
reconciliation to all who will believe on Him by faith.
D. Isaiah’s depiction of the suffering servant as bearing the sins and sufferings
of humanity foreshadows the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross. The
verse emphasis the vicarious nature of Christ’s suffering highlighting His
willingness to endure the penalty of sin on behalf of humanity.
III. The Source of Our Healing (Isaiah 53:5)
A. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our
iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with His stripes
we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
B. Isaiah proclaims the redemptive purpose of Christ’s suffering, declaring that
His wounds bring healing and wholeness to humanity. Through His sacrificial
death and resurrection, Jesus provides the ultimate remedy for sin and
brokenness, offering forgiveness, restoration, and spiritual healing to all who
believe.
C. His wounds are not symbols of defeat but signs of victory over sin and death,
paving the way for reconciliation between God and humanity. As recipients
of His grace, we are invited to embrace the healing power of Christ and
experience the transformative impact on His love in our lives.
D. Isaiah’s proclamation of Christ’s redemptive work echoes throughout the
New Testament, particularly in the writings of the apostles who testify to the
healing and salvation available through Jesus Christ.
E. This verse underscores the comprehensive nature of Christ’s atonement,
providing spiritual and physical healing for all who come to Him in faith.
IV. The Need for the Suffering Savior- (Isaiah 53:6)
A. The universal need: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned
everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
B. The ultimate remedy: Jesus Christ took all the sins and iniquities of mankind
upon Himself on the cross of Calvary and made that ultimate once-for-all
sacrifice for the atonement for our sins. (Hebrews 10:10,14).
C. “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus
Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10) “For by one offering He hath perfected
forever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14)
Conclusion: As we reflect on the profound truths of Isaiah 53, may we be reminded of the
immeasurable love and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us embrace the rejected
Messiah who bore our sorrows and carried our sins, finding hope and healing in His
redemptive work. May we share the message of salvation and the healing power of Christ

The Suffering Servant- Isaiah 53 – Our Sacrificial Savior, Messiah
with a world in need. Let us extend grace and compassion to those who are hurting and
broken, pointing them to the source of true healing and wholeness—Jesus Christ.
Let us commit ourselves to living as vessels of His love and messengers of His redemption,
proclaiming the good news of salvation and inviting others to experience the transformative
power of the suffering servant who became our Savior. May we walk in the light of Isaiah
53, trusting the promises of God and proclaiming the hope found in Christ alone. May we
allow the truths of Isaiah 53 to shape our faith, inspire our actions, and lead us into deeper
intimacy in our relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

3/14/2026

Mountain Top Experiences and Valley Low Points

Introduction: Matthew 17:1-6 Jesus takes Peter, James and John up to a high mountain,
and there is transfigured before them revealing His glory. Jesus’ face shined like the sun,
and His clothes were bright as the light! THIS WAS A MARVELOUS MOUNTAIN TOP
EXPERIENCE!! Also appearing with Jesus was Moses and Elias talking with Him. I imagine
these disciples were caught up in awe of this glorious scene. Peter was so enraptured that
he spoke up and said, “Lord, it is good for us to be here: If thou will, let us build three
tabernacles; one for Thee, one for Moses and one for Elias.”
Have you ever had great shining moment- a mountain top experience, and then you did
something or said something that was totally out of place? How embarrassing! Well, Peter
had one of those moments—Immediately after Peter said this, a bright cloud
overshadowed them, and a voice out of the cloud spoke, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased, hear ye him.” What a celestial rebuke! This is not the first time
that Peter misspoke, he seemed to have a knack for putting his foot in his mouth. Can you
relate? There was one occasion however, when Peter said something that was exactly
right, when he answered the question that Jesus asked, “Whom do men say that I am? And
the, “Whom do you say that I am? Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the
living God. (Matthew 16:13)
Getting back to the glorious mountain top experience, Peter later recounted it when he
wrote about it in 2 Peter 1:16-18- “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when
we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were
eyewitnesses of his majesty, For He received from God the Father honor and glory, when
there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I
am well pleased.’ And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with
Him in the holy mount.”
I. Peter Affirms His Message is Built on Facts That He Has Seen.
A. He declares that he has not followed cunningly devised fables—He and the
other disciples were eyewitnesses.
B. His declaration of the gospel was on a firm foundation of personal
experience. He had seen Jesus crucified, placed in the tomb, and then, later
seen Him Risen. Jesus had appeared to the disciples after he rose again.
C. The Transfiguration was Proof of Peter’s Preaching—It was Validation!
1. This mountaintop experience vindicated the mission of Christ. Mt.17:1-6
2. The voice from heaven silenced the voices of critics on earth and
reaffirms the Father’s pleasure in His Son and redirects their praise and
respect to Him.
II. How Can We Get in on Mountaintop Experiences?

Mountain Top Experiences and Valley Low Points
A. We must follow Jesus (Matthew 17:1; 2 Peter 1:16)
1. Peter, James and John were taken up on a high mountain (Matt. 17:1).
a. It’s important to note that these disciples had already come to faith in
Jesus before this experience.
b. They had heard Jesus call them and they responded and left their
work and followed Him.
2. Faith begins the Christian life, but Discipleship follows.
a. Sometimes this means separating from others. Peter, James and John
left their occupation (fishing), they left their boats and their buddies.
b. Following Christ is being willing to surrender to Him.
3. Following Jesus leads to higher ground.
a. Jesus led them to a high mountain.
b. Great things awaited them there on that mountain top.
4. Are you willing to follow Jesus all the way?
B. We Must Keep Our Eyes Open- Matthew 17:2; 2 Peter 1:16
1. Peter became an eyewitness to the majesty of Christ.
a. He would never forget this miraculous moment.
b. He claimed this experience as proof of his authority to minister.
2. Peter had other memorable experiences:
a. Walking on the water with Jesus.
b. Healing the lame man who laid by the Temple gate.
c. Cutting off the ear of the servant of the high priest and seeing Jesus
place the ear back on the man--healing him.
d. Being delivered from prison by an angel- Acts 12
3. Peter also had his shameful, Low Valley times
a. While walking on the water- He took his eyes off Jesus and began to
sink when he saw the wind and the waves.
b. Falling asleep in the garden of Gethsemane when Jesus ask him to
pray with Him in his hour of deepest need. Mark 14:32-34; 37, 40-41
c. Peter denied the Lord three times, and with cursing on third denial.
(Mark 14:66-72) Jesus had forewarned him that this would happen.
(Matthew 26:31-35)
d. Scripture tells us that Peter went out and wept bitterly- Matthew 26:75
these were tears of shameful remorse (Luke 22:62). Peter had fallen
and felt terrible and discouraged and went back to former life of
fishing.
4. Peter Needed to Know He Was Not Forsaken- Mark 14:22-72
a. Jesus had prepared His disciples for what was ahead.

Mountain Top Experiences and Valley Low Points
1) The crucifixion (vv. 22-25)
2) Persecution (v. 27)
3) His resurrection (v. 28)
b. Peter vowed never to be offended (Mark 14:29-31) Jesus foretold that
Peter would deny him three times that very night.
c. Peter broke that vow (Mark 14:53-77).
1) He needed to know that Jesus still loved him.
2) He Needed to know that Jesus had kept His vow (Mark 14:28).
d. To fail does not make one a lifelong failure!
1) God’s love reaches out to those who have failed. There is
forgiveness available and extended.
2) The cross and the resurrection guarantee that love and forgiveness
5. Peter Needed to Know He Had Been Forgiven- (Mark 14:53-72)
a. He had followed Jesus afar off. He was distant.
b. He had mingled with the enemies of the Lord.
c. He had warmed himself by the wrong fire.
6. After Peter fell and went back to fishing and was backslidden, the Lord
restored him- John 21:17 (the fire of coals where Jesus had fish roasting)
and asked Peter three times, “Peter, do you love Me?” This was a call to
restoration of his relationship with Jesus and renewed ministry focus.
**Note: Just because you have a Great Mountaintop Experience does not
safeguard you from slipping and falling into sin.
7. Evidence that Peter had been forgiven and restored:
a. Jesus specifically wanted Peter to know that he was risen- “tell Peter”
(Mark 16:7).
b. Peter preached on the day of Pentecost, and 3000 souls were saved-
Acts 2:14-41.

3/7/2026

Sharing your testimony with others

Sharing your testimony with others is a must for all Christians. When giving your testimony
you tell how you came to trust in Christ alone as your Lord and Savior. You tell how God
opened your eyes on how you were a sinner in need of a Savior.
We are sharing with others different events leading up to our salvation and how God has
worked in our lives to bring us to repentance. Testimony is a form of praise and honor to
Christ.
We also use it as a way to encourage others. Know every time when you’re going through
trials and sufferings in life, that’s an opportunity to share a testimony of how God worked in
your life and made you stronger.
Testimony is not only the things that we say. The way we live our life is a testimony to
unbelievers as well.
What does the Bible say?
3. Psalm 71:15-16 I will declare your righteousness and your salvation every
day, though I do not fully understand what the outcome will be. Lord God,
I will come in the power of your mighty acts, remembering your
righteousness—yours alone.
4. Mark 5:19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them
everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.”
5. Psalm 22:22 I will praise you to all my brothers; I will stand up before the
congregation and testify of the wonderful things you have done.
6. Psalm 66:16 Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what
he did for me.
7. John 15:26-27 “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the
Father— the Spirit of Truth, who comes from the Father—he will testify
on my behalf. You will testify also, because you have been with me from
the beginning.
8. 1 John 1:2-3 This life was revealed to us, and we have seen it and testify
about it. We declare to you this eternal life that was with the Father and
was revealed to us. What we have seen and heard we declare to you so

that you, too, can have fellowship with us. Now this fellowship of ours is
with the Father and with his Son, Jesus, the Messiah
9. Psalm 35:28 My tongue will declare your righteousness and praise you all
day long.
10. Daniel 4:2 “I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and
wonders the Most High God has performed for me.
Encourage each other by sharing testimonies.
11. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify
one another, even as also ye do.
12. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us continue to consider how to motivate one
another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the
habit of some, but encouraging one another even more as you see the day
of the Lord coming nearer.
13. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 We urge you, brothers, to admonish those who are
idle, cheer up those who are discouraged, and help those who are weak. Be
patient with everyone.
Use your life as a testimony. Unbelievers will look closely at the life of a Christian.
14. Philippians 1:27-30 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven,
conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.
Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will
know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose,
fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be
intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that
they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by
God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in
Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle
together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am
still in the midst of it.
15. Matthew 5:14-16 You are light for the world. A city cannot be hidden
when it is located on a hill. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket.
Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lamp stand. Then its light

shines on everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine in
front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your
Father in heaven.
16. 1 Peter 2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you,
leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Use your suffering as an opportunity to give a testimony.
17. Luke 21:12-13 But before all these things, people will arrest you and
persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and
you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake, in
order to give you an opportunity to testify.
18. Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what
has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.
19. Philippians 1:12 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes,
persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak,
then I am strong.
Unashamed of the gospel that saves.
20. 2 Timothy 1:8 Therefore, never be ashamed of the testimony about our
Lord or of me, his prisoner. Instead, by God’s power, join me in suffering
for the sake of the gospel.
21. Matthew 10:32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I
will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
Reminders Regarding Your Testimony
22. Galatians 6:14 But may I never boast about anything except the cross of
our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, by which the world has been crucified to me,
and I to the world!
23. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye
do, do all to the glory of God.
Examples of Testimonies
24. John 9:24-25 So for the second time they called the man who had been
blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a

sinner.” He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I
do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”
25. Mark 5:20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and
began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone
was amazed at what he told them.
Conclusion: Our Testimony is Powerful!
Revelation 12:11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their
testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

2/28/2026

The Opposition We Will Receive as We Proclaim the Gospel

I. There is the condition of the deceitful, wicked sinful heart-
Jeremiah said, "The heart is deceitful, above all things and desperately wicked, who can
know it" (Jeremiah 17:9). We are seeking to reach those with unregenerate hearts who have
not turned to Christ! They are lost in their sinful condition.
II. There are many under the control of the Devil who has blinded them-
Friends this means that there are many still knowingly or unknowingly being controlled by
Satan! Satan is called, "the prince of the power of the air and the spirit that now works in
the children of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2). II Corinthians 4:4 says that he has blinded
the minds of those who are unbelievers.
III. There are the opposing forces of darkness (principalities, powers, rulers of the
darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places) Ephesians 6:12
The truth contained in the Word of God about this is that we are up against enemies of the
cross of Christ, those who are still in the kingdom of darkness and serving the god of this
world.
We are not to oppose these forces in our own physical strength, but with the spiritual
power and weapons that God has given to us and equipped us with- Ephesians 6:10-18.
Jesus when he was tempted of the Devil, used scripture to oppose Satan and quoted it
each time as a reply to the attacks of the evil one.
I have had to read many of the words of Jesus time and time again. We need to read and
memorize God’s word so that we can stand ready to use it counter the thwarts of Satan.
The Word of God is also comforting, inspirational, and gives wisdom about complex
scenarios we all have seen, or experienced. Jesus Christ said that learning about him
causes us to find rest in our souls! What a blessing!!
IV. Those who oppose us will lie and scheme and use deceitful tactics -
Why are we hated, lied on, defamed, or have evil spoken against us for speaking the Word
of God, simple truth, or for doing his work?
John says, "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hates you" (I John 3:13). None of this
should surprise us. As John 15:19 says, “If you were of the world, the world would love his
own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of this world,
therefore the world hateth you.”

The Opposition We Will Receive as We Proclaim the Gospel
This comes with the battlefield and the mission that we are on. We are engaged in spiritual
warfare!
Jesus also taught us, "Don't cast pearls before the swine or give that which is holy to the
dogs" (Matthew 7:6). When we share something as valuable as the Word of God or the
gospel to people who don't appreciate the spiritual truth, they may ridicule or even attack
us for it!
We still share, but this may sometimes happen! We will be attacked because of who and
what we represent!
V. There are those with the condition of a reprobate mind- A "reprobate mind" is
spoken of in the Bible as a mind that was given over to a state of moral depravity after
rejecting his truth. The condition is detailed as having its cause from men not retaining the
knowledge of God in Romans 1:28-32.
The author said that the men and woman abandoned the natural use of the body to burn
toward the same gender and to do these abominations and the shameless acts to receive
in themselves the consequences (Romans 1:27).
Paul then says about the reprobate, "being filled with all manner of unrighteousness,
fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate
deceit, and malignity;. They are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud,
boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant
breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of
God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but
have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1:28-29-32).
We must continue as always to refuse to endorse, or support what the wicked are doing!
We have spoken to truth in love with kindness and have seen those who practiced many of
these things to turn to Christ for salvation.
We can never follow advice from the wicked about how to relate to the church, God's
people, or how to do God's work. We read, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the
counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful"
(Psalms 1:1).

The Opposition We Will Receive as We Proclaim the Gospel
We must continue to forgive those who rebel and resist the truth. We must be merciful
and lovingly encourage them to repent!
We are to expect this opposition: Remember these words about Jesus' comments about
what we will go through, "The servant is not greater than his lord: neither he that is sent
greater than he that sent him" (John 13:16).
We all will have our cross to bear.
VI. There may be the opposition of false friends or pseudo Christians-
Solomon said, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an
enemy" (Proverbs 27:6).
Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. This show of affection was designed to deceive.
David had close friends which turned on him, and his own son, Absalom rebelled and
sought to take over the kingdom. (Psalm 55:12-14; II Samuel 16:15-23)
The Apostle Paul mentioned that he was “in perils among false brethren” II Cor. 11:26
There are people that need our help that may not show us their true character, motives, or
even the hatred that is beneath the surface!
Those who engage in lies or the trickery are supporting Satan's agenda and are aiding his
attacks. The enemy is cunning and deceitful.
A hater will recruit others to hate with him and do everything they can to turn us against
each other.
They constantly laid traps for Jesus! We must continue to be watchful and prayerful. Satan
is called the accuser of the brethren in Revelation 12:10.
Yes! It was Satan's game all along! He accuses us day and night before God! We have all
been on the receiving end of this at one point or another.
Jesus was called a glutton, winebibber, and a companion of sinners. None of these things
were true! But He did send time with sinners to minister to them.

The Opposition We Will Receive as We Proclaim the Gospel
Be encouraged by these words, "Beloved avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to
the wrath: for it is written, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord" (Romans 12:19).
The Lord will repay them. "No weapon formed against you shall prosper and you shall
refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment" is a quote from Isaiah 54:17.
We are in a fight with evil. This evil is real in people that we share the gospel with, and it is
due to who we represent! Jesus said, "…the servant is not greater than his lord. If they have
persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20b)
Before they give their lives to Christ, they are walking according to the course of the world,
the prince of the power of the air, and the spirit that works in the children of disobedience
according to Ephesians 2:2.
This is true of people we may help, visitors to a church, and sometimes of people who
profess to know the Lord that may attend a church. (Matthew 7:21-24).
I remember these words of Paul in Romans 12:21, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome
evil with good." We can overcome the evil by doing good!
We must keep doing good despite opposition, strife, and even hatred from those that
oppose us. We must continue giving out the good news of the gospel even though we will
be opposed, ridiculed or persecuted.
Paul said that perilous times would come in the last days and the men would be
"Despisers of those that are good" in 2 Timothy 3:3-5.
While we may sometimes scratch our heads and wonder why we are "despised" it could be
because you are doing good! People are hating and looking down on goodness itself!
Love instead of hate. Jesus said, "Judge not, and you shall not be judged: condemn not,
and you shall not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven" (Luke 6:37).
He is teaching us how to avoid things coming back to us like a boomerang within our
relationships, or in eternity! People will treat us the way that we treat them! God will
remember how we treated other people.

The Opposition We Will Receive as We Proclaim the Gospel
It is written, "Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, and whatever a man sows that shall
he also reap" (Galatians 6:7).
Sometimes it is good to give people the exact opposite of what they deserve. Jesus said,
"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7).
People can see Christ in us when they see our love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace!
God will also be forgiving and merciful to us when we are forgiving and merciful to others!
In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35, God does not forgive the
unforgiving servant but instead punishes him because the servant refused to show the
same mercy he had received.
The parable teaches us that we must extend God's forgiveness to others, and if we refuse,
we face God's judgment. However, the individual must repent! People often don't repent
and ask for forgiveness but continue doing the same thing if given the opportunity to do so.
Why does it happen? Why do people spread rumors that are not true, lie, or gossip?
Here is what Jesus said, "Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you,
and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." (Matthew 5:11). Jesus said, "If
the world hate you, you know that it hated me before it hated you." (John 15:18).
This is the battlefield that we are on.
Each word spoken against us with bad motives that was unkind, false, and designed to
hurt, damage, or undermine us only reveals that we are BLESSED!
We have all received our portion of persecution if we have been serving Jesus Christ!
“All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” II Timothy 3:12
We must remember that people's actions to slander us out of hatred was foretold by Jesus
as a promised persecution coming to his true disciples!
Satan doesn't fight against himself and his own kingdom, or his house could not stand.
Jesus said this when he taught, "A house divided against itself cannot stand" (Matthew
12:22-28).

The Opposition We Will Receive as We Proclaim the Gospel
Satan is not opposed to himself, but he is against God's church, His mission, His followers,
and His kingdom!
The people who really hate God will not love us! John said, "Whoever hates his brother is a
murderer, and you know that no murderer has any eternal life abiding in him" (I John 3:15).
Loving those that hate us is one of the most challenging things we will ever have to do! God
sees hatred the same as murder.
Jude warned that apostates would even creep into the church.
Jesus said, "The people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me" (Matthew
15:8).
Keep this in mind when we hear gossip, complaints, and anyone who sows discord, or that
have no kind words to say about the work we are doing!
Solomon said that it is an abomination to be a false witness or for someone to sow discord
among the brethren (Proverbs 6:14).
The Pharisees saw Jesus more like a rival. They said and did everything they could do to
destroy him.
Matthew narrated these words about the Governor's insight into their motives, "For he
knew that for envy that they had delivered him” (Jesus over to be crucified) Matthew 27:18.
The motive for turning Jesus over to be crucified was envy! The Lord's work exceeded that
of the Pharisees and his popularity grew among the people.
He was despised and hated because of the work he was doing for the kingdom!
The work was successful and blessed! Many of our works done in ministry have been
successful and blessed!
This is something that we all will experience or have already experienced on the battlefield
for the Lord that we are in!

The Opposition We Will Receive as We Proclaim the Gospel
Greatness for God and accomplishing His mission will bring out the haters.
Solomon said in the proverbial, "He that hides hatred with lying lips, and utters a slander, is
a fool" (Proverbs 10:18).
Here are the most comforting and encouraging words that I have read time and time again
for encouragement regarding enemies, "Love your enemies, do good to those that hate
you, bless those that curse you, and pray for those that despitefully use you and persecute
you" (Matthew 5:44).
Romans 5:8-10 explains that God demonstrated his love by sending Jesus to die for men
when the people were still sinners and the enemies of God!
This is one of those truths that brings me to tears when I really think about it!
A curse would be all the mean, or hateful things said about us. To bless means to speak
well of! It is also divine favor or goodness, praising God, granting grace and protection, and
having God's enabling power and blessing!
We continue to do the work that God has given us to do, that of giving out the gospel,
sowing the good seed of the word, so we can see lives transformed!
The crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus' head was designed to humiliate, degrade,
and mock him. We keep this in mind during times of persecution, or even hatred.
The good news is that he became a curse for us in order for us to be blessed!
The Lord also taught us, a good person produces good deeds and kind words season after
season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. Every one of these careless and
condemning words are going to come back to haunt them. There will be a time of
reckoning. Words are powerful, take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words
can also be your damnation (condemnation). (Matthew 12:34-37)
The Scripture goes on to say, "Either make the tree good, and his fruit good, or else make
the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by the fruit that it bears. O
generation of vipers, how can you being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance
of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:33-34)

The Opposition We Will Receive as We Proclaim the Gospel
Jesus said this to Pharisees who misrepresented what he was doing and had falsely
accused him of casting of devils by the power of Beelzebub!
Jesus condemned the hypocrisy of criticizing and judging others unfairly, "Don't pick on
people, jump on their failure, or fault-find- unless of course, you want the same treatment.
That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's
face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own.
Jesus was not condemning judgment, but hypocrisy in judgment!
"Or how will you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye, when there is
the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you
will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye" (Matthew 7:4-5)
I have also recently encouraged others to go to people and talk to them privately about the
faults that they may think that they have. This is what Jesus Christ said to do!
This can avoid confusion, misunderstandings, spreading rumors which may be false, and
resolve communication problems and other issues that could arise.
Jesus said, "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him
alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother" (Matthew 18:15).
This is where the issue should stay. It needs to remain confidential at that time.
This also must be done in a marriage, church, family, or workplace for a believer!
The question, "Why do you call me "Lord", Lord,' but do not what I say?" from Luke 6:46 is
the Lord himself interrogating and asking why people acknowledge him as their Lord with
their own words but contradict their profession with their works, or actions.
The people who are opposed to Jesus' command or that do contrary may not be sincere
disciples. There are men who may act in malice, and do not have motives that are pure
when they speak to us.
Here is what the Apostle Peter said, "…laying aside all malice and all guile (deceit) and
hypocrisies and envying and all evil speaking." (I Peter 2:1)

The Opposition We Will Receive as We Proclaim the Gospel
Solomon says, "The simple believes every word, but the prudent gives thought to his steps"
(Proverbs 14:15).
Jesus said these things for us to do with those that are opposed to us that do not know the
Lord, "But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that
hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44)
The Apostle John reminds us, "If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating his
brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see,
how can he love God whom he has not seen? The command we have from Christ is blunt:
Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both. (I John 4:20-21)
Jesus said these words to his disciples, "As you would that men should do to you, do also
to them" (Luke 6:31)
We must continue to treat others as we would want to be treated, acting in kindness,
respect, and love toward them. It is always good to put ourselves in someone else's shoes
and to try to see the world through their eyes, or their perspective. It's just empathy and
good manners.
Do we care about treating people how we want to be treated. What if we were in their
poverty, position, situation, or role.
Serving God is serving other people. I believe in leading by serving.
Jesus Christ said these words about eternal life, "And this is eternal life: that they may
know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3). Eternal
life is living forever because we believe the gospel! It goes even deeper though, It starts the
moment we believe the gospel and continues as we gain a deep knowledge of Jesus Christ.
It is a deep, close, intimate relationship with the Father and the Son. God's presence will
be with us and in us as he inspires us to walk in his Word and with him. The word "know" is
about a relationship that is close and eternal in and with Christ! This is a deep friendship
with Jesus Christ.
He works in us and through His Holy Spirit empowers us to impact the lives of others whom
we share the gospel with!

The Opposition We Will Receive as We Proclaim the Gospel
Conclusion: What Should We Do?
Let us continue to do what our Lord commanded us to do, “Preach (proclaim) the Gospel”
with compassion and empathy. Mark 16:15; Romans 10:14-15
Let us Love the lost with the love of Christ which constrains us – II Corinthians 5:14
Let us forgive those who have sinned (trespassed) against us. Matthew 6:14
Let us pray for all of those who lied about us, hated, disrespected, or mocked us. (Matthew
5:44; Luke 6:28) God can grant them repentance and they can believe the gospel so their
souls can be saved!

2/20/2026

Commands To Love Admonitions To Love We should love to obey

I. Love The Lord God – Command given in the law and the Shema, (Deut. 6:4-9)
which is the central foundational confession of faith in Judaism affirming the
oneness of God. The word- “Shema” means to hear or listen, implying active
obedience and devotion, not just passive listening. It is also a prayer recited in
the morning and evening by devout orthodox Jews.
A. Deuteronomy 6:5- “…love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, with all thy
soul, and with all thy might.”
B. Matthew 22:37-38 “Jesus said unto him, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first
and great commandment.”
C. Jesus said that this was the first and greatest command. It is therefore, the
top of the list; it should be our top emotion (heart); it should be our utmost
desire and also top of our mind.
II. Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
A. Leviticus 19:18- “…thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, I am the LORD.”
B. The second great command that Jesus taught is Love thy neighbor as thyself.
C. It is a command and not a suggestion!
D. Contained with this command is the inference that we naturally love
ourselves, which is also found in Ephesians 5:28-29 in reference to a
husband loving his wife.
E. We should be careful and concerned about obeying this command because
Jesus Christ our Lord gave this command and said it was the second
greatest.
III. Love Your Enemies
A. Matthew 5:44- “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse
you, do good unto them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully
use you.”
B. Luke 6:27- “But I say unto you which hear, love your enemies, do good to
them which hate you.”
C. Yes, this Command and its related instructions can be a hard command to
follow, but we are to obey it nonetheless.
IV. Love Your Wife (If you have one)
A. Ephesians 5:22- “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the church,
and gave himsel