Woodland Friends Church

If we’re entering into this study of last things – by way of the feeling of our time, the tension of our days, then I feel like we need to address the tension first. Does that make sense? Because we have some particular lens on already. “Things look a little grim, is it the end of the world?” Let’s look at that first phrase – “things look a grim so I think it might be the end of the world.”

Though Paul, Barnabas & company and the Disciples found themselves respectively evangelizing different people groups (Gentiles as well as the Jews). These weren't different gospels for the different people, it was the same gospel for all. It was a gospel so set in stone, that when one of Jesus' closest disciples compromised on it, Paul called him to account.

Though Paul, Barnabas & company and the Disciples found themselves respectively evangelizing different people groups (Gentiles as well as the Jews). These weren't different gospels for the different people, it was the same gospel for all. It was a gospel so set in stone, that when one of Jesus' closest disciples compromised on it, Paul called him to account.

Paul’s not worried about his reputation, He’s worried about the truth remaining in his hearers! Because the Gospel is not about Paul, it’s not about what you know, and “Wow, let me sit at your feet,” no the Gospel is simple, and it shouldn’t be changed, altered, added to, spruced up, and or watered-down! Paul’s got nothing to lose in the matter!

Paul’s not worried about his reputation, He’s worried about the truth remaining in his hearers! Because the Gospel is not about Paul, it’s not about what you know, and “Wow, let me sit at your feet,” no the Gospel is simple, and it shouldn’t be changed, altered, added to, spruced up, and or watered-down! Paul’s got nothing to lose in the matter!

You are justified because of Jesus’ death and resurrection! You will be conformed to the image of Christ because of His death and resurrection! You will be glorified because of His death and resurrection – nothing else will suffice! There are no other means of grace or merit that will ever be, should ever be, can ever be sufficient – it is only Jesus who died and rose again! It is only Jesus!

You are justified because of Jesus’ death and resurrection! You will be conformed to the image of Christ because of His death and resurrection! You will be glorified because of His death and resurrection – nothing else will suffice! There are no other means of grace or merit that will ever be, should ever be, can ever be sufficient – it is only Jesus who died and rose again! It is only Jesus!

Everyone I’ve met who has weird, creepy, stupid theology – that they need to be more Jewish to be better Christians, or that some Christians are too judgmental because Christians believe the marriage bed should be between a man and a woman, or kept pure before a wedding – I can tell you, 85% of the time, if not more, those people who try to defend themselves will then say, “Look at these teachings...

Everyone I’ve met who has weird, creepy, stupid theology – that they need to be more Jewish to be better Christians, or that some Christians are too judgmental because Christians believe the marriage bed should be between a man and a woman, or kept pure before a wedding – I can tell you, 85% of the time, if not more, those people who try to defend themselves will then say, “Look at these teachings...

This is how we face suffering. We reset our perspective. “Paul, how can you willingly go into suffering?” Because it’s not about me. It’s not about my comfort. My convenience. It’s about the good news of God’s grace! God’s grace is food for the hungry, care for the helpless, redemption and freedom for the slaves-to-sin, regeneration for the dead in trespasses! And when a heart is set on the Gospel...

This is how we face suffering. We reset our perspective. “Paul, how can you willingly go into suffering?” Because it’s not about me. It’s not about my comfort. My convenience. It’s about the good news of God’s grace! God’s grace is food for the hungry, care for the helpless, redemption and freedom for the slaves-to-sin, regeneration for the dead in trespasses! And when a heart is set on the Gospel...

NOTE: Recorded at Kamiah Valley View Church of the Nazarene, 5/1/22, where Pastor Kevin had been invited for a baby dedication, and to preach. Scriptures are out of the HCSB primarily. Woodland Friends heard a bell choir the same morning. The same world that hates Jesus because He testifies its works are evil, and hated Him first before His disciples, is the same world that God sent His Son to die...

NOTE: Recorded at Kamiah Valley View Church of the Nazarene, 5/1/22, where Pastor Kevin had been invited for a baby dedication, and to preach. Scriptures are out of the HCSB primarily. Woodland Friends heard a bell choir the same morning. The same world that hates Jesus because He testifies its works are evil, and hated Him first before His disciples, is the same world that God sent His Son to die...

This Eutychus guy. You want to know what his name means? Fortunate. Lucky. Of course it does. Now some commentators have gotten really stuffy, and high and mighty with this picture. “Here’s why you shouldn’t fall asleep in sermons.” You know, “Eutychus gives the lamest picture, the poorest example, the lowest illustration – just, sleeping through sermons. Don’t do it.” It’s past midnight! Give him...

This Eutychus guy. You want to know what his name means? Fortunate. Lucky. Of course it does. Now some commentators have gotten really stuffy, and high and mighty with this picture. “Here’s why you shouldn’t fall asleep in sermons.” You know, “Eutychus gives the lamest picture, the poorest example, the lowest illustration – just, sleeping through sermons. Don’t do it.” It’s past midnight! Give him...

While the Resurrection terrifies some, it’s reassuring for others! While it’s an earthquake and the living dead for some, it’s a startling quake to wake up sleeping believers for others. Joseph Benson, writes: The resurrection of Christ, which is the terror and confusion of his enemies, is the joy and consolation of his friends; the ground of their confidence and hope, and the source of their comf...

While the Resurrection terrifies some, it’s reassuring for others! While it’s an earthquake and the living dead for some, it’s a startling quake to wake up sleeping believers for others. Joseph Benson, writes: The resurrection of Christ, which is the terror and confusion of his enemies, is the joy and consolation of his friends; the ground of their confidence and hope, and the source of their comf...

It’s interesting to me that Jesus is appointing a substitution from the Cross. No longer would the God-Man be the Son for Mary, but Jesus appoints another Son, a brother of His in the faith for Mary, and Jesus appoints, yes, a mother for John. And there is this substitution happening. And without clear words, nevertheless in symbolism, in a sign, John likes to use signs, at the Cross, we are remin...

It’s interesting to me that Jesus is appointing a substitution from the Cross. No longer would the God-Man be the Son for Mary, but Jesus appoints another Son, a brother of His in the faith for Mary, and Jesus appoints, yes, a mother for John. And there is this substitution happening. And without clear words, nevertheless in symbolism, in a sign, John likes to use signs, at the Cross, we are remin...

This is the hangup for many people. Maybe people will say, “Jesus, a good moral teacher. Great guy. Loved people. Served them well. Very compassionate. Good moral teacher.” And the connection is either never made, or never expressed – that He must’ve been a pathological liar too. This is what must be believed if someone cannot come to grips with His claiming to be God. CS Lewis rightly ascertained...

This is the hangup for many people. Maybe people will say, “Jesus, a good moral teacher. Great guy. Loved people. Served them well. Very compassionate. Good moral teacher.” And the connection is either never made, or never expressed – that He must’ve been a pathological liar too. This is what must be believed if someone cannot come to grips with His claiming to be God. CS Lewis rightly ascertained...

Jesus had just finished praying, “Take this cup from Me.” But the cup is now tipping. Wrath is coming. The sins of the world had been committed, and it was payment time. "Then everyone deserted Him and fled!" He was alone to face to the cup! He must be alone! This is where in the physical sense – sure it is sad. The Disciples are to be blamed. They left their Lord alone in His darkest hour! It sho...

Jesus had just finished praying, “Take this cup from Me.” But the cup is now tipping. Wrath is coming. The sins of the world had been committed, and it was payment time. "Then everyone deserted Him and fled!" He was alone to face to the cup! He must be alone! This is where in the physical sense – sure it is sad. The Disciples are to be blamed. They left their Lord alone in His darkest hour! It sho...

KEVIN was OUT WITH A COLD TODAY, RELEASED HERE FROM THE SERMON VAULT (originally preached 8/21/16): Deny Himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Those eighteen words are going to be the focal point of the rest of our time together, because those eighteen words are to be the marks of a true Christian. Not a more devout Christian, not a, level 2 Christian, not a veteran Christian, just for a Chri...

KEVIN was OUT WITH A COLD TODAY, RELEASED HERE FROM THE SERMON VAULT (originally preached 8/21/16): Deny Himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Those eighteen words are going to be the focal point of the rest of our time together, because those eighteen words are to be the marks of a true Christian. Not a more devout Christian, not a, level 2 Christian, not a veteran Christian, just for a Chri...