Doubters Welcome: Rescued From Doubt: Matthew 14:23-33

 

After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. 25 Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning.
Matthew 14:23-25 (CSB)

1. Take A Step of Faith

When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear.27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.”
Matthew 14:26-29 (CSB)

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)

2. Keep Your Focus

…And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink…
Matthew 14:29-30 (CSB)

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”  5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.
Luke 5:4-5 (NIV)

When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. 68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.
Mark 14:67-68 (NIV)

3. Ask For Help

But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Matthew 14:30 (CSB)

4. Receive His Grace

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Matthew 14:31-33 (CSB)

source https://edgechurchcolorado.com/doubters-welcome-rescued-from-doubt-matthew-1423-33/

Doubters Welcome: Don’t Doubt God Out: Matthew 11:1-15

 

1) Clarify Your Christ

When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Matthew 11:2-3 (NIV)

Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:  The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.  Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
Matthew 11:4-6 (NIV)

2) Discover What Scripture Says

Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:  The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.  Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
Matthew 11:4-6 (NIV)

Yet faith comes from listening to this message of good news—the Good News about Christ.
Romans 10:17 (NLT)

3) Don’t Let Circumstances Distract

John the Baptist, who was now in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Matthew 11:2-3 (NIV)

4) Remember Jesus Is Patient

I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears, let him hear.
Matthew 11:7-15 (NIV)

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Mark 9:23-24 (NIV)

source https://edgechurchcolorado.com/doubters-welcome-dont-doubt-god-out-matthew-111-15/

Doubters Welcome: Unbelievable: Luke 24:36-53

 

 

1) PEOPLE HAVE QUESTIONS

They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.
Luke 24:3-5 (CSB)

But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.
Luke 24:11 (CSB)

The disciples thought he was a ghost But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost.
Luke 24:37 (CSB)

2) JESUS HAS ANSWERS

HE SPEAKS TO OUR FEELINGS

As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost.
Luke 24:36-37 (CSB)

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.
John 14:27 (CSB)

HE SPEAKS TO OUR SENSES

“Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish…
Luke 24:38-42 (CSB)

HE SPEAKS TO OUR MIND

He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:44-46 (CSB)

3) JESUS’ ANSWERS EVOKE RESPONSE

SHARING

You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.”
Luke 24:48-49 (CSB)

JOY

After worshiping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
Luke 24:52 (CSB)

WORSHIP

And they were continually in the temple praising God.
Luke 24:53 (CSB)

source https://edgechurchcolorado.com/doubters-welcome-unbelievable-luke-2436-53/

Thank You: Grace Made Me Get It: Luke 7:36-50

 

Three Marks Of a Grace Filled Life…

1. PASSIONATE WORSHIP

Then one of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of perfume 38 and stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to wash his feet with her tears. She wiped his feet with her hair, kissing them and anointing them with the perfume.
Luke 7:36-38 (CSB)

2. SACRIFICIAL GIVING

She brought an alabaster jar of perfume 38 and stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to wash his feet with her tears. She wiped his feet with her hair, kissing them and anointing them with the perfume.
Luke 7:37-38 (CSB)

Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

3. EXTRAVAGANT LOVE

Jesus replied to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you. ”He said, “Say it, teacher.”41 “A creditor had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Since they could not pay it back, he graciously forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?”43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.” “You have judged correctly,” he told him. 44 Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she, with her tears, has washed my feet and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing my feet since I came in. 46 You didn’t anoint my head with olive oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfume. 47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”49 Those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
Luke 7:40-50 (CSB)

source https://edgechurchcolorado.com/thank-you-grace-made-me-get-it-luke-736-50/

Thank You: The Dynamic Duo: Genesis 28:20-22

 

1. Giving and Gratitude Start With Personal Commitment

Then Jacob made a vow: “If God will be with me and watch over me during this journey I’m making, if he provides me with food to eat and clothing to wear, and if I return safely to my father’s family, then the Lord will be my God.
Genesis 28:20-21 (CSB)

This stone that I have set up as a marker will be God’s house, and I will give to you a tenth of all that you give me.”
Genesis 28:22 (CSB)

2. Giving and Gratitude Grow With Personal Discipline

Then Jacob made a vow: “If God will be with me and watch over me during this journey I’m making, if he provides me with food to eat and clothing to wear… This stone that I have set up as a marker will be God’s house, and I will give to you a tenth of all that you give me.”
Genesis 28:22 (CSB)

God said to Jacob, “Get up! Go to Bethel and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” So Jacob said to his family and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your clothes. 3 We must get up and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to the God who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me everywhere I have gone.”
Genesis 35:1-3 (CSB)

Jacob built an altar there and called the place El-bethel because it was there that God had revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother.
Genesis 35:7 (CSB)

3. Giving and Gratitude Flourish with Personal Appreciation

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” 17 He was afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! This is none other than the house of God. This is the gate of heaven.”
Genesis 28:16-17 (CSB)

Then Jacob made a vow: “If God will be with me and watch over me during this journey I’m making, if he provides me with food to eat and clothing to wear and if I return safely to my father’s family, then the Lord will be my God.
Genesis 28:20-21 (CSB)

“He has been with me everywhere I have gone.”
Genesis 35:3 (CSB)

Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.
Hebrews 13:5 (CSB)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17 (CSB)

“I have put wisdom in the heart of every skilled artisan.”
Exodus 31:6 (CSB)

source https://edgechurchcolorado.com/thank-you-the-dynamic-duo-genesis-2820-22/

Kingdomology: Kingdom Business: Luke 19:11-27

 

Therefore he said, “A nobleman traveled to a far country to receive for himself authority to be king and then to return. 13 He called ten of his servants, gave them ten minas, and told them, ‘Engage in business until I come back.”
Luke 19:12-13 (CSB)

1. The Message of the Benevolent King – I must use my time, talent and treasure for the kingdom.

‘Engage in business until I come back.’
Luke 19:12-13 (CSB)

…for every animal of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.
Psalm 50:10-11 (CSB)

2. The Message of the Faithful Servants – I must invest my treasure wisely.

“At his return, having received the authority to be king, he summoned those servants he had given the money to, so that he could find out how much they had made in business. 16 The first came forward and said, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten more minas.’17 “‘Well done, good servant!’ he told him. ‘Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, have authority over ten towns.’”
Luke 19:15-17 (CSB)

Four Types of Biblical Giving You Should Practice This Week…

Tithe

“Every tenth of the land’s produce, grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”
Leviticus 27:30 (CSB)

Alms

Offering

Sacrificial Giving

2. The Message of the Faithful Servants – I must invest my treasure wisely.

3. The Message of the Disobedient Servant – I Must Overcome Fear and Trust God.

“And another came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina. I have kept it safe in a cloth 21 because I was afraid of you since you’re a harsh man: you collect what you didn’t deposit and reap what you didn’t sow.’22 “He told him, ‘I will condemn you by what you have said, you evil servant! If you knew I was a harsh man, collecting what I didn’t deposit and reaping what I didn’t sow, 23 why, then, didn’t you put my money in the bank? And when I returned, I would have collected it with interest.’ 24 So he said to those standing there, ‘Take the mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’”
Luke 19:20-24 (CSB)

Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure — pressed down, shaken together, and running over — will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Luke 6:38 (CSB)

‘I tell you, that to everyone who has, more will be given; and from the one who does not have, even what he does have will be taken away.
Luke 19:26 (CSB)

“‘Well done, good servant!’ he told him. ‘Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, have authority over ten towns.’
Luke 19:17 (CSB)

“And another came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina. I have kept it safe in a cloth 21 because I was afraid of you since you’re a harsh man: you collect what you didn’t deposit and reap what you didn’t sow.’
Luke 19:20-21 (CSB)

source https://edgechurchcolorado.com/kingdomology-kingdom-business-luke-1911-27/

Kingdomology: Kingdom Culture: Acts 2:42-47

 

1. Learning Culture

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…
Acts 2:42 (CSB)

Take the time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.
1 Timothy 4:7 (Ph)

Continue to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:18 (ISV)

2. Praying Culture

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…and to prayer. 
Acts 2:42 (CSB) 2:42 (CSB)

So Peter was kept in prison, but prayer was being made earnestly to God for him by the church.
Acts 12:5 (CSB)

3. Faith Filled Culture

Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.
Acts 2:44 (CSB)

4. Fellowship Culture

Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts.
Acts 2:46 (CSB)

Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.
Romans 12:13 (CSB)

5. Giving Culture

Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need.
Acts 2:44-45 (CSB)

…for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
Psalm 50:10 (NIV)

6. Worship Culture

…praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
Acts 2:47 (CSB)

7. Growth Culture

…Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Acts 2:47 (CSB)

I will build my church and the gates of hell wont prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18

source https://edgechurchcolorado.com/kingdomology-kingdom-culture-acts-242-47/