Jesus, the Lamb of God | Pastor Tre Townsley | 4.19.26

 Jesus, the Lamb of God

 John 1:29 29  The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him,

and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of

the world!

 Recount the narrative of the sheep who rescued the lamb

from the wolf

 Leviticus 4 institutes the law of sacrificing of animals to atone

for sin. But the practice occurred long before the law was

written.

 The first mention of a lamb in scripture is in Genesis 22:6-8

6  So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on

Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and

the two of them went together.  7  But Isaac spoke to Abraham his

father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.”

Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb

for a burnt offering?” 8  And Abraham said, “My son, God will

provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of

them went together.

 Exodus 12 is possibly the greatest example of this

throughout the Tanakh (the Old Testament)

 Each of the plagues exacted upon Egypt is thought to be an

affront to one or more false gods of Egypt

 Exodus 12:3-13 3  Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying:

‘On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a

lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a

household.  4  And if the household is too small for the lamb, let

him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the

number of the persons; according to each man’s need you shall

make your count for the lamb.  5  Your lamb shall be without

blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep

or from the goats.  6  Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day

of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the

congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight.  7  And they shall

take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on

the lintel of the houses where they eat it.  8  Then they shall eat the

flesh on that night; roasted in fire, with unleavened

bread and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.  9  Do not eat it raw,

nor boiled at all with water, but roasted in fire—its head with its

legs and its entrails.  10  You shall let none of it remain until

morning, and what remains of it until morning you shall burn with

fire.  11  And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your

sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall

eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover. 12  ‘For I will pass

through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all

the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast;

and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute

judgment: I am the Lord.  13  Now the blood shall be a sign for

you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I

will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to

destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

 God’s judgment was not just to be poured out on the

Egyptians. He was judging Israel for their participation in the

idolatry of Egypt

 Ezekiel 20:4-10 4  Will you judge them, son of man, will you

judge them? Then make known to them the abominations of their

fathers. 5  “Say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “On the day

when I chose Israel and raised My hand in an oath to the

descendants of the house of Jacob, and made Myself known to

them in the land of Egypt, I raised My hand in an oath to them,

saying, ‘I am the Lord your God.’  6  On that day I raised My hand

in an oath to them, to bring them out of the land of Egypt into a

land that I had searched out for them, ‘flowing with milk and

honey,’ the glory of all lands.  7  Then I said to them, ‘Each of

you, throw away the abominations which are before his eyes,

and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt.

I am the Lord your God.’  8  But they rebelled against Me and

would not obey Me. They did not all cast away the abominations

which were before their eyes, nor did they forsake the idols of

Egypt. Then I said, ‘I will pour out My fury on them and fulfill My

anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.’  9  But I acted

for My name’s sake, that it should not be profaned before the

Gentiles among whom they were, in whose sight I had made

Myself known to them, to bring them out of the land of Egypt.

10  “Therefore I made them go out of the land of Egypt and brought

them into the wilderness.

 God would not be just if He did not require blood

 The blood of an innocent lamb was used to satisfy the law

and extend mercy to the guilty

 BUT HERE’S THE PROBLEM

 The law can never make anyone perfect

 Hebrews 10:1-4 1 For the law, having a shadow of the good

things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never

with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by

year, make those who approach perfect.  2  For then would they

not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers,

once purified, would have had no more consciousness of

sins.  3  But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every

year.  4  For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats

could take away sins.

 This takes us back to John’s proclamation

 John 1:29 29  The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him,

and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of

the world!

 Sin, by definition, is an offense; a missing of the mark

(standard)

 Isaiah 59:2 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your

God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He

will not hear.

 Leviticus 17:11 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I

have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your

souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’

 Hebrews 9:22 22 And according to the law almost all things

are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is

no remission.

 The price that is paid for something shows its value to the

one who pays it

 How much was He willing to pay?

 Isaiah 53:10(a) 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise (crush) Him…

 Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

 Gethsemane: oil press. This is where His “passion” begins

 Luke 22:41-44 41  And He was withdrawn from them about a

stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed,  42  saying, “Father,

if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My

will, but Yours, be done.”  43 Then an angel appeared to Him from

heaven, strengthening Him.  44  And being in agony, He prayed

more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood

falling down to the ground.

 Why is He so stressed? Is it because of the crucifixion? No.

It’s because of 2 Corinthians 5:21

 2 Corinthians 5:21 21  For He made Him who knew no sin to

be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in

Him.

 Jesus before the Sanhedrin

 Jesus has been forsaken as all his friends have scattered

 All alone, Jesus is falsely accused repeatedly. When He

speaks the truth of who He is, He is condemned to death

 The crowds spit into Jesus’ face (Numbers 12:14)

 He was blindfolded and buffeted. He was repeatedly struck

in the face. His body was struck with fists, sticks, and rods.

 Jesus before Pilate

 Jesus has likely not slept at all in the last 24 hours due, in

part, to the pain coursing through his beaten, dehydrated,

and weakened body

 Pilate, the Roman governor, declared he thought Jesus was

innocent, but released a known murderer and sentenced

Jesus to death

 He was scourged with one or (likely) two flagrum

 The flagrum was the instrument the lictor used to whip the

victim. It had a short wooden and leather-wrapped handle to

which were fixed three or more leather straps. These straps

were knotted with small pieces of metal or bone attached at

various intervals. At times, a flagrum would also have a hook

at the end of one strap that was called the "scorpion." With

or without the "scorpion," the flagrum would quickly remove

skin from the victim and create deep lacerations with

exposed ribbons of muscle.

 The crown of thorns: Jesus’ crown was likely made from a

plant native to the area which has thick thorns capable of

growing up to three inches in length. They were pressed into

the scalp, one of the most vascular areas of the body,

causing more bleeding. At this point, Jesus was likely

experiencing hypovolemic shock

 Jesus at the Crucifixion

 Jesus was forced to carry the crossbeam of His cross

(weighing about 110 lbs.) approximately 600-700 yards to

the place of execution.

 6”-9” nails were used to pierce the wrists between the radial

and ulnar and fasten his arms in an extended fashion to the

wooden beam

Christ the First Born | Pastor Chris Searcy | 4.12.26

- Familial Meaning:
The eldest son; who usually received a double portion and became the principal heir with primary family authority after the father’s death.


- Representative Meaning:
“Firstborn” can refer to the one holding the highest status or the one given the place of honor.
In Scripture, someone can be called “firstborn” to emphasize supremacy and privilege, even when not born first.

Psalm 89:20, 27 (David, Jesse’s youngest)

20 I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him,

27 And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.


Context of Colossians:

- Church founded by Epaphras in Colossae (Turkey)

- Paul didn’t visit before writing

- The church is dealing with people teaching a false gospel that Christ is not enough:

    

They are teaching:
1. Human tradition (verse 8)
2. Dietary restrictions, festivals, new moon, Sabbaths (verse 16)
3. Asceticism (severe self discipline) (verse 18)
4. Angels and visions (verse 18)

Colossians argues:1. Christ is enough.

2. Christ is above all.

3. Christ is the source of creation, redemption, and reconciliation.

4. Therefore the Colossians must not be drawn away by any teaching that lowers Christ or supplements Christ.


Colossians 1:15:-20

The Supremacy of the Son of God

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

1. Image of the invisible God
2. Firstborn over all creation
3. Creator and upholder of all things
4. Head of the church
5. First born from the dead

Romans 8:18-1918 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.


Romans 8:28-3028 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. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.


31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 

32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 

33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:23

23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.

Surrender | Pastor Chris Searcy | 4.5.26

Matthew 26:36-46.                      

36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

Luke 22:39-46      

39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Matthew 16:24-25
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Wednesday Night Notes | Pastor Chris, Lance & Trey | 4.1.26

 

Matthew 13 verses 47-58, Chapter 14 followed by Notes on the Resurrection of Christ

Matthew 13

The Parable of the Net

47  “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered

fish of every kind. 

48  When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers

but threw away the bad. 

49  So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from

the righteous  50  and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping

and gnashing of teeth.

New and Old Treasures

51  “Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” 

52  And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of

heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what

is old.”

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

53  And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there,  54  and coming

to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and

said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 

55  Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers

James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 

56  And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 

57  And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor

except in his hometown and in his own household.” 

58  And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

Matthew 14

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus,  2  and he said to his

servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these

miraculous powers are at work in him.” 

3  For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of

Herodias, his brother Philip's wife,  4  because John had been saying to him, “It is not

lawful for you to have her.” 

5  And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held

him to be a prophet. 

6  But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the

company and pleased Herod,  7  so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever

she might ask. 

8  Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a

platter.” 

9  And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to

be given. 

10  He sent and had John beheaded in the prison,  11  and his head was brought on a platter

and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 

12  And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

13  Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by

himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 

14  When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and

healed their sick. 

15  Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate

place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy

food for themselves.” 

16  But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 

17  They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 

18  And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 

19  Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and

the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and

gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 

20  And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken

pieces left over. 

21  And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Jesus Walks on the Water

22  Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other

side, while he dismissed the crowds. 

23  And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to

pray. When evening came, he was there alone,  24  but the boat by this time was a long

way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 

25  And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 

26  But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is

a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 

27  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

28  And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the

water.” 

29  He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to

Jesus. 

30  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord,

save me.” 

31  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of

little faith, why did you doubt?” 

32  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 

33  And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret

34  And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 

35  And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region

and brought to him all who were sick  36  and implored him that they might only touch the

fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

Would you please make the following notes available for people to access

through the church app/website?

4 Proofs of the Resurrection- by Lee Strobel, author of “The

Case for Easter: A Journalist Investigates Evidence for the

Resurrection”

1. JESUS WAS DEAD Did Jesus die on the cross? Was he dead?

- Virtually every scholar on planet Earth concedes that Jesus was dead after

crucifixion.

- We have no record of anyone, anywhere, ever surviving a full Roman

crucifixion.

- Even the Journal of the American Medical Association published a peer

reviewed scientific medical study of the evidence for the death of Jesus and said,

“Clearly the weight of the evidence indicates that Jesus was dead even before

the wound was inflicted.”

- Even the atheist New Testament scholar Gerd Lüdeman says, “Historically it’s

indisputable that Jesus was dead.” So, Jesus was dead.

2. EARLY ACCOUNTS FOR THE RESURRECTION The second category of

evidence is the early accounts we have for the resurrection. In other words, I

used to think is an atheist that the resurrection was a legend and that took a long

time to develop in the ancient world. What I learned is that we have preserved for

us a creed of the earliest Christian Church. A creed that is an eyewitness-based

report of the resurrection of Jesus. Now this creed has been dated back by

scholars to within months of the death of Jesus — within months. That is

historical gold. So, we’ve got a news flash from ancient history on the

resurrection.

3. THE EMPTY TOMB The best evidence for the empty tomb is even the

opponents of Jesus implicitly admitted the tomb was empty. When the disciples

began proclaiming that Jesus had risen what the opponent said was, “The

disciples stole the body.” They’re conceding that the tomb was empty, they’re just

trying to explain how it got empty. So, everybody’s conceding that the tomb was

empty. How it got empty is the real issue, and that goes to the fourth category of

evidence, which is eyewitnesses.

4. THERE WERE EYEWITNESSES For most of what we know about ancient

history, it comes from one or maybe two sources of information and yet for the

conviction of the disciples that they encountered the resurrected Jesus, we have

no fewer than 9 ancient sources inside and outside the New Testament

confirming and corroborating the conviction of the disciples that they encountered

the risen Christ. That is an avalanche of a historical data. So, you put all that

together and you have a really good case for Easter.

https://youtu.be/FT4Cj-Pi4m0

5. “There are actually 110 facts about the life teachings, miracles, death, and

resurrection of Jesus from ancient sources outside the Bible documented by the

historian Dr. Gary Habermass in his book, “The Verdict of History.” Lee Strobel

Ancient sources that confirm the conviction of the disciples

that they really did see the risen Jesus.

1. The Creed that is quoted by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-7. “In 1

Corinthians 15:3-7, the Apostle Paul quotes an early Christian creed, which is

believed to have been formulated within a few years of Jesus' death and

resurrection. This creed includes key elements of the Christian faith, such as

Christ's death, burial, resurrection, and post-resurrection appearances.”

2. The Apostle Paul- Paul states that he saw the risen Christ in 1 Corinthians 15:8,

and goes on to state that both he and the apostles preached that Christ was

crucified and raised from the dead in 1 Corinthians 15:10-17. He also states that

he got to know some of the disciples Peter, James and John for instance, and

subsequently heard their accounts for himself.

3. The Book of Acts- Even atheist scholars will admit the Book of Acts contains the

summaries of teachings of the early church. “The resurrection is a central theme

in the book of Acts, with seven out of ten recorded sermons focusing on it, and

the resurrection of Jesus is implied in the remaining sermons. This highlights its

significance in the early Christian message.”

4. Peter testifying in Acts 2:22-24 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of

Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and

signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—  23  this

Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you

crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 

24  God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for

him to be held by it.” 

The people didn’t deny it: Acts 2:37-38 “Now when they heard this they were

cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what

shall we do?”  38  And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of

you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will

receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” 

5. The four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all contain the account of

the death and resurrection of Jesus, and list 9 separate times that Jesus

appeared before witnesses. He talked with them, ate with them, and allowed

them to touch him.

6. Clement of Rome (martyred in 100 AD) - Clement was ordained by Peter

himself and he wrote a letter “First Epistle of Clement” where he “mentions the

resurrection of Jesus, highlighting it as a proof of a future resurrection and

emphasizing Jesus Christ as the first-fruits of this resurrection.”

7. Polycarp (AD 69 – 155) - was discipled by the apostle John, and John

appointed him to be bishop at the church at Smyrna. Polycarp wrote a letter in

which he mentions the resurrection no fewer than five times. In the letter, he

stated that the apostles got their confidence from the resurrection of Jesus

because they knew that he returned from the dead.

The Sequence of Christ’s Post-Resurrection Appearances-

Where Exactly Did Jesus Appear, and to Whom?

 Mary Magdalene (John 20:11–18)

 The other Mary, Salome, Joanna, and at least one other woman (Matthew

28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10)

 Peter (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5)

 Cleopas and another disciple on road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35)

 The eleven disciples minus Thomas (Luke 24:36–43; John 20:19–25)

 The eleven disciples (John 20:26–29)

 Seven disciples at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1–23)

 Disciples at a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16–17)

 James (1 Corinthians 15:7)

 Disciples, possibly in Jerusalem before He led them to the Mt. of Olives,

gave the Great Commission, and ascended into heaven (Luke

24:49–53; Acts 1:3–11)

 The Apostle Paul stated, “Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by

one born out of due time.” This appearance occurred while Paul (then

called Saul) was traveling to Damascus on a mission to persecute

Christians (Acts 9:1–9; 1 Corinthians 15:8).

In most instances, Jesus did more than just appear before

people.

- Christ’s words in John 20:17 seem to imply that Mary Magdalene clung to

Him, indicating that He could be touched.

- The other women worshiped Him and held Him by the feet (Matthew 28:9).

- He broke bread in front of Cleopas and an unnamed follower (Luke 24:30).

- He showed His scars in His hands, feet, and side and then ate fish and a

honeycomb before the gathering of disciples without Thomas (Luke

24:40–43; John 20:20).

- Later, with Thomas present, Jesus invited Thomas to touch His hands and

His side (John 20:26–27).

- At the Sea of Tiberias, He performed a miracle, allowing the disciples to

catch 153 large fish (John 20:6–11).

- He also cooked and ate some food (John 20:9, 15).

- Paul claimed that Jesus had appeared to over 500 people at one time (1

Corinthians 15:6). This may be an additional appearance, or it may be the

same event as the one on the hillside in Galilee (Matthew 28:16–17).

The report in 1 Corinthians 15 is probably the earliest extant writing about the

Resurrection appearances, penned around AD 55. Paul claimed that he was

writing what he had received.

1 Corinthians 15:3-19

3  I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on

to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 

4  He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the

Scriptures said.

  5  He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 

6  After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of

whom are still alive, though some have died. 

7  Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. 

8  Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him. 

9  For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an

apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.

10  But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on

me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other

apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. 

11  So it makes no difference whether I preach or they preach, for we all preach the

same message you have already believed.

The Resurrection of the Dead

12  But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some

of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? 

13  For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised

either. 

14  And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your

faith is useless. 

15  And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God

raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of

the dead. 

16  And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 

17  And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still

guilty of your sins. 

18  In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 

19  And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than

anyone in the world.

Christ The Beloved Son | Pastor Chris Searcy | 3.29.26

Matthew 3:13-15

The Baptism of Jesus

13 At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”

15 “Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.

16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”

Matthew 17:5

The Transfiguration

1 After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

3 Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You wish, I will put up three shelters —one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

5 While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror.

7 Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Do not be afraid.” 8 And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone about this vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

2 Peter 1:16-21
Eyewitnesses of His Majesty

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

19 We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. 21 For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 21:33-46

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

33 Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a tower. Then he rented it out to some tenants (the jews) and went away on a journey.

34 When the harvest time drew near, he sent his servants (the prophets & OT messengers) to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit. 35 But the tenants seized his servants. They beat one, killed another, and stoned a third.

36 Again, he sent other servants (the prophets & OT messengers), more than the first group. But the tenants did the same to them.

37 Finally, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.

38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’ 39 So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

40 Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard returns, what will he do to those tenants (the jews)?”

41 “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and will rent out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his share of the fruit at harvest time.”

42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

‘The stone the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone.

This is from the Lord,

and it is marvelous in our eyes’k?

43 Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44 He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.l”

45 When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they knew that Jesus was speaking about them. 46 Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet.

Matthew 23:3737 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.

Matthew 27:1-2
Jesus Delivered to Pilate

1 When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death. 2 They bound Him, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate the governor.

Matthew 27:11-26
Jesus before Pilate

11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?”

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

12 And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer.

13 Then Pilate asked Him, “Do You not hear how many charges they are bringing against You?”

14 But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing. 16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.

19 While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”

20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.

21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.

“Barabbas,” they replied.

22 “What then should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked.

They all answered, “Crucify Him!”

23 “Why?” asked Pilate. “What evil has He done?”

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”

Pilate Washes His Hands

24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,c” he said. “You bear the responsibility.”

25 All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”

26 So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.

Romans 8:38–39

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalm 2
7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

The Image of His Son, pt 2 | Pastor Tre Townsley | 3.22.26

 

• Genesis 1:26 ²⁶ Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness
• Colossians 1:15 ¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation
• Romans 8:28-29 ²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…
• 2 Corinthians 3:18 ¹⁸ But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
• Matthew 3:16-17 ¹⁶ When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. ¹⁷ And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
• When the morning sun hits your skin and eyes it sends a signal to reset your internal clock (circadian rhythm)
• When the C.R. is right, cortisol production is highest in the morning, preparing us to deal with the stress of the day
• Morning sun increases serotonin production which boosts mood and mental clarity
• Morning sun produces Vitamin D to control inflammation (a major contributor of many diseases in the body), strengthens bones, and increases immune response
• Sunlight kills bad bacteria
• When C.R. is off, cortisol patterns are erratic, which produces poor detoxification of the body
• Low serotonin levels are linked to depression and digestion disorders
• About 10% of Alaskans experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the polar night with symptoms of low energy, depression, anxiety, and a higher prevalence of suicide and mental health issues during winter
• The beneficial aspects of the morning sun can’t be bottled and sold at Walmart
• Many have tried to capture or mimic the effects, but continue to come up short
• The only way to get the full benefit of what the sun offers is to get up every morning and bask in the sun
• John 15:1-5 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. ⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
• Just as the moon gives light based on its position relative to the sun, our perpetual position to the Son determines what we reflect on earth

Judge Jesus | Pastor Trey Townsley| 3.15.26

• One of the most commonly quoted scriptures by non-believers??
• Matthew 7:1 “Judge not, that you be not judged.”
• “Only God can judge me!”
• James 4:12 “There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?”
• The nature of humans is to desire justice {No justice, No peace}
• Immigrants being deported and separated from family
• 2 black men found hanging on trees in Mississippi
• Explicit sexual misconduct being celebrated at the highest levels of government
• We require someone who will work righteously and bring reconciliation 
• Revelation 6:10 “And they cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’”
• Jesus is the righteous Judge 
• 2 Timothy 4:8 “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
• Justice is required for goodness 
• Luke 18:1-8 “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, ² saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. ³ Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ ⁴ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, ⁵ yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” ⁶ Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. ⁷ And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? ⁸ I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
• The irony in this is when we say “His judgment is unfair” 
• The Greek word for ‘Justice’ is dikaiosuné and is often translated as the word ‘righteousness’ 
• All judgment has been committed to Jesus 
• John 5:22 “For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son”
• God will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus 
• Acts 17:30-31 “³⁰ Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, ³¹ because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
• Every person will appear before the judgment seat of Christ 
• 2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
• Justice as a noun has multiple applications: The process or result of using laws to fairly judge cases, redress wrongs, and punish crimes. – The role of the courts is to dispense justice to everyone
• The quality of being just, impartial, or fair. – They did not question the justice of his decision 
• A judge of an appellate court or court of last resort (as a supreme court). – A supreme court justice will be appointed today 

• The justice of Jesus is so complete that even evil men will bow before him and swear that He is just 
• Philippians 2:10-11 “¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, ¹¹ and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
• Isaiah 45:6-24 “⁶ That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting That there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; ⁷ I form the light and create darkness,
  I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.’ ⁸ “Rain down, you heavens, from above, And let the skies pour down righteousness; Let the earth open, let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together. I, the Lord, have created it. ⁹ “Woe to him who strives with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth! Shall the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ Or shall your handiwork say, ‘He has no hands’?
  ¹⁰ Woe to him who says to his father, ‘What are you begetting?’
  Or to the woman, ‘What have you brought forth?’ ” ¹¹ Thus says the Lord, The Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: “Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; And concerning the work of My hands, you command Me. ¹² I have made the earth, And created man on it. I—My hands—stretched out the heavens, And all their host I have commanded. ¹³ I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city and let My exiles go free, not for price nor reward,” says the Lord of hosts. ¹⁴ Thus says the Lord: “The labor of Egypt and merchandise of Cush and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you, and they shall be yours;
  They shall walk behind you, they shall come over in chains; and they shall bow down to you. They will make supplication to you, saying, ‘Surely God is in you, and there is no other; there is no other God.’ ” ¹⁵ Truly You are God, who hide Yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior! ¹⁶ They shall be ashamed and also disgraced, all of them; they shall go in confusion together, who are makers of idols. ¹⁷ But Israel shall be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; you shall not be ashamed or disgraced forever and ever. ¹⁸ For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens, who is God, who formed the earth and made it, who has established it, who did not create it in vain,
  who formed it to be inhabited: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. ¹⁹ I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth;
  I did not say to the seed of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in vain’; I, the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. ²⁰ “Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you who have escaped from the nations. They have no knowledge, who carry the wood of their carved image, and pray to a god that cannot save. ²¹ Tell and bring forth your case; yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me. ²² “Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. ²³ I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath.
  ²⁴ He shall say, ‘Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength. To Him men shall come, and all shall be ashamed who are incensed against Him.

Wednesday Night Notes | Pastor Chris, Lance & Trey | 3.11.26

Three types of Christians, and those that are Wolves and false Believers

• Type 1:  Saved and Delivered- These are those who genuinely experience the new birth in Christ, a transformed life, and seek to grow in the knowledge, grace and understanding in the Lord.  They bear good fruit in their manner of living, and in their speech.  If they do sin, they are quick to acknowledge it, and seek forgiveness.
  
  2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
  
  Titus 3:5 “He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
  
  1 Peter 2:9 “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
  
  Galatians 5:22-26   “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
  ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 
  ²⁵ Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 
  ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.”
  
   

• Type 2:  Saved, but struggling with various issues-  They are seeking to grow in the Lord, yet they still find themselves falling into the same besetting sins much too often.  They feel conviction and long to be free. 
  
  Romans 7:14-25 “So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 
  ¹⁵ I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 
  ¹⁶ But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 
  ¹⁷ So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
  ¹⁸ And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.^[d^] I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 
  ¹⁹ I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 
  ²⁰ But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
  ²¹ I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 
  ²² I love God’s law with all my heart. 
  ²³ But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 
  ²⁴ Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 
  ²⁵ Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
  
  Romans 8:1-11 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 
  ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
  ³ The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature.  So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 
  ⁴ He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
  ⁵ Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 
  ⁶ So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 
  ⁷ For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 
  ⁸ That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
  ⁹ But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 
  ¹⁰ And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 
  ¹¹ The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
  
  Galatians 5:16-21 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 
  ¹⁷ For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 
  ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 
  ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (lustful pleasure), ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, enmity/hostility, strife/quarreling, jealousy, fits or outbursts of anger, rivalries/selfish ambitions, dissensions, divisions, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
  

Colossians 3:5 “So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”

• Type 3:  Living in habitual Sin without remorse but claiming to be a Christian- These have either given up on trying to gain victory over their besetting sin, have made excuses for it, or just accepted that this is “who they are”, and “God loves me just the way I am”.  
  
  They will usually gravitate towards ministers and ministries that ignore preaching on sin, and instead focus almost entirely on God’s goodness, how much God loves us, God’s unending mercy and grace.  They will even seek to find ways to twist the scriptures to seem to agree with their lifestyle and subsequently ignore passages that call believers to lead holy lives.   
  
  When challenged about their sin by a concerned believer, they either refuse to acknowledge that they are in sin, get angry, and even try to justify it.  They will very often accuse those who challenge them as “unloving”, “hateful” and lacking in compassion.  They will often repeat phrases such as “the Bible says we are not to judge”, “There’s no condemnation for those who are in Christ”, “God is love”, etc..  
  
  A strong case can be made that these types of people may have never experienced true repentance, and subsequent salvation. 
  
  1 Corinthians 5:9-13 “When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 
  ¹⁰ But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 
  ¹¹ I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.
  ¹² It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 
  ¹³ God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”
  
  Philippians 3:17-20 “Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 
  ¹⁸ For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 
  ¹⁹ They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 
  ²⁰ But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”
  
  1 Timothy 5:20 “As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.”
  
  

• The “Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing”:  These are individuals that do everything possible to gain power and influence over other Christians by portraying themselves as amazing men or women of God worthy of listening to, but in their hearts, they desire to take advantage of others.  They have no real care about those that come under their influence, as their motivation is to obtain some selfish desire.  They are motivated by such things as money, sexual gratification, the praise of men, and impressive titles. 
  
  Jesus warned about False Prophets who were “wolves in Sheep’s Clothing”: 
  
  Matthew 7:15-20  “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious (ravenous) wolves. 
  ¹⁶ You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 
  ¹⁷ A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 
  ¹⁸ A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 
  ¹⁹ So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 
  ²⁰ Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. 
  
  Matthew 12: 33- 35 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 
  ³⁴ You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 
  ³⁵ A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.” 
  
  Paul’s warning to the church: 
  Acts 20:26-31 “Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, ²⁷ for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 
  ²⁸ Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
   ²⁹ I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; ³⁰ and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 
  ³¹ Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.” 
  

• “Angels of Light”/False Apostles/Deceitful workers:  
  
  2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 
  
  Revelations 2:2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.” 
  

• False Teachers promoting a false gospel 
  
  Romans 16:17-18 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles (upset people’s faith by teaching things) contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 
  ¹⁸ For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 
  
  Galatians 1:6-9  ^“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 
  ⁷ not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 
  ⁸ But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 
  ⁹ As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”
  
   2 Timothy 3:13 – “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”
  
  Jude 1:4 – “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
  

• False prophets 
  
   Matthew 24:24 – “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
  
   2 Peter 2:1 –“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.”
  
  1 John 4:1 “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.”
  
• Confronting those who persist in sin and false teachings- Christians are strongly admonished to confront those who claim to be believers, but persist in sin, division, or false teachings.  We are even to remove from fellowship those that refuse to repent of their wicked ways.
  
  Matthew 18:15-17 “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. 
  ¹⁶ But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 
  ¹⁷ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 
  
   1 Timothy 5:20 “But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.”
  
  Titus 3:10-11 “Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.”
  
  2 Thessalonians 3:13-15  As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 
  ¹⁴ If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 
  ¹⁵ Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”
  
  Galatians 6:1 “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.”
  
• A final admonition- The warning and instructions from the Apostle Paul to Timothy found in 2 Timothy 3, written not long before he will be martyred:
  
  “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 
  ² For people will:
  -  love only themselves and their money.
  -  They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God,
  - disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful.
  -  They will consider nothing sacred. 
  ³ They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 
  ⁴ They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 
  ⁵ They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.
  Stay away from people like that!
  ⁶ They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. 
  ⁷ (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) 
  ⁸ These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. 
  ⁹ But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.
  
  Paul’s Charge to Timothy
  ¹⁰ But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 
  ¹¹ You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 
  ¹² Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 
  ¹³ But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.
  ¹⁴ But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 
  ¹⁵ You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 
  ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 
  ¹⁷ God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

How we can open ourselves up for abuse and to be deceived/spiritually abused by a false teacher/prophet

• We can easily elevate personality/charisma over character.  We can get caught up in the “cult of personality” if we are not careful.  This is a danger that all of us must guard against.  Character in a leader REALLY matters to God as laid out in Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7.  Both passages strongly highlight character more than any other traits in leadership. 
  
• We can tend to give more “grace” or willingness to overlook issues/”red flags” in leaders than we would others because they are a leader or a personal friend.  Some church cultures promote a loyalty to the leadership that can lead to overlooking clear sin in the leadership if not addressed.
  
• We are not being loving or kind to a leader or any fellow believer when we overlook sin, or refuse to hold them accountable.  This is not about being mean-spirited, or fault finding, but recognizing that sin must not be excused for the sake of the person, and the spiritual health of the body of Christ. 
  
• We can reject clear testimony of abuse in others because we didn’t personally experience it.  This is very easy to do.  We don’t want to hear something truly negative about someone we respect or are close to, but we must be willing to take credible accounts of sinful behavior/abuse seriously when they are brought to us.  It’s prideful to believe that your experience is the only possible experience.
  
• The “Bully pulpit” is a major red flag.  When a leader and the social media of a ministry begins to focus on submission and loyalty to authority, gossip and talebearing, divisive people, Jezebel spirit, etc.  These are all legitimate topics to address, but can be twisted to excuse sin and abuse in the leadership of a ministry. 
  
  When a leader is being exposed or called into account over missteps and/or abuse, they will often try to “get ahead of the story” by going to the pulpit to put a spiritual ‘spin’ on what is taking place, and do “damage control”.  This is a terrible misuse of their position. 
  
• We lose sight over the importance of loving the truth and being “Berean” in our approach to what is preached and taught. 
  The Bible commends the nobility of the people of Berea in Acts 17:11, who took the time to look in the scripture to verify that what Paul was preaching was the truth:
  “And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.”
  
  2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 “Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming. 
  ⁹ This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. 
  ¹⁰ He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 
  ¹¹ Therefore God sends them a strong delusion (be greatly deceived), so that they may believe what is false, ¹² in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

What does the Bible say about covering up abuse?
By the site Biblehub

Definition and Scope of Abuse

Abuse encompasses any act or pattern of behavior that causes harm-physical, emotional, spiritual, or otherwise-to another person. Scripture makes clear that God cares deeply about victims of harm and calls His people to seek justice. “Learn to do right; seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless; plead the cause of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17). Such instruction implies that abuse, in any form, is contrary to God’s character. Covering up abuse is an additional wrongdoing that prevents justice from being carried out and healing from taking place.

Abuse can include physical aggression, threats, intimidation, manipulation, sexual misconduct, neglect, and more. Throughout the Bible, these behaviors violate the divine mandate to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:31). The question of whether (or how) the Bible speaks to covering up such abuses arises from God’s consistent demand for truth, righteousness, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

God’s Stance Against Cover-Ups

From the earliest accounts, Scripture condemns attempts to hide wrongdoing. Proverbs 28:13 declares, “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” While this verse addresses sin in general, concealing sin can specifically include covering up abuse. This principle reminds believers that transparency, remorse, and correction are necessary for spiritual health and communal well-being.

Proverbs 10:9 likewise states, “He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.” In trying to cover up abuse, the perpetrator and anyone complicit risk greater accountability when hidden deeds come to light. By contrast, the Bible commends uprightness and calls for leaders and communities to uncover injustice.

Biblical Examples of Attempts to Conceal Wrongdoing

1. David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12): Although the situation involved abuse of power rather than classic physical violence, David’s actions against Uriah and Bathsheba highlight a sinful attempt to hide immorality. David sought to disguise Bathsheba’s pregnancy and orchestrated Uriah’s death (2 Samuel 11), effectively compounding the offense through subterfuge. The prophet Nathan confronted David: “Why then have you despised the command of the LORD by doing evil in His sight?” (2 Samuel 12:9). God’s judgment followed swiftly, revealing that attempts to cover up sin violate both divine law and moral conscience.

2. Amnon and Tamar (2 Samuel 13): Amnon’s act against his half-sister Tamar involved sexual abuse. While specific details of an external “cover-up” are not given, the narrative does show an attempt to silence or dismiss the crime. This account underscores that Scripture does not gloss over the pain and injustice of abuse. Ultimately, the family’s silence allowed bitterness and division to grow, resulting in tragic consequences.

Accountability and the Call to Confront Sin

Scripture insists that abuse must be exposed to allow justice and healing. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process for confronting wrongdoing: first privately, then with witnesses, and finally before the assembly if repentance does not occur. This principle applies to cases of abuse within a believing community. Those in positions of authority-leaders, elders, pastors-bear the responsibility to protect the vulnerable and address sin openly, not to hide it.

Paul’s letters often call out public sin for the sake of correction and safeguarding the community of believers. In 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, Paul rebukes the Corinthian church because they tolerated a grievous sin instead of confronting it, writing, “You are proud. Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief?” Although the passage addresses sexual immorality in a different context, the broader principle emphasizes that publicly ignoring or covering up sin brings disrepute on the entire fellowship.

Protection of the Vulnerable

The Bible commands believers to stand with the oppressed, including orphans, widows, the poor, and all who are vulnerable. James 1:27 says, “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Taking care of those who are easily victimized extends to defending them from abuse.

A community that covers up abuse fails its divine command to protect those who lack power. Isaiah 1:17 and Psalm 82:3-4 repeatedly emphasize defending the oppressed. Indeed, “Give justice to the weak and fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:3-4). By contrast, covering up abuse aligns with enabling oppression rather than rescuing the oppressed.

Consequences of Covering Up Abuse

The Bible’s historical narratives, as well as its legal prescriptions, highlight that covered-up sin often grows more severe:

• Hardened Hearts: When individuals or communities conceal sin, hearts can become desensitized to injustice (Hebrews 3:13). A repeated cover-up leads people to deny or normalize grievous acts.

• Broken Trust: Cover-ups damage relationships between leadership and the flock, between family members, and within the broader community. Trust, once broken, is challenging to restore, thereby weakening testimony and fellowship.

• Divine Judgment: Scripture teaches that God sees hidden things and will bring all deeds into judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:14). The account of Achan in Joshua 7 shows how hidden wrongdoing brought adversity upon the entire community, demonstrating that what is concealed from humanity is never concealed from God.

Guidance for Reporting and Justice

While the Bible was written in ancient times, its emphasis on honesty, justice, and love informs the modern process of addressing abuse. Believers are commanded to submit to rightful civil authorities (Romans 13:1-4) when laws do not contradict God’s Word. In cases of abuse, reporting to lawful authorities is not only permissible but often necessary to safeguard victims and expose wrongdoing.

In a church context, leaders should foster transparency and encourage victims to come forward without fear. The biblical principle of accountability (1 Timothy 5:19-20) states that elders or leaders found sinning must be rebuked so others will stand in fear of wrongdoing. Enabling sin to continue by failing to report or confront fosters an environment where victims remain silent, and perpetrators remain unrepentant.

Consistency of Scripture and Historical Confidence

The Bible’s reliability on matters of morality and justice finds support in historical manuscripts and archaeological discoveries. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered at Qumran, highlight consistency in Old Testament passages that condemn injustice, confirming that warnings against covering up wrongdoing have been preserved through centuries. These manuscripts affirm that teachings on transparency and justice are not later additions but were central from ancient times.

Throughout church history, credible testimonies and early Christian writings confirm that believers have understood their moral duty to expose sin and protect the weak in line with scriptural mandates. While there have been unfortunate instances where certain people in authority misapplied or outright disobeyed these principles, the enduring biblical text consistently calls for repentance, confession, and protection of the vulnerable. The historical record, supported by manuscript evidence and the study of ancient communities, shows a cohesive scriptural call to bring hidden evil into the light.

Practical Steps Toward Biblical Integrity

1. Confession and Repentance: Perpetrators must be held accountable, owning responsibility (Proverbs 28:13). True repentance includes stopping the wrongdoing and seeking to make restitution where possible.

2. Advocacy and Support: Communities must create safe spaces where survivors can be heard. Counseling, support groups, and prayerful accompaniment are expressions of the biblical command to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

3. Restorative and Protective Disciplinary Measures: When necessary, a church should follow the biblical process of discipline (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13). This may involve removing unrepentant abusers from positions of influence to protect others.

4. Civil and Legal Cooperation: In many regions, believers are also bound by laws requiring the reporting of abuse. Fulfilling these obligations aligns with God’s instruction in Romans 13 to respect civil authority as a servant for good.

5. Ongoing Cultural Shift: Scripture invites believers to cultivate a culture of transparency and truth (Ephesians 4:25). This atmosphere discourages secrecy and fosters early detection and confrontation of abusive behavior.

Conclusion: The Biblical Charge to Expose Oppression

The Bible’s ultimate teaching is that hiding abuse is not an acceptable path for the faithful. Sinful acts left undisclosed only spiral into deeper harm, both for victims and perpetrators. God’s standard is rooted in truth, justice, mercy, and the restoration of broken lives. By contrasting the failures of hidden sin with His righteous demands for honesty and compassion, Scripture calls every believer to stand against injustice and defend the vulnerable.

In upholding these principles, believers honor the biblical message that God “executes justice for the oppressed” (Psalm 146:7) and demonstrates His love through sacrificial service to one another. Rather than a hallmark of Christian community, the cover-up of abuse stands in opposition to the message of the gospel, which brings sin into the light and offers healing through the transforming power of truth.

Here is the link for this article:  https://biblehub.com/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_abuse_cover-up.htm 

Examples of False prophets- One very well known prophetic minister:

• In the early 1990’s a well known prophetic, healing evangelist prophesied the following:
  “The Lord also tells me to tell you in the mid '90s, about 94, 95, no later than that, God will destroy the homosexual community of America.  But he will not destroy it with what many minds have thought him to be. Not AIDS.  He will destroy it with fire.
  And many will turn and be saved and many will rebel and be destroyed.”
  
  This clearly did not happen.  The gay community is as big as ever.  It arguably has grown much more since the 1990’s.   
  
• He also in the 1990’s prophesied this:  “The Spirit tells me Fidel Castro will die in the 90’s. Oh my.  Some will try to kill him and they will not succeed but there will come a change in his physical health and he will not stay in power, and Cuba will be visited of God” 
  
  Fidel Castro stepped away from power in 2008, and died in 2016.  We also have not received any verification that Cuba experienced a move of God in the 1990’s. 
  Clearly this was all a false prophecy.
   
• In 2019, this same well known evangelist stated this while in Nigeria in front of a large audience of believers:  “The Lord declares the evil powers in Nigeria will be broken.  I see two years.  I see two years before that power begins to shatter in Nigeria.  2 years beginning 2 years, not now, not next year, not even here after. 2 years from today, 2 years from 2019, God will begin to defeat the purpose of Islam in Nigeria.”  Taken from:  https://youtu.be/qWqbCR417fI     from 2:43 to 3:45 on the video.  
  
  So in 2019, He prophesies that the evil powers in Nigeria will be broken.  Evil would begin to shatter in 2021.  God will begin to defeat the purpose of Islam. 
  
  But reputable sources state:  “Since 2021, over 7,600 Nigerian Christians have been reported killed by Islamist militants, with the violence primarily attributed to groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. The situation remains dire, with ongoing attacks and significant displacement of Christian communities.”  Summation by Google Search assistance.
  
  “In the past year, at least 4,849 Christians are reported to have paid the ultimate cost for following Jesus. Put differently, on average, that’s 13 Christians killed every day for following Jesus. Since many incidents go unreported, the true figure is likely to be higher.” 
  
  According to Open Doors research, the overwhelming majority (3,490) of those killed are from Nigeria, which is number seven on the latest list. This is despite nearly half of its population being Christian. If the World Watch List was based purely on violence, Nigeria would be number one.”   https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/nigeria-christians-world/

• In 2020, on February 24, a video that is still on his youtube channel, he predicts that the Covid Virus will only affect 5,000 people, and a cure will be found quickly:  “So all the earthquakes and the pestilence which now we see with the Corona virus, it's just the beginning of the trouble. I'll give you a little piece of news that I felt in my soul yesterday. Someone will come up for a cure for that Corona virus. Guaranteed. I know it by the Holy Ghost.
   So relax. It'll probably kill about 5,000 people. 5,000. That's what I felt from the Lord. 
  And then it's going to simmer down. It'll be all done.

• When it hits 5,000, it'll change. It'll shift. There'll be a breakthrough after that. That's just a fact.”
  

• On Sept. 23, 2023, he prophesied the following about the nation of Israel:  “This is a prophetic alert because I believe this is the sign we've been waiting for to see the greatest revival in world history. Now this is I'm telling you this is serious. Saudi Arabia and Israel are on the verge of having normal relations. The minute Saudi Arabia joins, and they will, this entire picture will change. It will be like a circle of peace around Israel.
  . . . a global revival because now Israel is making peace with its neighbors. This will be major because it will bring to an end the Israeli Arab conflict that's been going on over a 100 years. Think about that.
  
  
• A great season is on the way. Lift your hands and praise him. The great season has begun in the name of Jesus.” 
  
  Two days later, he doubled down on this and expanded it by saying a historic wealth transfer was coming from the wicked to the church, and he added “by 2024, this will be a reality.” 
  Taken from:  https://youtu.be/X2Ip_3A32W0