Works, Baptism, and the Holy Spirit

Main Points:

Required Acts of Salvation: Jesus demonstrates a descriptive picture of salvation that lays out

the steps for submitting our lives to him. These are later expounded prescriptively by Paul.

Obedience & Delight: Jesus was baptized to prove his place in the coming Kingdom and to

ascend as the High Priest. Our decision to be baptized joins in the Kingdom and acknowledges

our priestly calling by God (Mat 10:32, Luke 14:25-27, 1 Pet 2:9).

HS Inclusivity: The Spirit is at work in the lives of all who call on God (1 Cor 12:3) but is also

inviting us into a deeper relationship marked by power for life and witness.

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2, 3:1-5

Main Points:

Biblical Creation vs Scientific Origins

Biblical Observations:

Formless Earth

Empty Earth

Dark Earth

Water/Deep

Biblical Concepts:

Young Earth Creationism

Old Earth Creationism

Equality with God-

How does strata form?

• Radio-Dating 300,000 to 2,800,000 years old

What’s up with Argon?

How do fossils form?

How did life begin?

Similarity ≠ Commonality

What does AI teach us about genetics?

Humility of the Scientific Process

Scripture: 2 Cor 5:11, 13-21, Matt 16:13-19, 1 Cor 9:22-23

Main Points: 1. Next Generation: There comes a point when we have to call the Next Generation to stand. If

they are going to stand, then we must let them. This is how families grow!

2. City of the Dead: The revelation of Jesus as Messiah is a turning point in Church history. If he

is the Messiah, we have a mission to take authority over the darkness in our world!

3. Build the Church: Paul recognized that the building of God’s church hinged on his ability to

identify with those in need so that he could lead them to God. This is our task now.

Scriptures: Matthew 5:10-12; 10:16-22,32-36, Galatians 1:10

Main Points:

-Blessing and Persecution.

-Snakes and Doves.

-Division and Restoration.

-Gratitude for Persecution.

Scriptures: Matthew 5:9, Psalm 34:8-14, Romans 12:17-21, 1 John 3:14-15, John 13:34

Main Points:

-How is PEACE attained?

-Avoiding the work of peace is ungodly.

-Grace-filled Compassion Purchases our Peace.

-Our Love for Others Affects Our Eternity

Scriptures: Matthew 5:8, 21-22, 27-28, 6:22-24, Psalm 24:3-6, Revelation 4

Main Points:

-Is purity unrealistic?

-Idolatry and deceit corrupt the heart.

-Anything I prioritize over God is an Idol.

-The most beautiful views come at a cost.

Idolatry Checkup:

Am I making decisions about my finances based on God, or am I making decisions about God based on my finances?

Am I making decisions about my life based on God or decisions about God based on my life?

Scriptures: Matthew 5:7, 9:9-13, Luke 6:31-38, Proverbs 11:7, Hosea 6:4-7, 1 Peter 1:3

Sermon Main Points:

-What does it mean to be MERCIFUL?

-Do you need MERCY?

-Mercy is an act of Generosity.

-Mercy comes with the greatest Cost.

Sermon Notes:

Unmerciful Acts

-Loving the loveable is not love

-Goodness toward good people is not good

-Lending with security is not generosity

Merciful Acts

-Loving your enemies is love

-Goodness without a return is good

-Kindness to the wicked/unthankful is Kind

-Compassion for those deserving punishment is Godly

Scripture: Matthew 5:6, Luke 18:9-14, Romans 3:21-24, 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Main Points:

• What does it mean to be Righteous?
• Deconstructing Righteousness.
• Righteous people know their faults.