Notes: Pride the Dangerous Sin
Esther 6
Pastor John Collins
Harvest OC
4/3/2018
Lives can be radically changed by Christ. People find Christ in so many amazing ways.
This chapter God gets the attention of the king when he can’t sleep.
Mordecai’s good deeds were told to the king that night.
Mordecai and Esther put their future in God’s hands. Xerxes and Haman try to control their own destiny.
Esther 6:1-5 NLT
[1] That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the book of the history of his reign so it could be read to him. [2] In those records he discovered an account of how Mordecai had exposed the plot of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the door to the king's private quarters. They had plotted to assassinate King Xerxes.
[3] "What reward or recognition did we ever give Mordecai for this?" the king asked.
His attendants replied, "Nothing has been done for him."
[4] "Who is that in the outer court?" the king inquired. As it happened, Haman had just arrived in the outer court of the palace to ask the king to impale Mordecai on the pole he had prepared.
[5] So the attendants replied to the king, "Haman is out in the court."
"Bring him in," the king ordered.
God sometimes will use time to work in our lives. Timing can be everything.
God always shows up just at the right time.
All of God’s delays are His maturing.
God uses the intentions of men in His own plans.
Esther 6:6-9 NLT
[6] So Haman came in, and the king said, "What should I do to honor a man who truly pleases me?"
Haman thought to himself, "Whom would the king wish to honor more than me?" [7] So he replied, "If the king wishes to honor someone, [8] he should bring out one of the king's own royal robes, as well as a horse that the king himself has ridden-one with a royal emblem on its head. [9] Let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king's most noble officials. And let him see that the man whom the king wishes to honor is dressed in the king's robes and led through the city square on the king's horse. Have the official shout as they go, 'This is what the king does for someone he wishes to honor!'"
Proverbs 16:18 NLT
[18] Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
Haman’s fall is gong to be fast and hard.
Pride is a dangerous sin. The best way to avoid it is to recognize it.
Esther 6:10-14 NLT
[10] "Excellent!" the king said to Haman. "Quick! Take the robes and my horse, and do just as you have said for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the gate of the palace. Leave out nothing you have suggested!"
[11] So Haman took the robes and put them on Mordecai, placed him on the king's own horse, and led him through the city square, shouting, "This is what the king does for someone he wishes to honor!" [12] Afterward Mordecai returned to the palace gate, but Haman hurried home dejected and completely humiliated.
[13] When Haman told his wife, Zeresh, and all his friends what had happened, his wise advisers and his wife said, "Since Mordecai-this man who has humiliated you-is of Jewish birth, you will never succeed in your plans against him. It will be fatal to continue opposing him."
[14] While they were still talking, the king's eunuchs arrived and quickly took Haman to the banquet Esther had prepared.
Give a prideful man enough rope and he will hang himself with it.
Haman was building his own gallows.
God was protecting His own people.
If God is for us, who can be against us.
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Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Humble Brag
Notes: Humble Brag
Pastor Adam Eaton
Esther 5
Harvest OC
Valor
Haman,’s life
Proverbs 16:18 NKJV
[18] Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
Psalm 7:14-16 NKJV
[14] Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; Yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood. [15] He made a pit and dug it out, And has fallen into the ditch which he made. [16] His trouble shall return upon his own head, And his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown.
Esther 5:1-5 NKJV
[1] Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, across from the king's house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house. [2] So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter. [3] And the king said to her, "What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you-up to half the kingdom!" [4] So Esther answered, "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him." [5] Then the king said, "Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said." So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
Philippians 2:3-5 NKJV
[3] Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. [4] Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. [5] Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
A humble person puts the needs of others in front of their own.
Romans 12:3 NKJV
[3] For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
1 Timothy 6:6-7,11 NKJV
[6] Now godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [11] But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
Proverbs 8:14,17 NKJV
[14] Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. [17] I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.
2 Timothy 2:16-17 NKJV
[16] But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. [17] And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,
Proverbs 26:12 NKJV
[12] Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
James 3:14-16 NKJV
[14] But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. [15] This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. [16] For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
Revelation 3:17-19 NKJV
[17] Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'-and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked- [18] I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. [19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
1 Corinthians 13:4-6 NKJV
[4] Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; [5] does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; [6] does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV
[3] Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. [4] Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
James 4:6-8 NKJV
[6] But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." [7] Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. [8] Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
You Reap What You Sow
Notes: You Reap What You Sow
Greg Laurie
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Esther 5
Music: Harvest Worship Band
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/you-reap-what-you-sow
Esther 4:15-16 NKJV
[15] Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: [16] "Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!"
Esther was wisely waiting for the right time and the right place to approach the king.
Esther 5:1-8 NKJV
[1] Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, across from the king's house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house. [2] So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter. [3] And the king said to her, "What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you-up to half the kingdom!" [4] So Esther answered, "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him." [5] Then the king said, "Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said." So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared. [6] At the banquet of wine the king said to Esther, "What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!" [7] Then Esther answered and said, "My petition and request is this: [8] If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, then let the king and Haman come to the banquet which I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said."
Sunday, March 11, 2018
Why God Chose You - If You Knew the Future
Notes: Why God Chose You - If You Knew the Future
Pastor Greg
Esther 3
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/why-god-chose-you
Jesus chose Peter even though He knew already that Peter would let Him down. Peter came back stronger.
Esther 3:5-6 NLT
[5] When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage. [6] He had learned of Mordecai's nationality, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Xerxes.
Today Iran wants to wipe Israel off the planet. Haman’s plan is something that happens over and over in history.
Esther could not stay isolated.
Esther 4:13-14 NLT
[13] Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: "Don't think for a moment that because you're in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. [14] If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"
God does not need us.
God wants us because loves us.
He reaches others through us.
Ephesians 1:4-5 NLT
[4] Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. [5] God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Before the world was made, God chose us.
He didn’t choose us because of us. He chose us in spite of us.
Try to explain election and you may lose your mind, try to explain it away and you may lose your soul.
God says He loves the world, not the elect.
Romans 5:6-8 NLT
[6] When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. [7] Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. [8] But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Whether we like it or not, the Bible teaches predestination and free will.
“The Whosoever wills are the elect, the whosever wonts are the non elect.” - D.L. Moody
Romans 10:13 NLT
[13] For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."
John 11:26 NLT
[26] Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?"
Ephesians 1:5 NLT
[5] God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Ephesians 1:6 NLT
[6] So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.
John 17:22-23 NLT
[22] "I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. [23] I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
On the cross God, the Father, treated His Son as if He committed all the sons of All of us.
Pastor Greg
Esther 3
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/why-god-chose-you
Jesus chose Peter even though He knew already that Peter would let Him down. Peter came back stronger.
Esther 3:5-6 NLT
[5] When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage. [6] He had learned of Mordecai's nationality, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Xerxes.
Today Iran wants to wipe Israel off the planet. Haman’s plan is something that happens over and over in history.
Esther could not stay isolated.
Esther 4:13-14 NLT
[13] Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: "Don't think for a moment that because you're in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. [14] If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"
God does not need us.
God wants us because loves us.
He reaches others through us.
Ephesians 1:4-5 NLT
[4] Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. [5] God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Before the world was made, God chose us.
He didn’t choose us because of us. He chose us in spite of us.
Try to explain election and you may lose your mind, try to explain it away and you may lose your soul.
God says He loves the world, not the elect.
Romans 5:6-8 NLT
[6] When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. [7] Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. [8] But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Whether we like it or not, the Bible teaches predestination and free will.
“The Whosoever wills are the elect, the whosever wonts are the non elect.” - D.L. Moody
Romans 10:13 NLT
[13] For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."
John 11:26 NLT
[26] Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?"
Ephesians 1:5 NLT
[5] God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Ephesians 1:6 NLT
[6] So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.
John 17:22-23 NLT
[22] "I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. [23] I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
On the cross God, the Father, treated His Son as if He committed all the sons of All of us.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Be the Hands and Feet - Nick Vujicic
Notes: Be the Hands and Feet
Nick Vujicic
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Luke 14:15–23
Music: Harvest Worship Band
Message was great:
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/be-the-hands-and-feet-oc
Questions addressed:
Why is the serpent allowed in to the Garden?
All my friends may not go to heaven?
Why are there more miracles outside of America?
Nick Vujicic
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Luke 14:15–23
Music: Harvest Worship Band
Message was great:
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/be-the-hands-and-feet-oc
Questions addressed:
Why is the serpent allowed in to the Garden?
All my friends may not go to heaven?
Why are there more miracles outside of America?
Sunday, March 4, 2018
The Plot Thickens
Notes: The Plot Thickens
Greg Laurie
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Esther 2
Music: Harvest Worship Band
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/the-plot-thickens
The book of Esther is about how God puts people in the right place at the right time.
Esther 1:10 NKJV
[10] On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus,
The king made these decisions when he was drunk. Bad decisions.
If you don’t want to make bad decisions when you are drunk, then don’t get drunk. How do you not get drunk? Don’t drink...ever.
Proverbs 21:1 NKJV
[1] The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Esther 2:5-7 NKJV
[5] In Shushan the citadel there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite. [6] Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been captured with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. [7] And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.
Christians don’t believe in coincidence, we believe in providence.
The king took notice of how beautiful Esther was. Just like our culture today.
1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV
[3] Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- [4] rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
Esther 2:16-17 NKJV
[16] So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. [17] The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Esther 3:1-2 NKJV
[1] After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him and set his seat above all the princes who were with him. [2] And all the king's servants who were within the king's gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage.
Haman wanted attention, enjoying that the others bowed to him.
Haman was an Agagite, and Mordecai was a Jew.
Deuteronomy 25:17-19 NKJV
[17] "Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you were coming out of Egypt, [18] how he met you on the way and attacked your rear ranks, all the stragglers at your rear, when you were tired and weary; and he did not fear God. [19] Therefore it shall be, when the LORD your God has given you rest from your enemies all around, in the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance, that you will blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget.
1. When God tells you to do something, do it.
2. God gives gifts and talents to each of us that we need to use.
Esther had inner character, along with outward beauty.
1 Timothy 4:14 NKJV
[14] Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.
Get involved and serve. You don’t know what you can or can not do until you try.
3. There is a time to speak up and a time to be quiet.
Esther 2:10 NKJV
[10] Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it.
When the Lord prompts you to speak, then you need to speak.
Greg Laurie
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Esther 2
Music: Harvest Worship Band
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/the-plot-thickens
The book of Esther is about how God puts people in the right place at the right time.
Esther 1:10 NKJV
[10] On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus,
The king made these decisions when he was drunk. Bad decisions.
If you don’t want to make bad decisions when you are drunk, then don’t get drunk. How do you not get drunk? Don’t drink...ever.
Proverbs 21:1 NKJV
[1] The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Esther 2:5-7 NKJV
[5] In Shushan the citadel there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite. [6] Kish had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been captured with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. [7] And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.
Christians don’t believe in coincidence, we believe in providence.
The king took notice of how beautiful Esther was. Just like our culture today.
1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV
[3] Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- [4] rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
Esther 2:16-17 NKJV
[16] So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. [17] The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Esther 3:1-2 NKJV
[1] After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him and set his seat above all the princes who were with him. [2] And all the king's servants who were within the king's gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage.
Haman wanted attention, enjoying that the others bowed to him.
Haman was an Agagite, and Mordecai was a Jew.
Deuteronomy 25:17-19 NKJV
[17] "Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you were coming out of Egypt, [18] how he met you on the way and attacked your rear ranks, all the stragglers at your rear, when you were tired and weary; and he did not fear God. [19] Therefore it shall be, when the LORD your God has given you rest from your enemies all around, in the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance, that you will blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget.
1. When God tells you to do something, do it.
2. God gives gifts and talents to each of us that we need to use.
Esther had inner character, along with outward beauty.
1 Timothy 4:14 NKJV
[14] Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.
Get involved and serve. You don’t know what you can or can not do until you try.
3. There is a time to speak up and a time to be quiet.
Esther 2:10 NKJV
[10] Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it.
When the Lord prompts you to speak, then you need to speak.
Sunday, February 25, 2018
For Such a Time as This!
Notes: For Such a Time as This!
Greg Laurie
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Esther 1
Music: Harvest Worship Band
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/for-such-a-time-as-this-022518
Esther can almost sound like a fairytale. It’s a rags to riches story.
The Book of Esther is the only book that the name of God is not mentioned.
God is always at work in the believer at every hour of everyday.
His silence is not his absence.
God sees things ahead of time. The Bible says our life is like a story that has already been told.
Psalm 37:23 NKJV
[23] The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Favorite Bible Verses for Greg:
Philippians 3:1 NKJV
[1] Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.
John 14:1 NKJV
[1] "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.
Romans 8:28 NKJV
[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.
Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
[11] For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
The Bible says Gods thoughts toward us are like the sands of the sea. That’s a lot of thoughts.
In Esther the king had a party that lasted for 6 months.
Esther 1:10-12 NKJV
[10] On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, [11] to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold. [12] But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him.
King Ahasuerus known as King Xerxes was trying to objectify his wife, she refused and he pushed her out.
God was using this secular event to move in His time.
Exit Vashti. Enter Esther.
Esther 2:5-9 NLT
[5] At that time there was a Jewish man in the fortress of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair. He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a descendant of Kish and Shimei. [6] His family had been among those who, with King Jehoiachin of Judah, had been exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. [7] This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.
[8] As a result of the king's decree, Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king's harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai's care. [9] Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king's palace, and he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.
Esther had outer and inner beauty. Esther was a virtuous woman.
God has a plan for Esther.
Esther 4:14 NLT
[14] If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"
Did it ever occur to you that God has put you where you are?
“...for just such a time as this?”
God is N - O - W - H - E - R - E
What do you see when you read that?
Greg Laurie
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Esther 1
Music: Harvest Worship Band
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/for-such-a-time-as-this-022518
Esther can almost sound like a fairytale. It’s a rags to riches story.
The Book of Esther is the only book that the name of God is not mentioned.
God is always at work in the believer at every hour of everyday.
His silence is not his absence.
God sees things ahead of time. The Bible says our life is like a story that has already been told.
Psalm 37:23 NKJV
[23] The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Favorite Bible Verses for Greg:
Philippians 3:1 NKJV
[1] Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.
John 14:1 NKJV
[1] "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.
Romans 8:28 NKJV
[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.
Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
[11] For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
The Bible says Gods thoughts toward us are like the sands of the sea. That’s a lot of thoughts.
In Esther the king had a party that lasted for 6 months.
Esther 1:10-12 NKJV
[10] On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, [11] to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold. [12] But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him.
King Ahasuerus known as King Xerxes was trying to objectify his wife, she refused and he pushed her out.
God was using this secular event to move in His time.
Exit Vashti. Enter Esther.
Esther 2:5-9 NLT
[5] At that time there was a Jewish man in the fortress of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair. He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a descendant of Kish and Shimei. [6] His family had been among those who, with King Jehoiachin of Judah, had been exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. [7] This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.
[8] As a result of the king's decree, Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king's harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai's care. [9] Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king's palace, and he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.
Esther had outer and inner beauty. Esther was a virtuous woman.
God has a plan for Esther.
Esther 4:14 NLT
[14] If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"
Did it ever occur to you that God has put you where you are?
“...for just such a time as this?”
God is N - O - W - H - E - R - E
What do you see when you read that?
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Flourishing or Languishing?
Notes: Flourishing or Languishing?
Pancho Juarez
Sunday, February 18, 2018
John 15:1–8
Music: Phil Wickham
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/flourishing-or-languishing
An American idiom “a rolling stone collects no moss”
You have to die to yourself to adapt to become a Christian.
Institutionalized by choice for Christ. Expected behavior as a Christian.
Jesus is speaking to believers but these verses apply to all.
John 15:1-8 NKJV
[1] "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. [6] If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. [7] If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. [8] By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
To abide in God.
A Christian is hooked up with God
Colossians 3:23 NKJV
[23] And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
Ephesians 4:15 NKJV
[15] but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ-
Matthew 19:21 NKJV
[21] Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
Philippians 2:3 NKJV
[3] Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Philippians 2:14 NKJV
[14] Do all things without complaining and disputing,
John 7:24 NKJV
[24] Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."
Genesis 2:24 NKJV
[24] Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
You can not be a child always, you must grow up.
Ephesians 5:25 NKJV
[25] Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
Hosea 2:19-20 NKJV
[19] "I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy; [20] I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the LORD.
Proverbs 20:3 NKJV
[3] It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel.
Proverbs 20:3 NLT
[3] Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
Proverbs 20:3 ESV
[3] It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.
Luke 14:26-27 ESV
[26] "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. [27] Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Colossians 1:10 ESV
[10] so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
John 15:8 ESV
[8] By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
The more you know the more you change. The more you will abide in God.
Are you hooked up with God?
John 15:9-11 ESV
[9] As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. [10] If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. [11] These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Joy, is greater than happiness.
John 15:12-17 ESV
[12] "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. [13] Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. [14] You are my friends if you do what I command you. [15] No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. [16] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. [17] These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
Jesus is accessible to you.
Pancho Juarez
Sunday, February 18, 2018
John 15:1–8
Music: Phil Wickham
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/flourishing-or-languishing
An American idiom “a rolling stone collects no moss”
You have to die to yourself to adapt to become a Christian.
Institutionalized by choice for Christ. Expected behavior as a Christian.
Jesus is speaking to believers but these verses apply to all.
John 15:1-8 NKJV
[1] "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. [6] If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. [7] If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. [8] By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
To abide in God.
A Christian is hooked up with God
Colossians 3:23 NKJV
[23] And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
Ephesians 4:15 NKJV
[15] but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ-
Matthew 19:21 NKJV
[21] Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
Philippians 2:3 NKJV
[3] Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Philippians 2:14 NKJV
[14] Do all things without complaining and disputing,
John 7:24 NKJV
[24] Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."
Genesis 2:24 NKJV
[24] Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
You can not be a child always, you must grow up.
Ephesians 5:25 NKJV
[25] Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
Hosea 2:19-20 NKJV
[19] "I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy; [20] I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the LORD.
Proverbs 20:3 NKJV
[3] It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel.
Proverbs 20:3 NLT
[3] Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
Proverbs 20:3 ESV
[3] It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.
Luke 14:26-27 ESV
[26] "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. [27] Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Colossians 1:10 ESV
[10] so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
John 15:8 ESV
[8] By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
The more you know the more you change. The more you will abide in God.
Are you hooked up with God?
John 15:9-11 ESV
[9] As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. [10] If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. [11] These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Joy, is greater than happiness.
John 15:12-17 ESV
[12] "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. [13] Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. [14] You are my friends if you do what I command you. [15] No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. [16] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. [17] These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
Jesus is accessible to you.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
The Day God Died
Notes: The Day God Died
Jonathan Laurie
John 19
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Series: Life: the Gospel of John
Music: Phil Wickham
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/the-day-god-died
The name of hero is really thrown around loosely today. We have guitar heroes today. However, most of us look at first responders and military as our modern day heroes.
Mikey Monsour was a Navy SEAL, that is a real hero for us. He dove on a grenade for his unit. He was the one that could have escaped, but it was him that saved his friends.
John 15:13 NKJV
[13] Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
The first 13 Chapters of John’s Gospel really focus on three years of Jesus’ ministry. John 16 to 19 is one week of Jesus’ life.
Luke 24:17 NKJV
[17] And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?"
Luke 24:18 NKJV
[18] Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?"
Everybody knew what happened to Jesus.
Jesus’ death was:
1. Public
Jesus suffered a death that was far from peaceful.
John 19:17-22 NKJV
[17] And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, [18] where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. [19] Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. [20] Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. [21] Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'He said, "I am the King of the Jews."'" [22] Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
The cross was a standard death device to the Romans. That cross could have been used many times before.
He was put on that cross with the criminals of that day.
John 19:20 NKJV
[20] Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.
People would be passing by like it was a grocery store.
2. Painful
John 19:18 NKJV
[18] where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.
No explanation was necessary to describe a crucifixion when the Gospels were written. It was very common.
Pain was the point!
He was carrying the cross after being beaten and scourged.
Excruciating comes from a
Latin word meaning out of the cross.
John 19:23-24 NKJV
[23] Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. [24] They said therefore among themselves, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be," that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: "They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots." Therefore the soldiers did these things.
He was mocked.
Mark 15:29-32 NKJV
[29] And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, "Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, [30] save Yourself, and come down from the cross!" [31] Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. [32] Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.
John 19:25-27 NKJV
[25] Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. [26] When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" [27] Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
John was the only Disciple, that we know for sure was there.
3. Payment
Mark 15:33-34 NKJV
[33] Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. [34] And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV
[21] For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
John 19:28-30 NKJV
[28] After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" [29] Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. [30] So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
John 6:37 NKJV
[37] All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.
Mark 15:37-39 NKJV
[37] And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. [38] Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. [39] So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, "Truly this Man was the Son of God!"
Hebrews 6:19-20 NKJV
[19] This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, [20] where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
4. Predicted
Psalm 22:15 NKJV
[15] My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death.
Isaiah 53:9 NKJV
[9] And they made His grave with the wicked- But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
John 19:31-37 NKJV
[31] Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. [32] Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. [33] But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. [34] But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. [35] And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. [36] For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, "Not one of His bones shall be broken." [37] And again another Scripture says, "They shall look on Him whom they pierced."
Two fulfilled prophecies in just those verses above.
Jesus was on a rescue mission from the very start.
John 19:35 NKJV
[35] And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.
Jesus dies so we can live.
John 10:18 NKJV
[18] No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father."
Jesus could have come off that cross that day, but He hung there for us.
Jonathan Laurie
John 19
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Series: Life: the Gospel of John
Music: Phil Wickham
https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/the-day-god-died
The name of hero is really thrown around loosely today. We have guitar heroes today. However, most of us look at first responders and military as our modern day heroes.
Mikey Monsour was a Navy SEAL, that is a real hero for us. He dove on a grenade for his unit. He was the one that could have escaped, but it was him that saved his friends.
John 15:13 NKJV
[13] Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
The first 13 Chapters of John’s Gospel really focus on three years of Jesus’ ministry. John 16 to 19 is one week of Jesus’ life.
Luke 24:17 NKJV
[17] And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?"
Luke 24:18 NKJV
[18] Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?"
Everybody knew what happened to Jesus.
Jesus’ death was:
1. Public
Jesus suffered a death that was far from peaceful.
John 19:17-22 NKJV
[17] And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, [18] where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. [19] Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. [20] Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. [21] Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'He said, "I am the King of the Jews."'" [22] Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
The cross was a standard death device to the Romans. That cross could have been used many times before.
He was put on that cross with the criminals of that day.
John 19:20 NKJV
[20] Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.
People would be passing by like it was a grocery store.
2. Painful
John 19:18 NKJV
[18] where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.
No explanation was necessary to describe a crucifixion when the Gospels were written. It was very common.
Pain was the point!
He was carrying the cross after being beaten and scourged.
Excruciating comes from a
Latin word meaning out of the cross.
John 19:23-24 NKJV
[23] Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. [24] They said therefore among themselves, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be," that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: "They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots." Therefore the soldiers did these things.
He was mocked.
Mark 15:29-32 NKJV
[29] And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, "Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, [30] save Yourself, and come down from the cross!" [31] Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. [32] Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.
John 19:25-27 NKJV
[25] Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. [26] When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" [27] Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
John was the only Disciple, that we know for sure was there.
3. Payment
Mark 15:33-34 NKJV
[33] Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. [34] And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV
[21] For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
John 19:28-30 NKJV
[28] After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" [29] Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. [30] So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
John 6:37 NKJV
[37] All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.
Mark 15:37-39 NKJV
[37] And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. [38] Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. [39] So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, "Truly this Man was the Son of God!"
Hebrews 6:19-20 NKJV
[19] This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, [20] where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
4. Predicted
Psalm 22:15 NKJV
[15] My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death.
Isaiah 53:9 NKJV
[9] And they made His grave with the wicked- But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
John 19:31-37 NKJV
[31] Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. [32] Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. [33] But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. [34] But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. [35] And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. [36] For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, "Not one of His bones shall be broken." [37] And again another Scripture says, "They shall look on Him whom they pierced."
Two fulfilled prophecies in just those verses above.
Jesus was on a rescue mission from the very start.
John 19:35 NKJV
[35] And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.
Jesus dies so we can live.
John 10:18 NKJV
[18] No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father."
Jesus could have come off that cross that day, but He hung there for us.
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