CLOSER in WORSHIP
Luke 19:28-48
Mike Maglish

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

May 12, 2024

CLOSER in WORSHIP
Luke 19:28-48 
Mike Maglish 

And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’ ” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” —Luke 19:28-40

The word garment can be understood as a “tallit” or “prayer shawl”, which was a seamless garment with four corners, with a tassel attached to each of the four corners to remind the Jewish people of all the commands of God. 

Upon its collar, the Hebrew letters spell, “Lord of lords and King of kings” as a symbolic reminder of the promised Messiah. By laying their “tallit’s” down, the people were acknowledging Jesus as God’s promised Messiah. They were declaring that Jesus was the one worthy to be called the “Lord of lords and King of kings”. 

1) The most important piece of clothing 
2) Signified identity of the wearer 
3) Made of heavy fabric and dyed (Joseph) 
4) Durable - Used in harvest 
5) Used as a blanket 
6) Mosaic Law forbade it as payment, but used as a promise to repay (Exodus 22:26)

WORSHIP is laying our IDENTITY before Jesus 

As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen. —Luke 19:37

 —John 11:45-57

. —John 12:9-11

RESURRECTION ignites WORSHIP 

He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” —Luke 19:40Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. —Zechariah 9:9

The Triumphal Entry was FULFILLMENT of PROPHECY

Worship can be MISUNDERSTOOD yet SINCERE

Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” —Luke 19:38-39Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord. —Psalm 118:26

Worship is DECLARING the KINGSHIP of Jesus

Takeaway: My WORSHIP is a RESPONSE to my ALLEGIANCE

Closer in Desperation
Luke 18

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

May 2, 2024

Title: Closer In Desperation 
Text: Luke 18 
Speaker: Mike Maglish

Desperate (of a person): 

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” —Luke 18:1-8Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. —Psalm 68:5At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. 29 And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do. —Deuteronomy 14:28-29

DESPERATION IS- persistent prayer

 - humility - trust - giving up to gain - crying out in faith 

Takeaway:

God rewards desperation with kingdom. 

Close in Our Temptations
Luke 17
Tim Nay

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

April 28, 2024

1 And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”Increase Our Faith 
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. —Luke 17:1-6

Everyone is tempted to sin.

12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. —1 Corinthians 10:12-1315 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. —Hebrews 4:15And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. —Luke 17:1-2

Be extremely careful not to tempt the young.

3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, —Luke 17:3

Pay attention to how, when, and where you are tempted.

 —Matthew 26:41-4211 

—2 Corinthians 2:1142 

’ —Mark 9:42-48

Deal drastically with temptation.

22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. —Matthew 13:22

18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. —1 Corinthians 6:18

22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. —2 Timothy 2:224 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”Increase Our Faith 
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. —Luke 17:4-6

When tempted to no longer forgive, forgive again.

47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” —Luke 7:478 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. —1 John 1:8-10

TAKEAWAY: 
What is it you need to do in regards to these topics of temptation and forgiveness?

When will you do this?

Eternity is Closer Than You Think
Luke 16:1-13
Tim Nay

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

April 21, 2024

Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. —James 4:13-14

Retelling of Luke 16:1-13 story:

He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. 2 And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ —Luke 16:1-2

We’ve all mismanaged what God has entrusted to us.

We will all give an account to God.

10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, 
and every tongue shall confess to God.”12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.Do Not Cause Another to Stumble 
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. —Romans 14:10-133 And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’ 5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ —Luke 16:3-7

It’s not too late to improve on how we steward God’s possessions.

-shrewd = prudent=showing care and throught for the future; astute

8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. 9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. —Luke 16:8-9

-steward = “manages things that belong to someone else”

10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” —Luke 16:10-13

When we are faithful with worldly possessions we can be entrusted with true riches

14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. 15 And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. —Luke 16:14-15

How to know if you are a Lover of Money:

Takeaway:

I will give an account of how I managed God’s possessions entrusted to me.

How will I use my current situation to prepare for the future?

Closer To Sinners
Luke 15
Mike Maglish

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

April 14, 2024

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” —Luke 15:1-2

Jesus explains why he is close to sinners

THE LOST SHEEP

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. —Luke 15:3-7

1.Sinners are worth chasing after

THE LOST COIN

8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” —Luke 15:8-10

2.Sinners are valuable to God

THE LOST SON

11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. —Luke 15:11-16

—Luke 15:17-32

3.Repentant sinners receive grace

COMMON DENOMINATORS FROM THESE PARABLES

The ONE is missing 
The ONE is found (or comes back) 
EVERYONE throws a party 

The Point: 
Heaven throws a party when a sinner repents

LOST SHEEP

7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. —Luke 15:7

LOST COIN

10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” —Luke 15:10

LOST SON

18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” —Luke 15:18-19

TAKEAWAY: Am I pointing or inviting?

Closer In Our Motives
Luke 14
Mike Maglish

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

April 7, 2024

Setting: Social Gathering With Religious People On The Sabbath

One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully. —Luke 14:1

Religious people watch and wait

2 And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. 3 And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?” 4 But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away. 5 And he said to them, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” 6 And they could not reply to these things. —Luke 14:2-6

The Kingdom changes lives 
(See Luke 6 sermon - Fault Finders Finding Friendship)

AM I RELIGIOUS?

2 Questions to ask yourself: 

Do I care more about what others are doing wrong than about the good that is happening around me?

Am I too focused on self to see the need around me? 

7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor —Luke 14:7

Religious People want to elevate their status

24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. —Luke 22:24–2720 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee (James and John) came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “S*ay that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom*.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” —Matthew 20:20-288 

 —Luke 14:8-11

Humility is the way of the Kingdom

12 He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” —Luke 14:12-14

Religious People Have Selfish Agendas

 ” —Luke 14:15-24

The kingdom is open to everyone

Takeaway: I stand in the way of kingdom advancement when I am religious

The Gospel
Romans 5:8
Tim Nay & DeAnna Coburn

March 31, 2024

24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, —Acts 17:24-27

God Rules

20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. —Romans 1:20-2124 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. —Romans 1:24-25

We Sinned

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, —Romans 3:2319 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, 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. —Galatians 5:19-2123 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 6:23

God Provided

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— —Romans 5:128 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8

Jesus Gives

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —2 Corinthians 5:21

We Respond

30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” —Acts 17:30-31What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. —Romans 6:1-4

Takeaway: How will I respond to Jesus who gave his life for me?

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. —1 John 2:1-2

Close Enough to Meet Our Needs
Luke 12:22-34
Tim Nay

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

March 24, 2024

Close Enough to Meet Our Needs 
Luke 12:22-34; Philippians 4:4-9 
Tim Nay 

*Overcoming an anxious heart: *

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. —Luke 12:22-23And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. —Luke 12:15And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God. —Luke 12:19-21

• Focus more on your spiritual health than physical health.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. —2 Corinthians 4:16And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? —Luke 12:25-26

• Focus on productive thoughts—practice.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. —Philippians 4:8-9Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! —Luke 12:24Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,[a] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. —Luke 12:27-30

• Focus on how God provides for creation.

Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 
32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. —Luke 12:31-34

• Focus on serving others.

TAKEAWAY: Pay attention to what you think about. 

The Lord's Prayer
Luke 11:1-4
Mike Maglish

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

March 17, 2024

What is the Lord’s Prayer

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” —Luke 11:1-49 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. —Matthew 6:9-13

What do we learn from it?
Jesus teaches us how to pray
God is in heaven
God is holy
We need His kingdom on earth
God provides
We need forgiveness
We need God to help us overcome sin
What does it mean for us?
Prayer is about God’s Kingdom impacting and changing our current reality
In your groups…
P lace Him On The Throne (His Kingdom - Heaven)
R ealize He Wants To Bring The Kingdom Of Heaven To Earth
A sk God To Provide “daily” as He promised (For you, your friends, your enemies)
Y earn for God’s strength (Not our flesh. Holy like God) 

LifeSpring Reaching Star
Nehemiah 1; Habakkuk 2:2

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

March 10, 2024

Celebrations: Chris Kelley

Financials: Steve Mehlberg

Vision: Tim Nay

Building Expansion: Chuck Faust

Peace Coming Close
Luke 10:1-16
Tim Nay

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

March 3, 2024

Jesus Helped Peace to Come Close by…

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. —Luke 10:1

Acting on the value he saw in others. (I.C.N.U.)

Sending them out in pairs.

2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. —Luke 10:2

Teaching them to pray.

3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. —Luke 10:3-4

Giving them healthy expectations.

5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. 9 Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. 
16 “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” —Luke 10:5-12, 16

Teaching them peace is in the giving and receiving.

They have healed the wound of my people lightly, 
saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ 
when there is no peace. —Jeremiah 6:14 
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” —Romans 12:17-19

Takeaway: Be a person of peace as far as it depends on you.

The Cost of Closer
Luke 9:23-27
Tim Nay

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

February 25, 2024

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. —Luke 9:23

Having God come close is a choice

14 “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” —Joshua 24:14-15

Self can get in the way of God coming close.

24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” —Luke 9:24-27

God’s closeness comes at a cost.

21 And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” —Luke 9:21-22

The denial of self is a daily battle.

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. —Luke 9:2346 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” —Luke 9:46-4857 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” —Luke 9:57-62

Takeaway: This week I will reflect the Kingdom of God in my actions. 

The Kingdom of God involves people… 

who forgive one another. 
who are welcoming. 
who are thankful. 
who are gracious. 
who are merciful. 
who love seeking, saving, and receiving the lost. 
who are persistent in prayer. 
who use resources to further God’s Kingdom.

Closer In Our "Bondage" - Luke 8
Mike Maglish

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

February 18, 2024

5 Things We Learn About the Authority of Jesus

1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. —Luke 8:1-3

Jesus empowered the powerless

22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, 23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. 24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” —Luke 8:22-25

Jesus controls the storm

26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” 29 For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) 30 Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. 32 Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. —Luke 8:26-33

Jesus casts out evil

As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” —Luke 8:42-48

Jesus sees the invisible

49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” 51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. 52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not

Closer In Our Doubt
Luke 7
Mike Maglish

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

February 11, 2024

18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” —Luke 7:18-2013 “I saw in the night visions,and behold, with the clouds of heaven 
there came one like a son of man, 
and he came to the Ancient of Days 
and was presented before him. 
14 And to him was given dominion 
and glory and a kingdom, 
that all peoples, nations, and languages 
should serve him; 
his dominion is an everlasting dominion, 
which shall not pass away, 
and his kingdom one 
that shall not be destroyed. —Daniel 7:13-14

We all experience doubt

After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well. —Luke 7:1-10

Anyone can have strong faith

13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” 17 And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. —Luke 7:13-17

It’s easy to have faith when we see

18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, 20 added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison. —Luke 3:18-2021 If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is impurity. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless. —Leviticus 20:2118 

 —Luke 7:18-2318 

Luke 4:18-19

 —Luke 7:44-50

Sinners can express abundant faith

Takeaway: Jesus uses our doubt to bring us closer to Him

Faultfinders Finding Friendship - Luke 6
Luke 6:1-11, 37-42

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

February 4, 2024

CLOSER SERIES 
Faultfinders Finding Friendship 
by Tim Nay

On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” —Luke 6:1-2 12 And the Lord said to Moses, 13 “You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you. 14 You shall keep the Sabbath, because it is holy for you. Everyone who profanes it shall be put to death. Whoever does any work on it, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death. —Exodus 31:12-15

Original Sabbath Law:

Sabbath Day Law (according to Pharisees):

And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” 5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath. —Luke 6:3-5

• Faultfinders will often claim the Bible as the reason they are a faultfinder.

If you go into your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the ears with your hand, but you shall not put a sickle to your neighbor’s standing grain —Deuteronomy 23:25

• Faultfinders search more for what is wrong that right.

Definition of a Faultfinder: 

6 On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. —Luke 6:6-11

• Faultfinders seldom rejoice and celebrate.

9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. —Hebrews 4:9-11

• Faultfinders have little or no close friendships.

Takeaway: Find humility, Jesus comes close, true friendships happen.

In Our Work
Luke 5:1-11
Tim Nay

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

January 28, 2024

1 On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. —Luke 5:1-3

Jesus comes close to us in our work

4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” —Luke 5:4-5

Will I do as Jesus’ asks?

6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. —Luke 5:6-7

Will I only expect what he gives, nothing more?

8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” —Luke 5:8-10

Will I allow his presence to humble me?

10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. —Luke 5:10-11That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— —1 John 1:1

Will I view work from a spiritual perspective?

17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. —Colossians 3:1723 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, —Colossians 3:23

Takeaway: How is God getting your attention in your work?

Sympathetic Jesus
Luke 4:1-30
Mike Maglish

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

January 21, 2024

1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. —Luke 4:1-2

God chose temptation

Temptation #1 

Turning Stones to Bread (vs 3-4) 

3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’ ” (Quote: Deut. 8:3) —Luke 4:3-4

What we learn: 
Satan tries to divert our eyes from God’s purpose/plan

Temptation #2

Bowing to Satan (5-8)

5 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’ ” (Quote: Deut. 6:13) —Luke 4:4-8

What we learn: 
Satan Offers Shiny But Ultimately Delivers Moth and Rust

Temptation #3

Putting God to the Test (9-12) 

9 And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ (Quote Psalm 91:11) 11 and “ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ” (91:12)12 And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” (Quote: Deut. 6:16) —Luke 4:9-12

What We Learn: 
Christ overcame temptation with scripture 
Satan knows scripture and uses it to deceive

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Quote: Isaiah 61:1) —Luke 4:16-1928 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30 But passing through their midst, he went away. —Luke 4:28-30

Christ esperienced rejection

 —Hebrews 4:15-16

Sympathize (συμπαθέω) - Suffer With. Share in suffering. 

“If sympathy is all that human beings need, then the Cross of Christ is an absurdity and there is absolutely no need for it. What the world needs is not “a little bit of love,” but major surgery. If you think you are helping lost people with your sympathy and understanding, you are a traitor to Jesus Christ. You must have a right-standing relationship with Him yourself, and pour your life out in helping others in His way— not in a human way that ignores God.” (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest)

Closer: We can not become God. So God became us.

Prepare for Jesus to Come Near
Luke 3:1-22
Tim Nay

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

January 14, 2024

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. —Luke 3:1-34 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 
‘Prepare the way of the Lord, 
make his paths straight. 
5 Every valley shall be filled, 
and every mountain and hill shall be made low, 
and the crooked shall become straight, 
and the rough places shall become level ways, 
6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” —Luke 3:4-6

Getting prepared is for everyone

7 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 9 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” —Luke 3:7-9

Getting prepared involves inspecting our life

Getting prepared takes action - repentance, confession, & baptism.

10 And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” 11 And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics[a] is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.” —Luke 3:10-1415 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” —Luke 3:15-17

How to Prepare Others:

Know your audience. (Acts 17:16-17; 22) 
Warn Them (John 3:16-17) 
Share the Good News 
Call them to action

Takeaway: Allow Jesus to be close right now

What action will you take for Jesus to be close right now?

What will you do to prepare others?

Closer: An Overview of the Book of Luke
Book of Luke
Mike Maglish

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

January 7, 2024

Synoptic Gospels (Sun = Together and Opsis = Seeing) 

Matthew - King 
Mark - Servant 
Luke - Man 
John - God 

Luke focuses on the God - man

Paul’s Doctor and Travel Companion (II Tim 4:11 & Phil 1:23-24) 
An Historian 
Author of Luke/Acts (27.5% of the New Testament) 
A Gentile 

10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. —Colossians 4:10-1114 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. —Colossians 4:14

Luke is the only New Testament writer who was a gentile

To Whom Was The Book Written?

most excellent Theophilus —Luke 1:3

Theophilus was a gentile

Why was this letter written?

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. —Luke 1:1-5

Purpose: One outsider giving another outsider certainty

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, —Acts 1:1

Why is the sermonseries titled CLOSER?

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” —Luke 4:18-19

Liberty is the same word for Jubilee (Freedom for the Poor) 

Chapter 1-2 - Miraculous Birth Story of Jesus 

Chapter 3 - Baptism & Genealogy to Adam (Jesus is for ALL man) 

Chapter 4-9 - Jesus’ ministry to the poor (Calls disciples, Healings, Teachings) 

Chapter 9-19 - Journey to Jerusalem (2 by 2, parables, healings, Zacchaeus)

Chapter 19-24 - Passion Week (Love Personified, Upside Down Kingdom) 

Takeaway: Jesus is closer than you think

Spiritual Workout
1 Timothy 4:7-8
Tim Nay

Part of Spiritual DisciplinesSpiritual workout

December 31, 2023

Spiritual Workout 
1 Timothy 4:7-8 
Speaker: Tim Nay 

6 if you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the goood doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. —1 Timothy 4:6-9 

10 For TO THIS END we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. —I Timothy 4:10

1. Begin with the end in mind. 
2. Beginning with the end sets us in the right direction.

Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. —Proverbs 4:23 
Command and teach these things. —I Timothy 4:11 

3. Paul’s spiritual plan for Timothy and the Church is a good plan.

• Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. 

• Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. —I Corinthians 9:25-27

• Train yourself to be godly.

• 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. —1 Timothy 4:12-16

• Devote yourself to Scripture.

• Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left. —2 Kings 22:1-2 “

. —2 Kings 22:3-5

2 Kings 22:8

—2 Kings 23:4-6

• Practice and immerse yourself in godliness.

1 Timothy 4:15-16

TAKEAWAY:

Bible Reading Plan Resource ‘click here’

Write down a spiritual plan.

Tell someone else what is.

The Song of Blessing
Luke 2:27-28
Mike Maglish

Part of Original Christmas Carols
Strength for the Holidays

December 24, 2023

27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God —Luke 2:27-2864 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. —Luke 1:64

εὐλογέω - Praise, Give Thanks, Speak Well Of, Bless 

Nunc Dimittis - “NOW YOU LET DEPART”. 

blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” —Luke 2:28-32

We Bless God When We Declare His Greatness

Peace by Giving God Glory
Luke 2:14
Tim Nay

Part of Original Christmas CarolsStrength for the Holidays

December 17, 2023

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest, 
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” —Luke 2:8-14

What is the glory of God?

. —Exodus 34:29-30

-It is visible

—Psalm 19:1-3

-It has weight

The glory of the Lord dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. —Exodus 24:16

-It is God’s presence

 —John 17:5

How do we give God glory?

18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.The Death of Herod 
20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark. —Acts 12:18-26

-Sing of His goodness

—psalm 89:1

-Obey His Word

-Produce ‘fruit’

8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. —John 15:8

-Direct praise back to God

-Remain humble

6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” —James 4:6

How do we find favor with God?
-Be a person who lives to honor God in all they do.

12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. —2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Takeaway: God’s favor rests on those who give Him glory–resulting in peace

The Song of Salvation
Luke 1:5-25; 67-80
Mike Maglish

Part of Original Christmas CarolsStrength for the Holidays

December 10, 2023

5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. —Luke 1:5-6

What we learn about Zechariah and Elizabeth
They were both descendants of Aaron (Levitical priestly line) 
Zechariah was of the 8th division of priests (1 Chronicles 24:10). 
They were both righteous and blameless

7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. —Luke 1:7

We feel confused when God doesn’t act in our life.

ZECHARIAH

• Was in the 8th of 24 priestly divisions
• There would have been hundreds (thousands) within his own division
• Performed priestly duties 2 weeks out of the year (Passover, Pentacost, Tabernacles) 
• The Lot fell on him to offer prayers 
• He was an old man and his wife was past childbearing years

 —Luke 1:8-17

Promises/Instruction about John the Baptist

• Great before the Lord (15)
• Under the Nazarite Vow (15) 
• Filled with the Holy Spirit from Conception (15) 
• Turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God (16) 
• Go before Jesus in the spirit and power of Elijah (17) 
• Turn hearts (17) 
• Make ready the Lord a people prepared (17)

—Matthew 3:1-6

God hears our prayers even when He doesn’t act in our time

—Luke 1:24-25

God acts in his timing

The Benedictus 
(Latin) Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel - “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel”

67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, 
for he has visited and redeemed his people 
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us 
in the house of his servant David, 
70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 
71 that we should be saved from our enemies 
and from the hand of all who hate us; 
72 to show the mercy promised to our fathers 
and to remember his holy covenant, 
73 the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us 
74 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, 
might serve him without fear, 
75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. —Luke 1:67-75About John the Baptist 
76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; 
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people 
in the forgiveness of their sins, 
78 because of the tender mercy of our God, 
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high 
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, 
to guide our feet into the way of peace.” —Luke 1:76-79

Takeaway: God always has a plan

Strength for the Holidays
Luke 1:26-56
Tim Nay

Part of Original Christmas Carols
Strength for the Holidays

December 3, 2023

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” —Luke 1:39-4556 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home. —Luke 1:56

We can find spiritual strength in honest friendships

Christian Friendships 
-Is God in your together times? 
-Are your conversations beneficial and building up? 
-Are your relationships without dissimulation?

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. —Romans 12:9 (NIV)Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. —Romans 12:9 (KJV)

Dissimulation = “concealment of one’s thoughts, feelings, or character”

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” —Luke 1:26-34

We can have faith in spite of fear and doubt

But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. —Luke 1:2934 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” —Luke 1:34

We grow in faith when we outwardly express our inner spiritual life.

46 And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, 
and holy is his name. —Luke 1:46-4950 And his mercy is for those who fear him 
from generation to generation. 
51 He has shown strength with his arm; 
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones 
and exalted those of humble estate; 
53 he has filled the hungry with good things, 
and the rich he has sent away empty. 
54 He has helped his servant Israel, 
in remembrance of his mercy, 
55 as he spoke to our fathers, 
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” —Luke 1:50-55

We can increase our faith as we look to the past

 —1 Kings 17:4

Takeaway: Speak life into your soul.

Thankful for Kingdom Builders
Romans 16:1-6
Mike Maglish

Part of Identity
A Study in Romans

November 26, 2023

Kingdom Builders

Give selflessly

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. —Romans 16:1-2

Risk their lives for the Gospel

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. —Romans 16:3-5

Persecuted for the Gospel

7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. —Romans 16:7

What does a Kingdom Builder look like? 

Phoebe - Who gave selflessly. 
Priscilla and Aquilla - Who risked their lives for the Gospel. 
Andronicus and Junia - Who were persecuted for the Gospel. 

Takeaway: Be Thankful For Kingdom Builders