Jesus Our Wonderful Savior

Jesus Our Wonderful Savior

By Rick Arnold

“I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are very wise and very beautiful; but I never read in either of them: ‘Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden’” (Augustine). Like Augustine, I have found in Jesus a unique figure who towers above every other historical figure. Many have attempted to point to a way of salvation, but only Jesus said that he was the way of salvation. Jesus is the Savior of mankind and that is what makes him so unique.

I did not always know the Savior. Growing up, I had very little Christian teaching. In junior high I began to drink, smoke, and rebel against society. By the time I was eighteen, I was an alcoholic and a frequent user of drugs. I was angry, depressed, alone, lost, in darkness, without hope, and without God (Eph. 2:12). I was on a fast track to prison, insanity, or death. It was into this darkness that Jesus came and rescued me. I received Jesus as my Savior and my life was completely transformed. That was more than twenty years ago, and the Savior has never forsaken me. I love and admire Jesus more today than ever before, and I long for the whole world to know of the glorious salvation that comes through him.

But who is Jesus? What makes him capable of saving mankind? What exactly is he saving mankind from? How does this salvation work, and in what way will it change lives? In the following pages, I will briefly discuss these questions. I cannot, however, answer them in full because these subjects are inexhaustible. Though we may study the person and work of Jesus Christ the Savior for all eternity, we will never behold the fullness of his beauty, grasp the completeness of his wisdom, reach the limits of his power, or fathom the depths of his love. He truly is a wonderful Savior.

This is Your God: An Exposition on the Gospel of John – Message 8.

Message 8. UFC Jesus: A Lesson on Corruption. (Scale Notes)

By J.B. Hughes

Text: John 2:12-25.

Thesis: In the first part of this chapter Jesus starts by manifesting his glory to his followers. Now he demonstrates his glory to those who will react with hostility. Jesus challenges the authorities and witnesses against the corruption in the Temple. He shows in the first part that he offers something better than the Mosaic law, here he reacts to the corruption. He is not mild and meek but angry. He demonstrates the heart of God toward corrupt and insincere worship. [i]

This is Your God: An Exposition on the Gospel of John – Message 7

Message 7. The Gospel of the New Wine. (scale notes)

By J.B. Hughes

Text: John 2:1-11

Thesis: All 4 themes of this gospel meet in this passage. The Creation Vs. New Creation theme in the creation of wine from nothing, the New Moses Theme in offering something greater than Moses, the Cosmic Trial Theme in a sign which authenticates his witness, and the Targumic Word Theme where the Word of God, very God himself shows his power over all things. We also see practical ideas in that Jesus loves and life and cares about our needs. He will ultimately usher in a new age that be a time of great blessing.

This is Your God: An Exposition on the Gospel of John – Message 6.

Message 6: Come and See: A Model for Evangelism. (Scale Notes.)

By J.B. Hughes

Text: John 1:35-51.
Thesis: How do people come to faith in Christ? Even more so, how does one bring others to faith in Jesus? Gimmicks, tools, programs, three-step confessionals have produced a litany of false converts. Is there a more honest way to approach people with the good news that results in a genuine and life-changing encounter with Jesus? In this story we see new witnesses come to faith in Jesus and learn not only about Jesus, but about our own salvation as well as the salvation those to whom we present the truth about God to.

This is Your God: An Exposition on the Gospel of John – Message 5

Message 5: The Lamp and the Light: Jesus According to John

By J.B. Hughes

Text: John 1:19-34

Terms: Deposition = a statement under oath, taken down in writing, to be used in court in place of the spoken testimony of the witness.[i]

Thesis: The Apostle John uses the legal term “witness” to describe the testimony of John the Baptist. He was not the light but he came to tell of who Jesus is. John was sent to prepare the people of Israel with a message of repentance. His testimony about Jesus is essential to knowing who Jesus really is. He is a model for all of us.

This is Your God: An Exposition on the Gospel of John – Message 4

Message 4. Reactions, Responses, Results: The Story of Jesus’ Coming (Scale Notes)

By J.B. Hughes

Text: John 1:6-18.

Thesis: How will people react to the Coming of Jesus? It would seem that all would react with welcome but sadly they do not. The world by and large rejected Jesus resulting in spiritual death. There were however some who did receive him and to them he gave a revelation of the Father.

This is Your God: An Exposition on the Gospel of John – Message 3.

Message 3: Why John Calls Jesus the Word.

Text: John 1:1-5

By J.B. Hughes

Terms:
Incarnation = the doctrine that the second person of the Trinity assumed human form in the person of Jesus Christ and is completely both God and man. [i]

Thesis: When John calls Jesus the “Word” it is hard to know exactly what he means. The first five verses of John 1 give us so much information that is crucial to our Christian experience. This message is focused on understanding and applying the doctrine of the Incarnation.

This is Your God: An Exposition on the Gospel of John – Message 2

Message 2. Purpose, Style and Themes in John. (Scale Notes)

By J.B. Hughes

Text: John 20:31.

Terms:

Motif = a recurring subject, theme, idea, etc., especially in a literary, artistic, or musical work.[i]

Thesis: In order to understand the purpose of a book in scripture, it is very important to know the purpose of the book, the style of author and the dominant themes. It is like wearing 3-D glasses that help the reader to see the story much clearer.

This is Your God: An Exposition on the Gospel of John – Message 1.

Message 1. Meet John. (Scale Notes)

By J.B. Hughes

Terms:
Johannine Community = A term introduced in the 19^th Century by liberal theologians who believed that the gospel of John was not the work of John the Son of Zebedee, but rather the work of several writers writing to a community of followers who based their theology off of the teachings of the original John whomever he may be.
Synoptic = taking a common view: used chiefly in reference to the first three Gospels (synoptic Gospels), Matthew, Mark, and Luke, from their similarity in content, order, and statement. [i]
Redactor = (One who puts something into) “suitable literary form; revise; edit.” [ii]

Thesis: This message is about meeting the guide who will be attempting shape the reader’s perspective about Jesus. Since there is serious conflict about the author of this book we MUST take this seriously and discuss it. Even if one already believes John is the author, one needs to know why. An audience has to ask whether or not the person who is telling a story can be trusted. The content that this author is attempting to tell us is very serious and it is of utmost importance that this person is who he claims to be.

Romans 5:1-11 The Blessings of Justification

The Blessings of Justification

By Rick Arnold

Romans 5:1–11 (ESV)

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance (patience), 4 and endurance produces character (experience), and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we besaved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Topical Bible Study: Seeking God

Topical Bible Study: Seeking God

By Rick Arnold

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. – Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)

I. What does it mean to seek God?

1. To search diligently for the presence of God
2. To desire, and to attempt, to make direct contact with God
3. Usually thought of as being done within the mind and heart (Col 3:1-2; 1 Ch 22;19)

II. Why is it necessary to seek God?

Matthew 6:5-14 Praying the Lord’s Prayer

Praying The Lord’s Prayer

By Rick Arnold
Matthew 6:5-14

Intro: Jesus teach us to pray

1. Jesus teach us to pray (Lk 11)

2. First Jesus teaches how not to pray
- Not like hypocrites (Mat 6:5-6)
- Not like pagans (Mat 6:7-8)

3. Foundation for Christian prayer: Trinitarian
- By the Son: Access by Jesus’ name
- Through the Spirit: “Our” signifying unselfishness which is only seen in the spirit-filled believer. Though the Spirit is invisible his effects can be seen, and love is the most sure sign of his presence.
- To the Father: “Our Father” was revolutionary in Jesus’ day.

I. Prayer is worship (Hallowed by your name)

1. “Father” – personal relationship, but “in heaven” transcendence

Acts 2:36-47 The Marks of the Spirit Filled Church

MARKS OF A HEALTHY, SPIRIT-FILLED CHURCH

Acts 2:36-47
By Rick Arnold
December 30, Destiny Church, Carterville, IL

Part 1: The marks of a healthy, Spirit-filled church (36-42)

I. A healthy church will be founded on the Gospel
II. A healthy church will teach doctrine
III. A healthy church will know true fellowship
IV. A healthy church will keep focused on the work of Christ
V. A healthy church will be a church of strong prayer and vibrant Spirit-filled worship

This is Your God: An Exposition on the Gospel of John – Introduction

Introduction. (Scale Notes)

By J. B. Hughes

Thesis: This is a basic introduction to the Gospel of John and the things one should expect from this series. These notes are extensively abridged from the original notes to provide easy notes that are not as imposing or overbearing as the originals. For all the content one must listen to audio message. These will give the reader the key ideas while listening to the podcast. The primary goal of this series is quite simple:

Authentic Christianity (Matthew 22:1-14)

Authentic Christianity: The Parable of the Wedding Feast
By Rick Arnold

Matthew 22:1–14 (ESV)

The Parable of the Wedding Feast

And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Preaching Jesus to Indian Youth (Philippians 2:5-11)

Who is Jesus?

Preaching Jesus to Indian Youth (Message in English and Hindi)

By Rick Arnold

Philippians 2:5–11 (NKJV)

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

In this message I answer the following questions:
1. Where did Jesus come from?
2. Who is Jesus- man or God?
3. Why did Jesus die on the cross?
4. Where is Jesus now?
5. Will Jesus come again?

Doctrine 01: The Existence of God

Live Audio

Podcast Audio

Doctrine: Getting to Know the Story Line of the Bible

Introduction to the series

I. Key Words:
1. Systematic Theology – The study of the nature of God and his dealings with man in a systematic or orderly, logical way.
2. Topical – Systematic theology is generally topical in nature. We examine a particular topic and ask the question what does the whole Bible say about this particular subject. We then compile that information and form conclusions based on it.
3. Doctrine – A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church or other group. For our class we will define doctrine as a summarization of the conclusions drawn as a result of our study of systematic theology.

II. How do we make sense of it all, where do we begin, and what topics should we select?
1. These are important questions to start with because, to many, the study of the Bible or the study of theology is like trying to do a large, complicated puzzle. There are so many pieces they just can’t seem to fit it all together and make sense of it.
2. It is true that in the Bible there are many books, authors, and themes all emphasizing different aspects of theology, but amazingly each one of these pieces were hand-crafted and made to fit exactly together.
3. When doing a puzzle it is very helpful if you begin by taking a look at the top of the box that it came in. The box-top generally has a picture of the completed puzzle printed on it to provide a reference to continually examine as you assemble the puzzle. This enables you to keep the “big picture” in mind as you deal with the small individual pieces. You can see how they relate to each other and fit in with the whole puzzle.
4. This is exactly what we are attempting to do with this class. We will begin by taking a look at the “box-top”, the “big picture” and we continuously refer back to it as we progress. We will call this snapshot the “story line of the Bible”. That is how I came up with the name Doctrine: Getting to Know the Story Line of the Bible. And so, we will keep that picture before us as we look at the individual topics and see how they fit together to tell the beautiful story of God’s redemption of man through his son Jesus Christ.

III. Taking a look at the Box-Top: Defining the Story Line of the Bible
1. So let’s define the story-line of the Bible. The Bible has many unsolved mysteries and people often want to “major on the minors” as they debate possible meanings to all sorts of non-essential issues. But on the essentials, the Bible is perfectly clear and there is one primary path that cuts right through the center of its pages. This is the path of redemption that is found in the person and work of the Jesus Christ. So let’s look at this story-line. These headings will form our big picture and they will be the titles for each of our classes. The first two are introductory (“The Existence of God” and “The Bible”) and the rest layout the major themes of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. We will spend the next weeks looking at each of these themes and what they mean about God and our individual lives.
2. The story line:

• The Existence of God
• The Bible
• The Attributes of God
• The Creation
• The Fall of Man
• The Covenants
• The Incarnation of Christ
• The Life of Christ
• The Cross of Christ
• The Resurrection and Ascension of Christ
• The Glorification of Christ
  • The Great High Priest
  • The Head of the Body
  • The Baptizer in the Holy Spirit
  • The King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Lesson 01: The Existence of God: How Does God Reveal Himself to Mankind?
By Rick Arnold

Key Texts:
- Romans 1:18-20
- Psalm 19:1-6

Key Words:
- Cosmological Argument
- Teleological Argument
- Anthropological Argument

I. General Revelation: God has given a limited revelation of himself to all mankind

A. Outer Revelation: The Creation
1. Teleological Argument (Rom 1:20; Psa 19:1-6) – If the universe was designed then there must be a designer.
2. Cosmological Argument – Every effect must have had a cause. Every thing that began to exist must have had a cause. It is generally accepted that the universe began to exist and therefore must have been caused. That cause could not have been chance, or nothing, and must have been an eternal, living, intelligent being. Since every man intuitively has the idea of God, then the most logical conclusion is that there is a God and he was the cause of the universe.

Interview: Rick and Josh discuss the reason for the Thirsty Soul Blog

The Audio above is a recorded interview between Rick Arnold and Joshua Hughes. They discuss the motivation behind the Thirsty Soul Blog as well as the methods they plan to use. The conversation is 53 minutes and they discuss various topics relating to their plans for the blog including:

• The move of God bringing the Church back to Christ and to the Word of God
• Lying signs and wonders
• The need and reason for studying doctrine
• What is expository preaching and why do it
• The journey of knowing Christ
• Upcoming projects for the blog

The Gospel: A Bloody Salvation for You and I!

The Gospel: A Bloody Salvation for You and I!
By Rick Arnold

Jesus, the Man of Prayer from the Gospel of Luke

Jesus, the Man of Prayer from the Gospel of Luke
By Rick Arnold

Introduction: (James 5:16-20) The importance of prayer
1. Prayer is a key to harvest
2. Prayers that get answered and affect the harvest are fervent and effectual (efficient, they have purpose)
3. Despite our weaknesses we can all be used in prayer. We have the great privilege of joining in with the prayers of the great intercessor

Jesus, the Man of Prayer:

I. (Luke 3:21-23) Jesus began His ministry through prayer
1. As he prayed the heavens were opened
2. The Holy Spirit manifested
3. The voice of the Father came