E.P.I.C. Word of Truth

The Burial of Christ (Matthew 27:51-61)

Jesus always describes discipleship in this way, as an “either/or” proposition.
Either we follow Jesus, or we chase after the world.
Either we seek to please Jesus, or we seek the approval of men.
Either we serve God, or we serve wealth…you cannot serve both.
Joseph and Nicodemus were good men – righteous men even – but until this moment, they were trying to have both. They wanted to remain on the Sanhedrin Counsel and with the approval of the other Pharisees and Sadducees…At the same time, they wanted credit for following a Messiah that the rest of the Counsel despised and wanted to kill. But there was literally no way they could have both…one allegiance would always win out over the other.
This is the challenge facing every disciple of Jesus…we are called out of the world by our faith, and yet we remain in the world for a time. Jesus said we must be willing to “lose” this world so we can serve the interests of the next, and that means making different decisions, living differently, and having kingdom priorities, not worldly priorities, it means putting Christ first, His Word and His local Church first, over the priorities of the world and entertainment and rest.
Following Jesus may mean losing a few friends, losing promotions, or your job…it may even mean losing your life. That is the dilemma Jesus places in front of all His disciples…which is why Jesus asked us to count the cost of following Him.
Matthew tells us Joseph was a rich man, so we would understand the great sacrifice he was making by stepping forward. He would likely lose his position on the council, his place in society, the respect of his peers, and his means of support.
So, Joseph does, finally publicly side with Jesus, and as He does, he fulfills Scripture. Isaiah 53:9 says the Messiah dies among criminals and He is buried in a rich man’s tomb.

The Death of Christ (Matthew 27:45-50)

As we reflect on the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, we are confronted with the reality of our own sinfulness and the immense sacrifice that was made for our salvation. In Matthew 27:45-50, we see the darkness that covered the land, the cry of abandonment from Jesus, and His final breath as He gave up His spirit.
This scene should not only move us to tears but also to action.
We must recognize the gravity of our sin and the weight of the sacrifice that was made on our behalf. The death of Jesus was not in vain, but rather it was the ultimate act of love that calls for our response.
Jesus' death on the cross was the ultimate act of love because, as it is written in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself for the salvation of humanity, out of love for us. As it is written in Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated the depth of His love for us and provided a way for us to be reconciled to God and receive eternal life.
This act of love shows us the great extent to which God is willing to go to save us and bring us back into a relationship with Him.
We are called to repent of our sins and turn to Jesus Christ for salvation. We must acknowledge our need for a Savior and accept the gift of forgiveness that was paid for on the cross.
Let us not take this sacrifice lightly, but instead, let us live in a way that honors the sacrifice that was made for us.
Today, I urge you to examine your heart and your life.
Are you living in a way that reflects the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
Are you perhaps, taking your salvation for granted, and what Jesus did for you for granted?
Perhaps you are unsure of your salvation, are you willing to turn from your sin and accept the gift of salvation that is freely offered to you?
The death of Jesus on the cross is a reminder of the incredible love that God has for each and every one of us. Let us not take this love for granted, but instead, let us respond with gratitude, repentance, and a renewed commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly.
May we never forget the sacrifice that was made on our behalf, and may we live our lives in a way that reflects the love and grace of our Savior. Repent, believe, and be saved! “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15).

Refuse Not God (Sunday AM 3/10/24) - Hebrews 12:24-29

Everything hinges on knowing who God is and what He has done for us by His grace in Christ. He has given us great privileges, by speaking to us from Heaven through Jesus’ blood, and by giving us a kingdom that cannot be shaken.
He is the great God, whose voice will shake both earth and heaven. He is a consuming fire.
So, we have great responsibilities: we should take heed to serve Him with obedient, grateful, and reverent hearts.
“See that ye refuse not him that speaketh” (v.25). Don’t tell God no. Do not refuse to do what God has clearly commanded us to do, what He is calling you do to. Let us not refuse to do for God what He expects us to do for Him as Christians.
Remember, keep in mind, don’t forget the blood that was shed for your sins.
Don’t forget how great our God is.
Don’t forget how God speaks to us through the blood of Christ.
Don’t forget the awesome power of God, how He will shake the heavens and the earth.
And do not refuse to obey the God who is a consuming fire. Don’t say not to God!
We are so, so, so privileged to be God’s children. Do not refuse to do the basics of the Christian life. Be faithful to church. When the doors are open be here. Serve your church, seek ways to serve your church.
Witness for Christ. Come to outreach. Put up door hangers, pass out tracts, give out the Gospel, and tell people about Jesus and how they can be saved from the penalty of their sins.
“See that ye refuse not him that speaketh” (v.25) see that you refuse not God! Don’t say not to God!

The Two Beasts Part 2 (Revelation 13:4-12)

In this message we finish our look at the first beast (the Antichrist) and begin to look at the second beast (the False Prophet). We show how all will come to worship the Beast and the Dragon. We discuss how the main sin that is spoken against concerning the Beast and the Dragon is blaspheming God. We end talking about the False Prophet, how he completes the unholy false trinity and is used to get the whole world to worship the Dragon through the Antichrist. 

The Two Beasts Part 1 (Revelation 13:1-3)

In this episode we are looking at the First of the two Beasts of Revelation chapter 13. We examine his background throughout Scripture, as we delve into the first three verses of Revelation chapter 13. We look at his character. We look at how Satan is a great counterfeiter. We look at his possible ethnic identity. We explain the significance of his title "The Son of Perdition." This message also compares and contrasts the Antichrist to Jesus Christ and starts to explain Satan's unholy counterfeit trinity. 

Sunday AM (4/23/23) - Enduring Faith (Hebrews 10:32-39)

In this message we look at Enduring Faith. Faith that stays true to the Lord through His enabling. We are not promised an easy life. We are not promised all joy and no sorrow. But we can have God-confidence that will give us the strength we need to trust in Him and live this life by faith. 

Sunday AM (4/16/23) - The Only Options: Christ or Judgment (Hebrews 10:26-31)

The only options for a sinner are Christ or Judgment. The only options for those living in willful sin are Christ or Judgment. The only options for every man or women are Christ or Judgment. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Make sure Jesus Christ is your Savior. Choose Christ. The only option beside Christ is to choose to reject Christ and face an eternity of judgment in torments in the Lake of Fire. 

Sunday AM (4/9/23) - Turning Tragedy Into Triumph (John 20)

In this message we see how the resurrection of Jesus Christ turns tragedy into triumph in the life of those who accept Him as their Savior. We see how Mary Magdelene was the first person Jesus appeared to and how significant that was. We look at how significant it was that Peter and John ran to His empty tomb. We also consider the doubts Thomas had and how we must believe in Jesus and His gospel message by faith - by getting saved we truly turn the tragedy of a Hell-bound life into the triumph of a Heaven bound eternity. 

Sunday AM (4/2/23) - Behold the Man (John 19)

This message is about the trials and crucifixion of Christ and how that many things in John chapter 20 parallel to our current day and time. 

Same Sex Relationships in Light of the Bible

In this Word of Truth podcast, we are looking at same-sex relationships in light of the Bible. God's Word is crystal clear on the subject. But sometimes what is forgotten is that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. We need to have a proper Biblical outlook and attitude regarding this issue. We also cannot compromise on what the Bible teaches. This podcast examines this subject and also offers some defense from common attacks to the Bible regarding issue.