Family Bible Church weekly message

* As you know, we began an in-depth study of "The Gospel According to Luke" on December 31, and spent 3 of the 4 Sundays in January in chapter 1, taking a 1 week break for the visit by one of the missionaries we support. And while we originally planned to finish up chapter 1 this week, some unforeseen circumstances have created a need for us to take a 1-week detour into the fourth gospel, "The Gospel According to John". * Perhaps like no other time in history, this world increasingly encourages people to promote and serve themselves, especially here in the United States. But Jesus calls His followers to die to themselves by living lives of selfless servanthood. And when we do that effectively, we can have a major impact on the world because it builds unity in the body of Christ and helps draw non-believers to Jesus. * So this morning, we will be considering some secrets of selfless servanthood by looking at an event in John 13 that launched the final 18 hours or so of Jesus's earthly ministry immediately p

* As we have begun our study of Luke's orderly account of the life and ministry of Christ, we have seen the contrasting reception of Zacharias and Mary to wonderful prophetic messages of Gabriel. * Today, we see those prophetic messages begin to converge with the events surrounding the birth of John. * This message was presented on January 28, 2024 by Bob Corbin.

* Three weeks ago we began studying "The Gospel According to Luke." Luke's desire was to present an orderly account of the ministry of Jesus the Christ in order that those who heard could be assured of the verity of the testimony they had heard. * Two weeks ago, we saw that Luke began his orderly account with the Angelic Announcement to Zacharias regarding the birth of John. John needed a "sign" to truly believe the message that Gabriel was proclaiming to him. Therefore, Gabriel declared that John would be mute for the next nine months, until the birth of his son. * Today, we transition to another Angelic Announcement by Gabriel, this time to Mary. * This message was presented on January 21, 2024 by Bob Corbin.

* Last week we began studying "The Gospel According to Luke." Luke's desire was to present an orderly account of the ministry of Jesus the Christ in order that those who heard could be assured of the verity of the testimony they had heard. * Today, the goal is to examine the beginning of that orderly account. Luke, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, determined that the Good News of Jesus Christ coming into the world actually begins with the Angelic Announcement to Zacharias regarding the birth of John. * First, we consider the human vessels who God chose to use for this special privilege. Then, we consider Zacharias' interaction with Gabriel. * This message was presented on January 7, 2024 by Bob Corbin.

* Today, we begin a new series - a study of the Gospel According to Luke. * It has been well stated each of the Gospels seem to present Christ from a different "angle." Traditionally, most commentators declare that Matthew presents Jesus as "The Promised Messiah," Mark presents Him as "The Suffering Servant," Luke presents Him as "The Son of Man," and John presents Him as "The Son of God." * There were reasons why each of the writers wrote their gospel accounts. As we have considered each of these gospel accounts we have seen that indeed Matthew was a Jewish man writing to a Jewish audience about a Jewish Messiah. His focus was upon proving that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah by declaring the authenticity of His Messianic claim - through His genealogy, His miracles and signs, His teaching, and His resurrection. Mark, I believe, was writing Peter's account of the life of Christ after he was brought to Rome at the request of Paul. John declares that he was writing in order that those reading would "beli

* We have been considering the prophetic declaration of YHWH through Isaiah, regarding the coming of a man child - who would be called: Wonderful Counselor; Mighty God; Everlasting Father; Prince of Peace. Each of these names are direct references back to YHWH Himself. As He revealed elsewhere, YHWH was declaring that He would manifest Himself on the earth by becoming incarnate - taking on human flesh - and being born. * This prophecy in Isaiah 9 is part of a larger section which begins in chapter 7. YHWH declares His faithfulness to the tribe of Judah ... He would not allow Syria and Israel to gain victory over Judah. To reveal His faithfulness to King Ahaz, He told Ahaz to ask for a sign ... to which Ahaz self-righteously declares, "I will not ask, nor test YHWH." * YHWH declares that He, Himself, would then give a sign To The House of David - not to Ahaz! “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Emmanuel.” (Is

* Happy Christmas Eve! If you've been with us either in person or via Zoom (or keeping up by listening to the messages on the various platforms where they are posted online), you know that we've been taking a deep dive into Isaiah 9:6 this month, with a focus on the four titles for Yahweh given in that verse ... Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. And because Jesus is Yahweh (God in the flesh), these titles also find fulfilment in His two advents - the one we celebrate at Christmas (Feast of the Incarnation) and the one we are confidently waiting for. * As a quick review, Steve started us out 3 weeks ago by sharing the many ways that Yahweh is our WONDERFUL COUNSELOR. Among many other things, this title speaks to God's omnipotence and that His counsel is good and perfect and therefore worthy of our continual pursuit. * Then David focused our attention on the title MIGHTY GOD two weeks ago. He shared 3 key examples of God's might being displayed for His people, the greates

* Advent is a time for focused reflection upon the incarnation of Jesus the Christ (YHWH in the flesh) who came to the earth in order to be the payment of our sins. This incarnation of YHWH was not something that was kept secret. Rather, YHWH gave many indicators of this in His Word. * Over the past two weeks, we have been considering the powerful prophetic declaration which YHWH spoke through Isaiah - declaring that one day a man-child would be born - who would be called: Wonderful Counselor ... Mighty God ... Eternal Father ... Prince of Peace. In Jewish thought, an individual's name - what they were called - was of vast importance and was a reflection of the individual's position, personality, or potentiality. * Consider YHWH's name ... "The One who Exists." The Creator God "named" Himself and He named Himself, "I am who I am." * In the same manner, each of these four names point toward this man-child being none other than YHWH Himself - incarnate. Last week, David considered that this child would

* The season of Advent is a time to reflect upon the incarnation of Jesus the Christ (YHWH in the flesh) who came in order to be the payment of our sins. He did this in order that we might be reconciled to God and have peace with God. This was important in order that we might be able to live with God for all of eternity - eternal life does not begin after you die, but when you are reconciled to God! * Today is the second message in our Advent series on the names of Jesus Christ recorded in Isaiah's prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7. Isaiah gives four names for the child that will be born. Each name is a doublet - two consecutive Hebrew words. From the use of those words in Hebrew in the Old Testament, it is compelling and overwhelming that these four names are titles for YHWH, the LORD Himself. Thus, YHWH Himself is promising in Isaiah 9:6 that YHWH will come as a child and become One called by these names. * Last week's message was on “Wonderful Counselor”. Today we consider the second doublet -- “Mighty God”. * Thi

* We begin a brief Advent series on the names of God recorded in Isaiah's prophesy * YHWH is the one described in this Messianic passage * The names are Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace * Today we will examine Wonderful Counselor. * This message was presented on December 3, 2023 by Steve Moore.

* This is the final segment of our study of James' letter ... * Over the past two weeks we have considered how the Wisdom of God (Heavenly Wisdom) applies to our lives - examining what James declares regarding the Will of the Lord and the Treatment of Others. Today, we look at what James declares regarding The Prayer of Faith. * This section brings us full-circle to where James began his letter exhorting the brethren to call upon the Father of Lights - the giver of every morally good gift and every perfect bestowment - for wisdom in the midst of troublesome situations. * James concludes his letter with the same exhortation. * This message was presented on November 26, 2023 by Bob Corbin.

* Having considered the Contrast and Conflict between Worldly Wisdom and Heavenly Wisdom. We began last week considering the application based upon Wisdom of God (Heavenly Wisdom). In that message, we considered The Finiteness of Man and the Sovereignty of God. As created beings, we are both Limited in Our Knowledge and Limited in Our Days upon the earth. We saw that the Word of God declares that when we learn to number our days, we will gain a heart of wisdom. * Today, we will be looking at the second of these applications - the Treatment of Others. As Jesus declared, the greatest commandment given is to love YHWH with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Doing so, the second is like unto it: loving others as ourselves. As is James pattern, he will begin with a negative declaration and then give instruction as to how we ought to live. * This message was presented on November 19, 2023 by Bob Corbin.

* Over the past two weeks, we considered James' proclamation of the Contrast of, and Conflict between, the Wisdom of God (Heavenly Wisdom) and the Wisdom of the World (Earthly Wisdom). * We are entering the final section of James' letter which contains applications to our lives based upon choosing the Wisdom of God over the wisdom of the world. * Last week, as we considered the Prescription for Heavenly Wisdom it began with the command to Submit to God - voluntarily placing yourself under the authority of God. Additionally, we were told to humble ourselves in the sight of YHWH and He would lift us up. * Today, we begin looking at three of the applications of Heavenly Wisdom by considering our humble submission to the will of YHWH. * This message was presented on November 12, 2023 by Bob Corbin.

* Last week, we transitioned in James' letter to discussion of the Perfect Way of Wisdom. * James initially reveals the Contrast between Worldly Wisdom and Heavenly Wisdom. He declares that World Wisdom is of a earthly, sensual, and demonic nature, and is evidenced by envy, self-seeking, and confusion. Heavenly Wisdom, on the other hand, was Wisdom that comes from God and is evidenced in purity, peace, gentleness, submission, mercy, and good fruits. * Clearly, these two forms of wisdom ARE NOT compatible. James next addresses the Conflict that exists with believers following worldly wisdom. He first presents arguments AGAINST the wisdom of the world and then instructions FOR Walking in the Wisdom of God. * This message was presented on November 5, 2023 by Bob Corbin.

* Four weeks ago we began to consider the Perfect Law of Liberty - summed up in our call to love our neighbors as ourselves - and then, subsequently, the application of that Law of Liberty in our lives. * As we transition into the next section of James' letter, we will see him transition from the Application of the Perfect Law of Liberty to the Perfect Way of Wisdom. Yet, as we transition, we will note that James' assertion that TRUE FAITH is evidenced by TRUE WORKS is also true regarding when it comes to a consideration of WHICH WAY of Wisdom you are following. * Last week, as part of our study of the Importance of Words, saw that those who set themselves up as teacher would receive the stricter judgment (assessment). As we considered the wording of that warning, we turned to Romans 8:1 where we are told, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus ..." But, the verse continues as does the flow of thought. Consider Paul's statement in Romans 8:1-9 * Those who "are in Christ Jes

* Three weeks ago we began to consider that ultimate expression of truly comprehending that God is the giver of every good gift and every perfect bestowment will be: that we will want to BE doers of His Word and not hearers-only; we will want to Receive, Apply, Study and Continue in - the Perfect Law of Liberty. That Perfect Law of Liberty is our call to love our neighbors as ourselves. * Two weeks ago we began to consider how James applied this truth within the realm of our practical theology ... how we live out what we believe. * First we considered James exhortation regarding Loving without Partiality. Last week, we considered how True Faith will be revealed in True Works - such that faith without works is dead. * Today, we want to consider James' teaching regarding the importance of words revealed in three different aspects. * This message was presented on October 22, 2023 by Bob Corbin.

* This is now the sixth week that we have been studying the letter of James to the twelve tribes which were scattered as a result of the persecution of the church. * James opened his letter to them by exhorting them to consider their troublesome situations as joyous events which have been allowed in their lives to strengthen their endurance and prove the genuineness of their faith. He instructed them that our troublesome times are not caused by God - who is the giver of every good gift and perfect bestowment - but ultimately arise as a result of our misguided burning passions. James challenged them to be doers of the word - the Perfect Law of Liberty - and not to deceive themselves by being hearers only. * James then begins to apply this exhortation to our practical theology ... how we live out what we believe. * Today, we will consider the second of these applications: Faith vs. Works. This portion almost prevented the letter of James from being included in what was accepted as the inspired Word of God.

* Last week, toward the end of the message ... we began to consider ultimate expression of truly comprehending that God - the Father of Lights - is the giver of every good gift and every perfect bestowment. If we truly believe this, we will want to be DOERS OF THE WORD and not hearers-only. We will want to Receive, Apply, Study and Continue in - the Perfect Law of Liberty. * That Perfect Law of Liberty is our call to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is the Freedom that we have to serve others without the fear of making ourselves unclean in the process. * As troublesome situations come into our lives, causing us to either to grow in our faith or exposing our need to repent of sin, we are provided opportunities to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Christ! (Luke 9:23ff) * James now begins to build upon this theme by applying this Pearl of Wisdom to three different areas. * We will consider the first of those today - Loving without Partiality. * This message was presented on October 8,

* Over the first three weeks of our study of this book of James, we have seen that God is the giver of every good gift and perfect bestowment. As such, He does not trouble (try/tempt) any person but rather only allows the troublesome situations that He knows that you can handle and will help conform you into the image of Christ by perfecting your endurance against the troublesome situations that the world will present you. * We saw last week, that our intense desires are generally what draw us away from God. These desires and passions lead to sin, and then sin leads to death. * When we humbly recognize that we cannot handle the troublesome situation, we are exhorted to ask God (the giver of good gifts) for wisdom who will give all liberally. * What then is the natural result of this information. What should I do as a result? I should turn to Him for wisdom and ... DO what God is calling me to do, and BE what God is calling on me to be! * James immediately applies this to our relationship with the Perfec

* Last week, in our study of the book of James, we considered what it meant to "Count it all joy WHEN you fall into various trials." We saw that the word for "joy" actually DOES mean to be gleeful and happy. We saw that the term for "testing" means to be tested and proven as genuine, real, or legitimate. We also discussed that the Greek word for "patience" used here is the word "hupomonae" which literally means "to remain under." Hence, the assaying of our faith, through trials which determine it's genuineness, actually help to cause our faith to be matured and complete in order that it is not lacking in any manner. * If, as we are engaging the trial, we recognize that we lack the wisdom to deal with it, we are instructed to ask God for wisdom in how to handle it because He has promised to liberally give wisdom to all who seek it! * Last week, we purposefully skipped over a critical word in our study in order to deal with it more fully in this message. It is the word translated as "trial" in verse 2. Th