Four Points Church

"Ruth - Advent week 2 - Ruth 2 " Dec 09,2018

God has favor on His people. Now this can seem very odd to some, for God is a holy God, meaning He is good, He is righteous. The very same people who God created have rejected Him and are now sinners, because from their hearts are nothing but wickedness, evil and darkness.

"Ruth - Ruin to Redemption Introduction Ruth 1:1-22" Dec. 2, 2018

The story of Ruth is a beautiful narrative of hope, romance, and redemption. Nevertheless, it begins as a tragic one. Referencing the days of the Judges, this was a time when the people did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 17:6).

"Fulfilled -A Kingdom Divided part 2 Matt 12:33-37 " Nov 25,2018

Truth can be so obvious. Yet, many people remain blind to what is front of them. Those who couldn’t see what Lincoln was saying led the United States into a bloody civil war where brother fought brother. Those who couldn’t see what Jesus was saying where those who truly sided with satan. This is why Jesus speaks of them as “vipers,” which shows their allegiance to the “serpent of old” (vs. 34; Revelation 12:9).

"Fulfilled -A Kingdom Divided Matt 12:22-32 " Nov 18,2018

Our text opens with the Pharisees scrambling to have an answer for the miracles that Jesus is performing. The crowds were beginning to consider that He may truly be who He says (vs. 23). The Pharisees began accusing Jesus of working through the power of the devil. Jesus had earlier begun to dismiss the Pharisees by using scripture (12:3-8). At this point, Jesus appeals to logic and reason to dismiss their accusations. He famously tells the Pharisees that, “every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste.”

"Fulfilled - Sabbath Laws Matt 12:1-21 " Nov 11,2018

Scripture teaches us that one day a week should be for rest and worship (Exodus 20:8-11). Every generation has had different ideas about what it looks like to rest on the Sabbath, especially first century scribes and pharisees. The Bible itself speaks very little as to what “keeping the Sabbath” is, and isn’t. In fact, the whole Torah (first five books of the Bible) only condemns one activity on the Sabbath, which is gathering sticks and kindling a fire (Exodus 35:1-3; Numbers 15:32-36). Throughout the rest of the Old Testament very little is added to the list of what “work” is. We are instructed that we shouldn’t carry burdens (Jeremiah 17:21-27), buy or sell (Nehemiah 10:31; 13:15-17; Amos 8:4-5), or use the Sabbath for our own pleasure, but to delight in God (Isaiah 58:13). That's it.That's all the instruction God gives us for keeping the Sabbath holy.

"Fulfilled - Gospel Dependency, Matt 11:25-30" Nov. 04, 2018

Jesus often uses the analogy of children when He is showing the difference that exists between His followers and everyone else.  Children are the great dependent class of humanity.  They would be utterly doomed without parents or guardians to feed, clothe, and train them. This hearkens back to the first beatitude that Jesus taught in the gospel of Matthew, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (5:3).  Scripture makes it clear it is impossible for the wisdom of this world to move us toward God (I Corinthians 1:18-31; 3:18-21).  Like children, we must be completely aware of our need to be shown the way by God Himself.  This affirms the teaching of Jesus who declares we must be like children to come to Him (Matthew 18:3).

"Fulfilled - Aligning Expectations, Matt 11:2-19" Oct. 28, 2018

Most people become Christians under the guise that Jesus is going to make everything in their life perfect.  It can be a real letdown when we come to the knowledge that Christians are not exempt from trials and hardships.  We find John the Baptist in a very similar situation. 

"Fulfilled -Radical Cost of Being a Disciple Matt 10:34-11:1 " Oct 21,2018

As Jesus closes his commission to His disciples, He gives some very shocking statements. Because of the repetition of use, these statements may not have the same appalling meaning as they would have had with the disciples. However, that should not diminish the intention of Jesus as He clearly articulated what the cost would be if His disciples were willing to follow him. Discipleship is not cheap, and it certainly isn’t free. Everyone who desires to follow Jesus must be willing to pay. These words stated by Christ should challenge our hearts and demand a response from everyone who considers themselves a Christian.

"Fulfilled - The Fearless Call of a Disciple Matt 10:16-33" Oct. 14, 2018

As we continue our study of Matthew 10, we see Jesus’ call and commission to his disciples becomes wider and wider. What begins as a commission to the lost sheep of Israel, will soon include the Gentiles, and eventually a commission to whomever is willing. But with this commission will come a price. A price that should challenge everyone who calls themselves a disciple. Discipleship is not a safe and subtle call to live a comfortable life with no worries or troubles. If you want to be a disciple of Jesus, you must be willing to be hated for his name sake and truly be willing to lay down your life to follow Jesus.

"Fulfilled - Prayer and People Matt 9:35-10:15 " Oct. 7, 2018

This is a pivotal moment in the gospel of Matthew where the 12 apostles are first introduced.  Change is coming.  The Son of Man is going to transfer power from the blind guides of the 12 tribes of Israel to His church through His 12 apostles.  Remember that God doesn’t need us to do His work.  He does however, choose to do His work through us.  In the words of Jesus, to reap the harvest will take prayer and people.  During the incarnate ministry of Jesus Christ, He chose to use the 12 apostles to lay the foundation of His new kingdom.  Today, during the session of Christ, He chooses to use His church.  May we continue to pray for more laborers among us to have compassion on the crowds and proclaim to them the good news of what Jesus has done!