What can we learn from Jesus' entry into Jerusalem? Why was He accepted by some and rejected by others? In what way was the glory of the second temple more than the glory of the first temple? What did Jesus intend to teach through the cursing of the fig tree, His parable about the Lord of the vineyard, and His parable of the wedding feast? Is the church today in danger of making the same mistake as the religious leaders in Israel?
Why did Jesus warn the religious leaders of His time? What was the response of the religous leaders? What did God do with the gospel? What events lead up to the second coming? What hope exists in the midst of the troubles of the last days? What will people, society, and other conditions be like in those times? How do we know there is a dual fulfillment to Jesus' prophecy? As Jesus began to expound on how the temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed (in 70AD), He intermingled events that had an immediate fulfillment and a fulfillment to come in the last days.
What were the last days of Jesus on earth like? How did His followers understand His message? Did Jesus have to go to the cross? What messages are there in the struggles of Jesus for us today? What can we learn from the betrayals of Judas and Peter? What was so significant about the Passover and the time of Jesus' death? How was the last supper similar to a marriage covenant? This week we explore the fulfillment of the prophecies surrounding the death of Jesus and what He accomplished on our behalf.
What is the significance of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection? Why did the veil in the temple rip? What did Jesus mean when He cried out "My God, My God why have you forsaken me?" What did it mean for Jesus to be separated from the Father? What similarities do we hold to Barabbas? Did the crucifixion really happen? How does secular history evidence this event? What does the resurrection mean for believers and why is it the basis of our faith? What did Jesus commission us to do in response to His salvation?
Have you ever been asked to do something by a friend or family member that you didn't want to do? Have you eve been asked to do something and, although you didn't want to do it, you couldn't say no? Have you ever said you were going to be somewhere and purposely didn't show up? This sermon is about doing God lip service. There are times when we say things we don't mean and honor God with words, but we don't follow through with action. What kind of service does God expect from His people? This sermon talks about sanctification, God's power to transform our lives, and how to avoid hypocrisy.
This week we are joined by Dr. May-Ellen Colon and Dr. Gaspar Colon as we discuss Jesus on the topic of community outreach. What did Jesus have to say about community outreach? How did Jesus view the church's role in terms of reaching out to those in spiritual darkness? Who is our neighbor? What did He mean by the metaphors of light and salt? What roles do different members within the church play in reaching outsiders? How does the farming analogy illustrate these different roles? How do we prepare the soil, sow the seed, nurture the crop, and reap the harvest?
Jesus mingled with people and genuinely desired their good. What message does this have for the church today? How can we genuinely desire the good of others? How does scripture contrast how Jesus cared about people compared to His disciples or prophets like Jonah? How did Jesus treat people who were sick and out-casted? Why did some healings Jesus did occur in more than one stage? What does the Bible teach about selfishness, loving others, and the needs of our neighbors? How does this compare with the deeds of many professed Christians throughout history?
How did Jesus show sympathy, compassion, mercy, empathy, pity, and genuine concern for people during the course of His earthly ministry? How can Christians do the same in the world we live in today? Is the God of the Old Testament less compassionate than the God of the New Testament? How can we understand God's compassion in acts of judgment? What does the Old Testament show us about God's reaction to human suffering? Does God ignore human suffering, or does it impact Him? Why is it important for Christians to learn to walk in the shoes of others?
How did Jesus minister to people's needs? How did He know their needs? How did Jesus show respect to people he wanted to help? How can we show genuine care and concern for those we seek to help today? Is it appropriate to ask how we can help? Does God ever force His help on us? What do you do when plans to help or to minister get interrupted by the unexpected? Why is it so important for Christians to love one another? How did Dorcas exemplify this and what impact did her love for people have on her ministry? What are the different ways we can approach ministry?
How did Jesus win the confidence of people who came in contact with Him? How should the church do the same today? What does confidence mean? What are Biblical examples of confidence and lack of confidence in God? Why is there a great danger in placing too much confidence in people? Is the Church perfect? What are some dangers in placing too much confidence even in church members? How can we point people to Christ in an church that is not perfect? How does God bring people into favor with Him and with others? Why are traits like integrity so important?