Category: Sermon Notes

Desmond Doss, was a United States Army medic who served during World War II. Desmond Doss is famous for his actions during the Battle of Okinawa, where he saved the lives of 75 men without carrying a weapon.

Early Life: Desmond Thomas Doss was born on February 7, 1919, in Lynchburg, Virginia. He was a devout Seventh-day Adventist, which influenced his pacifist beliefs.

Conscientious Objector: Doss enlisted in the Army as a conscientious objector, meaning he refused to carry or use a weapon. Instead, he served as a medic, believing it was his duty to save lives rather than take them.

Heroic Actions:

Battle of Okinawa: During the fierce fighting at the Maeda Escarpment (often referred to as Hacksaw Ridge) on Okinawa in May 1945, Doss’s unit faced intense enemy fire. Despite the danger, Doss repeatedly ran into the battlefield to treat wounded soldiers.

Lowering Men to Safety: Over the course of several days, Doss single-handedly lowered injured soldiers down the cliff to safety using a makeshift rope sling. He risked his life continuously, even after being wounded himself.

Recognition:

Medal of Honor: For his extraordinary bravery and selflessness, Desmond Doss was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman on October 12, 1945. He was the first conscientious objector to receive the United States’ highest military honor.

Legacy: Desmond Doss’s story was later depicted in the 2016 film “Hacksaw Ridge,” directed by Mel Gibson, which brought his incredible heroism to a wider audience.

Desmond Doss remains a symbol of courage, faith, and dedication to saving lives, embodying the highest values of selflessness and compassion.

Note: John 15:13 Background

John 15:13 Breakdown:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Greater Love

Scripture Reference:

1 John 3:16: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Key Takeaway: The greatest expression of love is self-sacrifice. Jesus sets the ultimate example by laying down His life for humanity, demonstrating the highest form of love.

Lay Down One’s Life

Scripture Reference:

John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Philippians 2:7-8: “Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

Key Takeaway: Jesus willingly laid down His life, not under compulsion, but out of love and obedience. This voluntary act of sacrifice is a model for believers to follow.

For One’s Friends

Scripture Reference:

John 15:14-15: “You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

Romans 5:10: “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”

Key Takeaway: Jesus calls His disciples friends, indicating a close, personal relationship. His sacrifice for His friends underscores the depth of His love and commitment.

Key Takeaways:

Sacrificial Love:

Application: Believers are called to love others selflessly, even to the point of personal sacrifice. This love mirrors Jesus’ sacrificial love and sets a high standard for Christian conduct.

Model of Jesus:

Application: Jesus’ life and death serve as the ultimate example of how to love others. Christians are encouraged to follow His example by serving others and prioritizing their needs.

Friendship with Jesus:

Application: The relationship between Jesus and His followers is based on love and obedience. Believers are not mere servants but friends of Jesus, sharing in His mission and love.

Unconditional Love:

Application: Jesus’ love extends to all, even to those who were once His enemies. Christians are called to extend love and forgiveness universally, reflecting the unconditional love of Christ.

Community and Unity:

Application: The church is called to be a community of believers who love one another deeply. This unity and mutual support are a testament to the love of Christ at work within the community.

By reflecting on these cross-references and takeaways, believers can gain a deeper understanding of John 15:13 and its profound implications for their faith and daily living.

John 15:13: Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:13 is a verse from the New Testament of the Bible, found in the Gospel of John. This verse is part of a larger discourse known as the Farewell Discourse, which Jesus delivers to His disciples during the Last Supper, the night before His crucifixion. Here’s a deeper look at the context and significance of John 15:13:

Context of John 15:13:

Farewell Discourse: This discourse spans John chapters 13 to 17. It includes Jesus’ final teachings and prayers for His disciples, preparing them for His impending departure and the challenges they will face.

The Vine and the Branches: John 15 specifically focuses on the metaphor of the vine and the branches. Jesus describes Himself as the true vine, His Father as the gardener, and His disciples as the branches. This imagery emphasizes the importance of remaining in Jesus to bear spiritual fruit.

John 15:13:

Text: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Meaning: This verse highlights the ultimate expression of love—self-sacrifice. Jesus is teaching His disciples that the greatest form of love is to give one’s life for the benefit of others.

Significance:

Foreshadowing Jesus’ Sacrifice: Jesus is foreshadowing His own imminent sacrifice on the cross. He will lay down His life for His friends, His disciples, and ultimately for all humanity.

Model of Love:Jesus sets a standard for the disciples to follow. This type of sacrificial love is expected of His followers, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and putting others’ needs above one’s own.

Foundation for Christian Love: This verse has become a cornerstone for understanding Christian love. It calls believers to emulate Jesus’ example of sacrificial love in their relationships and actions.

Broader Biblical Themes:

Love and Sacrifice: The theme of sacrificial love runs throughout the New Testament. Other related passages include Romans 5:8 (“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”) and 1 John 3:16 (“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”).

Service and Humility:Earlier in the Farewell Discourse, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17), demonstrating humility and service, reinforcing the lesson of selfless love.

Application:

In Daily Life: Christians are called to live out this teaching by showing love and kindness to others, often at personal cost. Acts of compassion, charity, and selfless service are ways to embody this principle.

In Community: The verse encourages fostering a community built on mutual love and support, reflecting the sacrificial love of Jesus.

In summary, John 15:13 captures the essence of Jesus’ teaching on love and sacrifice, serving as a profound reminder of His ultimate sacrifice and a guiding principle for Christian conduct.

Note: Return to Message:

Trust God. Verse 11 is a powerful promise to claim when you are “in exile.” God thinks about you personally and is planning for you. His plans are for peace, not war, so you need not fear the future. His plans are purposeful, so let Him work out His will. No matter how difficult your situation may be, do not waste your suffering by resisting God.

The Importance of Planning

Planning is a critical aspect of achieving success and fulfilling one’s purpose. It provides direction, sets priorities, and enables effective resource management. A well-thought-out plan helps navigate challenges and seize opportunities, fostering a sense of purpose and control over one’s future. In a spiritual context, planning aligns our actions with God’s will, ensuring that our efforts contribute to His greater plan for our lives and the world.

Note However we must remember God’s plan is the Master Plan

• ‭Psalms 139:16 NIV‬  Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Note: What The Bible Says About Planning

About Planning

Note: Background of Jeremiah 29

The Background

Breakdown of Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

1. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord

• Cross-reference: Isaiah 55:8-9
  • “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
  • Key Takeaway: God’s plans are superior to ours, and His divine wisdom surpasses human understanding.

2. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you”

• Cross-reference: Romans 8:28
  • “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
  • Key Takeaway: God’s intention is to bring good out of every situation for those who trust in Him.
• The Story of Joseph (Genesis 37, 39-50)
• Genesis 50:20: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

3. “Plans to give you hope and a future”

• Cross-reference: Proverbs 23:18
  • “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
  • Key Takeaway: God assures a hopeful future, reinforcing the certainty and reliability of His promises.

Note: What The Bible Says About Hope

About Hope

Key Takeaways from Jeremiah 29:11

1. Divine Assurance: God knows the plans He has for each individual, offering assurance and comfort in His omniscience and benevolence.
2. Prosperity and Well-being: God’s plans are inherently good, aimed at prosperity and well-being rather than harm, emphasizing His protective and nurturing nature.
3. Hope and Future: The verse emphasizes hope and a promising future, encouraging trust in God’s timing and purposes despite present difficulties.

Conclusion

Jeremiah 29:11 is a profound reminder of the importance of aligning with God’s plans. It reassures us of His good intentions and the hopeful future He promises. By trusting in God’s wisdom and guidance, we can navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence and faith, knowing that He is orchestrating our lives for our ultimate good and His glory.

Historical Context:

Jeremiah 29 is set during a critical period in Israel’s history known as the Babylonian Exile. The prophet Jeremiah ministered during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a time marked by political upheaval and turmoil for the Kingdom of Judah.

• Exile to Babylon: In 597 BCE, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded Judah, deporting King Jehoiachin, the royal family, and many of Jerusalem’s leading citizens to Babylon. This was the first of several deportations, and those taken included craftsmen, artisans, and other skilled individuals (2 Kings 24:10-16).

Purpose of Jeremiah’s Letter:

Jeremiah 29 contains a letter sent by the prophet Jeremiah from Jerusalem to the exiles in Babylon. The letter addresses the false hope given by false prophets who claimed that the exile would be short-lived. Jeremiah’s message was intended to provide guidance, encouragement, and a realistic understanding of their situation.

Key Points of Jeremiah 29:

1. Settle Down and Seek Peace (Verses 4-7):
   • Jeremiah advises the exiles to build houses, plant gardens, marry, and seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which they have been exiled. They are to contribute positively to their new environment, as their welfare is tied to the city’s welfare.

2. Reject False Prophets (Verses 8-9):
   • Jeremiah warns the exiles not to be deceived by false prophets and diviners who were giving them false hope of an immediate return to Jerusalem. These false prophets were not sent by God.

3. Promise of Future Restoration (Verses 10-14):
   • Jeremiah assures the exiles that their time in Babylon will last seventy years. After this period, God promises to fulfill His good word and bring them back to Jerusalem. This promise includes the well-known verse Jeremiah 29:11, where God declares His plans for their future well-being, hope, and prosperity.

4. Call to Seek God (Verses 12-14):
   • God encourages the exiles to call upon Him, pray, and seek Him with all their hearts. He promises that they will find Him and that He will restore them from captivity.

Significance:

Jeremiah 29 emphasizes the themes of patience, faith, and trust in God’s long-term plans. It reassures the exiles that despite their current hardships, God has not abandoned them. Instead, He has a plan for their future, which includes their eventual return to their homeland and restoration.

This chapter serves as a reminder that God’s timing and plans often extend beyond our immediate understanding, encouraging believers to maintain faith and hope even in difficult circumstances.

RETURN TO Message

Hope in Gods Master Plan

The Bible offers numerous insights and guidance on the importance of planning. Here are several key scriptures that address the concept of planning:

1. Proverbs 16:3

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

• Key Takeaway: When we dedicate our plans to God, He will guide and establish them according to His will.

2. Proverbs 19:21

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

• Key Takeaway: While we may have many plans, it is ultimately God’s purpose that will prevail.

3. Proverbs 21:5

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

• Key Takeaway: Diligent and careful planning leads to success, while haste and lack of planning can lead to failure.

4. Luke 14:28-30

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”

• Key Takeaway: Jesus emphasizes the importance of planning and counting the cost before undertaking any significant endeavor.

5. James 4:13-15

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'”

• Key Takeaway: While planning is important, we must always acknowledge God’s sovereignty and submit our plans to His will.

6. Proverbs 16:9

“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

• Key Takeaway: We may plan our path, but it is God who ultimately directs our steps.

7. Jeremiah 10:23

“Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.”

• Key Takeaway: Recognizing that our lives are under God’s direction and seeking His guidance is crucial.

8. Psalm 33:11

“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”

• Key Takeaway: God’s plans are eternal and unchanging, offering a firm foundation for our lives.

9. Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

• Key Takeaway: Trusting in God and not relying solely on our understanding ensures that He will guide and straighten our paths.

10. Isaiah 32:8

“But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand.”

• Key Takeaway: Noble and righteous planning leads to stability and success.

These scriptures collectively underscore the importance of planning in a way that aligns with God’s will, recognizing His sovereignty, and seeking His guidance in all our endeavors.

RETURN TO Message

Hope in Gods Master Plan

The Greek word for “hope” in the New Testament is ἐλπίς (elpis). This term conveys a sense of confident expectation and trust in future good, often with a particular focus on the promises and faithfulness of God.

Key Aspects of ἐλπίς (elpis):

1. Confident Expectation: It denotes a strong and confident expectation, not merely a wishful thinking.
2. Future Good: The hope is directed toward something good that is expected to happen in the future.
3. Based on Trust in God: In a Christian context, this hope is often grounded in the character and promises of God.

Examples in Scripture:

• Romans 5:5: “And hope (elpis) does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
  • Meaning: This verse emphasizes that hope in God will not disappoint, as it is based on His love and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

• Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope (elpizomenon) for and assurance about what we do not see.”
  • Meaning: Here, hope is tied to faith, highlighting a confident expectation in what is not yet seen.

• 1 Peter 1:3: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope (elpis) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
  • Meaning: This passage describes hope as living and active, made possible through the resurrection of Jesus.

Conclusion

The Greek word ἐλπίς (elpis) represents a profound and assured hope, rooted in faith and the reliability of God’s promises. It is an expectation that brings confidence and encourages believers, knowing that their trust in God is secure and will ultimately be fulfilled.

RETURN to Message

Hope in Gods Master Plan

The root word for “תקווה” (tikvah), which means “hope” in Hebrew, is “קוה” (qavah). This root conveys the idea of waiting or expecting, emphasizing a sense of anticipation or looking forward to something. It is often associated with waiting on or hoping in God in a biblical context, indicating a deep trust and patient expectation

.Romans 15:13 NIV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. He is the God of Hope
   1. Expectation of a desired outcome 
   2. He can be counted on to fulfill what yet remains to be accomplished 
2. He will fill you with Joy
3. He will fill you with Peace
4. He desires you to overflow with hope
   1. By the power of the Holy Spirit 

A prayer for Mothers

Ephesians 1:18‭-‬21 NIV

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Always Remember

He will equip you with spiritual insight (not just intuition)

• 1 Corinthians 2:9‭-‬10 NIV However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him—  these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

• Romans‬ ‭12:12-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “Love must be sincere…” Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

‭

Always Demonstrates the Attributes of Christ

• ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬ ‭NIV‬‬  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Never give way to worldly fears

• Romans 12:1-2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Never forget the Power of Love

• 1 Corinthians 13:4‭-‬8 NIV Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.

Always rely on the Power of Prayer!

• Romans 8:25‭-‬28 NIV But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.  In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

The Past Two Weeks::

• Identity and Purpose Ephesians 2:10 ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ‘
• Being a Living Sacrifice Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

How do we respond?

Galatians 6:9 NIV

‭‭Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

The “Therefore” in Ephesians 4:25:

Ephesians 4:2‭-‬3 NIV

2 ‬‬Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 

The Message

Ephesians‬ ‭4:25-32‬ ‭NIV

Ephesians 4:25 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” 

Cross-references: 

• Zechariah 8:16: “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts;” 
• Colossians 3:9: “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”

Ephesians 4:26  “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,” 

Cross-references: 

• Psalm 4:4: “Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” 
• James 1:19-20: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

Ephesians 4:27 “and do not give the devil a foothold.” 

Note: The idea of a “foothold” implies that the devil seeks entry points into a person’s life through vulnerabilities or sins that may seem small or insignificant but can lead to greater spiritual harm. This concept is about recognizing and managing one’s spiritual state to prevent negative influences from gaining any ground.

Cross-references: 

• James 4:7: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” 
• 1 Peter 5:8: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Ephesians 4:28 “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” 

Cross-references: 

• Acts 20:35: “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” 
• 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” 

Cross-references: 

• Colossians 4:6: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” 
• Proverbs 15:4: “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”

Ephesians 4:30 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” 

Cross-references: 

• Isaiah 63:10: “Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them.” 
• 2 Corinthians 1:22: “who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a deposit.”

Ephesians 4:31 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” 

Cross-references: 

• Colossians 3:8: “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” 
• James 1:21: “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

Ephesians 4:32  “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” 

Cross-references: 

• Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

These verses and their cross-references highlight principles essential for Christian community life, focusing on truth, temperance, productivity, and kindness as ways to live out one’s faith in daily

What not to do:

• Live like the Gentiles v 17
• Darkened Understanding v 18
• Harden Hearts v 18
• Loss of Sensitivity v 19
• Deceive Others v 25
• Don’t Live Angry  v 26
• Don’t Steal v 28
• Don’t Trash Talk (Unwholesome Talk) v 29
• Don’t Grieve the Holy Spirit v 30

What To Do:

• Live a Life Worthy of the Calling v 1
• Be Humble v 2
• Bear With Each Other v 2
• Be The Peacemaker v 3
• Speak The Truth in Love v 15
• Put Off the Old Put on the New Self v 22 – 23
• The New Attitude of the Mind v 24
• Speak the Truth v 25
• Take Out the Trash v 31
• Be Kind v 32
• Be Compassionate v 32
• Forgive as you have been Forgiven in Christ v 32

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

Dear Church Family,

Just a quick note to everyone that while we will be gathering for our in-person services this Sunday as normal, we will not be live streaming the service, as Margarette and I will be out of town attending Matthew’s wedding.

Deacon Jones will be presiding over the service and Paul Rideout will be our guest speaker for the day. Hope that you can make it to the in-person service this Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor