Videos from New Beginnings Church, Lynnwood, WA.
Come join us for worship and teaching. http://NBC4me.org


New Beginnings Church, Lynnwood

A lesson on the complete sufficiency of Christ's atonement on the cross to save sinners who put their faith in Him alone. As we approach the zenith of Christ's mission on Earth, He bore His cross and went up to Golgotha (otherwise known as Calvary) determined to lay down His life for His sheep. But before His mission would be completed, even as He hung there, yet another miracle would be performed. Between Him were two thieves, who (like the crowds) joined in scoffing at Him. It is remarkable, the world's unity in its hatred towards the one true God. Nevertheless, we read in this marvelous account of how one of the two thieves, in an instant, is granted a heart to believe, and is saved! 
 
There is perhaps no portion of Scripture that illustrates more clearly the reality that salvation is *entirely* by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ alone. This thief had received the miraculous gift of faith; by a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit plied to him, his stony heart was softened, he repented of his pride, arrogance, and boastful self-sufficiency, and believed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and is entirely worthy of his trust. And though he had no way of performing any rite, ritual, or good work, nor did he have any great measure of theological knowledge, one thing he did know and believe in his heart (in accordance with his new nature) was that Jesus is his redeemer. And because he believed and understood the reality of Christ's vicarious work on his behalf, he could boldly ask to be together with his Lord in His Kingdom. And Jesus, hanging there bloodied on the cross bearing the weight of this man's sin (along with those of all believers for all time) gently assured him he would indeed be joined together with Him in Paradise that day. 
 
The other thief meanwhile persisted in his wicked scoffing, taunting, and unbelief at the Lord Jesus, signifying the reality that Christ's atonement is not for all people, but only for those who trust in Him. It illustrates the great reality that there are only two reactions to Christ: sinful, prideful, unrepentant disbelief leading unto death (the way of the natural man.) And humble, joyful trust, resting in the completed work of the Lord and Savior Christ Jesus, resulting in eternal life (to the man indwelt by the Holy Spirit.) Jesus could assure the thief on the cross he would be together with Himself because by his faith he was manifestly one of Christ's sheep. The time of his entering into the fold of the Great Shepherd was graciously given to him in the most precarious hour of his life - the moments preceding his physical death. But God is by no means obligated to be so merciful to any of us. None of us know the time when our soul will be required of us, yet the way to eternal life is so basic, even a dying man can attain it: believe! 
 
The offer of salvation through Christ is extended today. The good and proper response is to trust in Jesus and receive the complete redemption and forgiveness of sins through His substitutionary death on the cross. Will you be yet unbelieving like the foolish, wicked thief who would not believe, and so face God's eternal condemnation for your sin? Or will you humbly join the faithful thief on the cross, trusting in the Savior, and receive the free gift of grace in the forgiveness of sins by and through Him? You may well miss eternal life by a few feet; the distance between a faithful Savior, and an unbelieving heart. Conversely you could be a million miles away, but walking nevertheless along the road leading to eternal life; and Jesus welcomes you, not because of proximity, but because the road belongs to Him.

A lesson on the complete sufficiency of Christ's atonement on the cross to save sinners who put their faith in Him alone. As we approach the zenith of Christ's mission on Earth, He bore His cross and went up to Golgotha (otherwise known as Calvary) determined to lay down His life for His sheep. But before His mission would be completed, even as He hung there, yet another miracle would be performed. Between Him were two thieves, who (like the crowds) joined in scoffing at Him. It is remarkable, the world's unity in its hatred towards the one true God. Nevertheless, we read in this marvelous account of how one of the two thieves, in an instant, is granted a heart to believe, and is saved!

There is perhaps no portion of Scripture that illustrates more clearly the reality that salvation is *entirely* by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ alone. This thief had received the miraculous gift of faith; by a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit plied to hi

John 19:17-19 - The Tale of Two Thieves

A lesson on the fear of man, and God's sovereignty over all authorities. Continuing in our study of John's gospel, Pilate has thus far admitted to Christ's innocence; therefore, according to the standards of Roman law it would be illegal and unjust (even by this pagan standard) for Christ to be put to death. Despite that, the Jewish crowd demanded His crucifixion. Pilate, in fear of potential punishment from his own superior Tiberius Caesar, not to mention the incessant mob, finally caved to their demands. Because Pilate feared man more than he feared God, He delivered the Son of God up to be put to death. 
 
As it unfolds, several things can be extrapolated from this lesson. First, since it was necessary for Christ to die on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of His people, we can see that these events unfolded in such a way that God, without being the author of evil, had His purposes accomplished through Pilate's sinful capitulation to the fear of man. In so-doing Pilate enabled the most heinous act of evil in human history, but God's greatest act of love and mercy, as well as satisfaction of justice, was accomplished. Another truth is revealed in Jesus' words as He divulges to Pilate that his authority, and indeed all authorities, whether on Heaven or on Earth, are subject to God's sovereign decree. Pilate would have no authority over Jesus at all, if it had not been given to him by the Father, and none of the events which transpired could have or would have happened apart from God's allowing them, ultimately so that His will would be accomplished through them. 
 
The fear of man is the result of not properly fearing God. And make no mistake, you will serve the one you fear the most. Yet even many Christians, though they mean well and desire to serve God, are ensnared by the fear of man. Peter, in his denial of the Lord, was a perfect example of this. The cure for being controlled by the fear of man is to rightly fear God. That requires setting aside all pride and self-sufficiency, and humbly entrusting yourself to God's sovereign purposes. He is omnipotent, omniscient, completely good, and entirely willing to demonstrate His lovingkindness unto His children. While man may indeed do much evil, God's will (including the demolition of evil) is accomplished most often not by its outright removal, but by His sovereign power being displayed through it, and in our faithfulness and obedience to Him in spite of it. Therefore it is necessary that as we follow Christ, we entrust ourselves to the sovereign hand of God. Wherever He leads and whatever He ordains is right; we are called simply to trust Him, and to obey His Word.

A lesson on the fear of man, and God's sovereignty over all authorities. Continuing in our study of John's gospel, Pilate has thus far admitted to Christ's innocence; therefore, according to the standards of Roman law it would be illegal and unjust (even by this pagan standard) for Christ to be put to death. Despite that, the Jewish crowd demanded His crucifixion. Pilate, in fear of potential punishment from his own superior Tiberius Caesar, not to mention the incessant mob, finally caved to their demands. Because Pilate feared man more than he feared God, He delivered the Son of God up to be put to death.

As it unfolds, several things can be extrapolated from this lesson. First, since it was necessary for Christ to die on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of His people, we can see that these events unfolded in such a way that God, without being the author of evil, had His purposes accomplished through Pilate's sinful capitulation to the fear of man. In so-doing Pilate en

John 19:6-12 - Pilate's Fear of Man

A lesson on the believer’s contrition and repentance before God when we sin against Him. The context of this psalm is David’s horrendous sin with Bathsheba and murder of her husband. Today’s study contains his subsequent prayer of confession and pleading for God’s mercy. While it’s easy to dismiss this as David’s sin, the truth is, this psalm is a most practical example for us, how we ought to be before God. Why? Because you have done evil in God’s sight too, and quite possibly of similar nature to David's transgression. 
 
What God considers sinful is not merely our actions, but peers down to the very thoughts, motivations, and inclinations of our heart. What we desire is rooted in our nature, which for each of us originated in our forefather Adam. Have you ever hated someone? That is the essence murder. You are a murder like David. Have you had a lustful thought, a bout of greed, a jolt of pride? You are an adulterer, a thief, and an idolater then. According to God's Law you are worthy of death. And apart from God’s grace, that's what you would get. Nevertheless He is merciful, and gives us a new nature in Christ by His Spirit. But even genuine Christians can fall into gross and egregious sins for a season since we are at war with the old nature. But if we are born of God we cannot remain in it, or else we prove ourselves to be false professors. 
 
There is only way to to be rid of the guilt of your sin, and be reconciled to God, and that is through trusting in the perfect sacrifice of the sinless Lamb of God - the Lord Jesus Christ. How else do you suppose you will be right with Him? Through your obedience or 'trying your best'? Even your very best is nothing but filth in God's sight, because He is holy, spotless, and perfect in all His being. And if you seek to be in His presence, you must be holy as well. Thanks be to Him that He has made a way! He gave His Son to bear our guilt and shame so that the record of our transgressions would be blotted out completely! Are you in a season of sin now? How lightly do you esteem His lovingkindness? Repent and turn from your evil, and don't leave any provision for it. Cut it off at the root, whatever it is that enslaves you to it. Draw near to God on the basis of His mercy and lovingkindness. What a marvelous thing it is that God loves to forgive even more than we love to sin! Come to Him confessing your sin and guiltiness before Him, and plead for mercy on the basis of His Son. He wills not that you would perish in your sin, but that you would have your life and peace and joy in Him.

A lesson on the believer’s contrition and repentance before God when we sin against Him. The context of this psalm is David’s horrendous sin with Bathsheba and murder of her husband. Today’s study contains his subsequent prayer of confession and pleading for God’s mercy. While it’s easy to dismiss this as David’s sin, the truth is, this psalm is a most practical example for us, how we ought to be before God. Why? Because you have done evil in God’s sight too, and quite possibly of similar nature to David's transgression.

What God considers sinful is not merely our actions, but peers down to the very thoughts, motivations, and inclinations of our heart. What we desire is rooted in our nature, which for each of us originated in our forefather Adam. Have you ever hated someone? That is the essence murder. You are a murder like David. Have you had a lustful thought, a bout of greed, a jolt of pride? You are an adulterer, a thief, and an idolater then. According to God's Law you are worthy

Psalm 51:1-19 - Nothing in My Hand I Bring

A lesson on the release of the criminal Barabbas, in place of the only perfect, guiltless, and sinless man, the Lord Jesus Christ. In God's sovereignty over the narrative of redemption, we see pictured in today's passage a mirror image as it were of our own escape from death. On the one hand, Barabbas was a criminal and an insurrectionist who was due for crucifixion because of his rebellion against the Roman government. On the other hand our Lord had done no wrong whatsoever, yet stood in the place of Barabbas, and was put to death at the demand of the mob. We likewise were due to receive the just wages for our sins (that being death), and were mercifully released because the only innocent man who has ever lived took our place. 
 
The central point then is that Jesus came to die in the place of unworthy, guilty sinners who had committed treason against the one Holy God. The pardon for sin however must be received by faith, and by faith alone. How can we enjoy the benefits of the redemption to which we are invited if we stubbornly reject it, preferring instead to die for our transgressions? And since it is entirely by grace at the expense of Christ, where is there room for works or boasting, as though we had any part in our deliverance? There is absolutely none. 
 
Like Barabbas who was released from the shackles of physical death at the expense of Christ and allowed to go free, we too were criminals held captive under sin and the power of the Law, awaiting the sentence of death. Our only hope is to yield ourselves to complete reliance upon the innocent man Christ Jesus, who stands in our stead and bears our guilt upon Himself. Are you relying on Him?

A lesson on the release of the criminal Barabbas, in place of the only perfect, guiltless, and sinless man, the Lord Jesus Christ. In God's sovereignty over the narrative of redemption, we see pictured in today's passage a mirror image as it were of our own escape from death. On the one hand, Barabbas was a criminal and an insurrectionist who was due for crucifixion because of his rebellion against the Roman government. On the other hand our Lord had done no wrong whatsoever, yet stood in the place of Barabbas, and was put to death at the demand of the mob. We likewise were due to receive the just wages for our sins (that being death), and were mercifully released because the only innocent man who has ever lived took our place.

The central point then is that Jesus came to die in the place of unworthy, guilty sinners who had committed treason against the one Holy God. The pardon for sin however must be received by faith, and by faith alone. How can we enjoy the benefits of the redempti

John 18:39-40 - Barabbas' Pardon

A lesson on the portion God gives us in life, and trusting in the goodness of God's will. As Jesus' High Priestly prayer draws to a close, the Gospel of John shifts to the final stage of the account, centering on the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord. As we consider that Jesus went to the garden (what we refer to as the Garden of Gethsemane), we can extrapolate a principle which Christ models for us: to be in prayer constantly, knowing that it is far better that we drink the portion God has given us in life, than to pursue the portion another hand offers. 
 
Though this is difficult for many to grasp, the truth is, any plan other than God's ultimately falls short of the standard of goodness which God sets forth. Any scheme or ruling of our own life surely leads to sin and death, just as it did for Adam and Eve. And indeed, to submit ourselves to the will of God will be a struggle, unless we learn to acknowledge the sovereign purposes of God in them. We know that He works all things together for good, for those who love Him, and are called according to His purposes. And because God's plans are good, we can rest assured that even in our toughest trials and temptations, God is working it all for His glory, and for our good. Our response must be to fall to our knees in worship and prayer to Him. Make a habit of praying to God, as the neglect of which is often the beginning of backsliding and spiritual lethargy. Aligning our will with God's will always yields good fruit. Therefore, refuse to enter a situation without receiving the blessing of setting your mind and heart to do the will of God in earnest prayer. 
 
It is interesting to note that unlike the synoptic gospels, which all record Jesus' personal prayer to the Father, along with His sorrow and agony just prior to the cross, that portion is essentially omitted in John's account. That is not to say that it was without being alluded to. In fact, much of John's gospel foreshadows this very moment. It is best to understand then that the focus in the Gospel of John with regard to this moment is not so much on the agony of the cross to come, but rather on the joyful submission of Christ to do the will of the Father, as is so commonly emphasized throughout this book. Let us likewise yield our lives to God, taking whatever cup is set before us, knowing that Christ has taken the bitter cup of death and God's wrath for us. Therefore, our portion is always an outflowing of the abundance of goodness which God has purposed and secured for us through the atoning death of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

A lesson on the portion God gives us in life, and trusting in the goodness of God's will. As Jesus' High Priestly prayer draws to a close, the Gospel of John shifts to the final stage of the account, centering on the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord. As we consider that Jesus went to the garden (what we refer to as the Garden of Gethsemane), we can extrapolate a principle which Christ models for us: to be in prayer constantly, knowing that it is far better that we drink the portion God has given us in life, than to pursue the portion another hand offers.

Though this is difficult for many to grasp, the truth is, any plan other than God's ultimately falls short of the standard of goodness which God sets forth. Any scheme or ruling of our own life surely leads to sin and death, just as it did for Adam and Eve. And indeed, to submit ourselves to the will of God will be a struggle, unless we learn to acknowledge the sovereign purposes of God in them. We know that He works all th

John 18:1-2 - Victory in the Garden

A lesson on Christian unity: what it is, what it is founded upon, and how it takes shape. Given the natural distinctions of character, experience, ethnicity, nationality, and so on – there are countless facets that may serve to divide people. But for the genuine Christian, we are united in Christ, and therefore united to one another as fellow believers. This is not a namby-pamby sentiment. It is a robust truth; a real spiritual unity, that is more powerful than what could ever be wrought in the flesh. For in the flesh, ample reason could be given to divide. But in Christ, we are made one, just as Christ and the Father are one. That is Jesus’ prayer for us here, as we continue in our study of His High Priestly prayer. 
 
 
Christians may be likened to a body, with all its various functions and parts, yet nevertheless all working together to serve one life. We are referred to as sons, adopted into God’s family through the blood of His Son. This unity then is not founded in formal organizational structures, nor is it in outward behaviors alone (although that is a wonderful thing to behold and strive for.) But chiefly, it is in the positional, relational state with respect to Christ. That is to say, our unity is in Christ by faith, held fast by God’s almighty power working in us. It is a unity that cannot be destroyed, because it is wrought by the Spirit of God indwelling us, causing all true believers in Christ to be positionally one in Him. That is the substance of our unity. 
 
 
The foundation of our Christian unity is the doctrinal truths of the God’s Word. That is what leads us to the arms of our Lord, our Savior, and our God. Anything which undermines or denies the truths of God's Word is no unity at all, but is in fact error, and a rejection of the faith; the fruit of which is always destruction. There are secondary doctrines which will require charitable disagreement. However, all that is necessary to understand who our Holy God is, who we are as sinners, and the path of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone, is unambiguously clear. Supposing we are united to Christ upon the fundamental truths of God's Word, how then will it manifest outwardly? It will always seek to honor and preserve the truth of God’s Word, which in turn stirs us up in the practical (visible) forms of unity in love and fellowship, as we grow in holiness, upon our walk of sanctification. True unity will always flow from, and lead back to, the foundational truths of God’s Word. When the truth of the Word is met with the Spirit's regenerative work in a person's heart, it will always result in our positional (invisible) unity in Christ. Then, it will be our desire to point people to our Savior. Praise the Lord for that! There is nothing greater to be united in, than in Him.

A lesson on Christian unity: what it is, what it is founded upon, and how it takes shape. Given the natural distinctions of character, experience, ethnicity, nationality, and so on – there are countless facets that may serve to divide people. But for the genuine Christian, we are united in Christ, and therefore united to one another as fellow believers. This is not a namby-pamby sentiment. It is a robust truth; a real spiritual unity, that is more powerful than what could ever be wrought in the flesh. For in the flesh, ample reason could be given to divide. But in Christ, we are made one, just as Christ and the Father are one. That is Jesus’ prayer for us here, as we continue in our study of His High Priestly prayer.

 
Christians may be likened to a body, with all its various functions and parts, yet nevertheless all working together to serve one life. We are referred to as sons, adopted into God’s family through the blood of His Son. This unity then is not founded in formal organizat

John 17:20-23 - The Prayer of the Lord, Part 14

A lesson on the holy purpose of the Christian’s life: to preach the Gospel. As Jesus continues His High Priestly prayer, His next statement is simple enough to understand, but often difficult to apply. Just as Christ was sent into the world by the Father, so too are we sent by Christ to preach the good news to the world: peace and reconciliation with God, and freedom from bondage to sin. Though we are in the world, we are not to be of it, but instead to be lifted up by Christ’s joy, separated from the world (even though for a short time we remain in it,) sanctified through the Word of God abiding in us, and taking the message of eternal life out into the world. 
 
We are to call people to repentance and to put their trust in Christ. As His followers, we are promised that Christ’s sheep will come, because it is the Father’s will, Christ’s purpose in coming, and the work of the Holy Spirit to apply. Take courage! All that is required of us is to be faithful. In so doing, God is glorified, souls are saved, and sin is subdued. For this reason we are in the world, but not of it. We are to preach the Gospel, taking care not to become polluted with worldliness ourselves. And the way to do that is by meditating on God’s Word regularly, taking time to pray and make petition to God with the right motive (His own glory.) Also hearing the Word preached, receiving the ordinances of God (baptism and the Lord’s Supper,) having fellowship with other believers who stir us up to do good, and at last coming to the end of ourselves; realizing that the goal of life is not health, prosperity, nor fleshly contentment, but God’s glory in the proclamation of the Gospel. That is our mission, and God is faithful to reward the faithfulness of His people.

A lesson on the holy purpose of the Christian’s life: to preach the Gospel. As Jesus continues His High Priestly prayer, His next statement is simple enough to understand, but often difficult to apply. Just as Christ was sent into the world by the Father, so too are we sent by Christ to preach the good news to the world: peace and reconciliation with God, and freedom from bondage to sin. Though we are in the world, we are not to be of it, but instead to be lifted up by Christ’s joy, separated from the world (even though for a short time we remain in it,) sanctified through the Word of God abiding in us, and taking the message of eternal life out into the world.

We are to call people to repentance and to put their trust in Christ. As His followers, we are promised that Christ’s sheep will come, because it is the Father’s will, Christ’s purpose in coming, and the work of the Holy Spirit to apply. Take courage! All that is required of us is to be faithful. In so doing, God is glorified, 

John 17:18-19 - The Prayer of the Lord, Part 13

A lesson on the separation of Christians from the world. Being a distinct group of people called from throughout the Earth, Christians have been reconciled with God, saved by His grace alone, and are to walk in accordance with His Word, by the power of the Spirit working within them. This is what we see continuing in Christ's High Priestly prayer: His disciples, while physically remaining in the world, are not be controlled by the world with its corrupt desires, but rather are to be kept from the evil one, and sanctified in God's Word, which is truth. This is commonly phrased as being "in the world, but not of the world." 
 
The word "world" refers to that portion of humanity (the majority of it) which is under God's condemnation, being ruled by its evil lusts and desires, and held captive under the influence of Satan. Christians in contrast are to be set apart as a holy people, just as God is holy. Having been washed clean through Christ's blood being shed on the cross, we are no longer under condemnation but have been set free, chosen according to God's good pleasure, and are commanded to live separate and distinct from the world, obeying God's commands. This is only made possible by the work of the Holy Spirit within us: our values and the authority we recognize are completely opposed to the world. Furthermore we possess the Word of God, which provides all the revelation necessary not only for how to be reconciled, but how to live a life of godliness in Christ. 
 
Israel was also chosen to be separate and holy, and they too received God's commandments: yet it is manifestly true that they did not continue to abide in them. Neither could we, apart from God's grace. But what could not be done under the Old Covenant, which only had the power to condemn, in the New Covenant established in Christ, we as the Body of Christ have been set free from the condemnation of the Law in order that we may keep it. It isn't that the Law has been done away with; nor will anyone be saved by keeping it. The moral requirements are the same, and indeed cut down to our very thoughts and motivations. But the ability and will to follow them are new. And so all who are in Christ are commanded to (and should desire to) keep them. That means being holy and set apart; present in the world, but not walking according to its thoughts, words, and deeds. Rather we are to obey God's Word, as enabled by the Spirit working within us.

A lesson on the separation of Christians from the world. Being a distinct group of people called from throughout the Earth, Christians have been reconciled with God, saved by His grace alone, and are to walk in accordance with His Word, by the power of the Spirit working within them. This is what we see continuing in Christ's High Priestly prayer: His disciples, while physically remaining in the world, are not be controlled by the world with its corrupt desires, but rather are to be kept from the evil one, and sanctified in God's Word, which is truth. This is commonly phrased as being "in the world, but not of the world."

The word "world" refers to that portion of humanity (the majority of it) which is under God's condemnation, being ruled by its evil lusts and desires, and held captive under the influence of Satan. Christians in contrast are to be set apart as a holy people, just as God is holy. Having been washed clean through Christ's blood being shed on the cross, we are no longer

John 17:14-17 - The Prayer of the Lord, Part 11

A lesson on the perseverance (or preservation) of the saints. As we continue our study of Christ's High Priestly prayer, we encounter this petition of Jesus that His disciples (and by extension all believers) would be "kept" in His name. To unravel what that means, we must first understand what we are kept from. In our flesh, we are constantly tempted to backslide and deny our Savior. Were it not for His sustaining grace, it could be supposed that we would all fall away from the faith in an instant. But praise be to God that if our faith is indeed genuine, we can be 100% confident that it will not ultimately fail. To be "kept" in Christ therefore is to remain in Christ despite trials and tribulations, to continue in Him, even until the very end. 
 
We can be confident that our faith will be kept, not due to any strength of our own, but by God’s hand alone. Since it is by God’s grace that our faith is founded (and indeed granted,) likewise then, it is by God’s grace that it is preserved. For the person whom God has elected to rescue and set His unmerited grace and mercy upon, nothing and no one can ever cause that believer to fall away permanently from the faith. They may wander astray for a season, but God Himself gives us personal assurance through the testimony of His Word that He will sustain us through thick and thin, when it comes to the battle to believe. In contrast, those that apparently fall away, as we will see with Judas Iscariot, never had true saving faith to begin with. All who apostatize reveal the true state of their soul. It is not that they once were saved and then somehow lost their salvation; no, they were never saved to begin with. 
 
Preservation should not be confused with assurance however; that only lends itself to a false premise of salvation. Christ Himself warns us that not everyone who claims Him to be "Lord" will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who do His will. It isn't that the obedience itself merits the inheritance of eternal life; Christ alone has accomplished that. Rather, obedience is the mark and natural desire of a true disciple - one who has been given to Him by the Father. They obey and abide in Him, not in order to be saved, but because they already are saved. Trials and temptations nevertheless remain, but the greater the trials, the greater the grace. And the greater the need for grace, the greater the providence of God to supply it. God keeps His people to the end. They are His, and no one nor anything can separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.

A lesson on the perseverance (or preservation) of the saints. As we continue our study of Christ's High Priestly prayer, we encounter this petition of Jesus that His disciples (and by extension all believers) would be "kept" in His name. To unravel what that means, we must first understand what we are kept from. In our flesh, we are constantly tempted to backslide and deny our Savior. Were it not for His sustaining grace, it could be supposed that we would all fall away from the faith in an instant. But praise be to God that if our faith is indeed genuine, we can be 100% confident that it will not ultimately fail. To be "kept" in Christ therefore is to remain in Christ despite trials and tribulations, to continue in Him, even until the very end.

We can be confident that our faith will be kept, not due to any strength of our own, but by God’s hand alone. Since it is by God’s grace that our faith is founded (and indeed granted,) likewise then, it is by God’s grace that it is preserved. 

John 17:11-12 - The God Who Keeps His People

A lesson on God: His transcendent, unchanging, unthwartable, awesome, and ever-loving nature. We receive glimpses and pictures of that through the vision we read of in the first chapter of Ezekiel. This awe-inspiring and somewhat enigmatic passage of Scripture is packed full of theological truth. Central to the passage is this: that God does discipline, but His love never fails. He does not leave nor forsake His people. God strengthens through our trials and weaknesses, and His nature assures us that though we constantly fail, His purposes cannot. Nor can His love ever be diminished for those whom He has chosen to set His love upon. 
 
The vision Ezekiel saw signals two things for us: motion and judgement. Motion for the forth-coming, swift-moving power of God to carry out His plans, demonstrated in the immediate and obedient responses of the Cherubim to the direction of His Spirit. These beings moved in whatever direction they were commanded, with swiftness to carry out God's purposes, with no hint of turning aside. The second concept we see, judgement, is drawn out through the imagery of 'likeness' we read about. Ezekiel describes visions of something like fire, lightning, and power. In essence, summarizing some of the attributes of God; notably His transcendent power, holiness, and judgement against sin. 
 
Yet in all that, Ezekiel was not consumed in that display, but rather he was commissioned. Ezekiel would go on to deliver this message pertaining to the imagery he saw, in order to warn of the power and wrath which was and is to come. God's judgement is swift, but for those who are covered by the blood of Christ, we have been hidden in Him. Therefore we study God's attributes not simply to become aware of the truth about God, but to receive its application to our lives by the Spirit; to be transformed in our affections, as well as moved into action. It is when we understand who God is that we begin to obey Him with all reverence, not as a judge, but as our loving heavenly Father, who gave His Son Jesus Christ to absorb the wrath on our behalf. And Christ is indeed coming again to judge. Therefore let us simply believe, and with awe give glory and praise our amazing and sovereign God. He is the maker and sustainer of all things; it is He who is swift to act, and powerful in judgement. And yet for those whom He has set His love upon, He has called them out of darkness into His marvelous light, and He will assuredly by no means cast them away.

A lesson on God: His transcendent, unchanging, unthwartable, awesome, and ever-loving nature. We receive glimpses and pictures of that through the vision we read of in the first chapter of Ezekiel. This awe-inspiring and somewhat enigmatic passage of Scripture is packed full of theological truth. Central to the passage is this: that God does discipline, but His love never fails. He does not leave nor forsake His people. God strengthens through our trials and weaknesses, and His nature assures us that though we constantly fail, His purposes cannot. Nor can His love ever be diminished for those whom He has chosen to set His love upon.

The vision Ezekiel saw signals two things for us: motion and judgement. Motion for the forth-coming, swift-moving power of God to carry out His plans, demonstrated in the immediate and obedient responses of the Cherubim to the direction of His Spirit. These beings moved in whatever direction they were commanded, with swiftness to carry out God's purposes, 

Ezekiel 1:1-28 - Ezekiel and the God Who Strengthens

A lesson on prayer: one of the means by which God communicates His grace. Prayer is efficacious in aligning our will with God's will, and a means by which God carries out His decree. He desires for us to communicate with Him in prayer, in order that it would become the means by which He fulfills His purposes; glorifying Himself in our offering up of our will to Him, being sanctified to the effect that we desire to obey His commands, and with joy and thankfulness in our hearts, genuinely seeking to glorify Him in our requests. And so, in today's passage, Jesus models for His disciples, and by extension all Christians, how we ought to pray. 
 
We begin with our eyes and hearts fixated upon our heavenly Father, keeping in mind on the one hand our nearness to Him, being adopted through the merit of His Son. Yet at the same time, in no way should we diminish or lessen our understanding of His utter holiness - therefore it is with reverence and fear, in awe of His majesty, that we boldly come to the throne of grace. We then lay out our common daily needs before Him, for it is not as though God is merely in the business of ordering extraordinary circumstances. On the contrary, God operates through common things. And so with thankfulness and regular devotion to Him, we ask for our daily needs to sustain us. We also come confessing our sins, with the assurance of pardon on the basis of the shed blood of Christ our Savior. And so we too, as children of God, ought to reflect God's mercy in our own forgiveness of sins by demonstrating forgiveness toward others, lest we be ungrateful hypocrites as to the grace that has been shown us. We then should ask for God's strengthening and protection against all forms of evil and corruption; from outside, as well as from within. It is in God's will and by His hand alone that the hand of evil can be restrained; therefore we should regularly ask that He would do so, in order to receive that sustaining and sanctifying grace, and that He would be glorified. And with that, we yield our trust fully to Him, to satisfy the requests which we have made, knowing that God will surely answer them insofar as it would be for our good, and for His glory.

A lesson on prayer: one of the means by which God communicates His grace. Prayer is efficacious in aligning our will with God's will, and a means by which God carries out His decree. He desires for us to communicate with Him in prayer, in order that it would become the means by which He fulfills His purposes; glorifying Himself in our offering up of our will to Him, being sanctified to the effect that we desire to obey His commands, and with joy and thankfulness in our hearts, genuinely seeking to glorify Him in our requests. And so, in today's passage, Jesus models for His disciples, and by extension all Christians, how we ought to pray. 

We begin with our eyes and hearts fixated upon our heavenly Father, keeping in mind on the one hand our nearness to Him, being adopted through the merit of His Son. Yet at the same time, in no way should we diminish or lessen our understanding of His utter holiness - therefore it is with reverence and fear, in awe of His majesty, that we boldly come

Matthew 6:9-13 - The Means of Grace: Prayer

A lesson on the nature of God’s Word, and what it means to have true saving faith in Christ. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. With physical ears, myriads of people around the world have heard the words which Christ has spoken. There is no shortage of Bible scholars and even laypeople well-versed in the Scriptures. That was true back in Jesus’ day, and it remains true today as well. Yet few have received His words into their heart. That is because apart from God giving grace for them to believe, it is impossible for them to discern or heed the live-giving truth contained in those precious utterances. The Word of God goes forth in power, and does not fail to accomplish its intended purposes, which is chiefly, to draw sinners Christ, who is the giver of life to all who believe, and the chief subject to which God's Word points. Yet it is not in our power to exercise that belief, for the faith which we have in Christ, though truly in our possession, does not originate from us – it is the gift of God. 
 
It is important to understand that saving faith is not a blind, mindless faith; it exists in correlation to the object or person upon which the faith is placed. In other words, it does not depend on an individual’s perception of who Christ is, but on the reality of who He is. It is a faith that has substance and veracity, and can be broken down into three sub-categories: the first is a factual knowledge. Before we can believe in something, we must know things about it, so as to set a foundation for understanding the subject. The second is conviction – the surety that those facts matter, such that it brings about the volitional response based on those facts. If we know Christ is truly God, became a man, lived a perfect sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and yet remain unconvinced in our heart that He is indeed our only hope for salvation, then at best, knowing the reality of who He is can only serve to condemn us. The third is called “fiducia” – this is a personal trust or commitment. It is a confident acceptance and reliance upon Christ alone as our Savior. This is the mark of a reborn person; the reality of Christ flows through the seat of their intentions and emotions into the outward actions of their lives. This is no flimsy profession of faith, nor is it behavioral modification. It is a change resulting from being spiritually raised to life, such that the life we live now is in Christ and for Christ, in stark contrast to our old sinful, self-serving one. It is knowledge and conviction effectually applied to our souls; our thoughts, attitudes, emotions, and actions are fundamentally governed as a result of seeing Christ, and living attuned to the reality of Him as our Lord and Savior. It reaches to the point where one’s life is completely characterized by that overwhelming, all-conquering truth of who Christ is, and what He has done for us. Does that describe your faith?

A lesson on the nature of God’s Word, and what it means to have true saving faith in Christ. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. With physical ears, myriads of people around the world have heard the words which Christ has spoken. There is no shortage of Bible scholars and even laypeople well-versed in the Scriptures. That was true back in Jesus’ day, and it remains true today as well. Yet few have received His words into their heart. That is because apart from God giving grace for them to believe, it is impossible for them to discern or heed the live-giving truth contained in those precious utterances. The Word of God goes forth in power, and does not fail to accomplish its intended purposes, which is chiefly, to draw sinners Christ, who is the giver of life to all who believe, and the chief subject to which God's Word points. Yet it is not in our power to exercise that belief, for the faith which we have in Christ, though truly in our possession, does not originate

John 17:7-8 - The Prayer of the Lord, Part 7

A lesson on the Covenant of Redemption, otherwise referred to as the eternal covenant. This is the everlasting, intra-trinitarian covenant God made with Himself, whereby the all-knowing and eternal God determined in eternity past to redeem humanity which was to fall, by sending His Son Jesus Christ into the world to be the perfect Mediator between man and God. The determination contained in this covenant within the Godhead was that the Father would send the Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect sinless life on our behalf, and then bear the punishment of our sins upon Himself, acting as our federal head. While we were once represented in Adam, and thus citizens of fallen humanity bound for Hell - we who now believe in the Son have been transferred to the Kingdom of Heaven, with Christ as our representative. And so through His perfect obedience and subsequent death on the cross, taking our guilt upon Himself, His righteousness is imputed to us. We were effectually called by the Spirit of God who applies that redemption through the means of faith, which in itself is the gift of God. And now in Christ we have been washed, and are in the process of being sanctified. And one day we will be glorified with Christ; so sure is this promise that God Himself speaks of it in Scripture as though it has already happened! 
 
Through this lesson we gain a deeper insight into several things: the divinity of Christ, the nature of the Trinity, and what it means to say that God is sovereign. God knows the end from the beginning; God does not cross His fingers and hope for the best. Such a God would indeed be no God at all. He foreknew all things, including the fall before it happened; He knew every hair on your head by number before you were ever even formed; and God determined to provide the solution to your sin – to raise us up from spiritual death to spiritual life in Christ. Blessed be our God who is both the Righteous Judge and Merciful Savior! Furthermore, God's love is eternal. His will is self-determined and sovereign, and cannot be altered, nor thwarted, nor even affected by circumstances outside Himself - not by the things of this world, and certainly not the will or efforts of man. 
 
And so it was God’s sovereign prerogative to send His Son in whom He was well-pleased to crush, to satisfy the payment for our sin which was necessary. And so we who are alive in Christ should be satisfied too, because we can do nothing to add to our salvation, and we cannot do anything to fall away from it - so powerful is the saving hand of our Almighty God! Go therefore and sin no more, because if you are indeed in Christ, you have been freed from its enslavement, and your life is now Christ's. Use the time and resources God has given you; be faithful, take up your cross and follow Him. Repent of your sins, and go serve your King.

A lesson on the Covenant of Redemption, otherwise referred to as the eternal covenant. This is the everlasting, intra-trinitarian covenant God made with Himself, whereby the all-knowing and eternal God determined in eternity past to redeem humanity which was to fall, by sending His Son Jesus Christ into the world to be the perfect Mediator between man and God. The determination contained in this covenant within the Godhead was that the Father would send the Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect sinless life on our behalf, and then bear the punishment of our sins upon Himself, acting as our federal head. While we were once represented in Adam, and thus citizens of fallen humanity bound for Hell - we who now believe in the Son have been transferred to the Kingdom of Heaven, with Christ as our representative. And so through His perfect obedience and subsequent death on the cross, taking our guilt upon Himself, His righteousness is imputed to us. We were effectually called by the Spirit of 

John 17:4-5 - The Prayer of the Lord, Part 5

A lesson on the authority of Christ. In today's passage, we see that Jesus has been given authority over all flesh, as well as a particular people for Himself gifted from the Father, and to which Christ gives the gift of eternal life. We see that Christ alone is King over all flesh, meaning He has power over all people, over all nations, and over all their being: body and spirit. And indeed, Christ has power over all of creation – in Heaven, and on Earth, and under the Earth. Through the victory of the cross, Christ subdues the wickedness of evil men, pays their debts, and sets them free - giving them a heart after Himself – the only One God and Man worthy to be followed. And while we yet live in this fallen sinful world, which is at present in rebellion against its Creator, we have our life and refuge in Him. Christ has graciously given His life that we may live; that we may be made holy and blameless, conformed to His likeness. If we are in Christ, He has opened the eyes and ears of our hearts, that we may joyfully submit to Him, who is our good and sovereign King. 
 
A Christian is to submit to the authority of Christ not in order to be saved, or under obligation to some external system of good works. But because we love Christ, who loved us first and gave Himself for us, we submit to Him as Lord. He has accomplished all that is necessary for salvation, so that the power of sin has lost its grip, and we are now free, by God's grace, to submit to Christ's authority which has been there from the very beginning. The reality of Christ's authority has implications for every aspect of our lives; therefore let us do all to the glory of God, striving to reflect His attributes, as Christ presently reigns over and brings into submission every corner of His universe.

A lesson on the authority of Christ. In today's passage, we see that Jesus has been given authority over all flesh, as well as a particular people for Himself gifted from the Father, and to which Christ gives the gift of eternal life. We see that Christ alone is King over all flesh, meaning He has power over all people, over all nations, and over all their being: body and spirit. And indeed, Christ has power over all of creation – in Heaven, and on Earth, and under the Earth. Through the victory of the cross, Christ subdues the wickedness of evil men, pays their debts, and sets them free - giving them a heart after Himself – the only One God and Man worthy to be followed. And while we yet live in this fallen sinful world, which is at present in rebellion against its Creator, we have our life and refuge in Him. Christ has graciously given His life that we may live; that we may be made holy and blameless, conformed to His likeness. If we are in Christ, He has opened the eyes and ears of 

John 17:2 - The Prayer of the Lord, Part 3

Live stream. Start time is approximate. Video will be edited and re-posted within a few weeks after streaming.

John 17:2 "The Prayer of the Lord, Part 3"

A lesson on the ministry of the Holy Spirit to the church, and on recognizing the true nature of His activity in the life of believers. Between the multitude of false claims made about the Holy Spirit by errant movements and the general lack of biblical literacy among self-proclaiming Christians, there is a tremendous need to reexamine and gain a proper biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit and His activities. Christ made certain specific promises regarding the Spirit’s ministry on behalf of the church; we therefore as believers can rest on the bedrock of those promises, knowing that they will be effectually applied by the third person of the Godhead, Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father, in the name of the Son. 
 
Though we do not necessarily know or detect the Spirit’s active work at any given moment in a believer's life, we do know that He is working constantly to sanctify us. Through this lesson’s examination, we can understand several more key truths. First, the Holy Spirit guides us as believers into truth in a general sense. He does not leave us in error, but draws us into sound doctrine and practice. And for the apostles in particular, they were in a unique position to serve through the Spirit's ministering through them. He would disclose truths which would go on to be recorded in the pages of Scripture as the foundation for our understanding of the faith. The Spirit also intercedes on our behalf in prayer, and brings to bear the fruit of the Spirit. For this reason, one of the evidences of true conversion is a life characterized by those fruit. Keeping these in mind, we have confidence to live victoriously for Christ, because we have a Helper; the Spirit who guides us into truth, faith, and righteousness.

A lesson on the ministry of the Holy Spirit to the church, and on recognizing the true nature of His activity in the life of believers. Between the multitude of false claims made about the Holy Spirit by errant movements and the general lack of biblical literacy among self-proclaiming Christians, there is a tremendous need to reexamine and gain a proper biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit and His activities. Christ made certain specific promises regarding the Spirit’s ministry on behalf of the church; we therefore as believers can rest on the bedrock of those promises, knowing that they will be effectually applied by the third person of the Godhead, Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father, in the name of the Son.

Though we do not necessarily know or detect the Spirit’s active work at any given moment in a believer's life, we do know that He is working constantly to sanctify us. Through this lesson’s examination, we can understand several more key truths. First, the Holy Spirit

John 16:12-15 - The Spirit of Truth

Acts 20:33-35 "The Blessings of Giving"

John 16:1-4 "Warning!"

A sermon on the definitive way of salvation; the one truth which the whole theater of God's creation centers upon, and the only path to everlasting life - Jesus Christ alone. This claim is too unbelievable for humanity to accept. And not only that, but it is completely and totally repugnant to our fallen nature; such that its offensive drives away any and all who hear it, unless they are given eyes to see and ears to hear its glorious truth. 
 
The marvelous thing about the gospel isn't that there is only one way to salvation, but that there is a way at all. And if you have placed your faith in Christ friend, praise the Lord! You're there because He has placed you in the cleft of the rock; the Good Shepherd called, and His voice you did follow. He has covered you with the blood of the Lamb who was slain, and when the day of judgement arrives, you will be passed over. And not only that, but you have been adopted into His family as a child of God, and will enjoy His blessings and the untainted joy of fellowship with Him forevermore. Therefore, although the world will face the glorious wrath of God in eternal hell, take heart! For whoever repents and believes in the only begotten Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ - trusting Him and His work on the cross entirely for the forgiveness of their sins - will be saved.

A sermon on the definitive way of salvation; the one truth which the whole theater of God's creation centers upon, and the only path to everlasting life - Jesus Christ alone. This claim is too unbelievable for humanity to accept. And not only that, but it is completely and totally repugnant to our fallen nature; such that its offensive drives away any and all who hear it, unless they are given eyes to see and ears to hear its glorious truth.

The marvelous thing about the gospel isn't that there is only one way to salvation, but that there is a way at all. And if you have placed your faith in Christ friend, praise the Lord! You're there because He has placed you in the cleft of the rock; the Good Shepherd called, and His voice you did follow. He has covered you with the blood of the Lamb who was slain, and when the day of judgement arrives, you will be passed over. And not only that, but you have been adopted into His family as a child of God, and will enjoy His blessings and the untai

John 14:4-6 - The Only Way

A lesson on the weakness of the flesh, and the power of God's sustaining grace, for the perseverance of His saints. The natural inclination of the mind set on the flesh is to overestimate it's own strength, and to divert the attention of failure away from itself. Peter is a case study of a disciple who, while genuine in his faith and devotion to Christ, lacked awareness of this weakness within himself. For all his proud and lofty claims of backing Jesus whatever may come, his perception would in a moment be shattered, for it would only be a matter of hours before he would end up denying Jesus three times. Yet the crucial distinction between Judas and Peter was that unlike Judas, who died unrepentant, Peter's faith was upheld by God's mighty hand even to the end. 
 
In a word of practical application, all of us need a reality check. God often uses trials of faith to show us our own weakness, and to reveal our need to draw ever nearer to Himself. Yet take comfort beloved; if your faith is genuinely in Christ, He will not let your faith fail. Christ makes intercession for His people even today, and none of His sheep will He lose.

A lesson on the weakness of the flesh, and the power of God's sustaining grace, for the perseverance of His saints. The natural inclination of the mind set on the flesh is to overestimate it's own strength, and to divert the attention of failure away from itself. Peter is a case study of a disciple who, while genuine in his faith and devotion to Christ, lacked awareness of this weakness within himself. For all his proud and lofty claims of backing Jesus whatever may come, his perception would in a moment be shattered, for it would only be a matter of hours before he would end up denying Jesus three times. Yet the crucial distinction between Judas and Peter was that unlike Judas, who died unrepentant, Peter's faith was upheld by God's mighty hand even to the end.

In a word of practical application, all of us need a reality check. God often uses trials of faith to show us our own weakness, and to reveal our need to draw ever nearer to Himself. Yet take comfort beloved; if your faith is 

New Beginnings Church, Lynnwood Videos