Shoulder to Shoulder
March 3 - April 14, 2019
On the Road to Emmaus
April 14, 2019 • Gregg Parris
Luke 24:13-17 I. In the Garden II. On the road to Emmaus 1. Jesus comes as a stranger. We experience Christ’s presence through others. 2. Jesus comes when we serve others. We meet the resurrected Christ when we serve strangers in need. Jesus comes in the breaking of bread. III. “Peace Be With You” The resurrection of Jesus didn’t change the circumstances of those first disciples; it changed their perspective on their circumstances.
A Word of Triumph
Gregg Parris
John 19:30; Luke 23:43-47 I. It is finished! For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes… Romans 1:16 II. The Temple curtain is torn. III. Jesus’ dying prayer. In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; Do not let me ever be put to shame; In your righteousness deliver me. Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me. Psalm 31:1-2 You are indeed my rock and my fortress; For your name’s sake lead me and guide me, Take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit. Psalm 31:3-5 The primary purpose of Jesus’ words about his return are to encourage believers in the face of adversity and to invite his hearers to always be ready for the end.
A Word of Abandonment
March 31, 2019 • Gregg Parris
Mark 15:29-36 I. Jesus knows what it’s like to feel abandoned by God. II. Jesus teaches us to suffer and sacrifice for others. III. Jesus prays and worships in His time of despair. Psalm 22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? Oh my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; And by night, but find no rest. (verses 1-2) All who see me mock at me. (verse 7) A company of evildoers encircles me. (verse 16) For my clothing they cast lots. (verse 18) They have pierced my hands and feet. (verse 16 NIV) For he did not despise or abhor The affliction of the afflicted; He did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him. (verse 24) Before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and I shall live for him. Posterity will serve him; Future generations will be told about the Lord, and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn. (verses 29-32)
A Word of Distress
March 24, 2019 • Jeff Hughes
John 19:28-37 John 19:28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” I. Jesus Is A SYMPATHETIC Savior. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15 II. Jesus Is A SCRIPTURAL Savior. “They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.” Psalm 69:21 “A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.” John 19:29 The strongest evidence that Jesus can do what He has promised in YOUR life, is that He fulfilled what was foretold about HIS life! III. Jesus Is A SUFFICIENT Savior. We all experience times of deep distress in our lives, but the reason we never escape the feeling of being unsatisfied is that we seek to quench our thirst at the wrong wells. “Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat.” Revelation 7:16 “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters, and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” Isaiah 55:1
A Word of Relationship
March 17, 2019 • Gregg Parris
John 19:25-27 I. Women in Jesus’ Ministry II. Mary as the Second Eve III. Honor Your Father and Your Mother IV. John as a Model for the Church Perhaps we are to learn that family ties are transcended in the church by the ties of the Spirit. “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother” Mark 3:35 V. A Woman Who Lost a Son
A Word of Salvation
March 10, 2019 • Gregg Parris
Luke 23:32, 39-43 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10 I. “Today” After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Matthew 17:1-3 Therefore, we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. II Corinthians 5:6-8 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far… Philippians 1:21-23 II. “You will be with Me” III. “In paradise”
A Word of Forgiveness
March 3, 2019 • Gregg Parris
Luke 23:26-27; 32-34 I. Father, forgive them. II. We need forgiveness. III. God’s grace is a gift. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person – though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8 IV. Jesus modeled forgiveness. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Matthew 5:7 Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44 Forgive us for our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us. Matthew 6:12 If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14