Grace Bible Church

Sermon Notes - April 24, 2022 
“The God You May Not Know” (sermon #1) 
John 17:3, Exodus 20:1-11 
 
Few teachings of the Bible have been misrepresented in churches as much as what it means to know God. Often, if not usually, today it is taken to mean simply that a person has trusted Christ as personal Savior. But while that is a central part…and the starting place…for knowing God, there is certainly much more involved. Today we’ll begin a series of messages about knowing God. We’ll use the Ten Commandments as our launch pad for knowing God in a growing, personal way. 
 
What does it mean to “know”?“Know” has several different meanings in Scripture. 
 
 “to of something”…like Romans 1:18-21 
 
 “to something”…like John 3:2 or Matthew 23:2-3 
 
 “to know in a ”…John 17:3 
 
 
 
What does God say about knowing Him in His “Top Ten”? 
 
 Some background notes on the Ten Commandments… 
 
 
 
 
 #1 – Exodus 20:1-3…”no other gods before Me”… 
 
 
 
 #2 – Exodus 20:4-6…no idols or physical images of God… 
 
 
 
 #3 – Exodus 20:7…no taking of the LORD’s name in vain… 
 
 
 
 #4 – Exodus 20:8-11…keeping the Sabbath…

Sermon Notes - April 24, 2022
“The God You May Not Know” (sermon #1)
John 17:3, Exodus 20:1-11

Few teachings of the Bible have been misrepresented in churches as much as what it means to know God. Often, if not usually, today it is taken to mean simply that a person has trusted Christ as personal Savior. But while that is a central part…and the starting place…for knowing God, there is certainly much more involved. Today we’ll begin a series of messages about knowing God. We’ll use the Ten Commandments as our launch pad for knowing God in a growing, personal way.   

What does it mean to “know”?“Know” has several different meanings in Scripture. 

 “to  of something”…like Romans 1:18-21

 “to  something”…like John 3:2 or Matthew 23:2-3

 “to know in a ”…John 17:3 



What does God say about knowing Him in His “Top Ten”?

 Some background notes on the Ten Commandments…




 #1 – Exodus 20:1-3…”no other gods before Me”…



 #2 – Exodus 20:4-6…no idols or physical images of God…



 #3 – 

The God You May Not Know - John 17:3, Exodus 20:1-11 - Grace Bible Church- 4.24.2022

Ready With An Answer 
Acts 21:37 – 22:21 
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church 
2-20-22 
 
Your assignment today…to write out and memorize your testimony. No, not because you’ll necessarily be asked to share it in front of the church (you might be!)…but because it is an additional tool you’ll need from time to time in telling others about Jesus. Many people with whom we talk about spiritual things will want to know that what we are telling them works. God wants us to be a living example that it does. In our text in Acts today, we’ll see some things we need to include in our personal story. 
 
Trouble at the Temple 
 
 Predicted by God…see 20:23, 21:4, 21:11 
 
 False charges against Paul…see 21:20-21, 27-29 
 
 Rescued by the police…21:30-36… 
 
 A bold request…see 21:37-40… 
 
 
 
Paul’s Testimony at the Temple 
 
Three parts to a good testimony… 
 
 #1 – Our life Christ (verses 1-5) 
 
 
 
 #2 – Our encounter Christ (verses 6-11) 
 
 
 
 #3 – Our life and ministry Christ (verses 12-21)

Ready With An Answer
Acts 21:37 – 22:21
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church
2-20-22

Your assignment today…to write out and memorize your testimony. No, not because you’ll necessarily be asked to share it in front of the church (you might be!)…but because it is an additional tool you’ll need from time to time in telling others about Jesus. Many people with whom we talk about spiritual things will want to know that what we are telling them works. God wants us to be a living example that it does. In our text in Acts today, we’ll see some things we need to include in our personal story.

Trouble at the Temple 

 Predicted by God…see 20:23, 21:4, 21:11

 False charges against Paul…see 21:20-21, 27-29

 Rescued by the police…21:30-36…

 A bold request…see 21:37-40…

 
 
Paul’s Testimony at the Temple

Three parts to a good testimony…

 #1 – Our life  Christ (verses 1-5)



 #2 – Our encounter  Christ (verses 6-11)



 #3 – Our life and ministry  Christ (verses 12-21)

Ready With An Answer - Acts 21:37–22:21 - Grace Bible Church - 2.20.22

A Sad Farewell, Part One 
Acts 20:13-38 
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church 
1-23-22 
 
Good-byes can be difficult…whether it involves dropping child off at school for the first time, or a job relocation across country, or a military deployment…or that final farewell when a loved one’s life on earth has come to an end. The Bible contains many examples of sad good-byes. Abraham, at the loss of his wife, Sarah (Genesis 23:1-2). Or Moses, removing the garments of the high priest from his brother, Aaron, and placing upon Aaron’s son, Eleazar…and then watching the former breathe his last (Numbers 20:23-27). Or the whole nation of Israel, watching their sons and daughters being carried away as POW-slaves by invading armies, never to be heard from again (Jeremiah 31:15). Today we’ll see another sad farewell…Paul’s last visit with the elders of the church at Ephesus (see Acts 20:37-38). Today we’ll look at the first half of his final message tot them…the example he had sought to set before them in his 3 years of ministry among them. 
 
Paul – Homeward Bound 
 
• At the end of his third missionary journey… 
• With men that he had come to love over his three years of ministry in Ephesus (verse 31). 
• A message of the example he had set (verses 17-24)…and an exhortation for their future ministry (verses 25-35). 
 
Paul – Lessons fromHis Example (verses 17-24) 
 
#1 – We need to the right standard to live by. Jesus said we must choose. Paul did. So must we. See Matthew 7:13-14, 24-27; Proverbs 14:12. 
 
 
#2 – The right standard includes doing the right for the right (verses 18-19). Two parts here…knowing what the right things are…and doing them for the right reason. 
 
 
#3 – The right standard is the way of total upon the . “…with all humility…” (verse 19)… 
 
 
#4 – The right standard is the way of genuine for others (verse 19). “…with tears…” (verse 19)… 
 
 
#5 – The right standard is the is the way of through life’s trials (verses 19-24).

A Sad Farewell, Part One Acts 20:13-38 Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church 1-23-22 Good-byes can be difficult…whether it involves ...

A Sad Farewell, Part One - Acts 20:13-38 - Grace Bible Church - 1.23.22

Models for Ministry 
Acts 20:1-16 
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church 
 
With the exception of the story about a young man named Eutychus who fell asleep in church (!), most of today’s text reads like a travel itinerary. Not very exciting stuff on the surface. But when we examine things a little more carefully, more deliberately, we just may discover some important truths to live by. 
 
Acts – The Year in Review 
 
 The Ascension of Jesus (see 1:9, 11) 
 
 Acts key verse…1:8… 
 
 Two important principles… 
 
 
 
 Three phases… 
 
 
 
 Three missionary journeys… 
 
 
 
 
Models for Ministry 
 
 “The uproar” (verse 1)…a little background… 
 
 
 
 Model #1 – Let our (verse 1, looking back to chapter 19). 
 
 Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14-16. 
 
 
Model #2 – Develop a heart for the . What kept Paul going in a ministry that was so dangerous and difficult? 
 
Model #3 – Help the (verse 7). Who were these men and why are they mentioned here? (See Acts 11:28-30, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8:1-6.) 
 
 
 Model #4 – Prioritize (verses 7-12). 
 
First mention in Scripture of Sunday as the church’s day of worship. See also 1 Corinthians 16:2, Revelation 1:10. 
 
While believers met at other times in smaller groups, here they met together (corporate worship). 
 
Note the centrality of the teaching of the Word. 
 
 
 Then the Eutychus episode…

Models for Ministry
Acts 20:1-16
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church

With the exception of the story about a young man named Eutychus who fell asleep in church (!), most of today’s text reads like a travel itinerary. Not very exciting stuff on the surface. But when we examine things a little more carefully, more deliberately, we just may discover some important truths to live by.  

Acts – The Year in Review

 The Ascension of Jesus (see 1:9, 11)

 Acts key verse…1:8… 

  Two important principles…



  Three phases…



  Three missionary journeys…
 



Models for Ministry

 “The uproar” (verse 1)…a little background…



 Model #1 – Let our  (verse 1, looking back to chapter 19). 

  Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14-16. 


Model #2 – Develop a heart for the . What kept Paul going in a ministry that was so dangerous and difficult?   

Model #3 – Help the  (verse 7). Who were these men and why are they mentioned here? (See Acts 11:28-30, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8:1-6.)


 Mo

Models for Ministry - Acts 20:1-16 - Grace Bible Church - 1.9.22

Thank you for joining us! To go directly to the beginning of the sermon, use this link: 0:27:24 
 
Sometimes Yes, Sometimes No, Sometimes Not Yet 
Acts 16:1-10 
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church 
9-26-21 
 
Acts is a book about the acts of the Holy Spirit. It is also a book which places a great emphasis upon prayer. Examples: 1:14…2:42…4:23-31…6:6…etc. Things happened in Acts by the power and activity of the Holy Spirit. But it is equally true that things happened in Acts because people prayed. Something else we learn when we survey what the Scriptures say about prayer is that God will answer in one of three ways…yes, no, or not yet. Today at the beginning of Paul’s second missionary journey, we will have an opportunity to see all three answers. 
 
Meet the New Team (15:40, 16:1-3, 16:10) 
 
• From the many times Paul wrote about prayer in his letters, it goes without saying that this second missionary journey was bathed in prayer. That included, I believe, his praying for the team members for the journey. 
 
 
 
• God provided three team members in short order… 
 
 
• Acts 16:1-3 gives a more detailed look at Timothy. 
 
 
 
 
 
The First Order of Business (16:4-5) 
 
 
 
 
A New Direction (16:6-10) 
 
 Part 1 – God said “no” (and “not yet”)… (verses 6-7) 
 
 
 Part 2 – God said “yes”… (verses 8-10) 
 
Some Insights for Living 
 
 Prayer must be at the center of what we do. 
 
 Prayer is about seeking what God wants, not what we want. 
 
 In answering our prayers, God never closes one door without opening another.

Thank you for joining us!  To go directly to the beginning of the sermon, use this link:  0:27:24

Sometimes Yes, Sometimes No, Sometimes Not Yet
Acts 16:1-10
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church
9-26-21

Acts is a book about the acts of the Holy Spirit. It is also a book which places a great emphasis upon prayer. Examples: 1:14…2:42…4:23-31…6:6…etc. Things happened in Acts by the power and activity of the Holy Spirit. But it is equally true that things happened in Acts because people prayed. Something else we learn when we survey what the Scriptures say about prayer is that God will answer in one of three ways…yes, no, or not yet. Today at the beginning of Paul’s second missionary journey, we will have an opportunity to see all three answers.

Meet the New Team (15:40, 16:1-3, 16:10)

• From the many times Paul wrote about prayer in his letters, it goes without saying that this second missionary journey was bathed in prayer. That included, I believe, his praying for the team members for th

Sometimes Yes, Sometimes No, Sometimes Not Yet - Acts 16: 1-10 - Grace Bible Church - 9.26.21

Thank you for joining us! To go directly to the beginning of the sermon, use this link: 21:40 
 
Bro. Ed Quillin 
8-22-21 
What To Do When You're Over Your Head - Matthew 
14:22-33; Mark 6:51-52 
 
Remember the Past... 
 Because when you f________ the p________, you f________ the f________. 
 
Keep Your Eyes on the Savior... 
 Because when you look at the s________ instead of the S________, you're s________ 
 
Cry out to Jesus for help... 
 Because whatever is o_____ y______ h______ is u______ J______ f______.

Thank you for joining us!  To go directly to the beginning of the sermon, use this link:  21:40

Bro. Ed Quillin
8-22-21
What To Do When You're Over Your Head - Matthew 
14:22-33; Mark 6:51-52

Remember the Past...
          Because when you f________ the p________, you f________ the f________.

Keep Your Eyes on the Savior...
          Because when you look at the s________ instead of the S________, you're s________

Cry out to Jesus for help...
          Because whatever is o_____ y______ h______ is u______ J______ f______.

What To Do When You're Over Your Head - Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:51-52 Grace Bible Church - 8.22.21

Thank you for joining us! To go directly to the beginning of the sermon, use this link: 0:21:00 
 
The Greatest Turn-Around in History 
Acts 9:1-9 
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church 
5-30-21 
 
You just can’t help but be astounded at the grace of God. He is the God who turns people’s lives around. People whom we have given up on… People who maybe have given up on themselves… People with sins so many and so great that it would seem that surely God Himself would have written them off. But then grace happens. Today we’ll see the many who is arguably the greatest turn-around in history…a man named Saul. 
 
Saul the Protégé. 
 
• Our first introduction to him in Acts was at Stephen’s martyrdom. See 7:58…and how the whole thing affected Saul in 8:1-3. Here and there in the New Testament we get little glimpses into the background of the man we know better as Paul. A Jew, of the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5). A Roman citizen (Acts 22:28). A sister and a nephew (Acts 23:16). Etc., etc. 
 
• Philippians 3:4-6…three things we learn about his up-bringing and the way he had learned to live life. 
 
great education 
great dedication 
great motivation 
 
• A challenge: who or what are the greatest influences in our lives? 
 
 
Saul the Persecutor (Acts 9:1-2) 
 
• Back to 8:1-3. Where: Jerusalem. What: “ravaging”… 
 
• 9:1-2… 
 
Where: “Damascus” 
 
What: “breathing”… 
 
What Saul and his team of armed guards were doing? See Acts 26:10-11. 
 
• The most amazing thing of all is that Saul felt that he was serving God. 
Saul the Lord’s Prisoner (Acts 9:3-9) 
 
• The event in Acts 9 is recorded two additional times in Acts (in chapters 22 and 26). 
 
• The event described… 
 
A brilliant flash of light (verses 3-4a)… 
 
 
A booming voice (verse 4b)… 
 
 
A brand new beginning (verses 4b-6)… 
 
 
 
• The aftermath (verses 7-9) 
 
 
 
For thought. What does this episode from the life of Saul tell us about people…about God…about the power of the gospel?

Thank you for joining us!  To go directly to the beginning of the sermon, use this link:  0:21:00

The Greatest Turn-Around in History
Acts 9:1-9
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church
5-30-21

You just can’t help but be astounded at the grace of God. He is the God who turns people’s lives around. People whom we have given up on… People who maybe have given up on themselves… People with sins so many and so great that it would seem that surely God Himself would have written them off. But then grace happens. Today we’ll see the many who is arguably the greatest turn-around in history…a man named Saul. 

Saul the Protégé. 

• Our first introduction to him in Acts was at Stephen’s martyrdom. See 7:58…and how the whole thing affected Saul in 8:1-3. Here and there in the New Testament we get little glimpses into the background of the man we know better as Paul. A Jew, of the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5). A Roman citizen (Acts 22:28). A sister and a nephew (Acts 23:16). Etc., etc.

• Philippi

The Greatest Turn-Around in History - Acts 9:1-9 - Grace Bible Church - 5.30.21

To go directly to the beginning of the sermon, use this link: 1:11:45 
 
Sermon Acts 8:9-25 May 16, 2021 
Gospel-Driven Mission 
1. The good news about Jesus draws people out of darkness Acts 8:9-13 
Before they hear the gospel, the Samaritans of this city are captivated by Simon and his magic. They call him the Great Power of God. But when they see the true power of God and hear the gospel they are turning from darkness to the light. Philip confronts the darkness of that city with the gospel. 
 
1st Main Point: Gospel-Driven Mission confronts the lost world with the good news of Jesus. 
This is the mission that Jesus left his disciples and that mission hasn’t changed for the church. 
Ref. Acts 1:8 
Being a witness for Jesus and what he has done is how we engage with the lost world. We are tempted to look at the darkness in our society and either lose hope or we use things of this world to confront the darkness in this world. 
 
Application: We must share the good news with the lost. 
Think of the people in your life who have not trusted in Jesus for salvation. Would you pray this week for an opportunity to share the gospel with them? Tell those people about what Jesus has done in dying for our sins so that we could be forgiven if we would believe in him. 
 
2. The apostles witness outsiders who have come to faith in Jesus. Acts 8:14-17 
Samaritans came from Jewish and Gentile descent and they had their own version of the Torah and had set up their own temple for worship. This caused great contempt and they wanted nothing to do with one another. But now we see the Jewish Christians taking the good news of Jesus to the Samaritans. Philip is preaching the good news and people come to faith. The Apostles witness Samaritans receiving the Holy Spirit as confirmation. 
 
2nd Main Point: Gospel-Driven Mission embraces diversity. 
This is the church that Christ is building. A diverse group of people who look different, sound different, and have different customs, but who have been redeemed by Jesus. 
Ref. Revelation 5:9-10 
 
Application: We must embrace and celebrate God’s good design of creating a diverse church. 
We can do that by becoming a church that is intentionally reaching people who are different than us. Different races, backgrounds, socio-economic status. Not thinking they might fit in better somewhere else. We can also do that by learning about ministries that are reaching different people groups around the world and praying about how we can partner with them in spreading the gospel. 
 
 
3. Even the most wicked of individuals are invited to turn to God. Acts 8:18-24 
Here we learn that Simon the Magician either did not have a genuine conversion or he is at least has a grave misunderstanding and sin. Peter’s rebuke seems to indicate that he isn’t really a believer. But look at the invitation to Simon. “Repent and ask for forgiveness.” 
 
3rd Main Point: Gospel-Driven Mission doesn’t view anyone as too far from God’s grace. 
 
We have a temptation to believe some people are beyond God’s reach. We see how hard they are or how entangled in sin they are and think, They are too far from God. They will never believe. Or if we are honest, people who we find extremely wicked, we don’t really want them to come to faith. We would be fine with them getting the punishment they are due. But that is not the way Gospel-driven mission views the lost. 
 
Ref. 1 Timothy 1:15-16. The Worst of sinners can be saved and used so others might believe. 
 
Ref. Romans 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation.” It is the power of God for salvation. That power can break the hardest of hearts. 
 
Application: We must not give up on people who are far from God. 
Think of people you know who seem most unlikely to come to faith. Pray for them this week and every opportunity that you can. Ask God to work in their hearts to soften them to the message of salvation that is found in Jesus Christ alone. Keep sharing the good news with them. 
 
4. The Apostles join God’s work to reach the lost. Acts 8:25 
The apostles see that God is at work in Samaria and they join in the work by sharing the gospel as they head back to Jerusalem. 
 
4th Main Point: Gospel-Driven Mission participates in the work God is doing to reach the lost. The Apostles see where God is at work and they join in. That opportunity to participate in the work God is doing is still available for the church. That is what our mission is. Listen to how Paul puts it. 
Ref. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 
Ambassadors for Christ, pleading with others to be reconciled with God by believing in Jesus. 
 
Application: We must commit to joining God in his work to reach the lost with the gospel. 
Grace Bible Church is placed in this community and has been given the opportunity to join God in his work to reach the lost here. This needs to be the heart of each individual here and needs to become the passion of our church as a whole!

To go directly to the beginning of the sermon, use this link:  1:11:45

Sermon Acts 8:9-25        May 16, 2021
Gospel-Driven Mission
1. The good news about Jesus draws people out of darkness  Acts 8:9-13
Before they hear the gospel, the Samaritans of this city are captivated by Simon and his magic. They call him the Great Power of God. But when they see the true power of God and hear the gospel they are turning from darkness to the light. Philip confronts the darkness of that city with the gospel. 

1st Main Point: Gospel-Driven Mission confronts the lost world with the good news of Jesus. 
This is the mission that Jesus left his disciples and that mission hasn’t changed for the church. 
Ref. Acts 1:8
Being a witness for Jesus and what he has done is how we engage with the lost world. We are tempted to look at the darkness in our society and either lose hope or we use things of this world to confront the darkness in this world. 

Application: We must share the good news with the lost. 

Gospel Driven Mission - Acts 8:9-25 - Grace Bible Church - 5.16.21

Thank you for joining us! 
 
Good Friday 2021 Sermon 
Date: April 2, 2021 
The Cross is Proof of God’s Love for us. 
Text: Romans 5:6-11 
 
Intro: Tonight as we consider what was done for us on the cross I want us to be amazed at the love of God. God loves us. He has proven it by sending his Son to die in our place so that we could be forgiven for our rebellion against him. What a staggering reality! We sin against Him and instead of giving us what we deserve, he sends his son Jesus, to die in our place. 
 
My sermon title is The cross is proof of God’s Love for us. Read Romans 5:6-11 
 
Pray 
 
1. The Recipients of God’s Love 
Romans 5:6 Paul says Christ died for the helpless and the ungodly. In verse 8 he goes on to say he died for sinners and then in verse 10 he says enemies. These are the recipients of God’s love. People like us. 
 
Dane Ortlund quote: “In defiance of what we deserved. When we, despite our smiles and civility, were running from God as fast as we could, building our own kingdoms and loving our own glory, lapping up the fraudulent pleasures of the world, repulsed by the beauty of God and shutting up our ears at his calls to come home--it was then, in the hollowed-out horror of that revolting existence, that the prince of heaven bade his adoring angels farewell. It was then that he put himself into the murderous hands of these very rebels…” While we were helpless, ungodly, sinners. Enemies of God, he died for us. 
 
Ref. Luke 5:29-32 
 
1st Main Point: Since God has proven his love for us, we can be honest about the sin in our lives. 
 
There is a line from T.S. Elliot’s poem Love song of J. Alfred Prufrock that says “There will be time, there will be time, to prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet.” When I read those words I can’t help but think that’s how I live and that’s how many of us in the church live. We don’t have to show up at church pretending we are ok. We can be honest about the sin in our lives. 
 
Ref. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 
 
Application: Confront any sins and confess them. Admit that it was these sins that Christ had to die for. 
 
2. Assurance of God’s Love 
Read Romans 5:7-10 
Paul argues that the proof God has provided of his love gives us the Assurance of our salvation. 
 
2nd Main Point: Since God has proven His love for us, we can be sure of our salvation. 
 
Ref. Philippians 1:6 Paul says he is certain God will complete the work he started in us. 
 
Listen to the words of 17th Century puritan pastor John Flavel “As God did not at first choose you because you were high, he will not now forsake you because you are low.” 
 
Application: I want us to trust in God’s love and trust that he will keep us safe to the end. Confront doubts and fears by looking at the cross and reminding yourself that Christ died for you while you were in sin, he will certainly keep you safe to the end. 
 
3. Our response to receiving God’s Love. 
Read Romans 5:11 
 
3rd Main Point: Since God has proven his love for us, we can boast in Him and nothing else. 
 
Ref. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 God did this so that we would boast in him, not in ourselves. Ephesians tells us that too, that we were saved by grace and not in our works so that no one can boast. 
 
Application: Confront any pride in ourselves and boast in God.

Thank you for joining us!

Good Friday 2021 Sermon      
Date: April 2, 2021  
The Cross is Proof of God’s Love for us.     
Text: Romans 5:6-11 

Intro: Tonight as we consider what was done for us on the cross I want us to be amazed at the love of God. God loves us. He has proven it by sending his Son to die in our place so that we could be forgiven for our rebellion against him. What a staggering reality! We sin against Him and instead of giving us what we deserve, he sends his son Jesus, to die in our place. 

My sermon title is The cross is proof of God’s Love for us.   Read Romans 5:6-11

Pray

1. The Recipients of God’s Love
Romans 5:6 Paul says Christ died for the helpless and the ungodly. In verse 8 he goes on to say he died for sinners and then in verse 10 he says enemies. These are the recipients of God’s love. People like us. 

Dane Ortlund quote: “In defiance of what we deserved. When we, despite our smiles and civility, were running from God as fast as we could, building o

The Cross is Proof of God's Love For Us - Romans 5:6-11 - Grace Bible Church - Good Friday

Thank you for joining us! 
 
Sermon: A Community Captivated by the Gospel 
Text: Acts 4:32-37 
Date: March 14, 2021 
 
Introduction and Scripture Reading 
 
The central truth of our text is that the gospel creates a supernatural unity in the church. 
 
I have titled my sermon A community captivated by the gospel. This body of believers that is described in Acts have been so captivated by the message of the crucified Son of God who died and was resurrected and offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life. That message unified them, focused them on Jesus, and radically changed how they cared for one another. By God’s grace, we are invited into this beautiful community today. 
 
Read Acts 4:32-37 
 
Pray 
 
1 Point: A community captivated by the gospel is unified by their identity in Jesus. 
Read Acts 4:32 
 
- described as one heart and one mind. 
Totally unified. The unique thing about this is it is a diverse group, men/women, Rich and poor, people from every nation, eventually Jews and Gentiles. It wasn’t a group of people that all looked the same and acted the same. But their common faith in Jesus was greater than the differences. This is a unity that only God could create. 
 
-all things in common 
This unity led to sharing all things with their brothers and sisters in Christ. Everyone lived as if whatever they had did not belong to themselves but belonged to the group as a whole. 
 
Ref. John 17:20-23 Jesus prayed for this kind of unity. Believers so united to one another through Him that it would draw others in, “what they say about Jesus must be true.” 
 
Ref. Ephesians 4:1-6 Paul urges believers to live in unity. He does this while recognizing that division comes easy. 
 
Application: We must commit to letting our identity in Jesus define and unite us. 
Not politics, race, economic status, our likes or dislikes. None of these should be what defines and unites the church. If they do, we have lost sight of our savior and lost sight of the good news of the gospel. 
 
2 Point: A community captivated by the gospel stays committed to the message of the gospel Acts 4:33 
 
- Great power. This power is from the Holy Spirit. It is what Jesus said they would receive from the Holy Spirit before they were to be His witnesses. That was back in Acts 1. So their message is given in the power of the Holy Spirit. 
- The message was focused on Jesus. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The message was on a crucified savior who God brought back to life. The truth of that message changes everything. 
- Great grace was on the church. As they stayed connected to the power of the Holy Spirit and focused on the message of their precious savior Jesus, God gave them great grace! 
 
The Apostles’ message had not changed. 
Ref. Acts 2:22-24, Acts 3:13-16, 26, Acts 4:8-12 
The message didn’t change. They didn’t look for something more attractive. They stuck with what was most important because the message of a crucified and resurrected savior who offers salvation has power. 
 
Paul reminds the Corinthians that the gospel message was the most important message. 
Ref. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 
It is the most important message today. They didn’t need move on from this message to another message 
 
Application: We must keep the message of the gospel central to all our ministries and our individual lives. 
Our message must be focused on our savior and what he has already accomplished not on ourselves. He is the hero. When we keep our gaze on the gospel, it helps us live in awe of God. 
 
3 Point: A Community Captivated by the gospel sacrificially cares for one another. 
Read Acts 4:34-37 
- Not a needy person among them because when a need arose people sold their possessions 
 
-Example: Joseph, Also called Barnabas, is one of these individuals. He is introduced here as one of the believers who has been so captivated by his savior that it affects how he lives. 
 
Ref. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 
Paul tells Timothy, Instruct the rich to live this way. Because of the great generosity of God towards you in Christ Jesus, you are to live generously and share with others in need. 
 
Ref. 1 John 3:16-18 
What a convicting question. We are called to live generously to care for our brothers and sisters in need. 
 
Application: We must look for needs of others and respond sacrificially when able.

Thank you for joining us! 

Sermon: A Community Captivated by the Gospel    
Text:  Acts 4:32-37
Date:  March 14, 2021

Introduction and Scripture Reading

The central truth of our text is that the gospel creates a supernatural unity in the church. 

I have titled my sermon A community captivated by the gospel. This body of believers that is described in Acts have been so captivated by the message of the crucified Son of God who died and was resurrected and offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life. That message unified them, focused them on Jesus, and radically changed how they cared for one another. By God’s grace, we are invited into this beautiful community today. 

Read Acts 4:32-37

Pray

1 Point: A community captivated by the gospel is unified by their identity in Jesus.    
Read Acts 4:32

- described as one heart and one mind. 
Totally unified.  The unique thing about this is it is a diverse group, men/women, Rich and poor, people from every nation, eventually Jews and Genti

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Sermon: God Has Provided The Savior Text: Luke 2:25-38 
Date: December 27, 2020 
 
Intro: In a year like this year, we are able to see the world is in desperate need of rescue, repair, and redemption. Death, fear, isolation, and brokenness abound. But God has provided a savior to rescue us from the brokenness. The Christmas story is the story of God fulfilling his promise to send that savior. Luke’s gospel is focused fully on providing evidence that it is true. Each story is included to say this is another witness that Jesus is the savior of the world. So, when we study all of Luke, we do so with this focus in mind. These stories today are another account pointing out that Jesus is the savior of the world. 
Central Truth: God Has Provided The Savior 
Luke 2:30-32 
Ref. John 3:16-17 
 
Point 1: Since God has provided the savior, we should serve Him faithfully. 
Luke 2:25-26, 37-37 
Ref. Ephesians 2:10 
 
Application: Live all of your life as faithful service to God. 
G.O Terrell Quote: “God, I’m ready to see Jesus, but until then, wear me out in your service.” 
 
Point 2: Since God has provided the savior, we must respond with praise and thanksgiving. 
Luke 2:26-28, 38 
The Greek word used for “praised” is the same word we get our word Eulogy from in English. 
Ref. 1 Peter 1:3-5 
Application: Live a life of praise and thanksgiving. 
 
Point 3: Since God has provided the savior, we must share the good news of the gospel. 
Luke 2:30-32, 34-35, 38 
Ref. Matthew 28:18-20 
Application: Share the gospel with people who need a savior. 
Ed Williams quote: “And you are just to witness that the truth is true.” 
As a church this is our mission. How can we get the good news of the gospel out to the lost? 
 
Closing: God is good and faithful. He has provided us a savior. We need this good news daily, especially in a year like this. We fight the brokenness, and heartache and pain with a reminder of our savior. Because it is true, let us serve him faithfully, let us live lives of praise and thanksgiving, and let us share the good news with others.

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Sermon:  God Has Provided The Savior      Text:  Luke 2:25-38
Date: December 27, 2020

Intro:  In a year like this year, we are able to see the world is in desperate need of rescue, repair, and redemption.  Death, fear, isolation, and brokenness abound. But God has provided a savior to rescue us from the brokenness.  The Christmas story is the story of God fulfilling his promise to send that savior.  Luke’s gospel is focused fully on providing evidence that it is true.  Each story is included to say this is another witness that Jesus is the savior of the world.  So, when we study all of Luke, we do so with this focus in mind.  These stories today are another account pointing out that Jesus is the savior 

God Has Provided The Savior - Luke 2:25-38 - Grace Bible Church - Online Worship - 12.27.20

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The Christmas Story According to Jesus 
Hebrews 10:5-7 
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church 
12-13-20 
 
The Christmas story is found or alluded to in many places in the Bible. Some of the accounts contain a lot of detail; some, not so much. And each account is told from a different perspective. Matthew 1-2 tells the story primarily from Joseph’s perspective. Luke 1-2, from Mary’s. Galatians 4:4-5, from Paul’s. And there are others. Today we’ll look at the story as it comes from the lips of Jesus. It’s recorded in Hebrews 10:5-7, in what, as we’ll see, records a conversation between Jesus and the Father. Let’s take a look at some of the things this record tells us about Jesus first advent. 
 
His coming was promised. 
 
• Jewish expectations of Messiah’s arrival, were extremely high in the first century. 
 
• Notes… 
 
The speaker…Jesus. 
 
The subject…His first coming. “…when He comes” actually looks backward to a time before His coming. 
 
The source of the quote…Psalm 40:6-8. 
 
His coming was purposeful. 
 
• As noted in the introduction above, these verses are essentially a conversation between Jesus and the heavenly Father. (“You” is the Father.) 
 
• The purpose, or reason, it was necessary for Jesus to come…born to die… 
 
According to Hebrews 10:1-4… 
 
Recall what the angel said to Joseph in Matthew 1:21… 
His coming followed a unique plan. 
 
• “…a body You have prepared for Me…” (verse 5). Those “preparations” involved the amazing… the miraculous…the supernatural…touch of God in more ways than we can count. Such as… 
 
 
 
 
 
• The greatest miracle of them all… 
 
 
 
His coming is as God’s only provision for the forgiveness of sins.

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The Christmas Story According to Jesus
Hebrews 10:5-7
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church
12-13-20

The Christmas story is found or alluded to in many places in the Bible. Some of the accounts contain a lot of detail; some, not so much. And each account is told from a different perspective. Matthew 1-2 tells the story primarily from Joseph’s perspective. Luke 1-2, from Mary’s. Galatians 4:4-5, from Paul’s. And there are others. Today we’ll look at the story as it comes from the lips of Jesus. It’s recorded in Hebrews 10:5-7, in what, as we’ll see, records a conversation between Jesus and the Father. Let’s take a look at some of the things this record tells us about Jesus first advent.

His coming was promise

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Christians and Government 
Romans 13:1-7 
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church 
11-29-20 
 
The Bible has much to say about human government…and God’s people under human government. The Old Testament has much to say about Israel’s governmental structure…as well as that of Jesus Messiah when He returns (it won’t be a democracy!). Jesus gave a perfect synopsis of our responsibility before government in Matthew 22:21. Peter gave a wonderful summary in 1 Peter 2:13-17. But one of the best descriptions of human government from God’s perspective is found in our text today. 
 
Human government is God’s plan. 
 
 Five words which show that human government is God’s plan. 
 
1) Authority, or authorities (verses 1-2)…which means possessing the right, or authorization, to perform a function or duty. Note who gives this authority in verse 2. 
 
2) Rulers (verse 3)…the right to rule, decide, set standards, etc. “Taxes”, for example, in verse 6. 
 
3) Minister (verse 4)…from which we get our word “deacon.” Deacons (whether in the church, or in society in general) were men who did what was necessary to keep things orderly and organized. 
 
4) Avenger (verse 4)…which refers to the right of government to exercise deadly force (“the sword”) in the enforcement of law and order. 
 
5) Servant (verse 6)…a different word from #3 above. This word was used of priests and Levites in their duties in the temple…in religious matters. Similarly, the government is intended by God to perform duties in secular matters. 
 
 
 
Human government exists to promote God’s purposes. 
 
Context. Remember that the government about which Paul was writing specifically (the Roman government) was an oppressive, militaristic, unjust government. Yet, under the sovereignty of God, even such governments can to some degree promote His purposes for society. 
 
 God’s two purposes for government in this passage… 
 
1) To reward good behavior (verses 3-4a)… 
 
2) To restrain bad behavior (verse 4b)… 
 
Human government in our country invites our participation. 
 
A list of some of our responsibilities as God’s people under God’s governments. 
 
#1…”submit” (verse 1)…acknowledging governmental authority as God’s authority. 
 
#2…”good behavior” (verse 3)…model citizens…honest…hard-working…law-abiding… respectful and loving toward others. 
 
#3…”taxes” and “customs” (verse 7)…paying our taxes. 
 
#4…”fear” and “honor” (verse 7)…respect for governmental officials. 
 
Outside of Romans 13… 
 
#5…participation in government. Voting, running for or holding public office. Examples: Joseph (Egypt); Queen Esther; Nehemiah, cup-bearer to the king; Daniel. 
 
In 1 Timothy 2:1-2… 
 
 #6…praying for government officials (verses 1-2)… 
 
 #7…keeping our church priorities straight before God (verse 2b)…

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Christians and Government
Romans 13:1-7
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church
11-29-20

The Bible has much to say about human government…and God’s people under human government. The Old Testament has much to say about Israel’s governmental structure…as well as that of Jesus Messiah when He returns (it won’t be a democracy!). Jesus gave a perfect synopsis of our responsibility before government in Matthew 22:21. Peter gave a wonderful summary in 1 Peter 2:13-17. But one of the best descriptions of human government from God’s perspective is found in our text today.

Human government is God’s plan.

 Five words which show that human government is God’s plan.

1) Authority, or authorities (verses 1-2)…which means 

Christians and Government - Romans 13:1-7 - Grace Bible Church - Online Worship - 11.29.2020

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Sermon: Gospel Hope 
Text: 1 Peter 1:1-12 
Date: November 8, 2020 
 
The Gospel Hope: The gospel is the one hope that we truly need, and God has accomplished what was necessary for us to have it. He has offered it to all. 
 
Central Truth: God has given us a living hope rooted in the Gospel. It is a hope that is a certainty. 
 
Main Point #1: Gospel hope is the work of God 
God is the one responsible for our hope. It is comforting to know that our salvation, the hope of the gospel, is dependent upon and accomplished by God himself. 
 
Main Point #2: Gospel hope results in praise 
Because of the gospel hope we have, we must be a people of praise who want others to hear that hope. See 2 Corinthians 1:3, Ephesians 1:3. 
 
Main Point #3: Gospel hope produces joy even in suffering 
See James 1:2-4 "Count it all joy". 
 
Main Point #4 Gospel hope is a privilege 
Nothing compares to the privilege of following Jesus. See Philippians 3:5-8.

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Sermon: Gospel Hope
Text: 1 Peter 1:1-12
Date: November 8, 2020

The Gospel Hope:  The gospel is the one hope that we truly need, and God has accomplished what was necessary for us to have it.  He has offered it to all.  

Central Truth:  God has given us a living hope rooted in the Gospel.  It is a hope that is a certainty.

Main Point #1:  Gospel hope is the work of God
God is the one responsible for our hope.  It is comforting to know that our salvation, the hope of the gospel, is dependent upon and accomplished by God himself.

Main Point #2:  Gospel hope results in praise
Because of the gospel hope we have, we must be a people of praise who want others to hear that hope. See 2 Corinthians 1:3, Ephes

Gospel Hope - 1 Peter 1:1-12 - Grace Bible Church - Online Worship - 11.8.2020

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Sermon: God Redeems Us 
Text: Ruth 4:1-22 
Date: September 20, 2020 
 
1. Proposition: God Redeems Us. Ref. Colossians 1:13-14 
 
2. A Better Redeemer: Ruth 4:1-10 
 
Boaz was the better redeemer for Ruth. 
 
We too have a better redeemer. 
 
3. Main Point 1: Since God redeems us, we can embrace our true redeemer and 
 
forget our unwilling redeemers. 
 
 
 
Application: Forget about approval through performance and 
 
through comparison. Ref. Eph. 2:8-9 
 
4. Blessings and a new identity: Ruth 4:11-13 
 
No Longer “Ruth the Moabitess.” She has a new identity. 
 
Because of our redeemer we too have a new identity. 
 
 
5. Main Point 2: Since God Redeems us, we can walk in our new 
 
identity. Ref. John 1:12 
 
Application: Stop walking in our sins and our shame, 
 
and instead walk as sons and daughters of God. Ref. Ephesians 4:22-24 
 
6. A Glorious Future Ruth 4:14-22 
Naomi and Ruth could never have imagined the future God 
 
was planning. Ref. Ruth 1:11-13, Ref. Judges 21:25, Read Matthew 1:5-6, 16. 
 
 
 
 
 
God’s redemption for Naomi and Ruth was also a means to accomplish his plans to 
 
offer redemption to the world. 
 
Through Jesus we have a glorious future. 
 
7. Since God Redeems us, we must hold onto the promises of 
 
our glorious future. 
 
Application: Remember the promises about our future that have been sealed through Jesus. 
 
Ref. Romans 8:28 
 
God is working in all things for our good and for Christ’s glory. 
 
Ref. Revelation 21:3-4 
 
Things won’t always be this way.

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God Redeems Us - Ruth 4:1-22 - Grace Bible Church - 9.20.2020

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Sermon: God Gives Rest To The Weary 
Text: Ruth 3:1-18 
Date: September 13, 2020 
 
1. Proposition: God Gives Rest to the Weary. 
 
2. Naomi and Ruth Seek Rest: [Ruth 3:1-5] 
 
They are not passively waiting. 
 
 
3. Main Point 1: Since God gives rest to the weary, we can seek the rest found in Him. 
Ref. Matthew 7:7-10 
 
Application: Come to God seeking rest and trust that he has provided it in Jesus. 
 
 
4. Ruth’s Bold Request: [Ruth 3:6-9] 
 
“Take me under your wing, for you are a family redeemer.” She is boldly 
 
asking for marriage. 
 
Ref. Ezekiel 16:8 
 
5. Main Point 2: Since God gives rest to the weary, we can make bold requests of Him. 
Ref. Hebrews 4:16 
 
We will receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 
 
Application: Ask God boldly to work in you and 
 
through you. 
 
What Bold Request do you need to make of God? 
 
What bold requests could Grace Bible Church make of God? 
6. Boaz’s Commitment: [Ruth 3:10-18] 
 
“As God lives, I will” 
 
 
Naomi says “He won’t rest unless he resolves this today.” 
 
 
7. Main Point 3: Since God gives rest to the weary, we can trust 
 
Him and experience true rest. 
 
Ref. Matthew 11:28-30 
 
 
Application: Stop trying to prove you are worthy of being a 
 
son or daughter of God. Instead, rest in the fact that you are a 
 
beloved son or daughter of God.

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Sermon: God Gives Rest To The Weary
Text:  Ruth 3:1-18
Date:  September 13, 2020

1. Proposition:  God Gives Rest to the Weary. 

2. Naomi and Ruth Seek Rest: [Ruth 3:1-5]

They are not passively waiting.  


3. Main Point 1:  Since God gives rest to the weary, we can seek the rest found in Him.  
Ref. Matthew 7:7-10

Application: Come to God seeking rest and trust that he has provided it in Jesus.  


4. Ruth’s Bold Request:  [Ruth 3:6-9]

“Take me under your wing, for you are a family redeemer.”  She is boldly

asking for marriage.  

Ref. Ezekiel 16:8  

5. Main Point 2:  Since God gives rest to the weary, we can make bold requests of Him.  
Ref. Hebrews 4:16

We will receive mercy and find grace to h

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Sermon: God Has Compassion On The Needy 
Text: Ruth 2:1-23 
Date: September 6, 2020 
 
Background/Setting [Ruth 2:1-4] 
 
God’s providence is seen in verse 3-4. 
 
Proposition: In Today’s text we are examining the following truth: 
 
God has Compassion on the Needy. 
 
 
Boaz’s Compassion [Ruth 2:5-9] 
 
 
Ref. Matthew 9:35-36, Psalm 23 
 
Main Point 1: Since God has compassion on the needy, we must come to him humbly. [Ruth 2:10-13] 
 
Application: 
 
Humbly come to God for salvation. Ref. Pro. 3:34 
 
Walk humbly with God because of our salvation. Ref. Micah 6:8 
 
Boaz’s Compassion Continues [Ruth 2:14-18] 
 
 
 
Ref. Matthew 9:10-11, Ephesians 2:4-5 
 
Main Point 2: Since God has compassion on the needy, we must respond with Joyful Praise. [Ruth 2:19-22] 
 
Naomi’s Turnaround. 
Ref. Ruth 1:20-21 
 
 
Application: 
 
Strive to be a person of joy and praise. 
Ref. Psalm 5:11 
 
Boaz’s Longterm Compassion [Ruth 2:23] 
 
 
 
 
Ref. Psalm. 100:5 
 
Main Point 3: Since God has compassion on the needy, we must demonstrate that compassion towards others. 
 
 
 
Application 
 
Notice the needs around you and pour out compassion on others. 
 
Let God use your compassion as a means to point the world to our Compassionate 
 
Savior. 
 
Ref. Colossians 3:12

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Sermon: God Has Compassion On The Needy
Text:  Ruth 2:1-23
Date:  September 6, 2020

Background/Setting  [Ruth 2:1-4]

God’s providence is seen in verse 3-4.  

Proposition:  In Today’s text we are examining the following truth:  

God has Compassion on the Needy. 


Boaz’s Compassion [Ruth 2:5-9]


Ref. Matthew 9:35-36, Psalm 23

Main Point 1:  Since God has compassion on the needy, we must come to him humbly.  [Ruth 2:10-13]

Application:  

Humbly come to God for salvation.  Ref. Pro. 3:34

Walk humbly with God because of our salvation. Ref. Micah 6:8

Boaz’s Compassion Continues [Ruth 2:14-18]



Ref. Matthew 9:10-11, Ephesians 2:4-5

Main Point 2:  Since God has compassion on the needy, we must respo

God Has Compassion On The Needy - Ruth 2:1-23 - Grace Bible Church - 9.6.2020

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In God’s Rehab Program 
Judges 16:21-31 
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church 
8-9-20 
 
A Look Back (16:4-21) 
 
 
 
 
In God’s Rehab Program (16:22-31) 
 
• “However” (verse 22)…God is not finished! 
 
 
• The Philistine worship-celebration (verses 23-25) 
 
 
• The stage is set (verses 26-27) 
 
 
• Samson’s finest hour (verses 28-31) 
 
 
 
 
Some Insights for Living for Us…When We Realize We Have Fallen Short… 
 
• Admit it. 
 
• Accept God’s forgiveness. 
 
• Allow time for change. 
 
• Ask God to use me.

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In God’s Rehab Program
Judges 16:21-31
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church
8-9-20

A Look Back (16:4-21)




In God’s Rehab Program (16:22-31)

• “However” (verse 22)…God is not finished!


• The Philistine worship-celebration (verses 23-25)


• The stage is set (verses 26-27)


• Samson’s finest hour (verses 28-31)




Some Insights for Living for Us…When We Realize We Have Fallen Short…

• Admit it.

• Accept God’s forgiveness.

• Allow time for change.

• Ask God to use me.

Samson: In God’s Rehab Program - Judges 16:21-31 - Grace Bible Church - 8.9.2020 - Worship Service

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Toying With Temptation 
Judges 16:1-21 
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church 
8-2-20 
 
Samson seemingly could conquer anything…roaring lions, whole armies, you name it. But there is one enemy that he was never able to overcome…temptation. We have seen Samson toy with temptation and seemingly always escape, but today we’ll see that temptation finally caught up with him. 
 
Samson at the City of Gaza (16:1-3) 
 
• The background hints at some temptations in Samson’s heart (verses 1-2)… 
 
“Gaza”…one of the five major cities of the Philistines…a walled city with gates that were closed each night for protection. 
 
“a harlot”…the second of three times we’ll see Samson tempted by a woman, but Old Testament scholars believe that there were others. 
 
 
 
• Another great feat of strength (verse 3)… 
 
Another example of Samson’s remarkable strength… 
 
“Hebron”…actually 38 miles away; many scholars believe that he didn’t take the gates all the way there, but placed them on the road outside Gaza that led there. 
 
 
• A principle for life here… We seek God’s guidance in the use of the gifts and abilities He gives us. 
 
 
 
Samson and Delilah (16:4-21) 
 
• The background…verses 4-5. Another place, another woman, but a new strategy for taking down Samson… 
 
“the lords of the Philistines” 
 
“1100 pieces of silver” (each)…about 150 pounds total… 
 
 
• Three ridiculous responses Samson gave to Delilah...verses 6-14… 
 
“seven fresh cords”…verses 6-9…probably “catgut”… 
 
“new ropes”…verses 10-12… 
 
“weave my hair (in a loom)”…verses 13-14… 
 
• Delilah’s persistence pays off…verses 15-21… 
 
Remember that his hair was one of the requirements of his Nazirite vow. 
 
Verse 20b…one of the saddest statements in Scripture… 
 
Verse 21…the sad ending… 
 
 
Temptation and Us…Some Fast Facts… 
 
1. Everyone is tempted. See Matthew 4:1. 
 
2. Temptation is not sin; yielding to temptation is sin. See Hebrews 4:15. 
 
3. God is not the source of our temptations. See James 1:13-14. 
 
4. What we do with temptation is a choice.

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Toying With Temptation
Judges 16:1-21
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church
8-2-20

Samson seemingly could conquer anything…roaring lions, whole armies, you name it. But there is one enemy that he was never able to overcome…temptation. We have seen Samson toy with temptation and seemingly always escape, but today we’ll see that temptation finally caught up with him.   

Samson at the City of Gaza (16:1-3)

• The background hints at some temptations in Samson’s heart (verses 1-2)…

“Gaza”…one of the five major cities of the Philistines…a walled city with gates that were closed each night for protection.

“a harlot”…the second of three times we’ll see Samson tempted by a woman, but Old Testament scholars believe

Samson: Toying With Temptation - Judges 16:1-21 - Grace Bible Church - 8.2.2020

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Samson: God’s Great Under-Achiever 
Judges 12:8-13:25 
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church 
7-5-20 
 
Today we begin a study of the 12th and final judge in the book of Judges…a man named Samson. Few men or women in history have been prepared and equipped by God for service than this man. Raised by godly parents, set aside as a Nazirite from the womb, and a magnificent physical specimen…the Hercules of the Bible. But his life unfortunately was characterized by rebellion and missed opportunities and a tragic death…without every realizing his great potential. He was a great under-achiever. Let’s begin our study of him today by looking first at... 
 
Some Background (12:7-13:1) 
 
• The Judges “cycle”…one last time… 
 
 
• After Israel’s victory over the Ammonites (12:32-33), Israel entered into a period of divine blessing under four judges… 
 
 
• But as we have seen at other times in Judges, the period of blessing was accompanied by spiritual decay and disobedience…13:1… 
 
Samson’s Birth (13:2-23) 
 
• Meet the parents (verse 2)… 
 
• Manoah’s wife meets “the Angel of the LORD” (verses 3-5)… 
 
 His appearance (verse 6)… 
 
 His identity.God Himself (more specifically, Jesus). Proof: see verse 22. 
 
 His message to her (verses 4-5)… 
 
• Manoah meets “the Angel of the LORD” (verses 6-23) 
 
 His wife tells him of her encounter (verses 6-7)… 
 
 
 He prays…and God listens (verses 8-11a)… 
 
 
 Manoah’s questions…and “the Angel’s” answers (verses 11b-14, 17)… 
 
 
Some good, old-fashioned Middle-Eastern hospitality…turned into a teaching moment by “the Angel” (verses 15-20)… 
 
 
 Manoah’s fear…and his wife’s reassurance (verses 21-23)… 
 
 
Samson’s Good Beginning (13:24-25) 
 
9 months later…and beyond… 
 
Some Take-Aways for Us 
 
#1 – Bad times are times for building faith, not yielding to fear. 
 
#2 – Serving God effectively demands separation to God completely. 
 
#3 – Godly children are almost always the result of godly parents.

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Samson: God’s Great Under-Achiever
Judges 12:8-13:25
Pastor Marv, Grace Bible Church
7-5-20

Today we begin a study of the 12th and final judge in the book of Judges…a man named Samson. Few men or women in history have been prepared and equipped by God for service than this man. Raised by godly parents, set aside as a Nazirite from the womb, and a magnificent physical specimen…the Hercules of the Bible. But his life unfortunately was characterized by rebellion and missed opportunities and a tragic death…without every realizing his great potential. He was a great under-achiever. Let’s begin our study of him today by looking first at...

Some Background (12:7-13:1)

• The Judges “cycle”…one last time…


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