Rescue in the Wilderness

Rescue in the Wilderness


Luke 8:26-39


1.) An Urgent Situation
a. The man was demon possessed.
b. Society had tried and failed to help him.
c. He was isolated from people by his condition.

2.) A Skilful Intervention
a. Jesus’ concern was for the person.
i. He addressed the real problem.
ii. He sought to free the man.
b. Jesus’ methods were for the benefit of all.
i. He destroyed the unclean herd.
ii. He pointed out the sins of the society.

3.) A Successful Rescue
a. The man was devoted to Jesus.
b. The man was determined to follow Jesus.
c. The man was dutiful to proclaim Jesus.

Personal Application: There is no person whom Jesus does not love. He can and will rescue the impossibly lost. Are you willing to reach out to them?

Rescue At Night

Rescue At Night


John 3:1-15

1.) An Urgent Situation
a. Nicodemus was a ruler and a religious leader.
b. Nicodemus did not know how to enter the Kingdom of God.

2.) A Skilful Intervention
a. Jesus immediately addressed the victim’s primary need.
b. Jesus overcame the victim’s ignorance.
c. Jesus simplified the process for Nicodemus.

3.) A Successful Rescue
a. Nicodemus Defended Jesus before the Sanhedrin. John 7:50,51
b. Nicodemus aided in the burial of Jesus. John 19:38-40

Personal Application: As a religious leader, even Nicodemus was in need of rescue. How about you?

Psalm 50 When God Judges the World

When God Judges the World

Psalm 50

Introduction: The psalmist, Asaph, seems to be painting a picture of the coming judgment. He begins with the glorious entry of Jehovah into the Courtroom of final justice. Then we see the judgment of the saints, using Israel as a called out group. Finally, the judgment of the wicked takes place with a warning to those whose are not prepared for judgment day.

1.) God Enters the Courtroom Verse 1-6
> A call to all the earth V. 1
> A call for witnesses V. 4
> A call to gather the saints V. 5
> A call of righteous judgment V. 6

2.) The Saints are Judged Verse 7-15
> God will testify against the saints. V. 7
> He is not looking for more sacrifices. V. 8
> He does not need our offerings. V. 9-11
> He does not grow hungry for blood. V.12-13
> He desires thanksgiving. V. 14a
> He desires fulfilled commitments. V. 14b
> He desires to be called upon in need. V. 15a
> He desires to be glorified. V. 15b

3.) The Wicked are Judged Verse 16-21
> They have rejected His Word. V. 16-17
> They have joined the enemies of God. V. 18
> They have sinned with their mouths.V.19-20
> They have misjudged God. V21a
> God will set the record straight. V21b

4.) God Warns the Wicked of the Coming Judgment Verse 22-23
> Those who forget Him will be destroyed. V. 22
> Those who follow His ways will be saved. V.23

Conclusion: This psalm reminds us of the day toward which our life must be directed. This is judgment day. Will you be ready?

Psalm 48 Mount Zion

Mount Zion
Psalm 48
Introduction: Here we see the city of Jerusalem given powerful symbolic status in the nation of Israel. It was the place where Israel came to worship God. So Zion is symbolic of our worship of God now. Often we see Zion used in the Bible as an idea more than a Physical place. Hebrews 12:18-24

1.) The Defender of Zion
> The LORD inhabits Zion. V. 1,2
> The LORD makes Zion a refuge. V. 3
> The Lord makes Zion impregnable. V. 4-6
> The LORD defeats Zion’s enemies. V. 7
2.) The God of Zion
> His Word and his actions are always the same. V. 8
> His loving kindness is in the thoughts of His worshippers. V. 9
> His praise is throughout the earth. V. 10a
> His hand is full of righteousness. V.10b
> His subjects have reason to rejoice. V. 11
> His subjects have reason to feel secure. V.12
> His blessing is a testimony to the next generation. V. 13
> His guidance is good through this life and into the next. V. 14

Conclusion: Mount Zion symbolizes for us what our spiritual life should be. As we walk around the building of our relationship with God, let us admire the great structural aspects of it and learn to find our refuge and our victory inside its walls. What a powerful refrain, “This God is our God!”