Eastside Baptist Church, Winfield, Alabama

A study based on "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" Author:  Donald WhitneyChapter 2Cameron Jungels

“The Sleep of Death” (John 11:1­–16)
Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sun
AM/September 14, 2014
John
11:1–16 (NIV)The
Death of Lazarus
11 Now
a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her
sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay
sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with
her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one
you love is sick.”
4 When
he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for
God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now
Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he
heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and
then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
8 “But
Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and
yet you are going back?”
9 Jesus
answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the
daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It
is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”
11 After
he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen
asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”
12 His
disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus
had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural
sleep.
14 So
then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your
sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
16 Then
Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also
go, that we may die with him.”  
1.       A time to wait and a time to go: We
may not understand all that God does and why and when he does it, but we must
understand that all that God does for his children he does in love. 
2.      A time to work and a time to rest: Jesus
is safe as long as he in the Father’s will. They cannot touch him before his
hour has come. Jesus is in the last hours of the daylight of his ministry, but
he must continue to work until his hour comes. The disciples also are safe as
long as they are in the light of Jesus, because he is the light that has come
into the world.  
3.      
A
time to sleep (die) and a time to wake up: Death is but
temporary sleep for those whom Jesus determines to bring back to life. Because
of the power of Jesus, death does not need to be permanent. For those who
follow Jesus, death is but temporary sleep from which they will awake. (John
6:37–40; John 10:27–30; 1 Cor 15:51–58; 1 Thess 4:13–17)

“Commitment or Compromise?” (Revelation
2:12–17)
Cameron
Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/Sept. 14, 2014 
15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for
when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.  16 For the world offers only a
craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in
our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from
this world.  17 And this world
is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does
what pleases God will live forever.  (1
John 2:15-17, NLT)
4 Through these he has given us his very great and
precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine
nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2
Pet. 1:4, NIV)
What causes fights and quarrels
among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? (Jas. 4:1,
NIV)As for you, you were dead in your
transgressions and sins,  2 in
which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the
ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are
disobedient.  3 All of us also
lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and
following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving
of wrath. (Eph. 2:1-3, NIV) 
1.       Christ reveals himself as one who judges
his church with the sharp sword of his words of truth. 
12 "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. (Rev. 2:12,
NIV) 
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than
any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints
and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Heb. 4:12, NIV)
15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to
strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He
treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. (Rev. 19:15,
NIV) 
2.      Christ praises a church that is
committed to the point of death for the sake of his name. 
13 I know where you live-- where Satan has his throne. Yet
you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in
the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city--
where Satan lives. (Rev. 2:13, NIV)
8 "I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me
before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of
God.  9 But whoever disowns me
before others will be disowned before the angels of God.  (Lk. 12:8-9, NIV) 
3.      Christ rebukes a church that has
compromised the gospel by engaging in false worship and indulging in the
pleasures of the world. 
14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are
some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice
the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed
sexual immorality.  15
Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
(Rev. 2:14-15, NIV)
16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and
will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (Rev. 2:16, NIV) 
4.     
Christ promises heavenly provision and belonging to the
one who hears and practices his word.
17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to
the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden
manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on
it, known only to the one who receives it. (Rev. 2:17, NIV) 
Main
Idea: If we are going to be a faithful and vital church,
we cannot allow our sinful desires to pull us away from our loyalty to Christ.

A study based on "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" Author:  Donald Whitney Chapter 1Cameron Jungels

Psalms 67 -David Kizziah - Sunday AM, August 31

“Encountering Trials with Joy and
Wisdom” (James 1:2–8)
Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/August 27, 2014 
2 Consider
it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because
you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let
perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not
lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask
God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to
you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,
because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the
wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from
the Lord. (James 1:2–8, NIV) 
1.       We can face trials with joy,
because we know that they are used by God to move us toward spiritual
maturity (2–4). 
a.     
Perspective of Joy
b.     
Purpose
of Spiritual Maturity 
2.      In the midst of trials, we can call on
God in faith and he will give us the wisdom that we need (5­–8).
a.     
Our Need: We need wisdom in the midst of
trials, and all times of life as a believer of Christ in a pagan world.
b.     
God’s
Response: generosity and liberality.
c.      
Our
Attitude: Undoubting, single-minded faith.

“Truth & Love” (Revelation 2:1–7)
Cameron
Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sunday PM/August 24, 2014 Revelation
2:1–7 (NIV) To the Church in Ephesus2 “To
the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds
the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I
know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot
tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but
are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and
have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have
forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have
fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will
come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you
have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I
also hate. 7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what
the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the
right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.  "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: (Rev. 2:1, NIV) 
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and
walks among the seven golden lampstands. (Rev. 2:1, NIV) 
10 On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard
behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,  11
which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven
churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and
Laodicea."  12 I turned
around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven
golden lampstands,  13 and
among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching
down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.  14 The hair on his head was white
like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.  15 His feet were like bronze
glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.  16 In his right hand he held seven
stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face
was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. 
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he
placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First
and the Last.  18 I am the
Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold
the keys of death and Hades.  19
"Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take
place later.  20 The mystery
of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden
lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and
the seven lampstands are the seven churches. (Rev. 1:10-20, NIV) 
Christ praises a church that works hard and faithfully defends the
truth in the face of opposition.
 
2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance.
I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who
claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.  3 You have persevered and have
endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.  (Rev. 2:2-3, NIV) 
6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices
of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (Rev. 2:6, NIV) 
Christ rebukes a church that has grown cold in its love for God
and others. 
4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love
you had at first.  5 Consider
how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do
not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. (Rev.
2:4-5, NIV) 
7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to
the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from
the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. (Rev. 2:7, NIV) 
Main Idea: In obedience to
Christ, we must strive to be a church that is faithful to the truth while
maintaining a fervent love for God and others.

“Jesus, the Good Shepherd” (John 10:1–30),
part 3Cameron
Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/August 24, 2014 
Main
Idea: Jesus is the good shepherd who
cares for his sheep in this life and the life to come.
1.       Jesus is the only shepherd of the sheep
(all others are frauds) and there is no way but through him  
2.      Jesus is a truthful shepherd who never
misleads or deceives his sheep.  
3.      Jesus is a loving shepherd who knows his
sheep, and they know him.  
4.      Jesus is a rescuing shepherd who saves
his sheep and gives them abundant life. 
5.      Jesus is a sacrificial shepherd who
gives his life for his sheep. 
6.     Jesus is a faithful shepherd who never
abandons his sheep.12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the
sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away.
Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.  13 The man runs away because he is
a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 
14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep
know me--  15 just as the
Father knows me and I know the Father-- and I lay down my life for the
sheep.  (John 10:12-15, NIV)
7.      Jesus is a gathering shepherd who draws
sheep from other pens into one fold.
16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I
must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one
flock and one shepherd. (John 10:16, NIV)
8.     Jesus is an unfailing shepherd who never
loses his sheep (27-30).
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they
follow me.  28 I give them
eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my
hand.  29 My Father, who has
given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my
Father's hand.  30 I and the
Father are one."  (John 10:27-30,
NIV)
36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not
believe.  37 All those the
Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive
away.  38 For I have come down
from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.  39 And this is the will of him who
sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up
at the last day.  40 For my
Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall
have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day."  (John 6:36-40, NIV)
30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he
called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.  31 What, then, shall we say in
response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans
8:30-31, NIV)
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither
angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  39 neither height nor depth, nor
anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God
that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
(Romans 8:38-39, NIV)
Main
Idea: Jesus is the good shepherd who
cares for his sheep in this life and the life to come.

“The Living One” (Revelation 1:9–20)
Cameron
Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/August 17, 2014
Revelation 1:9–20 (NIV) John’s
Vision of Christ 9 I,
John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient
endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the
word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I
was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which
said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to
Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” 12 I
turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw
seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was
someone like a son of man,  dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet
and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his
head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing
fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and
his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right
hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged
sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. 17 When
I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on
me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I
am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And
I hold the keys of death and Hades. 19 “Write,
therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The
mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven
golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven
churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.  
1.       Jesus calls his servants to faithfully
witness for him, even if that means painful suffering (v. 9-11) 
2.      Jesus encourages his suffering servants
with a vision of his glory and triumph (12–18).
a.     
Jesus is glorious in majesty (12–16).
b.     
Jesus is victorious in triumph (17–18).
                                                             
i.     
The Divine One – The First and the Last.
                                                          
ii.     
The Living One – The one who was dead.
                                                        
iii.     
The Triumphant One – The one who holds the
keys of death and Hades.
c.      
The vision of Jesus’ glory and triumph leads
to worship and courage. 
3.      Jesus instructs his suffering servants
to persevere in faithful obedience (19­–20, chs. 2–3).
Main
Idea: Those who are suffering under the
weight of persecution or on the verge of surrender to the world can take
courage and persevere, because Jesus is the risen and glorious Lord of heaven
and earth.

“Greetings, Grace, Glory, &
Greatness” (Revelation 1:4­–8)Cameron
Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/August 10, 2014 
Revelation
1:4–8 (NIV) 4 John, To the seven churches in the
province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who
is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from
Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the
ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our
sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to
serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. 7
“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those
who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So
shall it be! Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord
God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”  1.       Greetings to the People of God (v. 4a)  
2.      Grace and Peace from the Triune God (vv.
4b–5a). 
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his
roots a Branch will bear fruit.  2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of
understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge
and fear of the LORD--  3 and
he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with
his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;  4 but with righteousness he will
judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips
he will slay the wicked.  5
Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.  (Isa. 11:1-5, NIV) 
3.      Glory and Power to the Triumphant
God-man (vv. 5b–7). 
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37, NIV) 
5 Now if you obey
me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured
possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 
6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.'
These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."  (Exod. 19:5-6, NIV) 
4 As you come to
him, the living Stone-- rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to
him--  5 you also, like living
stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood,
offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Pet.
2:4-5, NIV) 
13 "In my
vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming
with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into
his presence.  14 He was given
authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language
worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away,
and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. (Dan. 7:13-14, NIV) 
34 Instead, one of
the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood
and water.  35 The man who saw
it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the
truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.  36 These things happened so that
the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be
broken,"  37 and, as
another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have
pierced."  (John 19:34-37, NIV) 
10 "And I will
pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of
grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and
they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly
for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. (Zech. 12:10, NIV) 
30 "Then will
appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the
earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven,
with power and great glory. (Matt. 24:30, NIV) 
4.      Greatness and Perfection of the Timeless
God (v. 8). 
12 "Listen to
me, Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the
last.  13 My own hand laid the
foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I
summon them, they all stand up together. (Isa. 48:12-13, NIV) 
6 "This is
what the LORD says-- Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the
first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.  7 Who then is like me? Let him
proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I
established my ancient people, and what is yet to come-- yes, let them foretell
what will come.  (Isa. 44:6-7, NIV) 
34 At the end of
that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was
restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives
forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from
generation to generation.  35
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases
with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back
his hand or say to him: "What have you done?"  (Dan. 4:34-35, NIV)  
Main
Idea: A gracious and peaceful blessing is afforded the people of God, because
of the greatness and goodness of the Triune God.

“Jesus, the Good Shepherd” (John 10:1–30),
part 1
Cameron
Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/August 10, 2014 
The Good Shepherd
and His Sheep 10 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees,
anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some
other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the
gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the
gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name
and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he
goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But
they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because
they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this
figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling
them. 7 Therefore
Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All
who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not
listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me
will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The
thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have
life, and have it to the full. 11 “I
am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The
hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the
wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the
flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a
hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 “I
am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just
as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the
sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I
must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one
flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is
that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one
takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay
it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my
Father.” 19 The
Jews who heard these words were again divided. 20 Many of them
said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?” 21 But
others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a
demon open the eyes of the blind?”  Further
Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims
22 Then
came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and
Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The
Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in
suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus
answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my
Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe
because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I
know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and
they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My
Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them
out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
Main Idea: Jesus is the good shepherd who cares for his sheep in this life and the
life to come.
1.       Jesus is the only shepherd of the sheep,
and there is no other way to God.  
2.      Jesus is a truthful shepherd who never
misleads or deceives his sheep.  
3.      Jesus is a loving shepherd who knows his
sheep, and they know him.
3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep
listen to his voice. He calls
his own sheep by name and leads them out. 
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of
them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. (John 10:3-4, NIV)
14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my
sheep know me-- (John 10:14, NIV)
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they
follow me. (John 10:27, NIV)
24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying,
"How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us
plainly."  25 Jesus
answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my
Father's name testify about me,  26
but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. (John 10:24-26, NIV)
4.      Jesus is a rescuing shepherd who saves
his sheep and gives them abundant life.
9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.
They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have
come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:9-10, NIV)
5.      Jesus is a sacrificial shepherd who
gives his life for his sheep.
11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays
down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11, NIV)
14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my
sheep know me--  15 just as
the Father knows me and I know the Father-- and I lay down my life for the sheep.
(John 10:14-15, NIV)
17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my
life-- only to take it up again.  18
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority
to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from
my Father."  (John 10:17-18, NIV

“Out of the Depths” – Psalm 1301 A song of ascents. Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD;2 Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.3 If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. 5 I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. 7 Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. 8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

“The Revelation of
Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1­–3)
Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/August 3, 2014 
The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to
show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his
angel to his servant John,  2 who testifies to everything he
saw-- that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.  3
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are
those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is
near. (Rev. 1:1-3, NIV) 
1.       What kind of a book is this?
a.     
Revelation is unique among the books of the
New Testament.
b.     
Revelation is unique because it is a hybrid
of 3 different literary genres (all specified in the opening verses), each with
its own typical components and features:
                                                             
i.     
Revelation is an apocalypse.
1.       
Recording visions and dreams.
2.     
Language is full of imagery that is cryptic
and symbolic.
3.      
Formally stylized, using numbers to package
the information and using symmetry, repetition, etc.
4.     
However, Revelation is not pseudonymous as
other apocalypses are.
5.     
Also, Revelation does not intend to “seal up”
the contents for a later time. John knows the end has begun in the death,
resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. The beginning of the end has arrived. It
is time to open up the contents for all to see and heed.
                                                          
ii.     
Revelation is a prophecy.
1.       
Prophets: God’s authoritative spokespersons,
not necessarily predictive future prophecy.
2.     
Prophets often spoke into the current
situations of their hearers/readers.
                                                        
iii.     
Revelation is a letter.
1.       
Written personally from John to the churches
with pastoral care and concern, as well as urgent warning. 
2.      What (or better, Who?) is this book
about?
a.     
This is a Revelation from Jesus Christ and
about Jesus Christ from first to last.
b.     
This is a book about worship – to worship and
magnify the God of the universe, the risen Son and King, Jesus Christ, and the
eternal Spirit of God. Any other response short of worship fails to understand
the book as it is. 
3.      Why is the message of this book
important?
a.     
For John’s readers it involved events of
imminent historical importance.
b.     
For Christian readers of all times, it
illumines the importance of a heavenly perspective on earthly affairs. 
4.      What is there for me in this book?
a.     
The opening of the letter makes clear that
there is a heavenly blessing that awaits those who read, hear, understand, and
keep/obey what is written in this book.
b.     
This is a book of timely importance and
eternal significance. 
Main Idea: To be truly blessed in this life and the life to come is to see Jesus
Christ as the reigning King of Heaven
and to heed the words of his revelation.

“The Lord’s Table: A Sacred Opportunity of
Grace” (1 Corinthians 11:17–34)
Cameron
Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/August 3, 2014
 Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” 
1 Corinthians 11:17–34 (NIV)
17 In
the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more
harm than good. 18 In the first place, I hear that when you come
together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I
believe it. 19 No doubt there have to be differences among you to
show which of you have God’s approval. 20 So then, when you come
together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, 21 for when you are
eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one
person remains hungry and another gets drunk. 22 Don’t you have
homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating
those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly
not in this matter! 23 For
I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the
night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks,
he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in
remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the
cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you
drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread
and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 So
then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy
manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28
Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink
from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the
body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 30 That is why
many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31
But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come
under such judgment. 32 Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way
by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned
with the world. 33 So
then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat
together. 34 Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so
that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And
when I come I will give further directions.  
1.      
The Lord’s Table is
an opportunity to renew our
unity as the Church, the one Body of Christ (vv. 17–22, 33­–34). 
 Romans 12:3–8 (NIV)
3 For
by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more
highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in
accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For
just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all
have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form
one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have
different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is
prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if
it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if
it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give
generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it
cheerfully.  
Hymn: “Our God Has Made Us
One” 
2.     
The Lord’s Table is
an opportunity to reflect on
our union with Jesus Christ, our Crucified and Risen Lord (vv. 23–26). 
Isaiah
52:13–53:12 (NIV) 13 See,
my servant will act wisely;
he
will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
14 Just
as there were many who were appalled at him—
his
appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being
and
his form marred beyond human likeness—
15 so
he will sprinkle many nations,
and
kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For
what they were not told, they will see,
and
what they have not heard, they will understand.
53 Who
has believed our message
and
to whom has the arm of the Lord
been revealed?
2 He
grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and
like a root out of dry ground.
He
had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing
in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He
was despised and rejected by mankind,
a
man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like
one from whom people hide their faces
he
was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
4 Surely
he took up our pain
and
bore our suffering,
yet
we considered him punished by God,
stricken
by him, and afflicted.
5 But
he was pierced for our transgressions,
he
was crushed for our iniquities;
the
punishment that brought us peace was on him, and
by his wounds we are healed.
6 We
all, like sheep, have gone astray, each
of us has turned to our own way;
and
the Lord has laid on him
the
iniquity of us all. 7 He
was oppressed and afflicted,
yet
he did not open his mouth;
he
was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and
as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so
he did not open his mouth.
8 By
oppression and judgment he was taken away.
Yet
who of his generation protested?
For
he was cut off from the land of the living;
for
the transgression of my people he was punished.
9 He
was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and
with the rich in his death,
though
he had done no violence,
nor
was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet
it was the Lord’s will to crush
him and cause him to suffer,
and
though the Lord makes his life an
offering for sin,
he
will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and
the will of the Lord will prosper
in his hand.
11 After
he has suffered,
he
will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by
his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and
he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore
I will give him a portion among the great, 
and
he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because
he poured out his life unto death,
and
was numbered with the transgressors.
For
he bore the sin of many,
and
made intercession for the transgressors.  
Hymn: “Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed” 
3.     
The Lord’s Table is
an opportunity to repent and
judge ourselves now so that we will not be disciplined by the Lord or face
judgment on the last day of Christ (vv. 27–32, 34). 
Psalm
51 (NIV)
1 Have
mercy on me, O God,
according
to your unfailing love;
according
to your great compassion
blot
out my transgressions.
2 Wash
away all my iniquity
and
cleanse me from my sin.
3 For
I know my transgressions, and
my sin is always before me. 4 Against
you, you only, have I sinned
and
done what is evil in your sight;
so
you are right in your verdict
and
justified when you judge.
5 Surely
I was sinful at birth,
sinful
from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Yet
you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
you
taught me wisdom in that secret place.
7 Cleanse
me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash
me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let
me hear joy and gladness;
let
the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide
your face from my sins
and
blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create
in me a pure heart, O God,
and
renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do
not cast me from your presence
or
take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore
to me the joy of your salvation
and
grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
13 Then
I will teach transgressors your ways,
so
that sinners will turn back to you.
14 Deliver
me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
you
who are God my Savior,
and
my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 Open
my lips, Lord,
and
my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You
do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you
do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 My
sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a
broken and contrite heart
you,
God, will not despise.
18 May
it please you to prosper Zion,
to
build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then
you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
in
burnt offerings offered whole;
then
bulls will be offered on your altar.  Hymn: “I Lay My Sins on Jesus”  
Remembrance of Lord’s Supper  
Hymn: “In Christ Alone” 
Benediction:  
Hebrews
13:20–21 (NIV) 20 Now
may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought
back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip
you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is
pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.
Amen.

“Overcoming Evil with Good” (Romans
12:17­–21)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/July
30, 2014Romans 12:17–21 (NIV) 17 Do not repay anyone evil
for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is
written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On
the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him
something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 1.       Treating our Persecutors with Kindness
is Consistent with Christian Character:a.     Christ’s Law of Love. 38 “You have heard that it was
said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not
resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the
other cheek also. (Matthew 5:38–39, NIV)44 But I tell you, love your
enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be
children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and
the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew
5:44–45, NIV)35 But love your enemies, do
good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then
your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because
he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (Luke 6:35, NIV)21 If your enemy is hungry,
give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. (Proverbs
25:21–22, NIV)b.     God’s Sacrificial Love for Sinners.16 For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not
perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16, NIV) 8 But God demonstrates his
own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved
from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s
enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more,
having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (Romans 8:5–10,
NIV)2.      Treating our Persecutors with Kindness
is Consistent with Christian Faith:a.     A Secure Faith in the Justice of God. It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their
foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.”
(Deuteronomy 32:35, NIV) b.     A Living Hope in the Coming Kingdom of
Christ.27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy
of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about
you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving
together as one for the faith of the gospel 
28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose
you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be
saved-- and that by God. (Philippians 1:27-28, NIV)

“Come See
What God Has Done” (Psalm 66)
Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/July 27,
2014 
“The
grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The
meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they
shout for joy and sing.” (Psalm 65:12–13, NIV)  
“Shout for
joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise
glorious.” (Psalm 66:1–2, NIV)  
I.                  
The Worship of the World (vv. 1–4) 
“Shout for
joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise
glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that
your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing
praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.”” (Psalm 66:1–4, NIV)  
“And they
sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its
seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them
to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the
earth.”” (Revelation 5:9–10, NIV)  
II.               
The Praise of a Nation. (vv. 5–12) 
“Come and
see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! He turned the sea into
dry land, they passed through the waters on foot— come, let us rejoice in him.
He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations— let not the
rebellious rise up against him.” (Psalm 66:5–7, NIV)  
“Praise
our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved
our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, God, tested us; you refined
us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You
let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought
us to a place of abundance.” (Psalm 66:8–12, NIV)  
III.            
The Thanksgiving of a Man. (vv. 13–20) 
“I will
come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you— vows my
lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble. I will sacrifice fat
animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats.”
(Psalm 66:13–15, NIV)  
““Speak to
Aaron and his sons and to all the Israelites and say to them: ‘If any of
you—whether an Israelite or a foreigner residing in Israel—presents a gift for
a burnt offering to the Lord,
either to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, you must present a male
without defect from the cattle, sheep or goats in order that it may be accepted
on your behalf. Do not bring anything with a defect, because it will not be
accepted on your behalf. When anyone brings from the herd or flock a fellowship
offering to the Lord to fulfill a
special vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without defect or blemish to
be acceptable.” (Leviticus 22:18–21, NIV)  
“Come and
hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried
out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue.” (Psalm 66:16–17,
NIV)  
“If I had
cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;” (Psalm 66:18,
NIV)  
“but God
has surely listened and has heard my prayer.” (Psalm 66:19, NIV)  
“Praise be
to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!”
(Psalm 66:20, NIV)  
Main Idea: God is
worthy of worship and praise from the world, from all of his people, and from
you.

“Jesus, the Healer of Blind Eyes” John
9:1­–41
Cameron
Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/July 27, 2014
 
“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus
is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his
name.” (John 20:31, NIV)
 
1.      As the Creator of all flesh, Jesus is
able to give sight to a man completely blind from birth.
“Through him all things were made; without him nothing
was made that has been made.” (John 1:3, NIV)
2.     As the Eternal Word, Jesus is able to
provide perspective on the proper use of the Law (Sabbath).
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with
God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” (John 1:1–2,
NIV)
3.     As the one who is Light and Life, he is
able to open the spiritual eyes of a man steeped in the darkness of sin.
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all
mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome
it.” (John 1:4–5, NIV)
Main
Idea: Jesus, the Son of God is the one who can truly open our eyes to see.

“Be of the Same Mind” (Romans 12:15­–16)
Cameron
Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/July 23, 2014 
“Rejoice
with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one
another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.
Do not be conceited.” (Romans 12:15–16, NIV)
 
 
1.       Be of the same mind (way of thinking) by
sharing in the emotions of one another (v. 15).
 
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who
mourn.” (Romans 12:15, NIV)
Parallel
Passages:
 
Job
30:25
| Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has not my soul grieved for the
poor? 
1 Co 12:26 | If one part
suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part
rejoices with it. 
Heb 13:3 | Continue to
remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those
who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. 
 
2.      Be of the same mind (way of thinking) by
sharing status/position with one another (v. 16).
NIV  Romans 12:16 Live in harmony
with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of
low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:16, NIV)
CEB  Romans 12:16 Consider everyone
as equal, and don't think that you're better than anyone else. Instead,
associate with people who have no status. Don't think that you're so smart.
(Romans 12:16, CEB)
Parallel Passages:
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being
united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the
Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being
like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do
nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value
others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to
the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the
same mindset as Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:1–5, NIV)
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious
Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your
meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old
clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine
clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You
stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among
yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers and
sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be
rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But
you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are
they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who
are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? If you really keep
the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are
doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law
as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one
point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit
adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but
do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. Speak and act as those who are
going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without
mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over
judgment.” (James 2:1–13, NIV)

“God to the Rescue” (Psalm 107)
Cameron
Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/July 20, 2014 1.       Those who have been delivered by God
give him thanks (vv. 1–3). 
“Give thanks to the Lord,
for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed
from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west,
from north and south.” (Psalm 107:1–3, NIV)  
Hymn # 544: “Redeemed, How I Love to
Proclaim It” 
2.      Those who have been delivered by God
tell their stories (vv. 4­–32). 
a.     Wanderers in the Desert (vv. 4­–9). “Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to
a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives
ebbed away. Then they cried out to the Lord
in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a
straight way to a city where they could settle. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his
wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry
with good things.” (Psalm 107:4–9, NIV)
b.     Prisoners (vv. 10­–16).“Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners
suffering in iron chains, because they rebelled against God’s commands and
despised the plans of the Most High. So he subjected them to bitter labor; they
stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them
from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and
broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for
mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.”
(Psalm 107:10–16, NIV) For his anger
lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the
night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5, NIV)
c.      Sick People (vv. 17–22).“Some became fools through their rebellious ways and
suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew
near the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord
in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word
and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his
wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his
works with songs of joy.” (Psalm 107:17–22, NIV) d.     Sailors on the Sea (vv. 23–32).“Some went out on the sea in ships; they were
merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.
For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted
up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage
melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’
end. Then they cried out to the Lord
in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the
storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it
grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to
the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the
people and praise him in the council of the elders.” (Psalm 107:23–32, NIV)
Hymn
# 69: “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” 
3.      Those who have been delivered by God
praise his glorious name (vv. 33­–42).“He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into
thirsty ground, and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness
of those who lived there. He turned the desert into pools of water and the
parched ground into flowing springs; there he brought the hungry to live, and
they founded a city where they could settle. They sowed fields and planted
vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; he blessed them, and their numbers
greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish. Then their numbers
decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow; he who
pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste. But he lifted
the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. The
upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths.” (Psalm
107:33–42, NIV)
Hymn
# 213: “We Will Glorify” 
4.      Those who have been delivered by God
apply their hearts to wisdom (v. 43).
“Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder
the loving deeds of the Lord.”
(Psalm 107:43, NIV)  
The upright see
and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. (Psalm 107:42,
NIV) 
Let the redeemed
of the LORD tell their story-- those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, (Psalm 107:2, NIV) Hymn:
“Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery”

“The Mystery of Suffering and a
Compassionate Savior” (John 9:1­–7)Cameron
Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/July 20, 2014
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
9 As
he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples
asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born
blind?” 3 “Neither
this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the
works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day,
we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 After
saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it
on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of
Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home
seeing.  
1.       The Mystery of Suffering 
a.     Why
do bad things happen to us? What is the cause? 
                                                            
i.     
Reject: The Open View of God
                                                          
ii.     
Reject: A rigid view of God’s justice and
righteousness that attributes all suffering to some sin.
                                                       
iii.     
Accept: A multi-faceted understanding of
suffering and God’s sovereignty that leaves room for mystery and faith.
                                                         
iv.     
Conclusion: Suffering is mysterious. God
is sovereign. God is both aware of and in control of the events of this world. Somehow
in a way that is mysterious and incomprehensible to us, God uses pain and
suffering to accomplish his purposes in this world.  
We cannot always explain the reason for
our pain, but we can rely on a compassionate Savior. 
2.      The Compassion of a Savior 
a.     Jesus
came to minister to us in the midst of our suffering. 
Luke
4:14­–21:
14 Jesus
returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread
through the whole countryside. 15 He was teaching in their
synagogues, and everyone praised him. 16 He
went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went
into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and
the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the
place where it is written: 18 “The
Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because
he has anointed me
to
proclaim good news to the poor.
He
has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and
recovery of sight for the blind,
to
set the oppressed free,
19    to proclaim the year of the Lord’s
favor.” 
20 Then
he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes
of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began
by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
b.     Jesus
has compassion on those who are suffering. 
c.      Jesus
is diligent and careful in using his time, knowing that there is limited
opportunity to minister to others.
4 As
long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming,
when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light
of the world.” (John 9:4­­–5) 
“If
anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for
them.” (James 4:17, NIV)  
d.    
Jesus entered into our suffering by
humbling himself as one of us and taking our curse upon himself. 
e.     
Jesus death, resurrection, and ascension
to heaven guarantees the full and final redemption of this sin-cursed world.  
Main Idea: Suffering is often unexplainable, mysterious, and difficult, but we
have a Savior who is full of compassion for those who follow him.