Sermons from Good News: God loves people with broken dreams

Church 11/27/2021

Offertory scripture:

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Psalm 1:1-3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%201:1-3&version=NKJV

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:16-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%203:16-21&version=NKJV

Sermon message:

God loves people with broken dreams (Christmas series)

Point #1: The Christmas story says God loves people with broken dreams

Heaven is a wonderful place. There is no sin in heaven. Sin itself cannot enter into heaven. We realize we don’t have credentials on our own merit to get into heaven. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Therefore because of sin we cannot enter into heaven with it. But God made a way: a price had to be paid. Jesus paid that price by shedding His blood on the cross. This is God restoring our dream of being able to walk into heaven. That’s what the Christmas story is about.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%203:16&version=NKJV

Jesus: I want to restore that dream that you have of getting into heaven.

The entry passcode is “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus”

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%2010:9&version=NKJV

Point #2: the Bible shows God loves people with broken dreams

Consider the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. Broken dreams after broken dreams. But Joseph stayed with God and continued trusting Him.

Consider the story of the woman who was bleeding who touched Jesus’ cloak and was instantly healed.

Consider also the story of the woman the Pharisees had caught in the act of adultery, and had brought her to Jesus. Jesus acquitted her.

Point #3: A story within the Christmas story says God loves people with broken dreams

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.
Luke 1:5-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%201:5-7&version=NKJV

Point #4: Don’t stop doing what is right

So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
Luke 1:8-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%201:8-12&version=NKJV

A note:
God meets us when we are serving Him. Satan meets us when we’re not.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Luke 1:13-17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%201:13-17&version=NKJV

Point #5: It’s important what we believe and what we say

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”
Mark 9:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%209:23&version=NKJV

For with God nothing will be impossible.”
Luke 1:37 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%201:37&version=NKJV

For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.
Mark 11:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%2011:23&version=NKJV

And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”
Luke 1:18-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%201:18-20&version=NKJV

Sometimes it is better to not say anything at all, than to say the wrong thing. This is what happened with Zechariah.

Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her. So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zechariah. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.
Luke 1:57-64 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%201:57-64&version=NKJV

Don’t blow the deal, especially when God wants to bless you. Even when it appears impossible, God makes it possible.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2046:1&version=NKJV

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2011:28&version=NKJV

Jesus and His free gift of salvation is what Christmas is all about.

Sermons from Good News: Thanksgiving service

Thanksgiving service 11/24/2021

Point #1: Giving thanks is how we enter into God’s presence

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.
Psalm 100:1-5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20100:1-5&version=NKJV

Point #2: Giving thanks builds our faith

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Philippians 4:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%204:6&version=NKJV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Thessalonians%205:16-18&version=NKJV

Point #3: Giving thanks acknowledges God and that you have a purpose

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%202:10&version=NKJV

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%202:10&version=NLT

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Romans 1:18-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%201:18-21&version=NKJV

Point #4: Giving thanks is a good thing

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
Psalm 92:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2092:1&version=NKJV

Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Psalm 105:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20105:1&version=NKJV

Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord , for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 106:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20106:1&version=NKJV

I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the Lord.
Psalm 116:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20116:17&version=NKJV

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let Israel now say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron now say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord now say, “His mercy endures forever.”
Psalm 118:1-4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20118:1-4&version=NKJV

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever:
Psalm 136:1-3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20136:1-3&version=NKJV

I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to You. I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
Psalm 138:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20138:1-2&version=NKJV

Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord !
Psalm 150:1-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20150:1-6&version=NKJV

Weighing in on Pippen vs Jordan

Some years back, the following Bible verse spoke to me:

Then the Lord said to me, “Backsliding Israel has shown herself more righteous than treacherous Judah.

Jeremiah 3:11, NKJV

The context has to do with two nations, Israel and Judah. Actually, it has to do with one nation -- Israel, God's chosen and favored nation, of all nation -- which by this point had split into two, due to rebellion against God and against His decrees. For a brief bit of further context, in this particular chapter (Jeremiah 3), God is talking. He was imploring Israel, who had turned away from Him, to turn back and once again draw near to Him and have a relationship with Him. Of course, Israel still continued in its wrong ways, doing things that were evil in God's sight, and not doing anything that was good in His sight. However, it was the actions of the nation of Judah that took the cake. More specifically, it was Judah's attitude. Whereas Israel had come across as "I can't help but to sin!" Judah's attitude was more: "No fair! If Israel gets to sin, then I'm going to sin, too!" These three verses play that out:

[God still talking] Then I saw that for all the causes for which backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a certificate of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but went and played the harlot also. So it came to pass, through her casual harlotry, that she defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees. And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense,” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 3:8-10, NKJV

Recently, Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen has had some incredibly harsh words for former teammate and fellow Bulls legend Michael Jordan, as part of the upcoming release of his book, Unguarded. These words were evidently in retaliation for some words Jordan had had for Pippen in his documentary, The Last Dance, which had come out last year.

Now, I myself have commented on what I think of Jordan as a person. I still stand by it. But, putting Pippen's recent words in context brought back to mind the Israel-and-Judah complex from Jeremiah 3. They're both wrong, but it's like Jordan is Israel and Pippen is Judah. Jordan, in certain contexts, can't help but be a jerk sometimes; I'm realizing that, more often than not, he's not actively trying to make other people miserable just for the sake of it. By contrast, it's clear that Pippen has some serious issues with bitterness and holding grudges, and it is evident that he has a very hard heart toward Jordan. Sadly, I've noticed this in Pippen over the years that I've followed him as a sports fan, first on the Bulls, then for the rest of his NBA career when he was on other teams, and then when he was a basketball commentator and analyst on TV. 

I remember a number of years ago, he and Shaquille O'neal had gotten into a feud which had begun with a theoretical question over which team would win in a game between the all-time best 5 Lakers (O'neal's team when he was at his peak) and the all-time best 5 Bulls. At the time, I took O'neal's criticisms toward Pippen personally, because, well, I was a Bulls fan and not a Lakers fan. Plus, I really didn't like what I saw as O'neal's bullying attitude. What I did notice, but then promptly ignore it, out of my loyalty to the Bulls (especially the '90s Bulls!) was that O'neal was right about one thing: Pippen took everything personally. Even now, when O'neal criticized Pippen again, this time for his remarks about Jordan, I saw a difference: O'neal came to Jordan's defense instead of continuing any grudges from an old feud the two had. Pippen didn't respond, and it's probably good that he didn't.

As a Bulls fan, I'm sad. Jordan and Pippen (and later, O'neal) not only got me hooked on basketball as a kid, but also onto sports in general. These guys not only played well and won, but they also made the game fun to watch and even fun to learn how to play for a while. For a city that at the time was starved for a champion, the Bulls put a powerful dent in that longtime championship-parched feeling. Jordan and Pippen worked together as well as any duo in the history of basketball. They did so for a long time, too. The only other duo that I can think of that won as much and succeeded over as long a period of time might be Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of the '80s Lakers. The '60s Celtics was made up of a group of solid players and one transcendent player, Bill Russell. Every other champion or dynasty was either based on a group, or the duo lasted maybe five years. Of all the superstar duos in basketball history that also won championships, Jordan and Pippen were the cream of the crop. So to see their personal relationship deteriorate this badly, years into retirement for both, is a pure shame. It's a shame especially considering how great their accomplishments were.

This drives home the importance of getting saved. Neither Jordan nor Pippen have given their lives to Christ. They both are proud men; they may be too proud, though. The problem is that God hates pride so much, that unless a person were to turn from it immediately and repent (and certainly repent before passing away), he or she will face an eternity of hell and destruction:

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.

Proverbs 8:13, NKJV

Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18, NKJV

[Jesus talking] For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

Mark 7:21-23, NKJV

...not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

1 Timothy 3:6-7, NKJV

I'll briefly give context for the last passage, 1 Timothy 3:6-7. These are Apostle Paul's instructions in a letter addressed to his mentee Timothy for how bishops (or church leaders) are to behave. Naturally, the higher one's position is, the higher the standard of behavior must be. As the leader goes, so follow the people.

I realize that neither Jordan nor Pippen nor O'neal are bishops, nor are any of them leading a church. But, in the world, they have influence. They have fame. Just by being excellent at their craft, which happens to be in the entertainment industry that attracts a lot of fans, they are role models, in everything that they do. The greater one is considered to be, not only the higher the stakes, but the longer their influence. O'neal has been out of the game of basketball for 10 years; Pippen, 17 years; Jordan, 18 years. And yet, 18 years later, the world still knows their names, and the world knows them for what they accomplished. So of course each of them get to write or produce a memoir of their own! And of course the public is going to want to read it, to watch it, to consume it!

So for Jordan to call Pippen selfish in his documentary was going to have consequences. Even though, from what I could tell, I doubt he said it to try to hurt Pippen. In fact, in the larger context of the documentary (even though I must admit I've not watched it; I've only read about it and watched snippets of it), I tend to believe that it was simply part of the story that Jordan was telling.

For Pippen to retaliate and call Jordan selfish and condescending, however, the intent is clear. He may have couched it as wanting to point out that it was a team game. However, there's a way to point out what one wants to say, without taking a shot back. Pippen went on to make other comments, unprovoked, and also about Jordan. This wasn't a case of trying to make the argument about it being a "team" game. This was about pride. Jordan certainly has a lot of pride, too. But this -- Unguarded -- ended up being a book showcasing Pippen's retaliatory pride, even if that wasn't the point at its first conception.

In the end, as the game clock of life is winding down, the God of the Bible has the final shot. In the end, He writes the final memoir, called the Book of Life:

And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:12-15, NKJV

In the end, each of us (myself included) needs to do what we must to ensure that our names are written in His memoir, because it will not end well for anyone whose name isn't.

The good news is that there is still time. You can accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and you can personally receive Him into your heart and into your life. He wants a relationship with you. Heck, I believe He still wants a relationship with Jordan, Pippen, O'neal, and anyone else who has participated in any kind of beef, public or private. But He also wants a relationship with you. There is still time, but it's running out. I recommend that anyone reading this examine his or her life today: are your thoughts, words, actions, deeds -- and most importantly, the matters of your heart -- in line with what Jesus asks and what the Bible commands? He requires it, but He still has room for you. He wants you to turn from this life that you've lived without Him and receive and enter into a living relationship with Him. Below describes God's heart toward all:

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9, NKJV

Gratitudes, 2021 edition

I'm bringing this back.

Back in the early days of this blog, I had an annual tradition of sharing on Thanksgiving (or at least, the week of) the things I'm thankful for. [Click here, here, and here to check them out.] After a few years, I got off track.

A lot has changed in my life and more importantly in my outlook, regarding things I was actually grateful for, but also what my truth was about myself, my life, and my outlook at the time.

As I pointed out when I brought this blog back in 2019, I've chosen to not bring back all posts from the first era of blogging (2005-2013), largely because, as time went on, I saw how more jaded I had become in my outlook. This was also true with how I wrote my thanksgiving posts. When I was in college, I think I had found more reasons to be thankful, and looking back through those posts, those felt genuine. As such, I have chosen to share them on this blog.

However, after I graduated and was out in the world trying to figure out life as an adult, I either didn't post a list of things I was grateful for on Thanksgiving, or when I did, the posts were largely sarcastic exposés related to why I should even consider being thankful (but trying to pass it off as appearing to be thankful), and then quickly listing the things I was thankful for. As of now, I have decided not to re-share those particular posts. The person that wrote those posts, that's not who I want to be anymore. I had a lot of healing and straightening out to do. I wasn't saved. I knew about God and about Jesus, but didn't believe that He cared about me, and even if He did, He wouldn't even bother to show up and help me, let alone grant me things I desired and longed for. I've come to realize that all those things were false. Rather, the truth is that God cares, He shows up, He helps me, and He has granted me things I have desired and longed for. Thus, my list:

1. I'm grateful for my church, Good News Christian Center, and for it being a loving and supportive community for me ever since I joined.
2. I'm grateful for my pastor. Not only are the things he preaches true and powerful and full of the Holy Spirit's anointing every single time, but, unlike every previous priest, rector, or senior pastor of churches I've previously regularly attended and become a member, I feel like he invests in me every time we meet and chat. (Granted, we don't meet all the time, and we only really meet once in a while, but still, this feels way different from anyone else before.)
3. I'm grateful for my current temp job, especially in the midst of changing careers and figuring out my new career.
4. I'm grateful for my mom and stepdad, with whom my relationship has been much better the last couple years vs the previous however many (far too many to count).
5. I'm grateful for my love's parents, who have put me up since being in the hospital over the summer, and for allowing me to somewhat cull my expenses by being there. I'm also grateful for how they have embraced me as part of the family, considering that down the line I will become their son-in-law.
6. I'm grateful for the longtime friends I still keep in touch with, even after graduating therapy, and even after switching churches. I even have one friend from college with whom we still make time once in a while to catch up and chat.
7. I'm grateful for my dad. In addition to just simply being grateful for him, I'm also grateful for the relationship I've gotten to have with him, after not allowing myself to have had much of a relationship with him for a long time. I'm grateful for all the years and memories and learning experiences I've gotten to share with him.
8. I am of course grateful for my love. She has played a big role in turning my life around for the better, and for helping me steer the course of my life in a different and better direction, particularly during the COVID era and all of its instability. And of course, I'm grateful for her because she's a woman I love and want to make all sorts of long-range plans and dreams with. For many years I pined for this, for her. While we are not married yet, even 1 year and 9 months from our first date, she still checks so many boxes for me, and she checks all the important ones.
9. And of course, I'm grateful for God, for Jesus's sacrifice, for His redemption, for His mercy and grace and forgiveness, and for His not giving up on me. Two years ago, even though I had gotten saved, gotten baptized, spent years in counseling, my attitude and outlook was still garbage and so full of deep false beliefs that I hadn't realized I still had not renounced at all, lies that were still getting in the way of my trusting God. He could've left me for dead. But He didn't. And because of Him, I'm still here today, able to tell you all the other things I'm grateful for.

There are more, but these are the big ones. I could probably take a whole week trying to think of and come up with all the various little things I'm grateful for. But, I still gotta keep rolling and pursuing all the things before me.

Sermons from Good News: love can transform

Church 11/20/2021

Offertory scripture:

How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

Psalm 119:103-105 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%20119:103-105&version=NKJV

Sermon message:

When we thank God, we’re thanking Him for His love for us.

Thesis: love can transform

Love can transform a person’s life.

Love can transform a relationship.

Love can transform a nation.

Love can transform the whole.

Transform = make a dramatic change

Love energizes your faith.

Love and thanksgiving go together.

If you have love, thanksgiving is there also.

Christopher Columbus’ two verses that he stood on in his life, as written from his journal:

“Listen, O coastlands, to Me, And take heed, you peoples from afar! The Lord has called Me from the womb; From the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name. Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

Isaiah 49:1,6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Isaiah%2049:1,6&version=NKJV

After Columbus got rejected by different monarchs when he approached them, and was insulted, he met with a righteous man who prayed with him, had communion with him, and reminded him of God’s love for him. Then he met with King Ferdinand of Spain. He blessed the journey and financed it.

Columbus encouraged himself in the Lord after experiencing other disappointments and setbacks.

But because Columbus received God’s love and gave thanks to Him, the world changed forever.

Columbus felt that his real mission was to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to tell them about God’s love for people.

The pilgrims also had the same mission, the same faith, the same belief: to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to spread God’s love. They believed in a mission of building a place where there was freedom of religion. They too set aside time to reflect on God’s love for them and thanking them.

It’s easy to get discouraged and to conform to this world. It’s easy to give up.

Encouragement: don’t give up; don’t conform to the world; don’t give into discouragement.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%2012:2&version=NKJV

Refuse to conform to this world; be a rebel for God against the world. Be transformed with the power of God.

To be transformed: Get into the word of God, yes, but there is more to it:

Point #1: Be careful what you hear

Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.

Mark 4:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%204:24&version=NKJV

Our minds get renewed by reading the word of God, but what is the word of God? It is a love letter. Therefore, by reading His word you are reading His love letter and therefore receiving His love.

The world has a voice too: one of discouragement. They will do everything in their power to not only dissuade you to follow and believe God but also to do things the world’s way.

Satan also talks to you too: but he tries to discourage you in everything that you do.

The world and Satan talked to Columbus and to the pilgrims. They talk to us too.

Hatred has a voice also. They say the same things.

But love is not stupid. It is not simple. It speaks loud. It encourages you and builds you up. It encourages you that you can do it.

When you hear God’s voice, love and hope and strength return to you.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 10:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2010:10&version=NKJV

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Joshua 1:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Joshua%201:8&version=NKJV

Point #2: Know that listening to God is time well spent.

God’s love letter gives you hope.

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Romans 15:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%2015:4&version=NKJV

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 10:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%2010:17&version=NKJV

It’s a love letter you get to read.

His word infused us with love.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%203:16&version=NKJV

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Philippians%204:19&version=NKJV

Point #3: receive a fresh touch of God’s love by giving thanks

Sermons from Good News: prayer equals Godly wisdom, part 4

Church 11/17/2021

Sermon thesis: Don’t let Satan hinder your prayers

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%205:8&version=NLT

Point #1: Satan wants to stop you from praying. He knows that prayer is powerful.

You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.
James 4:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%204:2&version=NLT

There is power in prayer.

But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.
Luke 5:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%205:16&version=NLT

Key word: often. Jesus prayed often.

Don’t let Satan stop you from praying often. It’s tempting to not pray, but prayer is important to help keep you from temptation.

Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
Matthew 26:36-41 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2026:36-41&version=NLT

Peter needed to be reminded to pray.

Point #2: Satan tries to get us to pray proudly.

Praying proudly destroys our prayer.

“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:10-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2018:10-14&version=NLT

Point #3: Satan tries to get us to pray against others and forget to pray for power

While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000. The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. So they ordered Peter and John out of the council chamber and conferred among themselves. “What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.” So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God for this miraculous sign—the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years. As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: “O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant, saying, ‘Why were the nations so angry? Why did they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepared for battle; the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.’ “In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
Acts 4:1-30 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Acts%204:1-30&version=NLT

Peter and John could’ve cursed the Jewish leaders in their prayers, but they didn’t. They prayed instead for boldness to keep doing God’s will and by spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.

Point #4: Satan tries to stop our prayers because of his offense

but if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us, and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations].
1 John 1:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%201:7&version=AMP

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
James 3:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%203:16&version=NLT

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
1 Peter 3:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Peter%203:7&version=NLT

When we are not walking in love, our prayers are hindered. If we walk in love we will live in harmony and our prayers will not be hindered.

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
Ephesians 4:3-4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%204:3-4&version=NLT

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%2015:5-6&version=NLT

So stay alert. Satan is prowling around, trying to find someone to devour. Resist him. Persist in prayer. Walk in love.

Sermons from Good News: Love does work

Church 11/6/2021

Offertory scripture:

The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing,
Psalm 92:12-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2092:12-14&version=NKJV

Sermon message:

Faith is powerful. We cannot please God without it. (Hebrews 11:6)

Nothing works without faith. Anything in the spiritual realm. But faith works by love.

Power of love series part 1

Sermon thesis: Love does work

Love is very important. It is powerful. And faith works by it. And love restores.

And the human race was restored by love.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:16-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%203:16-18&version=NKJV

Love is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It’s the first fruit listed.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%205:22-23&version=NKJV

The Bible says that God is powerful. The Bible also says that God is love.

Point #1: God does not lie.

Love never fails. It is eternal.

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
1 Corinthians 13:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Corinthians%2013:8&version=NKJV

Not only is love eternal but it is powerful.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Corinthians%2013:13&version=NKJV

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
Matthew 7:24-27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%207:24-27&version=NKJV

God says you’re blessed when you hear what He says and then do it.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2013:34-35&version=NKJV

Point #2: Love needs to grow

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,
2 Thessalonians 1:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=2%20Thessalonians%201:3&version=NKJV

When love grows, faith grows.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%205:5&version=NKJV

We need to feed our love with the word of God.

Point #3: When love grows, fear leaves and faith comes.

When love grows, faith comes, fear leaves, and we can learn to do new things and grow.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20John%204:18&version=NKJV

Point #4: never judge a thing too soon.

Don’t give up on loving another person. Don’t judge the process too soon or give in to discouragement just because the love you’re pouring into another person hasn’t borne fruit yet.

Love always works. Don’t give up. It’s not over.

Point #5: God promises to bless you for giving your love.

Give with the right motives. Giving with the wrong motives don’t mean anything to God. But giving the right way means everything to Him.

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Luke 6:38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%206:38&version=NKJV

God will bless you if you walk in love.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
Galatians 6:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%206:7&version=NKJV

Point #6: Godly character is doing what is right no matter what others do

Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 10:30-37 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2010:30-37&version=NKJV

Point #7: Don’t give up before your breakthrough

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%206:9&version=NKJV

Watch what you say. Speak faith, speak love. Don’t speak unbelief or curse what you’re doing.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Proverbs%2018:21&version=NKJV

Love another person and don’t give up.

Sermons from Good News: Prayer equals Godly wisdom, part 3

Church 11/10/2021

Sermon message: Prayer equals Godly wisdom

However, a lot of “wisdom” we come across is earthly:

This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.
James 3:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%203:15&version=NKJV

But this is the earmark of Godly wisdom:

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
James 3:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=James%203:17&version=NKJV

This is Godly wisdom; this is prayer.

Question: does it turn you toward God and toward His blessings, or away from it?

Question: where does it come from: things on and of the earth, or from above?

Godly wisdom will always try to bless you, to protect you. But earthly wisdom, being devilish, leads to death and destruction. Earthly “wisdom” robs and steals from you.

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Acts 10:38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Acts%2010:38&version=NKJV

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Psalm 1:1-3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%201:1-3&version=NKJV

Prayer equals Godly wisdom. Godly wisdom equals being like a tree planted by water.

To review:

Point #1: Daniel teaches us the importance of prayer

Daniel decided that the most important thing was to spend his last moments with God, even if it meant dying in the lions’ den. Praying to God and spending regular time with Him was far too important to give up even if it meant going against the law of the land.

Point #2: Jesus teaches us the importance of prayer

Jesus fasted and prayed 40 days right as He was first called to step out and minister. Satan tried to tempt him. Jesus used the word of God to stop him. Later, in the garden of Gethsemane, He exhorted His disciples to pray so they wouldn’t fall into temptation, due to what was about to happen. They didn’t pray; they fell into temptation. To wit, Peter later denied Jesus three times just after He was declared guilty by the Sanhedrin.

Point #3: We need to pray to succeed.

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:8-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%201:8-9&version=NKJV

If someone or something tells you not to pray, that’s not God; that’s Satan.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Thessalonians%205:16-18&version=NKJV

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
Jude 1:20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Jude%201:20&version=NKJV

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:10-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Ephesians%206:10-20&version=NKJV

Pray and persist in prayer as part of fighting the tactics of the devil. Prayer is Godly wisdom.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=1%20Timothy%202:1-4&version=NKJV

Other reasons to pray:

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Luke 6:38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%206:38&version=NKJV

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Galatians 6:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Galatians%206:8&version=NKJV

Sermons from Good News: Prayer equals Godly wisdom, part 2

Church 11/3/2021

Sermon series thesis: Prayer equals Godly wisdom

The Bible says God cannot lie.

The Bible also says that Satan is the father of lies.

Satan tries to get you not to pray.

God is not the author of confusion; Satan is. If you’re experiencing confusion, it’s not from God.

Last week we looked at the story of Daniel when prayer was made illegal in Babylon. Daniel prayed anyway. It got him through all sorts of trials.

Tonight’s thesis: Jesus teaches us the importance of prayer

When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the Twelve. While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one, Lord?” He replied, “One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!” Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?” And Jesus told him, “You have said it.”
Matthew 26:20-25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2026:20-25&version=NLT

Pause: addressing a common false statement that God “made” Judas Iscariot betray him. Yes, God knew that Jesus would die for the world’s sins. But Judas still made a choice.

Using the analogy of God hardening pharaoh’s heart. In reality, Satan tempted pharaoh and he fell. Likewise, Satan tempted Judas to betray Jesus, and he fell.

More in-depth scriptures about how big a problem it is to tempt another person: (especially a little child)

“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.
Matthew 18:5-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2018:5-6&version=NLT

“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck.
Mark 9:42 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Mark%209:42&version=NLT

Jesus describes judgment for those who cause temptation:

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin.
Luke 17:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Luke%2017:1-2&version=NLT

The point is, not only did God not cause Judas to betray Jesus (in the same way that He did not cause pharaoh to harden his heart against the Israelites), but He also has stiffer judgments for those who tempt others or cause others to stumble. That said, people still have the power to choose, whether to follow temptation or whether to resist it. And that’s what happened here.

As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”
Matthew 26:26-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2026:26-29&version=NLT

Jesus was saying that it is now His blood to remember and not the blood from the paschal lamb in the days of Moses.

Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
Matthew 26:30-41 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2026:30-41&version=NLT

Especially verse 41, Jesus knew that Peter was going to betray Him. But He also knew that Peter stood a better chance of not giving into the temptation that would lead him to betray Him by not falling asleep but instead staying up and praying while He prayed.

Our spirits, especially once we are saved, want to pray. Our spirits lead us to pray. Then there’s the flesh, the “old self,” who doesn’t want to pray.

Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!” And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.” Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear. “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly?
Matthew 26:42-53 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%2026:42-53&version=NLT

Prayer is important. We can pray for anything and in boldness. In verse 53, Jesus reminded His disciples who were there with Him that, even in spite of being arrested at that moment, He still held all the power in the world, and therefore had the power to call on all the angels to assist them. Prayer is indeed that powerful.

Part 3 next Wednesday.