We meet Sundays at 10am at the Edinboro YMCA. Our vision is to Love God, Love Others and Make Disciples!

Edinboro Community Church

I. A People Hoping for Rescue. (Romans 15:8) 
Genesis 3:15; Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; Hosea 11:1 
 
 
II. A Hope for the Nations. (Romans 15:9-12) 
2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 117:1; Ezekiel 37:27-28; Isaiah 11:1; Luke 1:50; Romans 9:16; Ephesians 2:4-5; Philippians 1:6 
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III. Abound in Hope Abroad. (Romans 15:13) 
Psalm 130:5; Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 7:19

I. A People Hoping for Rescue. (Romans 15:8)
Genesis 3:15; Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; Hosea 11:1


II. A Hope for the Nations. (Romans 15:9-12)
2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 117:1; Ezekiel 37:27-28; Isaiah 11:1; Luke 1:50; Romans 9:16; Ephesians 2:4-5; Philippians 1:6
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III. Abound in Hope Abroad. (Romans 15:13)
Psalm 130:5; Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 7:19

The Unexpected Messiah: “The Hope of Christmas” Romans 15:8-13

Main Idea: Jesus Christ is the perfectly sufficient Priest-King who has made a final, effective atonement for his people. 
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I. Jesus is the Perfect Priest. (Hebrews 7:11-12, 26-28) 
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II. Jesus is the Royal Priest. (Hebrews 7:13-14) 
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III. Jesus is the Eternal Priest. (Hebrews 7:15-18, 23-25) 
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IV. Jesus is the Better Hope. (Hebrews 7:19) 
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V. Jesus Brings a Better Covenant. (Hebrews 7:20-22) 
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VI. Jesus is Superior. (Hebrews 8:1-5) 
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VII. Jesus’ Covenant is Superior. (Hebrews 8:6-13) 
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This better covenant has better promises: 
1. God’s law is put into minds 
2. God’s law is written on hearts 
3. He will be our God; we will be His people 
4. He is merciful toward us in our iniquities 
5. He remembers our sins no more

Main Idea: Jesus Christ is the perfectly sufficient Priest-King who has made a final, effective atonement for his people.
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I. Jesus is the Perfect Priest. (Hebrews 7:11-12, 26-28)
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II. Jesus is the Royal Priest. (Hebrews 7:13-14)
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III. Jesus is the Eternal Priest. (Hebrews 7:15-18, 23-25)
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IV. Jesus is the Better Hope. (Hebrews 7:19)
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V. Jesus Brings a Better Covenant. (Hebrews 7:20-22)
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VI. Jesus is Superior. (Hebrews 8:1-5)
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VII. Jesus’ Covenant is Superior. (Hebrews 8:6-13)
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This better covenant has better promises:
1. God’s law is put into minds
2. God’s law is written on hearts
3. He will be our God; we will be His people
4. He is merciful toward us in our iniquities
5. He remembers our sins no more

"Jesus' Priesthood" Hebrews 7:11–8:13

1. Significance of Names 
Genesis 5 
Adam - man 
Seth - appointed 
Enosh - mortal 
Kenan - sorrow 
Mahalalel - the blessed God 
Jared - descend 
Enoch - dedicated/teaching 
Methuselah - death 
Lamech - despairing 
Noah - rest 
 
2. Significance of Events 
1 Corinthians 10:4, John 3:14-15, Joshua 4, Joshua 3:16 
 
3. Significance of Places 
Genesis 22:2, 1 Chronicles 21:15, 2 Chronicles 3:1 
 
 
A. My bad 
B. Jesus' good 
 
John 3:14-16

1. Significance of Names
Genesis 5 
Adam - man
Seth - appointed
Enosh - mortal
Kenan - sorrow
Mahalalel - the blessed God
Jared - descend
Enoch - dedicated/teaching
Methuselah - death
Lamech - despairing
Noah - rest

2. Significance of Events
1 Corinthians 10:4, John 3:14-15, Joshua 4, Joshua 3:16

3. Significance of Places
Genesis 22:2, 1 Chronicles 21:15, 2 Chronicles 3:1


A. My bad
B. Jesus' good

John 3:14-16

“Jesus: The Center of It All” Hebrews 7:1-10

I. Grow out of the Basics (Hebrews 6:1-3) 
 
Hebrews 6:1–3 – “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.” 
 
Mark 1:15 – “and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.'” 
 
Acts 2:38 – “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” 
 
Acts 3:19 – “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,” 
 
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II. Time Reveals the Heart (Hebrews 6:4-8) 
 
Hebrews 6:4–8 – “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.” 
 
Matthew 18:15-17 – “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” 
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III. How to Fight Against Unbelief 
 
1. Store up God’s word in your heart 
 
2. Gather with God’s people 
 
Hebrews 10:19–25 – “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” 
 
3. Encourage one another (Accountability) 
 
 
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Discussion Questions: 
 
1. Why is the temptation to try to earn our salvation through works so strong? Why do we still sometimes find ourselves returning to fruitless attempts to win God’s favor through works even though we know better? 
 
2. The author of Hebrews was encouraging his people not to divide their trust in Christ’s righteousness with things that could not save them. In what elementary doctrines of the faith do you sometimes trust rather than resting in the righteousness secured for you in Christ? 
 
3. What does it mean to recrucify the Son of God? 
 
4. Why can’t this warning be referring to true believers losing their salvation? Why can’t the warning be merely hypothetical? 
 
5. How can believers be confident that their salvation is secure? What are some of the marks of true conversion and genuine salvation? Can we actually ever be sure, this side of heaven, if someone is a genuine believer? Why or why not? 
 
6. How does the tension between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility play itself out in this passage? Are there other places in Scripture where you see this tension? If so, list them. 
 
7. How does this author use God’s sovereignty and “if God permits” in verse 3 to motivate his congregation into prayerful and obedient action? 
 
8. How do other agricultural illustrations in the Bible inform our reading of this warning passage? What does the author want to enforce by using this illustration? 
 
9. Why is it significant that the author concludes this warning with words of hope in Hebrews 6:9–10? How does this encourage you? 
 
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R. Albert Mohler Jr., Exalting Jesus in Hebrews (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2017), Heb 6:4–8.

I. Grow out of the Basics (Hebrews 6:1-3)

Hebrews 6:1–3 – “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.”

Mark 1:15 – “and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.'”

Acts 2:38 – “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 3:19 – “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,”

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II. Time Reveals the Heart (Hebrews 6:4-8)

Hebrews 6:4–8 – “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the 

"Continued Growth in Christ Is the Norm" Hebrews 6:1-8

​I. The Diagnosis: Dull Hearing (Hebrews 5:11) 
Hebrews 5:11 – “About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.” 
 
Luke 10:27 – “And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’” 
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II. The Symptom: Childish Understanding (Hebrews 5:12-13) 
Hebrews 5:12-13 – “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.” 
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1. Failure to know and grow 
 
Matthew 28:20 – “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 
 
James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” 
 
2. Getting back to the basics 
 
3. Milk and moral immaturity 
 
1 Corinthians 3:1-2 “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready,” 
Mohler - “…Spiritual immaturity leads to moral immaturity. Spiritual immaturity leads to believers who live according to the flesh rather than the spirit.” 
 
4. The word of righteousness 
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III. The Remedy: Discerning Power (Hebrews 5:14) 
Hebrews 5:14 – “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” 
 
1 Corinthians 14:20 – “Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.” 
Maturity is a way of thinking 
 
Ephesians 4:13 – “until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” 
 
Philippians 3:15 – “Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” 
 
Colossians 1:28 – “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” 
 
Colossians 4:12 – “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.” 
 
Hebrews 6:1 – “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,”

​I. The Diagnosis: Dull Hearing (Hebrews 5:11)
Hebrews 5:11 – “About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.” 

Luke 10:27 – “And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’”
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II. The Symptom: Childish Understanding (Hebrews 5:12-13)
Hebrews 5:12-13 – “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.” 
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1. Failure to know and grow

Matthew 28:20 – “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” 

2. Getting back to the basics

3. Milk and moral immaturity

"Pursuing Growth In Christ" Hebrews 5:11-14

I. The Role of the Priest (Hebrews 5:1-4) 
II. The Call of Jesus as the High Priest (Hebrews 5:5-6) 
III. Jesus the Chosen and Perfect High Priest (Hebrews 5:7-10)

I. The Role of the Priest (Hebrews 5:1-4)
II. The Call of Jesus as the High Priest (Hebrews 5:5-6)
III. Jesus the Chosen and Perfect High Priest (Hebrews 5:7-10)

"Jesus: The Chosen High Priest" Hebrews 5:1-10

1. God's Rest 
Hebrews 4:1, 8, 11; Revelation 14:13 
 
2. Unbelief Keeps Us From God's Rest 
Hebrews 3:19 
 
3. The Word of God Gives Us Rest 
Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 11:28-29

1. God's Rest
Hebrews 4:1, 8, 11; Revelation 14:13

2. Unbelief Keeps Us From God's Rest
Hebrews 3:19

3. The Word of God Gives Us Rest
Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 11:28-29

"Jesus: Our Rest in God" Hebrews 4:1-13

I. Enjoy Life God's Way (Ecclesiastes 11:7-10) 
 
1 Corinthians 7:2 
Exodus 20:14 
 
II. Turn to God Before Aging Robs You (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7) 
 
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 
2 Corinthians 6:14 
1 Corinthians 15:33 
 
a. Before the Evil Days Come 
b. Before the Astrological Lights Go Out 
c. Before the Silver Cord Snaps 
 
Romans 5:12-14 
 
III. Trust in Jesus as Your Savior and Sage (Ecclesiastes 12:8-14) 
 
2 Timothy 3:15 
Galatians 3:13

I. Enjoy Life God's Way (Ecclesiastes 11:7-10)

1 Corinthians 7:2
Exodus 20:14

II. Turn to God Before Aging Robs You (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7)

Deuteronomy 6:4-9
2 Corinthians 6:14
1 Corinthians 15:33

a. Before the Evil Days Come 
b. Before the Astrological Lights Go Out
c. Before the Silver Cord Snaps 

Romans 5:12-14

III. Trust in Jesus as Your Savior and Sage (Ecclesiastes 12:8-14)

2 Timothy 3:15
Galatians 3:13

Greater Than: “Jesus Is Greater Than Aging” Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14

I. The Dissatisfaction of Money. (Ecclesiastes 5:10-17) 
 
1. Want (Ecclesiastes 5:10) 
Luke 12:22–34 
 
2. Wealth Suckers (Ecclesiastes 5:11) 
 
3. Weariness (Ecclesiastes 5:12) 
 
4. Wounds (Ecclesiastes 5:13) 
 
5. Wealth Lost (Ecclesiastes 5:14) 
 
6. Womb to Tomb (Ecclesiastes 5:15-16) 
 
7. Wretch (Ecclesiastes 5:17) 
 
 
 
II. True Satisfaction. (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12; 5:18-6:12) 
 
1. Relationships (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12) 
 
2. Contentment (Ecclesiastes 5:18-6:9) 
 
3. Jesus (Ecclesiastes 6:10-12)

I. The Dissatisfaction of Money. (Ecclesiastes 5:10-17)

1. Want (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
Luke 12:22–34 

2. Wealth Suckers (Ecclesiastes 5:11)

3. Weariness (Ecclesiastes 5:12)

4. Wounds (Ecclesiastes 5:13)

5. Wealth Lost (Ecclesiastes 5:14)

6. Womb to Tomb (Ecclesiastes 5:15-16)

7. Wretch (Ecclesiastes 5:17)



II. True Satisfaction. (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12; 5:18-6:12)

1. Relationships (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12)

2. Contentment (Ecclesiastes 5:18-6:9)

3. Jesus (Ecclesiastes 6:10-12)

Greater Than: "Jesus Is Greater Than Money" Ecclesiastes 4:7-12; 5:10-6:12

Matthew 6:7 - “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.” 
 
Matthew 23 
 
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I. Christ Guards our Steps (Ecclesiastes 5:1) 
 
Ecclesiastes 5:1 - “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.” 
 
 
II. Christ Redeems our Talk. (Ecclesiastes 5:2-3, 6-7) 
 
Ecclesiastes 5:2-3, 6-7 - “Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words... Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.” 
 
 
III. Christ enables Integrity (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5) 
 
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - “When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.” 
 
Matthew 7:21–27 – "“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”” 
 
Numbers 30:2 – “If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.” 
 
James 1:22 – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” 
 
Acts 5:1–11 – “But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.” 
 
 
IV. Christ Models Fearing God (Ecclesiastes 5:7) 
 
Ecclesiastes 5:7 - “For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.”

Matthew 6:7 - “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.”

Matthew 23

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I. Christ Guards our Steps (Ecclesiastes 5:1)

Ecclesiastes 5:1 - “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.”


II. Christ Redeems our Talk. (Ecclesiastes 5:2-3, 6-7)

Ecclesiastes 5:2-3, 6-7 - “Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words... Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.”


III. Christ

Greater Than: "Jesus Is Greater Than Religion" Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

1. The Nature of Time (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) 
 
“This poem reveals the great absurdity of life because each activity cancels the other out. There are 14 pluses and 14 minuses, and that adds up to zero.” - Alistar Begg 
 
"‘Whatever may be our skill and initiative, our real masters seem to be these inexorable seasons: not only those of the calendar, but that tide of events which moves us now to one kind of action which seems fitting, now to another which puts it all into reverse.’ We are not sure they will have any total meaning, and we cannot stand outside the events of life and view them ‘from the beginning to the end’. All this puts mankind in his place, far from being master of his fate and captain of his soul." - Michael Easton 
 
 
2. The Change of Perspective (Ecclesiastes 3:9-13) 
 
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) 
 
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:18-21) 
 
"When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head." - Charles Spurgeon 
 
Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; (Genesis 3:17) 
 
 
3. The God of Time (Ecclesiastes 3:14-15)

1. The Nature of Time (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

“This poem reveals the great absurdity of life because each activity cancels the other out. There are 14 pluses and 14 minuses, and that adds up to zero.” - Alistar Begg

"‘Whatever may be our skill and initiative, our real masters seem to be these inexorable seasons: not only those of the calendar, but that tide of events which moves us now to one kind of action which seems fitting, now to another which puts it all into reverse.’ We are not sure they will have any total meaning, and we cannot stand outside the events of life and view them ‘from the beginning to the end’. All this puts mankind in his place, far from being master of his fate and captain of his soul." - Michael Easton


2. The Change of Perspective (Ecclesiastes 3:9-13)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness 

Greater Than: “Jesus Is Greater Than Time” Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

I. The Pursuit of Pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11) 
 
“God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him.” 
 
(John Piper) 
 
2 Timothy 3:1-5 – “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” 
 
Psalm 147:11 – “but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.” 
 
Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” 
 
Ecclesiastes 9:7 – “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.” 
 
Ecclesiastes 10:19 –“Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything.” 
 
James 4:14 – “yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” 
 
II. The Waste of Wisdom (Ecclesiastes 2:12-17) 
 
1 Peter 3:10 – “For ‘Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;’” 
 
John 1:4 – “In him [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men.” 
 
John 5:26 – “For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.” 
 
John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” 
 
John 11:25 – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live’” 
 
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” 
 
John 6:35 – “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’” 
 
III. The Wretch of Work (Ecclesiastes 2:18-23) 
 
1 Timothy 6:6-7 – “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” 
 
IV. God Gives Meaning to Life (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26) 
 
Ephesians 2:4-6 – “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,”

I. The Pursuit of Pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11)

“God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him.”

(John Piper)

2 Timothy 3:1-5 – “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”

Psalm 147:11 – “but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.”

Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Ecclesiastes 9:7 – “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.”


Greater Than: "Jesus is Greater Than the American Dream" Ecclesiastes 2:1-26

Main Idea: Jesus overcame the weakness of men, remained faithful even through sorrow and attacks to fulfill His call to rescue men. 
 
I. The Inevitable Fall (Mark 14:26-31) 
Matthew 26:30-35; Luke 22:31-34 
Psalm 118 
 
II. The Loneliness of Sorrow (Mark 14:32-42)​ 
Matthew 26:36–46; Luke 22:40–46 
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III. The Attack on Christ (Mark 14:43-52) 
1. Attack from Judas 
2. Attack from the crowd​ 
3. Attack by the disciples on the crowd 
4. Attack on Christ by the disciples

Main Idea: Jesus overcame the weakness of men, remained faithful even through sorrow and attacks to fulfill His call to rescue men.

I. The Inevitable Fall (Mark 14:26-31)
Matthew 26:30-35; Luke 22:31-34
Psalm 118

II. The Loneliness of Sorrow (Mark 14:32-42)​
Matthew 26:36–46; Luke 22:40–46
​
III. The Attack on Christ (Mark 14:43-52)
1. Attack from Judas
2. Attack from the crowd​
3. Attack by the disciples on the crowd
4. Attack on Christ by the disciples

Let's Go: “The King Who Suffers Alone” Mark 14:26-52

I. Jesus Embraced His Future (Mark 14:12-16) 
 
1. The Plan of God 
 
1 Corinthians 5:7– “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” 
 
John 1:29– “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” 
 
2. The fears of our hearts 
 
3. The control of Christ 
 
Hebrews 12:2– “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” 
 
1 Peter 1:20–“He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you” 
 
II. Jesus Endured Betrayal (Mark 14:17-21) 
 
Psalm 41:9– “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” 
 
1 John 1:9– “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 
 
III. Jesus Served to the End (Mark 14:22-25) 
 
Jeremiah 31:31-34– “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” 
 
Luke 22:20– “And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” 
 
1. Taken as a symbol (Mark 14:22-23) 
 
1 Corinthians 11:26– “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” 
 
2. Instituted by Jesus (Mark 14:22-24) 
 
3. Taken to remember Christ (Luke 22:19) 
 
Luke 22:19– “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”” 
 
4. Taken until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26) 
 
1 Corinthians 11:26– “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” 
 
5. Taken after self-examination 
 
1 Corinthians 11:28-29– “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.”

I. Jesus Embraced His Future (Mark 14:12-16)

1. The Plan of God

1 Corinthians 5:7– “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” 

John 1:29– “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” 

2. The fears of our hearts

3. The control of Christ

Hebrews 12:2– “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” 

1 Peter 1:20–“He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you” 

II. Jesus Endured Betrayal (Mark 14:17-21)

Psalm 41:9– “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” 

1 John 1:9– “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse

Let's Go: "The First Last Supper" Mark 14:12-25

Main Idea: Not everyone will value Christ, but that shouldn’t change how we show sacrificial love for Him 
 
I. Hatred opposes His Value (Mark 14:1-2) 
 
Mark 14:1-2 – “It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.” 
 
Matthew 26:1-5 “When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”” 
 
Luke 22:1-2 – “Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.” 
 
John 1:5 – “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” 
 
 
II. Betrayal disregards His Value (Mark 14:10—11) 
 
Mark 14:10-11 – “Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.” 
 
Matthew 26:14-16 “Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.” 
 
Luke 22:3-6 “Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.” 
 
Hebrews 10:23 – “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” 
​ 
 
III. The Surpassing Worth of Christ (Mark 14:3-9) 
 
Matthew 26:6-13; John 12:1-8 
 
1. He is worth it! (Mark 14:3) 
 
2. Not everyone will understand His worth. (Mark 14:4-5) 
 
John 12:4-5 – “But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’” 
 
3. Not everyone will understand your actions. (Mark 14:6-7) 
 
4. Your value of Christ will be remembered. (Mark 14:8-9) 
 
​ 
IV. Giving Honor Today

Main Idea: Not everyone will value Christ, but that shouldn’t change how we show sacrificial love for Him

I. Hatred opposes His Value (Mark 14:1-2)

Mark 14:1-2 – “It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”

Matthew 26:1-5 “When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.””

Luke 22:1-2 – “Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests an

Let's Go: "The Surpassing Worth of Christ" Mark 14:1-11

Main Idea: The marriage relationship should be centered on Christ and made up of sacrificial love, submission and respect. 
 
Ephesians 5:22–33 – “22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” 
 
Hebrews 13:4 
​ 
I. Praying Singles 
1 Corinthians 7:7; Genesis 2:18; James 1:5 
 
II. Holy Submissive Wives (Ephesians 5:22, 33) 
Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 15:28; 1 Corinthians 11:3–12 
 
III. Sacrificial loving Husbands (Ephesians 5:23-33) 
Colossians 3:19 
​ 
1. Be a Spiritual leader (Ephesians 5:23-27) 
 
2. Give her personal affirmation/appreciation 
Proverbs 31:28-29; Song of Solomon 4:1-7; Song of Solomon 6:4-9; Song of Solomon 7:1-9; 
​ 
3. Show personal affection (romance) 
Song of Solomon 6:10; Song of Solomon 6:13; Ephesians 5:28-29; Ephesians 5:33 
 
4. Initiate intimate conversation 
Song of Solomon 2:8-14; Song of Solomon 8:13-14; 1 Peter 3:7 
 
5. Always be honest and open 
Ephesians 4:15; Proverbs 15:22-23 
 
6. Provide home support and stability 
1 Timothy 5:8 
 
7. Demonstrate family commitment 
Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:19; Proverbs 14:26 
 
 
Closing Questions: 
 
Singles - Are you praying to become the man/woman that is marry-able? 
 
Wives - Are you blessing your husband with the gift of submission and respect as an act of worship? 
 
Husbands - Does your wife feel fed and loved by you? 
Do you think that after Jesus your wife would say she has the first place in your heart? 
Because your wife is married to you, does that help or hurt their relationship with Christ? 
 
​ 
Questions for your marriage: 
 
Men, here are a few questions to ask yourself: 
Is your wife moving toward health and wholeness? 
Does she have a support system? 
Has she been consistently doing things that give her life? 
Does she have margin (or is she making space) to commune with God in a way that resonates with her? 
 
Soul care questions to ask your wife: 
What has caused you unrest lately? 
What has brought you joy? 
What can you delegate? 
What would you change about our lives right now?

Main Idea: The marriage relationship should be centered on Christ and made up of sacrificial love, submission and respect.

Ephesians 5:22–33 – “22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body

Relationships That Work: "The Recipe for a Marriage That Works" Ephesians 5:22-33

Main Idea: We should be on guard so we are not deceived or anxious about the end times. 
 
Matthew 24:1-25, 46; Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:5-36 
 
I. Don’t be led Astray. (Mark 13:1-5) 
 
Mark 12:24; Matthew 24:4; 2 Timothy 3:12-15 
 
II. Don’t be Alarmed. (Mark 13:6-8) 
 
2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 John 2:18 
 
III. Don’t be Anxious. (Mark 13:9-13) 
 
2 John 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:21-22; John 15:20; John 16:33; 1 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 5:10; Matthew 6:25–34; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7; 1 Peter 4:16 
 
IV. Don’t Accept False Christ’s. (Mark 13:20-22) 
 
Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:31; Daniel 12:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-9; Matthew 24:15; 1 Peter 2:5; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 20:30-31 
 
V. Be Alert. (Mark 13:9, 23) 
 
One way to be alert today: Trust Jesus’ Words

Main Idea: We should be on guard so we are not deceived or anxious about the end times.

Matthew 24:1-25, 46; Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:5-36

I. Don’t be led Astray. (Mark 13:1-5)

Mark 12:24; Matthew 24:4; 2 Timothy 3:12-15 

II. Don’t be Alarmed. (Mark 13:6-8)

2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 John 2:18 

III. Don’t be Anxious. (Mark 13:9-13)

2 John 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:21-22; John 15:20; John 16:33; 1 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 5:10; Matthew 6:25–34; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7; 1 Peter 4:16

IV. Don’t Accept False Christ’s. (Mark 13:20-22)

Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:31; Daniel 12:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-9; Matthew 24:15; 1 Peter 2:5; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 20:30-31

V. Be Alert. (Mark 13:9, 23)

One way to be alert today: Trust Jesus’ Words

Let's Go: "Approaching the Future" Mark 13:1-23

Good morning church! Please comment and let us know if you're watching with us this morning. 
 
Join us as Pastor Jim from HCC continues our sermon series, "Freedom." 
 
Be sure to check out edinboro.org or our app for sermon notes! 
 
CCLI Copyright License: 11388839 
CCLI Streaming License: CSPL134537

Good morning church! Please comment and let us know if you're watching with us this morning.

Join us as Pastor Jim from HCC continues our sermon series, "Freedom."

Be sure to check out edinboro.org or our app for sermon notes!

CCLI Copyright License: 11388839
CCLI Streaming License: CSPL134537

Edinboro Community Church Videos