Pastor Richard
The Invitation: “Let’s do lunch” by Pastor Richard Daughtridge
Ever been hungry?
My mom was a good cook. She baked homemade biscuits at every meal. She had the best fried chicken you’ve ever tasted. Her cakes were so moist not one crumb would fall when pressed to the bottom side of a fork. Continue reading
The Measure of a Good Friend by Richard Daughtridge
Ever felt betrayed by someone?
Being betrayed by a friend is the emptiest of feelings. All trust seems to cave in around you. I’ve often wondered how Jesus must have felt as Judas kissed him. I believe that Judas had a choice, even though the betrayal was predicted. Heartbreak and betrayal are inevitable in all our lives. It can come as a result of bad choices, selfish pride, or even innocent misunderstandings.
The Bible gives us guidelines to help us not only recover from such conflicts but it offers advice to maintain relationships, preventing such hurt. We can enjoy friendships that can last a lifetime. Continue reading
“What now? I’m bought with a price. ” By Richard Daughtridge
The ransom has been paid. Jesus’ blood is now shed for the atonement of man once and for all. Christ has rescued all humanity which were enslaved by sin and Satan.
At Easter we were mesmerized with the story of humanity’s rescue. The Rescuer died saving us all.
God the Father then raised him from the dead. The search and rescue continues through the power of that resurrection.
We are invited to join the rescue effort for those who haven’t been rescued.
We here at Jacob’s Church realize that we as a congregation and as individuals must establish priorities and plans. We must now get our rescue plans under way.
The Apostle Paul describes establishing such priorities and ambitions as becoming like bond slaves as an act of our own choice.
We all have callings and ideas. We must all work together to allow such passions to become reality.
An idea is only a wasted thought, unless we prioritize and initiate a dream.
I’ve always said, “Faith is like a seed that must be planted in our world in order to flower in our lives.”
James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
The definition of faith includes “corresponding action”.
What should our priorities be, individually, and for our church?
In his letter to the church at Ephesus the Apostle Paul gave an outline of Christ’s plans for such priorities and achievements. Let’s break it down relating to today’s church and set priorities for our lives and allow this outline to become our dream for Jacob’s Church.
Ephes. 4:10-15 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) [11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: [14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; [15] But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Matthew 20:27-28 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant (doulos, greek for slave, added by pastor ): [28] Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Our Priorities:
1. Perfecting of the Saints
a. Worship “They will worship in Spirit and Truth”
b. Word “Thy word have I hid in my heart.”
c. Will “Thy will be done on earth.”
2. Working of the Ministry
a. Jerusalem “Thy Kingdom Come”
b. Judea “Sent them out one by one.”
c. The uttermost parts of the earth. “Go ye into all the world”
3. Edifying of the Body of Christ
a. Friendships that work “Submission to one another.”
b. Gatherings that meet with God and each other. ” Broke bread”
4. Unity of the Faith
a. Study together
b. Pray together
c. Respect one another.
5. Walking in love and speaking truth.
a. We all submit to a higher authority
b. How we speak to each other is as important as what we say.
c. We can be real and honest with each other and all our hurts healed as we submit to Christ and each other.
Remember we are slaves and have by our choice surrendered selfish ambitions and desires.
Today we at Jacob’s Church continue our journey into bond slavery we choose through an act of our will. Our Master and Lord deserves our best.
Three Long Days and Nights by Pastor Daughtridge
Last week we examined the passion drama stage that was chosen by God, the city of Jerusalem. The prophesies that were fulfilled were very detailed. The roller coaster of the human experience that was full of rejection, worship, betrayal, and then a king’s welcome that turned from Hosannas to an angry mob crying, Crucify him! Then we fast forwarded from the moment that he went into Jerusalem on a Donkey Colt to the future next triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We examined the premonitions that Christ must have battled, as God, knowing the future events that would take place. Jesus the man followed well the directions from the Father, living out every atrocity placed on him. He was careful not to compromise a single penalty or punishment that belonged to the human race. Righteousness required Justice.
We have examined Christ’s passion.
John 19:1-3 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. [2] And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, [3] And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.
Now let’s experience the moments of the next three days with his followers, the witnesses and even the some victims. Let’s empathize with them what they must have felt.
1.Christ’s traumatized followers?
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
What was finished?
What about his followers?
What the beloved disciples must have thought as they entered into that first of three sleepless nights?
They must have been experiencing over and over the haunting flashbacks of the things that they had heard him say.
What could these things mean?
“I lay my life down.”
“I am Thirsty.”
“You will be with me in paradise.”
“ Thou sayest that I am a king.”
“ To this end was I born”
“ I am the way, the truth, and the life”
“I am the resurrection”
“Weep Not for me.”
” I lay down my life for the sheep”
“I will be killed, and after three days rise again.”
“For this is my blood of the new testament”
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
Did anything make sense? Was he now dead? Is all hope gone?
2. The Women of the Crucifixion Drama
Mary and Martha
John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Claudia, Pilate’s unnamed wife. (She was unnamed in the Bible but later identified by historians).
Matthew 27:19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Daughters of Jerusalem
Luke 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
Women that followed him from Galilee
Luke 23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
Jesus’ mother, Mary the wife of Cleophas, Mary Magdalene
John 19:25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
3. Is he dead? Where is He? Should we have a funeral? Many are the questions, but few are answered.
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Rev. 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Ephes. 4:8-9 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. [9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth
4. Days of Doubt, Fear and Funeral Planning
Luke 23:55-56 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. [56] And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Mark 14:15 And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us. (This must be the place they would meet. This part inserted by Pastor)
5.Then it happened. The resurrection.
Luke 24:1-2 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. [2] And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
Luke 24:6-7 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, [7] Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
Three long days and nights are now over. He Lives!, and we were raised with Him.
“Excuse me. Can you direct me to Jerusalem?” by Pastor Daughtridge
How good are you at giving or following directions?
Jerusalem -Name means: Foundation of Shalem. What does that mean?
The place is first noticed when Abraham was blessed by a high priest named Melchisedec.
This was about 3,925 years ago. It from that point became the stage of time and prophecy as well as became the true passion stage.
Let’s go there and experience the place that witnessed this drama. Let’s go to Jerusalem. How do we get there?
You must pass by now the Chapel of the Ascension
Luke 24:50-51 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven”
Go past the Church of All Nations
Matthew27:36 “And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray”
Go past Church of Dominus Flevit, which means The Lord Wept,
Luke 19:41-42 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, [42] Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
From there you will see the Via Dolorosa (Path of Sorrow or “Way of the Cross”)
Luke23: 26-28 “And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children”
Oh and if you notice on your journey see the mountain side carved out like a skull? When you see that you’re at Jerusalem.
The place in ancient Aramaic was Golgotha, the Scull.
There you come across The Holy Sepulcher A really huge temple. :Al-Qeyamah means Resurrection. Built about 400 AD
It wasn’t there when Christ arrived only three crosses, two thieves and a vicious blood thirsty mob.
Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
If you continue out the Damascus Gate you see a grave area. There is a Garden Tomb.
Christ however needed no directions. He drew the maps over history.
John 1:3
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Here’s how he came that day.
On a Donkey Colt.
John 12:12-15 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, [13] Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. [14] And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, [15] Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
Oh but when he comes back to Jerusalem and he will he come:
On a Great White Stallion
Rev. 19:11-16
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. [12] His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. [13] And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. [14] And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. [15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. [16] And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
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