In the video titled “June 25 worship” by LivingStone Church, the pastor leads a worship service where he discusses various aspects of scripture and its accuracy in predicting the future. He mentions a special anniversary for John Hazel, reads and discusses Luke 18:31-34, and provides a QR code for those who want to follow along with the scripture. The pastor emphasizes the importance of scripture as a reliable source for knowing the future and one’s eternity, comparing it to the inaccuracy of weather apps and other means of predicting the future. He encourages listeners to align their lives with the will of God and trust in His plan, highlighting the central message of the New Testament that Jesus came to die on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. The video also includes announcements for upcoming events and meetings at LivingStone Church.
June 25 Worship
Introduction to the Worship Service
Welcome to the June 25 worship service at Livingstone Church! We are so excited to gather together and worship with you today. As we come before God, let us open our hearts and minds to receive His Word and allow it to transform us. The purpose of this worship service is to deepen our understanding and appreciation of Scripture, and to explore the accuracy of its predictions for the future. So, prepare yourself to engage with the Word of God and be spiritually uplifted.
Special Anniversary Recognition
Before we dive into our study of Scripture, we would like to take a moment to recognize a special anniversary. Today marks the 10th anniversary of Livingstone Church! We are incredibly grateful for all that God has done in and through this community over the past decade. Let us take a moment to reflect on His faithfulness and goodness as we continue to grow in our love for Him and for one another.
Reading and Discussion of Luke 18:31-34
Our Scripture focus for today is Luke 18:31-34. In this passage, Jesus gathers His disciples and reveals to them the future events that await Him in Jerusalem. It is a profound and pivotal moment in His ministry, and one that highlights the disciples’ lack of understanding and comprehension. Together, let us explore this passage and glean wisdom from Jesus’ words.
Provided QR Code for Scripture
To enhance your engagement with the Scripture passage, we have provided a QR code that you can scan with your mobile device. This will give you immediate access to the passage in your preferred translation. This way, you can follow along closely with the text and make personal connections as we discuss it further. We encourage you to take advantage of this digital tool and fully immerse yourself in the Word of God.
Prayer for Understanding and Appreciation of Scripture
Before we continue, let us pray together. Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your Word. We ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide and illuminate our minds as we study Scripture today. Help us to understand and appreciate the depths of Your truth, and empower us to align our lives with Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Comparison of Weather App and Scripture
Pastor’s Lack of Trust in Weather App
Have you ever experienced the frustration of relying on a weather app only to find it completely inaccurate? Our pastor, Pastor John, shared a humorous anecdote during his sermon about his lack of trust in these apps. He recounted a time when he planned an outdoor event based on a sunny forecast but ended up being soaked in a downpour. This humorous story serves as a relatable starting point to discuss the inherent limitations of weather forecasts and how it relates to the accuracy of Scripture in predicting the future.
Inaccuracy of Weather Forecasts
Weather forecasts, although helpful in planning our daily activities, are often known for their inconsistencies and inaccuracies. With changing weather patterns and unforeseen factors, it can be challenging for meteorologists to provide precise predictions. We have all experienced moments when the weather forecast failed to align with reality, leaving us surprised or inconvenienced.
Comparing Accuracy of Scripture in Forecasting the Future
In contrast to the unpredictability of weather forecasts, the Bible has proven to be remarkably accurate in its predictions for the future. Throughout Scripture, we find numerous prophecies that have been fulfilled with astonishing precision. These prophecies cover a wide range of topics, including the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the rise and fall of nations, and the end times.
Continuing Study of the Gospel of Luke
Jesus’ Divine Appointments on the Way to Jerusalem
As we dive deeper into the Gospel of Luke, we encounter Jesus on His journey to Jerusalem. Each step along the way, Jesus has divine appointments that are orchestrated by His Father. These encounters not only demonstrate God’s perfect timing but also provide valuable lessons for us as His followers. It is essential for us to slow down and reflect on these encounters, as they reveal profound truths about entering the Kingdom of God.
Earlier Teachings on Entering the Kingdom of God
Throughout His ministry, Jesus emphasized the importance of entering the Kingdom of God. He taught that it is not merely about religious rituals or external appearances, but rather a heart transformation and a surrendering of our lives to Him. In Luke’s Gospel, we see Jesus calling His followers to a radical commitment to Him and a willingness to give up everything for the sake of the Kingdom.
The Concept of Giving Up for Jesus
Giving up for Jesus is a recurring theme in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus challenges His disciples, and us, to let go of our worldly attachments and put Him above all else. This radical call to discipleship requires us to count the cost and be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of following Jesus. As we study Luke’s Gospel, we will discover how this concept plays out in Jesus’ predicted journey to Jerusalem.
Jesus’ Predictions and Disciples’ Lack of Understanding
Jesus Takes His Disciples Aside
In Luke 18:31, we see Jesus taking His disciples aside and revealing to them what is about to happen. This private conversation sets the stage for the upcoming events in Jerusalem and gives the disciples a glimpse into Jesus’ mission. It is a moment of intimacy and vulnerability as Jesus shares the path that lies ahead.
Informing Them about His Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus informs His disciples about the purpose of His journey to Jerusalem, which is foretelling His betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection. This disclosure is significant because it reveals not only Jesus’ divine foreknowledge but also His willingness to endure unimaginable suffering for the redemption of humanity. The disciples, however, struggle to grasp the gravity and significance of Jesus’ words.
All the Prophetic Writings about the Son of Man
Jesus ties His predictions to the prophecies found throughout the Old Testament. He emphasizes that everything that will happen to Him has already been foretold in Scripture. This serves as a powerful reminder that Scripture is not just a collection of ancient writings but a divine revelation that unfolds according to God’s plan.
Prediction of Handed Over, Ridicule, Abuse, and Death
Jesus openly predicts His impending betrayal, mocking, abuse, and death at the hands of the religious leaders and Gentile authorities. He holds nothing back, revealing the painful reality that awaits Him. It is a moment of vulnerability and truth, showcasing Jesus’ unwavering commitment to fulfilling His Father’s will.
Reassurance of Rising Again on the Third Day
Amidst the darkness of Jesus’ predictions, there is a glimmer of hope. He reassures His disciples that He will rise again on the third day. This promise of resurrection provides a ray of light that illuminates the ultimate victory over sin and death that Jesus will accomplish through His sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection.
Disciples’ Lack of Understanding and Comprehension
Despite Jesus’ clarity in predicting His upcoming suffering and resurrection, the disciples struggle to comprehend His words. They are unable to grasp the true significance of Jesus’ predictions, likely because they do not align with their preconceived notions of the Messiah’s mission. This lack of understanding reminds us of the limitations of our human comprehension and the need for divine revelation.
Emphasis on Scripture’s Accuracy in Predicting the Future
Critique of Reliance on Psychics, Astrologers, and Fortune Tellers
In a world where people often seek guidance from psychics, astrologers, and fortune tellers, it is crucial to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of such sources. Scripture offers a critique of these practices, highlighting their limitations and potential spiritual dangers. Unlike these questionable sources, the Bible presents itself as a trustworthy guide for righteous living and knowledge about the future.
Importance of Scripture as a Guide for Righteous Living
Scripture presents itself as the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance for righteous living. Its principles and teachings provide a solid foundation upon which we can build our lives. The Bible offers timeless truths and moral standards that counter the shifting cultural norms of our day. By aligning our lives with Scripture, we can navigate the complexities of life and make decisions that honor God.
The Ultimate Question of Where One Will Spend Eternity
One of the ultimate questions that Scripture addresses is where one will spend eternity. It presents a clear distinction between accepting Jesus as Savior and spending eternity in Heaven or rejecting Him and experiencing the consequences in Hell. The stakes are profound, and Scripture’s accuracy in predicting these eternal destinies invites us to carefully consider our response to the message of the Gospel.
Central Message of the New Testament
The central message of the New Testament revolves around Jesus Christ and His redemptive work. Scripture repeatedly affirms that salvation is found in Jesus alone. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life to all who believe in Him. This message holds the power to transform lives and provide hope for the future.
Accepting Jesus as Savior and Eternal Life in Heaven
Scripture’s accuracy in predicting the future serves as a call to action. It invites us to consider our response to the Gospel message and to trust in Jesus as our Savior. By accepting Him, we secure our eternal destiny in Heaven and experience the abundant life that He offers in the present. This decision is a personal one, requiring faith and surrender to Jesus’ lordship.
Rejecting Jesus and Spending Eternity in Hell
On the other hand, rejecting Jesus as Savior has dire consequences. Scripture makes it clear that those who reject Him will spend eternity separated from God in Hell. This is not a pleasant reality to contemplate, but it serves as a solemn warning. It compels us to take Scripture seriously and acknowledge the eternal significance of our faith or lack thereof.
Reliability of Scripture for Knowing the Future and Eternity
As we examine Scripture’s accuracy in predicting the future and addressing questions of eternity, we find a foundation of reliability. Scripture’s track record of fulfilled prophecies and internal consistency provides us with confidence in its authority. It stands as a trustworthy source for knowing the future and understanding God’s plan for humanity.
Jesus’ Alignment with Prophetic Scriptures
Jesus’ fulfillment of the prophecies found in the Old Testament further affirms the reliability of Scripture. His life, death, and resurrection mirror the prophetic writings in astonishing detail. Jesus’ alignment with these predictions attests to His divine authority and validates the message He proclaimed during His earthly ministry.
Believers Aligning Lives with the Will of God
Scripture’s accuracy in predicting the future ultimately calls believers to align their lives with the will of God. As we study and internalize the Word of God, we are equipped to make decisions and live our lives in a way that honors Him. Scripture serves as a priceless compass, guiding us through life’s challenges and leading us on the path to eternal life.
Navigating Life with God’s Word
Certainty of God’s Word
In a world filled with uncertainties, questions, and competing voices, God’s Word stands as an unchanging and certain foundation. Scripture provides us with answers to life’s most pressing questions, offers comfort in times of distress, and offers guidance on how to live in a way that pleases God. As we navigate life’s twists and turns, we can rest assured that the Word of God remains a steadfast and reliable source of truth.
Consequences of Suppressing the Truth
The Bible warns of the consequences that arise from suppressing the truth found within its pages. Ignoring or disregarding the Word of God can lead to confusion, moral decay, and spiritual shipwreck. God offers us His truth not as a burden, but as a means of protection and guidance. By embracing the truths found in Scripture, we can avoid the pitfalls that result from suppressing the truth.
Preventing Pitfalls and Shipwrecked Lives with Scripture
Scripture serves as a preventative measure, helping us avoid the pitfalls that can derail our lives. By immersing ourselves in God’s Word, we gain wisdom that enables us to make wise decisions and live in a way that honors Him. The principles and teachings found in Scripture act as a compass, ensuring that we stay on course and avoid the shipwrecked lives that result from disobedience and unwise choices.
Suffering and Sacrifices on the Road to Jerusalem
The road to Jerusalem that Jesus and His disciples traveled was a path of suffering and sacrifice. It was a road paved with selflessness, obedience, and surrender to the will of the Father. As believers, we are called to walk a similar road, embracing the suffering and sacrifices that come with following Jesus. Scripture equips and empowers us to endure and persevere through life’s challenges and trials.
The Atonement and Salvation through the Cross
One of the fundamental truths found in Scripture is the atonement and salvation offered through the cross of Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches that Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross paid the price for our sins and offers us forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and eternal life. This central message of the Gospel is our hope and our anchor as believers.
Walking the Road to Jerusalem as Believers
Walking the road to Jerusalem as believers means embracing the journey of discipleship with humility, selflessness, and a willingness to surrender our lives to God’s plan. Scripture provides us with the guidance and encouragement needed to navigate this road and become more like Jesus. It challenges us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him wholeheartedly.
Continuation to Resurrection and Eternal Life
The road to Jerusalem does not end in suffering and sacrifice. It continues to resurrection and eternal life. Just as Jesus conquered death and rose again, Scripture assures us that all who believe in Him will experience the same resurrection and enjoy eternal life in His presence. The suffering and sacrifices we endure in this life are not in vain but are a means to an eternal and glorious end.
Sharing Faith, Bearing Burdens, Discipling Others, and Serving
Scripture invites believers to actively engage in sharing their faith, bearing one another’s burdens, discipling others, and serving. It provides us with the motivation, encouragement, and wisdom needed to fulfill these important aspects of our Christian walk. By aligning our lives with Scripture and allowing it to transform us, we can become vessels of God’s love and instruments of His healing in a broken world.
Sacrifice and Reward in Heaven
Scripture reminds us that the sacrifices we make in this life are not in vain but are met with an eternal reward in Heaven. Our obedience, faithfulness, and sacrificial love will be recognized and rewarded by our Heavenly Father. This reality, as portrayed in Scripture, motivates us to persevere in our walk with Christ and to live each day with an eternal perspective.
Testimony of the Spirit and Understanding Suffering
Discussion of the Testimony of the Spirit
The testimony of the Spirit is a concept that emphasizes the active presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Scripture affirms that the Spirit testifies to the truth found in the Word of God and enables believers to understand and discern spiritual realities. It is through the testimony of the Spirit that we gain a deeper understanding of suffering and find hope in the midst of it.
Being Children and Heirs of God with Christ
Scripture describes believers as children and heirs of God, co-heirs with Christ. This incredible truth speaks to our identity and the privileges we have as children of the King. It also points to the future glory and inheritance that awaits us. As we embrace our identity as children of God, we can navigate suffering with a knowledge of our eternal hope and the assurance of our standing in Christ.
Sacrificing and Suffering for Jesus’ Sake
Scripture teaches that sacrificing and suffering for Jesus’ sake is part of the Christian journey. Jesus Himself endured great suffering and calls us to follow in His footsteps. While suffering is never easy or desirable, Scripture provides us with the assurance that our suffering is not in vain. It has redemptive purposes, draws us nearer to God, and can be used to bring about His purposes in our lives.
The Cluelessness of the Disciples
The disciples’ cluelessness in the face of Jesus’ predictions is a relatable aspect of their journey. It reminds us that even those closest to Jesus struggled to fully understand the deep realities of His mission. Scripture acknowledges our limitations and assures us that, through the Holy Spirit, we can grow in understanding and wisdom. It is a journey of faith, where we continually lean on God’s guidance and seek His understanding.
Trusting in God’s Plan and Future Understanding
As we grapple with suffering and seek understanding, Scripture encourages us to trust in God’s plan and future understanding. While we may not fully comprehend the reasons behind our suffering in the present moment, we can have confidence that God is working all things together for our good. His ways and wisdom are far beyond our limited understanding, and in due time, He will reveal the purpose behind our trials.
Upcoming Events and Meetings at Livingstone Church
Before we conclude our worship service, we would like to inform you of some upcoming events and meetings at Livingstone Church. We encourage you to stay connected and engage with the various opportunities for fellowship, learning, and service within our church community. You will find details about these events in our weekly bulletin, which can be found on our website or picked up at the church’s information desk.
Membership Meeting and Building Fund Update
We would like to remind all members of Livingstone Church about our upcoming membership meeting. This meeting is an opportunity for us to come together as a body of believers, review important updates, and discuss matters concerning our church community. Additionally, there will be a building fund update during this meeting, where we will provide information about our progress in achieving our goals for facility expansion and improvement.
Instructions for Giving Tithes and Offerings
Lastly, we would like to remind everyone about the importance of giving tithes and offerings. Scripture teaches us the principles of giving back to God a portion of what He has blessed us with. Our giving enables the work of the church to continue and supports our mission of spreading the Gospel. If you would like to give, please refer to the giving instructions in our bulletin or on our website.
In conclusion, today’s worship service has provided us with a comprehensive exploration of Scripture and its accuracy in predicting the future. We have delved into Jesus’ predictions, the disciples’ lack of understanding, and the significance of aligning our lives with God’s Word. As we continue to navigate life with the guidance of Scripture, may we grow in our understanding and appreciation of the truth and experience the transforming power of the Gospel in our lives.