Welcome back to LivingStone Church Worship Service on October 1, 2023! It’s wonderful to see familiar faces returning after their absence. In this recorded video, we begin with greetings to our congregation members who have rejoined us. The sermon, based on Luke 20:41-44, explores the concept of “Undercover Boss” to highlight the significance of truly knowing the identity of Jesus Christ. Jesus challenges the religious leaders’ belief that he is merely David’s son, affirming instead that he is a descendant of King David. By referencing Psalm 110, Jesus questions how he can be both David’s son and Lord at the same time, challenging the religious leaders’ theological foundation. The video concludes by reminding us of God’s promise to King David in 2 Samuel 7, known as the davidic Covenant, which Jesus fulfills. Don’t miss out on the profound insights and spiritual reflections presented in this worship service video!
LivingStone Church Worship Service Oct. 1, 2023
Greetings to Returning Congregation Members
Foreign Foreign Foreign Good stuff good morning Living Stones! Welcome home. You haven’t grown any since I last saw you! Also, welcome back to Linda Chubbock, who is back from surgery. We’re glad to have her back with us. Welcome, Lisa and Tommy, who have returned from the cold North. Tommy’s Costanza, George’s brother, of course. It’s good to have you back, Tommy! Wherever you are, there you are. Right, Ben? Back row as usual. Alright, are you ready? Let’s dig into Luke 20:41-44.
Sermon Based on Luke 20:41-44
The sermon today is based on Luke 20:41-44, where Jesus challenges the religious leaders and questions their belief that the Christ is David’s son. This passage serves as the starting point for our discussion on the importance of knowing the true identity of Jesus Christ. Just like the concept of “Undercover Boss” in the popular TV show, it is essential to recognize the true identity of Jesus to relate to Him properly.
Concept of ‘Undercover Boss’ to Illustrate the Importance of Knowing the True Identity of Jesus Christ
Have you ever watched the show “Undercover Boss”? It’s a fascinating concept where CEOs of companies go undercover as entry-level workers to experience their employees’ perspective and solve problems within their organizations. In the show, the employees have no idea that they are working alongside their boss. Once the true identity is revealed, the employees’ attitudes and perspectives change drastically, as they now recognize and respect their boss. Similarly, knowing the true identity of Jesus Christ is crucial for our relationship with Him and living according to His teachings.
Jesus Challenges the Religious Leaders
In Luke Chapter 20, Jesus challenges the religious leaders by questioning their belief that the Christ is David’s son. This belief was widely held in Israel, and it was taught by the religious leaders that a descendant of King David would come back and assume David’s throne, establishing a kingdom that would last forever. By posing this challenge, Jesus confronts the theological foundation of the religious leaders and prompts them to contemplate the true nature of the Christ.
Evidence from Psalm 110
To support his challenge, Jesus quotes Psalm 110, which reveals the deeper truth about the Christ. The psalm depicts a conversation between David and the Lord, where David acknowledges the Lord as his Lord. By calling the Christ Lord, David recognizes that the Christ is not just his son but also his superior. Jesus uses this evidence from Psalm 110 to question how the Christ can be both David’s son and Lord simultaneously, challenging the religious leaders to reevaluate their understanding.
Questioning the Theological Foundation of the Religious Leaders
Jesus’ challenge shakes the theological foundation of the religious leaders because it challenges their understanding of the Christ and the nature of His identity. It forces them to go beyond their preconceived notions and dig deeper into the Scriptures to unravel the mystery of the Christ. Jesus’ question ignites a critical examination of their beliefs and demands a more profound understanding of who the Christ truly is.
Mention of God’s Promise to King David in 2 Samuel 7
To establish the foundation for the challenge, Jesus refers to God’s promise to King David in 2 Samuel 7. In this promise, God declares that He will make a house for David and establish his kingdom forever through a descendant who will build a house for His name. This promise, known as the Davidic Covenant, includes three elements: David’s house or descendants, his throne, and his kingdom.
The Problem of the Descendant of David
The problem raised in the Scriptures is concerning the descendant of David who will be the Christ and establish a kingdom forever. According to God’s promise, the Christ must be a descendant of King David. This creates a theological challenge because the religious leaders fail to reconcile how the Christ can be both David’s son and his Lord.
The Davidic Covenant
The Davidic Covenant is the promise that God made to King David, assuring him that his descendants would rule over Israel forever. It includes the establishment of David’s house, his throne, and his kingdom. This covenant serves as the foundation for the recognition of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promise.
Jesus Christ as the Fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant
In Jesus’ earthly ministry, some people recognized Him as the Son of David, the long-awaited Messiah who would fulfill the Davidic Covenant. These individuals understood that Jesus was the descendant of David who would establish an everlasting kingdom. Jesus’ claim to be the Christ aligns with the prophecies and promises made to David, making Him the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant.
The Recognition of Jesus as the Son of David and Messiah
Throughout the New Testament, evidence is presented to support Jesus’ claim to be the Son of David and the Messiah. The recognition of Jesus as the true Christ has significant implications for our faith. It solidifies our understanding of His identity and confirms His authority as the one who fulfills the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament.
Jesus’ Deity Proven Through Quoting Psalm 110 and Other Evidence
Jesus not only claims to be the Son of David, but He also proves His deity through various means. By quoting Psalm 110 and raising this theological challenge, Jesus demonstrates His knowledge of the Scriptures and unveils the deeper truth about Himself. The New Testament further establishes Jesus’ deity, showcasing His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, miracles, and His resurrection from the dead.
Jesus as God in the Flesh
As we delve deeper into the identity of Jesus, we must understand that He is not merely a good teacher or a prophet. Jesus is God in the flesh, the second person of the Holy Trinity. This understanding sets Him apart from any other religious figure or influential leader throughout history.
The Formation of Cults Due to Distortions of Jesus’ Identity
Distortions of Jesus’ identity can lead to the formation of cults and false interpretations of Scripture. Groups such as Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Islam deviate from the orthodox Christian understanding of Jesus’ identity and His role in salvation. It is vital to discern the true identity of Jesus to avoid falling into the traps of false teachings and distorted doctrines.
Following Jesus’ Teachings as Absolute Truth
Recognizing Jesus’ true identity as the Son of God and the Messiah demands our full allegiance and devotion. His teachings are considered absolute truth, surpassing human wisdom and cultural norms. To live according to Jesus’ teachings means aligning our beliefs, values, and actions with His divine will, seeking to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Eternal Life Through Faith in Jesus
The fundamental message of Christianity is the offer of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Apart from Jesus, we are spiritually dead and objects of God’s wrath. The belief in Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity enables us to receive the gift of eternal life, experiencing a personal relationship with God that transcends our earthly existence.
Spiritual Death and God’s Wrath Without Jesus
Without Jesus, we are trapped in spiritual death and separated from God’s love. Our sins lead to our condemnation and separation from God. However, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross reconciles us to God and offers us the forgiveness and salvation needed to escape spiritual death and God’s righteous wrath.
Abundant Life Through Faith in Jesus
Following Jesus does not only guarantee eternal life, but it also offers us an abundant life on earth. Jesus came so that we may have life and have it abundantly. This abundant life encompasses spiritual, emotional, and relational fulfillment that transcends the temporary pleasures offered by the world.
The Thief Comes to Steal, Kill, and Destroy
The world entices us with temporary solutions for peace, joy, and satisfaction. However, these fleeting pleasures often lead to destruction and emptiness. The thief, referring to Satan, seeks to steal, kill, and destroy our lives, aiming to rob us of the abundant life that Jesus offers.
Chasing Worldly Pleasures Leads to Destruction
Worldly pursuits and the pursuit of temporary pleasures lead to destruction. The illusions of joy and satisfaction found in material possessions, power, and worldly success often leave us feeling unfulfilled and empty at the core. Jesus invites us to shift our focus from worldly pleasures to the eternal satisfaction found in a relationship with Him.
Abundant and Full Life Through Faith in Jesus
Through faith in Jesus, we can experience a life that is abundant and full. This life surpasses our circumstances and transcends the temporary pleasures offered by the world. Following Jesus enables us to find purpose, hope, and joy that is not dependent on external factors but rooted in the truth of His identity and His promises.
Temporary Solutions for Peace in the World
The world offers temporary solutions for peace, but they come with a price. The peace that the world provides is often based on shifting circumstances and subjective experiences. True peace can only be found in Jesus Christ, who offers a peace that surpasses understanding and is not contingent on external circumstances.
Deception and Destruction from Drug Addiction
One area where the world deceives and destroys lives is through drug addiction. Drug addiction promises temporary relief from pain but ultimately leads to destruction and devastation. Jesus understands the difficulties and pain of life and offers a path to true healing and freedom.
Jesus Understands the Difficulties and Pain of Life
Jesus, being fully God and fully human, understands the difficulties and pain we experience in this world. He is not distant or aloof but empathizes with our struggles, temptations, and sufferings. In Jesus, we find a compassionate Savior who can relate to our deepest struggles and walk alongside us in our journey.
True Peace through Belief and Walking with Jesus
True peace can only be found in Jesus Christ. By believing in Him, accepting Him as our Lord and Savior, and walking in His ways, we can experience peace that extends beyond circumstances and surpasses our understanding. True peace is not the absence of troubles but the presence of Jesus in our lives.
Abundance, Peace, and Eternal Life through Jesus
The invitation to follow Jesus extends beyond abundant life on earth. Through Him, we are offered not only temporal fulfillment but also eternal life and peace with God. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross opens the door to a restored relationship with the Creator, leading to everlasting joy, peace, and fulfillment.
The Lord’s Table and Remembering Jesus’ Sacrifice
As a community of believers, we come together to remember Jesus’ sacrifice through the Lord’s Table. The bread and the cup represent His body and blood, symbolizing His sacrifice for our sins. This act of remembrance is not merely a ritual but a powerful declaration of our faith in Jesus’ identity and our gratitude for His redemptive work.
Ushers and Communion Team Passing Out Elements
Our ushers and the communion team will be passing out the elements during the Lord’s Table. We invite you to participate in this significant act of remembrance and invite you to reflect on the true identity of Jesus Christ as you partake of the bread and the cup.
Visitor’s Card for More Information
If you’re a visitor with us today, we extend a warm welcome. We would love to connect with you and provide more information about our church. Please fill out a visitor’s card or scan the QR code provided to receive updates and connect with our community.
Joining a Small Group at LivingStone Church
Getting connected in a small group is a great way to grow in your faith and build meaningful relationships within the church community. We encourage you to join a small group at LivingStone Church. These groups meet regularly and provide a supportive environment for study, prayer, and fellowship.
Worship in the Woods on October 15th
Mark your calendars for Worship in the Woods on October 15th. We will be marking the new property and dedicating the land to God. This outdoor worship service will be a unique opportunity to experience God’s creation while coming together as a church community.
Dedication of Land to God at the Worship in the Woods
During Worship in the Woods, we will dedicate the newly acquired land to God. As a community, we will gather to stake our claim and consecrate the property for God’s purpose. This act of dedication symbolizes our commitment to honoring God in all that we do.
Writing Prayers and Bible Verses on Stakes
As part of the dedication process, we invite you to participate by writing prayers, Bible verses, or words of dedication on stakes. These stakes will be placed throughout the property, serving as a reminder of our commitment and prayers for God’s guidance and blessing.
Barbecue at the Sutton Ranch After the Worship Service
Following the Worship in the Woods, we will have a barbecue at the Sutton Ranch. This will be a time of fellowship, good food, and relaxation. We encourage you to bring your family and friends to enjoy this special event together.
Building Fund and Offering Boxes Available for Contributions
LivingStone Church has ongoing building projects and initiatives. If you feel led to contribute to our building fund or any other offerings, we have offering boxes available for your convenience. Your generosity helps us continue to impact lives and reach our community with the message of Jesus Christ.
Youth Group Meetings on Wednesday Nights with Pastor JR
If you have teenagers or know someone who does, we invite them to join our youth group meetings on Wednesday nights. Pastor JR leads these engaging and transformative gatherings where teenagers can grow in their faith, build friendships, and navigate the challenges of adolescence with biblical wisdom.
Thank you for being a part of today’s worship service. We hope you leave inspired and encouraged by the message of knowing the true identity of Jesus Christ. May we all continue to grow in our understanding and relationship with Him, experiencing the abundant life, peace, and joy that only He can provide.