The first question was asked by Nicodemus, a religious ruler
"How can a man be born again?"
John 3:4
The answer…
Jesus
John 3:16

The second question was asked by the prison warden at Philippi
"What must I do to be saved?"
Acts 16:30
The answer...
Jesus
Acts 16:31

The third question was asked by The Lord’s faithful servant, The Apostle Paul
"Who shall deliver me?"
Romans 7:24
The answer...
Jesus

Romans 7:25

Jesus is the answer to our questions and our needs!

Three Great Questions by Three Different Men with One Great Answer

Lesson Four: The message of the "Life of Jesus"

Intro: Today and next week we will discuss God's ultimate motivation for motivating the work of missions = Jesus. Today we will look at Jesus' life.

1. The words of Jesus motivate us to do missions.
• The first "public" words of Jesus were about missions. Matt. 4:17-19
• Jesus began His ministry doing missions. Ref Matt 4:17
• The first men He called was about doing missions. Ref. Matt. 4:18
• The primary reason to follow Jesus is to do missions. Ref. Matt:419
• The words of Jesus compel us to do missions. Luke 14:23; Mk 16:15; John 4:35; 9:4

2. The example of Jesus' life motivates us to do missions.
• Jesus chose the life that enabled Him to do missions. Luke 2:49
• He chose not to be distracted by this world. Luke 9:56-58
• He chose to give His life for the Father's will = missions. John 3:16; 10:18; Luke 22:42

3. The passion and compassion of Jesus' life motivated us. Matt. 9:35-38
• The life of Jesus was involved in reaching people. V35
• Matt chapter nine is one day in the exciting life of Jesus:
- Jesus is on the way to heal a man's daughter. Ref v18-19
- Jesus heals a woman who touched His garment. Ref v20-22
- Jesus raises the girl from the dead. Ref v25
- Jesus heals two blind men. Ref v27-29
- Jesus casts out a demon so a man could speak. Ref v32-33
• Jesus saw the People and was moved with compassion. V36
• Jesus saw the need for missions. 37= the harvest
• Jesus told the disciples to do something about it = missions v38

Conclusion: Certainly the words and life of Jesus motivate us to do missions!

God’s Messages for Motivating Missions Part 4 | Adult Bible Class

God’s Love | Part Eight: Heaven, God’s Loving Home
Psalm 91:1, 4; John 14:2-3; Ephesians 5:25

Seven Stages of the Ancient Jewish Wedding
1.	The Covenant – A binding proposal from the young man
2.	The Cost – Money was offered to show sincerity
3.	The Cup – They drank juice together to publicly ratify the covenant
4.	The Chamber – The groom returns to his father’s house to build on to it 
5.	The Coming – The groom comes with torches at midnight for his bride
6.	The Completion – They emerge from the home together 
7.	The Celebration – A grand supper and big reception with everyone

The Gospel in the Jewish Wedding
1.	The Covenant – Jeremiah 31:32 — The Church 
2.	The Cost – Jesus on Calvary
3.	The Cup – The Last Supper
4.	The Chamber – Jesus preparing a heavenly home
5.	The Coming – The Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)
6.	The Completion – The Marriage of the Lamb
7.	The Celebration – The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Luke 23:43; Colossians 3:2

Six Qualities of Our Coming Loving Home
1.	An Abiding Place – John 14:1–3; Psalm 11:4
2.	A Delighting Place – Psalm 16:11; Philippians 3:21; Luke 16:25; Revelation 14:13; Luke 23:43; Revelation 7:15; Ephesians 3:18–19; Hebrews 12:23
3.	A Comforting Place – 1 Corinthians 13:12; Matthew 8:11; 2 Samuel 12:23; 1 Corinthians 15:49
4.	A Supporting Place – Hebrews 12:22–23
5.	A Serving Place – Matthew 25:23; Revelation 22:3; Psalm 40:3; Revelation 5:9; John 5:17
6.	A Loving Place – 1 Corinthians  5:2, 8; Romans 5:5; Psalm 27:4


Gods Love Part 8

Lesson Five: The message of the "Suffering of Jesus"

Text: Luke 24:44-49

Intro: Last week we discussed the ultimate motivation for doing missions = Jesus. We saw that we are motivated by the life of Jesus, today we will see that God motivates us by the suffering of Jesus. In our text, Jesus motivated His disciples by reminding them of His suffering.

1. Jesus said the Pentateuch, the prophets and the psalms foretold of His sufferings. VS44. See VS 26-27 = No doubt He recalled these Old Testament texts:
• The Passover lamb. Ref: Ex. 12:21-23; Mk 14:12
• The serpent on the tree. Ref: Numb. 21:9
• His agony on the cross. Ref: Psalm 22 = future perfect present tense
• The suffering servant. Ref: Isa. 50:6; 52:14; 53:1-7

2. Jesus said the truth of His suffering is to be preached in all the world. VS47
• This is the purpose for the power of the Holy Spirit. VS49; Ref: Acts 1:8
• This was the message of the New Testament church. Acts 2:22-23; 1 Cor. 15:1-5;Phil. 2:8; Heb. 2:9; Acts 8:32, 34-35

3. Jesus said those who witness His suffering are accountable to tell of it. VS48
• This is the "great" commission. Ref: Mark 16:15, Matt. 23.19-20
• The disciples witnessed Jesus’ suffering. 1 John 1:2-3; Ref Matt. 27
• The Scripture says all those who know of Jesus’ suffering are to tell it. 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Heb. 12:1-2 – we know ref: James 4:17

Conclusion: To see and not say is a crime, to know and not tell is sin. Surely the life and suffering of Jesus motivates us to do missions!

God’s Messages for Motivating Missions Part 5 | Adult Bible Class

Part 9 – The Greatest Truth Is That God Is Love
John 3:16; 1 John 4:8; 1 John 4:16; Malachi 1:1–2; 2 Corinthians 5:14

Four Ways God's Love Transforms Us
 1. God's Love Conveys Us – 1 John 4:19

2. God's Love Consoles Us – Matthew 19:19; Romans 12:3; 1 Corinthians 15:10

3. God's Love Compels Us
2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 John 4:11; John 15:12–13; 1 John 3:10, 4:8; John 13:35

Three Ways To Show Love
●	By Encouraging One Another
1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14; Romans 15:4
●	By Edifying One Another
Ephesians 4:29; Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 14:12
●	By Entertaining One Another
Romans 12:13; James 2:2–3; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

4. God's Love Commissions Us
Matthew 22:37–39; Galatians 6:10; Romans 13:8, 5:8


Gods Love Part 9

Lesson Six: Motivated by the mission work of the New Testament Church

Intro: God inspired Dr. Luke to record the mission work of the early church, the book of Acts, to inspire every church and Christian to do the work of missions. Their miraculous success has motivated others for two thousand years now.

1. We are motivated by their obedience to the Savior.
• They obeyed the Lord's command to wait for power. Ref. Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4; 8
• They obeyed the Lord's command to have unity in love. Acts 1:14; John 13:34-35; Eph. 4:3
• They obeyed the Lord's command to pray. Acts 1:14; Matt. 9:38; Luke11:13; 18:1
• Because they obeyed, the Lord gave His promise. Acts 2:4,11,
• They obeyed the Lord's command to go. Ref. Mark 16.15; Acts 118; See Acts 5:19, 20; 8:4,26
• They obeyed the Lord's command to send missionaries. Acts 13:2-5

2. We are motivated by their boldness to preach the Gospel.
• The example of the apostle Peter. Ref Acts 2:22-24. See Acts 3:14-16
• The example of Peter & John. Acts 4,13,19-20
• The example of all the disciples. Acts 5:41-42; 7:58-60
• The example of Paul and Barnabas. Acts 13:46; 26:27-28

3. We are motivated by their bountiful success = souls saved!
• They began with approximately 120, Acts 1:15
• 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:41
• 5,000 souls saved another day in Jerusalem. Acts 4:4
• The believers multiplied and Jewish priests were saved. Acts 6;7
• The cities of the known world were evangelized. Acts 17:4,6; 20:17

Conclusion: When we do the work of missions; missions' works!

God’s Messages for Motivating Missions Part 6 | Adult Bible Class

Message #1: The Grace to Keep Going
2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Five Important Principles of Strength in Times of Adversity:
1. God’s Design in Affliction – 2 Corinthians 12:7; Matthew 23:12

2. God’s Disruption in Affliction – 2 Corinthians 12:7

3. God’s Distribution in Affliction – 2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Corinthians 15:10, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 2 Corinthians 13:4

4. God’s Development in Affliction – 2 Corinthians 12:9–10

5. God’s Declaration in Affliction – 2 Corinthians 12:10

Three Truths to Remember About Adversity:
1. Adversity is Appointed – Deuteronomy 32:10; Isaiah 43:4, Psalm 30:5, Psalm 34:18, Psalm 41:3

2. Adversity is Beneficial – Cultural commentary. John 15:2. Parable of the apple tree and the thorn bush

3. Adversity is Temporary – 2 Corinthians 4:17, 1 Peter 1:6, 1 Peter 5:10, Isaiah 35:10


Strength for the Journey Part 1

Lesson Seven: The Message of Salvation

Intro: God inspired the New Testament to reveal and explain His marvelous and wonderful plan of salvation. The doctrine of soteriology. Paul called it the glorious gospel. God gave us these truths to inspire us, motivate us, to tell the world about His salvation. Ref. Psalm 51:12. Time would not permit to discuss this thoroughly so we will look at the famous salvation formula as found in Romans chapter 10.

1. The doctrine of salvation. Rom. 10:1-4
• Salvation begins by someone having a burden for souls. V1 = the missionary. Paul's heart's desire was for souls to be saved.
• God Himself began the work of missions. Ref John 3:16; 1 John 4:10
• Salvation comes by knowing truth not religious zeal. Rom. 10:2
• Salvation is having God's righteousness not self- righteousness. Rom. 10:3; Phil. 3:9
• Jesus is the only way to attain God's righteousness = salvation. V4; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 2:2

2. The plan of salvation. Rom. 10:8-13
• Salvation is by grace through faith. Rom 10:8; Ref Eph. 2:8-9
• Salvation comes by confessing the Lord Jesus. Rom. 10:9a; 1 John 4:2, 15; 1 Cor. 12:3
• Salvation comes by believing the whole gospel. Rom. 10:9b-10 = Jesus died, was buried and rose from the grave! Rom. 5:8-9; 1 Cor. 15:1-4
• Salvation comes by calling on the name of the Lord. Rom. 10:13; Acts 4:12

3. The preaching of salvation = the perpetuity of the gospel. Rom. 10:14-17
• The purpose of missions is to tell lost souls of salvation. Rom. 10:14
– How can they call if they don't believe? – How can they believe if they have never heard? – How can they hear unless someone tells them?
• The purpose of the church is to send missionaries. Rom. 10:15a
• The duty of the Christian is to go tell. Rom. 10:15b

Conclusion: There is something beautiful about those who tell = their feet.

God’s Messages for Motivating Missions Part 7 | Adult Bible Class

Psalm 71:7
Proverbs 30:26
Psalm 71:1

The Certainty of Adversity
1 Peter 4:12
What Kinds Of Adversities Can We Expect?
●	From Disturbances (Psalm 71:4)
●	From Disquietude (Psalm 71:9)
●	From Discord (Psalm 71:10–13)
●	From Disillusionment (Psalm 71:20)

The Consequences of Adversity
 Subtitle: Examining David’s feelings
●	Defenselessness (Psalm 71:2–3)
●	Weakness (Psalm 71:7)
●	Helplessness (Psalm 71:11)
●	Seriousness (Psalm 71:12)

The Counter to Adversity
 David’s Four Important Steps:
1.	He Prayed The Attributes Of God:
 ✓ Remembered God’s Honor (V.8)
 ✓ Acknowledged God’s Power And Strength (V.18)
 ✓ Remembered God’s Truth (V.22)
 ✓ Recalls God’s Compassion (Vv.4–6)
2.	He Praised The Goodness Of God (Psalm 71:6, 8, 9, 15, 22, 23, 24)
3.	He Proceeded In Consecration To God (V.18)
4.	He Proclaimed His Trust In God (V.21)
1 Peter 1:7
Psalm 71:19

Strength for the Journey Part 2

Lesson Eight: The Message of the Lord’s Return

Text: Matthew 24:27-31

Intro: Knowing that Jesus is returning someday has motivated Christians of every generation and aspect of life, especially to do the work of missions. Acts 1:9-10. Time does not permit to explain all of the doctrinal implications of this great subject so we will look at it in the light of doing missions = winning souls

1. Jesus told, warned, us that He was returning. Matt. 24:30
• He warned the saved would be gathered in Heaven. Matt. 24:31; 1 Thess. 4:16-18; 2 Thess. 2:1
• He warned of His imminent return. Matt. 24:36; 1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Pet. 3:9-10
• He warned the unsaved would not go to Heaven. Matt. 24:38-41
◦ They will suffer in the tribulation period. Matt. 24:29; Rev. 6:16-17
◦ They will be condemned for eternity. John 3:18-19, 36
◦ They will be in Hell. Luke 16:23; Rev. 20:14-15

2. Jesus told us to watch for His return.
• He told us to watch so we would be ready. Matt. 24:42-44
• He told us to watch so we would be faithful. Matt. 24:45-46; Matt 25:13-15, 21; 2 Cor. 5:10
• He told us to look up to Heaven. Luke 21:25-28
• He told us to look on the Harvest fields. John 4:35

3. Jesus told us to win the lost before He returns.
• Jesus came the first time to win the lost. Luke 19:10; John 10:10-11
• Jesus said one day it will be too late to win the lost. John 9:4 = That's why Jesus tells us to go: Ref. Mark 16:15; Matt. 28:19-20
• We must win the lost while we have the dispensation of grace. Eph. 2:8-3; Rom. 10:13; 2 Thess. 2:10-12; Rev. 18:23 – That's why the Holy Spirit and the bride plead for souls to be saved. Rev. 22:17

Conclusion: I pray we have been motivated to do the work of missions. Thank you for allowing me to teach this series. Love and prayers.

God’s Messages for Motivating Missions Part 8 | Adult Bible Class

Lesson 3: A Psalm of Help
Psalm 42:4; 1 Peter 2:11; Genesis 47:9; Psalm 119:54 

I. The Anticipation of Divine Help (vv. 1–2)
● Look around and be distressed (v. 1)
Psalm 125:1–2
● Look inside and be depressed (v. 1)
Psalm 121:1
● Look at Jesus and be blessed (v. 2)
John 8:58; Colossians 1:16–17

II. The Assurance of Divine Help (vv. 3–8)
● He is your Protector (vv. 3–4)
● He is your Defender (vv. 5–6)
Matthew 26:64; Isaiah 25:4
● He is your Preserver (vv. 7–8)
– From evil deeds (v. 7a)
– In earthly desires (v. 7b)
– Always, every day (v. 8a)
– For an eternal destiny (v. 8b)

Three Great Questions by Three Different Men with One Great Answer

The Home Church of Lodi