North Avenue Church Podcast

Mark and Greg discuss one of the more difficult covenants to grasp, especially in how it relates to the New Covenant. Many differences among Christians spring from disagreements regarding how we understand the Mosaic Covenant today. You can watch this message here.

INTRODUCTION: Context: “At that time” (v 25a) John the Baptist doubting (v 1-15) Crowds rejecting both John & Jesus (v 16-19) Entire cities of Galilee rejecting Jesus (v 20-24) Jesus could be tempted toward discouragement, but instead He praises and thanks God. One pastor writes, “And in this moment when the Lord Jesus could have been profoundly discouraged. Here is the first great effort to spread the gospel to the surrounding countryside and many, many, many people had rejected that message, had rejected His miracles. He could have been very downcast. I want you to see that in that context, the Lord Jesus lifts up a prayer of thanksgiving to His heavenly Father…and in that prayer He contemplates God’s sovereignty. He contemplates God’s wisdom. And He contemplates the fact that God has caused some to respond to the gospel.” When you are facing circumstances that tempt you toward discouragement or sinful anger… 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Deliberately choose to thank and praise God for His goodness, even in unp

Jerry, Papa Fred, and Jared discuss God's providence has Esther reveals Haman's wicked plot to the king and Haman is hung on his own gallows.

I. His Rebuke of Unappeasable Critics (vs. 16-19) The illustration Jesus used (16-17) The reality Jesus addressed (18-19) The point Jesus made (19) II. His Condemnation of Unrepentant Cities (vs. 20-24) They were condemned for rejecting Him (20) Their condemnation was justly severe (22, 24) You can watch this message here.

Erin and Kelly spent about half an hour answering questions from high school seniors about their comments on biblical motherhood.

Kelly and Erin spoke to Mark's high school senior Bible class this week about biblical womanhood, marriage, and motherhood and how it contrasts with popular feminist ideas.

I. JOHN DOUBTS JESUS (v 1-3) It came during a year long trial (in prison, v 2) It came from false expectations about Jesus (v 2-3) It came from a limited view of what Jesus was doing (v 2) But John still knew to take his doubts to Jesus (v 2) II. JESUS REASSURES JOHN (v 4-6) Jesus pointed John to His actions and to Scripture (v 4-5)Isaiah 35:4-5; Isaiah 61:1-2 Jesus pronounces those blessed who trustingly submit to Him (v 6) III. JESUS REASSURES THE CROWD ABOUT JOHN (v 7-15) Jesus says we can trust John because… John wasn’t blown around by popular opinion (v 7) John wasn’t soft, posh, or given to impressing kings or other elites (v 8) John was a prophet (v 9) John was more than a prophet because the OT foretold his ministry (v 9-10, 13-15) Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1 (v 10); Malachi 4:5 (v 13-15) John was the greatest man ever born before Jesus (v 11) John’s imprisonment is part and parcel of the coming of the kingdom as the kingdom is opposed by violent people (v 12) Yet the least in the kingdom is greater th

This week Mark and Greg argue that God makes only one covenant with Abraham not two. In other words, Genesis 15 and 17 describe one overall covenant about land and offspring. They also argue that the covenant with Abraham is both unconditional and conditional, and it is not until the New Testament that this tension is finally and clearly resolved. You can watch the message here.

Jerry, Papa Fred, and Jared lead us through chapter six of Esther.

The Abrahamic covenant is essential to rightly understanding all that comes after it in Scripture. It is important that we understand it in its context in Genesis and in its wider canonical context. This is, Lord willing, the first of two weeks on God's covenant with Abraham. You can watch the message here.

Have no fear because… The truth will ultimately be revealed to all (v 26-27) Your soul can’t be harmed by man (v 28) Your Father is in control (v 29-31) Jesus will acknowledge you before His Father (v 32-33, 38-39) You represent the King (v 40-42, 25) Verses 34-37 were covered in the previous message. You can watch the message here.

Jerry, Scott, Papa Fred, and Jared walk through Esther 5. (Title borrowed from ESV headings.)

The Covenant with Noah can too easily get neglected as we learn to put our Bibles together, yet this covenant should not be overlooked or minimized! To paraphrase Tom Schreiner, in this covenant God assures us that the world will remain until the promise of Genesis 3:15 will be fulfilled. You can watch the message here.

Introduction: Sheep, Wolves, Serpents, & Doves (v 16) Religious & political opposition and a promise (v 17-20) Familial opposition and a promise (v 21-23, 34-37) Christ-likeness in and through opposition (v 24-25) You can watch the message here.

Jerry, Papa Fred, and Jared discuss how a trust in God's providence can lead to action on behalf of others.

In Pentecostal theology it is not uncommon to hear that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is available after conversion as a "second blessing" in the Christian life. The implication is that the baptism of the Spirit is separated by time from conversion and that not all Christians today experience it. Is this what Scripture teaches? What do we do with Acts 8? You can watch this message here.

This is an emotionally charged issue that must be decided by carefully exegesis, nor our experience. What does Scripture teach the gift of tongues is in reality? Why do we believe tongues and prophecy have ceased in early church history? You can watch this message here.

The parallels between Adam and Christ are stunning and the New Testament draws them out clearly. They also seem to indicate a covenant of creation with Adam. You can watch this message here.

I. An urgent need revealed (9:35-38) A pattern of ministry established (v 35) A compassion for people displayed (v 36) A harvest of souls to recognize (v 37) A prayer for laborers to be sent (v 38) II. A motley crew assembled (10:1-4) An unnatural power is bestowed (v 1) An unlikely group is gathered (v 2-4) III. An initial mission commenced (10:5-15) It focused on the Jews (v 5-6) It focused on preaching (v 7) It focused on miracles (v 8) It was short-term (v 8b-10) It had eternal consequences for its hearers (v 11-15) You can watch this message here.

Jerry, Papa Fred, and Jared discuss the evil plans Haman makes against the Jewish people in this chapter.