THEME: Write one sentence about the topic. A MESSAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES!!!

EQUIP THE SAINTS!!!

✔️TRANSFORMATION!!!

✔️AMBASSADORSHIP!!!

✔️DISCIPLESHIP!!!

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

(Lay Leader) WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Slide Announcements:

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WE NEED YOU.

Volunteers needed.

Lay Leaders

Greeters

Ushers

Hospitality (provide Food for after service Fellowship)

Nusery and Sunday School Teachers.

Food Bank workers (meet the community).

Worship Leaders (see Pastor Dave).

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NIGHT OF PRAISE

Starts Sunday evening.

7:00 PM

2nd and 4th Sunday of each month

Starts on September 13.

Praise and Worship leaders (musicians) needed. (see Pastor Dave)

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THE FORGE MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Men’s Study and Fellowship Team

Every 4th Monday Evening

7:00pm

Starts on Monday, September 28

If you wish to know more about the group, watch the movie called “The Forge” (it’s a Christian movie).

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CALL TO WORSHIP

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Colossians 1 : 15-18

Colossians 1:15–18 NIV

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

(LAY LEADER) The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

(PEOPLE) For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.

(LAY LEADER) He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

(PEOPLE) And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.

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CHOIR / SONG🎵#58

Crown Him with Many Crowns

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Today’s Bible Reading

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(LAY LEADER) BIBLE (Reading): Matthew 16 : 13-17 (PAGE #1524)

Matthew 16:13–17 NIV

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.

(LAY LEADER) This is the Word of the Lord.

(PEOPLE) Thanks be to God!

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CHOIR / SONG🎵(Special Music)

Song Title

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Sharing Our Joys and Spiritual Needs

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(LAY LEADER) PRAYER NEEDS AND REQUESTS

[Go to front after Sharing of Prayer Requests.]

PASTOR: SILENT PRAYER

PASTOR: PASTORAL PRAYER for NEEDS.

1. Personal Prayer

Unspoken requests

Thanksgiving

Repentance and spiritual growth

2. Our Church Family

Warden Community Church

Spiritual health

Those who serve on the Boards and Committees

Teachers

Volunteers

Worship team

Ministries we currently have, and those ministries in development

Givers and stewards of this church

Unity and revival

3. Christ's Church Around the World

Missionaries and mission organizations

The persecuted church

Believers serving in difficult places

4. Those Who Suffer

Those battling illness

Those grieving

Those struggling with mental illness

Those battling addiction

The homeless

The hungry

The poor

Those in prison

Victims of abuse or violence

"We pray for all who are suffering physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually."

5. Our Community

First responders

Military

Teachers and schools

Local businesses and farmers

Local government

Neighboring churches

6. Evangelism

We pray for those who are seeking You,

those who have wandered from the faith,

and those who have never known Christ,

that Your Holy Spirit would draw them to repentance and faith."

7. Family and Friends

And we lift up our families, friends, and

and those close to our hearts,

that they may seek and find You, Lord.

8. Closing

Lord, we know there are countless needs known only to You.

Hear the cries that remain unspoken, and

accomplish Your perfect will for Your glory."

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And we pray as You, Lord, taught us to pray . . .

PASTOR: LORDS PRAYER or OTHER PRAYER (Bulletin)

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we

forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us

from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)

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(Lay Leader) GLORIA PATRI

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was

in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen, Amen.

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CHOIR / SONG 🎵#215

All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name

[GO TO THE PLATFORM BEFORE music ends.]

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PRAYER OF PREPARATION (for the message)

PASTOR: May the words of my mouth . . .

PEOPLE: And the meditation of our hearts,

be acceptable in Your sight,

O Lord, Our Strength and Our Redeemer.

Amen. (Psalm 19:14)

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Based on: Isaiah 55:10–11

Gracious God,

Thank You for giving us Your holy and living Word. We know that it never returns empty but always accomplishes the purpose for which You send it. We ask that today Your Word would convict the sinner, strengthen the believer, comfort the hurting, encourage the discouraged, restore the wandering, and draw each of us nearer to Jesus Christ. Keep me faithful to proclaim Your truth clearly and boldly, and let Your Spirit accomplish what only You can do. Amen.

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Liar, Lunatic, or Lord – Who is the Son of God?

Pastor Dave Marks

Warden Community Church

😁ANIMATED, EXPRESSIVE, PASSIONATE, POSITIVE. 😊❤️

1. Welcome 😊❤️

Good morning, everyone! What a gift it is to be together today. The church was never meant to be something we do alone — we were made for this, for fellowship, for worship, for life shared together. I'm so glad each one of you is here.

2. Welcome to Guests and Visitors

I want to extend a special welcome to all our guests who are with us, and to those visiting for the very first time—we’re truly glad you’re here. We pray you feel at home among us as we worship together.

3. Warden Community Church ⛪♥️

We are a Christ-centered, Bible-believing church where we pursue God together—through His Word, through prayer, and through lives of worship. Our desire is to grow deeply in Christ, love one another well, and shine the light of the gospel in our community and to the world.

4. Special Invitation (after the service)

We invite you to join us in the Fellowship all after the service for some food and fellowship. We’d love to get to know you better.

5. Special Recognition and Thanks

LAY LEADER:

HOSPITALITY:

GREETERS:

SOUND/MEDIA:

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6. Series (we are in . . . (series)

ANCHORED - HOLDING FAST TO THE TRUTH

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Liar, Lunatic, or Lord – Who is the Son of God?

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Introduction to Message

A MESSAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES!!!❤️😁

Story or Quote (with history)

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In 1976, a young man named Robert Hanssen raised his hand and took an oath as a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

For the next twenty-five years, Hanssen served his country in the FBI.

He didn't remain on the fringes of the organization.

He moved into positions involving national security and counterintelligence—the very work of protecting America from foreign spies.

He was highly trusted.

He had clearance that gave him access to some of the most sensitive secrets our government possessed.

His colleagues worked close beside him.

They depended upon him.

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Beginning in 1985, according to documents, Hanssen secretly started providing classified American intelligence to the Soviet Union—and later Russia.

The man entrusted with helping protect America from spies was himself a spy.

While his colleagues saw an FBI agent,

the Russians knew him by another identity.

Hanssen communicated with them under an alias.

He passed classified information through secret hiding places known as dead drops.

And over the years, he compromised

human sources,

investigations,

intelligence techniques, and

highly classified government operations.

For years, no one knew.

Eventually the FBI realized that someone inside the American intelligence community was giving secrets to the Russians.

They began searching for the mole.

And all the while, Robert Hanssen was inside the FBI.

On February 18, 2001, agents followed Hanssen to a park in Virginia.

They watched as one of their own FBI agents walked down a wooded path and placed a plastic bag filled with classified material beneath a footbridge for the Russians to retrieve.

As Hanssen walked back toward his car, FBI agents moved in and arrested him.

The FBI would later describe Robert Hanssen as the most damaging spy in its history.

For twenty-five years, the people around Robert Hanssen thought they knew who he was.

They trusted him because they thought they knew him.

But they were wrong.

They did not know him.

They were decieved.

They were betrayed.

PAUSE

Point or Perspective from Story

Have you ever experienced something like that?

not espionage, obviously—

but betrayal?

“I don't know this person at all”?

Is that important?

What if it were our doctor?

Our financial advisor?

Our business partner?

Our auto mechanic?

Our best friend?

How about someone in our family?

How about our spouse?

Have you ever been betrayed?

Have you ever looked at someone you trusted and thought, “I don't really know this person at all”?

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H. L. Mencken wrote:

“It is mutual trust, even more than mutual interest, that holds human associations together.”

The greater the trust we place in someone, the more important it is that we know who that person really is.

So here’s my question to you . . .

To whom do you trust for your life?

(Pauses)

To whom do you trust for your eternal life?

Jesus Christ asks us to trust Him with our eternity.

The value of our faith depends upon the trustworthiness of the One in whom we place it.

How well do we know Him?

We’ve studied His History (His Story)

The historical existence of Jesus of Nazareth is widely accepted.

The serious historical debate is not primarily whether Jesus existed, but

How His life, claims, death, and the movement that followed Him should be understood.

We have looked at this evidence before,

so I won't spend much time reviewing it today.

Let's remind ourselves that we're talking about a real person who lived in a real place at a real time in history.”

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FROM INSPECTOR CLUELESS:

Christian sources: The New Testament documents place Jesus firmly in first-century Judea and Galilee, naming historical people, places, rulers, and events. Paul's letters are especially significant because several are generally dated within a few decades of Jesus' crucifixion.

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Non-Christian sources: We talked about Tacitus and Josephus amongst others who referred to Jesus and the early Christian movement. The evidence is not confined to Christian writings.

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Archaeological/historical setting: Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, first-century Nazareth, the Pool of Bethesda, the Pool of Siloam, crucifixion practices, etc. Archaeology doesn't “prove Jesus is God,” but it repeatedly confirms that the Gospels are describing a recognizable first-century historical world.

THE QUESTION IS NOT . . .

DID JESUS EXIST?

THE QUESTION IS . . .

Who is He?

Were His claims true?

What evidence support His claims?

AND IF HE IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS . . .

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

As we look at the Scripture that (Lay Leader) read,

We are going by the overwhelming evidence

the BIBLE IS ACCURATE AND TRUE.

Key Scripture (if applicable)

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Matthew 16:13–17 ESV

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

Body of Message

Jesus asked two questions

Which was the most important?

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Matthew 16:15 NASB95

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

People have opinions . . .

a great moral teacher

a prophet

a religious leader

a revolutionary

an example of love and compassion

a myth or legend

(some who have searched) the Son of God

You can be wrong about many things in life and recover.

But there is no question of greater eternal consequence than being right about Jesus Christ.

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Here’s a thought about the consequences of BELIEVING JESUS IS LORD AND GOD.

It’s called Pascal’s Wager.

Explain

CHART: [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

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Who does Scripture say Jesus is?

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Jesus is truly God

Jesus claimed to be God (the Messiah)

from Last week (the significance)

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John 8:58 ESV

58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

If that were not enough . . .

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John 10:30 ESV

30 I and the Father are one.”

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εἷς (eece) not male nor female (neuter).

they share the same divine essence or nature.

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Here Thomas, an eyewitness to Jesus before and after the crucifixion.

John 20:28 ESV

28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

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And Paul says:

Colossians 2:9 ESV

9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,

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The writer of Hebrews says;

Hebrews 1:3 ESV

3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

AND FROM OUR CALL TO WORSHIP . . .

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Colossians 1:15–20 ESV

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

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Jesus is truly human

John 1:14 ESV

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

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Evidence of His humanity.

grew (Luke 2:52) [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

became hungry (Matthew 4:2) [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

became tired (John 4:6) [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

wept (John 11:35) [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

experienced temptation (Hebrews 4:15) [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

suffered (1 Peter 2:21) [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

bled (John 19:34) [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

died (John 19:30) [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Even with all that, Hebrews tells us (BOLD) HE WAS . . .

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Hebrews 4:15 ESV

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

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Temptation impacts all of us, but Jesus, who conquered death, gives each of us a way out.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV

13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

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Jesus is the promised Messiah

Scarlet Thread of Redemption

originates from Rahab’s crimson cord in Joshua 2, which signified salvation for her household.

Jesus throughout the Bible

The pattern begins early:

Abel’s animal sacrifice pleased God,

Noah received instructions about blood’s significance,

Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac,

the Passover lamb’s blood marked Israelite homes for deliverance

the Levitical sacrificial system established blood as the means of atonement,

God instructing Moses that “the life of the flesh is in the blood” and that blood makes atonement.

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BOLD [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

This thread runs through all of the Bible.

Isaiah 53 ESV

1 Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? 9 And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

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Psalm 22 ESV

To the choirmaster: according to The Doe of the Dawn. A Psalm of David. BOLD [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE] 1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. 3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. 4 In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. 5 To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” 9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. 10 On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. 12 Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; 13 they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; 15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. 16 For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— 17 I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; 18 they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. 19 But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid! 20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! 21 Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen! 22 I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: 23 You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! 24 For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him. 25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear him. 26 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. 28 For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. 29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive. 30 Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; 31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.

The entire psalm contains striking messianic imagery:

pierced hands and feet,

garments divided by casting lots,

mockery by onlookers, and ultimate vindication.

Early Christians recognized this psalm as prophetic of Christ’s crucifixion, making the musical heading almost secondary to the psalm’s theological weight.

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Jesus is Savior and Lord

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Matthew 1:21 ESV

21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

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What did Jesus say about Himself?

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Jesus claimed authority to:

FOR EACH BELOW

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Forgive sins — Mark 2:5

Mark 2:5 ESV

5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Exist before Abraham — John 8:58

John 8:58 ESV

58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

Give eternal life — John 10:28

John 10:28 ESV

28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

Judge humanity — John 5:22–29

John 5:22–29 ESV

22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

Be the exclusive way to the Father — John 14:6

John 14:6 ESV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Receive honor belonging to God — John 5:23

John 5:23 NASB95

23 so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

Be one with the Father — John 10:30

John 10:30 NASB95

30

STOP SLIDES MOMENTARILY

THIS IS WHERE C.S. LEWIS CHALLENGES US.

We can’t say that we only believe parts of the Bible.

It is true or it is fiction, it is false.

Dr. Walter Martin (took a class from him).

Used this example of not taking the whole scripture in context.

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Matthew 27:5 ESV

5 And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.

Luke 10:37 ESV

37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

This is why C.S. Lewis’ statement in Mere Christianity is so profound.

READ THE C.S. LEWIS QUOTES (SLIDES)

If Jesus knew these claims were false, He was a liar.

If He sincerely believed them but they were factually false, He was insane or, at the very least, profoundly mistaken.

But if His claims were true, then He is exactly who He said He is—Lord.

And the resurrection is God's great vindication of His identity.

The real question now becomes:

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“Who do YOU say that I am?”

Liar?

Lunatic?

(I don’t believe you would be here

in this place

worshipping a Liar or a Lunatic.)

And, as Lewis said . . .

“Jesus did not give us any other options.

He did not intend to.”

Jesus doesn't merely ask:

“Do you believe I existed?”

Nor does He ask:

“Do you admire My teaching?”

Nor even:

“Do you agree with MOST of my teaching?”

He asks:

“Who do YOU say that I am?”

ANSWERING THIS QUESTION CORRECTLY IS TRANSFORMATIONAL.

WHY?

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TRUST — Because we are trusting Him with our lives.

If I am going to build my life upon His words, follow Him, and entrust myself to Him, I need to know who He is.

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“Believe in God; believe also in me.” — John 14:1

John 14:1 ESV

1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

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RELATIONSHIP — Because He determines my relationship with God.

We can’t have a relationship with God apart from Jesus Christ.

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“No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6

John 14:6 ESV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

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SALVATION — Because only Jesus can save me from my sin.

The identity of the Savior matters because salvation isn't ultimately found in a philosophy, morality, church, or religion. Salvation is found in a Person.

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“There is salvation in no one else...” — Acts 4:12

Acts 4:12 NASB95

12 “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

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4. ETERNAL LIFE — Because my eternal destiny depends upon what I do with Jesus.

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life...”

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Or Jesus' words in John 11:25–26

John 11:25–26 ESV

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

“You are not simply trusting Jesus with the life you are living now.

You are trusting Him with the life you will live forever.”

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LORDSHIP — Because if Jesus is Lord, He has authority over my life.

Jesus asks:

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Luke 6:46 ESV

46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?

The question is:

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WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?

If we can answer this question, does our life testify to that belief.

Peter answered Jesus’ question rather emphatically, and rightly so:

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“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

TO THE UNBELIEVER

The gospel invitation isn't:

“Try to become a better person.”

It is:

“Come to Christ.”

That’s Your invitation.

We have all sinned against a holy God.

We cannot reconcile ourselves to Him.

We cannot save ourselves.

Christ did what we can never do.

He lived the righteous life we have not lived.

He bore our sins upon the cross.

He rose from the dead promising us resurrection if we believe.

And God now calls those who have not believed to repent and believe in Him.

You may have come into this room thinking Jesus was

a good man,

a religious teacher, or

someone your parents or grandparents believed in.

But Jesus asks you personally:

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“Who do you say that I am?”

If He is Lord, the appropriate response isn't merely admiration.

It is repentance, faith, worship, and surrender.

Romans 10:9 NASB95

9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

If we truly recognize that He is Lord, what changes?

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If Jesus really is Lord, does my life show it?

John 14:15 ESV

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

A TRUE disciple says:

Because He is Lord, He has authority over me.

Therefore:

If Jesus is Lord, His Word governs what we believe.

If Jesus is Lord, His commands govern how we live.

If Jesus is Lord, His mission determines our priorities.

If Jesus is Lord, His glory matters more than our comfort.

If Jesus is Lord, there is no area of our lives over which we can hang a sign saying, “Jesus—stay out.” [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Summary (What have we learned?)

We have spent the last thirty minutes asking, “Who is Jesus?”

Scripture has answered that question.

He is the Christ.

He is the Son of the living God.

He is the Word made flesh.

He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

He is the crucified and risen Savior.

He is Lord.

So perhaps the question we leave with today is no longer, “Who is Jesus?”

The question is:

“What will we do with Jesus?”

Preview of Next Message

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Next week we're going to turn our attention to the third Person of the Trinity—the Holy Spirit.

And perhaps no Person of the Trinity has been more misunderstood—or sometimes more neglected.

What does it really mean to be filled with the Spirit?

What does the Holy Spirit actually do in the life of a believer?

And how can Scripture tell us not to grieve Him, not to quench Him, but instead to walk by the Spirit?

We're going to separate some of the confusion surrounding the Holy Spirit from what Scripture actually teaches—

and then ask a much more personal question:

What would happen in our lives if we truly surrendered ourselves to the presence, power, and transforming work of the Holy Spirit?

That's where we're going next week as we look at “The Spirit-Filled Life: Living in the Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit.”

Inspirational Conclusion

How does knowing who Jesus is change our lives?

Because if Jesus really is the Christ, the Son of the living God, then everything changes.

We don't have to wonder whether God loves us—

the cross tells us He does.

We don't have to wonder whether our sin can be forgiven—

Jesus paid for it.

We don't have to wonder whether death has the final word—

the tomb is empty.

We don't have to face life alone—

our risen Lord is with us.

And we don't have to wonder where our hope lies—

our life, our salvation, and our eternity are secure in Christ.

Our testimony isn't simply, “I go to church,”

or even, “I believe in God.”

Our testimony is:

“I know whom I have believed.” — 2 Timothy 1:12

Jesus is asking each of us, ““But who do YOU say that I am?”

If He is Savior—trust Him.

If He is Lord—obey Him.

If He is Teacher—listen to Him.

If He is King—submit to Him.

If He is the Way—follow Him.

If He is the Truth—believe Him.

If He is the Life—live in Him.

If you don't remember anything else I have said this morning, remember this:

Who Jesus is determines what you do with Jesus.

If Jesus Christ is the Son of God,

crucified for our sins,

risen from the dead, and

Lord of all—

then He deserves more than our admiration.

He deserves our trust.

He deserves our obedience.

He deserves our worship.

He deserves our lives.

And if your answer is, “You are my Lord and my God,” then live tomorrow like that answer is true.

Pray (Pastor) -> (Related to Message)

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[Sit/Stand]

CHOIR / SONG🎵#20 (Praise Book)

Because He Lives

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COMMUNION

(1st Sunday only - LAST PAGES)

INVITATION TO COMMUNION (1st Sunday only - BELOW)

RITE OF COMMUNION (1st Sunday only - BELOW)

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OFFERINGS

(LAY LEADER) OFFERING

(LAY LEADER) DOXOLOGY

DOXOLOGY: Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

(LAY LEADER) PRAYER OF DEDICATION (for Offering)

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CHOIR / SONG🎵#328(Location)

The Old Rugged Cross

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CALL TO ACTION

PASTOR: 🎉😁❤️

Decide who Jesus is—and then live like you believe your answer.

If He is Savior, trust Him. If He is Lord, obey Him. If He is King, follow Him.

Don't just believe the truth about Jesus—entrust your life to Jesus.

And if you have never done that, today is the day to trust Him with your life, your salvation, and your eternity.

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PASTOR: INVITATION TO PRAY

If today's message has stirred your heart

whether you need

encouragement,

guidance,

prayer, or

you'd simply like to talk about your relationship with Christ—

I'll be available after the service.

Please come see me.

I'll be available in the lobby or fellowship hall after the service.

I'd love the opportunity to visit and pray with you.

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BENEDICTION

PASTOR: 🎉😁❤️

May you go from this place knowing Jesus Christ—

not merely knowing about Him,

but trusting Him as Savior,

following Him as Lord, and

living each day under His gracious rule.

May His love shape your heart,

His Word guide your steps, and

His presence give you courage to live so that others may see Christ in you.

May you be an Ambassador for God to others.

Go in the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

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PASTOR: FINAL PRAYER (WALK with LAY LEADER) ->

As we bow our heads .

Please pray with me . . . (While walking)

(WALK WITH THE LAY LEADER TO THE LOBBY)

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FINAL SLIDE OPTIONS:

Go with God’s Peace and Joy and in the power of the Holy Spirit But don’t rush off—Please join us for fellowship just across the lobby in the Fellowship Hall!

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PASTOR: COMMUNION PORTION

READ/PREACH: 1 Cor 11:23-29

1 Corinthians 11:23–29 NASB95

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly.

1. Opening Prayer (Variable)

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, remembering the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we partake of this bread and cup, we proclaim His death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26). Cleanse us from sin, renew our hearts, and help us approach this Table with reverence and faith. Thank You for the cross, for the blood that was shed, and for the grace that saves.

May this meal strengthen our unity, deepen our love for Christ, and stir our hope in His return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

2. Scripture Reading & Brief Exhortation (Variable)

Text: Luke 22:14–20

Luke 22:14–20 ESV

14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17

Luke 22:14–20 ESV

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19

Luke 22:14–20 ESV

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

(NASB)

When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”

And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.

3. Exhortation (Brief) (Variable)

Condemned men in prison are customarily given a last meal before they are put to death. Jesus, too, was a condemned man, with one last meal to eat before dying. Soon He would be betrayed, condemned and crucified for crimes He did not commit. He would be arrested, beaten, abused, and killed. He endured this suffering for us, giving grace to all believers, and inaugurating this celebration of redemption. As we partake, let us all remember the cross, and the love that led Him there. Let us take a moment and examine ourselves, repent, and come to the table with renewed faith and reverence.

4. The Lord’s Supper

Invitation (Variable)

All who have put their trust in Christ alone for salvation, and who walk in fellowship with Him and with His church, are invited to join with us in communion.

Distribution of the Bread:

“This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24)

(Eat the bread together)

Distribution of the Cup:

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25)

(Drink the cup together)

5. Closing Prayer (Options)

Gracious Father,

As we sit in stillness before You, we thank You for the body and blood of Christ, given for us. May the gospel we have just proclaimed through this meal dwell richly in our hearts. Strengthen our faith, deepen our repentance, and renew our love for You and for one another.

Help us leave this Table not unchanged, but resolved to walk in holiness, bearing fruit in keeping with our salvation, until Christ returns in glory. To you be all glory and honor and praise.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen.