Sunday Messages | howardbaptistchurch

Howard Baptist Fellowship Messages

Sermons by Evan Digby

Howard Baptist 12/04/2026

Before fully opening up to receiving Jesus into our lives, some of us may have gone to a church and joined in some Christian activities, and even been welcomed to attend a Bible study. It may have been a time of asking questions, and looking at the lives of those who follow Jesus, what made them different!

Initially mixing with God’s people, can be an important lead in, to moving away from old thinking to embracing the Christian faith. Bring your friends along!

That was my experience, for some months, I read the ‘helps’ section is my Bible, I visited several churches and step by step, bit by bit, my uncertainties subsided, before seeing Jesus for whom he really is.

Sometimes it takes a while before our spiritual eyes are opened.

We may have had much in common with two people in our Bible reading today, they were walking with Jesus a little while, before they saw him for whom he truly was.

The time was the third day after Jesus had been crucified, then his body placed in a tomb.

Luke Luke 24:13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"

They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

19 "What things?" he asked.

"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."

25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem.

Open your eyes to Jesus.

Many disciples had gathered together in Jerusalem, after Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb, more than just the Eleven. Amongst other things, they were discussing the missing body of Jesus – plus then, the angels some women said they saw, and their message that Jesus has risen! Not only that, but the women also said they had seen Jesus alive.

Matthew Matthew 28:8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

One of the two travelers in our Bible reading is named Cleopas, not a name of one of the apostles, these two walking along the road were part of the larger Jerusalem group of disciples, they were disappointingly making their way home to Emmaus after the tragic events during Passover in Jerusalem. Luke 24:33.

They were probably wondering why Jesus died, and what was the report of angels and that Jesus’s body was missing, and yet was seen alive! But while they were walking and talking about what had happened, Jesus appeared with them. But we read that they were prevented from recognizing him, and besides, they were not expecting to see him, Jesus had been killed, so to them, how could this new travelling companion possibly be Jesus anyway!

Luke re Jesus Luke 24:17 He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"

They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

This question from the unrecognized Jesus, made the two disciples halt their walk, and prepare to reply. But their reply began with their body language, their faces downcast, displaying their gloomy attitudes.

They saw the inquiring man as a newcomer, and not having caught up with the latest news that was all around Jerusalem. The whole of the city was talking about it.

Jesus Luke 24:19 "What things?" he asked.

They answered the visitor by describing that a man named Jesus of Nazareth, He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.

They explained that he had been sentenced to death and was crucified; and the two made it plain that the ‘chief priests and our rulers’ were the real culprits, more so than the Romans who carried it out.

This execution of Jesus, was not what the disciples expected, that includes the apostles, we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.

Their hope and desire was that Jesus, after his coming into Jerusalen, and being welcomed by large crowds of as King of the Jews, was that he would use his miraculous powers, to rise up as a military and political leader. He would then overcome the occupying Romans, and force them out of Israel, then he would redeem and reestablish Israel as a powerful independent nation in the likeness of David’s Kingdom, never to be conquered again.

But their initial hopes were crushed, when their idealized conquering King was himself killed by the Romans, at the request of the Jewish leaders.

They did not understand that Jesus’ death was the core part of God’s plan of salvation, he died bearing our sins, Jesus had conquered sin and death. His resurrection on the third day after his death, would be proof that his sin offering and mission was completed in victory.

The other disciples would also have the same national hope for Israel as they did.

It was a common expectation that the Messiah would bring in a new kingdom.

The prophetess Anna who expressed this common understanding to Joseph and Mary.

Luke re Anna Luke 2:38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

They explained it was that morning that the women had found the tomb empty and had met with the angels and Jesus, and they told them to tell the disciples, they will see him in Galilee. But as they explained, some other companions, including John and Peter went to the opened tomb, but did not see Jesus. John 20:3-10.

Jesus unrecognized Luke 24:25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

The Old Testament prophets and those included in Scripture that Jesus referred to included, Moses, David, Isaiah, Daniel, Zechariah, Malichi and others, they had collectively prophesied about the Messiah’s first and second coming.

We even saw Moses and Elijah in the transfiguration, confirming the ministry of Jesus.

Luke re Jesus Luke 9:29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, 31 appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.

The Messiah to suffer, so as to atone for the sins of the world, so Moses and Elijah discuss his departure, that is his soon coming death.

So Jesus rebuked his disciples, he described them as ‘foolish’ or ‘unwise’ because they were very slow in understanding these prophecies that were given about him in centuries past, prophecies the true Messiah would fulfill.

So starting in Genesis, with the writings of Moses, Jesus revealed how the Old Testament revealed himself, his ministry, his suffering and death, and his resurrection. These are some examples that Jesus would have explained –

Moses 1450 BC, re God’s plan of salvation.

God, to the devil in the serpent Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity

between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and hers;

he will crush your head,

and you will strike his heel."

Moses 1400 BC, re the ministry of the Messiah.

Deuteronomy 18:15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. Deuteronomy 18:18,19.

Isaiah 700 BC, re the suffering and death of the Messiah.

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to his own way;

and the LORD has laid on him

the iniquity of us all. Psalm 22.

David 1000 BC, re the resurrection of the Messiah.

Psalm 16:10 because you will not abandon me to the grave,

nor will you let your Holy One see decay. Acts 2:27, 13:35-38.

These were likely some of the Scriptures Jesus shared, concerning himself.

What this stranger was telling them, was meeting the spiritual need in their lives. They were empty of hope, their master had been killed and his body missing, and now there was a bizarre account of him being alive. This man knew the Scriptures, and he was revealing the truth of the Messiah to them, and he was making great sense. The mystery was all was being solved!

Jesus gave these two an unforgettable experience, taking them through Old Testament references of the coming Messiah, himself. Imagine having that session being recorded for us! Following the ancient custom of hospitality, the disciples insisted the man stay with them at their lodging at Emmaus.

Luke Luke 24:28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem.

Even though Jesus was the guest, he lead as their host.

Like times before, when Jesus had hosted a meal or fed large crowds, he did the same with the two. Jesus had been spiritually feeding the two, and now he was physically feeding them.

By Jesus actions, the two finally saw the stranger for whom he really was. No longer dead, but alive, and in a resurrected body. Perhaps they had also seen the scars on his hands, as he shared the bread, but God had opened their eyes and they could see and recognize Jesus before them.

But just as they did, Jesus disappeared from their company, leaving these disciples to discuss what they had just heard and seen.

They recounted how greatly the stranger’s words had powerfully convicted their hearts and made their minds directly aware of how the Old Testament Scriptures were fulfilled, in Jesus being the Christ, the Messiah. The spiritual kingdom would have been made real to them and they were greatly excited by their experience, so excited that they did not stay at Emmaus, but returned immediately to Jerusalem to share their experience with the other disciples.

They wanted to share with the other disciples how the Scriptures revealed the truth of the Messiah, and that all those Scriptures pointed to Jesus. These truths need to burn in our hearts as well!

We must not be foolish; but be wise and accept that Jesus was and is the Messiah, the Saviour, the King, the risen Lord, that the Scriptures declared him to be.

Message above; and embolden, underlining, and arrangement of Bible text by Evan Digby.

Howard Baptist 05/04/2026

Last week we looked ahead to Good Friday, the day so named, for when Jesus died for the sins of humanity, making reconciliation with God open to all people. What we saw, was that God did all the work for us, through Jesus Christ. God’s Word teaches us that --

God the Father established the plan of salvation.

God the Son carried out the plan of salvation.

God the Holy Spirit sustains us in our salvation.

All that had to be done for salvation, was done by Jesus; this was acknowledged by him.

John re Jesus John 19:28 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

And to confirm that Jesus had fully caried out the plan of salvation, we read.

Luke Luke 23:45 ------ And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

So all that was needed to be done, to provide salvation, was done. Humanity was not involved, except for providing the sins that Jesus died for. The temple curtain being torn in two means that humanity thereafter has direct, personal access to God.

Salvation is not a matter of what we do, rather it is a matter of what Christ has done!

Not what we do, do, do; but rather what Christ has done, done, done! Good Friday.

Today we see after Christ’s death, he rose from the dead, that proves the victory of Christ over death and sin. He rose to new life, and in his power, so can we.

Luke Luke 23:50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Luke 24:1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 `The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " 8 Then they remembered his words.

9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

Jesus gained the victory for us.

At the time of our reading, Jesus had died and was due to be taken off the cross, the Jews asked Pilate to remove the crucified bodies so as not to defile the Sabbath Day. John 19:31-33.

Normally the bodies were just put in a common grave pit, or thrown out for the vultures. However, a man named Joseph who was member of the Sanhedrin, requested Pilate for Jesus’ body, so he could honorably bury him. Having received permission, he took down Jesus’ body, he wrapped it in linen cloth, then placed it in the tomb. Other Gospels tell us more.

John tells us that there were two men who took away Jesus’s body.

John John 19:38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.

Both these men followed Jesus. Matthew tells us that Joseph owned the tomb.

Matthew Matthew 27:59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

As a wealthy man, Joseph was able to afford a rock-cut tomb, like a man made cave, tall enough to walk around in, with a special round door entrance, and the two Mary’s knew where Jesus’s body was laid. This burial tomb fulfilled yet another Old Testament prophecy.

Isaiah re the Messiah 700 BC Isaiah 53:9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,

and with the rich in his death,

though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

This new tomb in which no one had ever been laid, reminds us of the donkey that Jesus rode into Jerusalem, just a week earlier, a donkey that had never been ridden.

Luke Luke 19:28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, `Why are you untying it?' tell him, `The Lord needs it.' "

In life, Jesus was honoured by first riding a donkey, that carried him humbly into Jerusalem.

In death, Jesus was honoured by being first laid in a tomb, in which no one had been laid..

As the Messiah and King of the Jews, he was truly worthy of such honours.

Luke Luke 23:54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

The women who had come with Jesus, including the two Mary’s, witnessed the embalming of Jesus body in the new tomb, by Joseph and Nicodemus.

They wanted to add more embalming and wrapping, obviously they were not expecting Jesus’ rising from death.

So on what we know as Sunday morning, they went to the tomb, probably hoping the guards would roll back the large circular door to allow them access.

Luke Luke 24:1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?

When they arrived at the tomb, the stone had been rolled away. Who did that?

Matthew Matthew 28:1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.

4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: `He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

It was an angel, who rolled back the stone! The angel or angels two, both with humanlike appearance, told the women that Jesus was not there, he has risen! And they should go and tell the disciples He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.

It was prophesied long before, that the Messiah would rise from death.

David re the Messiah 1000 BC Psalm 16:10 because you will not abandon me to the grave,

nor will you let your Holy One see decay. Acts 2:27, 13:35-38.

Isaiah 700 BC Isaiah 53:10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,

and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering,

he will see his offspring and prolong his days,

and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

11 After the suffering of his soul,

he will see the light of life and be satisfied;

by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,

and he will bear their iniquities.

All gospels include the first day of the week as the day of resurrection, this is why the early Christians adopted Sunday, as their day of meeting/worship, in honour of Jesus’ resurrection. John in Book of Revelation called it the Lord’s Day. Acts 20:7. 1 Corinthians 16:2. Revelation 1:10.

Sabbath means ‘rest’. The disciples did not convert the Sabbath Day, into Sunday.

Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament law, he fulfilled the temple sacrificial system, and he fulfilled the Sabbath Day rest, we can now find rest in Jesus, on any day.

Jesus Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

You may also wonder about when Jesus said as a sign to the Jews, he would be like Jonah, who was in the belly of a huge fish for three days and three nights, so too, Jesus would be in the heart of the earth - burial. This was explained as three whole days.

Jonah 1:17. Matthew 12:40, 16:4. Mark 8:31. John 23:19-21.

Well dying at the end of a Friday, and rising again on the Sunday, does not fit three whole days and three whole nights. But other scriptures indicate Jesus would be raised on the third day after his death. So how can we understand this?

With the Jewish understanding of time, any part of a day was considered a full day, so then, dying at the end of a Friday, and rising again on the Sunday morning, does fit with Jesus being raised on the third day. Friday, Saturday, then Sunday being the third day!

Ester 4:16 and 5:1.Matthew 16:21, 17:23. Luke 24:46. Bit like our terms sunrise/sunset- the sun does neither!

Was there one angel or two angels at the tomb? Two angels is consistent with the minimum number required for legal witness and validation. Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15.

But one of the angels may have had the primary role, and been the main speaker.

Angel Luke 24:6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 `The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " 8 Then they remembered his words.

The angel said to the women, Remember how he told you, while he was still with you --

So the angel(s) said to these disciples, they should have understood the resurrection, the rising again that Jesus had promised many times before his death, and this time the women understood, they remembered Jesus’ words. Luke 18:31-34.

Luke Luke 24:9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

At this point Luke reports the names of the women who had seen the angels, and they went quickly to tell the disciples of what they had seen and heard, but Matthew tells us more.

We see here, that all disciples, men and women can personally tell and witness to others about the good news of Jesus Christ.

It was obvious that these women who went to the tomb, wanted to add more spices and wrapping to ensure Jesus body would honourably remain entombed! And Peter, typical of the other apostles, did not understand what happened to Jesus’ body. They were clueless.

At that time they believed Jesus had failed, and his death proved it.

But Jesus was not finished - his tomb was empty, the angels testified that he had risen, and Jesus appeared to the women, with many more appearances to come.

But we need to emphasize, that if Jesus was not resurrected, then the Christian faith would have died with Jesus.

Something would happen to these scared disillusioned apostles, to turn then from sensing loss and failure, to becoming emboldened, victorious and committed to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ worldwide. What was it? It was the reality of the resurrection, this is the only way of historically explaining the forthcoming change of attitude of the apostles and early disciples, as their eyes and minds, realised that Jesus had risen, having a resurrected eternal body. But yet a body having the scars of crucifixion, in his hands, feet and side.

These marks will forever be a witness to all those in heaven, as to how we arrived there!

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in human form, died bearing our sin: yet our sin did not crush him, rather he conquered sin and eternal death, and in in him, so can we.

Paul 1 Corinthians 15:55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus gained the victory for us; we need to accept his victory into our lives.

Message above; and embolden, underlining, and arrangement of Bible text by Evan Digby.

Howard Baptist Fellowship Messages

Sermons by Evan Digby

Facebook notes for the Howard Baptist Church 08/01/2023

10.00 AM. Song – How Deep the Father’s Love

No matter what group you belong to - where there are people, there will be issues and problems along with friendships, fellowship and progress - the Church is no different.

There is no perfect church; I once read a quote that stated ‘There is no perfect church, if there is, it will become imperfect once I join it.’ Perhaps C.L.Lewis

We all have different backgrounds and experiences in life, and that guarantees that we will at times see things differently to someone else.

In some ways Christianity is easy compared to Churchianity! (a real word)

It would be great if church attenders all got along with no issues, but we are not robots - so along the journey, issues will arise within a church.

The apostle Paul was very aware of this, and his letter writing was largely based on giving encouragement and resolving problems within the churches. He was a busy man, and while he liked to visit the churches and personally meet with people, it was more practical for him to receive letters and write letters to the churches about whatever matters concerned them.

All of Paul’s letter writing was a good thing then and especially for us today, as we have the content of many of his letters, called epistles, and they have become New Testament books of the Bible.

We have gone through many of New Testament books in past years, and last year we progressed through Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians – where he addressed many major problems disrupting the church.

Carrying on from Paul’s concluding words to the Corinthians in his first letter to them, we will begin looking into his second letter 2 Corinthians, and over the next months, we will progress through the whole book as it in many ways follows on 1 Corinthians.

In this book we will see where Paul had a fruitful response to his letters, with some matters seemingly resolved, but other matters still needing attention.

What we will learn from Paul, is that the principles that applied to the church then, apply to the church today. And by going through a book of the Bible verse by verse, it is amazing what varied moral, historical and theological subjects that are covered - in context and application. It is called Systematic Expository Preaching, just as Paul’s letters were read to the congregation, so too we benefit as we go through what God’s has delivered to us.

Paul Colossians 4:16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

Acts 15:30 The men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 1 Thessalonians 5:27. 2 Thessalonians 3:14

We get the picture of Paul’s letters and other important letters being read out to the churches and share around and discussed - part by part, and section by section.

Today we look at Paul’s introduction to the church, as it is here that the writers would usual name themselves and establish their credibility to speak with authority.

2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pause now -- Prayer – Praise to God - Nation, World, Coronavirus and Medical staff, our Missionaries and School Chaplains, Rain, and our local Communities.

Going forward in the Faith.

We can feel for Paul in those early days of the church, as he had many church matters that he

had to deal with, in addition to dealing with those in the church who were undermining his

authority, and also with physical persecution mainly from the Jews. Paul did however, have some trusted helpers to represent him where he could not attend himself.

Paul’s love for the churches, is very evident in his writing, he personally feels the issues that they are dealing with,

Paul 2 Corinthians 11:28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

He was so concerned about the churches, that if he is not there physically with them, he is with them in spirit.

Paul 1 Corinthians 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. 2 And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? 3 Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.

And in all his interaction with the churches, Paul’s principle was to build them up, not tear them down.

Paul 2 Corinthians 13:10 This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority--the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

And as Paul was concluding his 1 Corinthians letter, we read that his remedy to the friction and clashes in the church was doing everything in love.

Paul 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.

Paul wrote this second letter to the Corinthians church while at Macedonia, in about AD 56.

We need to be reminded that what we call the books 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians were not Paul’s first and second letter to them, as in writing 1 Corinthians, Paul mentions having written to them beforehand, but that initial letter is lost to us.

Paul 1 Corinthians 5:9 I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people-- 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11 But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

From this we know that there was a letter written by Paul to them before 1 Corinthians, and we know from this letter, that sexual immorality in Corinth was becoming a problem in the church, to the point of now directing them not eating with immoral church attenders! The corrupt values of the world were threatening to come into the church; as they do even today!

Also, in reading 2 Corinthians 2:4, 7:8-9, Paul refers to a stern letter that many scholars suggest was written by himself after 1 Corinthians, but before 2 Corinthians.

If so, this letter is also lost - so we can see that the letters we do have may be the second and fourth letters of the four letters Paul wrote to the Corinthians.

So, the New Testament books of 1 and 2 Corinthians are actually the two Corinthian letters that still exist and they were probably penned about 18 months apart.

The reason that Paul wrote this letter was mainly for pastoral reasons, to generally encourage the Corinthians in their walk with the Lord the matters of controversy and dispute he had written about in previous letters.

So, Paul writes to inform them of his forthcoming visit, and to express his great relief at the Corinthian’s positive response to his ‘severe letter’ that had been delivered and explained by Titus, and also to finalize their promised collection for the saints at Jerusalem before he visits. Other matters of importance are also contained in his letter such as Paul again establishing his credentials as an apostle, that was still being questioned by many.

It could well have been like the tall poppy syndrome, where some people didn’t like someone getting so much attention over themselves.

As in most of his letters, Paul begins by referring to himself as ‘an apostle’ of Christ Jesus. Although he was not one of the twelve chosen by Christ, here we see where he claimed equality with them. Paul here strongly declares his apostleship of Jesus Christ, and also by the will of God. He did this to without doubt give credibility and authority to himself and his letter. So right from the start, his letter has God’s authority and power upon it.

But what is an apostle? Some of us know, but it may need explaining for others.

The name apostle means ‘sent one’, meaning they were appointed and sent by Jesus to declare the truth and salvation of God. Three qualifications are required -

Firstly, to become an apostle, a person has to be commissioned by Jesus.

Mark 3:13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve--designating them apostles--that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons.

We also later see that Paul was also commissioned by Jesus on the Damascus Road.

Saul Acts 26:15 "Then I asked, `Who are you, Lord?'

" `I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. 16 `Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you.

Secondly, to become an apostle, a person has to have witnessed the resurrected Jesus.

After Judas the traitor had died, he had to be replaced --

Peter Acts 1:21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."

Paul also makes the claim that Jesus had appeared to him on the Damascus Road.

Paul 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?

Paul 1 Corinthians 15:7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

Paul was the final person to see the risen Lord, last of all he appeared to me, therefore no designated apostles came after him.

Thirdly, to become an apostle, a person has to be able to perform miraculous signs.

The early church Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.

Paul 2 Corinthians 12:11 I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing. 12 The things that mark an apostle--signs, wonders and miracles--were done among you with great perseverance.

1 - be chosen by Jesus. 2 - have seen the risen Lord. 3 - perform signs, wonders and miracles.

It has been held over many centuries that apostleship ceased with the last of the original twelve apostles and Paul.

Paul Ephesians 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

But there are some churches that believe that apostles exist today – for example the Apostolic Church, and there are some churches involved with NAR - New Apostolic Reformation who actually who want to revive apostleship - so it is important to realize that to become a designated apostle of Jesus Christ is not easily repeated.

In Paul’s introduction, we see he includes Timothy as a co-sender of the letter - Paul may have intended this to reinstate this timid young man in the eyes of the Corinthians, possibly after his limited success as Paul's representative at Corinth. Titus had replaced Timothy as Paul's chief representative to Corinth by the time this letter was written.

1 Timothy 4:12. 2 Timothy 1:7; 2:1

Then Paul addresses the Corinthian church, as the church of God in Corinth. He did not address them merely the church at Corinth.

Paul 2 Corinthians 1:1 ------ To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia:

Paul wanted the best for the church there, and regardless of their many issues, problems and imperfections - they were God’s church in Corinth. So even a struggling church is God’s church - God sees the potential in a church, where we may just see problems!

And Paul takes it even further, he addresses them as individuals along with all the believers in that area as saints.

To be a saint means that you are sanctified and made holy.

Again, God raises us higher than how we probably see ourselves or our churches. Believers in Christ are actually holy people. We are changed and are becoming Christlike everyday - so we are saints, this is how God sees you.

We are holy and we are described as being a temple of the Holy Spirit - as Paul tells us in

Paul 1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? -----

The Holy Spirit will not reside in an unholy dwelling, so if you have the Holy Spirit, which all believers do, then you are holy person - believe it! 2 Corinthians 6:16. 7:1

The writer of Hebrews goes even further in seeing who we really are in Christ.

Hebrews 10:14 because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

And how did this happen? Three verses later we are told.

The Lord Hebrews 10:17 Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."

We have been made holy through the forgiveness of our sins through the death and work of Jesus for our sins, from unholy we have been declared perfect in God’s sight and being made holy, more every day.

And this is where the next section of Paul’s introduction makes sense.

Paul 2 Corinthians 1:2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The basis of our forgiveness won for us by Jesus, is through God’s grace - his favour and mercy. Paul reminds his readers in the introduction of all his letters about God’s grace.

All saints in Christ know that our salvation is of God and through God - not of ourselves.

Knowing this we have what Paul declares is peace with God.

This word peace in Hebrew is shalom.

When we come to Jesus, we have our sins forgiven, we are made holy and we have peace and shalom with God. Truly we are saints.

Hymn. Amazing Grace

Message; and embolden, underlining, and arrangement of Bible text by Evan Digby.

Howard Baptist Fellowship Messages

Sermons by Evan Digby

​

Howard Baptist Fellowship Messages

Sermons by Evan Digby

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​