Author: Alan Holden

Transfiguration Matthew 17:1-9   The Circumstances of the Transfiguration, v. 1 A. The Time 6 days after Jesus revealed His imminent death, Matthew 16:21. Luke’s Gospel says it was 8 days: a. The day of His revelation of His death b. 6 days between His revelation and transfiguration c. The day of His transfiguration: 1+6+1=8…

The Garden of Crushing Matthew 26:36-46   Thesis: Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane because He felt the crushing load of humanity’s sins. The Place, v. 36 Gethsemane means “the olive press.” The Lord bruised Jesus and crushed Him. Fresh oil flowed, the oil of salvation for all who believe Note: Jesus was betrayed…

The Betrayal of Christ Matthew 26:14-16, 47-56 Prayer: We have read of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, Father. We are horrified by it, yet we read how Jesus continued to call Judas “friend.” Help us, O God, to follow Christ’s example when we are betrayed, but more importantly, strengthen us, lest we fall prey to the…

Why Jesus Was Condemned: The Meaning of the Crucifixion The Sentence Passed against Jesus A. The criminal Barabbas is released. Christ was delivered up that we might be delivered. B. Jesus is scourged by the Roman soldiers. They were not limited by the moderation of Jewish law, which prescribed 40  stripes minus 1. Scripture fulfilled:…

Elizabeth in Her Joy, vv. 57-63 A. Friends and neighbors “rejoiced with her,” v. 58. B. They came to circumcise and name the child, v. 59. 1. Everyone wanted to name the child after his father, “Jehovah remembers.” 2. Elizabeth objected and announced his name, John, which means “Jehovah’s gift or grace.” 3. Friends consulted…

Paul’s Ministry, vv. 1-12 A. A Prisoner of Jesus Christ for the Gentiles, see Acts 22. B. A Special Stewardship/Dispensation–>the Mystery of Christ, vv. 2-7 1. Seven Dispensations a. Dispensation of Innocence b. Dispensation of Conscience c. Dispensation of Government d. Dispensation of Promise e. Dispensation of Law f. Dispensation of Grace g. Dispensation of…

The Priest A. Zechariah, “Jehovah has remembered” 1. He was a priest from the family of Abijah, the 8th of the 24 courses, who ministered at the Temple in turn (1 Chroncles 24). 2. He served for one week twice a year at the Temple. 3. Offering the incense was a task a priest could…

Paul closes his letter with 4 admonitions to the Church. Be Ready for My Visit, vv. 1-4 A. Paul reminds the Corinthians that if they do not deal with sin in the church, he will. B. Paul dealing with their sin will prove that he is no weakling! C. The Example of Christ 1. In…

Paul provides four proofs of his apostleship. His Revelations from Christ, vv. 1-6 A. Paul recounts an experience he had 14 years previous to the Corinthian letter: 1. Possibly referring to his “left-for-dead” stoning at Lystra in Acts 14:19-20. 2. Whether he was in the body or in the spirit, he did not know. 3….

Paul compares the sedition of false teachers taking over an established church with the many trials he endured in preaching the Gospel. Paul’s Jealousy over the Church, vv. 1-2 A. It is a godly jealousy. B. It is a goal-oriented jealousy: he desires to present the Church as a pure virgin bride to Christ. Paul’s…