{"id":993,"date":"2018-03-25T15:40:54","date_gmt":"2018-03-25T22:40:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/?p=993"},"modified":"2018-03-25T16:04:33","modified_gmt":"2018-03-25T23:04:33","slug":"gods-word-is-the-source-of-encouragement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/2018\/03\/25\/gods-word-is-the-source-of-encouragement\/","title":{"rendered":"God&#8217;s Word is THE Source of Encouragement!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><font color='black' size='2' face='arial'><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:WordDocument>   <w:View>Normal<\/w:View>   <w:Zoom>0<\/w:Zoom>   <w:TrackMoves\/>   <w:TrackFormatting\/>   <w:PunctuationKerning\/>   <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas\/>   <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false<\/w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>   <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false<\/w:IgnoreMixedContent>   <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false<\/w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>   <w:DoNotPromoteQF\/>   <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US<\/w:LidThemeOther>   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\tmso-fareast-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; \tmso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; \tmso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; \tmso-bidi-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} <\/style>\n\n <![endif]--><\/p>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;color:#212121\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-993-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Palm-Sunday-03-25-18.mp3?_=1\" \/><source type=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/FILELINK?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Palm-Sunday-03-25-18.mp3\">http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Palm-Sunday-03-25-18.mp3<\/a><\/audio>&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Palm Sunday<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">March 25, 2018<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Mark 11:1-10<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">God\u2019s Word is <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">The <\/b><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Source of Encouragement!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align:justify;tab-stops:13.5pt .5in 2.5in 238.5pt 337.5pt\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cGo to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Untie it and bring it here.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If anyone asks you, \u2018Why are you doing this?\u2019 tell him, \u2018The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.\u2019\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As they untied it, some people standing there asked, \u201cWhat are you doing, untying that colt?\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, \u201cHosanna!\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u201cBlessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u201cBlessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u201cHosanna in the highest!\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(NIV1984)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Last Sunday you and I saw how something as \u201cinsignificant\u201d as some Gentile believers requesting to see Jesus served as an encouragement to our Lord.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>That request encouraged Jesus to complete the mission He had been given by His heavenly Father by reminding our Lord that His mission would result in both glory as well as judgment.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>But, what about us?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Where do we receive encouragement, my friends?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>You may have friends who could use some encouragement when it comes to how they are going to pay their rent or keep up with their mortgage.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>You may have family members who could use some encouragement because someone they love is ill or is battling with the demons of drugs and alcohol.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Perhaps you are the one who could use some encouragement for reasons you don\u2019t want to be made public.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Where do we receive encouragement?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">As you and I gather together here in God\u2019s house to celebrate Palm Sunday we find an answer to that question!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>How does Palm Sunday give us encouragement?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Let me try to \u201cconnect the dots\u201d for you.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Many of us are extremely familiar with Scripture\u2019s account of Palm Sunday.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In fact, today marks the 32<sup>nd<\/sup> time I have preached a Palm Sunday sermon.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>You may have heard many more Palm Sunday sermons than that.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Therefore, I\u2019d like us to look at this Palm Sunday text from a slightly different perspective this morning.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Since more and more people are searching for a source of encouragement and since we may need a source of encouragement ourselves, let\u2019s see how Mark\u2019s account of Palm Sunday gives us an opportunity to see that:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">God\u2019s Word is THE Source of Encouragement!<\/i><\/b><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There are two ways that we want to approach this text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>First, let\u2019s see how Palm Sunday reminds us that Jesus\u2019 <u>spoken<\/u> Word is our source of encouragement.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then let\u2019s broaden our view to see how Palm Sunday reminds us that God\u2019s <u>written<\/u> Word is our source of encouragement.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Our text for today opens by reminding us of how that first Palm Sunday began.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Mark writes, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cAs they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, \u2018Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt there, which no one has ever ridden.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Untie it and bring it here.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If anyone asks you, \u201cWhy are you doing this?\u201d tell him, \u201cThe Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.\u201d\u2019<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As they untied it, some people standing there asked, \u2018What are you doing, untying that colt?\u2019<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">If you were asked to pick a key verse here, what verse would you pick?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I\u2019d like to suggest verse six, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThey answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Two of Jesus disciples were simply told to go on ahead into the village and get a colt for Jesus to ride on as He entered into the City of Jerusalem, the beloved City of God.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Jesus told them exactly what they would find, exactly what would happen and exactly how they were to respond.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Did these two disciples do as Jesus had directed them?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>They sure did!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Did these two disciples find things exactly as Jesus said?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Absolutely!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Did these two disciples respond as they had been told?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Yes!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Do you think these two disciples were encouraged when everything happened just as Jesus said it would?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I am confident they were!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">How does this portion of our text apply to you?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In other words, how does Palm Sunday remind you that Jesus\u2019 <u>spoken<\/u> word is a tremendous source of encouragement for you?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Let me help you understand what I am trying to emphasize here by directing you to just some of the words that Jesus spoke during just the last week of His public ministry here on this earth.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Ever since the days that Jesus physically walked here on this earth there have been people who claim that Jesus is \u201cjust a man\u201d\u2014 a terrific teacher, an excellent example, a powerful prophet\u2014 but, still \u201cjust as man.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Right here in this text who does Jesus proclaim Himself to be?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We find the answer to that question in the answer that Jesus told His disciples to give to the people who would object to them untying the colt.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Jesus told them to say, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThe Lord needs it\u2026.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Jesus <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">is <\/i><\/b><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cthe LORD\u201d!<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He is the great <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cI AM\u201d<\/i> who spoke to Moses in the burning bush.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He is <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cJehovah\u201d<\/i> Himself!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See also John 8:48-59; 10:22-33)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>These simple words from this Palm Sunday text remind you that Jesus\u2019 spoken word is a <u>tremendous<\/u> source of encouragement for you!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If ever\u2014 whenever\u2014 someone tries to convince you that Jesus is \u201cjust a man\u201d\u2014 a teacher, an example, a prophet yes, but still \u201cjust a man\u201d\u2014 you have the encouragement that comes from the words that Jesus Himself spoke!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Jesus <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">is <\/i><\/b>the Lord!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Jesus is <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">your<\/i><\/b> Lord!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Fast forward from Palm Sunday to Maundy Thursday.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As Jesus gathered with His disciples in the Upper Room to celebrate the Passover He took some of the unleavened bread from the Passover meal, gave thanks, broke it and spoke the words, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cTake and eat; this <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">is<\/b> my body.\u201d<\/i> (Matthew 26:26)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then He took the cup of grape wine from the Passover meal, blessed it, gave it to His disciples and spoke the words, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cDrink from it, all of you.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">is <\/b>my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.\u201d<\/i> (Matthew 26:28).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This is a reminder to you that Jesus\u2019 spoken word is a <u>tremendous<\/u> source of encouragement for you!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Whenever you approach His altar to receive His true body and blood in His holy Supper, the words that Jesus speaks to you give you both the encouragement and the assurance of knowing that through His true body and His true blood given here in bread and wine all of your sins are completely forgiven!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">As Jesus stood before the Sanhedrin the high priest said to Him, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cI charge you under oath by the living God:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God\u201d<\/i> (Matthew 26:63).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Under oath Jesus answered the high priest by speaking the words, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cYes, it is as you say\u201d<\/i> (Matthew 26:64).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/span>Again, Jesus\u2019 spoken words are a <u>tremendous<\/u> source of encouragement to you!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When people try to convince you that Jesus never claimed to be <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cthe Christ,\u201d<\/i> the Promised Messiah, this world\u2019s only Savior from sin, whenever people try to tell you that Jesus never claimed to be the true Son of God you have the encouragement that comes from the words that Jesus Himself spoke!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Jesus <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">is <\/i><\/b>the true Son of God!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Jesus <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">is <\/i><\/b><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cthe Christ,\u201d <\/i>your only Savior from sin!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">As Jesus was suffering the unspeakable agony of being nailed to a cross to pay the debt of our sin one of the thieves who had been crucified alongside of Jesus turned to Him with a humble request.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He said, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cJesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Jesus responded by speaking the beautiful words, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cI tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise\u201d<\/i> (Luke 23:42, 43).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>These words spoken by our Lord are a <u>tremendous<\/u> source of encouragement for you!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Whenever you are contemplating what happens to a child of God when their journey here on this earth comes to an end, whenever you are contemplating what will happen to you when you die, you can go back the words that Jesus Himself spoke and receive the encouragement that comes from knowing that the <u>instant<\/u> a child of God dies, they are welcomed into the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cparadise\u201d<\/i> of God!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Shortly after Jesus spoke those words to the thief on the cross, Jesus spoke the words, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cIt is finished,\u201d<\/i> or that can be translated, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cI have reached My goal!\u201d<\/i> (John 19:30).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>These glorious words spoken by our Lord and Savior are a <u>tremendous<\/u> source of encouragement for you!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If ever you are feeling overwhelmed by your sin and the guilt that comes with sin, if ever Satan tries to convince you that God could never love and forgive someone like you, you can go back to the words that Jesus Himself spoke and receive the encouragement that comes from knowing that right there on the cross Jesus paid the debt of your sin!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Right there on the cross Jesus secured your eternal salvation!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">And, of course, we cannot overlook, we could never over emphasize the words that the risen Christ spoke to His fear-filled disciples on that first Easter Sunday, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cPeace be with you\u201d<\/i> (John 20:19).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We cannot put a price tag on the words of Easter peace that our crucified and risen Savior speaks to us, my friends.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>These words are a <u>tremendous<\/u> source of encouragement in so many ways!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Whenever we are facing difficulties of any sort in our life, whenever we are feeling afraid, whenever we are feeling alone, whenever we are feeling unloved, and most especially, when we come face to face with death itself we can go back to the words that the risen Christ has spoken to us and receive the encouragement that comes from knowing that through faith in what Jesus has done for us (pointing to the cross) we are at peace with the one and only living God!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">These six examples are just a very small part of why we can say that Jesus\u2019 spoken words are a tremendous source of encouragement for us today.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>At the same time, those six examples also make it extremely easy for us to see why God\u2019s written Word is our ultimate source of encouragement.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The second portion of our text for today is, of course, the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy that was recorded in our Old Testament lesson from the book of Zechariah.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(Zechariah 9:9, 10)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Some five hundred years before Palm Sunday took place the Lord God revealed to His people exactly Who was riding into Jerusalem, exactly why He was riding into Jerusalem and exactly what He would accomplish on a hill outside of Jerusalem.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The application here is quite simple, my friends.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When our God says He is going to do something\u2014 He does it!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When our God makes a promise\u2014 He keeps it!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When our God tells us, \u201cTrust me, I have everything under control\u201d\u2014 He means it! This book that you and I call the Bible is <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">not <\/b>just a collection of stories that have been written and edited by mere mortal men down through the ages.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This book that you and I call the Bible <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">is<\/b> the holy, inspired, inerrant, written Word of God.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This book that you and I call the Bible is our ultimate source of encouragement\u2014 for both this life as well as for our life beyond the grave.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Just as the good Lord faithfully fulfilled every single one of the prophecies concerning the Person and the work of the Messiah, the Christ, the Savior whom God promised to send into this world, so also the good Lord will faithfully fulfill every single one of the promises that He has made to you right here in His holy Word.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The more we read and study our Bibles, the deeper our knowledge and understanding of Scripture becomes the easier it will be for us to see and to experience that God\u2019s Word is <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">the<\/b> ultimate source of encouragement.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">It is no secret that people today are searching for a source of encouragement.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It is no secret that sometimes even we could use a source of encouragement.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>My prayer this morning is that as we once again celebrate Holy Week these very familiar words from the Gospel of Mark will lead us to see how Palm Sunday reminds us and assures us that our source of encouragement is found in the spoken and written Word of our God.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">To God be the glory!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Amen <\/span><\/div>\n<p> <\/font><\/p>\n<div class=\"postie-attachments\">Download sermon audio ::  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Palm-Sunday-03-25-18.mp3\">Palm-Sunday-03-25-18.MP3<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Palm Sunday March 25, 2018 Mark 11:1-10 God\u2019s Word is The Source of Encouragement! &nbsp; As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, \u201cGo to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-993","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sermon"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/993","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=993"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/993\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=993"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=993"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=993"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}