2. The Unfinished Work of Christ

3. I. Jesus Continues To Add To His Church

4. A. Added Obedient Faithful People The Pentecost crowd cried out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37-38 The Pentecost crowd cried out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37-38 - Peter responds “Repent and be baptized” for the forgiveness of your sins 47 Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2 - Once added to “all the saved” one can then join a local congregation Acts 9:26-28

5. B. Our Lord Still Adds The Faithful Today The Gospel’s message and promises are the same now as then Mk.16:15-16 The Gospel’s message and promises are the same now as then Mk.16:15-16 - Why do some obey while others seemed puzzled at Jesus’ words? Mk.4:10-12 A. Added Obedient Faithful People 12 “So that ‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn, And their sins be forgiven them.’” Mk.4

6. B. Our Lord Still Adds The Faithful Today The Gospel’s message and promises are the same now as then Mk.16:15-16 The Gospel’s message and promises are the same now as then Mk.16:15-16 - Jesus’ words are designed to call some and alienate others Jn.6:44-45 A. Added Obedient Faithful People - His words draw us with positive promises that are with us today Lk.10:17-20 - Why does God continue to leave the door of salvation open today? 2 Pet.3:8-11

7. II. He Still Mediates For His People

8. A. Man Can’t Reach God On His Own Job expresses our frustration in trying to have fellowship with God Job 9:32-33 Job expresses our frustration in trying to have fellowship with God Job 9:32-33 32 “For He is not a man, as I am, That I may answer Him, And that we should go to court together. 33 Nor is there any mediator between us, Who may lay his hand on us both. Job 9

9. A. Man Can’t Reach God On His Own Job expresses our frustration in trying to have fellowship with God Job 9:32-33 Job expresses our frustration in trying to have fellowship with God Job 9:32-33 - Only a sinless sacrifice will do! Rev.5:1-10 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. Heb.9 - Jesus became the perfect High Priest that enters behind the veil for man Heb.6:19-20

10. B. Jesus Mediates For His People Now Even today Jesus provides intercession for His people I Jn.2:1-2 Even today Jesus provides intercession for His people I Jn.2:1-2 1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. I Jn.2 A. Man Can’t Reach God On His Own - Christ’s blood continues to flow through a saint’s penitent life I Jn.1:8-10

11. B. Jesus Mediates For His People Now Jesus knows how every person feels! Jesus knows how every person feels! A. Man Can’t Reach God On His Own 1 Understands Temptations Heb.2:17-18 “If You are The Son of God” Matt.4:3, 6 “If You are The Son of God” Matt.4:3, 6 - Jesus will not allow Satan to tempt us above our ability to defeat him I Cor.10:13 - Our Lord taught us to return good for evil while completely trusting God I Pet.1:21-23

12. B. Jesus Mediates For His People Now Jesus knows how every person feels! Jesus knows how every person feels! A. Man Can’t Reach God On His Own 1 Understands Temptations Constantly hated, disciples’ weaknesses, Judas’ betrayal, mother at the cross, etc. Constantly hated, disciples’ weaknesses, Judas’ betrayal, mother at the cross, etc. - Jesus came to earth and suffered so we would know He knows our feelings! 2 Sympathizes With Weakness Heb.4:14-15

13. III. The Glorified Christ Takes Inventory of His Churches

14. A. Walked Among The Asian Churches “Eyes like a flame of fire” saw every aspect of all of the churches Rev.2:14 “Eyes like a flame of fire” saw every aspect of all of the churches Rev.2:14 - Pergamum => Compromise Rev.2:12-16 - Sardis => A Dead Church Rev.3:1-2 - Laodicea => Lukewarm Rev.3:16 - Poor faithful churches were also noted! - One thing our Lord expects of all His churches: Self-evaluation

15. B. Saints Must Evaluate Their Own Church Would The Ephesus church mirror any of our churches today? Rev.2:2-5 Would The Ephesus church mirror any of our churches today? Rev.2:2-5 4 “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” Rev.2 A. Walked Among The Asian Churches - What motivates Your congregation’s service to our Lord? - Every saint must mature spiritually but we must never forget our 1 st love Dan.9:4-6

16. Each Christian is an unfinished work of Jesus Christ! Jn.21:15-17 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.” Jn.21