By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Revelation 2:8-11 

This week we move to Smyrna to hear what the Lord Jesus communicates to the church located in this beautiful city. There were temples to the Greek gods, as well as a golden street. 

Upon entering the harbor and gazing upon the city high above and the golden street, it almost looked as if the city had a golden crown. Interestingly, when we study the background of the cities where these seven churches are located, we find parallels in the things spoken to the church in that city. Smyrna is no exception.

Another issue at play in Smyrna was the tension that existed between the Jewish and Christian populations. The Jews wanted to be separate from the Christians. The Gentiles expected people in the city to worship the emperor, however, the Jews were given a pass. But, if the Christians were not connected to the Jews, then they would not be given such freedom. Obviously, the Christians were not going to bow to the emperor. [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Revelation 2:1-7 

What kind of church does God desire? Ponder this question before you keep reading. Jot down your thoughts. Hold onto these thoughts and read them again after we complete this unit on, “The Church God Desires.” Would you stand by these thoughts, add to them, take away from them, or scratch them altogether? 

To look for biblical answers we are going to dive into the book of Revelation, specifically the seven churches of Asia Minor. I know that Revelation can seem like an intimidating endeavor, but it is part of the inspired Word of God. That means that the same Spirit that inspired every other book in the Bible, inspired this one. Furthermore, it means that the same Spirit of God is available to help us rightly divide the Word of truth. With that, may we progress through these seven letters with anticipation and not anxiety. [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Matthew 13:3-8,18-23 

Sharing Christ is a mandate. Sharing Christ is a must. It is not something that can wait. It is a matter of trust. But, the question remains active for our present generation. Are we going to share Christ without reservation?

I love the parables of Jesus. They can be short in length and long in meaning. The parable for this week is one of the better known parables, and it even comes with specific explanations by the Lord. 

Here, we discover how people react to the gospel message. The sower sows faithfully, broadcasting the Word of God on all types of soil. That is done without reservation, even though different reactions are elicited. Are we prepared to unreservedly broadcast the gospel wherever we are and to whoever may listen? If we will trust God to work, that will aid our endeavor. [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Acts 17:16-18,22-23,30-31 

Can we rejoice together that we have been privileged to receive and participate in a boundless gospel? Specifically, we promote that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Notice the words, everyone who believes. 

The book of Acts demonstrates this truth for us, as barriers are broken down and praises are lifted up. Christ in His flesh abolished the enmity, so that He could make the Jews and Gentiles into one new man, for the purpose of them being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. That pictures an unhindered gospel, the gospel of God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Since then these things are true, what kind of people should we be in relationship to God and the gospel of His Son? Are we steadied and readied to deliver this message unashamedly in the daily walk of our life? An example from the city of Athens will aid our preparation.  [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Colossians 3:1-3,12-17 

Colossians 3:1-3: These first three verses delight my soul with great comfort and encouragement. I have turned to them again and again over the years. 

Paul is shifting into applying the solid doctrine that he has outlined in the first two chapters. I am incredibly thankful for the Holy Spirit inspiring these words from Paul’s pen. Though the messenger was imprisoned at the writing of this letter, the message of God can never be imprisoned. As the psalmist declares, “Forever, O Lord, your word is settled in heaven.”

We know Paul is making the transition to application because he begins chapter three with the word so. In light of what has been declared about the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, that He is the firstborn over all creation, and that all things have been created by Him who is the head of the church, then here is what we must keep on doing since we have been raised with Christ. We must seek the heavenly things above. We must seek Christ Himself. [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Romans 10:8b-17 

Unfortunately, many today might find the phrase, “Jesus saves,” to be a cliche. Oh, and I am talking about those outside the church, too. We have developed within the church the fantastic ability to take the simple and make it complex. 

We have also mastered taking something profound and making it run-of-the-mill. We possess the greatest message in the world, because we serve the undisputed God of the universe, serve the incomparable risen Christ, and are led by the unmatchable Holy Spirit. 

As we think upon the gospel message, we must unapologetically confess Christ as Lord. There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we can be saved. He holds the name that is above every name. He is fairer than the fairest.  [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: 1 Timothy 2:1-8 

How many times have you assured someone that you were praying for them? We do this for comfort, grace, peace, health, blessing and encouragement in people’s lives. 

There are other reasons, too, but let’s focus on a particular dynamic of prayer. We believe in it. We utilize it. We call for it. And we act on it. But, do we engage in praying for the salvation of others as often as we could and should?

Our second study is focusing on how to share Christ. Remember, we desire full participation in the ministry of reconciliation, making disciples as we go, while pleading with others to be reconciled to God. 

This endeavor encompasses both the physical and spiritual realm, particularly the latter. Walking into this arena requires being fully prepared for the task at hand. The appropriateness of prayer as a forerunner to this endeavor cannot be overstated. The apostle Paul provides glowing insight into God’s ongoing work of the salvation of souls. [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Matthew 28:18-20; II Corinthians 5:16-21 

We could make a case that our subject for today ought to be the most natural thing we do as followers of Christ. 

And yet, we can make a case that there is nothing else that creates more fear and intimidation as this activity. Accelerated heart rates. Nervous sweats. Fear of fumbling over our words. Worry that an unanswerable question may be asked of us. And the list goes on. And so must we.

This second study will focus on how to share Christ. Sometimes, I think we talk more about evangelism than we practice evangelism. 

Don’t get me wrong, however, we need to study deep into the meaning of evangelism. That study, though, should create a thirst in us to practice what we have learned. 

As you hear on Alistair Begg’s radio program, “Where the learning is for living,” may we venture into a partnership to become more faithful evangelists. [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: Matthew 24:3-8,29-32,42-44 

How certain are you that the sky is blue? How certain are you that two plus two equals four? How certain are you that the sun will rise tomorrow? How certain are you that you will be working the same job five years from now? 

In our lives we deal with things and situations where we have varying degrees of certainty. Some things are readily verifiable, while others stand on shaky ground. Our Christian essential this week should be met with the highest confidence. Brothers and sisters, Jesus is coming again!

This comes to us as a direct promise from the Lord Jesus. It comes to us as sure testimony from other writers of Scripture. Some of the very last words that we find in the book of Revelation are, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Once again, these are the words of Christ. [Read more…]

By Michael Julian
Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton

Focal Passage: John 15:26-27; 16:7-15 

Do you like having an advantage when engaged in competition? Let me take an example from the madness that is basketball in March. We can be sure each coaching staff has dissected every cut of film concerning their opponent in order to gain an advantage for their players on the court. Each team wants to win.

In the Christian life, we seek an advantage. We seek victory. Our adversary, the devil, prowls about looking for targets to devour. We do not seek to live according to the flesh, but we seek to live according to the Spirit of God. And there is our decided advantage. The Holy Spirit. He is a person and not an impersonal force, like you would find in the Star Wars movies. God is calling us to yield to and walk by His promised and provided Spirit. 

John 15:26-27: At the end of chapter 14, Jesus says it is time to arise and go from where they are. In the opening of chapter 18, the Word informs us that after He spoke these words they traveled over the ravine of the Kidron and entered a garden.  [Read more…]