
To Prepare the Way [Luke 1:1-25]
December 19, 2021
Sermon Notes
Date: 12/19/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Advent
Key Text: Luke 1:1-25
Description:
God had not spoken to His people for over 400 years. It was a long time of silence and in that time, Israel had returned from exile, rebuilt the temple, survived Alexander the Great, and now was occupied by Rome. Many were discouraged and there were a host of ways in which the people responded. It was rough.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao opens the Bible this advent season to tell us of a pivotal moment in all of time:
God was going to break His silence.

And it wouldn’t be to a great prophet or the king, but He would send an angel to an obscure, middle-aged priest named Zecharias.
…For the most important time in history was about to begin.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
intro/outro music attribution
Looking for a City [Hebrews 11:8-10]
December 5, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 12/05/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 11:8-10
Description:
“The Father of All of Who Believe” — an incredible epitaph for an incredible, faith-filled man.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews and shows us that when it comes to faith, we can learn a lot from Abraham.

But can we even relate to this stalwart of faith??
Ironically, while our daily struggles may make us feel far removed from what Father Abraham must have experienced, what we’re likely to find is that we share more in common with him, than not.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
When Faith Goes to Work [Hebrews 11:7]
November 28, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 11/28/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 11:7
Description:
[Telephone Vignette]
Store: Bob’s Lumber.
Customer: Yes. Hello. I need 3.1 million board feet of gopher wood delivered out to my place tomorrow morning please.
Store: Can I get a name on that order?
Customer: Noah.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews where we are learning a lot about faith right now. And Noah is yet another example of one that put action behind his belief.

To the outsider, he would have looked crazy. Everything around Noah said that building a boat — a ship of such enormity — was a ridiculous endeavor. He didn’t even live near a boat launch!
…And yet without a cloud in the sky — BY FAITH — Noah knew that it was about to rain.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Our Great Reward [Hebrews 11:5-6]
November 21, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 11/21/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 11:5-6
Description:
[Voice Compilation]
So all the days that Adam lived were…
So all the days of Seth were…
So all the days of Enosh were…
So all the days of Kenan were…
So all the days of Mahalalel were…
So all the days of Jared were…
So all the days of Methuselah were…
So all the days of Lamech were…
So all the days of Noah were…
…AND HE DIED.
They ALL died — except two: Elijah and Enoch… the two men in all of history who have not tasted the pains of death. Why?
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews and explains that the Bible records much about Elijah; but about Enoch…not so much.
Consequently, throughout church history, Enoch’s sparse record has been a source of speculation.

The author of Hebrews, however, helps us decipher what it was about the life of Enoch that was so pleasing to God — so pleasing that he spared him death.
…And the answer may not be what we think.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Acceptable Through Faith [Hebrews 11:4]
November 14, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 11/14/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 11:4
Description:
Two brothers went before the Lord to offer a sacrifice. One was accepted…the other, rejected.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews in which we examine this perplexing situation.
After all, as brothers, Cain and Abel had the same parents and were likely raised the same way. They both believed in God. And they both offered sacrifices from their labor and toil.

But the end of the story leaves one brother dead and the other exiled.
Why??
…The very question the author of Hebrews seeks to answer.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Download Sermon Podcast (right click)
![]()
Check out our Hall of Faith “Sports Card” Collection.
Faith in Action [Hebrews 11:1-3]
November 7, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 11/07/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 11:1-3
Description:
SBC Host: To live by faith — what does it mean??
Avg Guy: …It means, mustering the courage and taking a leaping step into the dark.
Avg Gal: …It’s channeling the power that comes from positive thinking to bring about what you want.
SBC Host: These are NOT Biblical views of faith.
Avg Guy/Gal: Oh.

Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews and shows how the author not only defines faith for us, but gives us example after example of those that went before, who knew what it meant to live by faith: the saints of the Old Testament.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Download Sermon Podcast (right click)
![]()
The Scope of Scripture [Luke 24:13-27; John 2:13-22, 5:39-47]
October 31, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 10/31/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Reformation Sunday
Key Text: Luke 24:13-27; John 2:13-22, 5:39-47
Description:
“Christ-Centered.”
It’s an adjective that has become more and more popular in recent years when describing any number of activities either in the church or in the lives of God’s people. And while this descriptor is helpful and often a necessary reminder, we usually don’t give credit where credit is due for this perspective in the Christian life.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, on this Reformation Sunday, Pastor Monty Simao takes some time to reflect on this term, because it’s one that involves the Reformers.
For as the Reformers returned to the authority of Scripture, they, also, began to see that Jesus, Himself, revealed Himself as the “scope” of all the Scriptures.

What this means is that the credit goes to Christ: for all of Scripture is “Christ-Centered” — it all points to Him, and therefore, Jesus is the target and the end of all revelation from God.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Download Sermon Podcast (right click)
![]()
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith [Hebrews 10:35-39]
October 24, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 10/24/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 10:35-39
Description:
What does it mean that the righteous shall live by faith?
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews and explains that we often hear this phrase and immediately think it’s about the doctrine of justification… because Paul uses that expression to teach that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
But there is another part to it: Not only are we justified by faith, but we live and hope by faith as well.
In the darkest of days, the believer should live by faith, meaning that the people of God continue to trust in Him and cling to His promises even when distress and disaster have come to them.

Knowing not only that God is faithful and will not let their soul come to destruction, but also that Christ is coming to bring an end to all calamity in a final judgment that is so complete, it will right every wrong.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Download Sermon Podcast (right click)
![]()
Remember the Former Days [Hebrews 10:32-35]
October 17, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 10/17/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 10:32-35
Description:
Remember the “Good Ol’ Days”?
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews and explains that when we encounter difficult times, it’s natural for us to remind ourselves of former days that were better — probably because we feel that doing so will give us the needed courage to face our current challenge.
The writer of Hebrews takes the opposite approach, though. Instead of recalling former times of ease, he tells his readers to recall former times of hardship! … times of affliction and persecution.

Why?
Because when we remember God’s past faithfulness during trying times, we are encouraged to persevere…in the hope of our eternal reward.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Warning Against Apostasy [Hebrews 10:26-31]
October 10, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 10/10/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 10:26-31
Description:
WARNING: The only plan of salvation is hinged upon Jesus Christ.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews and reminds us that it is Christ’s perfect righteousness — and only His righteousness — that makes us acceptable to God.
Christ offered the perfect sacrifice of His own blood and it was through His blood that the New Covenant was established. There is no salvation in any other covenant nor is there any other way to God.

Therefore, the one who repudiates the New Covenant has no sacrifice that can be offered to God to make himself acceptable. He has repudiated the only basis of receiving forgiveness, mercy, and grace and will only find wrath apart from Christ, and it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Download Sermon Podcast (right click)
![]()
Draw Near, Hold Fast, and Consider [Hebrews 10:19-25]
October 3, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 10/03/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 10:19-25
Description:
While the Gospel is good news about what Christ has done and not good news about what we have done, it does have ramifications on what we do.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews and explains that these changes in our life are the fruit of regeneration — brought about by God.

…And yet in a practical way we are encouraged to pursue this fruit by pursuing Christ and asking ourselves:
“How then shall I live in light of what Christ has done for me?”
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Download Sermon Podcast (right click)
![]()
I Remember Their Sins No More [Hebrews 10:11-18]
September 12, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 09/12/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 10:11-18
Description:
GOD: “I REMEMBER YOUR SINS NO MORE.”
SBC Host: You heard Him. The finality and decisiveness of the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins is such that God declares that, in Christ, our sins are as good as forgotten.

Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews and explains that because of this, there will never be a need for another sin atoning sacrifice.
Christ has done it all! …His words spoken at the cross, proven true: “It is finished.”
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Download Sermon Podcast (right click)
![]()
Obedience and Sacrifice [Hebrews 10:1-10]
September 5, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 09/05/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 10:1-10
Description:
SBC Host: Pretend you’re an Israelite, and I ask you to make a drawing of “the law,” what would you draw? …What image would best represent it?
Avg Guy: I have no idea.
SBC Host: Exactly.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews and explains that while we — being in possession of the New Testament — certainly have a richer, more complete idea of what the shadows of the law of the Old Testament pointed toward… we would struggle knowing what to draw too!

For even with this additional knowledge, we can’t fully grasp the expanse of the multiple facets of what the law actually entails — until we begin to see the lines of the sketch take shape: revealing an image of obedience and sacrifice that foreshadows the fullness of the reality of the law which we will one day completely see and experience in all of its glory.
For the sketch is Christ.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Download Sermon Podcast (right click)
The Certainty of Death and Judgment [Hebrews 9:23-28]
August 29, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 08/29/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 9:23-28
Description: It’s a subject that most would rather ignore, but all agree is certain: DEATH. And inextricably linked to this inevitability is an even more avoided topic: JUDGEMENT.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews and reminds us how the Scriptures necessarily tie death and judgment together. After all, death comes as the consequence of sin.

But we need to understand, death is NOT the end… rather, it’s the BEGINNING of eternity — an eternity where we either enter into the fullness of joy in the presence of our Heavenly Father, or an eternity filled with condemnation when we are cast into the lake of fire.
Because you see, which eternity becomes your destiny, hinges on that very topic most of us would rather not ponder: JUDGEMENT.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Download Sermon Podcast (right click)
![]()
Last Will and Testament [Hebrews 9:15-22]
August 8, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 08/08/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 9:15-22
Description: Forgiveness of sins and shedding of blood. The two are tied together in Scripture and cannot be separated.

Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews and shows us that this truth was clearly seen in the Old Testament shadow and is perfectly fulfilled in the New Testament reality — the sacrifice of Christ.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Download Sermon Podcast (right click)
![]()
The Blood of Jesus [Hebrews 9:11-15]
August 1, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 08/01/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 9:11-15
Description:
Blood.
Why does the Bible speak so often about it?
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews in which he addresses the question about the Bible’s focus on blood…
Avg Guy: Wait a minute! Blood, that’s an Old Covenant thing. I mean with all the goat sacrifices and such.
SBC Host: I understand. But that doesn’t mean the NEW Covenant is not without blood — Christ’s.

Avg Guy: Good point.
SBC Host: The question is not about whether there is blood, but rather, when it comes to the blood that God requires for us to be right in His eyes, how does the blood sacrifice of animals pale in comparison to the blood sacrifice of Jesus?
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Download Sermon Podcast (right click)
![]()
The Earthly Sanctuary and its Worship [Hebrews 9:1-10]
July 25, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 07/25/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 9:1-10
Description:
Avg Guy: If the new covenant is so much better, why is the old covenant still so attractive?
I mean, why would the book of Hebrews even need to be written, convincing people not to go back to the shadows of the Old Covenant?

Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews and shares with us that the answer lies in the Old Covenant’s barrier to God’s presence.
…With the greatest of barriers not being the obvious veil in the temple or tabernacle, but rather man’s guilt and shame.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Download Sermon Podcast (right click)
![]()
Out with the Old and in with the New [Hebrews 8:7-13]
July 18, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 07/18/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 8:7-13
Description:
Avg Guy: There’s a NEW Covenant??
What was wrong with the Old?
I wonder if it’s just an update — and is now better — or if it’s WAY different.
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews and helps us answer these questions.

Unlike the idea of “new” in our modern age… this time new DOES mean *better*, not simply *different*.
In fact, the New Covenant is so much better, that upon its establishment, the Old became utterly obsolete.
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Download Sermon Podcast (right click)
![]()
The Heavenly Sanctuary [Hebrews 8:1-6]
July 11, 2021![]()
Sermon Notes
Date: 07/11/2021
Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor
Series: Hebrews
Key Text: Hebrews 8:1-6
Description:
Tabernacle Building Vignette
writer: We can stop pitching the tent, Eliakim, for the Lord has pitched the True Tent… our True Tabernacle of the Heavenly Realm!
Eliakim: There you go again! You and your writings.
writer: Eliakim, listen to me!…. Don’t you see? Jesus is our Priest, now… our High Priest in heaven… And His work far surpasses what our priests here on earth could EVER do!
Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao continues with our study in the book of Hebrews, where we learn right alongside them about a better ministry….
writer: Don’t you read Torah?
Eliakim: God warned Moses on the mountain. That’s all I need. Now we have a tabernacle to erect. Grab your hammer, and help me! Follow the plan.
writer: Yes, you are right. God warned Moses to follow the pattern because it had to be precise. This tent, and everything that our earthly priest do in here in it, is but a shadow — a hint — of what goes on in the True Sanctuary of Heaven.
And the work that has been given to our High Priest, Jesus, is much greater than the work of OUR priests.
…Eliakim, don’t you find it strange that this tent we erect, time and time again, has no chair for the priest in which to sit?
Eliakim: How can he! Have you seen all the offerings and sacrifices?? He has far too much work to do!

writer: That is my point, Eliakim. Jesus’ work is different. He has obtained a more excellent ministry than our priests, and the New Covenant which He brings is much greater than the Old… because it is based on better promises.
Eliakim, in the Heavenly Tabernacle there are places to sit. And Jesus, our High Priest, at the right hand of the throne of His Father… SAT DOWN!
Listen to Sermon Podcast
Download Sermon Podcast (right click)
![]()
Posted by scandiabiblechurch ![[painting: “Zechariah and Angel” by Otto Semler; (Public Domain via Flickr/pcstratman)]](https://scandiabiblechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/zechariah-and-angel-framed-drop-shadow.jpg?w=450&h=459)
![[“The Caravan of Abram”, by James Tissot; ca. 1896-1902 (Public domain, via The Jewish Museum)]](https://scandiabiblechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/hall-of-faith-abraham-b.jpg?w=450&h=630)
![[“Building the Ark”, by James Tissot; ca. 1896-1902 (Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)]](https://scandiabiblechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/hall-of-faith-noah-e.jpg?w=450&h=346)
![[illustration: God took Enoch, as in Genesis 5:24: "And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." (KJV) illustration from the 1728 Figures de la Bible; illustrated by Gerard Hoet (1648–1733) and others, and published by P. de Hondt in The Hague; image courtesy Bizzell Bible Collection, University of Oklahoma Libraries. (Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons)]](https://scandiabiblechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/hall-of-faith-enoch-b.jpg?w=450&h=617)
![[“Cain and Abel” by Jim Padgett; Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleImages.org (CC-BY-SA 3.0 - elements added: sports card theme-border/shadowing/labeling)]](https://scandiabiblechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/hall-of-faith-abel-b.jpg?w=450&h=258)











![[The Holy of Holies; illustration from the 1890 Holman Bible (Public Domain via wikimedia.com)]](https://scandiabiblechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/holy-of-holies.jpg?w=450&h=345)

![[illustration credit: Holman Bible. The Tabernacle in the Wilderness. 1890. (Public Domain via wikimediacommons)]](https://scandiabiblechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/the-heavenly-sanctuary-earthly-copy.jpg?w=450&h=348)











