Calvary Chapel McKinney

Message Take Aways:1. The anointing of Jehu marked the dawn of God's prophesied judgment against the wicked house of Ahab—“The way of the LORD is strength for the upright, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.” Proverbs 10:292. The annihilation of Joram and Ahaziah was the result of their stubborn rebellion against God warnings, thereby forsaking their own mercy—“For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord GOD. “Therefore turn and live!” Ezekiel 18:323. God's prophetic Word was accomplished as Jezebel was justly executed for the heinous atrocities she committed against God's people—“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:3

Message Take Aways:1. Paul urged Timothy to remain steadfast in his fidelity to the Word of God knowing that many would be tempted to turn away from sound doctrine—“Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls.'” Jeremiah 6:162. Paul exemplified faithfulness in his ministry by finishing well as he depended on the Lord's faithfulness to sustain him—“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:103. Paul's farewell salutations mark his final words in scripture and demonstrate a sincere love for his fellow believers—“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Message Take Aways:1. The Shunammite woman experienced restoration as she trusted and obeyed the word of the Lord—“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame.” Joel 2:25-262. Hazael responded to the revelation of the word of God with ruthless selfish ambition rather than humble trust—“For You will save the humble people, But will bring down haughty looks.” Psalm 18:273. King Jehoram's decision to associate with evil while walking in wickedness resulted in revolts and chaos rather than peace and blessing—“He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20

Message Take Aways:1. Hannah desperately brought her petition for a son before the Lord who heard and answered her prayer—“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” 1 John 5:42. Elizabeth & Zacharias experienced unexpected providence as the Lord blessed them with a son despite their old age—“I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.” Job 42:23. By humbly submitting to God's will, Mary received the extraordinary privilege of bearing the Messiah—“Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who delights greatly in His commandments.” Psalm 112:1

Take Aways:1. Paul warned Timothy of the dangerous, deceitful, and destructive spirit of the world that will intensify in the last days—“Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” 1 John 2:182. Paul urged Timothy to hold fast to the Word that he would be thoroughly equipped to fulfill his calling in the Lord—“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:16

Message Take Aways:1. The Lord allowed a famine to occur in Samaria so His people would recognize their sin of apostasy and return to trusting in Him—“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:142. The Lord intervened by causing the enemy to flee resulting in miraculous deliverance and provision for His people—“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-143. This miraculous event fulfilled God's promised word reminding that His word stands forever—“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8

Message Take Aways:1. The believer is to exhibit diligence in their Christian walk by knowing the truth of God's Word and standing opposed to false doctrines—“…contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:3b-42. The believer is called to live distinctly, set apart as a vessel of honor, sanctified and prepared for kingdom service—“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2:9

Message Take Aways:1. By miraculously interceding and sustaining His people's efforts throughout the building process, the Lord demonstrated His blessing upon the work—“And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:172. The Lord granted spiritual perception to the humble while striking the proud enemy with physical blindness to prove His worthiness to be trusted and praised—Isaiah 42:7 says of the mission of the Messiah: “To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the prison, Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.”

Message Take Aways:1. Paul urged Timothy to rely upon God's grace for the endurance, diligence, and patience needed to faithfully fulfill his ministry—“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:102. Paul pointed to the example of Jesus Christ to remind Timothy that temporal suffering for the Gospel leads to eternal joy—“but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:133. Paul celebrated the believer's expectation of resurrection into eternal life because of the completed work of Jesus Christ—“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” John 11:25

Message Take Aways:1. Naaman was suffering from a deadly condition that seemed incurable, serving as a picture of sinful humanity—“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” Romans 5:122. Naaman experienced a miraculous cleansing by exercising genuine faith demonstrated through humble obedience—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:93. Gehazi's covetousness led him to trespass, which he failed to confess, resulting in him suffering the heavy consequences of sin—“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James 1:14-15

Message Take Aways:1. Paul encouraged Timothy to be courageous in the ministry by remembering God's faithfulness to preserve His people and accomplish His plans for His glory—“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.” Isaiah 54:172. Paul reminded Timothy of their glorious calling and solemn responsibility to preach the Gospel—“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:143. Paul exhorts Timothy to conduct himself in godliness that is consistent with sound doctrine—“in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” Titus 2:7-8

Message Take Aways:1. The Lord is faithful to provide for the vulnerable who trust, believe, and act upon His word—“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:262. The Lord preserves those who earnestly seek Him in the midst of their trials—“The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:73. The Lord is able to purify and redeem the things of this fallen world to sustain His people who strive to remain faithful to Him—“Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.” Psalm 37:34.  The Lord is able to produce abundance from the little we possess, so that He alone receives the glory for sustaining His people—“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Message Take Aways:1. The resurrection proves that Jesus did not deserve the wages of sin which is death because He was sinless and never lied—“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” John 5:242. The Church has a responsibility to proclaim the good news of the resurrection as eternal life comes only through faith in the completed work of Jesus Christ—“if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:93. The word of God provides sufficient revelation of the Lord Jesus, and He is willing to reveal Himself to anyone who diligently seeks Him—“The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.” Psalm 145:18

Message Take Aways:1. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, humbly yielded to the Father's will by enduring crucifixion in the place of sinful man—“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:82. The care Jesus showed for His mother in the midst of His suffering reflects His selfless willingness to intercede on behalf of those in need—“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:253. The completion of Jesus' work upon the Cross marks the greatest transaction in human history—“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

CCM Youth Minister Jacob Couch teaches a special Palm Sunday message.

Message Take Aways:1. God allowed these kings to suffer this dilemma that they might be humbled and recognize their need to call upon the Lord—“Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:62. God's merciful character is demonstrated as He responds to all those who desperately seek Him for salvation—“For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” Romans 10:133. The Lord is faithful to fulfill His promised word by granting deliverance to those who trust in Him—“‘But the word of the LORD endures forever.' Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:25

Message Take Aways:1. Paul warned of the miserable dissatisfaction and potential destruction that flow from greed—“So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.” Proverbs 1:192. Paul charged Timothy to live in sharp contrast to carnal false teachers by continually pursuing godliness—“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness” 2 Peter 3:113. The conduct of the believer is to be marked by joyful generosity—“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10

Message Take Aways:1. The ascension of Elijah reminds that those who sincerely trust and faithfully live for the Lord will eventually be received into eternal glory—“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:82. Elisha's ministry was affirmed by God through mighty miracles, bringing blessing to those who received him in faith and judgment to those who rejected him in unbelief—“And Jesus said, ‘For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.'” John 9:39

Youth Minister Jacob Couch teaches a special message from Matthew 4:1-11.

Message Take Aways:1. King Jehoshaphat prospered as he devoted his reign to honoring the Lord—“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:332. The flagrant depravity of King Ahaziah produced a sinful nation and a weakened kingdom—“Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!” Deuteronomy 5:293. The demise of King Ahaziah was sealed as he refused to repent and humble himself in response to the promised word of God—“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Message Take Aways:1. Paul deemed faithful elders as worthy of double honor, which includes financial support when the local church is able—“Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:13-142. Paul instructed Timothy not to be hasty in ministry decisions or in choosing his personal associations—“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” Proverbs 21:53. Paul reminded Timothy to exercise discernment in appointing elders by recognizing those who consistently demonstrate holiness in their conduct—“but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,” 1 Peter 1:15

Message Take Aways:1. Paul reminded Timothy that the church is to properly care for true widows who are genuinely in need—“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:272. Paul identified the character that a true widow must demonstrate in order to be recognized as fit to receive support from the church—“…walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” 1 Thessalonians 2:123. Paul identified the godly conduct that young widows are expected to continue in as believers in Jesus Christ—“For all people walk each in the name of his god, But we will walk in the name of the LORD our God Forever and ever.” Micah 4:5

Message Take Aways:1. King Ahab trusted in the deceptive words of false prophets rather than seeking the truth of God's word—“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting” Romans 1:282. King Ahab rejected the declaration of God's word delivered by Micaiah, who warned the king of his coming judgement—“They made their hearts like flint so that they could not hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath came from the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 7:123. King Ahab suffered destruction because of his proud refusal to heed God's warnings—“He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Proverbs 29:1

Message Take Aways:1. Paul warned Timothy to be on guard against apostasy that would arise in the form of false teaching and demonic doctrines—“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:12. Paul exhorted Timothy to engage in the disciplined activity of training himself in godliness—“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,” Titus 2:11-123. Paul charged Timothy to give careful attention to maintaining sound doctrine and cultivating a godly lifestyle to fulfill his ministry—“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12

Message Take Aways:1. Greed and envy led King Ahab and Jezebel to conspire against Naboth wrongly believing their evil would go unpunished—“A false witness will not go unpunished,And he who speaks lies shall perish.” Proverbs 19:92. The Lord saw the wicked conduct of King Ahab and Jezebel and, in response, issued a pronouncement of condemnation—“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:133. King Ahab responded to the word of the Lord with contrition resulting in mercy from the Lord—“Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy.” Micah 7:18 

Message Take Aways:1. The office of bishop, elder, or overseer is a sacred stewardship that entrusts one to shepherd the flock of God with honor and diligence—“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:282. A deacon is to be a servant who selflessly ministers to the body of Christ with integrity and faithfulness—“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:103. The church is to be united in solidarity by acknowledging and aligning with the revealed truth of God's word—“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7

Message Take Aways:1. King Ahab was confronted by a stubborn enemy who desired to enslave him and his people under a crushing yoke of bondage—“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:102. In His radical mercy, the Lord God graciously granted victory in the ensuing conflicts, delivering His people from a cruel enemy and proving that He is worthy to be trusted—“I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18:33. King Ahab chose to compromise rather than obey the Word of the Lord resulting in resentment, regret, and remorse—“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

Message Take Aways:1. Paul exhorts believers to pray for all people including those in authority and those outside the household of faith—“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-182. Paul reminds that God has designed men and women to serve in differing yet complementary positions within His created order—And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Genesis 2:18

Message Take Aways: 1. Paul recognized his responsibility to be a faithful steward of the Gospel by teaching sound doctrine motivated by love—“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” 1 Corinthians 4:12. Paul celebrated the grace of God that had redeemed his life and thereby made him a testimony of God's mercy—“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:103. Paul charged Timothy to commit to the good fight of defending sound doctrine through his teaching and his lifestyle—“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.” 1 Peter 3:15-16

Message Take Aways:1. Elijah began running in fear once he took his mind off the Lord and focused instead on the threats of man—“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:32. The manifestation of God's power and the revelation of His word brought hope to the weary prophet—“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.” Psalm 130:5 3. Elijah was renewed as he obeyed God's command to resume his ministry and found Elisha, exactly as promised by the word of God—“For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.” Jeremiah 31:25

Message Take Aways:1. Paul prayed that Philemon would be effective in serving the Lord by continuing to show generosity toward his fellow saints—“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:162. Paul's plea to Philemon was that he would extend forgiveness to Onesimus so that they might be reconciled as brothers in the Lord—“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:143. Paul exhorted Philemon to partner with him in ministry by receiving Onesimus as his fellow believer in Christ—“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation” 2 Corinthians 5:18

Message Take Aways:1. Elijah and Obadiah demonstrated great boldness as they submitted to the Lord's charge to confront the wicked King Ahab—“The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:12. Elijah prayerfully issued a challenge to the prophets of Baal believing that the Lord would faithfully reveal Himself to His people and lead them to repentance—“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:83. Elijah showed a commitment to pray being convinced that the Lord would fulfill His promised word even when it seemed improbable—Jesus said in Luke 18:27 “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

Message Take Aways:1. Paul exhorted the Colossians to “redeem the time” by being steadfast in prayer while walking in godly wisdom in both speech and conduct—“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-172. Paul recognized the need for fellow workers in the ministry understanding that the whole body of Christ is intended to work together to glorify God—“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” Romans 12:4-53. Paul sent a warning to encourage Archippus to fulfill the ministry that the Lord had entrusted to him which reminds that we also have been appointed to do good works—“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Message Take Aways: 1. King Ahab provoked the Lord to anger by embracing Canaanite idolatry and openly opposing the word of God—“I will break the pride of your power; I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze.” Leviticus 26:192. Elijah courageously proclaimed God's coming judgment upon the land of Israel because of their unrepentant sin—“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.” Malachi 4:53. The Lord faithfully provided for Elijah as the prophet trusted and obeyed the word of God—“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:334. The gentile widow made a genuine profession of faith after she witnessed the Lord's omnipotence in the midst of her trial—“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2-3

Message Take Aways:1. A wife's submission to her husband is ultimately obedience to the Lord and it is made easier when her husband is rightly submitted to Christ—“Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:122. Households established on God's intended structure for the family will be blessed as they yield to His word—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:73. Regardless of position, the Christian is to regard their employment as service unto the Lord and seek to glorify Him in it—“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

Message Take Aways:1. God's people dedicated themselves to restoring the altar recognizing the need to sacrifice for their sins and renew proper worship in their homeland—“For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Hebrews 9:13-142. The people likewise committed themselves to rebuilding the temple with a desire to glorify the Lord and to maintain intimate fellowship with Him—“One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.” Psalm 27:4

Message Take Aways:1. The believer is to live with a consciousness fixed upon eternity rather than the things of this world—“be renewed in the spirit of your mind” Ephesians 4:232. The believer is to flee carnality by yielding to the Spirit instead of the flesh, in recognition of their new nature in Christ—“our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.” Romans 6:63. The believer is to cultivate a character that reflects the Lord Jesus and glorifies God in all that they do—“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Message Take Aways:1. The proclamation of the birth of Christ remains glorious today as the prophesied Savior has come to save sinners like us—“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:212. Recognizing God's faithfulness to fulfill His promised word should lead us to praise Him for His goodness—“O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” Isaiah 25:13. Blessing comes to those who wisely pursue the truth of the Gospel—“these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:31

Take Aways:1. Paul warned the Colossians to reject legalism which wrongly condemns and enslaves believers by emphasizing works rather than trusting in the sufficiency of Christ—“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:282. Paul reminded the Colossians of their liberty from the law, that they might live fully unto Christ—“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1

Message Take Aways:1. Although God previously utilized King Baasha to fulfill His prophesied word against the household of Jeroboam, Baasha's depravity provoked the Lord to anger resulting in a promised judgment against his own household—“Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, For the reward of his hands shall be given him.” Isaiah 3:112. While King Zimri's treason against King Elah served to fulfill God's promised judgment against Baasha's household, his selfish wickedness led to the shortest reign and his own destruction—“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:123. Though King Omri established a dominant kingdom in this temporal world, the eternal word of God remembers him as evil in the eyes of the Lord—“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Mark 8:36

Message Take Aways:1. Paul desired that the Colossians would grow in their personal knowledge of God and remain firmly rooted in the truth—“grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” 2 Peter 3:182. Paul warned the Colossians to guard against being deceived by the trickery of human philosophies and vain traditions of men—“But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” 2 Tim. 3:133. Paul reminded the Colossians that the triumph of Jesus Christ at the Cross has delivered the believer from sin and death—“The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:56-57

Message Take Aways:1. King Abijam walked in compromise to the word of God and it resulted in a short reign marked by unrighteousness—“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:26-272. King Asa ruled with a commitment to honor the Lord with his throne which generated a prosperous and blessed kingdom because of God's faithfulness—“Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.” Psalm 37:33. The sinful reign of King Nadab led Baasha to conspire against him resulting in his destruction and the fulfillment of God's promised word—“Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,'” Isaiah 46:9-10

Message Take Aways:1. Paul reminds of the preeminence of Jesus Christ who is greater than all things being God the Son, Lord of lords, and King of kings—“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth” Philippians 2:9-102. Paul recalls the selfless and willing sacrifice of Jesus Christ which generates peace between God and man—“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time” 1 Timothy 2:5-63. Paul recognized his mission as preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all men, a charge likewise entrusted to every believer—“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14

Message Take Aways:1. Paul rejoiced over the love and fruit produced in the Colossians by the Spirit, as it demonstrated a sincere faith in the Gospel—“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” Titus 3:82. Paul prayed that the Colossians would walk worthy of the Lord by remembering the redemption they had received in Christ—“…walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:12

Message Take Aways:1. The conduct of the believer is to be radically transformed in response to the Gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit—“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:12. Titus was instructed to avoid needless contentions while firmly addressing those who create division through foolish disputes and false doctrines—“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” Romans 16:173. Paul reminds Titus to teach believers to walk in good works rooted in benevolent charity—“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” 1 Timothy 6:18

Message Take Aways:1. King Jeroboam's attempts to deceive God's prophet exposed the apostate condition of his heart, ultimately bringing divine judgment upon his whole family—“But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you” Deuteronomy 28:152. King Rehoboam's embrace of foreign gods and pagan practices resulted in painful discipline for the entire kingdom of Judah—“If you will not hear, And if you will not take it to heart, To give glory to My name,” Says the LORD of hosts, “I will send a curse upon you, And I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, Because you do not take it to heart.” Malachi 2:2

Message Take Aways:1. Paul gave exhortations for each group in the church reminding us that every believer has a task and purpose in the Lord—“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:582. Paul identified the expectations of the believer reminding us how to live in this present age while expectantly looking for the imminent return of Jesus Christ—“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” Revelation 22:12

Message Take Aways:1. The Lord sent a message of future judgment and swiftly confirmed it reminding us of His goodness to graciously warn sinners and His faithfulness to fulfill His word—“I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?” Ezekiel 33:112. The mistake of the man of God to believe a false testimony brought about a terrible consequence reminding us to test everything against the word of God—“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:213. The destruction of the man of God reminds of the inevitable misery that comes from disobeying the Lord reminding us to remain steadfast in the path of righteousness—“You shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.” Deuteronomy 5:33

Message Take Aways:1. In his address to Titus, Paul recognized that his entire ministry was founded upon the preaching of the Gospel and the teaching of sound doctrine, reminding us of the importance of faithfully relying upon the Word of God as His ambassadors—“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” Mark 16:152. Paul set forth clear attributes to identify those qualified to be elders in the church at Crete, and we would do well to observe and uphold these same standards within the church today—“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:333. While Titus received a specific assignment to rebuke and correct within Crete, every believer likewise bears the responsibility to stand boldly for the word of God and truth of the Gospel wherever they are called—“always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” 1 Peter 3:15

Calvary Chapel McKinney Youth Leader Jacob Couch teaches a special message in 2 Peter 1:1-11.