First Baptist Lenoir City

I. The Beginning of the End - vv. 1-2 1. The Apostle of Jesus Christ - 2. The Will of God - 3. The Life of Christ - 4. The Son in the Faith - 5. The Virtues of the Faith - a. GRACE: Saving grace & Strengthening grace - The first is faith in God's forgiveness (Eph. 2:8-10); The second is how God forges our faith (Col. 2:6-7); We are called to GROW IN THE GRACE & THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JC (II Peter 3:18). b. Divine mercy - daily mercy from Lamentations 3:22-23 (context of the destruction of his city) - Jesus uttered wonderful words of mercy from the cross; Mt. 5:7 c. Positional peace & Practical peace - Romans 5:1-2; Phil. 4:6-7; Positional peace never changes; Practical peace is ever changing; A permanent peace and a peace that passes understanding!II. 4 Elements of a Fearless Life: vv. 3-7 (There are over 800 phobias) 1. The Favor of God - 2. The Earthly father-figure - Paul first had Barnabas (then he led)3. The Heavenly Father-figure - 4. The 8 Forces of a Sincere Faith - Saving faith can influence us, but it cannot be transferred to us. 5. The Power of gratitude - 6. The Power of servanthood - 7. The Power of precious saints - 8. The Power of a clear conscience - 9. The Power of prayer - 10. The Power of tears - 11. The Power of fellowship - 12. The Power of affirmation -

A Review of Ephesians 1:1-14We have received a spiritual blessing, that is, our salvation through Jesus ChristOur salvation comes by the grace of God, not by any worth that we might bring to the table. God chose us before the foundation of the world, with the purpose of making us holy and blameless, demonstrating that we did nothing to contribute to our salvation, and God provided the sacrifice we needed to be saved and sanctified.Out of God's great love for us, he planned our adoption into his family. We now have sonship or daughtership and God as our Father. This demonstrates God's love for us, our value in Jesus Christ, and the promise of an inheritance.Also, in 1:7-10 we say the redeeming purpose of God. Through the overwhelming graciousness of God, he redeemed our lives through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.Then he promises us an inheritance that is sealed and kept by the Holy Spirit. 1. Paul is celebrating all God has done in the church of Ephesus.Ephesians 1:15–16 Giving thanks is a common theme in Paul's letters to other believers. His letters often start with warm greetings and gratitude for the work of the church or God's work in them.For these things, Paul gives thanks in his prayers, but Paul doesn't pray ordinary prayers.TWO REASONS PAUL GIVES FOR GIVING THANKS:The faith of the Ephesian Church in the Lord Jesus.Paul was not the first person to bring the good news of Jesus to Ephesus, but he found a small group of believers there already, and he found they needed further teaching and a baptism that included the Holy Spirit. The change in the Ephesian church was so radical that it led to riots in Ephesus. Throwing away their idols. Paul also had been away from these believers for some time, and now is in prison, so he is hearing updates of their faith.Saints are not a special group of believers but all of God's believers. Throughout the OT and NT, the Hebrew and Greek words for saint are used to refer to believers.Psalm 16:3, Psalm 34:9, Acts 9:3, Romans 1:6–7, Romans 8:27The love of the Ephesian Church toward all the believers.In this area of Asia Minor or what we would call Turkey - The churches depended on generosity between each other.Philippians 4:10–23 HOW DO WE AS BELIEVERS SHOW LOVE TO ONE ANOTHER?Taking care of one another.Giving to one another - benevolence, blessing box, and helping hands ministryDisaster reliefMontana and VermontGuatemala - homes, churches, and now a crusadeIndia - the church was built to be dedicated.2. Remember to whom we are praying.Ephesians 1:17 The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory . . . Again, Paul is using this title of God and Jesus that emphasizes their relationship. Piper points out that Jesus's connection to God in this way reminds us that Jesus is our mediator. Jesus makes it so that we can approach God - or the throne of Grace. The Father of Glory - the only time Paul uses this exact wording but what does it mean? Father of Glory?1 Corinthians 2:8, Romans 6:4Many people struggle with this concept of God being at the center - and being worthy of worship. But there is none greater than God. Our lives should reflect his glory.3. What is Paul asking God to do for the Ephesians Church?Ephesians 1:17-19
Similarly, Colossians 1:9–11That God would give them . . . The spirit of wisdom . . . And of revelation . . . in the knowledge of him,This wisdom is more than just factual knowledge but a sense of understanding how to apply what we know from the Bible about Jesus and our calling to live a holy life.2 Timothy 1:7 And it is how God has revealed Himself to us through His word so we can know him. General revelation v. special revelation.. . . Having the eyes of your heart enlightened . . . Open the eyes of my heart as compared to what happened in the Garden of Eden. 2 Corinthians 4:4–6, Romans 1:21–22, Romans 2:1–5, Colossians 3 . . . That you may know . . . The hope to which he called youThe riches of his glorious inheritance in the saintsThe immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe4. By God's Power He is at work in our lives, in creation, and in the heavenly places.Ephesians 1:19–23 His Great Might.He worked in Christ :Resurrection PowerPhilippians 3, Job 19:25, Romans 8:34, 1 Peter 1:3, John 11:25–26 Sovereign PowerEphesians 3:20, Hebrews 10:12–14 Paul uses language that refers to OT passages:Isaiah 40:25–26, Psalm 147:4, Psalm 8 From Adam to Israel to the 2nd Adam - God is at work bringing all things back in order under the Lordship of Christ and as head of the church. LAST QUESTION: HOW DO WE PRAY THIS PRAYER? Ephesians 1:15-23. No Ordinary Prayers: The Greatness of God in Paul's Prayer

We have known Paul's thoughts on Timothy long before II Timothy was written. They had a long and strong relationship - long and strong fellowship - long and strong mentorship. Listen to what Paul called Timothy in previous letters: called… “well spoken of” when Paul met him in Acts 16 “his helper” in Acts 19 “doer of the work of the Lord” - I Corinthians 16 “our brother” - Corinthians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Philemon, Hebrews “my beloved” again in I Corinthians “fellow worker” in Acts & Romans “faithful worker” in I Corinthians “servant of Christ” in Philippians “my true child” in I Timothy “bearer of good news” in I Thessalonians 3:6-7 Part of the new team - Paul, Silas, Timothy - in I & II Thessalonians The best word on Timothy is found in Philippians 2:19-24

As open the letter to the Ephesians, we can jump right into it without much introduction and through the leading of the Holy Spirit, we we will be so blessed by the power and beauty of this letter. But we would probably prefer at least some background information to use as on ramp tonight to the book of Ephesians.Paul is and in the early church fathers is recognized as the author of Ephesians. Practically speaking is one of the Epistles, a letter to the church similar to Galatians, Philippians and Colossians. It most similar to Colossians and some modern scholars have used those similarities to question whether or not Paul is actually the author of Ephesians. For full disclosure, the debate of Paul's authorship rises over a few issues that some scholars have made a big deal over.Some of the early copies of Ephesians that we have do not have the name “Ephesians” in the title.It was likely an encyclical letter - sent to all the churches.We know Paul used an amanuensis and copies of the letter were made at the time of writing the original.Many of the copies we have do include the title Ephesians. The letter seems to read more generically to the church and does not focus on some specific controversy or rebuke such as in Galatians or the Corinthian letters.It seems like a fake argument to me. Paul wrote letters to the churches based of the needs of those churches. His emphasis on the unity between Jews and Gentiles through the cross of Christ would have been specific to Ephesus but was probably a very common theme in many of the Greek and Roman communities where Paul preached the Gospel.Colossians has similarities to Ephesians in a way that some insist the author of Ephesians leaned on Colossians to write Ephesians.While I know that smarter men than me have studied these ideas in greater detail, I agree with the commentaries that take on these questions and recognize that there is no evidence, even with the shared similarities, that indicates which epistle was written first or why similar language between the letters would cause us to question Pauline authorship. Some of the language the author uses, vocabulary and phrases, is unique to the letter to the Ephesians.Once again, the uniqueness of some of the phrases or theological points made in Ephesians does not require a different author. We would recognize that Paul explains the gospel from different angles and does so based on his audience which would require using different words, phrases, or even different concepts that work to explain God's mystery of the Cross to us.Apostleship: An Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. Paul has the title of Apostle. An apostle by definition is “a sent one”. And this would make Paul An Apostle of Jesus Christ because Paul encounters Christ on the road to Damascus and Jesus saves him and through Ananias, gives the call on Paul's life “he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” Acts 9:15.There were three qualifications to be considered an apostle in the early church. A disciple of Jesus.An eye witness to the resurrection.Called and commissioned directly by Christ.We will discuss Paul's calling and ministry more when we get to chapter 3.Audience: The Church in Ephesus In modern day Turkey, ancient Ephesus was ruled first by the Greeks and then by the Romans. Paul would have been in Ephesus under Roman rule. It was a relatively large city with all of the Greek and Roman traits; wealth, multicultural community, amphitheater, temples, idolatry, immorality, etc.The Big Picture Paul's letter has been divided up into 6 chapters and there are a few different ways we can outline his letter and the main ideas that Paul was teaching.From the Bible Project: Two Main sections C. 1-3 and then C. 4-6. Chapter 1-3 are much more theological, describing how we are saved or laying out for us SOTERIOLOGY. And Paul explains our unity in Christ between Jews and Gentiles. Chapters 4-6 Paul teaches us about the church Chapter 4-6 are explaining how our salvation should then change our lives, how God calls us to serve him, treat one another in the home and our community, and the spiritual resources we have in Jesus to stand firm on our faith.One way to see how this unfolds in the book is by seeing how some of the terms Paul uses changes through the latter.The opening of Paul's song emphasizes the worship of God and reminds of the position of God the Father and Jesus the Son as well as the Lordship of Jesus and his office of Messiah. Paul is praising God in this Jewish way similar to the Schema - “Hear O Israel The Lord our God, the Lord is One. Through this prayer he has reminded us of the trinity with the role of the Holy Spirit coming just a few verses later.Spiritual Blessing in the Heavenly Places - What are the spiritual blessings we are given for which Paul is giving thanks? We were chosen in Jesus before the world was created. PLEASE DON'T PANIC OVER THE WORD CHOSEN. 2. We were chosen by his grace and not based on our own good works. It is obvious in the text that God chose us knowing that we need a Savior and subsequently with the plan to send the Savior all along. He did not pick us because of something we would do or because of our class or our potential. In fact it reads to me that He chose us because we are sinners and we would need a savior.3. We are adopted to part of God's family through Jesus. IN LOVE - The placement of this phrase could point back to “chosen” or it could point forward to predestined - either way these action are done as a result of God's love.4. We are blessed by this Salvation according to God's will, by his glorious grace, and through the Beloved - Jesus Christ.Let's pause here for just a minute - two tracks in scripture. Chosen and whosoever will. Ephesians 1:3 and John 3:16. There is no contradiction.We are called to witness, be missionaries - which is what Paul was doing - and while I am doing that work I know it is only Jesus that saves.Our salvation only comes through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Jesus went to the cross and shed his blood for us. Let's remember our Hebrews study - Jesus is the final sacrifice. He is the Lamb of God who tales away the sins of the world. But all the animals and the blood that was spilled for atonement were a shadow - an imperfect offering looking to the things ahead - until Jesus could offer the perfect, fulfilling sacrifice.It's out of the riches of his Grace! The imagery here is of wealth and opulence. But God does not here offer something that will rust be lavishes on us his Grace.  The idea of the mystery of God's plan or his will has finally been revealed through Jesus Christ. Where we can understand in part through reading the prophecies of the Old Testament, we are now on the other side of the cross and see more fully - certainly not all - but the mystery of God's plan.We have an inheritance that comes to us through Jesus Christ. In Him! Spiritual Blessing. We are heaven bound. Do you remember when you were saved? Not a date or moment. Do you remember when you heard the truth? Do you remember when you believed? It is then that you were sealed.

1. Jesus gives us REST v. 30-32Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Matthew 11:282. Jesus shows us COMPASSION v. 33-34 Isa. 53:6 - All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned — everyone — to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.3. Jesus PROVIDES our needs HIS way - v. 35-41 Mark 14:22 - And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.”John 15:5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.4. Jesus is our source of CONTENTMENT v. 42-4410 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Eccl 2:10–11.7But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. 8More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ — the righteousness from God based on faith.Phil. 3:7-9 (CSB)Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

• Saul - Hebrew name • Paul - Hellenistic name (Roman citizen). Went by Paul bc Gentiles were his major focus of ministry. Paul writes from a Roman prison to Timothy in Ephesus. Paul had been in prison several times but nothing like this. Sense of ambition vs Sense of Mission - The work was more important to Paul than his life. That's the difference between selfless leaders and selfish leaders. Paul's attitude in chapter 4 is based on a heavenly hope not earthly resentment. Acts 20:17-38: Tearful farewell saying goodbye to the elders in Ephesus. They knew Paul was heading into dangerous places. II Timothy 4:6-8: But this is different. Paul knows he won't be long for this earth. His life is being poured out! Introduction: “How does it end?” That's the question I usually ask my wife when she suggests watching something together. I want to know. It doesn't ruin it for me. I want a happy ending. I'm depressed enough living in a fallen world without the help of Hollywood. God must want us to know how things are going to bc He tells us in His Word. We learn that no human lives forever on the earth. We learn that Jesus is preparing a place for us after we die. Jesus spoke about how things will end on earth with vivid details in Matthew 24 & 25 (The Olivet Discourse). And last but not least, God gave us the Book of Revelation the greatest details on how it all ends on the earth). This letter is raw and powerful. It is personal but not chummy. This letter contains 25 imperatives. Paul is commanding Timothy is many critical areas. I. There are four chapters (each has its own theme) 1. Chapter One - Fanning the flame 2. Chapter Two - Training the pastors 3. Chapter Three - Relying on Scriptures 4. Chapter Four - Finishing Well II. The II Timothy Overview Chart - 1. The Past - Timothy's heritage 2. The Present - Passing it on 3. The Future (2-fold) a. The Deception of the World b. The Devotion of the Disciples III. The Personal Opening - 1:1-5 (Authority w/ affection & affirmation) - God used Paul to prepare Timothy before his death in a similar manner that God prepared Joshua after Moses death. Every organization has as its goal passing on the leadership to the next generation. Few have accomplished this for any length of time. My father's company GM is not the giant it used to be in the automobile industry. My father-in-law's company, Sears dominated the market for over a hundred years but has since fallen on hard times. Christianity on the other hand has endured for over 2,000 years. Why? Two reasons: (1) God is the eternal CEO of His work (2) God's work is an organism rather than an organization. 1. Paul was Timothy's spiritual father and this is no “gonna miss you” letter. It's a call to courage. It's a call to leadership. It's a call to preaching in a world where antagonism was on an all-time high. The enemies of the cross expanded far beyond the JRE and now coming from the Roman Empire itself. This changed everything. Paul went from “house arrest” in his first Roman imprisonment and now he is bound in chains, cold and alone, knowing he would not survive this incarceration. = 1:1 - Paul the author speaks first with authority then with affection= 1:2a - Timothy the recipient = 1:2b - Paul ended Titus w/ “love, faith, grace” and opens II Timothy w/ “grace, mercy, & peace”= 1:3-4 - Paul opens with being thankful, prayerful, tearful, hopeful, joyful (and calls adds the title of “servant”) ● As did my ancestors/forefathers” - Paul was not the first to walk faithfully with God and he will not be the last! Many endured incredible persecution and pain. ● “with a clear conscience” - I Timothy 1; II Timothy 3:9; “remember you constantly in my prayers (couldn't stop there but instead he defines constantly) “night and day” ● “I remember your tears” - ● “I long to see you” -

I. A relationship of serving, of working, of doing (even before saving) - Adam  •  Tend the Garden (Adam)  •  Build the Ark (Noah)  •  Leave your Home (Abraham)  •  Lead My People (Moses)   •  Leave Egypt (Exodus)  •  Love Your Neighbor (Leviticus)   •  Love Me (Deuteronomy)   •  Cross the Jordan (Joshua)  •  Rebuild My Temple (Go get wood)   •  Mt. 7:24-27; Ja 1:22-24; Heb. 11   •  The Book of Romans begins and ends with the phrase “obedience of faith” AND it is connected to reaching the nations (Haggai 2)  •  Romans 1:1-7; Romans 16:17-27  •  The Past, Present, Future Temples= Message One - God's Judgment and the call to rebuild the Temple - chap. 1= Message Two - God's Prophetic Promise of the Future Glory of the Temple - 2:1-9= Message Three - God's Requirement of the People's Purity - 2:10-19= Message Four - God's Re establishing of the Messianic Line - 2:20-23 (Matthew 1:13)I. The Material (wood) - Ezra 5:8; Nehemiah 8:15  1.  In the mountains of Jerusalem?  2.  King of Tyre (Hiram)- I Kings 5:1-18  3.  Cedars of Lebanon - Ezra 3:7II. The Purposes - EXAMINATION   1.  That God be pleased - Scripture (John 8:29; Ephesians 5:10; Philippians 4:18; Colossians 1:9-12  2.  That God be glorified - I Kings 8   3.  We are His Temple - I Cor 3:16; 6:18-20; I Thessalonians 4:1; I Timothy 2:3; 5:4; Titus 2:9; Hebrews 13:15-16; 20-21 (is God pleased and glorified in us?)III. ACCESS - There are Two Veils   1.  In the Holy of Holies- Matt 27:51  2.  Over the hearts of the Hebrews - II Corinthians 3:12-16; 4:3

Introduction: “How does it end?” That's the question I usually ask my wife when she suggests watching something together. I want to know. It doesn't ruin it for me. I want a happy ending. I'm depressed enough living in a fallen world without the help of Hollywood. God must want us to know how things are going to bc He tells us in His Word. We learn that no human lives forever on Earth. We learn that Jesus is preparing a place for us after we die. Jesus spoke about how things will end on earth with vivid details in Matthew 24 & 25 (The Olivet Discourse). And last but not least, God gave us the Book of Revelation, the greatest details on how it all ends on earth. This letter is raw and powerful. It is personal but not chummy. This letter contains 25 imperatives. Paul is commanding Timothy in many critical areas. I. There are four chapters (each has its own theme) 1. Chapter One - Fanning the flame 2. Chapter Two - Training the pastors3. Chapter Three - Relying on Scriptures 4. Chapter Four - Finishing WellII. The II Timothy Overview Chart - 1. The Past - Timothy's heritage 2. The Present - Passing it on 3. The Future (2-fold) a. The Deception of the World b. The Devotion of the Disciples III. The Personal Opening - 1:1-5 (Authority w/ affection & affirmation) - God used Paul to prepare Timothy before his death in a similar manner that God prepared Joshua after Moses death. Every organization has as its goal passing on the leadership to the next generation. Few have accomplished this for any length of time. My father's company, GM, is not the giant it used to be in the automobile industry. My father-in-law's company, Sears, dominated the market for over a hundred years but has since fallen on hard times. Christianity, on the other hand, has endured for over 2,000 years. Why? Two reasons: (1) God is the eternal CEO of His work (2) God's work is an organism rather than an organization. 1. Paul was Timothy's spiritual father, and this is no “gonna miss you” letter. It's a call to courage. It's a call to leadership. It's a call to preaching in a world where antagonism was on an all-time high. The enemies of the cross expanded far beyond the JRE and are now coming from the Roman Empire itself. This changed everything. Paul went from “house arrest” in his first Roman imprisonment, and now he is bound in chains, cold and alone, knowing he would not survive this incarceration. = 1:1 - Paul the author speaks first with authority, then with affection= 1:2a - Timothy the recipient = 1:2b - Paul ended Titus with/ “love, faith, grace,” and opens II Timothy with/ “grace, mercy, & peace.” = 1:3-4 - Paul begins with being thankful, prayerful, tearful, hopeful, joyful (and adds the title of “servant”) • “as did my ancestors/forefathers” - Paul was not the first to walk faithfully with God, and he will not be the last! Many endured incredible persecution and pain. • “with a clear conscience” - I Timothy 1; II Timothy 3:9; • “Remember you constantly in my prayers (couldn't stop there, but instead he defines constantly) night and day.” • “I remember your tears” - • “I long to see you.” -

I. A relationship of serving, of working, of doing (even before saving) - Adam • Tend the Garden (Adam) • Build the Ark (Noah) • Leave your Home (Abraham) • Lead My People (Moses) • Leave Egypt (Exodus) • Love Your Neighbor (Leviticus) • Love Me (Deuteronomy) • Cross the Jordan (Joshua) • Rebuild My Temple (Go get wood) • Matthew 7:24-27; James 1:22-24 • Hebrews 11 • If you love Me then KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS • WHY DO YOU CALL ME LORD, LORD AND NOT DO THE THINGS THAT I SAY (Luke 6:46) - not talking to the Pharisees • God-honoring works not self-honoring works. • The Book of Romans begins and ends with the phrase “obedience of faith,” AND it is connected to reaching the nations (Haggai 2) • Romans 1:1-7; Romans 16:17-27 The Past Temple / The Present Temple / The Future Temples (Heb. 11) = Message One - God's Judgment and the call to rebuild the Temple - chap. 1 = Message Two - God's Prophetic Promise of the Future Glory of the Temple - 2:1-9 = Message Three - God's Requirement of Priestly Purity - 2:10-19 = Message Four - God's Re-establishing of the Messianic Line - 2:20-23 (Matthew 1:13) I. The Material (wood) - Ezra 5:8; Nehemiah 8:15 1. In the mountains of Jerusalem? 2. King of Tyre (Hiram)- I Kings 5:1-18 3. Cedars of Lebanon - Ezra 3:7 II. The Purposes - 1. That God be pleased - Scripture (John 8:29; Ephesians 5:10; Philippians 4:18; Colossians 1:9-10; 2. That God be glorified - I Kings 8 3. We are His Temple - I Cor 3:16; 6:18-20; I Thessalonians 4:1; I Timothy 2:3; 5:4; Titus 2:9; Hebrews 13:15-16; 20-21 (Is God pleased and glorified in us?)

I. The Factious Dividers - vv. 9-11 — The Grecian Empire (The power of the pen) — The Roman Empire (The power of the sword) — The Jesus Empire (The power of the towel) John 13 II. The Faithful Uniters - vv. 12-15 1. The Fellow Servant Leaders - vv. 12-13 2. Artemas 3. Tychicus - Acts 20:4; Colossians 4:7; Ephesians 6:21; II Timothy 4:12 (Replace Timothy) 4. Zenas 5. Apollos - Acts 18:24-27; 19:1 1. The Fellow Servant Helpers - v. 14 2. The Dynamics of the Body 1. The Fellowship sends Greetings - v. 15 2. Love; Faith; & Grace

Introduction: The Book of Haggai is a book about God, about worship, about holiness. These themes take us back to the days of altars of Noah; of Abram (Abraham); of Isaac; of Jacob; and the Tabernacle of Moses (Play Video of Tabernacle). Haggai is the 37th book in the Old Testament .  Haggai is a Post-Exilic book meaning the timeframe happens after the Babylonian Captivity. God directed the Assyrians, Babylonians, & the Persians to accomplish His will!I. Let's set a timeline:1. Solomon's Temple built around 957 BC (United Monarchy)2. The Northern Kingdom (Israel) is defeated by Assyria in 722 BC3. The Southern Kingdom (Judah) is defeated by Babylon and the Temple was destroyed around 587-586 BC. The Book of Lamentations was written by Jeremiah based on what God did and what he saw (Lamentations 3:22-23)4. Zerubbabel's Temple (Book of Haggai) started in 536 BC and stopped with the foundation. 5. Restart on Zerubbabel's Temple started back in 520 BC. Finished in four months. Some were alive to see Solomon's Temple.READ HAGGAI 1 & 2 II. Some critical statement made in these 2 chapters:1. “Consider your ways” – 1:5 & 72. “That I may take pleasure” – 1:83. “Obeyed the voice of the Lord” – 1:124. “I am with you” – 1:13 & 2:45. “Be strong” – 2:4 (3 times)6. “The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former” – 2:97. “Make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you” – 2:23 III. The Book of Haggai is connected to the Book of Ezra1. Read II Chronicles 36:22-23 2. Read Ezra 3:8-133. Read Ezra 4:1-5 (“adversaries” lied; “discouraged”; “made them afraid”; “bribed”). Fear of man paralyzes us. Fear of God frees us.4. Cyrus & Darius blessed the returning remnant (and paid for the rebuilding project!)5. Read Ezra 5:1-2 (Back on track)  IV. Haggai 1 – WHAT TIME IS IT?1. Haggai 1:3 - 2. Haggai 1:8 – 3. Haggai 1:12 4. Haggai 1:13 – 5. Haggai 1:14 –CHAPTER 2 NEXT WEEK 

I. The Factious Selfish Dividers - vv. 9-11The Problem of Preference in Leadership - I Corinthians 1:10-18The Problem of Purpose in Evangelism - I Corinthians 3:1-9The Problem of Partiality in Fellowship - I Corinthians 11:18-25The Power of Placement by God - I Corinthians 12:12-26

I. Introduction: The Book of Haggai matters because the Temple matters. The Temple matters because worship matters. Worship matters because God is a holy God and commands those who worship Him to be holy as well. The Temple is primarily about God's presence, but is also about God's place. Don't make the place more important than the presence. The pride of the Temple was a problem in Solomon's day and in Jesus' day. II. Read Haggai 1 & 2 (Matthew 6:33-34) III. The History of True Worship -• False worship -• Vain worship -• True worship - 1. The altars in Genesis: a. Genesis 8:20-22, Noah at Mount Ararat b. Genesis 12:5-7, Abram at Shechem c. Genesis 12:8-9, Abram at Bethel d. Genesis 13:14-18, Abram at Hebron e. Genesis 22:9-14, Abraham at Mount Moriah (a father offered a son) f. Isaac would build altars to worship the LORD g. Jacob would build altars to worship the LORD 2. The altars in Exodus: a. Exodus 3:1-6, Moses was in the presence of God b. Exodus 12 - The doorposts were the “altars” c. Exodus 17:8-16, Israel defeats Amalek then Moses builds an altar (Jehovah-Nissi) 3. The Tabernacle in Exodus - 24:15-18 a. Exodus 25-40 (incredible detail of the mobile sanctuary) b. Joshua 22:19-29 (The eastern tribes' altar of witness) 4. The Temple with David & Solomon - a. I Chronicles 15:1; 16:1; 17:1-15, 16-27; 22:1-19; 28:1-21; 29:1-22 5. The Temples in the Old & New Testaments: a. Solomon's Temple - b. Zerubabbel's Temple (Haggai) - c. Herod's Temple (46 years) - John d. Tribulation Temple rebuilt - Ezekiel 40-48; (Abomination of Desolation) -

There is amazing brevity & clarity given the challenges in Crete! MAP Complex issues yet no long book is written - no second book is written (like Timothy). Final comments are aimed at RELATIONSHIPS — The challenges & The celebrationsThe damage of division is the distraction to discipleship! The Great Commission is the evangelistic pillar of the church. Division distracts from TRUTH from GRACE from LOVE as well! Remember that Timothy and Titus are more than Leadership Books (Pastoral Epistles). They are getting back to discipleship books, too! This is why the deceiver sows the discord of division. • Jesus - John 7:34; 9:16; 10:19 • Matthew 7:1-5 (see the sin in others) - legalism; lacking truth or lacking grace• What division is and what division isn't - Disagreeing is not division - Philippians 4:1-3 • A Corinthian Concern (not just a problem in Crete) - I Cor. 1:10-18; 3:1-9; 11:17-22; Romans 16:17-20; II Thess 3:14-15; II Timothy 2:24-26; III John 9-10; Jude 17-19 I. REMIND / REMEMBER (II Tim. 2:1-9) II. REJECT (3 Steps) 1. Warn them -2 . Warn them again - 3. Remove them - I Cor. 5 III. RESTORE Matthew 18:15-17; Acts 6; II• FALSE TEACHERS -• FACTIOUS PEOPLE - • FELLOW SERVANTS - • FAITHFUL FRIENDS -• 12-15 — Paul's common practice was to mention his faithful team • “We must have the heart of a child and the hide of a rhino” - Wise as serpents but gentle as doves!

Matt 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Then, Jesus gives these three commands and a promise. Let's take a look at each one. Command 1: Make Disciples: Command 2: Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: Command 3: Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you: The Promise: And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age: Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Now, where do we actually do this? Jerusalem (where we are now)Judea and Samaria (neighboring areas) End of the earth (all other places)

Keep the Gospel Front & Center Death, Burial and Resurrection I. The Gospel must be front page - PE  1.  I Timothy 1:5-7; 12-15  2.  I Timothy 2:5  3.  I Timothy 3:14-16  4.  I Timothy 4:1-5  5.  I Timothy 5:8  6.  Titus 1:16  7.  Titus 2:11-15  8.  Titus 3II. The Things that move the gospel off of the front page - Titus 3:9  1.  Foolish controversies - Sabbath  2.  Genealogies - Jesus was affirmed   3.  Dissensions - 3:10-11  4.  Quarrels about the law - I Tim. 1:8-11    a. They are unprofitable -     b. They are worthless-Col 2:16-23  5.  Paul points us to the priority - I Corinthians 2:2; Galatians 2:20Galatians 6:11-12 John 5:39Luke 24:44-48III. The Body & Blood of Jesus Christ - The Priorities we are to be passionate about:  1.  His birth   2.  His life   3.  His death   4.  His burial   5.  His resurrection   6.  His return - Matthew 26:26-30Isaiah 53

The Anatomy of our Atonement; The Goal of Grace (no help from humans); The Poverty of Humanity. John 3:16 does not say FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE AND NOW YOU GIVE A LITTLE TOO! I. The All-Sufficient Savior: from 3,000 in Acts 2:41 to 5,000 in Acts 4:4               1.            Who does the saving? GOD               2.            Who is being saved? US               3.            Why does God save               4.            How does God save REGENERATION (not re-engineered); not a tune-up, rather a resurrection! Not a resuscitation, rather a resurrection!   II. The Savior vs The Sinner   God/Us (we didn't know)               •             His goodness * lost - Lk 15               •             His lovingkindness * blind - Lk 6:39               •             His mercy * dead - Eph 2:1-10               •             His washing * bankrupt-Mt 5               •             His renewing * impossible - Lk 18               •             His Holy Spirit (John 1:9-11; 3:1-8; 16:7 convicts then converts and cleanses)               •             His grace                •             His heir                •             His hope               •             His life (3 aspects)= spiritual life - speaks of the power nature = Abundant life - speaks of purpose = eternal life - speaks of permanence  What a father needs most in life? Paul was crystal clear in I Timothy 1:12-15+ Admission - BC I'm a sinner, I need a Savior+ Belief - Faith in what God did + Confess - Romans 10:9-10

The fuller sermon title would be THE CURE TO A CRUMBLING CHURCH IS THE SAVIOR & THE SCRIPTURE. This is true in Crete and Lenoir City and every other place on the globe. The modern church in America is consumed by the social instead of the spiritual. Transformation comes from Christ not cultural change. I. The Attitude of Evangelism - 1. Jesus - John 4 2. Peter - Acts 4:12-13 3. James - Luke - John - Hebrews 4. Paul - Romans 9; 22 & 26 • Romans 1:14-16 (duty + desire) • Ephesians 3:8 (God's gift to us) • SALVATION & PASTORAL EPISTLES: I Timothy 1:1, 15; 2:1-6; Titus 1:1-4; 2:8-11;II. The Actions of Evangelism - Titus 3 • Titus 3 - 7 virtues 1. What we do = Remind them (not a new thought) to be: I Timothy 2:1-5; I Peter 2 & 3; I (salvation, suffering, submission). = Submit, Obey, Be Ready - v. 1 (Jesus said “pay taxes” - Matt 22) = To Speak, To Avoid, To Show - v. 2 1. What we were (humility) - v. 3 2. What God does (regeneration) - vv. 4-7

The fuller sermon title would be THE CURE TO A CRUMBLING CHURCH IS THE SAVIOR & THE SCRIPTURE. This is true in Crete and Lenoir City, and every other place on the globe. The modern church in America is consumed by the social instead of the spiritual. Transformation comes from Christ, not cultural change. Disciples of Christ vs Discipline of men Spiritual Justice vs Social Justice Christlikeness vs Cultural Change Eternal vs Temporal Titus 3 is focused on three groups: believers, unbelievers, & God! Consider each group as you refocus the church. Acts 2:42-47; 20:28-31Believers - Unbelievers - God - Father, Son, Holy Spirit I. The Attitude of Evangelism - Jesus - John 4Peter - Acts 4:12-13James - Luke - John - Hebrews Paul - Romans 9; 22 & 26Romans 1:14-16 duty + desireEphesians 3:8 God's gift to usSALVATION & PASTORAL EPISTLES: I Timothy 1:1, 15; 2:1-6; Titus 1:1-4; 2:8-11; II. The Actions of Evangelism - Titus 3Titus 3 - 7 virtues What we do - = Remind them (not a new thought) to be: I Timothy 2:1-5; I Peter 2 & 3; I (salvation, suffering, submission). = Submit, Obey, Be Ready - v. 1What we were (humility) - v. 3 What God does (regeneration) - vv. 4-7

I. The Presence of God's Grace - 2:11a 1. “For” - “the grace of God has appeared” II. The Purpose of God's Grace 1. “bringing salvation” - “to all men” III. The Power of God's Grace 1. Training - v. 12a 2. Living - v. 12b 3. Waiting & Appearing - v. 13 4. Redeeming - v. 14a 5. Purifying - v. 14b 6. Declaring - v. 15

I. The Presence of Grace - 2:11a “For the grace of God has appeared” II. The Purposes of God's Grace - 2:11b-15 1. The Primary Purpose - Salvation 2. The Secondary Purposes - These 7 discipleship dynamics are consistently mentioned in the New Testament. We all need an ongoing commitment to each of these doctrinal convictions. There is a diverse audience in Titus chapter 2: Older men, Older women, young women, young men. All should be passionate about prioritizing Titus 2:11-15. Today, I want to focus on the wonderful role of mothers. The primary place where discipleship is worked out is the HOME. The CHURCH and CHRISTIAN SCHOOL are secondary places where discipleship is worked out. 3. The 7 Motivations for Godliness: a. Training - v. 12a b. Living - v. 12b c. Waiting - v. 13a • Luke 2:25 Simeon was “waiting” for the consolation of Israel • Luke 2:38 Anna was “waiting” for the redemption of Jerusalem • I Thessalonians 1:8-10 • Hebrews 9:27-28 • II Peter 3:11-15 • Jude 1:20-21 d. Appearing - v. 13b e. Redeeming - v. 14a f. Purifying - v. 14b g. Declaring - v. 15

I. His Name - Matthew 1:18-21 II. His Mission - John 3:16-17 III. His Impact - Mt 27:54; John 20 IV. His Focus - May THE FORCE BE WITH YOU - Acts 1:6-8 V. His Church - Acts 2 - 16 1. Acts 2:38 - 3,000 in Jerusalem 2. I want to be in a church… 3. that responds to the commands of Christ 4. that speaks of the greatness of God 5. that relies on the promised prophecies from the sacred Scriptures 6. that is centered on Jesus and His gospel 7. that calls people to commitment 8. that expects people to be saved 9. that expects people to be baptized 10. that expects people to continue 1. Acts 4:4 - 5,000 in Jerusalem 2. Acts 6:7 - Priests in Jerusalem 3. Acts 8:27-38 - African Ethiopian on the road to Gaza 4. Acts 9:10-19 Saul becomes Paul on the road to Damascus 5. Acts 10:24-29 - Cornelius (Centurion) 6. Acts 16:13-15 & 25-31 - The Jailor & Tailor in Europe (Philippi) 7. Acts 22 & 26 (3 Phases of every testimony) 8. Acts 28:28-31

It's a big deal because Jesus rescues us from sin, fear, and death. 3:1-2  Its a big deal because Jesus was sent by God. - Apostle and High Priest - 4:14-16It's a big deal because Jesus gives us mercy and grace in time of need. - 5:1-10v. 1-4 Old Testament High Priests descended through Aaron are appointed to serve but they are imperfect men.v. 5-6 Its a big deal because Jesus was appointed by God.Psalm 2:7–8 “I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.” Psalm 110:4 “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”v. 7-8 It's a big deal because Jesus, the Son of God, obeyed the Father perfectly and suffered willingly. This qualifies Jesus as High Priest and demonstrates his humanity.v. 9-10 It's a big deal because Jesus is perfect and therefore, the source of our salvation.It's a big deal because he is not from Aaron, but from Melchizedek. Genesis 14:17-206:19-20It's a big deal because Jesus is the anchor of our souls.It's a big deal because Jesus entered the Holy of Holies.It's a big deal because Jesus is eternal. - 7:1-22Now, let's try to understand Melchizedek - Genesis 14:17–20 “After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was a priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” •      A mysterious but important individual.•      King of Salem - would become Jerusalem.•      A King and Priest, but not from Abraham or Aaron.•      No genealogy and no birth/death recorded. •      He blessed Abraham and Abraham gives an offering.v. 11-14 It's a big deal because Jesus isn't from the line of Aaron (Levitical) but from the eternal line of Melchizedek.v. 15-19 It's a big deal because Jesus is a better hope so we can draw near to God.v. 20-22 It's a big deal because Jesus guarantees a new and better covenant! HE IS THE FINAL PERFECTION, THE EFFECTIVE SACRIFICE.

(“What does a Savior & Lord do”?) Acts 2:14-40 I.  Jesus at His Birth - Matthew 1:18-21    •    Jesus as the Savior will save sinners II. Jesus and His Verse - John 3:16-17    •    Jesus came the first time to save    •    John 13 Jesus declares 11 of His disciples saved (“clean”). III. Jesus at His Cross - Mt 27:24 - Roman Centurions (Mt 8; Luke 7) III.  Jesus after His Cross & Before His Church - 40 days (many encounters)    1.    Met the women    2.    John & Peter ran to the tomb    3.    Met 2 men on the road to Emmaus    4.    Met 10 men inside a locked house    5.    Met Thomas inside a locked house    6.    Met Peter after he went fishing    7.    Taught the 11 for 40 days    8.    Ascended into Heaven IV.  Jesus in His Church - Romans 10:17 - Scriptural sermons produce spiritual fruit.  The Bible must be the basis for every class in the church (without exception).  Let's use biblical language for our worship - for our discipleship - for our evangelism    1.    Acts 2:38 - 3,000 in Jerusalem    2.    Acts 4:4 - 5,000 in Jerusalem    3.    Acts 6:7 - Priests in Jerusalem    4.    Acts 8:27-38 - African Ethiopian on the road to Gaza    5.    Acts 9 - Saul becomes Paul on the road to Damascus    6.    Acts 10 - Cornelius (Centurion)    7.    Acts 16:13-15 & 25-31 - The Jailor & Tailor in Europe (Philippi)

The Joy of Jesus is a Joy for the Journey! • Luke 10:20 - Starts with, “do not rejoice”. That ought to catch your attention; Jeremiah 9:23-24 • Luke 15 - Three times “more joy” • Hebrews 12:2 - Joy in the will of God (1) There was great joy in His Birth - angels, parents, shepherds, Magi, (2) There was great joy in His Death - crazy love mixed with amazing grace - Hebrews 12:2 (3) There was great joy in His Life - Resurrection - angels, women, disciples (1) The About Face - didn't start well; didn't see this coming; didn't see Him coming; The Bible is brutally honest when addressing the failures of faith; The women had some faith (2) The Right Place - Galilee (3) The Wrong Case - Fake news (liars gonna lie; the things people do for money) (4) The Starting Base - where you are; Acts 1:6-8 (5) The Human Race - “all nations” 3,000 would soon be saved - but not this day. Not even after the resurrection of Jesus. 50 days later, here's what happened - Acts 2

(Good Friday probably better stated as Bloody Friday. Good News Friday works as well. So does Amazing Grace Friday.) Blood is mentioned almost 400 times in the Bible, 291 times in the Old Testament, and 91 times in the New Testament. Leviticus and Ezekiel mention blood more than any other OT book, and Hebrews and Revelation mention blood more than any other NT book. 1. Pre-Passover Blood - Leviticus 17:11 2. Passover blood - Exodus 12:21-27 (An action preceded the passing over)3. Jesus speaks of His blood - THIS IS MY BLOOD - Matthew 26:28 4. Jesus sweats drops of blood - Luke 22:445. Judas declared - I HAVE BETRAYED INNOCENT BLOOD - Matthew 27:4 6. Pilate declared - I AM INNOCENT OF THIS MAN'S BLOOD (no you are not - man cannot cover his own sinfulness - Genesis 3) 7. The People declared - HIS BLOOD BE UPON US - Matthew 27:25; Acts 5:28; Genesis 4:10-11 • Hebrews 9 & 10 • Revelation 1:5; 5:9; 7:14; 12:11; 19:13 • John 6:53-55; 19:34

• The Attitude toward the Aged • The Actions of the Aged• The Army of the Aged - Serving with wisdom, availability, & maturity - 70s, 80s, 90s, 100sSenior Adults are not viewed with respect in many places in the world. Unfortunately, that same attitude sometimes shows up in the church.  Paul wants Pastors like Titus and Timothy to embrace the senior citizens in their congregations. I Timothy 5:1-2. Paul described Timothy in three distinct ways:(1) He was relatively young - I Tim 4:12(2) He was physically weak - I Tim 5:23(3) He was spiritually fearful/timid - II Tim 1:5-7 I. Listen to the Scriptures on Senior Adults (The strength of sr adults)Lev 19:32; Exodus 20:12 (Eph 6:2-3); Deut 32:7; Psalm 37:25; Prov 16:31; Isa 46:3-4Abram & Sarai (100 & 90) - Genesis 17:15-17 - had Isaac which in Hebrew means “laughter”. Who do you use as an example today?Moses - Got God's assignment at 80 years of age. It would be a 40-year commitment.Our recent Christmas Series - Simeon & Anna - Luke 2:25-38. He was looking forward to passing on, and she was described as being “very old”. They both served the Lord without any thought of retiring from doing the Lord's work until God took them home!II. Look to the Aged for Leadership  1. Titus 2:1-2 • What Eliab was to Titus 1• Rehoboam is to Titus 2 - I Kings 12:4-11 (his lack of wisdom divided a fractured country).

GODLY LEADING must be accompanied by GODLY LIVING & GODLY TEACHINGI. Our Statement of Faith - The Scriptures II. The Theology of Truth 1. God's Word is Divinely Inspirational - Matthew 4:4; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 3:16 2. God's Word is Transformational - Psalm 19:7-10; Psalm 119:11; Jeremiah 15:16; Hebrews 4:12 3. God's Word is Directional - Psalm 119:105; Romans 15:4 4. God's Word is Verifiable - Acts 17:11 5. God's Word is Eternal - Isaiah 40:8 6. God's Word Christ-Centered - Luke 24:44-46III. The Restoration of Order - 1:9-11 1. Hold fast - 1:9a 2. As taught - 1:9b 3. So that - 1:9c a. Able to give instruction in sound doctrine - 1:9d b. (Able) to refute those who contradict - 1:9e

GODLY LEADING must be accompanied by GODLY LIVING & GODLY TEACHING I. Our Statement of Faith - The ScripturesII. The Theology of Truth 1. God's Word is Divinely Inspirational - Matthew 4:4; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 3:16 2. God's Word is Transformational - Psalm 19:7-10; Psalm 119:11; Jeremiah 15:16; Hebrews 4:12 3. God's Word is Directional - Psalm 119:105; Romans 15:4 4. God's Word is Verifiable - Acts 17:11 5. God's Word is Eternal - Isaiah 40:8 6. God's Word Christ-Centered - Luke 24:44-46  III. The Restoration of Order - 1:9-11 1. Hold fast - 1:9a 2. As taught - 1:9b 3. So that - 1:9c a. Able to give instruction in sound doctrine - 1:9d b. (Able) to refute those who contradict - 1:9e 

The NT Church is Primarily a place for God. It's a place for God's Word to be established. It's a place for God's Son to be exalted. It's a place for God's people to be equipped. It's a place for God's plan to be engaged.  I. The Foundation of God's Church - The Worldview of our Faith is TRUTH. The Truth of God is found in His Word:a. In the Spoken Word - Genesis 1; Matthew 4:4 (mouth of God); II Timothy 3:16b. In the Written Word - Exodus 20 (finger of God); I Peter 1:16-21c. In the Word Made Flesh - Jn 1:1,14 II. Two Worldviews - Truth & Lies(As in Crete so in every place people gather corporately - You will either hear the Word of God or the word of man, I Thessalonians 2:13. There will be truth or tales. Why should truth be so important to us? 1. Satan seeks to destroy truth through deception and doubt - In John 8 he is called a liar and the father of lies.  a. The truth sets people free – John 8:32b. The truth makes people holy - John 17:17c. The truth leads people to Heaven - John 14:6d. The truth fights off the Tempter and his temptations - Mt. 4:1-11 III. What a Pastor Must & Must not be - (Looks can be deceiving - Most of you know who David is. Many of you know who Samuel is. Few know much of anything about Eliab - I Samuel 16:6-7. He was the oldest son. He was the obvious choice. But he wasn't. 1. What a pastor must NOT be - 1:6-72. What a pastor MUST be - 1:8-9 3. A lover of strangers (hospitable) - “never met a stranger (philoxenos vs xenophobia); Luke 10:25-37; Romans 1:8-13; Galatians 6:9-104. A lover of good things - II Tim 4:6-85. A sensible man - Level-headed, Keeps a cool head - Acts 23:56. Just - upright; a stand-up guy 7. Devout - practice what you say you believe8. Self-controlled -