Heritage Bible Church

I want us to linger for awhile this morning on the accurate meaning of "I am a Christian." Our text includes a wonderful invitation from Jesus Himself to become a Christian. But you won't see the word Christian here. Nor will you see the word believe. Same with born again. Repent isn't here; neither is saved. Jesus didn't use the words grace or faith. Without using any of our favorite terminology, Jesus gave a powerful and compelling invitation to people to come to Him and find rest for their souls. 1 - Be Like A Little Child (25) 2 - Believe That Jesus Is Sovereign (26-27) 3 - Come To Christ (28) 4 - Take His Yoke Upon You (29) 5 - Learn From Him (29) 6 - Receive The Gifts He Gives (29-30)

In our world, being involved with the life of a local church is generally perceived to be a nice option for some people. Far too many consider church about the same as their gym membership. They come when they feel like it, and when it's convenient. They might even feel a bit of ambient guilt about their habit, but they still don't make it a priority. So we return to our Christian Family talks from Paul to Timothy to us. 1 Timothy is the next Bible book written after the close of the events of the book of Acts. Paul wrote his first 10 canonical letters during the time covered in Acts 13-28. He was released from prison in Rome and went back to traveling to build up the churches he had planted between Rome and his sending church in Antioch of Syria. Along the way, he dropped Timothy off in Ephesus with the instruction to eliminate some strange doctrines being taught there. This letter was his follow up, and we get a glimpse into his plans. 1 Timothy 3:14: I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; Apparently Paul had not been able to finish what he was doing in Macedonia as soon as he might have hoped, so he sent this letter. What we have here is important instruction intended to be shared with all the Christians in the Roman world. By extension, it is at least as important now, for us, through the inscripturated word of God. You're going to see four essential truths that both define what we are as Christians, and tell us what we need to do as a Church. The first is that we are: 1 - A Spiritual Family 2 - Called By The Living God 3 - Anchored In Truth 4 - Focused On Jesus

Again today I want you to observe a pattern and structure in our passage. Here it is, with some key words highlighted. 1 Timothy 3:8–13: Deacons LIKEWISE MUST BE men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men MUST ALSO first BE tested; then let them SERVE as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must LIKEWISE be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons MUST BE husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have SERVED WELL as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. There are others in the congregation who are not elders or overseers, but they serve the same King and serve the same people who are loyal to the King. They are The Likewise, Also, Must Be People who Serve the King and His people. This passage is about the other office in the New Testament church, other than Elder/Overseer/Pastor. It's called Deacon. We need to ask and answer a few questions. 1 - What Is A Deacon? 2 - Are There Women Deacons? 3 - How Many? How Often? How Long?

The theme of this letter is captured in 1 Timothy 3:14-15: I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. Today's text: 1 Timothy 3:1-7: It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. + Use This Properly + Use This Personally + Use This Christologically 1 - Relating To Desire 2 - Relating To Personal Character 3 - Relating To Family Life 4 - Relating To Others 5 - Relating To The Faith

4 Trial Outcomes that Result in Your Eternal Destination 1 - The Victor Over Trials (12) 2 - The Conquered Under Trials (13-15) 3 - The Victor's Earthly Reward (16-17) 4 - The Conqueror's Heavenly Resolve (18)

This is the third and final message on Women In Church, the fourth and final message on Men And Women In Church (2:8-15) and the sixth and final message on chapter 2, which is the first section of the main part of this letter devoted to how to conduct ourselves as the Church of the living God:1 Timothy 3:14-15: I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.As I've emphasized the last two sermons, this is not a stand-alone message, in that it is inextricably connected to the entire chapter. Let's sneak up on our verse for today.1 - Command: A Woman Must Learn (11)2 - Prohibition: A Woman Is Not Allowed (12)3 - Because Of The Order Of Creation (13)4 - Because Of The Order Of The Fall (14)5 - Because Of The Design Of God (15)

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About GenesisBut were afraid to ask (or afraid that you might be asked)

We're following a rigorously specific outline for this passage in order to make sure we don't skip anything, and we see every detail of it.1 - Command: A Woman Must Learn (11, Review)2 - Prohibition: A Woman Is Not Allowed (12)3 - Because Of The Order Of Creation (13)4 - Because Of The Order Of The Fall (14)

2 Paths Revealing God's Unending Grace to You1 - Antediluvian Interruption (10–25)2 - Covenant Inception (26-32)

For this passage we will use the Legacy Standard Bible, and as we work through I'll show you where and why I prefer that translation for this passage.1 Timothy 2:11-15 (LSB): A woman must learn in quietness, in all submission. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first formed, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into trespass. 15 But she will be saved through the bearing of children, if they continue in faith and love and sanctification with self-restraint.0 - Introduction: Why This Is Important1 - Command: A Woman Must Learn (11, Today)2 - Prohibition: A Woman Is Not Allowed (12)3 - Because Of The Order Of Creation (13)4 - Because Of The Order Of The Fall (14)5 - Because Of The Design Of God (15)

2 Paths Which Portray to You God's ProvidenceGenesis 11:1-91 - A Contrary Ploy (1-4)2 - A Concrete Plan (5-9)

Jesus Christ's resurrection is the centerpiece of history and the core of the gospel ("Good News") we believe and preach. What you do in response to the message of Christ's death and resurrection determines your eternal destiny.1 - Do You Know What Happened? (Matthew 28:1-10)2 - Do You Know The Gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)3 - Do You Know Him? (1 Corinthians 15:9-11)

4 Facets of Our Heritage that Reveal God's Sovereign Glory1 - Signs of Cursing & Blessing (9:18-32)2 - Sons of Cursory Blessing (10:1-5)3 - Sons of Cursing Beginning (10:6-20)4 - Sons of Blessing Culminated (10:21-32)

The second half of 1 Timothy 2 is a passage that is, in our time, considered controversial. Some unbelievers mock it, and believe it exposes the Bible as irrelevant and archaic. Worse yet, some professing believers twist its meaning, and will tell you that it doesn't mean what it says, or that it means the opposite of what it says. Before we dive in, I ask you to come to this passage in the same manner you should come to every passage of the Bible. Pay careful attention to the most important things.+ Who wrote this?+ Who was it written to?+ What is the context within this book?+ What do the words say?+ How would the author have understood it?+ How would the original readers have understood it?I chose to outline this passage rigorously according to its grammatical structure. In light of aberrant teachings Timothy was facing in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul reiterated God's will for the roles of men and women in the spiritual life of His people.1 - Therefore I Want Men . . . (8)2 - Likewise I Want Women . . . (9-10)

4 Facets of Our Heritage that Reveal God's Sovereign Glory1 - Signs of Cursing & Blessing (9:18-32)2 - Sons of Cursory Blessing (10:1-5)3 - Sons of Cursing Beginning (10:6-20)4 - Sons of Blessing Culminated (10:21-32)

2 Trial Outcomes that Result in Your Eternal Destination1 - The Victor Over Trials (12)2 - The Conquered Under Trials (13-15)

3 Components of God's Covenant that Show You His Grace1 - A Conclusion (8:1-19)2 - A Condition (8:20–9:7)3 - A Confirmation (9:8-17)

Today we get to finish what we started last time, and finish our investigation into one of the most majestic passages in the Bible concerning the uniqueness of Jesus Christ and what He did to be our Savior. By the time we finish today, you'll understand better than ever that Jesus is the one and only Savior who invites all men (and women) to be saved.1 - What Is Our Highest Priority? (1-2)2 - Why Is It So Important? (3-4)3 - Who Says So? (5-6)4 - Who Is Our Example (7)

1 - Be Ambassadors (23)2 - Be Glorifying to God (23)3 - Be Heavenly Minded (24)

This chapter is clear, helpful, uplifting and liberating. But as we'll see, many treat it as if it's obscure, problematic, outdated and oppressive. Here's where we're headed. It will require two visits to these verses.There are themes words woven through these seven verses.1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles [ = all men] in faith and truth.All appears 6X in the first 6 verses. It is a theme and an emphasis. Man and men appears 4X in the first 6 verses and implied in verse 7. It is also a theme and an emphasis. Be on the lookout for those themes as we dig in.1 - What Is Our Highest Priority? (1-2)2 - Why Is It So Important? (3-4)

Last time we hurried over verse 17. Here in 1 Timothy, it stands like a banner over every bit of instruction Paul gave to Timothy.1 Timothy 1:17: Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.+ King describes His sovereignty. + Immortal is literally imperishable or never decaying. + The only God is the fundamental truth that there is only one God. All other so-called "gods" are not real. + Forever is one of the rare instances in which we use one English word to translate 5 Greek words. It's the prepositional phrase unto the ages of the ages. Our text for today centers around a command to Fight The Good Fight.1 - It's A Command (18a)2 - It's A Fight (18b-19a)3 - There Are Casualties (19b-20)

3 Components of God's Covenant that Show You His Grace1 - A Conclusion (8:1-19)2 - A Condition (8:20–9:7)3 - A Confirmation (9:8-17)

Caring for those with Alzheimer's and Dementia: Balancing the Caregiver LoadPresenters: Louise Carey, Gail Kennedy

3 Contrasts of Your Spiritual Life to Guide You in Trials1 - Low to High (9)2 - High to Low (10a)3 - Life to Death (10b-11)

Paul gave his own testimony to the true gospel. You will find that it contains the keys to helping you deal with every relationship you have, in the manner that most effectively honors God and builds up your fellow members of the body of Christ.1 - Paul's Particular Case (12-14) a - Three Layers of Blessing (12) b - Three Layers of Sinning (13a) c - Two Layers of Depravity (13b) d - Hyper-abounding Grace (14)2 - Pithy Patented Principle (15)3 - Paul's Powerful Example (16)4 - Perfect Perpetual Praise (17)

3 Components of God's Covenant that Show You His Grace1 - A Conclusion (8:1-19)2 - A Condition (8:20–9:7)3 - A Confirmation (9:8-17)

A current movement repeats some of the errors of the different doctrine Timothy dealt with in Ephesus. Here is All You Need To Know About The Hebrew Roots Movement. See also Answers In Genesis. The Hebrew Roots Movement:+ Is not at all ancient. It began in 19th century America.+ Teaches that the church has abandoned its proper identity. It creates a smoke-screen of scholarliness and spiritual arrogance by using unfamiliar words.+ Teaches that we can and we should keep the Law of God today.+ The Hebrew Roots Movement teaches that there is no such thing as eternal security. It's a cousin to the modern heresy of the New Perspective on Paul.+ (In many cases) denies the deity of Christ and eternal hell. To use the terminology in 1 Timothy, it is a matter of teaching a different doctrine. Christianity is not about making people Jewish. Back to the subject at hand. What is the proper use of the Law for a Christian?1 - The Law Misrepresented (6-7)2 - The Law Used Lawfully (8-11)

2 Sides of God's Punishment that Explain His Plan1 - Judgment (1, 4, 6, 7, 10–12, 17–24)2 - Grace (1–3, 5, 7–9, 13–16, 17–18)

We will start with observing some marvelous details from the previous verses.1 Timothy 1:1-4: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope, 2 To Timothy, my true [LSB genuine] child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, 4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.+ Notice the perfect unity of the Father and the Son, according to verses 1-2.+ Different doctrine is poison.Jesus and Paul both warned about wolves who sneak in to devour the unsuspecting and unprepared. The church needs to always be on guard, and to protect the flock. That leads directly into our passage for today, and it's clear from the words of our passage, which begins with a conjunction.1 - The Glorious Contrast (5a)2 - Find True Love (5)a - Pure Heartb - Good Consciencec - Unhypocritical Faith

2 Sides of God's Punishment that Explain His Plan1 - Judgment (1, 4, 6, 7, 10–12, 17–24)2 - Grace (1–3, 5, 7–9, 13–16, 17–18)

Think of watching out for your family, and making sure they remain unaffected by an outbreak of poison that has crept into the food supply. How do we keep people from spiritual poison, or administer the antidote? Live in a building that doesn't let the poison in.1 - From The Foundation (1)2 - To The Upper Floors (2)3 - Use Correct Materials (3)4 - Reject Cutting Corners (4)5 - Marvel At These Pieces

2 Directions that Mark Every Human LifeGenesis 6:9-221 - The Road to Righteousness (8–10, 14–16, 18–22)2 - The Path to Perversion (11–13, 17)

We begin our exploration into the next Bible book written by Paul after the time covered by the book of Acts. It's 1 Timothy. It's a personal letter, forever filed under the heading Pastoral Epistle because it is a personal letter from an apostle to a local church pastor. This will be a big change in style as we switch from on genre to the other.1 - Where Was Paul, After Acts?2 - Who Is Timothy?3 - Why Letters To Timothy?4 - Who Wrote 1 Timothy? (1-2)

2 Characteristics of Life that Demand a Proper Understanding of God Genesis 6:1-81 - Demonic Sin & Divine Sovereignty (1-4)2 - Human Sin & Divine Sovereignty (5-8)