Immanuel Baptist Church Corbin, KY

The Son of JosephMatthew 1:18-251. The character of Joseph.2. The charge to Joseph.Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”3. The courage of Joseph.

Freedom to be Generous Matthew 25:14-30 (ESV) Greed begins where contentment ends. Debt accrues where Greed prevails. James 4:1-4 What causes and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with , that you may spend what you get on your. 4 You , don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” Proverbs 21:26 All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing. Matthew 25:14-30ESV14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants[a] and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents,[b] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts withthem. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.' 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.[c] You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.' 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.' 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 6:33 But his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be as well. Deuteronomy 8:18 “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. God gives you ability to produce wealth to be generous.Generosity reflects the heart of God. Malachi 3:6 “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have from my decrees and have not kept them., and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?' 8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.“But you ask, ‘ are we robbing you?' “In . 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 the into the storehouse, that there may be food in . in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. We were 11th in the state in giving to missions.Cooperative Program $135,000You were 3rd in the state in baptisms.Since 2008 we have seen over 1,100 people baptized.65 in ministry or preparing for ministry.

Freedom From DebtMatthew 6:25-34Greed begins when contentment ends.Proverbs 22:7 “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.1. Seek God.Psalm 24:1 Of David. A psalm. The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it”2. First His Kingdom.Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”3. Save with the future in mind.Proverbs 21:20NLT The wise have wealth and luxury,but fools spend whatever they get.Pr 30:25 Ants are creatures of little strength,    yet they store up their food in the summer;Proverbs 6:9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard?    When will you get up from your sleep?10 A little sleep, a little slumber,    a little folding of the hands to rest—11 and poverty will come on you like a thief    and scarcity like an armed man.4. Spend with a planProverbs 21:5The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.Colossians 2: 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you[a] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 

Greed - a selfish and excessive desire for more.1. Greed is a heart issue.“Greed is a sin against God, just as all mortal sins, in as much as man condemns things eternal for the sake of temporal things.” Thomas AquinasProverbs 23:4-5 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;    do not trust your own cleverness.5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,    for they will surely sprout wings    and fly off to the sky like an eagle.2. How Greed controls you.Luke 12:15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”3. Freedom from Greed.AW Tozer in the Pursuit of God, “There is within the human heart a tough fibrous root of fallen life whose nature is to possess, always to possess. It covets `things' with a deep and fierce passion. The pronouns `my' and `mine' look innocent enough in print, but their constant and universal use is significant. They express the real nature of the old Adamic man better than a thousand volumes of theology could do. They are verbal symptoms of our deep disease. The roots of our hearts have grown down into things, and we dare not pull up one rootlet lest we die. Things have become necessary to us, a development never originally intended. God's gifts now take the place of God, and the whole course of nature is upset by the monstrous substitution.”

Greed - a selfish and excessive desire for more.1. Greed is a heart issue.“Greed is a sin against God, just as all mortal sins, in as much as man condemns things eternal for the sake of temporal things.” Thomas AquinasProverbs 23:4-5 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;    do not trust your own cleverness.5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,    for they will surely sprout wings    and fly off to the sky like an eagle.2. How Greed controls you.Luke 12:15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”3. Freedom from Greed.AW Tozer in the Pursuit of God, “There is within the human heart a tough fibrous root of fallen life whose nature is to possess, always to possess. It covets `things' with a deep and fierce passion. The pronouns `my' and `mine' look innocent enough in print, but their constant and universal use is significant. They express the real nature of the old Adamic man better than a thousand volumes of theology could do. They are verbal symptoms of our deep disease. The roots of our hearts have grown down into things, and we dare not pull up one rootlet lest we die. Things have become necessary to us, a development never originally intended. God's gifts now take the place of God, and the whole course of nature is upset by the monstrous substitution.”

Keep Calm in Troubling Times November 5, 2023 Philippians 4:1-9 • There are different levels of anxiety. • Some temperaments are more prone to worry than others. • There is a difference between anxiety & concern. • We worry about different things but most of us struggle in one area or another. The Command: “Do not be Anxious.” • Worry is a Sin because it is Harmful to us. • Worry is a sin because it's a poor witness to others. • Worry is a sin because it insults God. The Cure: “For anxiety requires we Transform our Thinking.” To Transform your Thinking from Anxiety to Peace: 1) Memorize Scripture. “I have hidden your Word in my Heart that I might not sin against God.” —Psalm 119:11 2) Face the Worst... and Trust God will Sustain You. “Even if He slay me, I will Trust Him.” “The Lord is able to deliver us from the fire, but even if He doesn't, we will Trust Him.” —Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego —Job “Even if I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil.” —David “We will not fear even if the mountains fall and crash into the sea. God is our Refuge.” —David “In the World you're going to have trouble, but be of Good Cheer, I have overcome the World.” —Jesus Faith is not Confidence God will do what I want. Faith is Confidence God will do what is best for us in the end. • Embrace the Moment. • Focus on Eternity 

Keep Calm in Troubling Times November 5, 2023 Philippians 4:1-9 • There are different levels of anxiety. • Some temperaments are more prone to worry than others. • There is a difference between anxiety & concern. • We worry about different things but most of us struggle in one area or another. The Command: “Do not be Anxious.” • Worry is a Sin because it is Harmful to us. • Worry is a sin because it's a poor witness to others. • Worry is a sin because it insults God. The Cure: “For anxiety requires we Transform our Thinking.” To Transform your Thinking from Anxiety to Peace: 1) Memorize Scripture. “I have hidden your Word in my Heart that I might not sin against God.” —Psalm 119:11 2) Face the Worst... and Trust God will Sustain You. “Even if He slay me, I will Trust Him.” “The Lord is able to deliver us from the fire, but even if He doesn't, we will Trust Him.” —Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego —Job “Even if I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil.” —David “We will not fear even if the mountains fall and crash into the sea. God is our Refuge.” —David “In the World you're going to have trouble, but be of Good Cheer, I have overcome the World.” —Jesus Faith is not Confidence God will do what I want. Faith is Confidence God will do what is best for us in the end. • Embrace the Moment. • Focus on Eternity 

His Word > My ExperienceBe aware when there is dissonance. Identify the truth in the bible.3. Anchor your thoughts and actions to the truth found in the bible.Why am I here? ------ purpose Why is there so much pain in the world? ------ problemAm I loved? ------ planPsalm 68:5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. 6 God sets the lonely in families, 

His Word > My ExperienceBe aware when there is dissonance. Identify the truth in the bible.3. Anchor your thoughts and actions to the truth found in the bible.Why am I here? ------ purpose Why is there so much pain in the world? ------ problemAm I loved? ------ planPsalm 68:5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. 6 God sets the lonely in families, 

The Need (Esther 4:1-7)The Cost (Esther 4:8-11) The Plan (Esther 4:12-14)IV. The Response (Esther 4:15-17)

The Need (Esther 4:1-7)The Cost (Esther 4:8-11) The Plan (Esther 4:12-14)IV. The Response (Esther 4:15-17)

Spiritual Contributor > Spiritual ConsumerEphesians 2:1-10You have a purpose beyond yourself.Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.You are prepared for that purpose.Ephesians 4 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.Spiritual contributor > Spiritual consumerA consumer is focused on self.Ephesians 22 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. “Choose this day who you will serve but as for me and my household we will serve the LORD.”A contributor is motivated by gratitude.4 BUT because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Spiritual Contributor > Spiritual ConsumerEphesians 2:1-10You have a purpose beyond yourself.Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.You are prepared for that purpose.Ephesians 4 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.Spiritual contributor > Spiritual consumerA consumer is focused on self.Ephesians 22 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. “Choose this day who you will serve but as for me and my household we will serve the LORD.”A contributor is motivated by gratitude.4 BUT because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

A Church of LifeGroupsActs 2:4242 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.Why:We come to know God and bring Him glory.174 I long for your salvation, Lord,    and your law gives me delight.175 Let me live that I may praise you,    and may your laws sustain me. Psalm 119We come to know ourselves and grow in righteousness.11 I have hidden your word in my heart    that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119We learn direction in life.“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105We learn how to have healthy relationships with others.Proverbs 12:16 Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.Proverbs 17:9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.How?Returning college student, I read a book of the bible this summer and it changed me, it made me a better man. Hear romans 10:17 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.Read rev 1:3 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.Study acts 17:11 11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.Memorize ps 119:9, 1111 I have hidden your word in my heart    that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119Apply james 1:22 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

A Church of LifeGroupsActs 2:4242 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.Why:We come to know God and bring Him glory.174 I long for your salvation, Lord,    and your law gives me delight.175 Let me live that I may praise you,    and may your laws sustain me. Psalm 119We come to know ourselves and grow in righteousness.11 I have hidden your word in my heart    that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119We learn direction in life.“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105We learn how to have healthy relationships with others.Proverbs 12:16 Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.Proverbs 17:9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.How?Returning college student, I read a book of the bible this summer and it changed me, it made me a better man. Hear romans 10:17 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.Read rev 1:3 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.Study acts 17:11 11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.Memorize ps 119:9, 1111 I have hidden your word in my heart    that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119Apply james 1:22 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Authentic Community > Independent LivingShow me your friends and I will show you your future.Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.Acts 9:26-2826 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,[a] but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.1. Life is better together.Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.2am FriendsActs 11 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. 29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.2. Learns from one another. 3. Gives generously.“Therefore I urge you to imitate me. That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.” 1 Corinthians 4:16-17Refrigerator RightsActs 13 1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.4. Lives on mission. “If you want to run fast, run alone. If you want to run far, run together.” -unknown“If we're going to make disciples and move out in mission, we need to go from managing boundaries to integrating family and mission into one life, a cohesive framework and fabric that empowers a culture of discipleship and mission, not just occasional events and periodic programs.” - Mike & Sally Breen, Family On Mission

Authentic Community > Independent LivingShow me your friends and I will show you your future.Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.Acts 9:26-2826 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,[a] but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.1. Life is better together.Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.2am FriendsActs 11 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. 29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.2. Learns from one another. 3. Gives generously.“Therefore I urge you to imitate me. That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.” 1 Corinthians 4:16-17Refrigerator RightsActs 13 1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.4. Lives on mission. “If you want to run fast, run alone. If you want to run far, run together.” -unknown“If we're going to make disciples and move out in mission, we need to go from managing boundaries to integrating family and mission into one life, a cohesive framework and fabric that empowers a culture of discipleship and mission, not just occasional events and periodic programs.” - Mike & Sally Breen, Family On Mission

Forging Friendships2 Timothy 4:9-22 “We are born looking for someone looking for us.” Curt ThompsonMain idea: Friendship is forged by grace and love as we do life together. (Read through the passage commenting as we walk through it)9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.“One sometimes meets super-spiritual people who claim that they never felt lonely and have no need for friends, for the companionship of Chirst satisfies all their needs. But human friendship is the loving provision of God for mankind.” – John Stott7 applications from Paul to forge those friendships with grace and love.Have an inner circle.Be transparent.Reconcile quickly.Don't blame others.Avoid dangerous people.Stay connected. Be active in the church. “When our spirit is lonely, we need friends. When our body is cold, we need clothing. When our mind is bored, we need books. To admit this is not unspiritual; it is human.” –John Stott

Forging Friendships2 Timothy 4:9-22 “We are born looking for someone looking for us.” Curt ThompsonMain idea: Friendship is forged by grace and love as we do life together. (Read through the passage commenting as we walk through it)9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.“One sometimes meets super-spiritual people who claim that they never felt lonely and have no need for friends, for the companionship of Chirst satisfies all their needs. But human friendship is the loving provision of God for mankind.” – John Stott7 applications from Paul to forge those friendships with grace and love.Have an inner circle.Be transparent.Reconcile quickly.Don't blame others.Avoid dangerous people.Stay connected. Be active in the church. “When our spirit is lonely, we need friends. When our body is cold, we need clothing. When our mind is bored, we need books. To admit this is not unspiritual; it is human.” –John Stott

Running Through the Tape2 Timothy 4:6-81. Present situationPhillippians 1:3 “I have the desire to depart and be with Christ.”Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”Charles Spurgeon, “To come to thee is to come home from exile, to come to land out of the raging storm, to come to rest after long labor, to come to the goal of my desires and the summit of my wishes.”2. Past victoriesThere is a battle to fight.There is a purpose to live.Hebrews 12:1b “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”There is a treasure to guard.“Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 2 Timothy 1:143. Future glory2 Timothy 1:12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

Running Through the Tape2 Timothy 4:6-81. Present situationPhillippians 1:3 “I have the desire to depart and be with Christ.”Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”Charles Spurgeon, “To come to thee is to come home from exile, to come to land out of the raging storm, to come to rest after long labor, to come to the goal of my desires and the summit of my wishes.”2. Past victoriesThere is a battle to fight.There is a purpose to live.Hebrews 12:1b “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”There is a treasure to guard.“Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 2 Timothy 1:143. Future glory2 Timothy 1:12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

Tell Everyone2 Timothy 4:1-5Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.2 Timothy 4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the wordProclaim the truth of Scripture as one who will be held accountable. 1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.“be prepared in season and out of season”2. Be ready to preach the truth of Scripture.“Correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.  3. Preach the Scriptures with a broken heart.3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.4. We preach the Gospel in a hostile environment. “Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten.” -- Zinzendorf 

Tell Everyone2 Timothy 4:1-5Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.2 Timothy 4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the wordProclaim the truth of Scripture as one who will be held accountable. 1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.“be prepared in season and out of season”2. Be ready to preach the truth of Scripture.“Correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.  3. Preach the Scriptures with a broken heart.3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.4. We preach the Gospel in a hostile environment. “Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten.” -- Zinzendorf 

The Bible2 Timothy 3:14-17 “Christianity is the religion of a Book.” – Arthur Pink“At any price give me the book of God. Let me be a man of one book.” – John WesleyThe nature of Scripture is divine.“I have a fundamental belief in the Bible as the Word of God, written by those who were inspired. I study the Bible daily.” Isaac NewtonThe unique revelation of Jesus.Claims it is from God.Fulfillment of prophecy.The power of the message.The unity of the message.Trans-cultural appeal of the message.The honesty of the bible.  VIII.Superiority to other literature.Pragmatic test of experience.The translation process.The purpose of Scripture revelation.BelieveAct“The bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the bible.” Dwight L. MoodyThe effect of Scripture is powerful.Saves youEquips you“Scripture is the chief means which God employs to bring ‘the man of God' to maturity.” John Stott

The Bible2 Timothy 3:14-17 “Christianity is the religion of a Book.” – Arthur Pink“At any price give me the book of God. Let me be a man of one book.” – John WesleyThe nature of Scripture is divine.“I have a fundamental belief in the Bible as the Word of God, written by those who were inspired. I study the Bible daily.” Isaac NewtonThe unique revelation of Jesus.Claims it is from God.Fulfillment of prophecy.The power of the message.The unity of the message.Trans-cultural appeal of the message.The honesty of the bible.  VIII.Superiority to other literature.Pragmatic test of experience.The translation process.The purpose of Scripture revelation.BelieveAct“The bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the bible.” Dwight L. MoodyThe effect of Scripture is powerful.Saves youEquips you“Scripture is the chief means which God employs to bring ‘the man of God' to maturity.” John Stott

Last Days2 Timothy 3:1-9The folly of lovers of self.The fakeness of lovers of self.The failure of lovers of self.

Last Days2 Timothy 3:1-9The folly of lovers of self.The fakeness of lovers of self.The failure of lovers of self.

Make Your Life Count2 Timothy 2:22-261. Cleanliness is necessary for usefulness.20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.2. The privilege of useless is tied to the pursuit of righteousness.22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 3. Righteousness leads to effective evangelism.23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Make Your Life Count2 Timothy 2:22-261. Cleanliness is necessary for usefulness.20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.2. The privilege of useless is tied to the pursuit of righteousness.22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 3. Righteousness leads to effective evangelism.23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

The Unashamed Workman2 Timothy 2:14-19Stay Hungry• TAWG• PRAY• COMMUNITYJohn 17:17Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.It's ok to have questions, it's not ok to push your speculations.A good worker:• Stays hungry• Stays focused• Stays sharpWhat is your next step with Jesus?                  .

The Unashamed Workman2 Timothy 2:14-19Stay Hungry• TAWG• PRAY• COMMUNITYJohn 17:17Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.It's ok to have questions, it's not ok to push your speculations.A good worker:• Stays hungry• Stays focused• Stays sharpWhat is your next step with Jesus?                  .

The Compassionate Expression of SorrowLamentations 3Lamentations 31 I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of the Lord's wrath.2 He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light;3 indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long.4 He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones.5 He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship.6 He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead.7 He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains.8 Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer.9 He has barred my way with blocks of stone; he has made my paths crooked.10 Like a bear lying in wait, like a lion in hiding,11 he dragged me from the path and mangled me and left me without help.12 He drew his bow and made me the target for his arrows.13 He pierced my heart with arrows from his quiver.14 I became the laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long.15 He has filled me with bitter herbs and given me gall to drink.16 He has broken my teeth with gravel; he has trampled me in the dust.17 I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is.18 So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.”19 I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.20 I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. 21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:22 Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 1. I WILL CALL TO MIND I HAVE HOPEGODS LOVE ME GOD IS FAITHFUL  2. I WILL WAIT FOR HIM FOR HE IS GOODHE WILL DELIVER MENumbers 11:14-15 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me 1 Kings 9:3-4 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Jonah 4:3 Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?” 2 Cor. 1:8 We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.

The Compassionate Expression of SorrowLamentations 3Lamentations 31 I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of the Lord's wrath.2 He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light;3 indeed, he has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long.4 He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones.5 He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship.6 He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead.7 He has walled me in so I cannot escape; he has weighed me down with chains.8 Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer.9 He has barred my way with blocks of stone; he has made my paths crooked.10 Like a bear lying in wait, like a lion in hiding,11 he dragged me from the path and mangled me and left me without help.12 He drew his bow and made me the target for his arrows.13 He pierced my heart with arrows from his quiver.14 I became the laughingstock of all my people; they mock me in song all day long.15 He has filled me with bitter herbs and given me gall to drink.16 He has broken my teeth with gravel; he has trampled me in the dust.17 I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is.18 So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.”19 I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.20 I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. 21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:22 Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 1. I WILL CALL TO MIND I HAVE HOPEGODS LOVE ME GOD IS FAITHFUL  2. I WILL WAIT FOR HIM FOR HE IS GOODHE WILL DELIVER MENumbers 11:14-15 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me 1 Kings 9:3-4 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Jonah 4:3 Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?” 2 Cor. 1:8 We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.

Bear One Another's BurdensGalatians 6:1-10 (ESV)Share the load.Matthew 22: 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”Be willing to get dirtyThere is a return on investment.

Bear One Another's BurdensGalatians 6:1-10 (ESV)Share the load.Matthew 22: 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”Be willing to get dirtyThere is a return on investment.

Admonish One AnotherRomans 15:14-1514 And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. Romans 15:14 NASB“We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ.” Colossians 1:28 NASB14 And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish ONE ANOTHER. 15 But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given to me from God.” Romans 15:14-15 NASB1. Have the right motive.Galatians 6:1 NIV Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.“Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. Acts 20:31 ESV2. Be Word saturated.16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 NASB3. Be the right person. 14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 4:14-15 ESV

Admonish One AnotherRomans 15:14-1514 And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. Romans 15:14 NASB“We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ.” Colossians 1:28 NASB14 And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish ONE ANOTHER. 15 But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given to me from God.” Romans 15:14-15 NASB1. Have the right motive.Galatians 6:1 NIV Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.“Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. Acts 20:31 ESV2. Be Word saturated.16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 NASB3. Be the right person. 14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 4:14-15 ESV

Spur One Another OnHebrews 10:19-25Draw near to God.Persevere in the faith. Grow by being accountable. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6

Spur One Another OnHebrews 10:19-25Draw near to God.Persevere in the faith. Grow by being accountable. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6

Love One Another John 20:11-18 “For God so gave “ life.” John 3:16 loved the world, that he in him should not perish but have eternal his only Son, that whoever believes Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” John 13:1 “You knew the full extent of their weakness, so you showed them the full extent of your love. Washing their feet was a prelude to washing their hearts. Water sufficed for the first, your lifeblood was required for the second.” --Scotty Smith “A . As “ life “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30 ram and has new command I give you: Love one another I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love no one than this: to lay down one's for one's friends.” John 15:12-13 “And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.” Genesis 3:21 “And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a , caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.” Genesis 21:13 “God made Him (Christ), who knew no sin, to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (the John pass will be read here) “ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority rise on earth to forgive sins ”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, , pick up your bed, and go home.” Mark 2:10-11 you also will live” John 14:19 “Because I live, 

Love One Another John 20:11-18 “For God so gave “ life.” John 3:16 loved the world, that he in him should not perish but have eternal his only Son, that whoever believes Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” John 13:1 “You knew the full extent of their weakness, so you showed them the full extent of your love. Washing their feet was a prelude to washing their hearts. Water sufficed for the first, your lifeblood was required for the second.” --Scotty Smith “A . As “ life “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30 ram and has new command I give you: Love one another I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love no one than this: to lay down one's for one's friends.” John 15:12-13 “And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.” Genesis 3:21 “And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a , caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.” Genesis 21:13 “God made Him (Christ), who knew no sin, to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (the John pass will be read here) “ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority rise on earth to forgive sins ”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, , pick up your bed, and go home.” Mark 2:10-11 you also will live” John 14:19 “Because I live,