New Testament Reformation Fellowship

This paragraph has application primarily for church leaders. What is that application? Church leaders must: • Warn the brothers about deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons • Have nothing to do with myths • Must themselves be trained in the words of faith and good doctrine. • Toil and strive for the gospel, as God is potentially the Savior of all people. What is the application here for Christian in general? • All believers must beware of irreverent, silly, religious myths (they're all around us!). • Listen to your leaders when they warn of bad doctrine/practice. • Remember that bodily training is of some benefit, but training in godliness is far more valuable. You will not succeed spiritually if you do not adopt spiritual disciplines. Where are your priorities? • Live life in light of eternity. George Whitefield spoke of seeing criminals riding in a cart on their way to the gallows, arguing like a bunch of kids about who should sit on the right hand of the cart. Here were men condemned to die that very day, but their focus was on who got the best seat on the way to the execution! The Bible is clear that as members of the fallen human race, we're all in that cart, on the way to the gallows. We'd better be preparing for what lies beyond. • Toil and strive to effectively introduce the gospel to your children (the next generation). If you drop the ball, it will be a curse to them.

Some of the deepest wounds believers carry were not inflicted by the world; they were inflicted by the church. This happens because we are more judgmental and critical of one another's failures, rather than empathetic and helpful. I have been both a victim and a culprit of these wounds. This sermon examines how Jesus deals with His own people in their weakness, failure, and sin — and calls us to do the same for one another.

A major source of bad doctrine is demons! W are engaged in spiritual warfare. The ancient Egyptians who built the pyramids were just a few hundred years removed from Noah's flood, yet they had already departed wholesale into polygamy, and the doctrine of demons. Demonic influence is still happening today: NIV Ephesians 6:12 … our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. NIV 2 Corinthians 11:3 … I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Introduction: In How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, it is stated that the epistles are "occasional" documents, written in response to some local situation (usually a problem occasion). As a result, the theology found in the epistles is "task" theology—theology tasked with solving a particular problem in order to drive an application. Structure: Many commentators feel that today's paragraph (3:14-16) is the heart of this letter, as it puts all the instructions and corrections into proper theological perspective. It reveals the belief that drives the behavior, the doctrine that drives the duty.

The Abomination of Desolation, the 1290 Days, and the 1335 Days

AD 70 and the Arrival of the Kingdom of Christ

Jesus was called "a friend of sinners." Would sinners say the same about us? Are we becoming more Christ-like or more like the Pharisees? This message explores the radical heart of Christ — full of grace, rich in truth.

The audio contains an addendum I added giving reasons why the passage can not apply to Antiochus

Daniel 11:1-37b. Historical events covered were Persia, Greece, Alexander's four successor generals. The "wilfull king" Herod the Great was partially covered. All of this is the first part of Daniel's Fourth and Last Vision.

Topics: Greece (Alexander the Great and his Successor 4 Horns) against Persia, the Seleucid (Greek) little horn Antioch IV Epiphanes (r.175-164), his persecution of the Jews and desecration of the Temple and the abomination of desolation, the pollution of Israel and the Temple for 2300 mornings and evenings, and the first Hanukkah ("dedication") and the cleansing of the Temple.

Learn how Daniel predicted the rise of both Alexander the Great and Antiochus Epiphanes. Upon editing the attached .mp3, I noticed four errors I made in this presentation: 1) Elam was an ancient country two to three thousand years ago. I meant to say 2000-3000 BC, not two or three thousand years before our current time. Elam's actual dates are c. 2700-539. It was absorbed into Persia by Cyrus the Great the same year he conquered Babylon. 2) I said Cassius Dio was a source for our period No, he was late second century AD, not BC. 3) Steve asked me if the "Festival of Lights" was the same as Hanukkah. I thought he said the "Festival of Lots," which is the Jewish festival of Purim. So, "Festival of LIghts" is Hannakkah, "Festival of Lots" is Purim. 4) I said Polybius was a Roman historian. Actually he was Greek, who spent some time in Rome. His dates are c.200-118 BC, which means he is a great authority for the little horn Antiochus IV Epiphanes (r. 175-164).

Learn How Daniel predicted the events of the inter-testament period.

All About Deacons: Job Description, Appointment, Qualification, and Women Deacons

In past weeks we've been examining the qualifications for elder (1Ti 3:1-7). In this lesson, we'll consider 1) who decides which men serve as elders, 2) how many elders a church should have, and 3) their job description.

Have you ever felt like God is distant, your prayers are unheard, or your struggles are hidden from Him? In our weariness, we are tempted to believe God has forgotten us. But what if the answer to our deepest discouragement isn't a change in our circumstances, but a clearer vision of God Himself? This message challenges us to lift our eyes from our problems to behold the immeasurable, incomparable God who sees us, knows us, and gives strength to the weary.

Elder Qualifications #4-11

How is an "overseer" (1Ti 3:1) different from an elder or pastor? In Scripture, the terms overseer (KJV "bishop"), elder, and arguably also pastor, are used interchangeably. Hierarchy: There was no hierarchy of authority within the local church leadership team. No bishop was over the pastors, no senior pastor, no lead pastor, no pastor over the elders, no difference between pastor and elder. Paid vs Volunteer: In modern times, a "pastor" is a vocational leader, whereas elders are volunteer. This is not a biblical distinction. The tile "elder" brings out the fact that church leaders should embody maturity and wisdom ("elder" and "older" are from the same Germanic root). It is a state of being. The word "pastor" translates the Greek word for shepherd and brings out the leader's role in leading, feeding and protecting God's flock. The word "overseer" (3:1) highlights out the leader's job of managing, administrating, being sure things in the church are doing according to God's will. Plurality: The New Testament generally presents an ideal of a plurality of leaders in every congregation.

In recent years, more ink has been spilled on this passage than on any other part of this epistle, due largely to the rise of egalitarianism and feminism. I've read the arguments of evangelical feminists. However, I just can't explain away the plain teaching of Scripture that prohibits women from teaching men or exercising authority over men.

A homeless man entered our church building, then left. I didn't interact with him; I didn't even know he had been there. Yet, when I later entered the area, I immediately knew it. The area he had been in reeked. He was gone, but his "aroma" lingered. So too, Timothy stopped the false teaching, but the impact of their stinky doctrine remained. Paul prescribed prayer as the air freshener.

My goal in this lesson was not to squeeze every jot and tittle of truth out of the text. To do so might be to obscure the forest because of the trees. Instead, my purpose was to help believers ferret-out the big picture of the chapter. Aside from the introduction, there are four main paragraphs (ESV). We'll try to get the main point of each one, and how they fit together. So, here it is, in all it's unedited, participatory glory!

Preaching is not a casual task—it is a divine charge given in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will one day judge every soul. In this expositional message from 2 Timothy 4:1–2, we will discover the sacred responsibility, reverence, and urgency with which pastors are called to proclaim God's Word, and how we as a church must respond to it.

In a world filled with confusion and compromise, the Word of God remains our unshakable foundation. Hear this sermon to explore the transformative power of Scripture—how it shapes lives, strengthens leaders, and equips the church for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16–17). Discover why Scripture is not only inspired but also essential and life-giving for every aspect of Christian living.

A Christian author remarked, "We have become perhaps the most emotionally exhausted, psychologically overworked, and spiritually malnourished people in history." The remedy to survive in the busyness of life is to also get busy with God. This message provides insights into how believers and pastors can integrate God into their busy lives.

A Christian author remarked, -We have become perhaps the most emotionally exhausted, psychologically overworked, and spiritually malnourished people in history.- The remedy to survive in the busyness of life is to also get busy with God. This message provides insights into how believers and pastors can integrate God into their busy lives.

A Christian author remarked, -We have become perhaps the most emotionally exhausted, psychologically overworked, and spiritually malnourished people in history.- The remedy to survive in the busyness of life is to also get busy with God. This message provides insights into how believers and pastors can integrate God into their busy lives.

Helga Henry, wife of the renowned theologian Carl F. H. Henry, reminds us that "Christian hospitality is not a matter of choice; it is not a matter of money; it is not a matter of age, social standing, sex, or personality. Christian hospitality is a matter of obedience to God." This message explains the significance of hospitality.

Helga Henry, wife of the renowned theologian Carl F. H. Henry, reminds us that -Christian hospitality is not a matter of choice- it is not a matter of money- it is not a matter of age, social standing, sex, or personality. Christian hospitality is a matter of obedience to God.- This message explains the significance of hospitality.

Helga Henry, wife of the renowned theologian Carl F. H. Henry, reminds us that -Christian hospitality is not a matter of choice- it is not a matter of money- it is not a matter of age, social standing, sex, or personality. Christian hospitality is a matter of obedience to God.- This message explains the significance of hospitality.

New Covenant Theology, Covenant Theology and Dispensational Theology explained and contrasted..

New Covenant Theology, Covenant Theology and Dispensational Theology explained and contrasted.--.

To view the video, click on the "external link" above ↑ Baptist theologian JL Dagg wrote: "they (the Apostles) have taught us by example how to organize and govern churches. We have no right to reject their instruction and captiously insist that nothing but positive command shall bind us. Instead of choosing to walk in a way of our own devising, we should take pleasure to walk in the footsteps of those holy men from whom we have received the word of life ... respect for the Spirit by which they were led should induce us to prefer their modes of organization and government to such as our inferior wisdom might suggest." Listen and find out why!

To view the video, click on the -external link- above -----Baptist theologian JL Dagg wrote- -they -the Apostles- have taught us by example how to organize and govern churches. We have no right to reject their instruction and captiously insist that nothing but positive command shall bind us. Instead of choosing to walk in a way of our own devising, we should take pleasure to walk in the footsteps of those holy men from whom we have received the word of life ... respect for the Spirit by which they were led should induce us to prefer their modes of organization and government to such as our inferior wisdom might suggest.---Listen and find out why-

To view the video, click on the -external link- above -----Baptist theologian JL Dagg wrote- -they -the Apostles- have taught us by example how to organize and govern churches. We have no right to reject their instruction and captiously insist that nothing but positive command shall bind us. Instead of choosing to walk in a way of our own devising, we should take pleasure to walk in the footsteps of those holy men from whom we have received the word of life ... respect for the Spirit by which they were led should induce us to prefer their modes of organization and government to such as our inferior wisdom might suggest.---Listen and find out why-

To view the video, click on the "external link" above ↑Jesus said church leaders have the same authority as children and slaves, two groups in Roman society with the least authority. Then, to drive the point home, Jesus washed the disciples' feet. What does this tell us about a church leader's management style, or about how decisions are to be made in the church? This lesson explores an ancient leadership style given by Jesus for building consensus.

To view the video, click on the -external link- above ---Jesus said church leaders have the same authority as children and slaves, two groups in Roman society with the least authority. Then, to drive the point home, Jesus washed the disciples' feet. What does this tell us about a church leader's management style, or about how decisions are to be made in the church-- This lesson explores an ancient leadership style given by Jesus for building consensus.

To view the video, click on the -external link- above ---Jesus said church leaders have the same authority as children and slaves, two groups in Roman society with the least authority. Then, to drive the point home, Jesus washed the disciples' feet. What does this tell us about a church leader's management style, or about how decisions are to be made in the church-- This lesson explores an ancient leadership style given by Jesus for building consensus.

The Lord's Supper—as practiced by the early church—was designed to create supernatural unity and strong community, to encourage love and good deeds, and promote purity in view of the seconding-coming.Did you know ...• The early church ate the Lord's Supper as a fellowship feast that looked both back to Jesus' death but also forward to the wedding supper of the Lamb?• God confers grace unto unity through the one cup and one loaf?• The Lord's Supper is a second-coming prayer we enact?• The main reason the church met every week was to eat the Lord's Supper?• Communion is to be more of a celebration than a funeral?

The Lord's Supper-as practiced by the early church-was designed to create supernatural unity and strong community, to encourage love and good deeds, and promote purity in view of the seconding-coming.-Did you know ...-- The early church ate the Lord's Supper as a fellowship feast that looked both back to Jesus' death but also forward to the wedding supper of the Lamb---- God confers grace unto unity through the one cup and one loaf---- The Lord's Supper is a second-coming prayer we enact---- The main reason the church met every week was to eat the Lord's Supper---- Communion is to be more of a celebration than a funeral--