The Webster Bible Church Podcast

Transformative Truth:  At the end of all things - what matters is whether or not one stands before God, having had Jesus  take all the just due for their sins on the cross at Calvary – being listed in the Lamb's Book of Life - or standing before God and having to give an account for every act, the motive behind every act,  every wayward, evil or contrary thought, and their unrepentant state in refusing Christ as their sin-bearer and Lord. I. (v. 11) The JUDGE II. (vss. 12-13) The JUDGED III. (vss. 12-13) The JUDGMENTS IV. (vss. 14-15) JUSTICE 3 Takeaways: 1 - There WILL be ultimate justice 2 - Satan, death and sin WILL be eradicated forever 3 - All things WILL be summed up in Christ

Transformative Truth:  Trust God's Absolute Sovereignty in Satan's Absolute Defeat Sovereignty of God: The Biblical teaching that God is king, supreme ruler, and lawgiver of the entire universe Trust God's Absolute Sovereignty in Satan's Absolute Defeat For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13-14 NLT And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, (14) by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.  Colossians 2.13 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over  them in him. Colossians 2:15 Be Alert - Don't be Deceived! See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8 Be Wise - Know the Truth! "It is ever the Holy Spirit's work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan's work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. . . ." - Charles Spurgeon Be Confident - Rest in the victory! What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised-who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?  As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. - Romans 8.31-37

Transformative Truth:  Satan cannot stop the advancement and triumph of God's kingdom! Satan Restrained! Revelation 20:1-3 Saints Reign! Revelation 20:4-6 Satan cannot stop the advancement and triumph of God's kingdom. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. - Matthew 28:18-20

Transformative Truth:  An eternal celebration awaits all the Lord' servants. 1. Praise the Lord for delivering his people! After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” - Revelation 7:9-10 2. Praise the Lord for destroying his enemies! 3. Praise the Lord for dressing his bride! I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. - Isaiah 61:10 NLT “… With fear and trembling your own salvation work out, for God is the [One] working in you both to will and to work according to [His] good pleasure.” - Philippians 2:12-13

Transformative Truth:  Don't live for the city that won't last. The First Voice from Heaven (vv. 1-3) • The Reality of Babylon's Fall • The Reason for Babylon's Fall The Second Voice from Heaven (vv. 4-24) • Rescue (v. 4) • Retribution (vv. 5-19, 21-24) • Rejoicing (v. 20) For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Hebrews 13:14

Transformative Truth:  Don't let the world lure you away from Jesus. Babylon = Worldliness Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. - 1 John 2:15-17 Don't let the world lure you away from Jesus. THE HARLOT 1. Her seductive appeal 2. Her sinful abominations 3. Her satanic alliance 4. Her surprising annihilation THE HERO Don't let the world lure you away from Jesus.

Transformative Truth:  God is right to punish unrepentant sinners – and He will. Bowls Poured God Praised Sinners Persist

Transformative Truth:  All God's deeds are just, righteous, and worthy of worship! I. Worship God for His Victory II. Worship God for His Wrath

Transformative Truth:  To enjoy victory and escape judgment, “follow the Lamb wherever he goes.” HEAVEN: The Music to Be Heard Revelation 14:1-5 HERALDS: The Messages to Be Heeded Revelation 14:6-13 HARVEST: The Moment to Be Had Revelation 14:14-20 So Jesus also suffered outside the [city] gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. - Hebrews 13:12-15

Transformative Truth:  Be wise and withstand the dragon's helpers. The First Beast Revelation 13:1-10 “Ah, the thunder of many peoples; they thunder like the thundering of the sea! Ah, the roar of the nations; they roar like the roaring of mighty waters! - Isaiah 17:12 The Second Beast Revelation 13:11-18 Be wise and withstand the dragon's helpers.

Transformative Truth:  The devil's rage we can endure, for his eternal doom is sure. The Woman and the Dragon (vv. 1-6) The War against the Dragon (vv. 7-12a) The Wrath of the Dragon (vv. 12b-17)

Brooks Buser, Guest Speaker February 9, 2025 Romans 10:13-15 1. God saves sinners 2. Goers in missions    a. Well trained    b. Need to preach    c. Must see past this world 3. Senders in missions    a. Raise their sons and daughters to be sent    b. Good senders live in such a way that the great commission     affects their lives here    c. Good senders are faithful church members

Transformative Truth:  God's people will proclaim the gospel until His kingdom comes. Tragedies are trumpets sounding the alarm that “the day of the Lord is coming; it is near” (Joel 2:1) God's people will proclaim the gospel until His kingdom comes. 1. The Church is secure (vv. 1-2) 2. The Church is sent (vv. 3-6) 3. The Church will suffer (vv. 7-10) 4. The Church will succeed (vv. 11-14) 5. The Church will celebrate (vv. 15-19)

Transformative Truth:  All the earth will know that God's judgment is in full swing when the Seventh Trumpet sounds. 1. The Messenger Roars (Revelation 10:1-4) 2. The Angel Swears: “No More Delay” (Revelation 10:5-7) 3. A Bittersweet Prophesy (Revelation 10:8-11)

Transformative Truth:  The restrained judgments of God are a merciful call to repentance. Trumpets 1-4: Wrath With Restraint 1. The trumpets resemble the plagues on Egypt 2. The trumpets run parallel to the seals and the bowls. 3. The trumpets reiterate the plight and peril of sinners. The restrained judgments of God are a merciful call to repentance. The restrained judgments of God are a merciful call to repentance. Trumpets 5-6: Woes Without Repentance The restrained judgments of God are a merciful call to repentance.

Transformative Truth:  God hears and answers the prayers of His people. “Here we see that God is listening to and answering the prayers that saints have voiced all throughout history. The prayers will be answered fully and finally when the kingdom comes, when God's will is done.” The Priority of Prayer Revelation 8:1 The People of Prayer Revelation 8:2b God hears and answers the prayers of his people. The Presentation of Prayer Revelation 8:3-4 The Power of Prayer Revelation 8:5

Title: Keep Others Speaker: Dave Theobald, Guest Speaker Scripture: Jude 22-23 Transformative Truth:  You are your brother's keeper. 1. S__________ - End Rescues 2. S_______ S______ Rescues 3. D__________ - End Rescues

Transformative Truth:  God desires his people to love him, to love themselves, and to love others. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise.       Deuteronomy 6:7 “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18b And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”  He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”  And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”  And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.  Luke 10:25-28 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.  So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and took him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”  He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” Luke 10:29-37

Transformative Truth:  The glory of God has come into the world in the person of Jesus. Now Jesus did many other [miraculous] signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. - John 20:30-31 The glory of God has come into the world in the person of Jesus. The Word John 1:1-5 1 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. 2 And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. … And through the Son he created the universe. 3 The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God…. - Hebrews 1:1-3 “In the beginning the Word was existing. And the Word was in fellowship with God the Father. And the Word was as to His essence absolute deity.” How precious is your steadfast love, O God! … For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. - Psalm 36:7, 9 The Witness John 1:6-8 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. - 1 Cor. 3:5-7 The World John 1:9-13 Behold what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! - 1 John 3:1 The Wonder John 1:14-18

Transformative Truth:  Redeemed and sealed forevermore, the saints their Lord and God adore. The Preservation of God's Servants (vv. 1-8) In him [Christ] you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. - Ephesians 1:13-14 1. Have you truly believed that the Lamb has purchased you by the price of his blood? 2. Do you desire to keep God's commandments? 3. Are you so convicted of sin that it leads to repentance and renewal of your relationship with Christ? 4. Are you willing to bear witness to the Lamb amid pressures to compromise faith? The Praise from God's Servants (vv. 9-12) The Presence among God's Servants (vv. 13-17) The only shelter from the wrath of the Lamb is the love of the Lamb. Redeemed and sealed forevermore, the saints their Lord and God adore.

Transformative Truth:  Believers can trust God no matter what happens. The Four Horsemen Revelation 6:1-8 The Faithful Martyrs Revelation 6:9-11 The Furious Judgment Revelation 6:12-17

Transformative Truth:  God's work cultivates a thankful heart. Three Key Words Thanks Constantly Remembering Give thanks for God's work IN you Evidence Encouragement Exhortation Give thanks for God's work THROUGH you Evidence Encouragement Exhortation

Transformative Truth:  The purchase by the Lamb elicits eternal praise to the Lamb. The Scroll and the Problem Revelation 5:1-4 Scroll = future history The Solution and the Praise Revelation 5:6-14 The purchase by the Lamb elicits eternal praise to the Lamb.

Transformative Truth:  The indescribably glorious God on heaven's throne rules over all. The Revelation of the Throne "On the throne" "Around the throne" "From the throne"  "Before the throne" "Around the throne" (again) Our Response to the Throne Acknowledge Bow  Come Declare

Transformative Truth:  Self-sufficiency deprives us from intimate fellowship with the all-sufficient Savior. The Attributes of the Lord Revelation 3:14 "The Amen" "the faithful and true witness" "the beginning of God's creation" If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4 His Assessment of the Church Revelation 3:15-17 His Appeal to the Church Revelation 3:18-22 Self-sufficiency deprives us from intimate fellowship with the all-sufficient Savior.

Transformative Truth:  Trust the Authority and Power of Jesus Christ to keep you. 1. The first place you must Trust the Authority & Power of Jesus is in Salvation But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. Matthew 23:13 2. The Second Place you must Trust the Authority & Power of Jesus to keep you is on Mission And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 3. The third way we trust the Authority & Power of Jesus is to keep us through the Hour of Trial I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. John 17:15 4. The fourth way we trust the Authority & Power of Jesus is to keep us through Eternity I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. Revelation 3:11 Rev. 3:12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it... ...and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. Revelation 3:12b Rev. 3:13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' Heb. 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Transformative Truth:  Christ supplies by his Word and Spirit what the church is lacking. The Attributes of the Lord Revelation 3:1a The Assessment of the Church Revelation 3:1b The Action to Be Taken Revelation 3:2-3a Wake up, and Strengthen what remains... Remember what you received and heard. Keep it, and Repent. Christ supplies by his Word and Spirit what we're lacking. Three Questions for the Apathetic Am I living in unconfessed sin? Have I neglected God's means of grace? What fills my mind daily? The Appeal to Be Heeded Revelation 3:3b-6

Transformative Truth:  Nothing can be lost in serving Jesus now, that will not be infinitely eclipsed when we inherit Him.  

Transformative Truth:  Stop compromising and stand steadfast in the shadow of Satan's throne. We know that we are of God, and the whole world is under the sway of the evil one. - 1 John 5:19 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life – is not from the Father but is from the world. - 1 John 2:15-16 1. Be awed by Jesus Christ (v. 12) 2. Be aware of your condition (vv. 12-15) “This church had been faithful under the assault of the world's violence, but it was yielding to the allures of the world's friendship.” While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women. These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab. In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the Lord's anger to blaze against his people. - Numbers 25:1-3 3. Take action as a church (v. 16a)  4. Pay attention to the consequences (vv. 16b-17) Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 10 So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God. - 1 John 3:9-10 “To humbly submit to the church's discipline, graciously repenting when approached about personal sin, and lovingly restoring others who become entangled in sin.”

Transformative Truth:  Don't be afraid of what you'll suffer as a Christian. The Addressee of the Letter Revelation 2:8a The Attributes of the Lord Revelation 2:8b The Address to the Church Revelation 2:9-10 The Appeal to Each Person Revelation 2:11 “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?” - Jesus Christ (Mark 8:35-37) It is possible to be a good church! A church that pleases Jesus will not be exempt from suffering. Jesus is worth dying for.

Transformative Truth:  Good deeds and doctrinal purity are no substitute for love. The Authority of the Lord Revelation 2:1 The Address to the Church Revelation 2:6 The Commendations The Complaint The Commands Good deeds and doctrinal purity are no substitute for love. The Appeal to Each Person Revelation 2:7

Transformative Truth:  A fresh vision of Jesus inspires continued faithfulness to Jesus. Where John was Revelation 1:9-10a God is not revealing more Scripture to us, but he is revealing Scripture more to us. What John Heard Revelation 1:10b-11 What John Saw Revelation 1:12-16 He is "clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest." "The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow." "His eyes were like a flame of fire." "His feel were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace." "His voice was like the roar of many waters." "In his right hand he held seven stars...." "From his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword." "His face was like the sun shining in full strength." What Happened Next Revelation 1:17-20 A fresh vision of Jesus inspires continued faithfulness to Jesus.

Transformative Truth:  The God of all grace is worthy of all glory. THE SETTING (v. 4a) THE SALUTATION (vv. 4b-8) • Grace and peace from God • Glory and praise to God The Seven-Fold Description of Christ "the faithful witness" "the firstborn of the dead" "the ruler of the kings on earth" He "loves us" "And has freed us from our sins by his blood" "and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and our Father" "He is coming with the clouds" The God of all grace is worthy of all glory.

Transformative Truth:  God blesses those who read, hear, and heed the revelation of Jesus Christ. The Book Revelation 1:1-2 God (the Father) Jesus Christ (the Son) His angel His servant John Four Views of Revelation Preterist (past view) Futurist (pre-view) Historicist (panoramic view) Idealist (parallel view) The Blessing Revelation 1:3 God blesses those who read, hear, and heed the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Transformative Truth:  True Righteousness brings persecution; persecution for Jesus' sake brings eternal reward. First, to stay faithful, you must arm yourself with the expectation of a righteous life. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:3 Second, to stay faithful, you must arm yourself with the expectation of persecution. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:20-21 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous.  Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. To stay faithful, you must arm yourself with the expectation of eternal rewards. And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you. Jeremiah 1:18-19 Why has my pain been perpetual And my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Wilt Thou indeed be to me like a deceptive stream With water that is unreliable? Jeremiah 15:18 NASB My soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is; so I say, "My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord." Lamentations. 3:17-18 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."  Lamentations 3:21-24 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:15-16

Transformative Truth:  Believers prove their relation to God by making peace with others. 1. God is the consummate Peacemaker. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [Christ], and through him to reconcile to himself all things ...by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20 NIV Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans 5:1-2 NIV 2. God wants us to be conscientious peacemakers. As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV The Four G's of Peacemaking a. Glorify God. b. Get the log out of your eye. c. Gently restore. d. Go and Be Reconciled. Glorify God: How can I please and honor God in this situation? Get the log out of your own eye: How can I show Jesus' work in me by taking responsibility for my contribution to this conflict? The Seven A's of Confession Address everyone involved. Avoid If, But, and Maybe. Admit specifically. Acknowledge the hurt. Accept the consequences. Alter your behavior. Ask for forgiveness (and allow time). Gently restore: How can I lovingly serve others by helping them take responsibility for their contribution to this conflict? The three qualifications of a good surgeon are requisite in a reprover: He should have an eagle's eye, a lion's heart, and a lady's hand: in short, he should be endued with wisdom, courage, and meekness [gentleness]. Go and be reconciled: How can I demonstrate the forgiveness of God and encourage a reasonable solution to this conflict? "I will not dwell on this incident." "I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you." "I will not talk to others about this incident." "I will not let this incident stand between us or hinder our personal relationship." Believers prove their relation to God by making peace with others.

Transformative Truth:  God blesses those who show mercy to others from the heart. “Blessed are the merciful. . .” Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the pure in heart. . .” Matthew 5:8 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as he is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:2-3

Transformative Truth:  God satisfies those who earnestly seek his salvation. None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.  Romans 3:10 God satisfies those who earnestly seek his salvation. My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way. Isaiah 51:5 God makes repentant sinners the royal subjects of his eternal kingdom. The Prerequisites for Righteousness The Pursuit of Righteousness O how blessed are those who long for total righteousness - like starving people long for food and those dying of thirst long for water - for they will be truly satisfied!  "I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith."  - Paul the Apostle (Philippians 3:9-10 NLT) The Promise of Righteousness Peace (Romans 5:1) Pardon (Romans 8:1) Power (1 Peter 2:24; Ephesians 3:20) Perfection (1 John 3:1-2) God satisfies those who earnestly seek his salvation.

Transformative Truth:  Biblical Meekness is essential for anyone who will enter into the New Earth to come. (1) The “If this” Part: “Blessed are the meek”  (a) Meekness in the eyes of the world.  (b) Meekness according to God:   (i) not weakness of character,   (ii) but strength of character.   (iii) It is the attitude of one who:    1.  Realizing his own spiritual poverty, acknowledges he deserves nothing          from the hand of God or his fellow man.    2.  Does not become resentful toward God when bad things happen or          when others treat him badly, knowing that God is using it to purify him.    3.  Believes God will work all things for this good, so he leaves his case with         God-relying on God rather than his own strength to defend against injustice.  (c) Moses' reaction in Numbers 12 shows self-control as a key       element of Biblical meekness.  (d) The Biblically meek must be able to exhibit ________________. (2) The “Then That” Part: “They shall inherit the earth”  (a) The Present View - The meek already inherit the earth in this life (1 Cor. 3:21)  (b) The Future View - The __________ _______________ to come. (3) Conclusion: Biblical Meekness is necessary because:  (a) It is a necessary character trait of those who are saved;  (b) It is commanded by the Lord;  (c) It is essential for our being effective witnesses;  (d) Without meekness within us, we cannot give glory to God.

Transformative Truth:  We can be blessed even in our mourning, as we consider our position in the Kingdom now, and the comfort to come. 1 - Blessed are those who mourn - Now. Christians mourn in ways the world cannot know. 2 - Blessed are those who mourn - For we SHALL be comforted.     a. A FUTURE (and certain) Comfort / They SHALL be comforted.     b. A COMPREHENSIVE Comfort / They shall BE comforted.     c. A PERSONAL comfort for our particular mourning / THEY shall        be COMFORTED.

Transformative Truth:  To enter God's kingdom you must be poor in spirit. Two realities about God's people: 1) Their posture 2) Their position   Introduction & Context The Setting The Purpose of the Sermon on the Mount What is a Beatitude?   Matthew 5:1-3  Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.   Two realities about God's people: Their posture - who are the poor in spirit? Their position in the Kingdom - When, What, Where, How  

Transformative Truth:  The Lord's empowering presence enables us to finish life well. 1. The presence of the Lord 2 Timothy 4:16-17a 2. The power of the Lord 2 Timothy 4:17b-18a I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. Acts 20:24 3. All praise to the Lord 2 Timothy 4:18b Final Greetings 2 Timothy 4:19-22 1. Christian ministry is relationally hard. 2. Friends in ministry will abandon us. 3. Not all letdowns will last. 4. Christ-exalting friendships further our joy in Jesus. 5. Only Jesus is our perfect friend. 

Transformative Truth:  Specific persons have a profound impact on a Christian's life. 1. Timothy, the Faithful Son 2 Timothy 4:9 2. Demas, the Unfaithful Deserter 2 Timothy 4:10 3. Crescens, the Faithful Unknown  2 Timothy 4:10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. Hebrews 6:10 4. Titus, the Faithful Comforter 2 Timothy 4:10 5. Tychicus, the Faithful Messenger  2 Timothy 4:12 6. Luke, the Faithful Companion 2 Timothy 4:11 7. Mark, the Unfaithful Restored 2 Timothy 4:11 8. Carpus, the Faithful Host 2 Timothy 4:13 9. Alexander, the Faithless Opponent 2 Timothy 4:14-15 Specific persons have a profound impact on a Christian's life. 1. Our interpersonal connectedness 2. Our individual contributions 3. The indispensable characteristic 4. The inevitable consequences

Transformative Truth:  Live each day with death and eternity in view. The Present: View of Death 2 Timothy 4:6 The Past: Victory in Life 2 Timothy 4:7 The good fight I have fought. The race I have finished. The faith I have kept. I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. Acts 20:24 The Future: Vindication by God 2 Timothy 4:8 "I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith." - Paul the Apostle (Philippians 3:9 NLT) All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24 He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Two men looked through the bars. One saw the mud, the other, the stars.

Transformative Truth:  Men of God stick with the Scriptures no matter what. A Solemn Directive 2 Timothy 4:1-2 He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:14 A Spiritual Dilemma  2 Timothy 4:3-4 A Steadfast Determination  2 Timothy 4:5

Transformative Truth:  Embrace God's truth, and you'll be super-equipped for life. The Pattern of a Godly Life 2 Timothy 3:10-11 I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. - Paul the Apostle (Acts 20:24) The Price of a Godly Life 2 Timothy 3:12-13 The Perseverance of a Godly Life 2 Timothy 3:14-15 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 2 Timothy 1:5 The Provisions for a Godly Life 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Transformative Truth:  Avoid church people who are consumed with love of self. The Prediction (v. 1)           The Problem (vv. 2-5a)                     The Prescription (v. 5b)           The Perpetrators (vv. 6-8) The Prediction (v. 9)

Transformative Truth:  God uses clean instruments who run from sin toward godliness. The Picture 2 Timothy 2:20 The Promise 2 Timothy 2:21 He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5 God uses clean instruments who run from sin toward godliness. The Practicalities 2 Timothy 2:22-26 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. James 1:19-21

Transformative Truth:  For the church to be healthy, we must handle God's Word rightly. The Duties of Faithful Teachers 2 Timothy 2:14-16a 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth.... 1 Timothy 6:3-5 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called "knowledge," for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. 1 Timothy 6:20-21a The Dangers of False Teaching 2 Timothy 2:16b-19 1. It leads to ungodliness. 2. It spreads like gangrene.  3. It upsets the faith of some. For the church to be healthy, we must handle God's Word rightly.

Transforming Truth:  Dauntless disciples keep JESUS at the forefront of their minds. 1. God's supreme power keeps the gospel advancing 2 Timothy 2:9 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel: The whole imperial guard and everyone else knows that I am in prison for the sake of Christ, and most of the brothers and sisters, having confidence in the Lord because of my imprisonment, now more than ever dare to speak the word fearlessly. - Paul the Apostle (Philippians 1:12-14) 2. God's sovereign election keeps his messengers persevering 2 Timothy 2:10 [God the Father] chose us in [Christ] before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless before him. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:4-5 3. God's steadfast character keeps his word unchanging.  If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful-- "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. " - Jesus Christ Matthew 10:32-33