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Ephesians 3 | Don't Underestimate the Church - Paul explains that the Church is the mystery and power of God on display for all to see Message by Anthony Webb, Pastor Ariah Park Baptist Church
Paul wasn't changed by religion, he was interrupted by Jesus - The same Christ who transformed Paul still calls souls today! Will you answer His call? Like Paul, those who are called are all-in, not because they have to be, because they can't forget what Jesus did for them! "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus." - 1 Timothy 1:12-14 NASB95 If you would like to partner in the work we are doing locally and globally, please visit https://myLOH.church/GIVE
From seventeen to thousands, our guest joins us to tell the story of how a young man from a small town established a thriving revival church in a major urban center. Listen as he discusses the impact of multiculturalism, church streaming, and consistent prayer. #KingdomSpeak #Podcast #Revival
Colossians 1:3-8 highlights Paul's deep prayer of thanksgiving. Discover how embracing the true gospel empowers believers to become faithful, fruitful servants.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
Morning Worship 19 April '26
Morning Worship 19 April '26
Prayer carried by a handful of intercessors but that does not make you a praying church. In this sermon I will outline 9 core characteristics of a praying church and propose some shifts that are necessary to take the prayer life of local churches to another level. is one of those Christian disciplines that is taught a lot but practised little. It's one thing to have a few prayer meetings
"May we become the body of Christ for the broken and dying world around us. That we would truly be the hands and feet of Jesus to a broken and dying world that we would awaken the broken to a life of wholeness found in Jesus."Kelli's message takes us deep into the heart of what it means to be a praying church and the body of Christ in a broken world. Drawing from Ephesians 1:15-23, we encounter Paul's passionate prayer for the church—a prayer that transcends time and speaks directly to our own spiritual journey today. At its core, this message challenges us to move beyond prayer as a mere checklist of requests and into meaningful, transformative conversation with God. We're reminded that prayer changes us more than anything else, serving as the pivot action that shifts everything in our Christian community.
(This podcast was previously published on February 25, 2021) Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney ... People think it wise to pray for that "brother" who is committing fornication and to counsel him. But the apostle Paul tells us the following concerning a man who is said to be a Christian and he is committing the sin of fornication (or sins of being covetous, an idolater, a railer, a drunkard, or an extortioner) I Corinthians 5 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. This may be the only hope such an one has after committing such a sin after he is born again and enlightened to the truth of that sin. Peter says: II Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. But to the minds of fleshly humans in the churches, it seems so harsh and even unreasonable to put such an one out of the church. It seems "nicer" to pray for him and counsel him. But the apostle Paul in the Bible says put him away from you and to turn him over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. (I Corinthians 5:5) Few in churches will actually do what the Bible says. I Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ***** What the Bible says: I Corinthians 5 1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. * fornicator: to have sexual intercourse outside of marriage * covetous: having or showing a great desire to possess something belonging to someone else; desire for wealth or possessions or power * idolater: to worship a physical image, such as a statue or person in place of God; could be to worship a church or a pastor or other religious leader * railer: to express objections or criticisms in bitter, harsh, or abusive language * drunkard: a person who is habitually drunk; a person who is drunk or often gets drunk * extortioner: practice of obtaining benefit through coercion; plying money out of another person through use of scripture to make person feel guilty if he does not give or make him feel God will not bless him if he fails to give money at church 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. *** Hebrews 10 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know HIM that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto ME, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge HIS people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. *** Hebrews 6 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put HIM to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. *** Revelation 3:5 Jesus says: He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before MY Father, and before HIS angels. *** I Corinthians 6 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. *** II Peter 2 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
An episode from East River Baptist Church, a conservative, independent body of King James Bible believers located on the Northeast side of Houston, Texas. East River Baptist Church's (ERBC) mission as an assembly is threefold:- To Exalt the Saviour! Eph. 3:21- To Edify the Saints! Eph. 4:16- To Evangelize the Sinners! Lk 24:47 What ERBC believes about the Scriptures: “We believe that the scriptures of both Old and New Testament are verbally inspired of God, that they are the supreme and final authority for faith and practice, and are preserved in the Authorized Version (KJV 1611) of the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16. Psalm 12:6-7." What ERBC believes about God: “We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That God is supreme in His person, absolute in His attributes, glorious in His perfection, and eternal in His being. 1 John 5:7." What ERBC believes about Jesus: “We believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ. His conception by the Holy Spirit, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His death on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, His bodily resurrection, His exaltation at God's right hand, and His personal imminent, pre-millennial, and pre-tribulation return. Ephesians 1:7. ” What ERBC believes about man: “We believe that God created man in His image and likeness (a triune being: spirit, soul, and body) in a state of innocence's, but through temptation, he willingly transgressed, became dead in trespasses and sins. As a result, his posterity (all men) inherited a corrupt nature, are born in sin, and are under condemnation. Romans 5:12.” A message from ERBC to you:“If you are looking for a church in the Houston Texas area that preaches the Truth from God's Word, reach out to us at any time. We would love to hear from you at (281) 399-3030 or on our website https://eastriverbaptistchurch.com/ You may also write to us at:East River Baptist ChurchP.O. Box 983New Caney, TX 77357 Our video messages are also available for you at the following locations:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/eastriverbaptistchurchFacebook -https://www.facebook.com/erbctexas Be sure to Subscribe to our channel and/or Like and Follow ERBC on Facebook so that you will be notified the next time we are live.Have A Blessed Day,East River Baptist Church” The KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast is directly supported by Doss Metrics LLC | Ministry Services based out of Cleveland Texas. If you have any questions regarding this podcast, or the churches hosted on the podcast, please reach out to us directly at dossmetrics@gmail.com or write to us at: Doss Metrics | KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast1501 McBride Rd.Cleveland, TX 77328 God Bless#KJV #BaptistChurches #BiblePreaching #KJVPreaching #KingJamesBible #ChurchSermons #ChristianPodcasts #BibilicalTeaching #EastRiverBaptistChurch #RogerHoots
Scripture: 2 Cor 5:11, 13-21, Matt 16:13-19, 1 Cor 9:22-23Main Points: 1. Next Generation: There comes a point when we have to call the Next Generation to stand. Ifthey are going to stand, then we must let them. This is how families grow!2. City of the Dead: The revelation of Jesus as Messiah is a turning point in Church history. If heis the Messiah, we have a mission to take authority over the darkness in our world!3. Build the Church: Paul recognized that the building of God's church hinged on his ability toidentify with those in need so that he could lead them to God. This is our task now.
Is this political? It's certainly ideological against the church. If you want to know the motivation, a lot of times, is as easy as seeing who the target of the shooting is. Paul Mauro is a Fox News Contributor and former NYPD Inspector.
In this message, Paul Nichols preaches about being the Glorious Church that Jesus has called us to be. The Glorious Church lives in purity, keeps itself pure, is already pure and is sent to the impure.
In this episode, I sit down with pastor, author and scholar, Paul Hoffman, to talk about his book "AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep" and to explore how artificial intelligence and digital habits are shaping the way pastors lead, churches function, and disciples are formed.Paul A. Hoffman (PhD, University of Manchester) is associate professor in the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies and director of the Preministerial Scholars Program at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He previously served as a senior pastor and is the coauthor of Preaching to a Divided Nation, named an Outreach 2023 Resource of the Year.
John 10:16 In this second part of the series, we explore the riches of the mystery of the Church of Jesus Christ. That Gentiles should come to the knowledge of the Saviour was foretold by the Prophets of old. But how it would be possible for Jew and Gentile to be united in one body in Messiah was a mystery hidden from ages past, but has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. Come with us as we explore this fascinating mystery!
You can find a deeper dive into Keener's book on my Substack.Check out Jenai at her website.SummaryIn this conversation, Jon Pyle and Jenai Auman delve into the complexities of 1 Corinthians 14, particularly the controversial verses regarding women's roles in the church. They explore the cultural context of Corinth, the misinterpretations of Paul's letters, and the importance of hermeneutical principles in understanding scripture. Jenai shares her journey through different theological perspectives and emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to biblical interpretation, advocating for the empowerment of women in ministry and the church.TakeawaysThe cultural context of Corinth was chaotic and hedonistic.Paul's letters often address specific issues rather than providing comprehensive theology.Misinterpretations of scripture can lead to harmful applications in church settings.Hermeneutical principles are essential for understanding biblical texts accurately.Women played significant roles in the early church, often as leaders and supporters.Paul's intent was to bring order to disorder, not to reinforce patriarchal structures.The importance of educating women in the church is highlighted in Paul's letters.Contextualizing scripture is crucial for modern application and understanding.The church should reflect the inclusive nature of Christ's teachings.The conversation encourages humility and openness in theological discussions. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context of 1 Corinthians 1402:54 Personal Journeys and Interpretations of Scripture05:54 Hermeneutical Principles in Understanding Paul09:03 The Church in Corinth: Specific Contexts and Errors11:57 Interpretive Considerations for Paul's Letters15:31 Understanding the Corinthian Context16:43 Paul's Approach to Order and Disorder23:45 The Role of Women in Early Christianity29:45 Cultural Context and Interpretation35:21 The Call for Theological Humility
Why were the books of 1st and 2nd Corinthians and Romans written? Find out in this episode on the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul!
In this week's sermon from Philippians chapter 2, we delve into Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, written during his imprisonment in Rome. Paul emphasizes the importance of unity, humility, and selflessness among believers. He encourages the church to adopt the same attitude as Christ Jesus, who, despite being in the form of God, humbled Himself by becoming a servant and obeying to the point of death on a cross. Paul underscores that our joy and purpose are found in living out these values, not in selfish ambition or personal gain. The sermon also highlights the distinction between joy and happiness, explaining that joy is a spiritual gift from God that persists even in trials, whereas happiness is fleeting and dependent on circumstances. Paul calls the church to live by values of encouragement, love, fellowship, and mercy, and to prioritize the interests of others over their own. Ultimately, the message is clear: we are not the main characters in God's story; our lives should reflect Christ's humility and service.Key Takeaways:1. **Humility and Selflessness**: Paul calls us to adopt the same attitude as Christ, who humbled Himself and became a servant. This means valuing others above ourselves and looking out for their interests. 2. **Joy vs. Happiness**: Joy is a spiritual gift from God that persists even in trials, whereas happiness is fleeting and dependent on circumstances. Our joy should be rooted in our relationship with Christ. 3. **Unity in the Church**: Paul emphasizes the importance of unity, encouraging believers to be united in spirit and purpose. This unity is essential for the church to effectively live out its mission. 4. **Living by Values**: Encouragement, love, fellowship, and mercy are the values Paul wants the church to live by. These values should guide our actions and interactions with others. 5. **Eternal Perspective**: Our faith should be tied to eternal things, not temporary blessings. This perspective helps us endure trials and remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ.Reflection Questions:1. What does it mean to you to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus? 2. How can we practice humility in our daily lives? 3. Why do you think Paul emphasizes the difference between joy and happiness? 4. How can we encourage unity within our church community? 5. What are some practical ways to look out for the interests of others? 6. How do you handle situations where your faith is tested by trials? 7. In what ways can we ensure that our actions are not driven by selfish ambition? 8. How can we better understand and live out the values of encouragement, love, fellowship, and mercy?Practical Application:This week, challenge yourself to perform one act of selfless service each day. Whether it's helping a neighbor, volunteering your time, or simply offering a kind word, make a conscious effort to put others' needs before your own. Reflect on how these actions align with the humility and selflessness of Christ.Support the Show.
During the afternoon service, Brother Paul Blair asked another question: Why did you join the church? I now share with you that message. 05.04.24.msg3.Why.Did.You.Join.the.Church.Paul.Blair
Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla for May 6, 2024 Book of 1st Timothy Guiding and Strengthening the Church: Paul's Instruction to Timothy
20231029 - Sun - SS - Titus 1:10-16 - Bible Baptist Church - www.bbc-kjv.com
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20230924 - Sun - SS - Titus 1:1 - Bible Baptist Church - www.bbc-kjv.com
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In this episode, Paul Tripp shares his heart for the church and offers encouragement to Christians that loving God includes loving his people. Paul David Tripp is a pastor, award-winning author, and international conference speaker. His nonprofit ministry exists to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. He has written numerous books, including 'Sunday Matters: 52 Devotionals to Prepare Your Heart for Church'. Read the full transcript of this episode. Check out Paul Tripp's previous interview mentioned in this episode: "What You Believe About God's Sovereignty Matters for Real Life (Paul Tripp)" If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show! Complete this survey for a free audiobook by Kevin DeYoung!
Patrick continues our series sharing the story of Paul and Barnabas.
Could you use a little hope right now? Of course not. You could use a LOT of hope! This week, Steve and the gang chat with bestselling author Paul Miller about the power of – not just prayer – but praying together. The post A Praying Church | Paul Miller | Steve Brown, Etc. appeared first on Key Life.
Paul Miller, Bestselling Author of A Praying Life, on the Transforming Power of Praying Together In our current culture, the church and prayer are often dismissed as irrelevant. But when believers gather and pray together, powerful things happen: the Spirit equips the saints for ministry, the helpless are met with help, and believers experience the joy of being led by the Spirit of Jesus. Buy the book here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Praying-Church-Becoming-People-Discouraging/dp/B0BVKNZ1WR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=L8QJBSV1187P&keywords=paul+miller+a+praying+church&qid=1676713181&sprefix=paul+miller+a+praying+church%2Caps%2C67&sr=8-1 Find out more about the training here https://www.seejesus.net/landing-page/praying-church Grab an Exposit The Word hoodie here https://exposit-the-word-merch.creator-spring.com/ Exposit The word is an online platform designed to point people towards sound Bible teaching. We are very thankful to work in partnership with LOGOS and we are thrilled to be able to offer our viewers a huge discount plus 5 free resources for the brand new Logos10 https://partners.faithlife.com/click.track?CID=431490&AFID=529383 You can also download for FREE the book of the month which you can find here https://partners.faithlife.com/click.track?CID=437858&AFID=529383 --- Does your church or online ministry need help with a new website or social media? We would love to help - https://wehelpchurchesget.online/ We help sound Bible believing churches reach people online
Glen Scrivener from Speak Life talks to Rev Dr Paul Blackham from St. Crispin's Church, London about the recent decisions from Church of England Bishops surrounding Living in Love and Faith.More from Paul Blackham:https://www.bibleschool.show/https://biblicalframeworks.com/https://www.jesusatthecentrenetwork.com/Subscribe to the Speak Life YouTube channel for more conversations that get to the heart:youtube.com/SpeakLifeMediaSubscribe to the Reformed Mythologist YouTube channel to explore how the stories we love point to the greatest story of all:youtube.com/@ReformedMythologistDiscord is an online platform where you can interact with the Speak Life team and other Speak Life supporters. There's bonus content, creative/theological discussion and lots of fun. Join our Discord here:speaklife.org.uk/giveContact the show: info@speaklife.org.ukSpeak Life is a UK based charity that resources the church to reach the world.Learn more about us here:speaklife.org.ukAre you a creative Christian? Would you like to join us for a day, a week or 10 months? Find out more here:speaklife.org.uk/foundrySocial Mediafacebook.com/speakLifeuktwitter.com/speaklifeukinstagram.com/speaklifeuktiktok.com/@speaklifeukSupport the show
What does Paul mean concerning the roots and branches of an olive tree in Romans 11? [2 hours 2 minutes]
Bella Dodd is one of those mysterious figures who often comes up in discussions of Catholic conspiracy theories. But who was Bella Dodd and why should Catholics care?
September 11th, 2022 – The Letter to the Romans – Good News to a Church Paul Never Met As Paul introduces himself to the congregation in Rome, he offers the good news that Jesus Christ has given to us a plan of salvation by faith.
In this sermon from our WIND + FIRE series, Lee Cummings returns to the pulpit with a powerful word out of Acts 20. Acts 20:17-32 (ESV) 17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But 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. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” When it comes to the Church Paul knows: - What begins as pure can become tainted - What starts powerfully can become weak - What originates in heaven can get hijacked by hell - What God builds through mans obedience and become corrupted and coopted because of rebellion and selfish ambition Satan's greatest tool is deception Paul identifies three groups of people to pay attention to Shepherds: those who have been called by Jesus to lead His Church Wolves: false teachers or influencers, who present themselves as either sheep or shepherds but have a secret motive or ambition besides your maturity in Christ The Flock: made up of both sheep and goats (Matthew 25) True shepherds lay down their lives, while wolves have their own agenda Shepherds are appointed by God and recognized by men, while wolves appoint themselves Shepherds point and lead to Jesus, while wolves draw to themselves Sheep know the voice of their shepherd Sheep stick together and follow the shepherd Goat ignore the voice of their shepherd Goat are reckless and are driven by curiosity and their own personal appetites Beware of anyone teaching you a doctrine or “new” perspective of the bible that has been formed on the anvil of culture and not in the forge of the Holy Spirits fire and attested to by those who've paid in martyrs blood throughout the ages of church history Ours is a faith to be received – theirs is a faith to be deceived
In this sermon from our WIND + FIRE series, Pastor Lee Cummings returns to the pulpit with a powerful word out of Acts 20. Acts 20:17-32 (ESV) 17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But 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. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” When it comes to the Church Paul knows: - What begins as pure can become tainted - What starts powerfully can become weak - What originates in heaven can get hijacked by hell - What God builds through mans obedience and become corrupted and coopted because of rebellion and selfish ambition Satan's greatest tool is deception Paul identifies three groups of people to pay attention to Shepherds: those who have been called by Jesus to lead His Church Wolves: false teachers or influencers, who present themselves as either sheep or shepherds but have a secret motive or ambition besides your maturity in Christ The Flock: made up of both sheep and goats (Matthew 25) True shepherds lay down their lives, while wolves have their own agenda Shepherds are appointed by God and recognized by men, while wolves appoint themselves Shepherds point and lead to Jesus, while wolves draw to themselves Sheep know the voice of their shepherd Sheep stick together and follow the shepherd Goat ignore the voice of their shepherd Goat are reckless and are driven by curiosity and their own personal appetites Beware of anyone teaching you a doctrine or “new” perspective of the bible that has been formed on the anvil of culture and not in the forge of the Holy Spirits fire and attested to by those who've paid in martyrs blood throughout the ages of church history Ours is a faith to be received – theirs is a faith to be deceived