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Theme: The Lord requires the maintaining and promoting of truth, and of our own and our neighbor's good name. I. Truth A. Truth between man and man—Eph. 4:25; Zech. 8:16 B. Standing for the truth 1. Attitude a. Sincerely—Psalm 15:2 b. Freely—Jeremiah 9:3 c. Clearly—Jeremiah 42:4; Acts 20:20 d. Fully—Acts 20:27 2. Speaking it—Proverbs 31:9; 14:5 II. Good Name A. Our own (defending and deserving) 1. Defending it 2. Deserving it a. Acting in a proper manner—I Pet. 3:15-16 b. Keeping of lawful promises 3. Why be concerned about our good name? a. For God's glory—Matt. 5:16; I Pet. 2:12 b. A good name has many benefits Application A. Be transparent—honesty is always the best policy 1. You never have to worry if you tell the truth 2. Let your light shine before men 3. Hating the light implies that the deeds are evil B. Make sure your foundation for truth-telling is in Christ 1. He is the way, the truth, and the life 2. It is the truth of the gospel

I Cor 15 Importance 15:1-5, Psalm 16 & 88, Luke 18:31-33 Credibility 15: 5-8, Acts 2:36-41 Necessity 15:12-19 Result: 15:20-23, I Pet 1:13, Eph 2:4-5 Col 3, Rom 8

The Belgic Confession (Article IX)Evening SermonFurther Scripture References:- Matt. 28:16-20- I Pet. 1:1-2

Don't leave your gifts unopened under the tree!Isa 9:6Isa 7:14John 3:14-16Numbers 21:5-9I Cor 15:22Rev 13:8John 12:32,33I Pet 2:24GAL 3:13

As Paul addresses some of the problems with the church in Corinth, he is most concerned with how corporate worship is conducted. Is it a symphony of harmonizing parts for the common good? Does it build up all who are gathered? Temple – build up, edify: seven times (3, 4 (twice), 5, 12, 17, 26 Paul is using a metaphor related to building a temple, of building up the corporate Temple of the Holy Spirit, the Body of Jesus, Jesus himself being the True Temple. Peter uses the same metaphor: “You yourselves, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood…” I Pet. 2:5 As we consider prophecy and spiritual language (tongues), we need to hear Paul address how the church should function in worship so that all the gifts of the Spirit are offered FOR THE COMMON GOOD. "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” I Cor 12:7 In verse 2 forward, Paul clarifies the proper use of prophecy and tongues in public worship. As we make love our aim, the use of our spiritual gifts has a specific impact on all those gathered in worship. How shall we understand these two gifts? “2 For one who speaks in a tongue speak not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.” 1. This spiritual language called tongues is not speaking horizontally, but vertically, i.e., to God… he utters mysteries in the Spirit. We understand that speaking to God is actually prayer, praise or worship directed towards God. So tongues is prayer, thanksgiving, in spoken word and song (14:15). 2. Speaking, singing, giving thanks in the Spirit (tongues) builds up the person employing the gift. Prophecy edifies the whole assembly. “ v. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself , but the one who prophesies builds up the church.” Paul is saying that praying in tongues is a powerful means of strengthening one's life in Christ. Paul refers to the use of tongues in public as needing interpretation, and when in private devotion, interpretation isn't necessary (one is built up by speaking directly to God in prayer. Let me return to this. For now, one's prayer in tongues edifies, strengthens the person actively praying. Jude 20 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith [and] praying in the Holy Spirit… KJV, NASV, RSV, NRSV do not add “and” … inferring how to build up your most holy faith, praying in the Spirit. Both Jude 20 and Romans 8:26-27 are interpreted by NT Scholars Gordon Fee and Peter Davids as praying in transcendent, trans-rational prayer language. They both refer to I Cor. 14:14-15. Praying in the Spirit? All forms of tongues are considered praying in the Spirit. Verse 5: Now I want you all to speak in tongues (public / private), but even more to prophesy. What is prophecy? A beginning definition might be “speaking forth something God has spontaneously brought to mind.” Michael Green's summary is another good working definition of prophecy: ‘a word from the Lord through a member of his body, inspired by his Spirit and given to build up the rest of the body.' Prophetic Impact (14:1–5) (I Corinthians by David Pryor) 1. Upbuilding: Any purported word of prophecy that undermines or shakes the faith of others must be rejected. conversation. (2) The second word is encouragement (paraklēsis), the same root as the word used in John to describe the Holy Spirit as Paraclete, Advocate, Counsellor. It literally means ‘to be called in alongside' to assist and support. (3) Paul's third word to describe how a true word of prophecy will help the church is consolation (comfort) (paramythia). This has the sense of whispering in the church's ear, probably in the sense of allaying fear and enabling God's people to be calm under pressure. ‘ If this is something of the impact prophecy can have on the church, it is no wonder that Paul wants every Christian to desire such a gift.

John 17:11 "Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. 12 "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.  This is a critical section of Scripture. Our calling to be one as the Bible defines oneness. In so many churches today we are fighting over the issues that we can agree to disagree on. What I mean is that we will not all agree on all the things the Bible says, we get caught up with election, predestination, tongues, and we fight over what color carpet to have or matters that just are not essential to our salvation. These items listed below are the things we need to stand up for and make sure the truth is defended. Jude 1:3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. Now, what does He pray for? Four specifics, and may I add that this is for all of these disciples but particularly for the eleven that has special import. He prays for their oneness in the world, their joy in the world, their protection in the world and their sanctification by the Word... four tremendous things. The words "keep" and "remain" are themes from verse eleven through the end of verse twenty-three in this section.  He's praying that they'll be kept. He's praying that they'll be protected. He's praying that they'll be in unity. In the midst of this prayer for keeping them 11 "Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. Joh 10:30; 13:1; 16:28; 17:21; 1Pe 1:5; Jude 1:1 the first thing He prays for is our oneness, the way we have oneness is living in holiness which causes unity 17:11 "I am no longer in the world" This refers to (1) the immediate future (ascension) when Jesus will return to the Father (cf. Acts 1:9-10) or (2) the public ministry of Jesus. Luke 1:49 for fhe who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.  ▣ "Holy Father" This term "Holy" is used of the Father only here in the NT (Also used in the title, "Holy One," I Pet. 1:15) as it is in the OT. This adjective (hagios) is also often attributed to the Spirit (cf. 1:33; 14:26; 20:22). The same Greek root is used of the disciples in v. 17 (hagiasmos) and Jesus in v. 19 (hagiazō). The basic etymology of the root is "to separate for God's service" (cf. vv. 17,19). It is used of persons, places, and things given exclusively for God's use. It describes God's superior character (the Holy One of Israel) and a differentness from physical, earthly, fallen things. Jesus was holy; as His followers become more like Him they, too, reflect "holiness." The root of the term "saint" is from the Greek term "holy." Believers are holy because they are in Christ, but they are to become holy as they live for Him, like Him, and unto Him.  ▣ "keep them in Your name" Jesus is praying (aorist active imperative) for the empowering protection and personal presence that YHWH has given Him (perfect active indicative) to be provided His disciples (cf. v. 12). This will enable them to minister in a fallen world as He ministered in a fallen world (cf. v. 18). This is one of the benefits of the unity (cf. v. 21) between the Father the Son the disciples The power of the Holy Father is being set as sufficient to off-set the influence of the world's system. He says -- Holy Father -- emphasizing His holiness. Now the word holiness, hagiŏs, holy, simply means to be set apart, or to be separated. And He is saying -- separate Father. What does He mean? Separate from what? What is it that God is separate from? From sin, Holy Father, separate from sin, guard them. Guard them from what? Guard them from sin. Separate Father, keep them separate. That's all He's saying. And the holy is the whole emphasis of this passage. God is holy and separated from all evil. He is of purer eyes than behold iniquity and canst not look upon sin. And here His holiness is emphasized because Christ wants Him to keep His disciples holy and separated from all evil. Separated Father, keep them from the same thing that You're separated from. Guard them against the unholiness of the world. The word to keep is tērēson, it means to watch over, it's kind of a divine surveillance, you know. For three years Jesus had kept them and now He commits them to the care of the Father with the prayer that the Father will fulfill His will and guard them from the unholiness of a polluted, godless, Christ-hating, persecuting world.  God's people are the Father's gift to His Son. Would the Father present His Son with a gift that would not last? The disciples had belonged to the Father by creation and by covenant (they were Jews), but now they belonged to the Son. How precious we are in His sight! How He watches over us and even now prays for us! Whenever you feel as though the Lord has forgotten you Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is ja strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and kis safe.  Do you know why we're so valuable to Jesus? You know why? Because we are love gifts to Him from the Father. That's why. In ourselves we're not that valuable, but because we have been given to Christ as an expression of the Father's love, we are priceless. Do you know why Jesus now loves you so much? Not because of your own intrinsic value but because you were given to Him by the Father and He loves the Father infinitely. You want to know something exciting? Consequently, He loves you to the same degree that He loves the Father. That's why you're so valuable. You see, that's why when Jesus goes to the cross, He stops to pray for you because He loves you so much, not for you own sake, but for the sake of the Father who gave you to Him. I mean, that's exciting, isn't it? That will show you the depth of the love of Christ for you... it's not limited. His love for you is as unlimited as His love for the Father. For you represent to Him, the love of the Father, for indeed you were the Father's love gift to Him. Now that's why Jesus is so concerned about praying for US. That's why the ministry of intercession is what it is. That's why He really cares . And the kinship must be with the Father, not of human agreement. ▣ "that they may be one even as We are" This is a present subjunctive. It refers to the relational unity of the Triune God (cf. vv. 21,22,23; 10:30; 14:10). This is also an awesome request and responsibility for Christians! This call for unity is lacking in our day (cf. Eph. 4:1-6). Unity, not uniformity, is the way to reunite God's splintered church. Unity is the cry of the New Testament, the body, the unity of the body, every member caring for the other member ... all of the unities that are prescribed in Ephesians 4, 1Corinthians chapter 12, constantly throughout the New Testament, love for each other and oneness. And Jesus says Oh, Father, You've got to keep them from unholiness in order that they may be one. Now watch this, friends, that means that there's only one thing that ever violates oneness. What is it? Unholiness, sin ... sin. When anyone believer gets sucked off into the world, oneness is destroyed because we automatically, at that point, lose the unity of our testimony. A unity of love in holiness that separates us from the world is Jesus prayer. Jesus prayed for separated disciples. Oneness of will and spirit (ἑν [hen], neuter singular), not one person Jesus offers the unity in the Trinity (three persons, but one God) as the model for believers. The witness of the disciples will fail without harmony (17:21). 12 "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. Ps 109:8; Joh 6:39,70; 10:28; 13:18; 18:9; Ac 1:20; Heb 2:13; 1Jo 2:19 He says: "Those that Thou gave Me," and that's seven times in this chapter, He refers to Christians as gifts from the Father ... seven times. Because, you see, that's the basis of His care for us. The thrust of the passage is Jesus' continuous protection (cf. I Pet. 1:3–9). I continued to keep. I guarded them as a means to their preservation. 1 Peter 1:4  to an inheritance that is imperishable•, undefiled, and lunfading, mkept in heaven for you, He says the first (tēreō) meant to preserve and the second (phulassō) meant to guard.  John6:39, "All that the Father gives to Me, who come to Me, I'll lose none of them but raise them at the last day." He never loses one love gift that the Father gives Him, never. Romans 9:6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, He's saying -- The Father's will was accomplished in the case of the eleven, and it was also accomplished in the case of the one. Judas never was saved. This is a Hebraic idiom meaning “the one who is destined to be lost.” It is a word play on the term “lost” used earlier in the verse: “no one is lost except the one destined to be lost.” A play on words: “None of them perished, but the son of perishing” Mark 14:21 For •the Son of Man goes aas it is written of him, but bwoe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! cIt would have been better for •that man if he had not been born.”  Judas is chosen by God, but he betrays Christ. So what's going on here? In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 you have the exact same phrase, "son of destruction" or "son of perdition." You compare it later on your own with Acts 1:25.  It points to Judas' character, not his destiny. It's not pointing to the fact that Judas was, before the foundation of the world, destined to go to hell. It says that his character was of this disposition. His character was of destruction; of perdition.  The phrase "son of destruction" has to do with Judas, we've seen it before, in his relationship with Satan; his being in league with the devil. In 6:70 he says, "One of you is a devil," referring to Judas.  In chapter 13:2, Satan puts the idea in Judas' heart to betray his master. In chapter 13:27 Satan enters Judas so he carries out his betrayal and then in chapter thirteen verse thirty, Judas is found in the realm of darkness. Php 1:28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.  2Th 2:3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,  1Ti 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.  Heb 10:39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.  2Pe 3:7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.  Re 17:8 "The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.  Re 17:11 "And the beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition.  There are at least two passages we could turn to, to see that potential fulfilling; Psalm 41:9, Psalm 109:4-13 Acts 2:23 this Jesus, delivered up according to ithe definite plan and jforeknowledge of God, kyou crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. Now on the terrible threshold that they're about to face with the betrayal, the denial and the scattering; with this cryptic notion about the son of perdition betraying Him to fulfill Scripture, Jesus brings up the subject of joy. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today. hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.net https://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/110230052184687338/charity/145555 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  -John 8:32 The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions.

John 17:1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 "as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 "And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.  In this section of Scripture we see Jesus asking the Father to give Him back the Glory which He had before the foundation of the World.  Jesus is God and was never less than God, but He did give up the usage of some of His divine attributes while He was here on earth such as knowing everything that would happen (Omniscience), He gave up the worship He had in Heaven, the infinite riches He had, the Omnipotence – being all powerful, and His ability to be everywhere at the same time as Jesus (Omnipresence). Jesus wanted to and did Glorify the Father by dying on the cross and paying for the sins of all people. He also did this by living a perfect sinless life while here on earth. He also defined eternal life as knowing the true God and Jesus Christ who are one.  Eternal life is not in a place called Heaven, but in a person called Jesus Christ who is God that came in human flesh.  Though labeling this prayer "Jesus' high priestly prayer" is a bit misleading, I know of no better way to describe it. Obviously Jesus had not yet entered into His high priestly ministry, which He began when He ascended into heaven, when He prayed this prayer (cf. Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; 1 John 2:1). This prayer, nevertheless, represents a foretaste of that intercessory ministry. Verses Persons Key Word 1-5 Christ and His Father “Glory” 6-19 Christ and His Disciples “Kept” 20-26 Christ and His Church “One” The prayer is similar in spirit to the Model Prayer for us in Matt. 6:9–13. This means that our salvation is secure, for the Father will not take us from the Son! It was a prayer after a sermon; when he had spoken from God to them, he turned to speak to God for them. Note, Those we preach to we must pray for. He that was to prophesy upon the dry bones was also to pray, Come, O breath, and breathe upon them. And the word preached should be prayed over, for God gives the increase.[i] 1 ¶ Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, Joh 12:23; 13:32 It is significant of the lifting up of the soul to God in prayer, Ps. 25:1. Psalm 25:1  To you, O Lord, I olift up my soul. Jesus had already used this word [doxazō] for his death (13:31f.). Here it carries us into the very depths of Christ's own consciousness. It is not merely for strength to meet the Cross, but for the power to glorify the Father by his death and resurrection and ascension, “that the Son may glorify thee” The hour in view was the hour of the Son's glorification through death, resurrection, and ascension As so often in Scripture, emphasis on God's sovereignty functions as an incentive to prayer, not a deterrent Christ always looked upon the cross as a means of glorifying God (12:23). Paul also saw glory in the cross Galatians 6:14 But far be it from me to boast nexcept in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which2 the world ohas been crucified to me, and I to the world. Jesus came to fulfil God's design. Jesus asked His Father to glorify Him so He could glorify the Father. To glorify in this context means to clothe in splendor (cf. v. 5). The only way this could happen was for Jesus to endure the Cross. Thus this petition is a testimony to Jesus' commitment to do the Father's will even to the point of dying on the cross. His request for glory, therefore, was unselfish. It amounted to a request for the reversal of the conditions that resulted in the Incarnation (cf. Phil. 2:6-11). Jesus requested God's help (i.e., grace) in His sufferings, His sacrificial death, His resurrection, and His ascension. All of this was ultimately for the glory of the Father. It would magnify His wisdom, power, and love. The Father glorified the Son upon earth, First, Even in his sufferings, by the signs and wonders which attended them. When they that came to take him were thunder-struck with a word,—when Judas confessed him innocent, and sealed that confession with his own guilty blood,—when the judge's wife asleep, and the judge himself awake, pronounced him righteous,—when the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple rent, then the Father not only justified, but glorified the Son. his thorns were a crown, and Pilate in the inscription over his head wrote more than he thought. But, Thirdly, Much more after his sufferings. The Father glorified the Son when he raised him from the dead, showed him openly to chosen witnesses, and poured out the Spirit to support and plead his cause, and to set up his kingdom among men, then he glorified him. It is recorded for example to all, that we may follow his example. 1. We must make it our business to do the work God has appointed us to do, according to our capacity and the sphere of our activity; we must each of us do all the good we can in this world. 2. We must aim at the glory of God in all. We must glorify him on the earth, which he has given unto the children of men, where we are in a state of probation and preparation for eternity. 3. We must persevere herein to the end of our days; we must not sit down till we have finished our work,  2 "as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. Da 7:14; Mt 11:27; 28:18; Joh 3:35; 5:27; 6:37; 17:6,9,24; 1Co 15:25,27; Php 2:10; Heb 2:8 The origin of his power: Thou hast given him power; he has it from God, to whom all power belongs. The extent of his power: He has power over all flesh. 1 Peter 3:22 22 who has gone into heaven and xis at the right hand of God, ywith angels•, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.  The grand intention and design of this power: That he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. Here is the mystery of our salvation laid open. 2 Corinthians 4:15 15 For cit is all for your sake, so that as dgrace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, eto the glory of God.  2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him fwho called us to3 his own glory and excellence,4 1 John 5:20 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and rhas given us understanding, so that we may know shim who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and teternal life.  The word give is used in one form or another in this prayer at least seventeen times. Seven times Jesus states that believers are the Father's gift to His Son (John 17:2, 6, 9, 11–12, 24). We are accustomed to thinking of Jesus as the Father's love gift to us (John 3:16), but the Lord affirms that believers are the Father's “love gift” to His beloved Son John 6:37 This is a mystery we cannot explain, but we thank God for it! Romans 11:29 For the gifts and pthe calling of God are irrevocable. “Eternal [everlasting] life” is an important theme in John's Gospel; it is mentioned at least seventeen times. What is “eternal life”? It is knowing God personally. Not just knowing about Him, but having a personal relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. We cannot know the Father apart from the Son (John 14:6–11). It is not enough simply to “believe in God”; this will never save a lost soul from eternal hell. [ii] The Father had glorified the Son by giving Him the authority to give eternal life to all individuals whom the Father had given to the Son (cf. Matt. 28:18 Jesus had lived on a “divine timetable” while on earth and He knew He was in the will of the Father. Psalm 31:15 My rtimes are in your hand;  srescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!  authority over all flesh indicate that Jesus' prayer request was in accordance with the Father's plan. The Father has ordained the rule of the Son over the earth (cf. Ps. 2). So the Son has the authority to judge (John 5:27), to take up His life (10:18), and to give eternal life to all those whom the Father gave Him. phrase “all flesh” is a Hebrew idiom referring to mankind, The verb give is PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE which speaks of an enduring gift! 3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. Isa 53:11; Jer 9:24; Joh 3:34; 5:36-37; 6:29,57; 7:29; 10:36; 11:42; 1Co 8:4; 1Th 1:9 Jer 9:24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. 1Th 1:9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. This verse shows the two major truths of Christianity: (1) monotheism (cf. Deut. 6:4–5 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.) and (2) Jesus as Divine Davidic Messiah (cf. II Sam. 7). Jesus  proceeded  to  define  the  nature  of  eternal  life.  Eternal life is essentially knowing (Gr. ginoskosin, cf. Gen. 4:1 LXX; Matt. 1:25) God experientially through faith in His Son (cf. 3:5; Jer. 31:34; Hab. 2:14; Heb.8:11). Jesus described it in terms of relationship rather than duration. Everyone will live forever somewhere. However the term "eternal life" as Jesus used it means much more than long life. For the complete fulfillment of our being, we must know God. This, said Jesus, constitutes eternal life. Not only is it endless, since the knowledge of God would require an eternity to develop fully It is not primarily quantity, but quality (cf. 10:10). Jesus described the Father here as the only true God. He is knowable only through Jesus Christ whom He sent (cf. 1:18; Matt. 11:27). We sometimes say that it is a blessing and an inspiration to know certain people. This is all the more true when we know God. Knowing Him changes us and introduces us into a different quality of living. Matthew 11:27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. The word know (ginōskōsin) here in the present tense, is often used to describe a person who knows God has an intimate personal relationship with Him. And that relationship is eternal, not temporal. Eternal life is not simply endless existence. Everyone will exist somewhere forever (cf. Matt. 25:46), but the question is, In what condition or in what relationship will they spend eternity? Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”  In fairness it must be said that the OT presentation of God's uniqueness and oneness is set against the backdrop of the ancient near eastern's worldview of many spiritual beings. There is only one God, but other spiritual beings [iii] (cf. Exod. 15:11; Deut. 3:24; Ps. 86:8; 89:6). Exodus 15:11 “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods?  Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?  Moses recognized the presence of other spiritual beings. This is not meant to assert that the idols of the nations had reality, but that the demonic was behind the physical idols (cf. I Cor. 10:19–20). What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. [iv] The OT symbolic background would be that which is trustworthy, faithful, loyal. The Greek background would be that which is uncovered, clearly manifested. In some sense truth versus a lie (cf. Titus 1:2 Titus 1:2 2 din hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began The inos ending on a Greek term (alēthinos) denotes that out of which something is made. Possibly the following usages will give a general feel for the terms  SPECIAL TOPIC: “TRUE” IN JOHN  God the Father God is true/trustworthy (cf. John 3:33; 7:18, 28; 8:26; 17:3; Rom. 3:4; I Thess. 1:9; I John 5:20; Rev. 6:10) God's ways are true (cf. Rev. 15:3) God's judgments are true (cf. Rev. 16:7; 19:2) God's sayings are true (cf. Rev. 19:11) 2. God the Son the Son is true/truth 1)         true light (cf. John 1:9; I John 2:8) 2)         true vine (cf. John 15:1) 3)         full of grace and truth (cf. John 1:14, 17) 4)         He is truth (cf. John 14:6; 8:32) 5)         He is true (cf. Rev. 3:7, 14; 19:11) b. the Son's testimony/witness is true (cf. John 18:37) 3. It can have a comparative sense the law of Moses versus Jesus' grace and truth (cf. John 1:17) the tabernacle in the wilderness versus the heavenly tabernacle (cf. Heb. 8:2; 9:1)A 4. As so often in John this word had several connotations (Hebraic and Greek). John uses them all to describe the Father and the Son, as persons, as speakers, and as their message which is to be passed on to their followers (cf. John 4:13; 19:35; Heb. 10:22; Rev. 22:6). 5. For John these two adjectives describe the Father as the one and only trustworthy deity (cf. 5:44; I John 5:20) and Jesus as His true and complete revelation for the purpose of redemptive, not just intellectual, facts!  4 "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.The rabbis used the term apostello was to refer to one sent as an official representative. Joh 4:34; 5:36; 9:3; 13:31; 14:13,31; 15:10; 19:30 which assumed His obedience to death He repeated His request for a return to His perfect glory with the Father (cf. John 17:1) based on the certainty of the finished work on the cross. Philippians 2:8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. He glorified the Father in His miracles (John 2:11; 11:40), to be sure; but He brought the greatest glory to the Father through His sufferings and death (see John 12:23–25; 13:31–32). From the human point of view, Calvary was a revolting display of man's sin; but from the divine point of view, the cross revealed and magnified the grace and glory of God.[vi] Satan has tried to obscure the precious truth of the finished work of Jesus Christ, because he knows it is a basis for spiritual victory. “And they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb” (Rev. 12:11). Don't let Satan rob you of your overcoming power through Christ's finished work. The Greek root, telos, implies “to complete fully” (cf. 4:34; 5:36; 19:30). The work was threefold: (1) revelation of the Father (cf. 1:14, 18); (2) redemption of fallen mankind (cf. Mark 10:45; II Cor. 5:21); and (3) an example of true humanity (cf. 13:31; I Pet. 2:21). Also, Jesus' work of intercession continues (cf. I John 2:1). This “work” the Father gave Him to do is one of five things in Jesus' prayer which the Father “gave” the Son: (a) work (v. 4), (b) believers (vv. 2, 6, 9, 24), (c) glory (vv. 5, 24), (d) words (v. 8), and (e) a name (vv. 11-12). The Son, in turn, gave believers God's words (vv. 8, 14) and God's glory (vv. 22, 24).[vii]  5 "And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. John 1:1-2; 10:30; 14:9; Php 2:6; Col 1:15,17; Heb 1:3,10 Now He asked the Father to glorify the Son by all that the Father would do in exalting the Son. Thus Jesus essentially restated the request of verse 1. He wanted to return to the condition in which He existed with His Father before His incarnation. This request assumes Jesus'  preexistence  with  the  Father  and  His  equality  with  the  Father (10:30). Really Jesus requested His own glorification. Because we share His life, we are overcomers; for we also share His victory! “For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). When you were born the first time, you were born “in Adam” and were a loser. When you are born again through faith in Christ, you are born a winner!  John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today. hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.net https://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/110230052184687338/charity/145555 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  -John 8:32 The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions. [i] Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible: Complete and unabridged in one volume (Jn 17:1–5). Peabody: Hendrickson. [ii] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Jn 17:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. [iii] Utley, R. J. (1999). Vol. Volume 4: The Beloved Disciple's Memoirs and Letters: The Gospel of John, I, II, and III John. Study Guide Commentary Series (153). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International. [iv] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 10:19–20). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society. [v] Utley, R. J. (1999). Vol. Volume 4: The Beloved Disciple's Memoirs and Letters: The Gospel of John, I, II, and III John. Study Guide Commentary Series (153). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International. [vi] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Jn 17:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. [vii] Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Jn 17:4–5). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

By Mitchell Knapp in Omaha, NE - December 9, 2023 - A major historical event is documented in I Pet 3:18-20. It illustrates some interesting aspects of God's Plan and how he reveals it to us in due time.

October 22, 2023 Dan. 3:1-30; Ps. 119:73-80; Prov. 26:1-2; I Pet. 5:1-14

October 21, 2023 Dan. 2:24-49; Ps. 119:65-72; Prov. 25:28; I Pet. 4:7-19

October 21, 2023 Dan. 2:24-49; Ps. 119:65-72; Prov. 25:28; I Pet. 4:7-19

October 20, 2023 Dan. 2:1-23; Ps. 119:59-64; Prov. 25:25-27; I Pet. 4:1-6

October 19, 2023 Dan. 1:1-21; Ps. 119:49-58; Prov. 25:23-24; I Pet. 3:8-22

October 18, 2023 Ezek. 48:1-35; Ps. 119:41-48; Prov. 25:20-22; I Pet. 3:1-7

October 18, 2023 Ezek. 48:1-35; Ps. 119:41-48; Prov. 25:20-22; I Pet. 3:1-7

October 17, 2023 Ezek. 47:1-23; Ps. 119:33-40; Prov. 25:18-19; I Pet. 2:11-25

October 16, 2023 Ezek. 46:4-24; Ps. 119:25-32; Prov. 25:17; I Pet. 2:1-10

October 15, 2023 Ezek. 45:13-46:3; Ps. 119:17-24; Prov. 25:16; I Pet. 1:13-25

October 14, 2023 Ezek. 45:1-12; Ps. 119:9-16; Prov. 25:15; I Pet. 1:7-12

October 15, 2023 Ezek. 45:13-46:3; Ps. 119:17-24; Prov. 25:16; I Pet. 1:17-24

October 13, 2023 Ezek. 44:1-31; Ps. 119:1-8; Prov. 25:11-14; I Pet. 1:1-6

Sermon- Lead Us Not Into Temptation, Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 52, Questions 127-129, Luke 22-31-34-John H. Johnson, Tyler Orthodox Presbyterian Church-2023-05-21--HEIDELBERG CATECHISM-PART 3- OUR THANKFULNESS- LORD'S DAY 32-52-LORD'S DAY 52- Questions 127-129--Q127. What is the sixth petition---A. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. That is- In ourselves we are so weak that we cannot stand even for a moment.-1- Moreover, our sworn enemies-- the devil,-2- the world,-3- and our own flesh-4--- do not cease to attack us. Wilt Thou, therefore, uphold and strengthen us by the power of Thy Holy Spirit, so that in this spiritual war-5- we may not go down to defeat, but always firmly resist our enemies, until we finally obtain the complete victory.-6---1- Ps. 103-14-16- John 15-1-5. -2- II Cor. 11-14- Eph. 6-10-13- I Pet. 5-8. -3- John 15-18-21. -4- Rom. 7-23- Gal. 5-17. -5- Matt. 10-19, 20- 26-41- Mark 13-33- Rom. 5-3-5. -6- I Cor. 10-13- I Thess. 3-13- 5-23.--Q128. How do you conclude your prayer---A. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. That is- All this we ask of Thee because, as our King, having power over all things, Thou art both willing and able to give us all that is good,-1- and because not we but Thy holy Name should so receive all glory for ever.-2---1- Rom. 10-11-13- II Pet 2-9. -2- Ps. 115-1- Jer. 33-8, 9- John 14-13.--Q129. What does the word Amen mean---A. Amen means- It is true and certain. For God has much more certainly heard my prayer than I feel in my heart that I desire this of Him.-1---1- Is. 65-24- II Cor. 1-20- II Tim. 2-13.

«Pet» og «Bitter» av Akwaeke Emezi, foredrag ved Lara Okafor.Hva er koblingene mellom spekulativ fiksjon og den ekte kampen for en bedre verden? Ungdomsromanene Pet (2019) og Bitter (2022) handler begge om livet i byen Lucille, henholdsvis etter og før det blir et utopisk samfunn. Akwaeke Emezi har bygget verdenen på arbeidet til aktivisten Mariame Kaba, som jobber med fengselsavskaffelse, å støtte ungdomsledelse og å gjøre slutt på vold. I Pet og Bitter utforsker Emezi veien mot et ideelt samfunn, og det harde arbeidet man må gjøre for å holde monstrene vekk også når alle tror at kampen er vunnet.Akwaeke Emezi (f. 1987) er en nigeriansk forfatter. De debuterte med romanen Freshwater i 2018 til stor jubel fra både lesere og kritikere, og har allerede rukket å utgi 6 bøker siden. Forfatterskapet deres blander fantasy, mytologi og sosialrealisme, og tar for seg temaer som identitet, spiritualitet, tilhørighet og urettferdighet, med mye inspirasjon fra eget liv og egen nigeriansk (spesielt igbo) arv.Lara Okafor er masterstudent ved Universitetet i Oslo med lang bakgrunn fra den skeive aktivismen, blant annet som styreleder i Skeiv Verden Oslo og Viken og prosjektkoordinator i Salam Norge. I vår er de aktuell som forfatter i den ferske science fiction-antologien En strek gjennom tyngdekraften. I dette foredraget forteller Okafor om Emezis to ungdomsromaner og hvordan spekulativ fiksjon kan brukes til å fantasere om en bedre (skeiv) fremtid.Foredraget inngår i serien Skeive klassikere, hvor ulike foredragsholdere tar for seg gamle og nye storverk fra den skeive litteraturen. Arrangementsserien er støttet av BUFDIR. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The rites and ceremonies of other denominations usually use bread and wine (or grape juice). However, communion to Friends is an inward, spiritual experience of God and His Messiah that does not require any outward rites or ceremonies. Reading from A Brief Synopsis, we find, “It is discovered that since Friends' worship desires to be an inward, spiritual experience, in like manner, so is the Friends' concept of communion. Thus, in His eating of the Passover with His disciples the day before His crucifixion, Friends believe Christ was not instituting a [new] rite or ordinance, but was observing with them a final act in the Mosaic Law” . . . “which was fulfilled and abrogated by our Savior's most acceptable sacrifice of Himself on Calvary for the salvation of mankind.” The requirements of the Mosaic Law were but types and shadows of the things to come (i.e., prototypes and foreshadowings). Communion is in Spirit and in Truth. Since the reality and substance of a true spiritual communion with Him are now possible, without rite or ceremony, how can we be satisfied with the outward elements, by reverting to an outward rite or ceremony?  In Rev 3:18-22 the dining which the Lord promises to do is clearly a spiritual, not an outward dining. He comes to us through a spiritual door, and not a physical, outward (ceremonial or rite-caused) element.   The Christian life is a life in the Spirit. Thus, it must be nourished by spiritual food, not an by outward physical rite, ceremony or element. There is a discussion on “transubstantiation” (as Catholics understand eucharist) and “consubstantiation” (as some Eastern Orthodox, and some Episcopal and Lutheran Churches) and their errors as explained by Robert Barclay in his Apology for the True Christian Divinity [= A Defense of the Truly Christian Theology]. Barclay saw the “this” (in “Do this in remembrance of me”) as meaning that any meal we eat in commemoration of Jesus should be done remembering His sacrifice for us.  The Gospel according to John does not give an account of the Passover meal, but John repeatedly focuses on the need to spiritually feed upon the Spirit of Christ.   Resources: Robert Barclay An Apology for the True Christian Divinity (Proposition 13)Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends Heb 10:1John 14:20,21Rev 3:20II Pet 1:3,4Rev 318-22Mat 26:20, 26-30I Cor 11:23-26 I Pet 1:10,11I Cor 10:1-10 Credits:The words to the music are from Margaret Fell's Letter to the King on Persecution in 1660.  The music was composed and sung by Paulette Meier.  Her work can be found at paulettemeier.com

Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on April 24th, 2022 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: Introduction: Numbers, charts, & lots of theories (20:1-6) "thousand" -- Ex. 20:6; Dt. 1:11; 7:9; Ps. 50:10; 90:4; I Sam. 18:7; II Pet. 3:8) I. Let's celebrate Jesus' Kingdom. (20:1-6) "Kingdom" in Revelation (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 11:15; 12:10-11) Jesus' use of "Kingdom" (Lk. 1:32, 33; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Matt. 5-7, 13; John 3:3-5; 6:14-15, 66; 18:33-36; Matt. 16:17-19 & Acts 2) Other Bible verses (Dan. 2:44; I Pet. 1 & 2; Eph. 1:20-22) II. Let's celebrate Satan's defeat. (Gen. 3:15; Rom. 16:20; Rev. 12) His binding. (20:1-3) Jude 6; I Jn. 3:8; Heb. 2:14; Matt. 12:29; Lk. 10:17-18; Jn. 12:31-32; I Jn. 4:4; Rev. 1:17-18; 12:10; Col. 2:15 His final destruction. (20:7-10) Rev. 17:14; 19:19; Rom. 16:20 III. Let's celebrate resurrection. (20:4-6) Jesus' resurrection. A resurrection from this life. (Lk. 16:19ff) A Spiritual resurrection. (Eph. 2:1. 5-6; Col. 2:12-13; 3:1ff; Rom 6:3ff) A final resurrection. (John 5:28-29; 6:40; I Th. 4:16-17; Rev. 2:11) IV. Let's celebrate the book of life. (20:11-15) The Lamb's book of life. (Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 21:17) If you are born once, you die twice. If you are born twice, you die once.

Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on April 3rd, 2022 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. God's judgment is certain. Key theme all through Scripture. Part of God's nature. (15:3-4) Judges 11:27; Ps. 7:11; II Tim. 4:8; Heb. 12:23; I Pet. 4:5 II. God's judgment is good. (15:3-4; Ch. 16) The "Battle of Armageddon" is not going to be much of a battle. III. God's judgment is fair. (16:5-7) It is based on His perfect knowledge. (Gen. 18:20ff; Rev. 6:9-10) It is what we all deserve. (Rom. 3:23; 6:23; Ps. 103:10) God's judgment is fair. His grace is more than fair. IV. God's judgment follows loving warnings. (Num. 14:18; Rev. 16) V. God's judgment can be avoided. An opportunity to repent. (II Pet. 3:9ff; Rev. 9:20-21; 16:9-11) An offer from God. (Rom. 1:18; 5:8-9; 6:3ff; 8:1) Celebrating the rescue. (15:1-4) Two options: 16:9 or 16:15; Gal. 3:26-27 It is our choice!

Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on December 5th, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. We are each gifted: by God's grace. (4:10) Most obvious gift: forgiveness & salvation. (Rom. 5:15-17) Specific, personal gifts. (Rom. 12:3-8) II. We are each responsible: to serve. (4:10) Giftedness leads to responsibility & responsibility leads to service. (Acts 1:8; Rom. 7:4; Gal. 5:13; I Pet. 2:9) We must prove worthy of God's trust. (Luke 12:48; I Cor. 4:1-2) III. We are each dependent: upon each other. (4:10-11) The church is like a body. (I Cor. 12:12ff; Eph. 4:15-16) and a building. (Eph. 2:19-22) We need each other! (I Cor. 12:4-7) Church should be more like VBS. IV. We are each empowered: by God's strength. (4:11; I Cor. 1:26-29) Because of God's love and grace, I will serve and follow faithfully until the end.

Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on October 31st, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. God intends for us to use discernment. (Gen. 1:26-28; Proverbs) - We are created in the image of God. II. We must use discernment. A. Satan is a deceiver. (Gen. 3; John 8:44; II Cor. 11:13-15, 3; 4:4; I Pet. 5:8-9) B. Falsehood is rampant. (Isa. 59:12-15; I John 4:1-3) C. Life is full of choices. Steps to developing a discerning heart and mind 1. Seek it from God. (James 1:5) a. Prayer. (I Kings 3:9) b. The Bible. (Ps. 119:66; Hos. 4:6; II Tim. 3:16-17) 2. Don't trust your heart alone. (Jer. 17:9-10; I Cor. 4:3-4) 3. Seek and honor truth. 4. Don't believe everything you read or hear. (Prov. 14:15; 18:13, 15, 17; Matt. 7:6, 15ff; John 7:24; Acts 17:11; I Th. 5:21-22) 5. Seek counsel from godly, wise people. (Prov. 12:15) Who will you believe and follow?

Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on August 15th, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. The Dead Sea is UNIQUE ... and in TROUBLE. (One of a kind; salty; evaporating) * The Dead Sea rarely receives any FRESH water. II. We need CONSISTENT nourishment. (Psalm 63:1-5) (PHYSICALLY & SPIRITUALLY) III. GOD is our nourishment. A. Through His PROVISION. (James 1:16-17) B. Through His PRESENCE. (Ps. 63:1-3, 7-8; John 15:4-6; Rev. 22:1-2) C. Through WORSHIP. (Psalms) D. Through His WORD. (Ps. 119; I Pet. 1:22-23; 2:3) E. Through our personal DEVOTIONAL time. Some aspects: 1. PRAYER. 2. MEDITATION. 3. JOURNALING. 4. FASTING. Isaiah 55:1-3 Will I begin today to become MORE ALIVE?

Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on July 18th, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. https://sermons.church/archived?church&sermonid=18924&cred_referrer_form_id=25 Outline: I. Strong walls provide PROTECTION and SECURITY. A. A principle from history. (Psalm 122:6, 7; Deut. 3:5) B. The Great Wall of China C. Necessary LIFE walls. (Neh. 4:13, 14) II. Faulty gates and gatekeepers make walls MEANINGLESS. A. The Great Wall of China. (Once they enemy got their foot in the gate, it was all over) B. We must be ALERT to the enemy. (I Pet. 5:8, 9; Eph. 6:10ff; 4:26-27) (Sin the result of: Undetected WEAKNESS, unexpected TEMPTATION, unprotected LIFE). C. We must SECURE the gates. (I Chron. 9:17-27; Eph. 4:26-27, Luke 11:34-35; Ezra 9:8ff; Isa. 62:6) Our gates: EYES, EARS, MIND, BODY. D. We must practice SELF-CONTROL. (Prov. 25:28; Isa. 30:12-14; Titus 2:11-14; Prov. 4:23) How STRONG are your walls and gates? How sure is your HOPE? (Rev. 22:12-17)

Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on May 2nd, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. God on the THRONE: a picture of HOLINESS. (Isa. 6:3; Ex. 15:11; I Sam. 2:2; Hab. 1:13) Holy = SET APART. His holiness is our MOTIVATION to be holy. (I Pet. 1:14-16) II. Sin in the MIRROR: a picture of BROKENNESS. (II Sam. 11; 12; 51:1-4, 16, 17) The key: Seeing and acknowledging our sins SPECIFICALLY. -- why the BIBLE is so important. -- why CONFESSION is so important. (Prov. 28:13; Ps. 32:1-5; I Jn. 1:8, 9) III. Self in the DIRT: a picture of REPENTANCE. * A common Bible scene: SACKCLOTH and ashes. (Neh. 9:1; Es. 4:1-3; Isa. 22:12) * Evidence of repentance: Long-term CHANGE. (II Tim. 2:19) IV. Christ on the CROSS: a picture of GRACE. (Rom. 5:8; Tit. 2:11-14) V. Spirit in CONTROL: a picture of POWER. (Rom. 6-8; Acts 2:37, 38; II Pet. 3:9) I REPENT, and desire to live in a HIGHER PLACE by the power of God's Spirit.

Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on April 25th, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: Jesus is Passing By (Luke 18:35-43; Mark 19:46-52) I. We learn something about the INFLUENCE we can have. A. POSITIVE influence. (18:36-37) 2 things have to be true: 1. We have to be WITH people. 2. We have to be living RIGHT. (I Pet. 2:11, 12) B. NEGATIVE influence. (18:38, 39) II. We learn something about JESUS. (18:40, 41; Mark 10:49, 50) A. He took TIME for PEOPLE. B. He didn't play FAVORITES. (Luke 17-19; John 3:16) III. We learn something about the BLIND man. A. He demonstrated CURIOSITY. (36) B. He demonstrated FAITH. (38, 39; Mark 10:49, 50; James 2) C. He demonstrated PERSISTENCE. (39) D. He was ready to ______. (43; Lk. 9:23) IV. We learn something about OPPORTUNITIES. (37) A. Many opportunities only COME ONCE. (James 4:13-17) B. We have many opportunities at BETHLEHEM. C. EACH of us has an opportunity. (Eph. 5:15-17; Luke 19:5) II Corinthians 6:2 Upon the face of the CLOCK of life is written one word: NOW!

Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on April 11th, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. What Jesus DEMONSTRATES. A. Unblemished CHARACTER. (I Pet. 1:18-19; Her. 4:14, 15) B. Undying LOVE. C. Unbelievable SACRIFICE. (John 15:13; Rom. 5:6-8) II. What Jesus CLAIMED to be. A. Jesus made bold claims that we can't AVOID. (John 6:38; 8:58; 14:6; 14:9; 11:25; 8:24; 5:22; 10:30) * Jesus' claims would be absolutely RIDICULOUS if they weren't true! B. Jesus must be one of the following: 1. A LIAR. 2. A LUNATIC. 3. The LORD. III. What Jesus' FRIENDS said about Him. (John 1:29; Matt. 16:16; Acts 2:36; John 20:28; Col. 2:9; 1 Cor. 15:6; I John 5:20) IV. What Jesus' ENEMIES said about Him. (Matt. 27:37; Matt. 27:19; Matt. 27:3ff; Matt. 27:41-44; Matt. 27:54) V. What early Christian WRITERS said about Him. VI. What will we DO about Him? A. Decide WHO He is. (Matt. 22:41-42; 16:15) B. Decide WHAT we will DO. (John 14:15; Mark 8:34ff; I John 5:11, 12) What do you BELIEVE about Jesus and what will you DO about Him?

Steve Fulton's (Grundy Mountain Mission School) message preached on March 28th, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. The PURPOSE of the ministry of hope. (I Pet. 3:15) II. The PLAN for the ministry of hope. (II Cor. 5:17) III. The POWER behind the ministry of hope. (Eph. 3:20)

Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on November 8th, 2020 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. Persecution is REAL. A. We have a real ENEMY. (I Pet. 5:8) B. The enemy attacks GOD'S PEOPLE. 1. Old Testament (Heb. 11:35ff) 2. Early church (John 15:18-16:4; Acts 4:1-3; 5:17-18, 27-28; 7:57-58; 12:1-2) 3. Church history 4. Today II. Persecution is an OPPORTUNITY. A. To STAND with Jesus. (Matt. 5:10-12; Acts 5:41-42; I Pet. 4:12-16) B. To stand with Jesus' DISCIPLES. (Heb. 10:32-34; 13:3) C. To stand FAITHFULLY for Jesus. D. To INSPIRE others. (Acts 4:12-13, 18-20; 5:27-29; Phil. 1:14) E. To PRAY more fervently. (Acts 4:23-24) III. Persecution is TEMPORARY. (Matt. 10:28; Heb. 10:35-36) A. Satan will LOSE. (Acts 4:1-4; 8:1-4; 28:30-31; II Tim. 2:8-9; Phil. 1:12-13; Rom. 16:20; Rev. 20:10) B. Salvation is ETERNAL. (Rev. 22:3-5; 17:14) Jesus will OVERCOME, and so will His FOLLOWERS.

Christian Martin's sermon preached on October 11th, 2020 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. God worked through CREATION. A. "Big Bang" (Gen. 1:14-19; Isa. 40:25-26) B. Creation of MAN (Gen. 1:26-31; 2:4-9) Forming him (HANDS ON!) C. Creation of WOMAN (Gen. 2:18-25) Forming her (HANDS ON!) II. God worked through JESUS. From the FALL... (Gen. 3:14-15) Jesus in the BEGINNING (John 1:1-18) His MINISTRY (John 20:31-31; 21:25) His DEATH (Isa. 53:1-6; Gal. 4:4-7; Phil. 2:5-11) III. God works through PRAYER. Early Church (Acts 2:42-44; 4:29-31) For us (Ja. 5:13-20; I Pet. 3:8-12) IV. God will work through HIS PLAN. Future HOPE (Rev. 21:1-8) Since CREATION, God hasn't stopped WORKING and His FINGERPRINTS are everywhere!

I Pet 1:18-21

God's Word is clear—believers are not to be given over to anxiety. But it's not simply a cold command to stop worrying or not to worry.Instead, God gives the full year promises how not to Worry or Be Anxious.In Matthew 6:8, Jesus says: Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says: Seek first of all His kingdom and His righteousness, His way of doing and being right, and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.How do you do it?Look away from all that will distract to Jesus, (Hebrews ‭12:2)‬You Cast the whole of your care, all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all on Him, Who cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. [Ps. 55:22. 1 Peter ‭5:7‬Then the Holy Spirit tells you How it is done by: Rejoicing always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‬Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for All He did his best is better that anything else you can choose. In Jesus name. Amen. Done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as Christ Jesus Lives theough You. Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‬The result is: You have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers you, you are ready for anything and equal to anything through Christ Who infuses inner strength into You; so you are self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency. Philippians ‭4:13‬ For when you are weak in human strength, then are truly strong, able, powerful in Christ's divine strength. 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:10‬ ‬So, you depend on Christ's mighty power that works within you. Colossians‬ ‭1:29‬ ‬Further, because your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.‭God your Father will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.‬ Philippians‬ ‭4:19‬ ‬The Lord is your shepherd, you will lack nothing. (Psalms ‭23:1‬) He says to you: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John‬ ‭1:2‬ ‬God's invitation:Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts anf takes refuge in Him! Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. Psalms‬ ‭34:8-9‬ ‬When you know God is in Sovereign Control of Your Life, You Trust Him to Do His Best for You. Then the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, (to be His Child, and He be your Father; and you are His rich, glorious inheritance from Christ Who died for you.You defeat the spirit of worry by the Spirit of Christ. For the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus set you free from Worry.Cast your burden on the Lord releasing the weight of it and He will take care of you; He will never allow His righteous ones to be moved, made to slip, fall, or fail. I Pet. 5:7.]”‭‭Psalm‬ ‭55:22‬ ‬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.”‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‬When you are worried put your confidence and trust in God. He Helps you Trust by His Holy Spirit testifying with your own spirit that Word is True, and He is Faithful. (Romans 8:16). You can rely on Him Who is Faithful. (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭56:3-4)‬‬‭‭God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on.1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭‬‬‭‭ ‬‬‭‭God is trustworthy and faithful and means what He says, (2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:18‬) Know that ALL the promises of God in Christ to you are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through you. (2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:20‬)‭.‬‬

November 26, 2019 Dan. 2:24-3:30; Ps. 119:81-96; Prov. 28:15-16; I Pet. 4:7-5:14

November 25, 2019 Dan. 1:1-2:23; Ps. 119:65-80; Prov. 28:14; I Pet. 3:8-4:6

November 24, 2019 Eze. 47:1-48:35; Ps. 119:49-64; Prov. 28:12-13; I Pet. 2:11-3:7

November 23, 2019 Eze. 45:10-46:24; Ps. 119:33-48; Prov. 28:11; I Pet. 1:13-2:10

November 22, 2019 Eze. 44:1-45:9; Ps. 119:17-32; Prov. 28:8-10; I Pet. 1:1-12

November 26, 2018 Dan. 2:24-3:30; Ps. 119:81-96; Prov. 28:15-16; I Pet. 4:7-5:14

November 25, 2018 Dan. 1:1-2:23; Ps. 119:65-80; Prov. 28:14; I Pet. 3:8-4:6

November 24, 2018 Ezek. 47:1-48:35; Ps. 119:49-64; Prov. 28:12-13; I Pet. 2:11-3:7

November 22, 2018 Ezek. 44:1-45:9; Ps. 119:17-32; Prov. 28:8-10; I Pet. 1:1-12

DELIVERANCE CHANGES YOUR LIFE "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith," (I Pet. 5: 8, 9).  Christians have problems also; particularly if they are trying to serve Jesus with their past baggage of sins lingering and driving them daily to sin. As Bishop Africa says, “We kill their past when they get saved.” He says that they cancel all generations' curses as is shown in (Deut. 28) and restore them with all the blessings. “They have a chance if they receive deliverance at salvation,” he said. “Deliverance is enjoying the freedom to serve Jesus.” “The real evidence that you have received real DELIVERANCE is that your life is different. Those things (demons) that were controlling your life by being harassed, driven or tormented are gone. If you stole, you will not steal. If you smoked, you will not smoke. If you were addicted to drugs or alcohol, you will not be addicted. If you were depressed, fearful, sick, these symptoms will leave and you will live in peace.” “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…" I Tim. 2:15 "Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…" Eph. 6:11.  "Resist the devil and he will flee from you," Jam. 4:7. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe,” Prov. 18:10. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin,” (I Jn. 1:7).

Devil's Battlefield your Mind The devil's battlefield is your mind; either you control and protect your mind, or the devil controls a part or your entire mind. The Christian mind should be under the blood of Jesus. You must strengthen your mind with the consideration that He who has given you his Son. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” (I Pet. 1:13). Hearing Voices in their Heads Looking at the mind from a viewpoint that its problems can be spiritual than merely a mental problem, will give a person a chance of recovery if the problem is demonic. To put it simply, a person has circuits in the brain that simply are not working. These circuits tell what's right and what's wrong. They show a person what's real and what's not real. The Schizophrenic lives in a world of fantasy. The person is double-minded and inconstant and exists in a world of illusion. They hear voices on the inside of their head. Schizophrenic bound by Evil Spirits WHO are these voices? Do they come from their thoughts? Do they come from their internal storage of memories? Do they come from implanted memories by mind controllers? Do they come from a split mind that simply continues to be able think and speak?  Are they coming from the supernatural realm? Do they come from a demonic invasion of the mind?  

JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST “And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed, and justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Gal. 3:29. We are made spiritually perfect forever according, “For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified” Heb. 10:14. Paul saysChristians are heirs, Col. 4:7. Peter says we are heirs, (I Pet. 1:4); James says we are heirs, (Jam. 2:5). The Will shows the inheritance, a new nature (II Pet. 1:4),  life of peace with God, (Rom. 5:1), an inheritance in Heaven, I Cor. 2-9, an inheritance on Earth. “ ...his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” Acts 14:3. Apostle Paul says that we are Joint heirs with Jesus Christ. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, buy ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Rom. 8:25-17). “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Lk. 12:32). The focal point in the history of salvation is the cross of Jesus Christ. The significance is spoken of as a ransom paid to redeem enslaved man, an acquittal before the divine bar of justice, or a victory over sin and death,   the effective powers in salvation belongs to God and not to man. Salvation is a free gift of God. Do not trust your feelings, they change. Stand on God's promises in the Bible. They never change! “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (Jn. 6:37). In His infinite grace and mercy, God ordained this exchange.