Podcasts about i timothy

You've heard it before, "Money won't buy you happiness." That's doubly true for the Christian. As Sean and Zach engage on this topic from I Timothy 6, may we be warned and blessed to keep from the love of money.Support the show

The Christian life is often described as a spiritual battle, a struggle against sin, temptation, and spiritual forces, with believers encouraged to fight the good fight of faith and rely on God's strength and guidance. Join us for our series, "The Good Fight," a study of I Timothy.

The Bible was written so that we could know how to conduct ourselves in the household of God, "which is the church of the living God." As Patke and Sean, bring out the next section of I Timothy 5, they bring out God's gracious plan to use women in the church. Listen in and be blessed.Support the show

Sermons Archive RSS John 15:16 NKJV You did not choose Me, but I chose you Acts 17:24-27 "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth . . . he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else . . . he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” Paul continues, “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." Isaiah 55:6 NKJV Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Psalms 14:2 NKJV The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. Romans 3:10-11 NKJV As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. Genesis 28:16 NKJV “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” Psalms 63:1-4 NKJV O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:10 NKJV "I will visit you" John 3:16-17 NKJV For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Psalms 27:4 NKJV One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple. Psalms 105:3 NKJV Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! Matthew 7:7-8 NKJV “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Romans 3:23 NKJV "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Luke 5:31-32 NKJV Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” I Timothy 1:15 NKJV "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." II Corinthians 5:21 NKJV For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. I Peter 3:18 NKJV For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, Romans 4:25 NKJV who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification. John 20:21 NKJV So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” Revelation 3:20 NKJV Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Sermon Discussion Questions:What does Zacchaeus's story teach us about faith, repentance, and transformation? What does the story say about how we can experience salvation? What are some examples of how we might "seek and save the lost" in our own lives? What are some examples of how God's grace has impacted our own lives? How does this story challenge our understanding of social status and worth?

The Christian life is often described as a spiritual battle, a struggle against sin, temptation, and spiritual forces, with believers encouraged to fight the good fight of faith and rely on God's strength and guidance. Join us for our series, "The Good Fight," a study of I Timothy.

An appropriate view of the Bible is essential to mature as a citizen of the kingdom. To view it simply as a rule book of “dos and don'ts” misses the great wisdom recorded in its pages, as it directs one to becoming more like God. Viewing the Bible's wise teachings as optional also misses its prime intention of bringing one to spiritual maturity. In making this point to Timothy, Paul instructed him to “keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching” (I Timothy 4:16). This sermon will explore the intertwined nature of life and teaching (doctrine) not only in the life of a young preacher like Timothy, but in the lives of all who seek to be faithful children of God.  A sermon given by Greg Chandler on May 4, 2025.

The Christian life is often described as a spiritual battle, a struggle against sin, temptation, and spiritual forces, with believers encouraged to fight the good fight of faith and rely on God's strength and guidance. Join us for our series, "The Good Fight," a study of I Timothy.

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   I Timothy 4:13 (Paul said to Timothy)  Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.  

Send us a textThis is the first in a three part series exploring how the United States got to the current multi-faceted crisis. In Part I, we discuss how most of the moral and theological questions leading to the Civil War never really got resolved and have now come roaring back like a virus that's mutated into a stronger strain. In Part II, we'll look at the rise of Christian Nationalism and how myths of Christian America mix with Christian Reconstructionism to create the toxic concoction that is dismantling democratic institutions. In Part III, we'll try explain the concerted attack on the concept of empathy (led particularly by Christian Nationalists) and why that is...hoo boy...so dumb.Our Bible Passage We Wish Literalists Would Take Literally for Episode 2 is I Timothy 6, vss 9-10.

The Christian life is often described as a spiritual battle, a struggle against sin, temptation, and spiritual forces, with believers encouraged to fight the good fight of faith and rely on God's strength and guidance. Join us for our series, "The Good Fight," a study of I Timothy.

Scripture: Matthew 4:4, Matthew 12:36, Matthew 9:29, Hebrews 10:23, John 14:26, Hebrews 1:1-2, Mark 7:13, Matthew 9:28-30, I Timothy 5:8, Proverbs 6:16-19, Luke 18:10-14, Matthew 5:20, Ecclesiastes 7:16, Galatians 6:2-5, Psalms 121:2, Psalms 32:81, Psalms 37:7, Jeremiah 17:9, II Corinthians 4:17-18, II Corinthians 10:13, I Timothy 6:10, Isaiah 64:1, I Corinthians 6:19, I Peter 2:24, Matthew 21:21, Ezekiel 3:1-3, Philippians 4:4, Psalms 100:4, Psalms 31:1, Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Galatians 6:7, Luke 6:38, John 15:13, Romans 12:3, Matthew 7:12, Philippians 2:3, John 3:30The Pulse-ConnectA Network That Beats To The Heart Of GodTopic: Scriptures That Are Not In The Bible-Part 1-ConnectHost: John Sandy & Cynthia SandySunday, April 27, 2025https://linktr.ee/thepulsewv

You will be pleasantly surprised how natural it is to stay spiritually disciplined, committed to walking with the Lord, and to have the desire to serve others once you experience inner peace with God, yourself, and everybody else. I Timothy 1:18-19

A special message from Pastor Sof Vae'ena teaching from I Timothy v 3-12, Flee, Pursue, Fight If you are interested in attending our LIVE teachings (Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm & Sundays @ 10:00 am), you are invited to visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock, Texas. To connect with us, you can call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or checkout our website at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. You can also watch us on Facebook and contact us through Facebook Messenger. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus, as we would love to hear it and pray with you. If you'd like to partner with us to help us take the Gospel to the world, just click on the DONATE button on our website, let us know through Facebook Messenger, or in person. We pray that the rest of your week be blessed and that you share the love of Jesus with everyone that you encounter.

A special message from Pastor Sof Vae'ena teaching from I Timothy v 3-12, Flee, Pursue, Fight If you are interested in attending our LIVE teachings (Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm & Sundays @ 10:00 am), you are invited to visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock, Texas. To connect with us, you can call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or checkout our website at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. You can also watch us on Facebook and contact us through Facebook Messenger. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus, as we would love to hear it and pray with you. If you'd like to partner with us to help us take the Gospel to the world, just click on the DONATE button on our website, let us know through Facebook Messenger, or in person. We pray that the rest of your week be blessed and that you share the love of Jesus with everyone that you encounter.

FBC Medford "Strenghth in Powerful Truth" - I Timothy 6:20-21 "Final Thoughts: A Study Through the Last Words of the Letters of Paul" series Pastor Greg Spires April 6, 2025

• The Attitude toward the Aged • The Actions of the Aged• The Army of the Aged - Serving with wisdom, availability, & maturity - 70s, 80s, 90s, 100sSenior Adults are not viewed with respect in many places in the world. Unfortunately, that same attitude sometimes shows up in the church.  Paul wants Pastors like Titus and Timothy to embrace the senior citizens in their congregations. I Timothy 5:1-2. Paul described Timothy in three distinct ways:(1) He was relatively young - I Tim 4:12(2) He was physically weak - I Tim 5:23(3) He was spiritually fearful/timid - II Tim 1:5-7 I. Listen to the Scriptures on Senior Adults (The strength of sr adults)Lev 19:32; Exodus 20:12 (Eph 6:2-3); Deut 32:7; Psalm 37:25; Prov 16:31; Isa 46:3-4Abram & Sarai (100 & 90) - Genesis 17:15-17 - had Isaac which in Hebrew means “laughter”. Who do you use as an example today?Moses - Got God's assignment at 80 years of age. It would be a 40-year commitment.Our recent Christmas Series - Simeon & Anna - Luke 2:25-38. He was looking forward to passing on, and she was described as being “very old”. They both served the Lord without any thought of retiring from doing the Lord's work until God took them home!II. Look to the Aged for Leadership  1. Titus 2:1-2 • What Eliab was to Titus 1• Rehoboam is to Titus 2 - I Kings 12:4-11 (his lack of wisdom divided a fractured country).

Title: Qualities of an Elder Text: Acts 20:13-27 FCF: We all struggle when our leaders are ungodly. Prop: Because an Elder must be and continue to be blameless, so all Elders and would be Elders must endure in these same qualities. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 20. In a moment we'll read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 13. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Last week we noted Luke's shift in focus as his book hastens toward its close. Since the remainder of the book is concerning Paul's travels to Jerusalem, his imprisonment, his travel to Rome, and imprisonment there – Luke now shifts his attention to the character, person, and instructions of Paul. He began this last week by focusing on Paul's top priority. To the expense of himself, Paul desired greatly to instruct God's people in His ways. This was his primary objective. Such clarity in purpose reveals to us how all church leaders should prioritize the spiritual instruction of God's people. Today we will lean even more into the discussion of what godly church leaders should be, as Paul summons the Elders of Ephesus to himself to give them parting words of instruction before he goes on to Jerusalem. Let's see what he has to say. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Most Holy God, we come to You as Your children seeking wisdom and instruction from Your Word. We praise You Father for giving through Your Son and empowering through Your Spirit, undershepherds who care for the flock that You have claimed as Your own. We praise You for sending watchmen among us to watch out for wolves and to feed and to guide us. We pray that You would use this text this morning to equip us to understand and pursue all that You have given us regarding godly Elders. And we pray desperately that You would continue to bless us with men who love You and are called to serve. We ask this in Jesus' name amen. Transition: Let's get right to the text this morning. I.) Paul demonstrated the qualities necessary for all church leaders, so all Elders and would be Elders must endure in these same qualities. (13-21) a. [Slide 2] 13 – But we, going ahead to the ship, set sail for Assos (AH-sohs), intending from there to take Paul on board; for so he had arranged it, intending himself to go by land. 14 - And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene (my-tell-EEE- knee). 15 - And sailing from there, we arrived the following day opposite Chios (KEY-ohs); and the next day we crossed over to Samos (SAM-ahs); and the day following we came to Miletus (my-LEE-tuhs). 16 - For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. 17 - Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. i. [Slide 3] On the screen behind me is the travel map of Paul and his 8 companions. ii. Luke records that by the plan of Paul, he desired to go by land from Troas to meet them in Assos. iii. Since this was Paul's plan all along, and we aren't told why, it is likely some unknown-to-us reason that Paul desired to travel by land on the first leg of the journey to Assos (AH-sohs). iv. More than likely, this took a couple days for Paul to catch up. v. Then they all sailed to Mitylene (my-tih-LEE-knee). Then the next day they came to what Luke calls the opposite of Chios (KEY-ohs). By this he probably intends the eastern side of the island of Chios as the map depicts. vi. Then the next day they came over to Samos (SAM-ahs), which is the unnamed island on the bottom. vii. Then the following day they came to Miletus (my-LEE-tuhs). viii. Miletus is about 25 miles south of Ephesus. ix. It has probably been about two years since Paul was in Ephesus at this point. x. Here Paul is faced with a dilemma. He loves the church of Ephesus and the Elders whom he helped to appoint and guide in that city. But he knew that if he stopped in to Asia to meet with them, he would be held up there. Most likely because of the love they had for him and he for them. xi. But, Paul is being led by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem and to make it before Pentecost. xii. Most likely, Pentecost is only a few weeks away when he lands in Miletus. xiii. Nevertheless, Paul cannot ignore the church in Ephesus completely. He had spent 3 years ministering to them. So, what is he to do? xiv. Paul decides to send for the Ephesian Elders to come and meet him. b. [Slide 4] 18 - And when they had come to him, he said to them, i. From verse 18 through verse 35 we have recorded for us one of the fullest expressions in the scriptures of what Elders are to be and what Elders are to do. ii. We will take half of his exhortation this week and next week we will look at the rest. iii. The first half is mostly Paul instructing them from his own example. c. [Slide 5] “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, i. The very first thing Paul exhorts them with is his own example of how he ministered in the city of Ephesus. ii. From their own observation and experience, they know that Paul was with them the whole time. iii. This probably is not referring to Paul staying with someone, or not leaving the city. iv. More likely this is Paul indicating that he lived his life before them. They observed him in the most basic functions of human existence all the way to worship services, and evangelism, and discipleship, and preaching, and prayer, and everything in-between. v. He was not separated from them but was with them. vi. But what did they observe of him while he was with them? d. [Slide 6] 19 - serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; i. They saw Paul under pressure. ii. [Slide 7] And the first pressure they observed Paul endure was his own flesh battling against his pedigree. 1. Paul had every reason to be proud. He began a successful church in the city of Ephesus. He taught for three years avoiding persecution from the Ephesians for almost the entire stay. 2. He was a good speaker. He was wise. He was followed by many. 3. Not only that but he was a Pharisee of the Pharisees, a Roman citizen, and well-respected by many powerful people. 4. But in the midst of this the Ephesian Elders observed that Paul served the Lord in all humility. 5. Paul put the needs of others above the needs of himself. 6. He was meek, he was lowly. He was a servant to all. 7. He did not demand that others wait on him, instead he became the servant to them for the sake of Christ, his Lord. 8. He did not expect due compensation for all his work like the traveling philosophers and preachers of his time. Instead, he was content with whatever he had. 9. In this way, Paul served the Lord, as merely a slave to His master's will. iii. [Slide 8] The second pressure they observed Paul endure was the weight of his mission. 1. Paul served the Lord with tears. 2. Paul was passionate about the mission and the message that he was sent by Christ to give. 3. Paul wept with them and plead with them to follow the Lord. 4. Paul cried with tears of joy as they came to Christ and turned from their sin and their idols. 5. Paul no doubt shed many tears when many of them confessed their former dalliances with magic and as they burned their books in rejecting their former ways, never to go back. 6. Paul mourned the tragedy of those who denied Christ, many of whom were his own kinsmen. 7. Paul wept over believers who chose to continue in sin and did not desire to be corrected, like with the Corinthians. 8. Paul sobbed tears of joy when the Corinthians repented and returned. 9. Paul cried over false teachers making shipwreck of believers' faith. 10. Truly Paul's mission was weighty. iv. [Slide 9] The third pressure they observed in Paul was the persecution from the Jews. 1. Paul served the Lord even with his trials. 2. He rejoiced in suffering at the hands of the Jews. For His own Savior had suffered also at the hands of the Jews. 3. He endured the many plots from them all over the empire and even in Ephesus, to destroy him and the message he taught. 4. Through it all, Paul's eyes were on Christ, knowing that he could endure all of it and more through Christ who gives him strength. v. Paul did not bow to the pressures he faced. He had excellent moral character and spiritual strength. He was blameless. vi. But what did he do with such noble character? e. [Slide 10] 20 - how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, i. Against secret societies, hidden knowledge cults, Gnosticism, free masonry, scientology, Mormonism and any other religious group that trickles out secret knowledge to those who are loyal… ii. Paul did not withdraw or shy away from sharing with them everything he knew that was profitable for them. Everything that was expedient to them, he told them. iii. These mystery cults and philosophical and religious gurus ensure that you will continue to support them or their faith by holding back information you need, until you have sufficiently paid for it. iv. Not Paul. v. Paul gave them everything he knew that could help them. vi. He knew a good deal more about the law and about Judaism and about being a Pharisee. But this was not expedient to them. It was not profitable. But the things of Christ? The way of faith? The grace of God? vii. Of these, he told them everything he could. viii. And he didn't do it privately to only a few wealthy people, as if to peddle this gospel for personal gain. ix. Instead, he shared all this publicly, teaching in the hall of Tyrannus. And when those discussions continued, he went to houses and taught too. x. There was no membership fee, no subscription model, no downloadable content. xi. He passionately pursued any who desired to be taught the ways of the Lord. f. [Slide 11] 21 - solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. i. Finally, we see Paul say that they observed the undeniable fact that he, with great seriousness and sincerity, bore witness to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus. ii. Paul shared the gospel, even after the church was founded there in Ephesus. iii. And he shared the gospel to every person he came in contact with regardless of their heritage or lineage. iv. We know that the Jews were despised and mocked in Ephesus. We know from the letter to the Ephesians Paul emphasizes the church being one made of both Jews and Gentiles. v. Paul passionately and sincerely bore witnesses to all men about the command of God for all men to repent toward God and receive faith in Jesus. g. [Slide 12] Summary of the Point: Luke dutifully records Paul's exhortation to the Elders of Ephesus as he commends them to continuing the work there in their city. Paul's opening point is the track record that he exemplified while he was among them. He was a man who selflessly served the Lord by serving them, through tears and trails. He taught them in season and out of season. He reproved, rebuked, corrected and instructed them in all that was helpful to them, and he did the work of an evangelist calling all kinds of men to repentance toward God and faith in Christ. But they knew all this. They observed him for three years being this kind of man. So, what is Paul's message? What is Luke telling us? Quite simply – the church needs this caliber of man to be Elders. In fact, for every Elder or would be Elder, it is safe for us to conclude that this should be our character profile. Transition: [Slide 13 (blank)] Paul leaves the past and now looks to the uncertainty of the future. Will he be the same man? Will he make changes? If the pressure increases, will he break? II.) Paul will continue to demonstrate these qualities despite the cost, so all Elders and would be Elders must endure in these same qualities. (22-27) a. [Slide 14] 22 - And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 - except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me. i. Paul leaves the past and now looks to the future. ii. He knows that he must go to Jerusalem. We saw before how he resolved to go to Jerusalem and now, we see that this was by direct leading of the Holy Spirit. iii. Paul has no idea what to expect when he arrives. It has been about 5 years since he last went to Jerusalem. He went there after his second missionary journey and before heading to Ephesus. iv. In fact, the only thing he does know is what the Holy Spirit continues to remind him of in every city he visits. v. Really it is the prediction that Christ gave to Ananias at Paul's conversion. Jesus said, “I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.” vi. The Holy Spirit has revealed that many afflictions and imprisonments await Paul in the near future. vii. So, he doesn't know what will happen in Jerusalem, but he does know that he is going to suffer imprisonments and afflictions for the name of Christ. viii. What is the moral fiber of Paul? What is his outlook here? b. [Slide 15] 24 - But I do not make my life of any account nor dear to myself, i. Paul is holding his life loosely. ii. He is not fighting to stay alive at all costs. He is not striving to avoid all pain and anguish. iii. If the Holy Spirit has revealed that this is God's will for him – it would be foolish to resist and to fight against it. iv. Paul will not flee like Jonah. v. Why? c. [Slide 16] so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. i. Jesus gave Paul a job to do. ii. He is to go and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to Jews, to Gentiles, and to Kings. iii. Well, so far, he has not proclaimed the gospel to kings. iv. He has certainly had audiences with many powerful and wealthy people. Some of them have even come to Christ. v. But, to date, Paul has never stood before any rulers to preach the gospel. vi. So, his mission is not complete. vii. Here we see again his desire to sincerely or solemnly testify to the gospel of the grace of God. viii. There are many perspectives on soteriology. For the last four hundred years the church has been enamored with the discussion of Arminianism vs. Calvinism. ix. I'm not going to talk about either right now. x. But one thing is for sure. If the gospel you believe is not a gospel of God's grace, then it is not the gospel at all. xi. So, what is grace? 1. We have all memorized the quick definition – unmerited favor. 2. And that is a fine definition of the word grace. 3. But if we are talking about God's grace and specifically God's grace in salvation, which is what Paul is talking about here, I do not believe the definition “unmerited favor” is sufficient. 4. So, how would I define God's grace in salvation? 5. It is simply this. God accomplishes 100% of our salvation. 6. There is no step that God has left to us in order to be saved. 7. According to Romans 3:24, we are justified as a gift by His grace through Christ's redemption. 8. [Slide 17] Another way to remember what grace is, is by the acronym for GRACE 9. God's 10. Riches 11. At 12. Christ's 13. Expense 14. God delivers the gift of all his riches, indeed sonship and becoming heirs to His throne, at the expense of Christ. 15. Notice that this still has nothing to do with us. Our response isn't factored in yet, for God has given His riches because of the redemption of His Son. 16. Now this isn't denying that there are necessary responses flowing out of that gift of justification by grace through Christ's work. 17. In fact, in the other instance in this text in which Paul talks about sincerely testifying about the gospel he explains the command and the responsibility of Jews and Greeks to respond in repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. 18. But God uses our repentance and faith, both of which the scriptures teach us are ALSO gifts He gives to us, God by grace uses this gifted repentance and faith as means to unite us to our gifted justification. 19. [Slide 18] To suggest that God has accomplished even 99.9% of our salvation and waits on us to do the other .1% - is to make another gospel… one that is not GRACE - God's Riches At Christ's Expense, but is in fact, God's Riches Awaiting Mankind's Submission. I know that spells GRAMS which isn't great… 20. [Slide 19] but My point is not for you to remember GRAMS but GRACE! 21. Call yourself an Arminian. Call yourself a Calvinist. Refuse to take a title. It matters very little. 22. But if your gospel is not ALL of God – then it isn't the gospel of the Grace of God that Paul preached. And that means… it isn't the gospel at all. d. [Slide 20] 25 - And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. i. Now Paul laments the fact that most likely, he will never see any of the Ephesian Elders again. ii. Is Paul being overly dramatic here? iii. No. Paul knows that his future will be full of all kinds of difficulties. iv. And as far as we know, Paul never did return to Ephesus. Paul will go to Rome as a prisoner. He will be release and then spend time in and around the Adriatic Sea between Italy and Greece, and potentially even going as far as Spain. But eventually he will be imprisoned for the last time and beheaded by Emperor Nero. v. So no, Paul isn't being dramatic. vi. He went among them and preached the Kingdom of Christ- of which they were now a part and working to do the same. vii. But never again will he see them. viii. In light of this, Paul wants to say one more thing about the future… and specifically their future. Then he will move to exhorting them. ix. We won't get to the exhortation this week, but let's look at what Paul says about their future… e. [Slide 21] 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 purpose of God. i. Much like God commanded Ezekiel in Ezekiel 3:17 and 18 warning him to be a watchmen for the people and warn them when God tells him to warn them, Paul recuses himself from any guilt that might be placed on him for the spiritual futures of any of these Elders present with him, and for any of the church in Ephesus. ii. Why? iii. Because he did not hesitate to tell them all that God had revealed. iv. If any of these Elders bring a different teaching or slip away from the teaching Paul gave either by adding to it or taking from it – it is not a charge that can be laid on Paul. v. And if they lead any of the Ephesian church members into apostasy or heresy – it cannot be blamed on Paul. vi. Why? vii. Paul did not hesitate to tell them everything God had given him. The whole purpose or counsel of God was available to them through him. viii. Again, this goes back to his statement that he didn't withdraw from telling them everything that was profitable or expedient to them. f. [Slide 22] Summary of the Point: As Paul looks to the future and understands that there is no hope for things to improve. In fact, things will most certainly get worse, for the Holy Spirit has revealed as much to him. But Paul's intention is to continue to exemplify these qualities and these passions. He desires to continue to be used up, to be emptied out, all for the sake of the gospel of God's grace. His desire is to leave no one's blood on his hands, but like a good watchman, he has told everyone all that they must hear to participate in the kingdom of Christ. Despite a bleak future – Paul intends to continue to exemplify these qualities, until he is extinguished. My friends… Elders and those who would be Elders someday… Is this us? It must be. Conclusion: So CBC, what have we learned today and how then shall we live? Doctrinal Takeaway: [Slide 23] All of our truth points come from Paul's example. This may be challenging for us to receive because Paul is merely a man, but when we understand that these qualities in this text are merely a reflection of who Jesus is and what He demonstrated, we then understand that the qualities Paul has demonstrated are simply those he has received from Christ. But if we were to look at the two letters Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus concerning the qualifications for Elders, we would see a remarkable but unsurprisingly similar 1 to 1 connection between those qualifications and the qualities Paul demonstrated to the Ephesians. Paul is blameless, temperate, sensible, respectful, apt to teach, not a brawler but considerate, peaceable, free from the love of money, he had a good reputation with those outside the church, he was not selfish, nor a liar to cheat people of money, he loved what was good, he was righteous, holy, self-controlled, and he held fast the faithful teaching of the gospel, proving to be able to exhort others in sound doctrine, doing the work of an evangelist, and was able to reprove those who contradicted the gospel. In that sense, Paul's life becomes an illustration of what qualities we must look for in men who are or desire to be Elders. And if we are Elders or desire to be Elders, Paul's example becomes a good template to compare ourselves to. But let me seek to apply this text today, primarily to Elders and would be Elders, but also to the congregation as a whole. 1.) [Slide 24] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that blamelessness is the chief qualification of an Elder. a. All the qualities Paul puts forward in this text are summarized in the basic qualification of blamelessness. b. Blamelessness is the quality one possesses in which it is impossible to find fault with someone. c. This does not, of course, speak to perfection. All men continue to battle and kill off their sin in this life. If the standard were perfection and true sinlessness, then only Christ could be given the title of Elder. d. Instead, blamelessness takes on a legal quality. In the law of moses it took two or three witnesses to bring someone to trial and find them guilty. e. Similarly, we see in I Timothy 5, Paul outlines the process for the discipline of an Elder. If two or three witnesses are not available to substantiate an accusation of sin against an Elder, then the accusation is not even to be heard. But if two or three witnesses confirm that an Elder is in sin, the Elder must be rebuked. f. This again instructs us as to the exact nature of the qualification of blamelessness. g. In order for a man, who desires the office, to be qualified for it, it must be impossible to achieve the necessary quorum among the body to accuse the man of living in sin. In fact, being blameless would imply that any such accusation would be hard to fathom considering the character of the man in question. h. Blamelessness does not mean sinlessness, but it does mean that there is no sin that is cherished, nurtured, encouraged, or befriended by this Elder. They desire the death of sin in their hearts and keep their accounts short. i. Looking at the rest of the qualifications we can see how all of them flow out of or into this one quality of blamelessness. j. Why must the man be blameless? k. Think about an Elder's responsibility. He is to guard the souls of the little lambs of God, serving as an undershepherd below the Great Shepherd. l. Such a place, such a responsibility, such a position given to a man who no one really trusts, or who when a rumor floats around people say, “well that does sound like a sin he would be doing.” Such a man cannot possibly watch for the souls of others… for others much watch out for his soul instead. He would be a liability to the children of God and the rest of the leadership. m. How can an Elder teach or lead someone in holy and Christlike lifestyles when he himself is ensnared and overcome by sin? n. So, by way of application for us this morning, we diverge into a few groups of people. i. First, if you are a man in this congregation, you need to consider blamelessness to be your command. 1. Whether you are an Elder or not, as a man in our congregation we still possess the innate headship of our home meaning that we are in essence an Elder of our family. 2. We have the responsibility of watching out for the souls of our wife and children or future wife and/or future children. 3. Such a role requires us to be the spiritual leader of our family. Setting the example in thought, word, and deed. Exemplifying Christlikeness. And pursuing Christ before our family and leading them to Him. ii. Second, if you are a man in this congregation who desires the office of an Elder, you must first be blameless. 1. No amount of biblical knowledge can make up for lacking blamelessness in your character. 2. No amount of teaching prowess can make up for lacking blamelessness. 3. No amount of kindness, gentleness, rule following, leadership, or charisma can make up for lacking blamelessness. 4. If a man is perfect in every way, and gifted as Paul was for ministry but was known for indulging in a specific sin… such a man is still unqualified to be an Elder. 5. And it is not enough to be blameless until you become an Elder… now you must live blamelessly not only before your family and the church, but before the other Elders as well. iii. Third, if you are an Elder in this church, let this be a healthy reminder to us that we must continue to be blameless. 1. We must continue to serve the Lord in humility. We must continue to serve Him and His church with tears and with endurance through persecution. 2. We must continue to declare the whole counsel of God to His people, sparing no teaching that is profitable and expedient to them. 3. We must continue to solemnly testify to all men the gospel of God's grace and implore them to turn from their sin and to God through faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. 4. My friends, we must be blameless. And we must make sure we hold each other to that standard. iv. Finally, if you are none of the above, you must pray for and seek out leaders who are blameless. 1. It is the congregation's responsibility to only seek out and receive Elders who are blameless. 2. And if a Prospective Elder is put forward for consideration, who you do not consider to be blameless, you must make your concerns known to the Elder Board. 3. Although we have only been Elder led for a few years now, there may come a time in the future where the Elders put forward another man we have considered to be qualified to be an Elder in our church. 4. You have a solemn responsibility to make your concerns known to us. Perhaps you know the man in a way we do not. o. For the sake of the church and the purity of the gospel message, Elders must be blameless. 2.) [Slide 25] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that Elders can hold others to a standard they do not meet. a. Nothing Paul will charge these men to do next week are things that Paul has not already demonstrated and done himself. b. Paul is not instructing the Elders in Ephesus to do something he would not or could not do. Instead, he is instructing them to be like him and continue doing what he was doing. c. There is a common saying in ministry and it is something like, “the spiritual maturity of the body can never exceed the average spiritual maturity of its leaders.” d. If such a thing could be measured mathematically, we could conclude that if the spiritual maturity of the Elder board was averaged to be 50% conformity to Christ (again, these are very crude numbers – just follow me for the sake of the illustration) – If this were so, then the church body cannot possibly be expected to exceed that maturity. e. Thus, if the Elders are a group of power-hungry little kings vying for their own slice of the church pie – imagine what such a church would be? f. Regardless of whether you are an Elder, a would be Elder, or a member of this body – this is still further incentive to find men who are blameless to lead. g. Because if they are not blameless, the church won't be anywhere close to blameless. h. An Elder can only preach and teach that which he has repented of and submitted to in His own life. i. Elders must practice in example what they intend to preach from the scriptures. 3.) [Slide 26] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must pray for godly leaders. a. This works out in two specific ways. b. First, we must pray for God to give more godly leaders to us. i. Unfortunately, Jerry Gunst isn't going to live forever. Neither is Nick, or CJ, or Justin - and even though I am not even 40 yet, I have already begun praying for and looking for a young man who could potentially replace me as the Primary teaching Elder of the church. ii. Our lives seem so long in some ways – so long that we procrastinate on things that go beyond our lifetime. iii. And yet life is so short in other ways. So short that by the time we do realize we need to plan for the future beyond our lives, it is too late. iv. Even now, we can be in prayer for the future Elders of Columbus Baptist Church. v. We can pray that God would give grace to save and shape and mold young men to rise up to the challenge of blamelessly shepherding God's people. vi. You can start that today. Every week I pray through our membership directory. And when I come to a name of a boy – I pray that God would raise him up to be godly and that he might become a future Elder or Deacon of this church. vii. Be in prayer for the future leaders of our church. Even if you will be long gone before they take office… be in prayer. c. Second, we must pray for the leaders we currently have to be godly. i. Occasionally some of you get a sneak peek into the lives of we Elders. ii. Occasionally you are exposed to the trials, the tears, the pains, the hardship, the difficulties we face in leading this church. And that is all in addition to the normal trials and troubles we face in our families and in our personal lives… And most of your Elders actually have ANOTHER job that they do that has its own set of difficulties. iii. My point is, that we… NEED.. your prayers. iv. I would even say that we are desperate for them. v. And don't just pray that we be healthy, that our kids are healthy, that our bodies are healthy… no… please… pray especially that God would protect us from the schemes of the devil and the principalities and powers that seek to destroy us to get to you all. Pray for that first. vi. I'd rather die of cancer having lived a godly life, than live forever having rejected my Lord's commands. And I can confidently say that that is true for all the Elders. vii. Pray for our physical needs – but not at the expense of praying for our spiritual protection and godly wisdom. 4.) [Slide 27] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” Elders, we must be Watchmen for these people. a. Notice how Paul twice emphasized that he declared the whole plan of God and all that was profitable to the Ephesian Elders when he was with them. He did this to the extent that if any of them walked away from this truth and their faith failed and they were cast into the lake of fire… then he would not be to blame for it. b. We too are watchmen of these people. c. May none here have the luxury of saying in that final day, “But that Elder didn't tell me everything. He never told me the fullness of your plan or the teachings that were of great expediency to me.” d. May we teach with our words and our lives all that is necessary to be known so that in the final day we are innocent of all blood, having watched out for all the souls in our charge. e. Let us not grow weary in our labor. But let us press on brothers. 5.) [Slide 28] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” A plurality of biblically qualified Elders is one of the greatest gifts Christ has given His church. a. Who wouldn't want a bunch of little Paul's looking out for them? b. Who wouldn't want a bunch of little Christ's guarding them? c. God has called and equipped men to lead His church. They are mere men, which means they are not perfect. But they are equipped by God, blameless, so that even when they fail, they humbly seek forgiveness and make appropriate changes. d. Who else would we want leading our church? e. What a great comfort it is to have godly men leading. f. May they remain godly so that we may thrive as the church of Christ. [Slide 29 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the Reformer Thomas Becon Lord Jesus Christ, you are the true and everlasting Bishop, the mirror and pattern for all faithful pastors both in life and doctrine. You came down from God your Father not only to be our Redeemer, but also our teacher, to open and declare to us the mysteries of the holy Scriptures. We humbly pray now that in your mercy you would look upon your poor and scattered flock, whom you have purchased with your most precious blood. Send us shepherds who will diligently seek the lost sheep, lovingly carry them on their shoulders, and faithfully bring them home again. Lord, you see how great the harvest is, and how few the workers. You are Lord of the harvest. Send us into the harvest! And take away from us those false prophets who come to us in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. Take away those false anointed and false preachers, who by their subtle doctrine would bring us into error. Grant also, O Lord, that these true shepherds may accurately and reverently minister your holy mysteries to us… [that we may have] our faith … established, confirmed, and strengthened. And may we be comforted and made strong against the gates of hell, the devil, the world, the flesh, the curse of the law, sin, death, desperation, and all that is hostile to us. May their shepherds hands not be stretched out to receive, and slow to give. But establish in them a mind that is content, and willing to spend for the relief of the poor, that they may feed the flock both in word and deed. You commanded your apostle Peter three times to feed your flock. And you gave this command not only to Peter, but to all your apostles-even to all pastors who follow. Deal with your flock, most faithful Shepherd, according to your promise. Raise up faithful and diligent shepherds who may feed their flocks with your life-filled word, lead a good life, and maintain hospitality for the comfort of the poor. And in all things may they behave according to your will and commandments. So when you, the most high Bishop and chief Shepherd, appear, may they receive the pure and spotless crown of glory. In Jesus' name we pray this. Amen. Benediction: May the Lord grant you The love that leads the way, The faith that nothing can sway, The hope no disappointments can dismay, And the passion that burns like fire. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...    I Timothy 4:7-8   But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.   8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.  

How do you fix a church that's broken down? One focus is on the character of the leadership. That's what Paul does in I Timothy 3 as he speaks to Timothy on how to fix what has gone wrong. As Sean and Patke work through this text, listen in and be blessed by the word. May the Lord use it for your good and His glory.Support the show

Following their conversation on the church, Sean and Patke go in depth into I Timothy to help you understand what the church is. Listen in and be blessed.Support the show

Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and lovethe other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serveboth God and mammon.I Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, butagainst evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers inthis dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.Matthew 6:24 You CANNOT serve both God and MAMMON.Mammon: that in which one TRUSTSMammon is a FALSE god that promises that: You can trust MONEY to giveyou what only GOD can.We changed our LIFE'S FOCUS from consuming to GIVING.Acts 20:35 It is more blessed to give than receive.GIVING is kryptonite to the power and spirit of MAMMON in your life.1. You don't own jack squat.Deuteronomy 8:17-18 You can say to yourself, “MY power and the strength ofMY hands have produced this wealth for ME.” But remember the Lord your God,for it is he who GIVES YOU THE ABILITY to produce wealth…Every SINGLE spending decision is a SPIRITUAL decision.2. We started living off a budget.3. We learned to be content.4. Debt is slavery.GENEROSITY is kryptonite to the power of MAMMON in your life.Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole TITHE into the storehouse, that there may be foodin my house. TEST ME in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will notthrow open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much BLESSING that therewill not be room enough to store it.”Who are you trusting, God or mammon?

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV.It's hard to win a war, you don't realize you're fighting. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:11 ESVWe have what we need to overcome the enemy in his efforts to deceive and defeat us! The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 ESVA place where the enemy holds the high ground for attack.You can't win the spiritual war for your life and destiny without taking out the strongholds.We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESVA spiritual stronghold is any thought, thought pattern, mindset, or belief that exalts itself against God and His truth.We are not wrestling against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLTThere are real intellectual beings waring against Godly thoughts, designs and decisions.The Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared. I Timothy 4:1 ESVThe devil and his minions spend most of their time perverting culture and constructing strongholds.The enemy doesn't have the authority to build a stronghold in your life.Give not place to the devil. Eph 4:26 NKJVOpen doors lead to strongholds Kick your little sin friend out or he's going to build a stronghold!Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14 ESV Your old life and new life are not compatible, they're combustable. Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV Don't X-out the Jesus factor! The Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 NLTThe power for my breakthrough is not earthly, it's eternal!Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10 NKJVDon't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLTWhy can't Jesus wear jewelry? - Because He breaks every chain!It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. Romans 7:21-25 MSGNo hurt, history, or stronghold of the enemy can contain the believer who's faith and focus is in Jesus.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV.It's hard to win a war, you don't realize you're fighting. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:11 ESVWe have what we need to overcome the enemy in his efforts to deceive and defeat us! The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 ESVA place where the enemy holds the high ground for attack.You can't win the spiritual war for your life and destiny without taking out the strongholds.We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESVA spiritual stronghold is any thought, thought pattern, mindset, or belief that exalts itself against God and His truth.We are not wrestling against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLTThere are real intellectual beings waring against Godly thoughts, designs and decisions.The Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared. I Timothy 4:1 ESVThe devil and his minions spend most of their time perverting culture and constructing strongholds.The enemy doesn't have the authority to build a stronghold in your life.Give not place to the devil. Eph 4:26 NKJVOpen doors lead to strongholds Kick your little sin friend out or he's going to build a stronghold!Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14 ESV Your old life and new life are not compatible, they're combustable. Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV Don't X-out the Jesus factor! The Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 NLTThe power for my breakthrough is not earthly, it's eternal!Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10 NKJVDon't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLTWhy can't Jesus wear jewelry? - Because He breaks every chain!It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. Romans 7:21-25 MSGNo hurt, history, or stronghold of the enemy can contain the believer who's faith and focus is in Jesus.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

Many believe the Biden administration, happily and now an historical footnote, fostered an anti-Christian approach to politics, culture, and lifestyle generally. That was so even though Biden was a self-proclaiming Catholic Christian.In the Biden administration, there really were none in high positions who were publicly confessing Christians. That of course, under the Trump administration, has significantly changed, and changed for the better. There are those in leadership in America now who come to their awesome responsibilities as public citizens and representatives of WE THE PEOPLE with a biblical influence in their lives, even an outright Christian testimony. What a blessing that is for America, for Christianity, and for:FREEDOM OF RELIGIONfor all Americans, the FIRST AMENDMENT really at work!I do hope and pray that you know by heart, by memory, those First Amendment freedoms. They include and especially so:THE FREEDOM OF RELIGION.The freedom to practice any religion of choice. Or, none at all. Your call. But there can be no restriction on religious freedom and worship of any kind, so says the First Amendment. Let people believe and worship as they please. We The Christians, born again, evangelical, denominational, Roman Catholic, are free not only to worship as we please, but to believe as we please. Few countries in this modern age allow that, and so many nations abridge that freedom, attack it, attempt to control it, or even eliminate it. Not so with the Trump administration. Trump has pledged to reinvigorate the old Christian America, to respect Christianity and all its forms, and to make absolutely certain that there is no persecution, disrespect, or attempts to control this precious faith.And the same for Jews. Antisemitism is on the rise, one of the most ugly things in the entire history of mankind and now even resurrected today. So many politicos, academics, and even many in business and higher up in corporations turn a blind eye or actually foster antisemitism. That will all end under the Trump administration. Amen to that.And there is absolute freedom to worship for all other religions, including Islam, the Hindu religion, and any other legitimate religion. That is the American promise, the Constitutional guarantee, that sacred Frist Amendment freedom and it will be respected more than ever, more than under the administration of Obama or Biden, as the Constitution has always promised.That beloved First Amendment also guarantees freedom of speech and press. More than ever, that will be reinvigorated and protected. Both such freedoms are absolutely essential with regard to the full and free practice of religion.And the same for the other First Amendment freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, namely freedom of assembly and freedom of petition. Churches, gatherings, services, the congregations of people in worship can feel the old constitutional freedoms under the Trump administration more than ever. Amen to that. Make it happen President Donald J. Trump, MAKE IT HAPPEN!DEFENSE. Our Department of Defense needs change, even radical change back. It has become woke, socialized, racially concerned, all to the detriment of its clear and primary priority and mission, namely, the development and growth of the greatest military, army, navy, and marines, and more, that the world has ever known. We need an aggressive, remade and revitalized Department of Defense and branches of the military. We have threats to our great country like never before, threats from China, especially China in this modern day and age, and our old nemesis Russia, and North Korea, a rising nuclear power, and of course Iran, which literally hates the Great Satan, the America we love. All four and more would love to see the end of America and given the right circumstances, whether all-out war, or terrorism, or limited combat, they are ready, hatred brimming, to destroy America or as much of it as they can.Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, intends to change the department, bring in new leadership, develop meaningful financial budgets and the support of Congress and develop the weapons, offensive and defensive, which our country desperately needs, especially to keep pace with China. It seems inevitable that we will have warfare of some sort with China sometime in the future, perhaps the near future.We, America, must be ready!THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM. More than ever judges at any level of the federal judiciary and all the way up to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) will play an important and primary role in the development of the philosophy, policies, and future of our country. There are many, very many, judgeships unfilled and can be filled by the appointments of the president of the United States. President Trump intends to do just that. He is well aware of the need to appoint judges and the right kind of judges, fair thinking judges who will make the right decisions for America. In the first Trump administration, 2017-2021, Trump nominated three Supreme Court justices, all were confirmed by the Senate, and all were fair minded or conservative leaning. They were the outstanding scholars including:1.Neil Gorsuch2.Anthony Kennedy3.Amy Coney BarrettMuch litigation will be decided by the Supreme Court, critical for America, and there will be many emergency hearings on the basis of critical and immediate need of our country, which will be decided upon by the Supreme Court in short order. Trump has issued dozens of Executive Orders, many are being challenged by liberals, radicals, and democrats, and the Supreme Court will be more active with emergency hearings perhaps than in any other administration. We can only hope for fair results, for the vast majority of those executive orders are exactly what America needs, they are legal, thorough, and they create the change-back which again, our country desperately needs. We were under Biden on a pathway to Socialism, even Marxism, and so many of these executive orders put a stop to so much of that. I say Amen to that, and I trust you do as well. What do you think of the first six weeks in office of Donald J. Trump?Franklin Graham, the marvelous evangelical evangelist and pastor, son of perhaps the greatest evangelist ever in the history of America, Billy Graham, prays himself that President Trump will surround himself with men and women who will give him Godly counsel and advice, and urges us, we the Christian people of America, to do the very same. I do hope and pray that you will. President Trump will be challenged the world over, and especially by China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. But Trump is tough, no nonsense, determined, and not at all intimidated, and no nation or foreign leader will intimidate him no matter what they do. As world events unfold in the next four years, WE THE PEOPLE should both:WATCH AND PRAY.We should follow the advice of the Apostle Paul in I Timothy 2:1-3, where this God-sent apostle admonishes us as follows:“THEREFORE, I EXHORT FIRST OF ALL THAT SUPPLICATIONS, PRAYERS, INTERCESSIONS, AND GIVING OF THANKS BE MADE FOR ALL MEN, FOR KINGS, AND ALL WHO ARE IN AUTHORITY, THAT WE MAY LEAD A QUIET AND PEACEABLE LIFE IN ALL GODLINESS AND REVERENCE FOR THIS IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD OUR SAVIOR.”So, my fellow Christians, prayers. And intercessions. And giving of thanks. So that WE THE PEOPLE may lead a quiet and peaceable life, and be assured of the rights in the Constitution which are justly ours. Why? Because this is good, says Paul, and not only acceptable in the sight of God our savior, but what this God, our Lord Jesus Christ wants for us.So, my fellow Americans, pray for President Trump, and all who advise him, all of our leaders, secretaries of various departments, our Congress, House, and Senate, our courts and our Supreme Court, pray for all of them. Pray for anyone who is in authority and who works for us. Pray that the wisdom of God Almighty will guide President Trump and all political others so that America can be great again. Pray thatthe promises of Donald J. Trump will be fulfilled that indeed, the four years of the second Trump administration will:MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN (MAGA)!

Feb 16, 2025  GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCHNeil McClendon, Lead PastorHow To Survive a ShipwreckActs 271. Have friends, v. 1-8“I have many things to write you, but I don't want to write to you with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends send you greetings. Greet the friends by name.”3 John 13-15"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'" C.S. Lewis2. Follow truth not money, v. 9-12“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”I Timothy 6:103. Face the wind, v. 13-154. Allow the storm to clarify what is essential, v. 16-205. Listen to spiritual authority, v. 21-26v. 24- “God has granted you all those who sail with you!” 6. Have a means of measuring progress, v. 27-32“They took a sounding...”7. Find something to be thankful for, v. 33-38“And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and begin to eat.”8. Do your part, v. 39-44“He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.” Mental worship…1. Who are the friends you look to in order to survive a storm?2. What is your affection level towards money?3. Are you avoiding anything or anybody that you need to face?4. Before what people is it hardest for you to pray?5. Have your emotions calibrated more towards the positive or the negative     because of the storms you've endured?6. Looking back, what is the biggest storm you've been through and what     did God teach you about yourself, Himself and your faith?

Pastor Ben Beaghan preaching from I Timothy 4:6-16 at Redemption Bible Church in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

Pastor Sharonda Manor-Foster Scriptures :PSALM 19:7-11, I TIMOTHY 4:6-8 NKJV Holiness Is Profitable 1)GAIN RESTORATION 2)GAIN WISDOM 3)GAIN JOY 4)GAIN SIGHT To connect with us NACF Aliante visit us at https://linktr.ee/NACFAliante Ways to give tithes and offerings Website https://www.Newantioch-Aliante.org (click donate tab) Text ‘Newantioch' to 77977 Cash app https://cash.app/$NewAAliante Mail in : NACF Aliante 2550 Nature Park Drive suite 100 N.Las Vegas ,NV 89084 For more info and to join our Church Newantioch-Aliante.org #PastorNaidaMParson #Newantiochchristianfellowship

For the church to fulfill what I Timothy 2:1-4 teaches us, and tells us the church is supposed to do, we need to be a healthy church, a biblical church, in other words, a strong church. Contact us @ 4faithfoundations@gmail.com Please visit our website: faithfoundations.church for many more resources to help you in your faith journey. 

Do Everything for the Good of Others - Matthew 5:13-16 5 G Living – Do everything you do… For the Glory of God For the Good of your fellow man To get the Gospel to non-believers For the Growth of your fellow Christians With a Grateful heart The power for 5 G living comes from the power of the triune God, accessed through the outlet of God's grace when we place our faith in Christ! When we are saved by God's grace through our faith, we get power for 5 G living. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your doing; it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:8-10 “Common grace includes earthly blessings all people enjoy but that are distinct from the spiritual blessings that only believers enjoy. When we speak of common grace, we are speaking of God's kindness to all people during their time on earth, regardless of their present status with Him.” -Derek J. Brown Three Principles of doing good for others 1. We are to act for the good of others By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. - John 15:8 A phrase I love is the phrase, “Add value!” And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. - Titus 3:14 2. We are to do good for others as able in in concentric circles And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. - Gal. 6:9-10 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. - I Timothy 5:8 Husbands, your first neighbor is your wife. Wives, your first neighbor is your husband. The first neighbor you are to show love and respect for is your spouse. Marriage expert Dr. John Gottman says the first key to making marriage work is to “embrace each other's needs.” When we experience God's saving grace, we gain the spiritual power to partake in Jesus Christ's Great Commission given in Matthew 28 to take the gospel to all peoples. But we also gain the spiritual power to partake in God's ‘cultural commission' given in Genesis 1 to be stewards of the earth's resources for God's glory, and be agents of common grace for the good of our fellow man. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” - Genesis 1:27-28 3. We are to view all we do for others as done for God And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. -Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of an inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. - Colossians 3:23-24 There was another phrase that came out of the Reformation – all of life is to be lived Coram Deo – before the face of God! The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head. - Proverbs 20:29 “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” -John Wesley

This is our fourth message in I Timothy and we have seen a charge, its purpose, and why it was necessary in 1:1-7. Paul introduces his letter to Timothy with a command: “charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do” (vs.3-4).   The charge is a command to not teach things that undermine, mute, or contradict the gospel or engage in needless debates or questions that do not edify. Its aim is love from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. The implication is that true doctrine creates and sustains a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith, and in so doing produces love. Paul is saying that everything he teaches, and every command he gives to be rid of false doctrine is for the sake of faith that produces love.    It was necessary because some men who wanted to be teachers of the law were misusing it and in so doing undermining the gospel. This leads Paul to an explanation of the law and its proper use in verses 8-11. Paul then spends 6 verses explaining how he came to have this ministry of ensuring that truth was being taught in the local church; and how God transformed him from a blasphemer into a faithful gospel teacher (1:12-17).   And then there is a hard stop at the end of verse 17.  A very strong, “enough about me.” A point at which I think a summary is appropriate. Like Paul, Timothy is to call others to believe and teach “sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God” (vs.10-11). Or another way to word it or look at it: Timothy is to call the church, the local church to right faith and right teaching, which flows from and agrees with the gospel. He is to ensure that the faith and teaching in the local church fits with the gospel. He is to protect and promote true doctrine. This leads us to our current text, which can be summarized this way: War a good warfare for the sake of your faith.

Pastor Ben Beaghan preaching from I Timothy 4:6-16 at Redemption Bible Church in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

When you think of rock music anchored by piano, there are only a few standouts.  But outside of Elton John, perhaps the best known rock pianist is New York's Billy Joel.  Born in the Bronx and growing up in Long Island, Joel got his start early (at age 4) with piano lessons and dropped out of high school to pursue music full time.  After joining a couple of short-lived bands, Joel started his solo career and released his debut album, "Cold Spring Harbor" in 1971.It was his second album which would be remembered as his true nationwide debut.  Piano Man was his first release from Columbia Records, and came out while Joel was still dealing with legal issues from his former label.  Many of the tracks exhibit a story telling approach common in the early 70's.  Although Joel was in his mid-20's when the album was released, it had a maturity about it that made it do well both on the pop and adult contemporary charts.  Despite this being his breakthrough album, Joel would struggle to find success in his follow-up albums.  He was in danger of being dropped by the record label when he hit it big once again in 1977 with "The Stranger."  From that time on, Billy Joel would be an A-list performer, capping off a long career with a decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden.Wayne takes us through this breakthrough album for this week's podcast. Piano ManThe title track was written while Billy Joel was working at The Executive Room piano bar in Los Angeles, and is loosely based on the patrons that came through the bar told from the perspective of the piano player.  It would become both his signature song and synonymous with Joel.  "Son, can you play me a memory...I'm not really sure how it goes, but it's sad, and it's sweet, and I knew it complete when I wore a younger man's clothes."You're My HomeThis song was the B-side of the "Piano Man" single, so it did get some air play.  The song has a country feel, and was written for Joel's first wife.  He could not afford to buy her anything while in California between record deals, and he wrote it as a Valentine's present.  The Ballad of Billy the KidIf the last song was country, this next song is the Western.  This is an epic that pays tribute to a fictionalized Billy the Kid, telling a story of an outlaw in the Wild West.  The last verse switches to modern times, with Billy Joel taking the place of Billy the Kid, looking forward to new exploits.  Captain JackAn early live radio performance of this song is what got the attention of Columbia Records in the first place.  Joel wrote the song when living in Oyster Bay, Long Island, in an apartment from which he could see drug deals going down.  "Captain Jack" is the local drug dealer, and the song reflects the sadness that comes from a life in the grip of heroin.   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Gypsy Woman  by Bill Dean (from the motion picture "The Lords of Flatbush")This movie starred Henry Winkler and Sylvester Stallone before they became famous for playing The Fonz and Rocky respectively.  STAFF PICKS:For the Love of Money by the O'JaysBruce starts the staff picks with a well known funk tune that went to number 9 on the Billboard Singles chart.  This song takes its title from I Timothy 6:10, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in thier greediness, and pierced themselves through."  It also was Donald Trump's WWE entrance music.Benny and the Jets by Elton JohnLynch brings us another piano artist, singing about a fictional glam-rock band.  "Oh, but they're weird and they're wonderful.  Oh, Bennie, she's really keen.  She's got electric boots, a mohair suit, you know I read it in a magazine."  The lyrics are told from the perspective of a fan at a concert.Rikki Don't Lose that Number by Steely DanRob's staff pick is the lead track to Steely Dan's third album, "Pretzel Logic."  It is also their most commercially successful single, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The inspiration for this jazz-infused rock song was a New York writer and artist named Rikki Ducornet.  Future Eagles alum Timothy B. Schmit provides backing vocals.Bad Company by Bad CompanyWayne features a song that is from the self-titled album AND the self-titled group.  The inspiration for this song was a Clint Eastwood western, and it is both a lament and a celebration.  "Rebel souls, deserters we are called.  Chose a gun, and threw away the sun...". INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Tubular Bells by Mike OldfieldWe close out to a song that was both a hit at the time, and would be immortalized in the horror film "The Exorcist."  Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

When Paul refers to “the law,” what does he have in mind? Is it laws in general and how they work, or the commands of Christ specifically, or the Old Testament law in particular? And what does it mean for how we as Christians read and teach about “the law” today? But before we get to the question about law, there is another we need to tackle first. So let's approach  I Timothy 1:8–11 by asking (and answering) three questions. What is “sound doctrine” (v.10) How do Christians use the Old Testament Properly? (vs.8-10) Why is the “Glorious Gospel” so Good? (v.11) Contact us @ 4faithfoundations@gmail.com  

In his Confessions, Augustine dedicates the book's final section to reflecting on time. How do Christians live within time yet still live towards eternity, the telos of all time, the appointed time? Many Christians live in the past, bound by their memories, regrets and accomplishments, while others live in a state of anticipation, living in the future. But the past is past, never to return, and the future never exists in itself. We can get lost in the memory of—or anticipation of—non-existence. Rather than getting lost in time, Augustine explains how all time can be brought to immediate awareness in three different aspects. He writes: “The present considering the past is the memory, the present considering the present is immediate awareness, the present considering the future is expectation.” The only proper place for human attention is the present moment which ever presents itself. But this awareness must be “merged into” or brought before God Himself. The means that there is a need for humans to bring our existence in time to the eternal presence of God. We worship our way towards eternity. Our lives aim not to amass a hoard of things but to encounter God through sacred moments. Therefore, how we face time matters immensely. Christians sanctify or redeem time by bringing God's eternal reality into their present moment. The Church trains her sons and daughters to do this through the Sacraments in which God's own life is offered by grace. Through the sacraments the Church enters eternity, and most specially, the Holy Eucharist brings the faithful into the eternal moment of worship through the once for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Christians also encounter God through sacred moments as they follow the Church's calendar by dedicating the seasons and weeks to the life of Christ and his saints. Living according to the calendar of the Church helps Christians realize that eternity is not some future reality after death but the ever present and commanding reality in which time unfolds. These events marked history as such to influence the naming of two epochs, B.C. and A.D. – Before Christ and In the year of our Lord. How shall we engage with time? Redeeming time (KJV): Ephesians 5:15-20 Sanctifying time: Genesis 2:1-3 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. OK, God didn't rest because He was tired! Shabat is mainly used as “to cease, to stop.” All done! Instead of God doing more, He ceased from doing. And that's the idea of the 7th day … a pattern for us to cease from doing and “be” still (cease from striving) and know (wonder, contemplate, imagine, exalt) … that I am God. So God sanctified time sort of like we sanctify food … we approach food sometimes like it's something to be crammed and flushed out our bodies! Sanctifying creation: I Timothy 4:4-5 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. We make created things holy by the word of God and prayer. Holy time, Holy water, holy oil, holy communion, holy food, and so forth! Holy? To set apart with thanksgiving to the one who created it and gifted it to us! This is a call to live in a sacramental universe. To be a royal priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices until the Lord returns.

Harsh language is all over the Bible, but how should the Christian deal with it? Some struggle to process it, some choose to reject its message, but one thing is for sure in each instance and each context where something harsh is spoken by the Holy Spirit, it is right. As your hosts engage one particular passage in I Timothy, take a listen to the harsh words Paul tells Timothy. As your hosts bring out the text, may it be that you would marvel at the kindness of God to take drastic measures for the good of those He loves.Support the show

This episode is a fun Bible study from I Timothy 5:14. Let's do a word study, and learn how we can be the keeper at home that God would have us to be.Listen as Jackie discusses this topic more in depth.Support the showConnect with the ladies of Her Portion, HERE!

GRATITUDE STARTS AT HOME Colossians 3:14-15    “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of            perfectness.           And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are           called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Right before Paul speaks to the family in Col. 3:18-21, he calls on them to Love each other Let peace rule Learn to be Thankful   This passage in Colossians is a reflection of what Paul wrote to the Ephesians in Ephesians 5:20, “Giving Thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Which is followed by 5:22-6:4, Paul's “Hallmark” passage on marriage and family.) We can all look at the culture around us and recognize that entitlement and ungratefulness is rampant! There doesn't seem to be love and peace that Paul talks about in Col. 3. Is gratitude the key? Or A key? Our lives, our homes don't have to reflect the culture. We can have a “culture” of thankfulness in our homes, a place that fosters love and peace. 1.) Does gratitude matter? A.) Yes, because it is commanded and modeled in the Bible.   “give thanks”—71 verses “Thankful”—3 verses “thanksgiving”—27 verses.         (128 verses total) “thankfulness”—1 verse “thank”—26 verses   Psalm 30:12b, “…I will give thanks unto Thee for ever.” Psalm 100:4, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 107:1, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 147:7, “Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God.”     *Jesus modeled thankfulness:   Matthew 15:36, “And He took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.” (Mark 8:6, John 6:11) Matthew 26:27, “And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to the them, saying, Drink ye all of it;” (Mark 14:23, Luke 22:17 and 19) Matthew 11:25, “…Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father, …” (Luke 10:21, John 11:41     *Paul regularly gave thanks to God and others:   I Cor. 15:57, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” II Cor. 9:15, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” Eph. 1:6, “Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you  in my prayers.” Col. 1:3, “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.” I Thess. 3:9, “For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God.”     *And Paul (under Inspiration) gave commands to give thanks:   Eph. 5:4, “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” I Thess. 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Timothy 2:1, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;”     *Love is mentioned in the Bible over 280 times…peace is mentioned 400 times! Thankfulness is mentioned several times right along with them. Maybe the love and peace we crave is only one “Thank you” away.*     B.) Yes, because it improves your health, attitude, and relationships. “The importance of this matter of gratitude can hardly be overstated. I've come to believe that few things are more becoming in a child of God than a grateful spirit. By the same token, there is probably nothing that makes a person more unattractive than the absence of a grateful spirit.” Choosing Gratitude, NDW, p23. Prov. 15:13, “A merry heart taketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Proverbs 15:15, “All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Prov. 17:22, “A merry heart doth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drouth the bones.” (“A grateful heart is a happy heart.”)   An article by MayoClinic, December of 2022, adds, “Gratitude should be practiced daily, just as you'd take a ‘magic pill,' if it existed.” They added that practicing gratitude could lessen chronic pain and the risk of disease.   Gratitude improves our countenance, perspective, and outlook, making us much easier to be around or live with.   Grumpy people  vs Happy people Prickly people vs Gentle people Irrational people vs Restful people On Edge people vs At Ease people (go with the flow) Negative people vs Positive people Doom and Gloom people vs Scriptural people Entitled people vs Grateful people It may be that your personality leans toward “glass half empty,” rather than “glass half full,” but a grateful heart will temper your emotions and allow your loved ones to enjoy you better.

What did you think? Text us! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address.In this episode, host, David Nakhla is joined by deacon John Stahl (Immanuel OPC, Wilmington, DE), deacon John Voss (Covenant OPC, Orland Park, IL) and pastor Adrian Crum (Harvest OPC, Wyoming, MI) to discuss our fist set of listener questions, from Caleb in Phoenix, Arizona, all related to I Timothy 5:3-16. This is an insightful, yet complex passage regarding widows and how they are to be regarded and provided for by the church. Caleb's questions:1. How should deacons interact with people asking for help when they have not yet asked their family for it? Verse four basically implies it's first the family's job then the church's job right? And is it the deacons job to go to the family asking for money on behalf of the person, or just telling them to ask and then come back if they refuse? Just overall I wonder what that interaction should look like. Have you ever had to enact church discipline on family members unwilling to provide for a widow (since they are "worse than an unbeliever")? Also, do you think this also applies to people with only unbelieving family?2. How do deacons (or how SHOULD they) deal with the command to "refuse to enroll younger widows" (v. 11) and basically refuse to help people that could change their own circumstance (get remarried?) Is Paul referring to this group of "widows" widely and generally. Some of these concepts probably have to carry over to widowers as well so how do you decide what is specific to that time period and what is prescribed for today's church?3. Similarity to #2, how should deacons focus on the godliness of those asking for help? Verses 9-10 seem to say that they must have shown exceptional godliness to be enrolled. (is there something special about this term "enrollment" compared to general financial help?) How do deacons differentiate between a request of a very godly member of the church compared to a spiritually lukewarm member (or an outside unbeliever asking for help)?Although our panel doesn't pretend to have all the answers, we hope you will find the discussion to be insightful, helpful and scripturally based.If you have questions you'd like more insight on, please be sure to email us: mail@thereformeddeacon.org.Referenced in this episode: Hebrews 3:131 Timothy 5:4The Deacon: The Biblical Roots and the Ministry of Mercy Today1 Corinthians 7:37Hebrews 13:17You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.

Student Takeover Sunday | November 10, 2024Pastor Wes Morris Proverbs 4:1-7 (TLB) Young men, listen to me as you would to your father. Listen, and grow wise, for I speak the truth—don't turn away. For I, too, was once a son, tenderly loved by my mother as an only child, and the companion of my father. He told me never to forget his words. “If you follow them,” he said, “you will have a long and happy life. Learn to be wise,” he said, “and develop good judgment and common sense! I cannot overemphasize this point.” Cling to wisdom—she will protect you. Love her—she will guard you.Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And with your wisdom, develop common sense and good judgment.James 1:2-4 (TLB) Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. √ Choices√ Habits√ Automatic√ Identity√ Nature II Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  IT'S YOUR CHOICE I. I'M CHOOSING GOD'S PLAN FOR MY LIFE. I Timothy 4:12 (NLT) Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. II. I'M CHOOSING TO WALK IN PURITY.II Timothy 2:22 (NLT) Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. III. I'M CHOOSING TO FIND MY IDENTITY IN CHRIST.Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Send us a textEpisode 19, “Step into His Presence: The Holy Ghost”Hello and welcome to Episode 19 of our series “Step into His Presence.” Today, we are stepping into the presence of the Holy Spirit, also known as the Holy Ghost. My name is Stephanie Wright, and I am your host for today's episode.Before we start, you can enjoy Episode 18, a flashback video on our YouTube channel @cgmissionsinc celebrating our 20th anniversary in missions. Okay, it's time to step into His presence.Next year, on March 23, I will celebrate 50 years since I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord. That was March 23, 1975. I have traveled for 50 years with another friend. My friend isn't male or female, he or she, but my friend is a spirit. You guessed it, the Holy Spirit or the Holy Ghost. I was compelled to talk about the Holy Spirit because some of us have relegated Him to a bit part in a major production—our lives—instead of giving Him equal billing with the Father and the Son. It is no offense to the Father and Son if we recognize the Holy Spirit. They are not rivals with one another because they are One God in three distinct persons—the Trinity. They work in concert to fulfill the requests presented to the throne of God.           We have forgotten the Spirit's purpose in our lives. The Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit back to earth to indwell and empower us. That's what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8. “But you shall receive power (Dunamis) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”           The Holy Spirit has a specific work to do on earth. That work is to be our intercessor between earth and heaven—an intercessor for advocating or advising in any situation. So, when we have circumstances that we don't fully understand—and there are many of those—we have to trust the Holy Spirit to intercede for us. The Holy Spirit knows how to interpret what we need for God to do. Romans 8:26 says, Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.I explained in an earlier podcast that the Holy Spirit is our advocate, like an attorney or lawyer. So, let's think of it like this. You go to an attorney and explain what you need done. Your attorney will not go to the court and use your exact words. She will qualify or break down what you said into legal terminology so the judge understands your request. Most likely, what you say would not be in the language a judge would comprehend, but your lawyer will precisely and effectively word your request so that it is understood perfectly by the judge. That's what the Spirit does for us. We say Holy Spirit, this is what I need. The Holy Spirit intercedes for you in heaven with the perfectly worded request. Then Jesus—seated at the right hand of God as our mediator with God—finalizes the request to God and God answers. I Timothy 2:5 and Mark 16:19. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of  . . . Go to the transcript for the rest of theIf you want to contact us or comment on this podcast, please visit our website at cgmissions.com/podcast, where all episodes are available by category in series format. You can see the most recent video and audio podcasts at: www.youtube.com/@cgmissionsinc then select from the video or podcast"Playlist." CGM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations may be made on our website: https://www.cgmissions.com/donate-here/

If God Desires All Men to Be Saved, Why Aren't They? Part 2 I Timothy 2

If God Desires All Men to Be Saved, Why Aren't They? Part 2 I Timothy 2

If God Desires All Men to Be Saved, Why Aren't They? Part 2 I Timothy 2

If God Desires All Men to Be Saved, Why Aren't They? Part 1 I Timothy 2

If God Desires All Men to Be Saved, Why Aren't They? Part 1 I Timothy 2

If God Desires All Men to Be Saved, Why Aren't They? Part 1 I Timothy 2

In this message from Pastor Michael, we examine I Timothy 4 and how Paul says we can live as Christ-followers.Four Chapters Pt. 3 // Pastor Michael Norman

I Timothy

 Sep 1, 2024  GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCHNeil McClendon, Lead PastorWhat You Should Expect From Church LeadershipActs 20:17-381. Knowable, v. 182. Servant, v. 193. Honest, v. 204. Spirit-led, v. 225. People with an “if only…", v. 246. Kingdom driven, v. 257. Gospel intentionality, v. 268. Materially content, v. 33-35Mental worship…1.   Based on this morning, how are you led to pray for our church leadership?2.   What about the way Paul served the church most resonates with you? 3.   What is your “if only?” 4.   Do you consider yourself intentional with the Gospel?5.   What would be the most helpful part of I Timothy 6:6-10 for you to  embrace these days?6.   Is your life making a distinct sound such that those around you know they need to get ready for something?

Welcome to a sneak peek of the Bonus Q&A episode, part of the Theology in the Raw premium subscription. In the full episode, we discuss: 0:00 Introduction 0:11 Can you give a short explanation of the discussion surrounding the new perspective on Paul that is understandable to the layperson? 14:05 What would you say to someone saying that the Holy Spirit can guide us to violence? 17:44 Does Matthew 5:41 teach we shouldn't resist evildoers at all? 19:02. Was Eve deceived because of the order of creation or because she was not instructed by God? 26:05 Another Exiles in Babylon conference in Denver? 26:50 Ephesians 4:5--is one baptism referring to water baptism or the baptism of the Holy Spirit? 27:39 Frank Turek and Paul Copan recently discussed a just war and Hamas--would you have them on your podcast? Does just war apply? 34:54 How do we take our Christian beliefs into account when voting? Is there a way to think about how to vote? 36:55 Is there one thing you wish your detractors knew about what you teach and believe? 40:00 How would you steel-man an encounter with a Christian who believes in the flat-earth theory? 42:47 How would you respond to a married lesbian couple asking to dedicate their child in the service? 44:06 How would you steal-man and LGTBQ+ affirming theology?? 50:15 Is Genesis 2:7 analogous to I Timothy 3:16--"God breathed?" 53:02. Have there been any modern attempts at the creeds? Is the closest thing a denominational statement of faith? 54:22. What are your thoughts on Julie Rodgers' book "Outlove?" 55:57. Do you have a specific framework you use when exploring new topics? I'm interested in studying how the Bible addresses health. Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices