Podcast appearances and mentions of John R Stott

Guided Question: How does Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 7 shape our understanding of singleness, marriage, and undistracted devotion to Christ, and what practical applications does it have for Christians today? Summary: Dr. Robert Lewis explores 1 Corinthians 7 with a focus on singleness, showing how Paul's guidance offers both theological insight and practical wisdom. The single life, Paul argues, has distinct advantages over married life, particularly in the ability to devote oneself fully to Christ without divided interests. While marriage is not condemned, the single life allows greater flexibility, opportunity, and focus for spiritual service, and may even be the ideal lifestyle for some. Dr. Lewis emphasizes that singleness should be viewed as a gift and opportunity, not a restriction, and encourages both singles and married Christians to live with eternity in mind, subordinating temporal concerns to their devotion to God. The sermon also touches on widows, showing that older widows who dedicate their lives to Christ serve as examples of purpose and vitality, inspiring the church. Throughout, practical illustrations, historical examples, and anecdotes highlight how undistracted devotion can impact individuals and the broader Christian community. Outline: Introduction Recognition of the increasing number of singles in the church. Importance of addressing singles directly (1 Corinthians 7). Paul's Instructions on Singleness “Now concerning virgins…”: Paul's opinion is trustworthy, guided by the Spirit. Conditions for remaining single (verses 25–35): Temporal considerations: “present distress” in the first-century church. Theological considerations: “time has been shortened,” eternal perspective prioritizes Christ over marriage. Advantages of Singleness Undistracted devotion to the Lord (verses 32–34). Flexibility and freedom to serve. Opportunity to focus on prayer, study, ministry, and service without divided interests. Practical Illustrations Daily life comparisons between singles and married individuals. Anecdotes emphasizing the freedom and productivity of single life. Historical examples of influential singles (Joseph, C.S. Lewis, John R. Stott, Billy Graham's mentors, etc.). Conditions for Choosing Singleness Verse 36–38: Control: ability to resist sinful desires. Conviction: firm decision in one's heart to remain single for undistracted devotion. Marriage is permissible if control or conviction is lacking. Widows and Dedication to Christ 1 Timothy 5:9: Recognition of widows committed to service. Older widows serve as examples of purpose, vitality, and ongoing mission. Conclusion & Practical Application Singles: embrace advantages, focus on God, use time and energy wisely. Married individuals: remember marriage is temporary in light of eternity. Life's ultimate focus should be Jesus Christ, not temporal concerns. Encouragement to serve God undistractedly, impacting church and world. Key Takeaways: Singleness is a gift and an opportunity for spiritual focus and ministry. Marriage is not wrong, but it inherently divides attention between family and God. Temporal concerns (career, wealth, social expectations) should not overshadow devotion to Christ. Undistracted devotion requires both control over desires and conviction in one's heart. Widows who dedicate their lives to God exemplify purposeful living beyond marriage. Historical examples demonstrate the lasting impact of single individuals in God's kingdom. Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 7:1–40 – Paul's instructions on marriage and singleness. Hebrews 10:32–34 – The “present distress” of first-century Christians. Matthew 22:30 – Marriage does not exist in the resurrection. 2 Peter 3:15 – Paul's letters recognized as Scripture. 1 Timothy 5:9 – Guidelines for recognizing widows dedicated to Christ. Recorded 10/11/81

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Faith is a reasoning trust, a trust which reckons thoughtfully and confidently upon the trustworthiness of God.”~John R. Stott (1921-2011), English minister and author “…in the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship.”~David Foster Wallace (1962-2008), celebrated American writer “I can safely say, on the authority of all that is revealed in the Word of God, that any man or woman… who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven.”~A.W. Tozer (1897-1963), American pastor and author “Grief has limits, whereas apprehension has none. For we grieve only for what we know has happened, but we fear all that possibly may happen.”~Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) “Dump a year's supply of manna into cold storage and, guaranteed, you will forget God until the supply disappears… Do you see how this is exactly what we need? Fears and worries live in the future, trying to assure a good outcome in a potentially hard situation. The last thing they want to do is trust anyone, God included. To thwart this tendency toward independence, God only gives us what we need when we need it. The emerging idea is that he wants us to trust him in the future rather than our self-protective plan.”~Ed Welch, Professor of Practical Theology and author of Running Scared: Fear, Worry and the God of RestSERMON PASSAGEHebrews 12:18-29 (ESV) 18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 11:1-2, 23-31 July 13, 2025 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “Faith is a reasoning trust, a trust which reckons thoughtfully and confidently upon the trustworthiness of God.” ~ John R. Stott (1921-2011), English minister and author “Faith, if it is to be sure and steadfast, must lay hold upon […]

Psalm 37 September 3, 2023 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “Faith is a reasoning trust, a trust which reckons thoughtfully and confidently upon the trustworthiness of God.” ~ John R. Stott (1921-2011), English minister and author “How many of our sleepless hours might be traced to our untrusting and disordered […]

"Behold what a Morning!" An Easter Sunday. The third sermon of the Easter series by Pastor Gideon Mpeni This is a record of the exclusive appearance of Jesus Christ to his own disciples, a dramatic day that turned hearts of these men and women 1. The Disciples Curious and yet Confused to believe the Scriptures (v.1-10) 2. Sorrow turned to Joy (v. 11-18) 3. The Cowards are commissioned (v.19-23) 4. Faith turned to sight (v.24-29) Jesus' death on the cross paid the penalty for our sin and was raised from the Grave. The result is forgiveness, justification, imputation of righteousness, and our acceptance as children into God's family with Jesus as our Lord and brother. Conversely, Scripture is clear that the resurrection of Jesus is both a matter of fact and faith. The historical fact is that Jesus Christ alone has risen from death. Martin Luther: “Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection not in words alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” John R. Stott: “Christianity is in its very essence a resurrection religion. The concept of resurrection lies at its heart. If you remove it, Christianity is destroyed.” As we Paul sums up in 1 Corinthians 15. There we are told that if Jesus did not bodily rise is victory over death, then Christianity is nothing more than a cruel hoax dreamt up by liars to give false hope to gullible fools. Take Time and listen. NOTICE GET THE VIDEO VERSION ON OUR Facebook and YouTube PLATFORMS

His authority on earth allows us to dare to go to all the nations. His authority in heaven gives us our only hope of success. And His presence with us leaves us no other choice. John R. Stott We follow the One with authority… Continue Reading "Authority and Presence"

Luke 9:22-23; Luke 12:22-32 January 10, 2021 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “Faith is a reasoning trust, a trust which reckons thoughtfully and confidently upon the trustworthiness of God.” ~ John R. Stott (1921-2011), English minister and author “Faith is not a refuge from reality. It is a demand that […]

Luke 9:22-23; Luke 12:22-32 January 10, 2021 preached by Pastor Doug Cooper Download Time of Reflection Quotations “Faith is a reasoning trust, a trust which reckons thoughtfully and confidently upon the trustworthiness of God.” ~ John R. Stott (1921-2011), English minister and author “Faith is not a refuge from reality. It is a demand that […]