EASTER: FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE

April 09, 2023

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Everyone seems to have a champion, don’t they? Although we know as Christians that our own Champion is Jesus Christ, the truth is that most people regard actors/actresses, political figures, or even people within the hierarchy of an organization as their champions. It may even be an older sibling. The definite probability is that a hero will eventually fall, and with that fall comes a feeling to the one who has held him/her in high esteem that no-one can be trusted. But that’s not so with Jesus. He’s everything—even when the people of His day thought He was a loser and, hoped, dead and buried, that would be the end of the story. Little did they realize that over two thousand years later, His life would still be celebrated, His word trusted, His person worshiped. If it seems He has let you down, it’s because you don’t see Him correctly, for He’s completely trustworthy. He is not a Loser!

Focal Passage: John 19:28-30, 20:24-31.

Before His death

· Read John 19:28-30. From the moment in the Garden when Jesus had been kissed by Judas, what were some of the actions that were taken against Him? Have you ever assumed that He had somehow called on His Godhead in order to endure the pain? He did not! How do we know He felt the pain?

· Even on the Cross, Jesus was completely aware of events, although the pain was excruciating. What are some evidences of this statement?

· When Jesus said “It is finished,” what was He thinking of? Why do you know that it was not the hours before His death that He was referring to?

After His death

· Read John 19:31-37. Why did John report that Jesus did not remain on the Cross during the Sabbath, and why include the issue of His bones not being broken?

· Read verses 38-42. Though Joseph of Arimathea was afraid of the Jews, why was he willing to come forward to offer his tomb for Jesus? What could they do to Joseph? Why were so many pounds of spices taken to anoint His body?

· Why did the men not believe the ladies who saw Him, and knew He was alive?

After His resurrection

· What were some of the occurrences that happened when the ladies and the disciples began heading for (and entering) the tomb? Would we have had these same surreal feelings as well?

· Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. How many people saw Jesus after His resurrection? How could they have doubted that it was truly Him? If your parent or sibling died, then appeared alive, how would you react? Would you know them?

· Read John 20:24-29. When the rest of the disciples were in the room with the risen Lord, without Thomas, what was his reaction once he had been told that he had missed seeing Jesus? Why did Jesus give him another chance when He appeared again in the same place? What encouragement does that give us to keep on keeping on, when we have made a mistake or sinned?

The never-ending truth of Easter is that Christians serve a Risen Lord and Savior, not someone in a grave. The Old Testament was filled with prophecies that He fulfilled, foretelling His birth, death, and resurrection. It all happened. It also includes that He has promised to return—which could be any moment. Are you ready? It’s not your good deeds, nor your sweet spirit, your love for others, or your kind heart. The only question that will matter is, “What did you do with Jesus Christ?” Read the Bible. Find the passages that give you trouble and seek the answers until you find them. He is waiting—and loving—you.

Close:

Many years ago, during the destruction of the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and the flight in Pennsylvania, over and over you could hear the cry, “How could someone hate this much [enough to kill thousands of people]?” It seemed impossible to comprehend the amount of anger and hatred required to do so much killing.

In the same way, the death of Jesus Christ brought—on a smaller scale—the same type of feeling: how could His own people and religious leaders hate someone so much that they were willing to watch, thrilled, as Jesus was beaten beyond recognition, until His body could almost no longer live, be nailed to a cross, and finally die? Yet for what reasons besides hate and jealousy? It defies the sensibilities of most of us.

And yet—He knew before the night began that the Cross was the reason He came. From the foundation of the world, and all because of love. He loved us so much that He was willing to go, beaten within an inch of His life, to the Cross, then be buried in a borrowed tomb. Can you imagine what it must have felt like, three days later, for His heart to begin beating again and to walk out of the tomb? He’s alive today. Ask any Christian who loves Him with a saving love: they’ll say, “I know because ‘He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; and the joy we share, as we tarry there, no other will ever know.’ *

By Sandy Day

April 09, 2023

*Miles, C. Austin, “In the Garden,” 1912.

CONFLICT REVOLUTION: I ONCE WAS BLIND BUT NOW I SEE

March 26, 2023

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

When Jesus came to earth, His mission was to bring a New Covenant, not only for His chosen people—Israel—but also all nations. Forgiveness of sins for the repentant believer and eternal life now became available to all people. However, religious leaders did not want a “New” Covenant, but persisted in the Law given to Moses. As He taught the masses, healing diseases, raising the dead, and many other signs prophesied in the Bible, conflict arose. For the three years of His active ministry, He was constantly in conflict as we will see in today’s sermon. Join our service as Pastor Jonathan teaches how conflict revolution can be conflict resolution.

Focal Passage: John 9:1-38.

1. Conflict with sin

· Read John 9:1-2. Let’s be honest—when a friend or family member has a bad problem, how many of us have questioned if there might be sin involved? Read verse 3. Why do our minds rarely wonder if the situation has occurred in order to show God’s glory? Why are we so quick to often think the worst of people?

· What are some conflicts you can think of in the Bible? In each example, who was at fault? Will there always be conflict between believers and non-believers? Who is behind this (ultimately)?

· When did the first sin occur? What are some instances in Scripture when Satan was in conflict with Jesus? How long will this continue? What is his end?

2. Conflict with friends

· Read John 9:4-6. How long had this man been blind? Why did Jesus notice him? We know little else about this man until the end of the story; how did he know enough about Jesus to obey His instructions to go to the Pool of Siloam?

· The friends and neighbors avoided admitting this man was their friend. Why would they do that? Read verses 8-10. Do you think fear may have been at the root of their disbelief? Read verses 11-12. Why were his “friends” so adamant that the blind man’s sight had been restored by a means other than Jesus?

· How is this analogous for those today who will not admit to being a Christ-follower to their “friends” as they might get shunned? Read John 12:42-43. How does this apply to us today?

· Read Proverbs 12:26. If you have friends who do not confess Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, who will influence the other more? What should you do?

3. Conflict with leaders

· Read John 9:13-17. What were the religious leaders supposed to do for the common people? Why were they held in such high esteem in Jesus’ day? Is this still the case today? Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Discuss these verses.

· What was their main problem? What were some of the conflicts they had with Jesus? Read Acts 5:33-40. Why were they not able to tolerate Him, as they had some of the others? Why were they not thrilled with the result of the blind man being able to see? Why did they persist in denying that God was visiting them?

4. Conflict with family

· Read John 9:18-21? Why does it sound as though the parents were “throwing their son under the bus”? If this was your (older) child, what would your feelings be? Read verse 22. How does being thrown out of a church compare with the miracle Jesus had just performed on their son?

· How many times a day does Jesus do amazing things for us, and we let them pass by? How can we teach ourselves to be grateful for the bounty with which He blesses us? Why do we not always give testimony of His abundant power?

5. Revolution in Christ

· Read verses 35-38. Why did Jesus have to be the One to seek the man He had healed? As soon as Jesus spoke, the man realized who Jesus was. What does he now do? How has his response changed since earlier verses?

· There are people in our church who are receiving major healing, major miracles, or major aid from Jesus every day, yet why are we not aware of it? Is it because we feel perhaps “the doctors must have missed something” –or some other excuse, rather than exuberant worship as a congregation?

Application:

1) Even today, people still refuse to believe the miraculous grace and mercy found in Christ. Celebrate it anyway!

2) Do not allow the fear of man to interfere with our faith in God.

3) Continue to worship Him even when it is clear you may worship alone.

Close:

There is only one solution for being the man in this miraculous healing. His testimony became condensed in the words, “though I was blind, now I see!” To meet the Lord Jesus and experience His work in your life will give you a testimony you want to share with everyone, whether they believe you or not. Glorifying God for His goodness to you will cause you to love Him more and more. Worship Him! Glorify Him! By Sandy Day March 26, 2023

CONFLICT REVOLUTION: CLEANING THE HOUSE

March 12, 2023

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

If you are someone who perhaps is OCD, if anything in your house is out of place, it drives you nuts until it’s corrected. Others adhere to the old saying “My house is clean enough to be healthy, but dirty enough to be happy!” Another group doesn’t notice unkempt conditions until the moment they can’t move safely from room to room. But what about your personal house? Not the physical building you inhabit, but your body? Are you constantly aware that, as a believer, you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and your body is the temple of God? Do you perform sacrifices with it, such as praise, thankfulness, obedience, and even presenting your body as a living sacrifice daily? Do you clean it every day, making sure no sin or uncleanness gets a toe-hold? Join Pastor Jonathan as he begins a new series on Conflict Revolution.

Focal Passage: John 2:13-25.

Jesus cares about His house

· Read John 2:13-16. From the time of the temple King Solomon built, how have places of worship for God been revered? Depending on your generation, what are some of the standards you may recall for the church because it was considered to be a place of “holiness,” much more so than a school or store?

· What are some of the “do’s and don’ts” that you were raised with concerning the church? What were some things that were unique to a church building, in order to set it apart? Ultimately, does it matter where people meet in order to worship Jesus Christ?

· Read 1 Cor. 6:19-20. How can we apply these same principles for our body that we do to our church or home? What are some steps we can take to clean our temple? Read 1 John 2:16. How do we keep these evils away from our temple? Read Psa. 24:3-5. Why is this a good way to do a self-exam? Can you list other passages that help us check our hearts and actions often?

The purpose of His house is to point to His work

· Read John 2:17-22. What was the purpose of the inner Jewish court of the original temple? How did the reason for meeting with God point people to Christ?

· When God’s presence resided in the Holy of Holies, would the High Priests have permitted unclean worship or activities to take place there? As churches began to spring up around the world, what was the original focus at that time? Why has their honor and sanctity faded over the years? Do people see God at work today as much as in the past?

· Read Psa. 73: 25-26 and 1 Cor. 10:31. What was the original reason God created man? What did God say when Adam and Eve were created (Gen. 1:31)? Read Psa. 29:2. The “chief end” of man is to give God glory. What are some ways in which you do that daily?

· Scroll through John 6 and list some of the miracles performed by Jesus. Read John 6:30. Why would the people ask for a sign, considering what they had already witnessed? Why were they not convinced of His deity, as witnessed by the fulfilment of prophecies?

Believing in His work is different than believing in Him

· Read James 2:19 and Matt. 7: 21-23. What point was being made about belief in Jesus as a person? Why do people still see Him only as a “good” man who lived and taught? Read 1 John 5:20 and John 1:14. Is there any doubt that Jesus is the Son of God?

· Read Matt. 11:2-6 and Isaiah 35:5-6a. Why were the religious leaders intent on not looking at the works Jesus was doing, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies?

Application: 1) Recognize the importance of the House of God 2) Dig deeper into the present work of Jesus in your life and in the world 3) Fixing your eyes on Jesus as Savior of the world will keep you from being fixated on “working your way to Heaven”

Close:

Often we hear friends or acquaintances say “I have no idea how people make it without God!” There probably is no statement that illuminates our love-relationship with God more than this, knowing that whatever comes our way, God already has our back. As mentioned last week, no amount of knowledge of the Bible can possibly make up for the personal relationship that your prayer time creates between God and you—His beloved child.

However, He was not what the people expected. Their minds were so made up with their own ideas of what He would be like that they failed to recognize Him when He came—these men who had “degrees” after their names, filled with knowledge of the Scriptures yet unable to discern that the works He was doing validated that He was the Son of God. Whether He was teaching in the synagogue or driving moneychangers out of the temple, He was acting with unparalleled authority.

Is He what you expected? When He answers a prayer differently than you wish, do you rail at Him? Want to give up? Scream that you hate Him? And yet, how much time do you take to look at the lives of others, realizing you could have it so very much worse. You’ll offer God the ultimate gift of being a living sacrifice if you trust Him each and every day, especially those days when things are so bad, when hurts are so painful, and when tragedy is waiting at the corner. Be that revolutionary who doesn’t have to have things go your way every time you pray, but continually give Him the sacrifice of Praise, the sacrifice of Thanksgiving, the sacrifice of Obedience, and the sacrifice of a Broken Heart because of your sin. Give Him the love and trust He deserves from you.

By Sandy Day March 12, 2023

COMPASS: KEYS TO LIVING THE GOLDEN RULE

February 26, 2023

Pastor Charles Billingsley

“Don’t judge!” This verse, Matthew 7:1, is being referred to as the new John 3:16 in the world as so many seek an “anything goes” lifestyle with no condemnation. But what was Jesus saying? What did He mean? Today we continue our series from the Sermon on the Mount, as we listen to Jesus expound to His listeners the way God desires His children to live in the new Kingdom that was being established on earth. This most powerful of sermons touched on the two important relationships, man and God and man to man—with the Bible as our moral compass.

Focal Passage: Matthew 7:1-12.

Don’t Judge

· Don’t judge unfairly: Read Matt. 7:1-2. What are some of the areas in which we tend to judge people? Often, what do we really know about the person whom we are judging (in our mind, heart or with our mouth)? What is so wrong about judging them without knowing what problems they face, or their history?

· Don’t judge superficially: Read John 7:24. What did Jesus mean? How can you train yourself to “look beneath the surface”? What are some factors of the history or upbringing that could play a large role in someone’s actions, opening them up to criticism? Why is it possible that our hypocritical attitude is not biblically based but a personal preference?

· Don’t judge hypocritically: Read Matt. 7:3-5. Why do we think that criticizing someone else’s sins will make our own look so much better? What does this sinful thought process show us about our own heart? What reasons might there be that church folk are among the greatest offenders of judging unfairly, superficially, or hypocritically?

Learn to discern the Dogs and Hogs

· Read Matt. 7:6. Who is Jesus speaking to? What is His point in this verse? If He was giving a blanket statement of not judging, how would we know who those are who hate the truth?

· Read Matt. 13:58, and 10:11-14, 16. Did Jesus believe the disciples had enough wisdom to judge with righteous judgment? What does this statement mean: “Use wisdom before treating holy things as holy but don’t treat unholy things as holy”?

Instead of pointing, start praying

· Being critical of other people may be something “everyone is doing” but is it still a sin in God’s eyes? How can we develop the habit of redirecting our thoughts into righteous discernment of someone’s actions?

· Read Matt. 7:7. How are we to pray? Read Romans 12:12, Eph. 6:18, Phil. 4:6, 1 Thess. 5:17. How can you train yourself to have a deeper and more meaningful prayer life?

Be active, not passive

· Read Matt. 7:12. What is the difference between being “reactive,” and being “proactive”? How can you be proactive with this verse? How can you discipline yourself to look at someone with the objective “What can I do for them,” rather than waiting to see what they can do for you?

Always err on the side of Grace

· Why should a believer administer Grace whenever possible to people?

· When is the last time you received grace, when you perhaps deserved justice? Read James 2:13. Which would you rather God gave you—mercy (grace) or justice? Don’t forget to give grace to others during your day (like drivers, cashiers, waitresses, etc.)!

Close:

Generations ago, children who walked to school were taught to “Stop! Look! Listen!” as they crossed roads where a car might be coming unseen. This is excellent advice for training our heart to be less of a hypocrite. Criticizing other people, especially those in the church who are our brothers and sisters, is a harsh judgment fostered by our own insecurities. What are some reasons we judge the motives, intentions, or even—God help us!—their salvation, based on our own moral perception of their lifestyle? There may be several reasons, but none are pretty.

One reason might be the insecurity in our own hearts. Are we trying to appear godlier than those we criticize, who (we think) are showing their appearance in a certain area to be not on a par with our own? Do we remember God is looking at the heart? Another reason might be that we want to be noticed by the hierarchy of the church: perhaps we hope the pastor himself—next in line after God!—will think we are so much more than we are. Well, our critical attitude will soon eradicate that! And another reason is that possibly, just possibly, our criticism is valid. Maybe her dress is so very short, or you can see straight through it, or her blouse covers almost nothing or their car is a Tesla! But what do you know about their heart? In these and many more scenarios, our judgmental spirit will show that we consider ourselves to be worthy of being a judge—but be careful, for, as James tells us, these have evil motives.

What do we do? Run to God in prayer, repent quickly, and let Him clean your heart. Then go back to last week’s “Close” on the sermon study Group Time and reapply the principles of a new prayer life. Get yourself in line with God’s standards and soon you may want to meet the people you are tempted to criticize. Possibly they are placed in your life so you to get to know and love them! Now wouldn’t that be amazing?

By Sandy Day February 26, 202

COMPASS: MONEY MATTERS

February 12, 2023

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Today we build further upon the short topics that Jesus Christ addressed while He was preaching the lengthy lesson that has come to be known as “The Sermon on the Mount.” After teaching the people the Beatitudes, He began with subjects that needed refocusing from overt actions to heart attitudes: [you are told to] … but [God’s ideal is]. The topic of giving of one’s money is an area where the attitude of the heart matters as much as the gift, for God wants the giver to have a motive of supplying the needs of another, not to be done for self-glorification or “look what I gave” to God. A sensitive subject for some, but we keep in mind that if His words provoke irritation, there might be a rebuke that needs to be taken to the Savior for cleansing.

Focal Passages: Matthew 6:1-4, 19-34.

The Gift That Gives

· Read Matt. 6:1-4. What is Jesus admonishing against in verse 1? In Scripture, what are some other actions we are told not to do with a motive of receiving praise from men? Why is that a problem? Read Luke 18:9-14. What was the Pharisee looking for? What is the root of the problem when hoping for man’s praise?

· In verse 2, why did Jesus say “when” you do a deed? What was assumed here? What law concerning giving do you see operating here? Who owns everything you have? Why should you be rewarded at all for giving of your resources to serve those in need?

· What are some ways you could be blessed openly by giving according to God’s ideal? Read Proverbs 11:25 and 22:9. What should motivate our giving from the heart?

The Gift That Destroys

· Read Matt. 6:19-24. What are some ways in which we can store up treasures for ourselves? What are some of our treasures? Are there things in your home you feel would completely devastate you to lose to a thief? What are some?

· Do you have things in your home that you are holding until you hear of a need? What are some of those? Have you taken steps to let people know they are available?

· Can anyone honestly say they spend no time worrying about their treasures? Meanwhile, are you trying to accumulate more of the same? Have you examined your heart attitude toward these things? Why is it wrong to worry (Phil. 4:6-7)?

The Gift That Sustains

· Read Matt. 6:25-26. What is the subject Jesus deals with in this passage? Why is it a waste

of time to worry? Read Luke 12:29-31. How is this the correct heart attitude for receiving blessings from God? How can you stay passionate about sharing whatever you have whenever possible?

· Do we bear responsibility for the way someone uses our gift? Why or why not?

· Read Luke 12:42-48. Can someone paraphrase the words of Jesus? Do you examine yourself to know you are being a faithful steward of what God has given you?

· Why do we worry? What does worry achieve?

· How do we learn to trust God fully? Is it possible to get past worrying? Can you seek Him fully? Read Matt. 6:33-34. How can you do this?

Application:

· Use an open grip to hold on to what He’s blessed you with.

· Recognize the real value of your time, talents, and treasure.

· When fear grips you, let go and let God do what He does best.

Close:

Do you find the “law in your members” that there seems to be a difference between faith and trust? Often, it seems there is. We have faith that Jesus Christ came from Heaven, fully God, yet fully man, was born as a baby in a manger, grew (just as we do) to adulthood, began a public ministry, healed, taught, and fulfilled Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah. He was beaten, crucified on a cross, buried in a borrowed tomb, and on the third day He rose again to new life—all to pay the debt of our sin. He was seen by many, and after forty days ascended back to Heaven where He waits for the Father’s word to come get His children. That’s the gospel—the good news—that we believe, embrace, and devote our lives to.

Ah, but what do we do about our wayward child who’s left the church and living a sinful lifestyle; or an unsaved parent who manifests all the characteristics of a wicked person; or a bank account that must be overseen constantly …? Where is your faith? Are you trusting?

Are you praying for any or all situations that can totally unglue you? If you are, why are you still worrying? You’ve given it to God, asking Him to help you with each situation. Can you leave it with Him? Do you need assurance that He loves your family member as much as you do? Trusting is an act of the will. When the thought crosses your mind as a random arrow to undo you, stop! Tell God you are sorry—the thought was not intentional, you don’t wish to tarnish the trust you have placed in Him, and repent. Give Him back the problem. Keep doing it. Look back at your life: has He been faithful all the way? Then He will continue to be. Give Him the honor He deserves by truly trusting Him to make a way. You may not know the answer. That’s okay. He’ll still be faithful. And now apply it to those areas where you are still weak, like your money, your marriage, your work. Take one step and do what’s right. It will get easier the further you walk with Him.

 

By Sandy Day

February 12, 2023

COMPASS: WHAT SALT AND LIGHT LOOK LIKE

January 29, 2023

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

We all know that Jesus appeared on the scene in Nazareth as the child of Mary and (supposedly) her carpenter husband, Joseph. At thirty years of age, Jesus began His ministry by selecting twelve men to train as apostles while traveling around to cities and towns in Israel. The people soon flocked to hear this “new” doctrine, as taught by this Man who also healed. They were hungry to hear Him speak and listened closely as He told them what they needed to do, how they needed to act with each other, and how to become saved from their sin debt to have eternal life. Now, years later, we still need to know how to be all that Jesus desires us to be. Today, we continue our series “Compass” as we hear what Jesus said about being a disciple.

Focal Passage: Matthew 5:17-30

“Why I’ve Come”

· Read Matt. 5:17-19. What was available to the people of Jesus’ day that taught them how to please God? Where could they hear God’s Word? What was the Old Testament trying to accomplish?

· What kind of reputation did the Scribes and Pharisees, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, have? Read Matt. 23:13,23, and 27. What was the hope for common people?

· Read Matt. 26:55. Who was the Author of the Old Testament? How important was it to Jesus? Did He have any intention of abolishing the OT for a new set of laws? Jesus came to “fulfill” the Law and Prophets: what did He mean by fulfill? How much should we know, read, and love the OT? Can you defend your answer?

“What You Should Do”

· Read Matt. 5:20. How did the common people revere the Pharisees and Scribes? How would Jesus’ words have shocked them? Why is it dangerous to hold religious leaders in high esteem, without knowing their heart?

· What are some man-made rules or laws that people assume Christians live under, in order to go to Heaven? What is that called? Read Luke 10:25-28. What did Jesus tell this lawyer? Read 1 John 2:15-17. Why is “love God, love people” the answer?

So, Let’s Do Better

A. Get rid of anger

· Read Matt. 5:21-26. What was Jesus’ point in these verses? What are some reasons why we must not allow anger to reside in our heart? Read James 1:19-20. Why does James say anger is particularly deadly?

· Read Matt. 6:12. Why is forgiveness very necessary? Read Ephesians 4: 26-27, 30-32 and Col. 3:5-10. Why are all these passages so very relevant to our daily walk? If we let anger

continue unchecked, can it become a compulsive addiction? What are some ways you can overcome feelings of anger?

B. Get rid of Lust

· Read Matt. 5:27-30. Jesus is trying to get the common people to accept what truth when it comes to sin? Read James 1:14-15. Where does the “longing” for sin begin? What has to happen for it to become full-blown sin?

· Do you have to have the sexual act for adultery to occur? Just as in the case above of anger begetting hate in one’s heart that can be as bad as murder, does the heart have the capacity to sin as if the action was carried out?

· Read 1 Cor. 6:18-20. There is conflict among younger people who think there are ways around coitus in order to avoid the term adultery, fornication, or even sin; what would you tell them if you had the opportunity?

Application

1. The Old Testament is not an outdated collection of books which have no value to today’s reader.

2. Living in fellowship with others is far better than living in conflict. If at all possible, make things right with those you’ve wronged or with those who’ve done wrong to you.

3. Be diligent in removing tempting images from your life and avoiding people who tempt you to do any wrong. Be quick to seek the forgiveness of God when you fail.

Close

Over the past years, reading the Bible through for the new year has been a focus our church has encouraged. In hoping to cultivate a discipline for setting aside time daily in which to communicate with God, it is a way to get the members to appreciate and love God’s word, with a desire to continue to read it for themselves. Time spent each day in reading His word and praying, or listening, to Him will reap benefits that will span generations. Children will always remember—and usually respect—the parent sitting quietly, reading the Bible.

The use of the word “discipline” above is quite accurate. It seems to never truly become a habit, for it can be stopped too easily. In Genesis 3:15, part of the result of Adam and Eve’s fall was the ground would be cursed because of them, and Adam “in the sweat of his face… would eat his bread” (Gen. 3:19a). While that was to be taken literally, it is not too far-fetched to believe that it can also apply to our devotions, as Jesus refers to Himself as the Bread of Life. So many things will rush in to take up our time when we try to set aside specific time for God! Suddenly Mom or Dad must be there to fix a hundred situations. Keep trying. Keep scheduling the time. Keep praying for God to help you as you desire to chase after a heart like His!

By Sandy Day January 29, 2023

COMPASS: THE PROCESS OF A DISCIPLE

January 15, 2023

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Today, as we are into the new year by only two weeks, we begin a new series, “Compass.” As the world around us continues to press toward agendas that are unhealthy for believers, we may find the need for a spiritual compass to keep us on the right track. Serving and following our Lord Jesus Christ without wavering is a discipline that will have eternal rewards one day. Join with us as we study Matthew 5, 6, and 7 over the next few weeks, learning how best we can be all God wants us to be in a world full of compromise.

Focal Passage: Matthew 5:1-12.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

· What do you understand someone who is “poor in spirit” is like? Can you share how you felt when you realized you needed to be saved from your sins?

· Did you understand that a holy God who loved you would not accept you in your sinful condition? When you sin today, how are you affected?

· Read Psa. 51:17. Is this your heart? What does the promise mean to you?

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted

· What do you think of in the ordinary use of “mourn”? Why would your heart be in mourning because you desire forgiveness from your sins? Is this why Jesus died?

· Read Joel 2:2. What does God promise if you turn to Him with this heart attitude? What is the promise in Psa. 51:17 above, and in this verse? Can you trust God for your future?

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth

· What is the meaning of “meek”? How did Jesus illustrate this character quality? How can you show meekness? Why is it easier to lash out under pressure than be self-controlled?

· Read Psa. 37:11 and Col. 3:12. How is being meek the opposite of arrogance?

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteous, for they shall be filled

· How is it possible to have a desire for righteousness as great as your daily food? What do you think are some traits of a person who truly desires a heart like God’s?

· Read Job 23:12. How did Job feel he had loved God? If you are desperate for the things of God, can you stand firm on His promises? How do you think He will fill you?

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy

· Can anyone think of passages in Scripture where someone showed mercy? Read Mark 11:25. Is this forgiveness the same as showing mercy?

· What will you receive from God because you were merciful to others?

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God

· Can someone give an example of what it means to be “pure in heart”? Read 1 Peter 1:2. What are three ways Peter illustrates a pure heart in this verse?

· As we seek to have the power and presence of God in our lives, growing in our knowledge of Him, how will that translate into “seeing” Him?

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God

· Do you know someone who is a “peacemaker”? How do they act? What is their personality like? How do they promote peace?

· Read Isaiah 52:7. What is the greatest example of being a peacemaker that you can think of? What act of peace did you embrace when you became God’s child?

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom

· Read Matt. 5:10-12. Why is one blessed when suffering for Jesus? Read Acts 9:6 and 5:41. God considers it a righteous thing for a believer to suffer for Christ’s sake; why does that bring fear? Do you believe God will give us grace if that is in our future?

· Read Rev. 2:10. This verse is coming alive for Christians all over the world today. Do we hold these believers up in prayer? Is there anything else we can do?

CHECKLIST TAKEAWAY:

1) Recognize our desperate need for Christ

2) Be broken over our sin

3) Walk in humility

4) Long for the presence of Christ

5) Show mercy because you’ve been shown mercy

6) Work to be like Him

7) Love others as much as God does

8) Don’t worry about the world’s response

Close:

These eight character qualities provide a great self-examination for us to begin with this year, searching our hearts to see how we measure up. Are you doing most of them? A few? None? Are you a true follower, or will you be denying Him when the going gets tough?

If you really have a heart that desires to know God more each year, see which of these you need to work on and get started. If you’re saved, you probably were broken over your sinful state, mourned your lost status and threw yourself on God’s grace! You’ve taken the first steps—now take more. It won’t be easy or quick—just keep on keeping on. Don’t quit. Ever!

By Sandy Day January 15, 2023

A NEW START

January 01, 2023

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

A new year! Like the birth of a baby, a new year seems to have an abundance of hope attached to it. Hope for the future, hope for a new beginning, hope for life to be better. So many people make plans—resolutions—to start fresh January 1st. Are you one of those? As the pastor points out today, doing things with the same actions we’ve always used will only achieve the same results we’ve always had. In order to get different results, get closer to God, or make new resolutions actually work, we need to use different actions that will achieve different results. Join as we start this new year with new actions that will cause us to be victorious in our results.

Focal Passages: Acts 22:3-10; Philippians 3:7-21.

Paul started just like all of us

· Read Acts 22:3. What were some of Paul’s qualities before salvation? Can one be sincere in their actions but be sincerely wrong and therefore lost for eternity? How?

· Read Acts 22:6-8. As Paul hears a voice speaking to him, why does he address the speaker as “Lord”? How does Jesus respond? Why would Paul have known the name of Jesus of Nazareth? How could he have ignored what he heard?

· What did God do with Paul’s sins up till that time? What happened when Paul acknowledged Jesus as Lord? Read 2 Cor. 5:17. Is this how it was for Paul? For you?

· Read Phil. 3:7-8. What were some of the things that he would have considered loss? What does it mean to say that Paul suddenly realized he needed a “course correction”? Are there ministries, works, or actions that you realized were of no value in your life after salvation? Can you share?

· Read Phil. 3:10. How did Paul’s goals change? Read verse 13b. Why is it so important to let the past die, as you know that God has forgiven it for all eternity? How can Satan use your past if you carry the weight of it with you?

· Did your goals change when God saved you? Have your plans to know God better achieved good results? If not, is it possible you need a “course correction” as well?

He recognized what was really important

· Read Phil. 3:13-14 again, and verse 17. What part of the Damascus Road experience was the catalyst that changed Paul’s direction? When you got saved, was there a particular event that caused it? Can you share? What became Paul’s goal as soon as he was saved?

· Read Matt. 5:6 and Luke 10:27. What do these two verses encapsulate? Are there any verses of scripture that contain any goals more important than these two?

· Now, Paul has grown so much that he exhorts others to follow him. How can a man say, “Imitate me”? What do you see when you look in a mirror? What is there in your life that would keep you from saying to a new believer, “Follow my example”?

· Have you tried to get rid of anything that would hinder you from saying “Follow my example” but it hasn’t worked? What do you need to do (what will produce different results)? Are you training your heart to listen for the voice of God? How?

He knew the rest of the story

· Read 2 Timothy 4:8. What encouragement and hope does this verse give you? What is your focus each morning when you get out of bed? Are you excited to see what the Lord is going to bring into your life each day or are you ready to quit? What will it take to give you new goals if your present ones aren’t working?

· “Who is in your life that you can take under your wing and mentor this year? Who is there you can encourage on a regular basis? How can you forget your past?” Why are these important questions to ask yourself?

Take away:

· Get off to a great start:                     Today! Forget the past (God has!)!

· Don’t give way to distraction:      Don’t allow Satan to keep you from God’s agenda!

· Go deeper than ever before:         Make the commitment to pursue holiness!

· Don’t go alone:                                    We were created for fellowship—not to do life alone!

Close:

It is hard to speak a word on the first day of January that will impact your life the rest of the year. Yet if you made New Year’s Resolutions that were the same as in years past, perhaps it’s time for you to come up with new actions, for obviously the old ways aren’t working. Remember the eight-word dynamic that we’re going to put into our lives: Same Actions—Same Results; Different Actions—Different Results!

What have been your goals? Health, weight, control temper, no yelling? Perhaps it’s time you made your walk with Christ the top priority. Have you ever considered that if you hunger and thirst after righteousness, the others will probably fall into line? Try it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Today has begun a new year. If you were in church, strive to attend every Sunday. You’re not going in order to get a star. You’re going to worship the King of Kings, to have fellowship with the saints of the Lord, to draw strength from being with like-minded brethren, to contribute encouragement to those going through trials—and so much more. You’re going because you love God, and you love His people. Don’t let Satan distract you with things that are of no value. Keep your focus on Christ.

By Sandy Day January 1, 2023

THE WAITING: COMPLETE JOY

December 11, 2022

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Our current series, “The Waiting,” looks forward to Christmas Day, when we traditionally celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ as Immanuel: “God with us.” From the Fall in the Garden of Eden to the prophets throughout the Old Testament, many were the prophecies that foretold the coming of the Messiah who would be God coming in human flesh. As we look back at history made clear for us, we know that Baby who was born in the manger at Bethlehem grew to be the sacrifice for our sins, and today reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, sitting beside the Father in heaven until He returns for His children. Is it any wonder we have great joy?

Focal Passages: Luke 2:8-11; John 15:9-11; John 14:15-17, Galatians 5:22-23; James 1:2-4.

The Presence of Christ is the beginning of joy

· Read Luke 2:10-11. Why did the angel say to the shepherds, “Don’t be afraid”? (Realistically, if an angel appeared where you were with a small group of friends, do you have any idea how you would react?)

· What good news did the angel bring? Why did he say the news was of great joy? The tribe of Israel (Jacob) had been chosen by God to be His chosen people; what type of Messiah were they expecting, based on their scrolls and prophecies?

· The Messiah was coming to save people “from their sins”; what kind of joy probably filled the shepherds as they looked at this newborn king?

· How can you get this joy? When you accept Jesus’ payment for your sin and receive eternal life, how much joy can you have?

Following Christ brings complete joy

· Read John 15:9-11. Who is speaking in this passage? About how old is Jesus now? Who is He speaking to? What commandment is He passing on to His followers?

· If you follow Him, how will that give you His joy? Why did He tell His followers (and us!) how much joy one can receive by following Him?

· How can you have complete joy? What is the difference between joy and happiness? How can you lose your happiness? Can you lose your joy?

Abiding in Christ multiplies joy

· Read John 14:15-17. How do you multiply your joy? What are some ways you follow Him daily? Who is the Spirit of Truth? Why does the world not know Him?

· Read Gal. 5:22-23. Besides joy, what are other fruits of the Spirit? Why does it say that there is no law against those things? How contagious is someone who is filled with these fruits? How do we multiply fruits?

Standing Strong in trials is the benefit of joy

· Read James 1:2-4. How does the testing of our faith produce patience? Can anyone give an example? Why did Dr. Falwell, Sr. always say, “Trials can make you better or bitter”?

· What are your options for handling a trial when you are going through one? If you choose to believe God knows best, how does that lead to more faith?

· Read Job 23:8-10. To persevere in a trial, knowing God is doing something you do not understand, leads to a deeper faith; how did Job react in this passage? Why should we be joyful that we choose to trust God when a trial is upon us?

Close:

All of us can identify with “waiting.” There are few days that go by wherein we do not have to wait, at some point, for something. It may simply be to pay for an item in a store, or it may be long-anticipated guests are arriving to spend the holidays. The waiting can be swift or slow, dreaded or anticipated highly, uncertain and “iffy” or days filled with anticipation of pleasure. How many of us are waiting for an event that the whole world will tune in to watch?

The coming to earth of Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with us, was of such importance that God dispatched some of the angelic host of heaven to announce His birth to a selected few. The sad truth is, though, that because His coming was not in the manner that myriads of individuals thought it would be, their minds were closed to the truth that Messiah had come.

For those of us who have received Him gladly, we are recipients of joy for all eternity. And we know, to us who received Him, that He gave the right to become children of God! (John 1:12). What unspeakable joy! As the song in the praise and worship part of our service says, “joy…an overflowing well, no man can tell.” And it is. Knowing God has paid for one’s sins (and only that particular person knows the amount of them) gives a joy that no one can take away. Our happiness? It ebbs and flows like the tides of the sea, depending on circumstances. But our joy? It is always and ever our very own, as we continually abide in God’s presence, with His complete joy in us, always flowing strong during trials. It bubbles up inside of us until it fills our being! Can there be any better good news than “this day…a Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord,” and who has paid for our sins, giving those of us who believe eternal life. What joy!

By Sandy Day December 11, 2022

HOPE: THE ANCHOR FOR YOUR SOUL

November 27, 2022

Charles Billingsley

Everyone above the age of a child understands that the human body has several needs in order to live. Food, water, and air are musts for the physical body to survive, while love and hope are perhaps just as necessary for our emotional or spiritual well-being. No-one can see them—yet we all know when they’re missing from life. Without hope for a future, many people do not have the will to continue to live. What is a believer’s hope? Today Charles Billingsley will present us with the answer as he offers that hope connects us to God, allowing us to know within our hearts that we will have a future in heaven. Hope is a healer, a motivator, and the anchor for our soul. Hope has a name: His name is Jesus.

Focal Passages: Hebrews 6:13-20; Genesis 15:1-6; John 1:1-3; 1 Peter 1:3-5; Romans 5:1-2; Psalms 110:4.

Because of the Promises Jesus Fulfilled in the Past

· When someone makes you a promise, what is the most important thing to know about that person? If they are trustworthy and have built a relationship with you, how do you view their promises?

· List some of the promises God has made in the Old Testament and tell what you remember about the circumstances as well as the outcome. Were these promises made to include believers throughout history?

· Read Numbers 24:17, 19, Isaiah 9:6, and Micah 5:2. Who are these prophecies referring to? When did they come to pass? Why is it impossible for any of the promises of God to fail? Read Numbers 23:19. What connection can you make between this statement and the promises of God?

· Read Jeremiah 17:7. If you are convinced that God cannot lie, that He upholds His promises that He has made, and that He will never let one of them fail, can you trust Him with your hope for eternal life? Why? Read John 1:1-3. Who is He?

Our hope is the anchor for our soul because of the promises He fulfilled in the past.

Because of the Promises Jesus will Fulfill in our Future

· As Pastor Charles mentioned, we live between two enormous, world-shaking, events: the first advent of Jesus Christ, and His second advent, when He returns. Read John 14:1-3. What was the scene of this promise? Have any of the promises of Jesus failed yet? How does your spirit respond to promises like this?

· Read 1 Peter 1:3-5. Does anyone know what the word “Hope” means, when used in the Biblical sense? Some of the definitions for the “living” hope that Peter mentions are to live, breathe, be among the living; to enjoy real life; living water, fresh, strong, efficient, powerful, efficacious. How do these amazing words make you feel about your living hope?

· Read these promises: Romans 5:1-2, Hebrews 6:19, 20, Psalms 110:4. Can you trust Jesus with these promises for your salvation and eternal life? Can you contain the peace that these promises give to your spirit?

Biblical hope not only desires something good for the future—it also expects it to happen!

Close:

If you wrote down the statistics that were shared on the hopeless state of our country, you may recall that almost one out of every two persons with whom you cross paths is sad, lonely, and hopeless. About one in every four has thoughts of suicide. That means they see their circumstances never changing—or at least within a period of time in which they feel they can survive. Have you ever been one of those? When someone loses hope, their life is so tragic that the thought of getting out of bed can be daunting. It does not mean they are homeless, although that can be the case. It simply means they see no future for themselves that is worth the pain of living. They are alive, but not living. They feel dead. They wish they were.

What can you do about those stats? As a believer, with the kind of hope Peter wrote about, you know that prayer is a weapon God has given you to fight against Satan as he tries to destroy you. God has also given you pieces of spiritual armor that you can “put on” (Eph. 6) that will cause Satan to flee from you. He has made you promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do you think those hopeless people know these verses, or these promises? No. They may not even be aware that God wants a real relationship with them, that He loves them and wants to guide them to a happy and holy life. You have the keys in your hand to change their life. Are you willing to try?

Are you aware that there are over 8,800 promises in the Old Testament? Approximately 7500 of them are made to mankind. Do you think for a moment that God has forgotten any of them? Not on your life. He is acutely aware of every one of them. Why? Because you are so very important to Him, and not only is He trustworthy, but He has also assured us that none of His promises will fail. Do you think it might change the perspective of those hopeless people if they knew the promises of God were meant to give them hope and a future?

We can’t ignore these people! Talk to your pastor or your church leaders about this terrible situation. Probably others in your sphere of influence will be glad to work with you and give these souls some hope, just as you have. God’s love is too wonderful not to let others know how much He cares. Share His love. Save some lives!

By Sandy Day November 27, 2022

ONE VETERAN’S STORY

November 13, 2022

Dr. Tim Lee

Today we extend a very warm welcome to Dr. Tim Lee, as we honor the veterans of the United States Military who have served or are serving our country. Having roots at the end of the first World War, Veterans Day was established for a day of celebration as we remember those soldiers who have stood for or fought for peace and justice in our world.

Dr. Lee is a Marine who gave the life as he had known it from birth to eighteen years of age to the United States Marine Corp. He loves to explain to audiences that the two dates engraved on the tombstones of persons who have lived and died represent very little in comparison to the “dash” that lies between the two dates. On that dash can be written an entire life, whether months, years, or decades. The stories of all people begin at their birth—those amazing or common actions that tell how one has lived a life.

Dr. Lee’s “dash” is filled with a life of adventure, pain, and happiness. Only the one who has lived life to its fullest can best tell their own story—and so it is with Dr. Lee. To hear it told by someone other than himself would take away the passion, excitement, pain, and beauty brought about by the living of those days.

As Dr. Lee would tell you, entering into a season of pain and trials that can defy description is not easy, for one has no idea if they will make it through to the other side. As it ends, however, there is a banner of truth, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)!”

Rather than a group study on this November 13, 2022, we respectfully ask that you go online to the Thomas Road Baptist Church website (www.trbc.org) and watch the service for today. It will be an hour spent most profitably, and you may certainly find yourself encouraging friends or family to watch the broadcast for themselves. You won’t regret watching Dr. Lee tell his story.

Above all, we want to acknowledge our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, who, for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). To Him be all the glory, honor, and praise for adopting as His children the sons of men! For, as the truth is in Jesus, may you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man, which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness (Eph. 4:21b-24.) Amen.

Submitted by Sandy Day November 13, 2022

JUST DO IT

October 30, 2022

Teaching Pastor Charles Billingsley

Building a long-term relationship (like a marriage) takes hard work! What are some of the “non-negotiables” of a bond that will cause it to grow stronger with time?

Today we wrap up our series on the life of Israel’s best-known king, David, as we come to the end of his life. Having lived seventy years, David has offered us the opportunity to learn great lessons, both from the victorious leader on how to chase after the heart of God, as well as from the imperfect human who sinned so greatly “the sword would never depart from his house.” He also sinned by having the people of Israel counted, apparently spending some time considering what a great army of fighting men he led. Even in sin, David was a man of immediate repentance when his heart refocused on God. Join with us as we study his important “deathbed instructions” from a wise father to his son.

Focal Passage: Acts 13:36, Psalm 27:13-14, 1 Chronicles 26:1-8, 9-10, 1 Kings 2:1-4.

Know God

· Read 1 Chronicles 23:1. David is now on his deathbed, probably frail at seventy years of life. What are some of the descriptions you can use when you think of his whole life? What had been his primary focus throughout his lifetime?

· What was the major concern that he was made aware of now, and that he must take care of quickly before he dies? Why was it so important?

· Read 1 Chron. 28:9a. David admonishes Solomon to set his course for life. What is the first thing he tells him to do?

· How did David learn everything he knew about God? Read Psalm 8:3-6. Why is it astounding that he had such a deep knowledge of God?

· How do you know God? What is the greatest way in which you can know God intimately? How important is it that you spend some quality time with Him daily?

· Are you able to have a small amount of time in worshiping God daily? What can you do? Why do we feel worship is only done in the church? How much time do you spend reading and meditating on His word daily? How vital is this to you?

Knowing God should be the ultimate purpose of your life!

Serve God

· Read 1 Chron. 28:9 again. What is the second thing David exhorts Solomon to do? What are the two ways in which David tells him to serve God?

· What does he mean “with his whole heart”? Read Mark 12:32-34. Did this Scribe have a good grasp of the totality of loving God with one’s whole being? (What did he lack?)

· What was the second way David told Solomon to serve God? Read 2 Cor. 8:12. What is Paul saying in this verse? In your life, do you have a zeal for God, but lack confidence that you can complete a job to God’s satisfaction? Do you realize that God will accept the job you do, if done in sincerity and love for Him? Why would He do this?

· Read Romans 12:1-2. Why is it so important to be renewed in your mind? During any given day, what are some of the “arrows” that are shot into your mind by the world?

· Read Malachi 3:16-18 and Psalm 100:1-5. How seriously does God take our service to Him? Does He desire us to do it joyfully? Is it to be a burden?

Seek God

· In speaking to Solomon, what was the third thing that David told him to do? How do you seek God? Read Lamentations 3:25-26. How does God view your seeking Him?

· Read Psalm 14:2-3. Does it seem as though there are not many who actually seek God, who desire with their whole being to know Him better?

· Read Psa. 69:30-32. Are you seeking after God?

Close:

Hopefully, the more we are encouraged by sermons that spur us to value our time with God, the more we will know how vital it is to our life, our family’s life, and our children’s future that we take these simple instructions that David had for Solomon and incorporate them into our own schedules. These words of David were spoken before the leaders of the house of Israel and were last words of being obedient to the ways of God. Even today, last words spoken by someone near to us are revered, and, if possible, carried out. We often hear the lament of someone who hasn’t been able to perform “last words,” and it causes much heartache.

Those three steps for Solomon are just as important to us today as they were to him: KNOW God, SERVE Him, and SEEK Him. Charles challenged us to learn to spend time alone with God in this manner:

1) Detach yourself daily, getting alone with God in silence, for at least 15 minutes or more. No cell phone, no music, tv, or interruptions. Listen for His voice.

2) Withdraw weekly for at least 2 hours, seeking nothing except to hear from God. He will not disappoint. Don’t give up on the silence. Listen for Him. Draw near to Him.

3) Abandon annually. Each year, get away for 2-3 days to be along with God. No electronics. The family won’t collapse if they know where you are and what you’re doing, and the result will be a home-life that transcends the ordinary!

Susannah Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley, once wrote: “We must know God experientially, for… the heart [must] perceive and know Him to be [its] supreme good, [and its] only happiness, [and]… the soul [must] feel and acknowledge that [it] can

have no repose, no peace, no joy but in loving and being loved by Him.” (Grammar of Susannah Wesley corrected for today’s style).

DAVID: THE KINDNESS OF A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART

October 16, 2022

   Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Treating an enemy with kindness is very hard—but very rewarding if we actually do it, isn’t it? Can anyone share an experience when you’ve done “the right thing”?

These past several weeks have been challenging as we’ve studied—and hopefully are striving to learn lessons from—the life of David, the shepherd boy who became a great king. Knowing God Himself witnessed of David, “He is a man after [My} own heart,” gives us a standard of excellence that we need to absorb into our daily lives, putting into practice the examples which David left behind for us. As we examine his life, we also see that he exemplified the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22, which are not able to be separated from a life of intentionally seeking after a heart like God’s. Today, may we continue pressing on toward that goal!

Focal Passage: 1 Samuel 24:20-22, 2 Sam. 1:11-16, 9:3-8, and Prov. 24:17-18.

Despite the attacks by Saul, David was willing to forgive

• Read 1 Sam. 24:20. It is hard not to roll our eyes as we read yet again of Saul admitting defeat at the hands of David; why do we feel doubt that an enemy will keep his word after setting a precedent of going back on it? How does that make you feel?
• Read 24:21-22. What did Saul ask of David? How did David respond? What fruit of the Spirit did David exhibit here? Why did David swear to let Saul’s kin live?
• Why, do you think, had David made it his life’s goal to know God? What were some of the ways he was intentional about knowing God intimately?
• How can we search for God until we know Him intimately? What part does His Word play in this? Will we all face some kind of attacks in life, as David did? What type of spirit must we have if we are to be like Jesus?

David would not celebrate when his enemy fell

• Read 2 Sam. 1:11. When David later heard that the battle had gone against Israel and Saul and his sons were dead, how did he respond? Read verse 12. Being honest, would you have had a reaction like the young man who thought he was bringing David good news that Saul was dead, or like David, grieving over his king? What kind of spirit must one have to mourn for a fallen enemy?
• Even while mourning Saul’s passing, David accepted responsibility as a king. Read verses 13-16. Does anyone know why David had the man killed? Read Deut. 25:17-19. Had David ever forgotten?
• Read Prov. 24:17-18. How did David fulfil this passage? Why is it much better to seek the salvation of an enemy, rather than his destruction? What fruit of the spirit was David displaying here? Can you imagine having an enemy you prayed for stand near you before God, saying, “He/She prayed for me to be saved when I was his/her enemy”? Would that be possible unless you have a heart like God?

David was willing to honor his promise and extend kindness to a hurting family

• Read 2 Sam. 9:3-5. Later, when David reigned over Israel, what did he remember? Why could he easily have forgotten his pledge? Does God take

vows seriously? How do you know?

• Read verses 6-8. How do you imagine Mephibosheth felt when he heard he

was going to meet King David? How do you know David went the extra mile in keeping his vow? How did Saul’s grandson react?

• How can we see ourselves and Jesus in verse 8, as Mephibosheth prostrated himself on the floor? Read Eph. 2:4-6. How is verse 5 like Mephibosheth, and how is it like us? How is verse 6 like us and him? Why is it imperative that we never forget how God showed grace to us—even when we were devising wicked plans for our enemies? Read Prov. 6:16-19. Why would it be a good idea for us to memorize these seven things that are an abomination to the Lord?

Close:

There is no easy way to get the edges sanded off our “earthen vessel” without some pain, is there? As we look back at David’s early life, there was not a lot that was easy for him. While keeping his father’s sheep, the first few times wild animals came to steal and kill the flock had to have been scary for the young boy, until he became confident in his trust for God to help him. As he was growing in strength, he was also growing in his love for the Lord and spending much time in close communion with Him. Later, it seemed his relationship with his brothers was not what it should be. Doesn’t he sound like everyone’s son as he asks more than once, “Why? What is it I’ve done now!?” Yet, he was chasing after God’s heart.

For him, the world was probably not so different than ours is for us. Evil has always existed, as Adam and Eve could witness to us. But today, more than ever, all the world needs to know they are loved. When you hurt so badly, when you feel no one is left who cares about you, you are more vulnerable to believing wicked plans that have been devised. Hate today is more prevalent than it’s ever been. No matter what you read on social media, the calmest of all posts still seem to be a magnet for hate-filled rebuttals. Hurting people want to hurt others. Who can help them? Only someone who truly knows that God’s Word has the answer to every problem, and who will minister to the lost, the broken, the helpless, the one at the end of his rope without doing so with contempt for the victim. Why are we being silent?

What can you do? Start with David’s life. Spend time every day walking and talking to God—the Holy Spirit took up residence in your life the moment you became a believer. If He’s indwelling you, being there for you hour in and hour out, shouldn’t you be comfortable with His presence, talking to Him “without ceasing”? It doesn’t have to be only when you need help! He values the intimate details of what you’re thinking, feeling, fearing, etc.! Get to know Him until you can’t imagine life without Him. As you are watered in the Word and your roots are firmly within His life, you will produce fruit—the Fruit of the Spirit. You will value every moment with Him.

 

   DAVID: A RISE AND FALL

  October 02, 2022

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Have you ever been in a situation where someone else got the praise, although you felt you deserved it? What emotions did you feel? Can you share?

As we continue our series, “David: Chasing the Heart of God,” we find the three thousand years that have elapsed since David was a shepherd boy have not diminished the many relevant lessons which we can apply to our own journey through life. Both David—a shepherd boy—and Saul—the most “handsome man among the children of Israel” (1 Sam. 9:2)—were anointed by God, but one grew to serve God with his whole heart while the other let himself be carried away by pride, forfeiting the pleasure God had in him. Join us as we study the lives of these two men, accepting the truth that a life of sin will never gain us God’s blessings.

Focal Passage: 1 Samuel 18:5-15.

David’s success grew

• Who recalls where David went after Samuel anointed him king? Read Zech. 4:10. How was David’s youth as a shepherd a “day of small things”? How did he use those years to embrace his desire to “chase the heart of God”?
• Read 1 Samuel 18:5a. When David was brought in to serve King Saul, what were his duties? When Saul later sent him to serve in the army, what did he do? Was his faithfulness to Saul a result of his kingship or of his integrity? Explain.
• At this point in David’s life, what did he have to work with that we don’t have? Did he act with faithfulness and obedience because he loved God? Do we?

Saul’s insecurity grew

• Read verses 6-8a. As the army came back from battle, what was Saul expecting to hear when the crowds flooded the streets? What did he hear? Whenever you hear a sentence, then a “BUT”, what do you infer? Can you give an example?
• When Saul heard David praised, how did he react? What caused his anger and resentment? What is the difference between the two emotions?
• Read Jas. 1:19-20 (NASB if possible). What emotion caused the anger? Did Saul have a choice how to handle his anger? What could he have done? (Is this how you handle being angry, or do you wait to repent after you have wounded the other person?) Is anyone immune to the seduction of pride? Read Prov. 11:2. How did Saul put himself on the road to destruction with his anger?

When God’s anointing is on you, the enemy is out in full force

• Read 1 Sam. 10:10, 1 Sam. 16:13, and Eph. 1:13-14. Why are all these anointings of the Spirit of God the same? What was the aftermath of David’s anointing, Saul’s anointing, and ours? Do we all have the same power available at that point?
• Read 1 Peter 5:8. Why does a large bull’s-eye appear on our back when we chase after the heart of God?
• Read Jas. 1:13-15. How had Saul’s anger given way to actions? Read Jas. 3:16. Where could it end? How did David react as Saul tried to kill him? When you are attacked by someone who is angry and jealous, how do you normally respond?
• Read Jas. 4:6. In what actions had Saul chosen his way over God’s way? How can the sin of pride destroy the anointing of God on our life?

The hand of God is better than the blessing of men

• Read 1 Sam. 18:12-15. What were the emotions Saul was carrying every day because he had chased after the evil of the world? For a long season (possibly as long as three years), David was chased by Saul. Did he compromise his love for God in order to stay safe? How do you know?
• Read John 6:66-69. This is a perfect passage for us to meditate on this week, as it encapsulates the choices we—as Spirit-anointed Christians—have as we choose to chase after the heart of God, or the praise of men. Man’s praise can build our pride so high that God removes His hand from us. What will you choose?

Close:

We listen to—or read in Scripture—the story of David, a young boy who was visited by the prophet Samuel, was anointed king over God’s people, and we think “well, I’ll never be like David!” That may be true but the lessons we are incorporating today can produce a life of obedience and faithfulness to God. What are these lessons?

We learn from the story of David that we can trust the promises of God. “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num. 23:19). You have never prayed one prayer after salvation that God has not answered! That does not make Him a genie in a bottle—sometimes His answer is No, sometimes Yes, and sometimes it is Wait. But He never ignores you, or leaves you, or forsakes you. Reread the verse in Numbers again, absorbing the truth that if God says it, He will do it. If He has spoken, He will bring it about. He is a good, good Father.

We can also learn to not let ourselves be so discouraged from our circumstances that it keeps us from trusting in the plan God has for our life. Certainly, as humans we are subject to discouragement! Romans 8:28-39 reminds us that we are not yet perfect but are constantly being transformed by circumstances “into the image of God’s dear Son”, and “nothing can separate us from the love He has for us.” Our trust in His goodness and love for us should be so encompassing that even though we are discouraged, we know beyond a doubt that He has got everything worked out for our best.

We must also be convinced that we would be cutting our own throats to do anything that would separate us from God’s love—the loss of a relationship with Him would harm us more than we can grasp. To gratify the pride that would seek man’s praise and reject God would mean losing that blessed child-Father relationship which we should value above all things! Eph. 6:5-7 reminds us not to be men-pleasers, but to concentrate on God’s doing God’s will. Nothing we can do will ever cause Him to love us less, and nothing will ever cause Him to love us more. His love for us is complete. Let us love and serve Him above all else as we walk this earth.

A TALE OF TWO KINGS

September 18, 2022

Troy Temple

When is the last time you recall being asked to do something that was really beneath you, but you did it anyway? Can you share what happened?

Today we continue our series “David: Chasing the Heart of God,” as we focus on two kings of Israel: Saul, the first king of Israel, and David, the shepherd boy who became king. They accurately represent everyone who lives and eventually makes a choice whether to serve God and love Him with one’s whole heart, or serve self, and do everything for the benefit of one’s own life. One way leads to a life of joy, freedom, and eternal life, the other ends in a life of disaster, with an eternity spent in hell. Join us as we listen to Mr. Troy Temple bring 1 Samuel 16 alive.

Focal Passage: 1 Samuel 16:13-23.

God’s Way to Prepare a King

Allow God to map the way

· Before we begin our study of the two kings, read 1 Sam. 8:19-20. What were some of the reasons Israel had wanted a king? Why would God go ahead and anoint Saul, knowing he would disobey Him? What was the final ‘straw’ for God to remove His power from Saul?

· Read 1 Sam. 16:14-17. What can you infer about the spiritual state of Saul’s servants? How did they know that an evil spirit had come into Saul’s life? (They did not have the benefit of God’s Word to tell them!) Why was Saul not open to doing things God’s way?

· Is there any indication that Saul was willing to submit to God’s authority?

Rely on God’s presence

· Can someone please tell of Samuel anointing David, from last week’s sermon? Read verse 18. What were the character qualities that Saul’s servants realized David had in his life? What was the most important?

· How do you suppose the servants were aware that the Lord was ‘with him’? This was David’s reputation! How does it imply that others can see and understand that our God is with us individually and personally? Read Acts 4:13. How can the verses from our focal passage, as well as this verse, help you understand how important your testimony is?

· Read Prov. 22:1. Have you ever known someone with a “good name”? What does that encompass? Did they look to God to be sufficient for them?

Serve in obscurity

· Read 1 Sam. 16:19-22. How did Saul know David was with the sheep? How do you think he spent his time as he continued to be under the authority of his father?

· What could David have said when Saul ordered him to come to him? Why did David go without argument? What does this say about David’s true character?

· In verse 22, do you think Saul knew of Samuel anointing David? What might have been an ulterior motive for having David close to him?

Status is the enemy of service

· Read verse 23. How does David’s service to Saul speak volumes about his heart attitude?

· Read Luke 22:24-27. Did David carry out this principle of life by attending to Saul’s needs whenever he called for David? What could David have said?

 

Close:

Hopefully, as we studied this passage on this period of David’s life, you can begin to see what his heart was like and why God testified that David was a man after God’s own heart. And even though you may have read this chapter of 1 Samuel many times, perhaps you had never noticed some of the phrases which Mr. Temple pulled out, focusing on a phrase here or there that gave David greater godliness!

David was submissive to his father’s authority as he grew. He was faithful as a shepherd, taking care of the flock with diligence and boldness. In 1 Samuel 17:33-37, before he confronts Goliath, David testifies of God’s favor upon him. It seems as though he used his time with the sheep writing Psalms of praise to God for His goodness. He pulled on those hymns of worship throughout his life. He was also sold out to God. Whenever Satan seemed to open a door where David could say “Whoa! I’ve been anointed king by Samuel. I won’t (fill in the blank!) …” he did nothing of the sort, but obediently and submissively carried out any job required. Can we say that?

Near Roanoke, Virginia, lies a Baptist Church which was pastored for many years by a servant of God, Mike G. He was an extraordinary pastor, growing a local body of believers into a large church with a global vision. They supported—then sent—missionaries by the ‘busload’ to carry out the great commission. However, whenever anyone needed help, whether in the kitchen serving, going overseas to minister to unsaved people groups, to walking hot, dusty roads to reach people, Mike has never pulled his ‘rank’ as the church’s pastor and sent someone else. He has always stepped up to fill any job that needed to be done, serving selflessly, diligently, and wholeheartedly. He is, indeed, a “little Christ” [Christian]. Would that we all would empty ourselves like this, seeing everything we do as a joy, “doing it as unto the Lord!” (Col. 3:23). Someday, Mike will be rewarded with crowns to throw at the feet of Jesus.

What about you? Are you ready to serve quietly until God brings into your life the next step of your journey, or do you know exactly how it needs to be and you’ll call on God’s help only if you get into a pickle? Do you pull status for your position, reminding everyone just exactly who you are? One way, you’re a Saul. The other way, you’re a David

HOW DO WE REMEMBER, REPENT, AND DO?

August 28, 2022

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

With a new school year starting, it’s a good time to reflect on our teachers who excelled at their job (though we might not have appreciated them at that time). Can you recall a teacher who taught you so much more than they had to?

Over this past summer, we have concentrated on many of the books of John, the beloved apostle. Last week we studied the first of seven letters to the churches in Revelation, told to John by Jesus Christ. Jesus closed that letter to the church at Ephesus by an admonition to remember from where they had fallen, repent, and do the works they had done when their church had first begun. Today, we will be reminded how to reignite our “first love” for Jesus Christ, the need to repent, and how to again do the works that we were thrilled to do when we were first saved. Please join us.

Focal Passage: Revelation 2:5; John 7:37-39.

The power to convict, convert, and change

· Read Rev. 2:5. The church at Ephesus had lost their first love for Jesus Christ; what did He tell them to do? What can gradually interfere with our walk with Jesus? Who will be there to help us restart?

· Read John 7:37-39 and John 4:10. What/Who is the source of the living water Jesus spoke of? Read Matt. 5:6. What does Jesus mean that we are to hunger and thirst for righteousness?

· Read Titus 3:3-7. What does God say was our past? What are we like after salvation? Read 1 Cor. 3:16. Where does the Spirit reside now?

· Read John 6:63. What does John mean that it is the Spirit who gives life? How do we accede power in our lives to the Holy Spirit? What are some of the Spirit’s functions in your life?

· Read 2 Cor. 3:18. According to this verse, what happens as a result of our salvation?

The power to teach

· Read John 16:13-14. What does the passage say the Holy Spirit will do in our lives? Why is His job to glorify Jesus Christ?

· Read John 14:26. How does He teach us what we need to know? Why does He desire to teach us? What happens when we try to figure life out on our own?

· What is the Spirit’s role in our sanctification? How long does the process take?

The power to protect

· Read Romans 15:13. What does the Spirit do when we believe? How does that verse minister encouragement to your soul?

· Read Ephesians 1:13-14. At salvation, what happens? Read 2 Tim. 2:18. Who seals us? Read John 17:12. Do we have to be concerned that God will eventually change His mind concerning His having adopted us as His child?

The power to propel

· Read John 14:15-18. How long will the Spirit be with us?

· Sometimes we get frustrated with people because they seem so dense; why is the world unable to receive spiritual things?

· Read Acts 1:8. What does the Spirit propel us to do? Is this a direct answer to our ability to carry out Matt. 28:19-20?

Close:

If ever you’ve had problems in your life as a believer, is it possible that you were unaware just how much of your life is able to draw help from the Holy Spirit? As soon as you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, the Spirit came to reside in you, indwelling your life and sanctifying you as a temple in which He will take up residence until you leave this earth! Is that ever a marvelous thing?

As we studied this sermon, were you able to grasp that you have the answer to every problem you face if you will just turn control over to Him who loves you so? Have you sinned? He will convict you so that you can run to Jesus and confess what you’ve done. He will empower you to ask forgiveness and repent, then give you the strength to replace the sin with acts of righteousness. Are you lonely? He’s the Great Comforter. Are you sad? He will encourage and comfort you. Are you hungering and thirsting to be righteous? He will fill you. Have friends failed you? The Spirit will never leave you—you can count on His presence each and every moment of the day. There’s nothing you will ever need, nor anything you have to face alone when you trust Him completely, because He will hold you until the day of your glorification.

He has been given to you as a “down payment” to be held in trust until you are safely home with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. He is an equal third Person in the trinity, and as such, can give you peace that surpasses all understanding. He is God!

      THE LETTERS OF JOHN: WALK IN TRUTH

     August 14, 2022

 Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Sometimes people are dissatisfied with the way they have lived their lives. If you could live your life over again, what would you change?

Today we will finish our series on the Letters written by John the Beloved. Now in his nineties, John was so widely known that he could send a letter to the churches as being simply from “The Elder,” and believers would know who wrote it. John writes this last letter—3^rd John—as a personal letter to Gaius (unknown). Because God was the originator of the words, John’s letter is as pertinent today as it was when he penned it. This letter deals with the importance of walking in truth throughout our sojourn in this life.

Focal Passage: 3 John.

Walk in Truth

• Read 3 John verses 3-4. What lesson should we learn from these two verses? Read Psa. 51:6. How important is it that we walk in truth?
• Ultimately, Who is really saying “I have no greater joy than to see My children are walking in truth”? What are some things that make our “Dad” proud?
• In three simple ways, how can our responsibility toward truth be summarized? Why and how do we seek truth? How will we know truth? What will happen when we walk in truth?

Help others do the same

• Read verses 6-8. Why is it so important that we who are at home help support those who go “into the world and preach the gospel”?
• What happens when we support missionaries? Why are you not leaving home to spread the gospel? What are the ways in which you can participate in being part of missions?

Avoid hypocrisy and jealousy

• Read 3 John verses 9-11. As we read of Gaius (verses 1-7), Diotrephes, (9-11), and Demetrius (vv. 11-15)—what do they represent in our modern churches? What are some things that the “Diotrephes’s” of our churches do? Who was ultimately behind his agenda? What did/does Satan desire to do? What motivates him?
• What was the sin that characterized Diotrephes? What do leaders like him thrive on? What role does slander play when someone is ruling by pride and, in effect, being a bully in the church?
• What does slander eventually lead to—whether in the church or in any leadership role? What must be done if this person is “running the show”?

Trust in the faithfulness of God

• Read verse 15. What does John wish for Gaius—and ultimately for us? What is the only way whereby we will know peace? Who is the only One who can give peace?
• What is so important about greeting people by their name? Do you know anyone who refuses to use someone’s name? What message does that send to them? Why is it one of John’s final remarks?

Close:

When Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr., was Chancellor of Liberty University and pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church, the most amazing fact that stood out to everyone was his ability to greet anyone he had ever met by name! Story after story exists of him seeing a student again after five, ten, or even twenty or more years, and calling them by name. God gave the man a memory like no other, so that he could bring about the birth and growth of the world’s largest Christian university—and we continue to feel his impact and hear the beloved stories even a decade and half later.

John knew his days were getting short, and his words would be the only thing he could leave the church. He used this last letter to admonish us to always seek truth, know truth, and walk in truth.

It is amazing that, in his day, John saw the same categories of believers that we have in modern times. Gaius represents those who love God—and therefore loves people. He was always walking in the truth of God, being a great role model. Diotrephes is a good representation of those in leadership positions who rule by bullying—so filled with their own self-proclaimed “greatness” that they want no one around them who is a threat to their key position. One wonders why he was allowed to continue being the prideful bully. Was John on the way to Gaius to remove Diotrephes from this body of believers? We hope so! Would that Christians everywhere have such a strong sense of righteousness in the church that anyone who uses their position to self-aggrandize their own arrogant ego would be removed from the body of believers!

Demetrius—well, he was probably the representative of that army in every well-run church who are made up of faithful members of the body, who want or expect no recognition, who serve as a volunteer for the joy of serving the Lord Jesus Christ in a manner that only wants to make the Father “proud.” It is enough to serve Him, enough to be faithful, and enough to speak of Him with love whenever and wherever possible. That is a good testimony, and as the song goes, “May all who come behind us find us faithful…” May we only seek to glorify the King of Kings.

 

        THE LETTERS OF JOHN: THE CONFIDENCE OF A BELIEVER

                 July 31, 2022

                Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

By nature, are you a confident person, comfortable in your own skin, or are you insecure, always thinking the worst of yourself? Can you share?

Today we finish 1 John, absorbing the encouragement that John gives us as he tells, from first-hand experience, why, as children of the Living God, we can have the confidence of eternal life. As we’ve learned, John was writing to the  believers at Ephesus because Agnostics—men who believed they were set apart because they supposedly had more knowledge of God than other people—were undermining their faith with lies. In case you ever question your security as God’s child, join us as we are taught from the last living apostle, just as he had learned from Jesus Christ Himself.

Focal Passage: 1 John 5:13-21.

Confidence in His promise

• Read 1 John 5:13. What is the key word we will often be finding in these next verses? How does the knowledge that we can believe God’s promises give us confidence in our faith?
• Who does John say he is writing these things to? What is the reason he is writing to them? How do you know that his words are for us as well?
• If you are a believer, discuss why you will never lose the security you have of eternal life, knowing God will never let you out of His hand.

Confidence in His care for us

• Read verses 14-15. Here, John writes concerning the importance of the prayers of a believer. What does he say we can be confident of?
• What is the conditional statement in verse 14? How can people misinterpret what John says?
• In verse 15a, how do we know that God hears us? Read John 9:31. Does John mean we must be free of sin? If not, what does he mean? What are examples of a lifestyle someone may not wish to be free from?
• Everyone has a sinful thought, a slip of the tongue, etc. What steps can you take to conquer those sins or lessen Satan’s power to tempt you?

Confidence in our responsibility for others

• Read 1 John 5:16-17. Before we get confused, read the last sentence in verse 17 again. What is the only sin that will certainly lead to spiritual death? What, in verse 16a, does John call this person who has committed a sin that does not lead to death? What would be the difference between a sin that does not lead to death, and one that does? Can you give a Biblical example of a sin that led to death? (Hint: Acts, and more). What about an example for a sin that did not lead to death? (Hint: David, and others).
• As believers, what can we take away from this passage? Should you tell the sinning believer that you are praying for them?
• If rejection of Jesus Christ and the pardon He provided sinners is the one spiritual sin unto death, why can we believers not commit this sin?

Confidence in His protection

• Read 1 John 5:18-19. We know from our own life that a believer does sin. What, then, does John mean? How do you react when a thought from the evil one comes into your mind? By taking the thought captive, and immediately turning it over to God, are we winning against Satan?
• What comes to your mind when John says, “the evil one does not touch him”? What do you remember about Job? Satan, we saw, had authority to go before God, hurt Job, strip him of everything; what, though, did Satan have to have first? Is that why John says he doesn’t touch us?
• The whole world is under the reign of whom? Do you think this why all nations seem to be going downhill?

Confidence in Who He is

• Read verses 20-21, and Colossians 2:13-15. How is the Colossians passage a parallel to verse 20? What did Christ do for us? What has He given us?
• As further proof that we belong to God, who resides in us? How can we tell He is there? Is there any way He will lead us wrong? Will He allow the devil to snatch us away?
• What does he mean, “Guard yourselves from idols”? What is an idol? Name some examples. How can you guard yourselves from them?

Close:

There are few things that give us confidence more than knowing something with every fiber of our being! If we’re going to be tested, it’s in knowing the material; if it’s in cooking, it’s knowing the recipe is perfect; if it’s your driving, it may be the confidence that there are angels all around you all the time! Confidence isn’t usually in our ability—it’s in the object of our faith. We are confident the professor will test us on the information he’s taught; the recipe has been a winner for decades; the angels are on assignment from God.

So it is with God. We have confidence, not because we are super-spiritual, or someone worth God’s notice, but because He sent His Son, who paid our sin debt, gave us a pardon, and adopted as His child for all eternity. With that promise in the Bible, we can know that we are His when we confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and repent, turning to Him and giving Him free reign in our lives as King of Kings. Do we think Him to be a liar? No! Can He lie? No! So why would we not have confidence? Our faith is in Him—He will never leave us, forsake us, or let us go out of His hands.

 

        THE LETTERS OF JOHN: HOW DO I KNOW?

   July 17, 2022

   Pastor Matt Willmington

At the risk of causing a tiff between a married couple, do you remember the first time you “fell in love” or experienced puppy love? Can you tell us about it?

Many people have been raised on Bible verses such as, “Do unto others as you want them to do unto you,” and “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” We may have been taught that a neighbor is the person next door or across the street. Jesus, in Luke 10:25-37, said that a neighbor is anyone who may cross your path at any time. John continues this first letter to the Ephesians by concentrating on the love a true believer must have for other believers in the church—as well as for people outside the church. He knew if Christians can get God’s concept of love into their hearts —both for God and people—the church would be able to face the world’s attacks. Join us as we study 1 John 4:7-21.

Focal Passage: 1 John 4:7-21

If you love the Father, you love the family

• Read 1 John 4:7, 8, 16, 19. Who is God saying we must love in these verses? Why must we? If we lack love for the brothers and sisters in the church, why is it so important that we figure out why?
• When do you get the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? Is He God, equal to God the Father and God the Son? What are some of His character traits? If He is living within you, how will you conduct yourself?
• What did verse 7 tell us? Read Romans 12:10 and Eph. 4:2. What quality do you especially notice in these two verses? If we take the lead to do the right thing, and to love others in the “family of God,” how is that glorifying God?

Love sends, serves, sacrifices

• Read verses 9-11,14. Why did God send His Son to the world? Read Phil. 2:6. What example of service did Jesus set for us here? Read Rom. 8:9. Is anyone naturally humble? How can we teach ourselves to be humble? Why is humility necessary, if we wish to be like Jesus?
• Read Rom. 12:16 and Gal. 5:13. Why was Matthew Henry correct when he wrote, “We must bear a resemblance to [Christ’s] life, if we would have the benefit of His death”? What quality must we continually seek to develop in our lives?

We love what we see, to love what we can’t see

• Read verses 12, 14, 20. Has anyone seen God at any time? For those who were with Jesus, was this like ‘seeing’ God? Who else do we see that is in His image? How does love for God develop from loving others?
• If you hate a true brother or sister in the faith, and you are striving to please God, what are some actions you must take to get your feelings within God’s boundaries? What would you do?
• Read 1 Thess.5:11, Eph. 4:32, Rom. 14:19 and Jas. 5:9. What are some of the fruits that we will bear indicating we are growing in our capacity to love?

Live in God because He lives in you

• Read verses 12-13, 15-16. What are two affirmations in our lives that will let us know we belong to God? If we take a spiritual test each year, what should we see?
• Read 1 Thess. 5:15, Jas. 4:11 and Gal. 5:26. These are verses on what NOT to do! What actions are you to stay away from? If God the Holy Spirit is living in you, why will you find these impossible to tolerate?

Completed love gives confidence

• Read verses 12, 17, 18. Who loves to put fear into our lives? What are some of the things that fear will center on? How can we drive fear out?
• Why should we not be afraid of facing God in judgment? When did we “put off the old man”?
• Read Rom. 14:13, Gal. 5:15, Eph. 4:25 and Titus 3:3. What are some things that we used to do, but should no longer be doing once we belong to God?

Haters don’t love, lovers don’t lie

• Read verses 20-21. Why should we find it impossible to hate our believing family if we are confessing and believing in Jesus Christ? Read Rom. 15:7. If they confess and believe in Jesus, how should we treat them? Is that how God treats us?
• Read Rom. 15:14, Eph. 5:21 and Gal. 6:2. Why is this how we should be acting toward our church family?
• Read Jas. 5:16, 1 Pet. 4:9, 5:5. These are ways our actions and our fruits will show we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Why is this so important?

Close:

At first it may seem slightly intimidating to read all the “dos and don’ts” in the Scriptures, but what may seem difficult here on earth will be momentary in the light of heaven! Think of what you will have: eternal life, not only with God as your Father and Jesus as your brother, but also with all the family and friends who have died in the Lord and gone to be with Him! How amazing is that? Is obedience too much to ask? No!

For a few short years we will be reaching toward that holy perfection God has asked of us (“Be holy, as I am holy”), in order to be rewarded with no tears, no sin, no sorrow, and so much more! Is that too much to pay for what you will be receiving? Not at all.

This has been a long lesson, but the summary is so short: Love God, and love your brothers and sisters in the faith. Love your neighbor more than you love yourself. As 1 John 1:7 says, “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin!”

THE LETTERS OF JOHN: LOVE MATTERS

July 3, 2022

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Can you share a true blessing that happened this week, and also a challenge that you faced, and tell how you handled it?

Today we will study the second half of chapter 3 in 1 John. Last week, in the first half of the chapter, we learned we could make a change in our lives by seeking purity and avoiding sin. Many of us, if given the option, would make many changes in our lives, especially in those things that impact our lives, causing us to sin. In today’s sermon, John wants us to go to a new level of change as he tells us that love for our Christian brother or sister is paramount—as is also loving our neighbor, the unsaved, different from us by politics, creed, lifestyle, etc., which is how Christ lived. He is our example. Now we need to be the example to the world.

Focal Passage: 1 John 3:11-24

Love is not a choice

• Read 1 John 3:11 and Lev. 19:18. What are some definitions of love? In verse 11, did God—through John—say whom we should love?
• Why did God not give you an option? Why did He not say we could pick and choose the people we want to love?
• Read verse 14. Who are we to love in this verse? Read James 2:8-10. Did James mean just the Church here, or neighbors?
• Lest there be any who needs an excuse to not love a neighbor, can someone share the highlights of the Good Samaritan parable?
• Why is loving others not a good gauge of salvation? Can you be lost and still love others? Can you be saved but NOT love others? Why not?

Jealousy is the enemy to love

• Read verse 12-13. Why did Cain kill Abel? What do you remember about the account of Cain and Abel’s problem as described in Genesis? Why was Cain jealous of Abel? How could he have chosen differently?
• (Think): Do you ever see this scene playing out in your own life (substitute hatred for murder)? What are some things that make you jealous? What can you do to stop jealousy in your life?
• What is it about Christ-followers (like Abel) that is so hard for others (like Cain) to tolerate? In other words, why does the world hate Jesus?
• Read verse 15. Do you know any one who hates someone else? Why would God identify hatred as murder? What is murder driven by? Read 1 Samuel 16:7b.

Love needs to be connected to action

• Read verses 17. How can—as John asked—the love of God reside in a person who will not meet the needs of others whom they know about? Read James 2:14-17. How does the kind of faith that meets needs manifest itself?
• What are some of the ways in which our love for God and for other people shows itself? What does John mean when he says that we need to love “in truth”?
• If you had to list the most important thing that, as a Christian, you experience, what would it be? Why is your behavior while among the unsaved a sure sign of your heart?

Love can only come through Christ

• Read verse 23. What is the difference in the command of God saying “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and spirit,” and what John says, “believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ”?
• Read verse 24. Read Deut. 27:10. Is this an OT mate to the NT verse by John? How do you know the Spirit remains inside of you?
• Why is obedience so essential?
• Do you desire to be holy above all things? Read Rom. 7:21-25. Does the desire to be holy ever war with your flesh?

Close:

What a magnificent lesson on love John gives us! Often, in the chaos of life, and the busy-ness of our schedules, we let opportunities slip by that could be turned into a time to put actions to our faith, meeting needs as we go to Walmart, the grocery store, or some other retail store. How many times have you been in a check-out line and the person at the register didn’t have enough money to pay for their purchases? It probably won’t bankrupt you to pull your wallet or purse open—or get out your credit card—and tell the clerk you’ll pay for their groceries. It is an action that says you love them.

Everyone is not lovable; we all know that. If you’ve found a way to love just about all the people who cross your path, teach the lesson at church! However, since the feelings can’t be seen, except as you allow your face to reflect them, at the very least you can smile, greet them happily, or compliment something about them. Those endorphins are going to pop into their hearts, leaving a good feeling for a while. There will always be those who don’t respond to overtures of encouragement but that shouldn’t stop you from offering them. It is an action that says you love them.

Life is very rough right now. Most people are suffering in some manner or are in some type of pain. Ease it when it’s within your power to do so—it won’t cost you anything to smile or say hello. It might also save their life, and the “ripple effect” will go on for days. Just remember how Jesus looked at people and “had compassion” on them (as in Luke 7:13), or even “loved them” (as in Mark 10:21). Can we do any less? These actions tell them you love them. Just like Jesus did.

THE LETTERS OF JOHN: WALKING IN THE LIGHT

June 19, 2022

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Sometimes a memory surfaces and it brings us a special, happy feeling. Those are memories to cherish. Can anyone share something that happened that you enjoy recalling?

As we continue to study 1 John, we immediately see that the problems the church faced almost two thousand years ago are the same ones we face today. John was warning the believers to avoid those who were teaching false doctrine. Peter had also warned the church in 2 Pet. 2:1 of these people who were causing the flock to turn away from the truth they had believed when they were saved. Today the global world is in chaos, very confused about what is truth. It is sad that we who know that Jesus Christ can save people from an eternity in hell have been so slow to carry out the great commission. John’s summary is from God: if you love the world, you can’t love God. Our responsibility is to obey the truth and be committed to sharing it.

A Universal Message

• Read 1 John 2:12-14. Who were the three categories of believers that John was writing to? Who did these three groups represent?
• What did the “little children” believe? What else does he say about them? Why is repentance necessary for one to become a believer? Is this what enabled them to be saved? What else was necessary?
• What do the “fathers” know? What does it take to know God? Will you ever finish that learning on this side of the grave?
• What have the “young men” done? What else does he say about young men?
• Why do you think John writes the same things to the young men and the fathers? Which category do you fall in, no matter your age in the faith?

Walk from the world, walk toward the light

• Read 1 John 2:15-17. What is the warning throughout these next few verses?

What is meant by the world? Read Matt. 16:26. What is there in this world that is worth losing your eternal life for? Do you ever think of telling the world this?

• What does John mean that you should not “love the world”? Can you love the world and love God at the same time? Read James 4:4. What are some things that are in the world that can take the place of your love for God?
• What are the three categories of things in the world that one can love, and which will displace your love for God? Can you give some examples of things that fall under the “lust of the flesh”? And “the lust of the eyes”? And “the pride of life”? Read Mark 4:18-20. How is this the same concept that Jesus told?
• What is eventually going to happen to this world? What will eventually happen to those persons who believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, have repented of their sins, and who love to do the will of God?

Now is the Time

• Read 1 John 2:18, 21, 25. What does John mean by saying it is the last hour? When does the Bible say that the man known as the “Antichrist” will come? What did John mean that many antichrists (plural) have come? Why is he warning them?
• When had these believers known the truth? Who was he referring to as “many antichrists”? What does this mean? “no lie comes from the truth”? Read John 8:44. What is the promise that God has given to us?

Stand strong

• Read verses 28-29. Of the 3 original categories of people, which is the one most likely to be swayed by false doctrine? Discuss how this affects school subjects.
• If you “remain in Him,” why would you have confidence? Can God, or Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, lie? For those who remain in Him, what is promised in verse 25?
• Read Mark 16:15. What does God expect from us? Did you ever feel the call of “going,” but never went? Can you share? How do we “remain in Him”?

Close

Few persons who contemplate marriage would ever consider becoming the spouse of someone who loves another person. Why? Because we know that we would never meet their expectations, and they—loving another person—could never really love us or meet our needs. This is a very weak but true illustration of the love that God expects from us. If we love the world, we can’t also love God.

If we are exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ, believing that He came to this earth, fully man yet fully God, to be the payment for our sin debt, that He died, was buried, and three days later came out of the grave so that we could have eternal life by believing in His name and what He did—but yet we love the things that are in this world, do you think God would say, “Well, okay. It’s not what I had hoped for, but I have part of their heart, so I’ll settle for that.” No. Not at all. With God, it’s either all in, or all out. Yes, He does “consider our frame [our humanity], that we are but dust” (Psa. 103:15). In other words, He realizes we will sin—but if we become truly saved it will not be a lifestyle. Yes, we may sin for a moment, but as soon as we “come to ourselves,” we dissolve into raw emotion, broken in heart and sorry for the sin with all our heart. He hears (I John 1:9), forgives, cleanses, and restores. We can then comfort others who mess up. Read Proverbs 24:16: the righteous fall seven times but get up!

How do we remain strong? By staying in His word, committing it to memory that “we might not sin against God; we stay in prayer, praising God and lifting up those who need our prayer: for salvation, healing, or any another need. He cares that we pray for the salvation of others—it is His will, as He doesn’t wish to see anyone perish and it is why He came to this earth. But His perfect will of healing, or the restoration of relationships, financial crisis, broken hearts and more, may be prayers we don’t see answered. Not because He doesn’t hear, but because the answer is “Not yet” or “Wait.” But ask in faith, believing that He cares, and that He’s working. As the praise song says, “Even when I don’t see it, You’re working—You never stop, never stop working!” Believe it. He is.

        THE LETTERS OF JOHN: TAKE A WALK IN THE LIGHT

     June 05, 2022

        Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Statistics tell us that most people have three to five close friends. In today’s age when we often need encouragement, how important are your friends? Can anyone share?

John, the beloved apostle, referred to himself as the disciple “whom Jesus loved.” While we can’t be certain exactly what was in John’s mind when he wrote that of himself, all true Christ-followers can insert their name as being beloved by the Lord. It means He is Lord of your life. You strive to make choices that reflect “What Would Jesus Do,” and your walk and your talk match. The fellowship with Him is unparalleled, as the hymn “In the Garden” says, “And the joy we share, as we tarry there, none other has ever known!”* There is nothing more humbling, more peaceful, more filled with security, than having the God of the universe show you that He loves you. You can take it to the bank, for “The Bible Tells Me So.”

Focal Passage: 1 John vv 1-10.

Jesus is still the Way, Truth and Life

• Read 1 John vv1-2. What do you know about John 1:1, Gen. 1:1 and 1 Jn. 1? What is the important truth common to those three verses? Read James 2:23b, Ex. 33:11a and Jn. 1:47. What testimony does God give about each of these men? Do you doubt His word about them? In Jn. 21:20, what is he called? Would God allow this if it were not so? By establishing John’s veracity, why do we believe he would not lie?
• What did John say he had witnessed? When friends tell us of something they’ve witnessed, how do we respond? Can we believe what John says about Jesus? He saw, heard and touched Him after His resurrection. Why would people not believe?
• Why is it not possible for a human—under his own power—to get out of his grave? What did Jesus have? When do we receive the same resurrection power?

We are one family because of Jesus

• Read 1 Jn. Vv 3-4. Why does John say he’s writing this letter? Who is able to have fellowship with the “family of God”? What makes a family? Read 1 Cor. 8:6. How does that verse confirm this passage in John? How do you have fellowship with the world? Why is it not possible? If you are hanging on to a worldly friend in order to save them, why is that not likely to happen? Read 1 Cor. 15:33.
• Why will we not get along with everyone who says they are a Christian? Who does true fellowship exist between? Why does John say he is writing these things?

Hypocrisy destroys the family

• Read 1 Jn. vv 5-6. What is the hardest part of dealing with a person you can’t trust? Why can you not trust someone who lies, exaggerates, and twists the truth? What if they say they are a Christ-follower?
• What is the difference between one who loves the world and one who loves Jesus? Read James 4:4. How does God expect us to live?
• Do you know people who claim to be saved but live a sinful lifestyle? What is wrong with that? What should their life be like if they are truly saved?

Obedience builds the family

• Read v 7. Why is it that some people at church or in your circle of friends are like “soul mates”? Is there anything quite as wonderful as having a friend you can truly count on, no matter how you mess up? How can we have this communion?
• Why is it not okay to assume we can have a sinful lifestyle because He has paid for all our sins? Read Romans 6:1. (Read the entire chapter when you get time!)

So let’s be honest

• Read vv. 8-10. Do you know there are some who believe we can attain sinless perfection in this life? Why is that not true? How does verse 10 check our spirit?
• Why is verse 9 so marvelous for the Christ-follower? What does it mean to “confess” our sins? Do your sins bother you and make you miserable until you confess (agree with God that you have done wrong) them and get right with God again?

 

Undoubtedly, within your family are those who are not saved and whose souls you are very concerned about. Perhaps they follow “another gospel,” perhaps they have rejected Jesus Christ as the only Way to eternal life, or perhaps they have grown lukewarm and nothing you say influences them. According to these verses written by the “Beloved apostle,” you can’t have real fellowship with them until they turn to Christ in confession and repentance.

In this short letter that was meant to be circulated among all the churches at that time, as well as the future, does John help you understand any relationships in your family that are dysfunctional? Perhaps there’s someone whom you seem to irritate no matter what you say or do. Is it feasible they are not right spiritually, and until they get their life straightened out before God, it may not be possible for you to have the love exist between you that you would like? God is light, John says in verse 5, and if someone has darkness in them, how can you expect to have a beautiful relationship?

Perhaps there is someone whom you love, and with whom you desperately want a good relationship. You may have no control over them whatsoever, and the loss of their friendship breaks your heart. However, you know the one in the Person of Jesus Christ, who was foreordained to come and heal the brokenhearted (Psa. 147:3, Isa. 61:1), and Jesus Himself said He had come to heal the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18). You can pray, daily lifting up the one you love, that they will get sick of their sin and desire to turn to Jesus. You will be praying in the Lord’s will, as He says that He does not desire that any should perish, but that all would come to Him in repentance. It may not be in your lifetime, but the seeds you sow will eventually result in a harvest.

Family Matters: Diversions, Distractions, & Deceit

May 22, 2022

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

What is one of the hardest situations you find yourself in when asked something and you feel a lie come to mind (like, “Isn’t my baby beautiful?”) Can anyone confess? What do you do?

Our series, Family Matters, is affecting lives weekly as we are given messages of truth on walking the narrow path through this evil world, being a positive impact on our family and our children, and having the ripple effect on our community and our world. Today’s’ sermon, taken from Proverbs 4, is directed at every individual who can hear it. At times we can get hung up on Solomon’s older years as he let his wives turn his heart from his God, but we must keep in mind that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of God, and ultimately this is God speaking to each one of us.

Focal Passage: Proverbs 4:20-27

Know that God has a path for us all

• Read Prov. 4:20-22. Why would you, as a parent, tell your child to “pay attention,” then emphasize “listen closely”(CSB)? What would you be saying? Do you think that’s why it was repeated? Read James 1:22-25. Why is it so important to not only hear God’s word, but obey it? What is the promise for obeying?
• What did He mean to “not lose sight” of His words? How can you keep His words in front of you? Read Psa. 119:11. If you memorize, where are you storing up the Word? How is committing God’s Word to memory an asset for the believer?
• If your “eyes” are on God’s Word, how does the world try to divert it? Read Psa. 101:3. In this age of technology, what are some of the unholy things we see? How will God hold us accountable? Read Psa. 26:3. What are “holy things” we can keep our focus on? How do we keep unholy things from crossing our minds?

It starts in the heart

• Read Prov. 4:23 and Rom. 10:9. If you have become a child of God, where did your faith begin? Read Matt. 6:21. What do you value most in life? During a normal week, aside from your forty hours of work, what do you spend the most of your time on? How can “good things” divert us from God’s Word?
• Read Col. 3:1-2. What are some of the “things above”? What would you say to someone who thinks following Jesus will mean they have to give up everything that is enjoyable? What was promised in verse 22 to the one who loves God’s Word?

Honesty is the best policy

• Read Prov. 4:24-26. What is the normal word we use for speaking dishonestly? Who is the father of lies? What are some of the lies he tells you about yourself? How can you combat those? How do you try to vanquish those thoughts?
• What does God mean to look neither right nor left? What is the warning we have in verse 26? What is the promise He gives? In Psa. 23:3, where does God lead us?
• Daily, we are tempted to sin. Do you ever give in, just to avoid conflicts or stress?

Don’t let the world get you off track

• Read Prov. 4:26-27. We can often see when a young person is “on the wrong path”. Is it always as easy to see when we ourselves are off track? How does it happen?
• Why is it easier to get distracted than to keep our focus on God? What is the area where Satan is most able to push you into quicksand? What can you do to win?

Close:

So often in Scripture we will find a passage that has a huge amount to say within just a few verses. These verses from the Book of Proverbs are a great example. In these, we find many of our senses displayed with an enormous amount of information for living our lives as believers. We also see that being victorious is possible when we are obedient to God’s word because we want more than anything else to please Him who gave Himself for us.

God, in this passage, tells us to use our ears to listen to Him. We are told not only to “pay attention,” but to “listen closely.” You might reason that if you are paying attention, then you consider yourself to be listening closely. Because He repeats it in the same verse, it is imperative we listen to what He says. We need to also couple it with like verses, as in James 1:22ff, where we are told that if we listen but do not obey what we hear we deceive ourselves (point 3) and our religion is worthless!

We are told to use our sight to keep His Words in front of us, and to keep our eyes looking straight ahead so we’re not distracted by the things of this world. In other words, avoid the “lust of the eyes,” which are things that will trip us up. Think of how many sights entice our eyes!

We are to speak with honesty and not be deceitful in what we say. There are no white lies. If we have Jesus, we have TRUTH, and will not want to lie.

When the Bible speaks of the heart, it is the organ that shows that eternal LIFE, in the Person of Jesus Christ, is present, because we have asked Him to take control of our lives. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the LIFE.”(John 14:6). God says “above all” guard your heart, for out of it the issues of life are proceeding, revealing whether our heart is godly or condemned. Do we speak words of life, or words of death? James warns us in Jas. 3:2-12 to be careful that our words do not condemn us. “Out of the same mouth should not come both blessing and cursing!” Does it with you?

Lastly, His “Words” are mentioned many times in these few verses. They are the source of life, they will establish our way, and keep our feet from evil. They will keep us from sin. There can be no testimony without a test. Keep these Words of Life and you’ll have a testimony.

                                                                                                              Family Matters: Children

 Jonathan Falwell and Dr. John Maxwell

                                                                                                                                         May 08, 2022

Do you have a habit—either good or bad—that you have noticed has been passed on to one of your children—intentionally or inadvertently? Can you share?

As we continue our series on Family Matters, we welcome Dr. John Maxwell to share the podium with Pastor Falwell today. We will examine the subject of our precious children, and how we are teaching them the values we want them to learn. We must be aware of the impact our actions have on them, as Dr. Maxwell informed us that 89% of what children do is what they have seen. Therefore, we parents need to determine what they are learning from our actions. He suggests five goals that should be the main focus for any Christian parents.

Focal Passages: Ephesians 5:1-2 and 6:1-4

Faith

• Read Romans 3:23 and 6:23. Why is it so important we teach our children about God? What do we mean when we say God doesn’t have “grandchildren”? Why should one’s life be committed to Christ?
• Read Prov. 22:6. What is the best way to teach a child how to love God?
• If what you do is going to be copied by your children in their actions, what are some precepts we can live by that will turn their hearts toward God?

Responsibility

• What are some of the areas of life in which we wish our children to learn responsibility? How can you teach them to be forgiving, and to be humble? How can you teach them to finish what they start, and to have a good work ethic? Do these things “just happen” as they grow? Why or why not?
• List the areas in your own life that you have not yet conquered. What are your children learning? What would happen if you sat down with them and discussed this?

Relationships

• Read Eph. 6:1-4. This is the first relationship that your child will have after birth. Why is it so important? Fathers, why does God specifically point to you that you not anger your child?
• Read Matt. 22:37-39. Why is it so important that you learn to love others and put them before your own desires? How can you teach your children to do this?
• When you have messed up before your children, do you tell them you’re sorry, and ask their forgiveness? Why or why not? What is so important about transparency? 

Attitude

• Read Gal. 5:22-23. Why is attitude so very important? Think of your own life: are you pleased when something is done for or given to you, but the attitude is all wrong? Why does it bother you? Is God different?
• Read Col. 3:15 and Phil. 4:11. What is contagious about a great attitude? What does that teach our children?

Generosity

• Read Prov. 11:25, 2 Cor. 9:6, and 1 Tim. 6:18. What does the Bible teach about giving and generosity?
• What is the principle that is taught over and over in Scripture about giving? What are some ways we can foster a love for giving in our children or grandchildren?

Close:

If you did not hear today’s sermon, please go back and watch it. You will miss a huge blessing if you haven’t heard it, as it’s not possible to include a complete message in a Group study. The advice Dr. Maxwell gives for raising healthy Christian children is unparalleled and we hope you are able to watch it and internalize it.

If you have older children, you may feel you have blown it, and should give up. No! Start over! Dr. Maxwell stressed that there is no time like the present to sit down with your children, admit your faults, and ask them to help you live as you should. Huge credibility is lost when we don’t model a love for Christ and for others, so ask their forgiveness, and begin immediately.                                                                                                                                                                   

Here are some jewels from the message:                                                                                                                                       

 You don’t have to win every battle! There are no perfect parents. It is always important to be open with your children, so they can come to you about anything. Take responsibility for your actions, show humility, and be accountable. It’s impossible for us to have great dreams for our children if our life is a nightmare. Everything valuable is an uphill task—hopes, dreams, etc.—if you have downhill habits. You don’t accidentally go uphill, you must be intentional! The dream is free, but the journey isn’t. Model habits that help your kids see what a committed life looks like. Good intentions are a waste because they never begin. Understand it’s never too late to start. Engage children in serving in Christian activities—expose them to service for Christ. You develop great Christian children by being a great Christian parent! Transformation happens because of what we do, not what we say.  Concerning generosity, we are to be rivers, not reservoirs. AND, WE TEACH WHAT WE KNOW, BUT WE REPRODUCE WHAT WE ARE!

 

FAMILY MATTERS: GOD’S DESIGN FOR THE FAMILY

April 24, 2022

Scott Bullman

Life can be hard in these chaotic times. Can you share an example of a time you were so grateful that your family was close by?

We have entered a new series entitled “Family Matters.” God never changes—therefore His plan for the family in Genesis 2 is still His plan today. When He created Adam and Eve as a male and female, husband and wife, in the Garden of Eden, He was creating a family. God’s first recorded words to Adam and Eve were “be fruitful and multiply.” Later, when Noah and his family emerged from the Ark in Genesis 8, God’s recorded conversation with Noah at that time included the same words, “be fruitful and multiply.” His plan for mankind, then, was to be a family of one husband and one wife and produce children. In today’s world, Satan is using any means he can, including governments and leaders, to destroy the family. Even worse, he is pitting family members against each other so that he may destroy them from within. Let us commit to standing on God’s ways, His promises, and His strength to see that all of our family is with us on that day we stand before Him.

God’s Design for Marriage

• Read Genesis 2:20b-24. What was God’s original design for marriage? Read Mark 10:6-9. How did Jesus reinforce that God’s plan had not changed? What does God mean when He says that the husband and wife shall be “one flesh”?
• Read Colossians 3:1-3. What is the greatest threat to our family? What instructions does Paul give here? Read 2 Peter 1:8. How can you relate this verse to the passage in Colossians, applying the teaching to those husbands and wives who are trying to live godly lives? How does the path of our life affect our marriage? What are some fiery darts that Satan throws at marriages in this day?
• In the verses in Col. 3:1-3, Paul uses the conditional term “if.” If you did not have a life change once you’ve accepted Jesus as your Savior, what may that mean?

The Wife’s Role

• Read Col. 3:18. What is the Biblical definition of the word “submit” in verse 18? How has culture today redefined what God desired? In life, is there anyone exempt from being under some type of authority? Think it through carefully!
• From another viewpoint for the husband/wife, how and why do you wish your children to “submit” to your authority as the parent? When is it your intention to trample on their tender hearts? What is your motive? Could that be your husband’s motive as well even when you may think of it as a control issue?
• What are some examples of times when submitting to your husband is a relief to your mind, and when does it cause conflict?
• Wives, can you accept dropping a situation even if you are in the right? Don’t ever let being right usurp your desire to be kind.

The Husband’s Role

• Read Col. 3:19. Husbands, what are some ways you show love to your wife? What is the warning Paul gives? What are some ways in which you can become bitter at your wife? Read Eph. 5:25. How does Christ love the church? What is the common denominator between marriage and the church?
• Why did this model for loving the wife anger men in those days?
• What are some of the expectations that a newly married husband may have? Are these all practical?

The Children’s Role

• Read Psa. 127:3 and Prov. 17:6. How does God view children? What “children” does this verse refer to? Do you have children in your home who are older, but still being provided for by you? Do you view them as those who should obey, or as adults making their own rules? Which is correct according to this verse?
• Read Col. 3:20. If you are the parents of children at home, how are you teaching them to obey you in everything? How do you take as much responsibility for their minds as you do for their bodies? Why does this verse have a promise attached to it? What is that promise?
• Read Romans 1:28-30. What are the characteristics of pagans who were not saved? Why is disobedience to parents one of those listed? If you are letting them slide with their obedience, how will they react to teachers and later, employers? Will you have to answer to God for your child’s behavior?

The Parent’s Role

• Read Col. 3:21. What are some ways in which you can discourage your children? Were you ever made to feel unloved as a child? Are you still paying the price?
• Read Eph. 6:4. Why would a child get discouraged if they are always made to feel they are not meeting your expectations? Read Joshua 24:15. Can this be you?

Close

A healthy family is one in which there is so much more than nutritious food! To see that your child is fed a diet of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains is great—and probably extremely rare—but is not nearly enough. In this age of technology, we are concentrating on the internal processes of the body, but leaving the processes of the mind and heart in a position to take in the garbage that is going to sow seeds of rebellion, discord, social ineptitude, and isolation from God. Yes, there are good things available on the web, just as there are on television, but more than likely those are not the programs that will excite the passions of the mind.

Because we will be in this series over the next several weeks, we will enlarge on God’s design for our family. It is the only institution God-ordained, other than the church. It is the one that is meant to raise godly children, just as the church is meant to “be fruitful and multiply” by adding disciples.  Let us be committed to getting a firm grasp on God’s perfect plan for families during this series.

THE RESURRECTION EVIDENCE

   April 10, 2022

  Dr. Gary Habermas

 

Have you ever been called for “jury duty”? It’s a rather daunting feeling, knowing that you may be making a decision that will determine the freedom of someone. Can you share?

As we welcome Dr. Gary Habermas today, we prepare our hearts to listen to the truth that the Messiah had indeed come to the people of Israel, testifying that He and the Father are one. For those who believed in Him, His death was perplexing and seemingly the end of His ministry. The certainty of His death was recorded not only by those who followed Him but also by secular historians of the day. Three days later, the morning of the first day of the week dawned, and there was no question the tomb was empty. Over the next forty days, over five hundred people saw Jesus alive in the flesh, with the scars in His hands and feet. His disciples ultimately saw Him go up into the sky, then out of sight, as He returned to Heaven. His deity, His death, and His resurrection are the basis of the truth of the Christian faith.

Focal Passages: 1 Corinthians 15

The Deity of Jesus Christ

• Read Isaiah 53:1-3, Daniel 9:25-26, and Micah 5:1-2. What do these passages have in common? About how many years before Christ was born were these prophecies spoken? Read Isa. 7:14, Matt. 1:21, Luke 1:30-32, and John 1:14. What do these verses promise? Were the New Testament verses speaking of an event that would soon come to pass?
• Read Gen. 1:26, Psa. 2:7, John 1:1-3, 10:30, 17:11, 21, and 1 John 5:7. What is the message that each writer was making clear? Read Mark 3:21. What did Nazareth believe of Jesus? Why do you believe Jesus when He claimed equity with God?
• Read John 1:19-28. What was John’s testimony? Read John 1:32-34 and Matt. 17:5. What was the testimony of God the Father and the Holy Spirit?
• Luke 1:39-45. What was Elizabeth’s testimony? Only Mary and Joseph knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. What was their testimony?
• Only Christianity believes Jesus is God’s only Son, who came in the flesh, and the only way to the Father. Why is this the foundation of our faith?

The Death of Jesus Christ

• Read Isa. 50:6 and 52:14. How would you describe the beating that Christ endured to pay for our sins? What can you envision from His crown of thorns, and from the exhaustion and loss of blood that caused Him to be unable to carry the cross?
• Read Matt. 27:50. Remind yourself how the Bible came into existence (2 Tim. 3:16). Would God lie in this verse, but the rest of Scripture be true?
• There is no documentation ever known to be in existence that states any man ever lived through a Roman crucifixion. The Journal of the American Medical Association made a scientific study of the torture Christ endured on the cross and wrote: “Clearly the weight of the evidence indicates that Jesus was dead even before the wound to His side was inflicted.” Atheist Gerd Ludeman said, “Historically, it’s indisputable that Jesus was dead.” Many secular historians mentioned the death of Jesus. Do you think anyone would have gone to such lengths for a farce? Why or why not?
• Read Luke 24:46. Jesus Himself stated He had had to suffer and be dead. Would He lie?
• What conclusion can you come to other than that His death was the absence of life?

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

• Read Deut. 19:15 and 1 Tim. 5:19. What is the point of these passages to determine someone’s quilt? Read Matt. 28:5-6, 8, 16 and Luke 24:36-39. How many witnesses to His being alive after the resurrection did Jesus have?
• In his book, The Case for Christ, former Atheist Lee Strobel found nine ancient sources other than the Bible that record twelve separate occasions when people saw Jesus alive and well after the cross. He also appeared to a crowd of over 500. Why is it unthinkable that those who were martyred for their faith would die for a lie?

So, What Do We Do?

• Be Steadfast: We must recognize that we are living in a world that is changing by the minute. Our faith is going to be challenged, and we will be persecuted. Hang in there!
• Know your labor is not in vain: rewards will be given in Heaven. Read Matt. 10:42. Even a cup of cold water given in the name of Jesus will be rewarded.
• Death is conquered: God has promised that those who believe and commit their lives to Jesus Christ will close their eyes in death and open them in the presence of Jesus!

Close

Do you ever examine the faith you have in your relationship with Jesus Christ? You are staking your entire future on the Bible being true, on it being God’s words to us, and on its truth that Jesus Christ died for your sins. Many people think you are crazy, don’t they? Do you believe it enough to tell others, so that they don’t have to spend eternity in hell? Are there some that you don’t share your faith with because you really don’t care where they spend eternity? Those are hard questions, aren’t they?

We believe the Bible contains God’s letters to us, without error in the original scrolls, infallible, and every book included is inspired by Him—or “God-breathed.” It is everything we need to live in peace and righteousness. It is meant for our instruction, reproof, correction, and training.

To believe that Jesus is God is to believe what He has said about Himself. To believe that He died

on the cross is to believe that He said He had come to earth to die. And to believe that He rose to life again is to believe His “only sign, the sign of the prophet Jonah, who was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights.” He is good, He does not lie, and He loves us. Putting our life into His hands is not taking a chance—it is accepting by faith that He will take care of us, just as He promised. And one day—maybe soon—”He will come back to receive us unto Himself, that where He is, there we may be also.”

So, be steadfast, always abounding in the work of the Lord, know your labor is not in vain, because He keeps a record of all you do and say as unto the Lord, and know death is conquered and you will win!

 

References:

Strobel, Lee. The Case for Christ: a Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998.

 

 

 

 

THE DOCTRINE OF ESCHATOLOGY: “THE LAST THINGS”

March 27, 2022

Dr. Ed Hindson

Unrest is all around the globe. If you knew life as we know it today would not last but a few more years, what are some things you would like to do or accomplish in that time?

Today we look at a doctrine of the Christian faith that has become a common subject in magazines, books, and social media, and is a question everyone wants answered: are we living in the last days of the world? God revealed throughout the Bible the signs that will be evidenced as life as we know it winds down and changes forever. Many scholars and authors have predicted dates, but the truth is no one knows when Christ will return! Each week we have used the doctrinal statement of our church to show how our beliefs line up with the Biblical subject: “We affirm that the return of Christ for all believers is imminent…to be followed by…tribulation and then the coming of Christ to establish His earthly Kingdom.”

The Rapture

• Read John 14:1-3. Who is Jesus speaking to? Who had just left the Upper Room?
• 1 Thess. 4:13-17. Who will be impacted when Jesus comes from heaven into our atmosphere? Who will be raised to meet Him first? What kind of body will we have? Read Luke 24:36-43. Is it possible this is how our glorified body will be?
• Read 1 Thess. 5:1-4, 7-9. Why did Paul comfort the Thessalonians that believers are not appointed for God’s wrath? Does that apply to us?
• What is the promise that we can take away from this portion of God’s Word? 

The Bride to Father’s House

• People must know the significance of the ritual of the Jewish wedding in the days of Jesus Christ. Can anyone re-tell Dr. Hindson’s explanation of the wedding custom? What was the first action? Was the betrothal a binding, legal agreement between families?
• What did the groom do once the betrothal was set? What did he do when he returned to his father’s house? How is this ritual analogous to Jesus’ return?
• Read Matt. 25:6. Once the groom had prepared the home for himself and his bride, who told him to go get his bride? Read Mark 13:32. Is this why the virgins were watchful, but not knowledgeable, of the time the groom would come?
• When we read 1 Thess. 4:17, where does it say we will meet Christ? Where will we go at that time? What is the promise we can take away from this?

The Judgment Seat of Christ

• Read 2 Cor. 5:10. When do theologians believe the Bema Seat judgment will be?
• What will it be for? Why are there many reasons to think this will not include answering for our sins? What will we be repaid for? Is there a promise here?

The Marriage of the Lamb

• Read Rev. 19:7. What will the “bride” (the church) receive when we arrive in heaven? Who supplies the Fine Linen, “bright and clean”?
• Read verse 8. What does the fine linen represent? What are we promised here?

The Triumphal Return

• Read Rev. 19:11-13. After the marriage supper of the Lamb, it is time for Him to return to the earth. How will He come?
• Read verse 14. Who will be with Him? How will they be dressed?
• Read verses 15-16. Will the saints who are with the Lord help Him to fight? What promise do these verses contain?

The Millennial Reign

• Read Rev. 20:4-6. There is much we don’t know about the Millennial Reign of Christ, but what is factual is the length of time. How long will it be?
• Read Rev. 20:1-3. Where will Satan be during this period of one-thousand years?

Who will put him there? Are these promises we can believe?

The Eternal City

• Read Rev. 21:1-2. This is now the final event when the glorified saints begin a life that will last for eternity. Read 1 Cor 2:9. How does this comfort you?
• Read 1 Cor. 6:9-10. Who are the unrepentant sinners who will not be in heaven? Why will none of these people be there? Would they have had their chance to accept Jesus as Savior while they lived?
• What promise is made in these verses for believers?

The Invitation

• Read Rev. 22:17. What is God’s final plea to those who read His Word? Why?

Close

This sermon took into account many verses, passages, and theological doctrines, knowing that for every statement of faith we believe, there are equally learned men on every other side who might believe differently. It is not our intention to present every viewpoint, but only what God has given us as facts—those things that we can believe with certainty, and that we can have as a foundation for our faith. Our founding church fathers wrote our Doctrinal Statement after much prayer and fasting, always comparing Scripture with Scripture. We hope today’s sermon has been a help to you that has reinforced your beliefs, with you always going back to God’s Word to be certain what you believe is what God has said. The bottom line is, always be ready! It is not the how, when, or in what manner–in the end, all that will matter will be are you truly ready to meet Christ? If so, He will call you: “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matt. 25:34).

DOCTRINE OF ANGELS & DEMONS

March 13, 2022

Matt Willmington

 

There are many areas of life where beliefs or opinions can be taken to the extreme, and which can create complications. Does an example come to your mind?

For the past couple of months, we have been in a series where we are examining the doctrines of the Christian faith. Each week we have cited the corresponding section of the Statement of Faith of our church, which references the doctrine for that week. As we examine what the Bible teaches on angels and demons, we will reference only the Bible. God has given us a complete overview as we see what He says about these created beings.

Two Dangers to Avoid Concerning Angels

• Saying too much. What do we mean when we say we can put too much emphasis on the angelic world?
• Saying too little. While we should not give undue recognition to the angels who are ministering to saints, what is the caution we need to take in giving demons (fallen angels) too little thought?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONCERNING ANGELS

WHAT ARE ANGELS?

• The word in Hebrew means “mighty ones,” “valiant men” or even “champions.” Read Psalm 103:20-21. What did David say about them in these verses?
• Read Psa. 104:4 and Hebrews 1:14. What were angels created to do?

HOW DID THEY ORIGINATE?

• The Bible does not tell us when the angels were created. Read Job 38:1-7. What did God say they were doing when He created the earth? Read Psa. 148:1-6. What can be learned about angels from these verses?
• Read Rev. 12:3-9. When Satan waged war against God, how many of the angels fell with him? Read Luke 20:35-37. What are some additional characteristics of angels we see in this passage?

WHAT KINDS OF ANGELS ARE THERE?

• FALLEN: What are some of the terms used for those angels who chose to go with Satan? What do we commonly call them? Read Jude verse 6 and 2 Peter 2:4. What punishment is already being suffered by some of those fallen angels?
• GOOD: Reread Heb. 1:14. What is one of the primary jobs of these angelic beings? Read Rev. 7:11. What actions do you recall angels doing in Scripture?
• ARCH: Who are the two angels you think of immediately who are Arch Angels? What did they do? How would you classify the hierarchy of Arch Angels?
• CHERUBIM: Read Gen. 3:24 for the first reference to a Cherub Angel, possibly the second-highest order of angels. Read Ezek. 10:19-21 for their description.
• SERAPHIM: Thought to be the highest order of the angels. They are mentioned only a few times in the Bible, in Isaiah, with similar features of the Cherubim. Their role seems to be to praise God.
• LIVING CREATURES: Mentioned only in Revelation (4, 5, & 6), these are magnificent, powerful creatures similar to the Cherubim and Seraphim.
• RULING RANKS: Many of these ranks are listed by Paul in Eph. 6:12.
• GUARDIANS: These are the ministering spirits in Hebrews 1:14.

ARE THEY DEAD PEOPLE?

• NO! Forget your preconceived notions that dead people roam the earth. Read 2 Cor. 5:8. Upon death, the saved go to be with the Lord, the unsaved will be forever in hell. Read Psa. 9:17 and Luke 16:19-26 for a clearer understanding.

DO WE NEED TO SPEAK A SPECIAL LANGUAGE?

• NO! Read 1 Timothy 2:5. There is no one but Christ to mediate for mankind. We are not to attempt to establish a personal relationship with them.

DO THEY HAVE BODIES?

• Reread Psa. 104:4. Angels are spirits unless they must take on a physical body temporarily, as in Genesis 19:1-22, when their mission requires bodies.

DO THEY HAVE LIMITS?

• Although angels possess free will (else 1/3 could not have followed Satan), they have no “Omni” powers, or ability to read thoughts, etc.

CAN I BE POSSESSED OR OPPRESSED BY DEMONS?

• BELIEVERS, belonging to God and indwelt with the Holy Spirit, can be oppressed but not possessed. Read 1 Cor. 6:19-20. UNBELIEVERS, belonging to Satan and the kingdom of darkness, can be indwelt by demons. They still can choose to call out to God for salvation and receive freedom. Read Mark 5:1-20.

DO THEY CAUSE ILLNESS?

• PHYSICAL, yes. Scripture gives us many passages to affirm this: Luke 8:27-28, 9:39, 13:10-16; John 9:1-5
• MENTAL, they can be, but definitely not always: 1 Samuel 16:14-23.

CAN I CONTROL THEM?

• Use these passages: Colossians 2:18; Revelation 22:8-9 and Jude 1:9; Luke 9, 10.

 

Close

The topic of angels is popular both in Christian and non-Christian cultures. A problem can occur if there is an undue emphasis on their roles and their responsibility to guard or protect mankind. As with other categories of the supernatural, angels can be sinfully idolized or worshiped, when, because it is a created being, it is only the Creator who is worthy of worship.

The Bible speaks of children having a guardian angel (Matt. 18:10), as well as being ministering spirits to us who are God’s children (Heb. 1:14). We give God the glory for His protection, but do not try to form a relationship.

At the same time, Satan desires to sabotage us by assigning a demon, or a “familiar spirit,”  to try to take us down, as he knows our every action. They cannot read our thoughts but can whisper to our minds, trying to ruin our faith in God. Because he knows us intimately, he knows our weaknesses. Don’t underestimate Satan but don’t give him any unnecessary attention. He will be in hell one day. It is God and God alone who deserves the glory and the praise!

THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH

February 27, 2022

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Goals in life are not just made at New Year’s—we often plan to discipline ourselves to do something that will require persevering. Then something, whether a bitter word, an antagonistic friend or a million other excuses causes us to quit. Can someone share?

As we continue our series on the basic doctrines of the Christian faith, we see that the founding fathers of Thomas Road Baptist Church drafted a doctrinal statement of beliefs that covers all that is necessary to lay the foundation for the existence of a local church. Each week we have quoted a portion that applies to a different doctrine, as we do today concerning the local church body: “We affirm that the church is a local assembly of baptized believers, under the discipline of the Word of God and the Lordship of Christ, organized to carry out the commission to evangelize, to teach, and to administer the ordinances of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s table. Its officers are pastors and deacons, and it is self-governing. It functions through the ministry of gifts given by the Holy Spirit to each believer.”

What is the church?

• The Ekklesia. Read Acts 2:41-42. How did Luke define the beginning of the church? What does ekklesia mean? What are we “called out” from?
• Those are Called Out for a purpose. What did the church look like during this time? Where were they meeting?

What is the church supposed to do?

Reach: organized to…evangelize

• What was the first thing listed in the doctrinal statement above that the church was to do? Read Acts 2:41 again. What was the main function of the church? What do communion and baptism represent? Read Matt. 28:18-20. Who was Jesus speaking to? Why is this command as relevant today as it was at that time?
• What is the only thing that will limit the reach of the church of God? How can we make sure we are not lukewarm in carrying out His command in Matt. 28:18-20?
• Is our God whom we serve today in 2022 the same God who drew souls by the thousands in the days of the apostles?

Teach: and…administer the ordinances

• Read Acts 2:42a. What do we need to be teaching? Read 2 Tim. 2:15. How can we accurately tell others if we are not saturated by the Word in our own lives?
• Read Eph. 4:14. How does this illustrate the lives of those who never read God’s Word? Why is it so important that we share the gospel with unbelievers?

Serve: submitting to God and Christ…

• Read Acts 2:44-45. Why did the new believers do the things listed in these verses? What were some reasons they were pulling together as one in this manner? What is our responsibility today to other believers? Read Gal. 6:10 and Phil. 2:3. Is this how Paul saw our service in meeting the needs of others?
• What are some of the ways we are currently serving God by being a servant in our church and community? Is this possibly what Jesus meant in Matt. 10:42?

Fellowship: ..a local assembly of baptized believers

• Read verses 42b and 46. As we read about the fellowship of these believers, we realize their inability to travel far often created problems we do not have. How do today’s local churches pull together in similar ways? What are some hindrances we incur? How does God desire to use the local church today?
• What are some ways our church meets the need for friendship with people around us? Do we tend to congregate with our “own kind” (clique, money, etc), shutting others out?

Worship

• What are some acts of worship that we perform collectively as a church body?
• What are some of the ways we worship God in private? Read Psa. 29:2, 95:1, John 4:23, 9:31. What can be some personal ways to worship?

Close

What does the local church body mean to you personally? Take another look at the doctrinal statement as to the purpose of the church, asking yourself, ‘as a member of (whatever local church), do I do each of these things, or do I have areas where I am lukewarm, or unconcerned, or lacking in skills that I can learn? Do I congregate with those who are like me (money, status, etc.) to the exclusion of those who make me uncomfortable?’ Make it a priority to be friendly to those you don’t know, and learn a new name each week. Remember our mission statement: “Love God, love people.”

Do you attend a church that is everything a church should be? Does the pastor preach God’s Word with authority, or does he focus on unimportant illustrations or stories? Ponder this as you study this lesson, being certain your church is above all, solid in doctrine, as well as involved in reaching the lost of your community, meeting the needs of those around you, and spreading the gospel to other places. If it isn’t, be the catalyst!

Churches today should be a sanctuary for anyone who comes. They should be a place to embrace worship, to see opportunities to serve, to teach those who need guidance, to make friends, and to exercise the gifts that encourage and edify others. They should be ready to love the addicted, the rejected, and the lost. They should be like a large family where people are accepted for who they are, and their habits or differences become part of the diversity. Color should not matter, habits should not irritate, and love should always be in plentiful supply. You should look forward to going to your church with as much enthusiasm as you would exhibit if you were going to visit a beloved part of your family. Help your church become a role model in your community!

DOCTRINE: THE BIBLE

February 13, 2022

Charles Billingsley

 

Many books can help us as we journey through life—like a cookbook, for instance. Do you have a special book that has helped you tackle the unknown?

 

We are currently in a series that focuses on some of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. We have examined the doctrine of the Trinity, (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). Understanding the foundational truths will be invaluable as you navigate the mountaintops and valleys of daily life. Today, we examine the one Book in the world which was written by God and contains “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3), for “in it, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith” (Rom. 1:17)—the Holy Bible.

Focal Passage: 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12.           

Background

• General revelation: What is meant by “general revelation”? Read Rom. 1:19-23. What are the two ways God has revealed Himself to all people throughout every age? What are some of the things in creation that show evidence there is a Creator who knows His creation intimately?
• What is the second way? Read Genesis 20:9. Who recalls the background in this story of Abraham and Sarah? What did Abimelech, a Philistine king, inherently understand by his conscience? Is it only Christians who know right from wrong?
• Special revelation: What do we mean by “special revelation”? Who did God choose for His supernatural communication? Were all those people qualified or extraordinary? Can you give some examples of them? Read 2 Peter 3:15b-16a. This is Peter writing about Paul! How should that encourage us?
• There are three steps in God’s revelation from His heart to reach us. What did the men to whom God revealed His will, do with their knowledge (Revelation)? How do you envision them getting God’s word out to others (Inspiration)? Read Heb. 4:12. How do the words that are heard or read quicken and penetrate our hearts (Illumination)?

Read it

• Read Psa. 144:3. When you read your Bible, do you have a sense of awe that God has said these things to you? What are some reasons you read your Bible? What are some of the things God has revealed in the OT and the NT? Is it necessary for your salvation that you understand everything you read?
• Are you disciplined as you read, perhaps making yourself reread a passage when you realize your mind has wandered? What are some ways you have found that you get the most from your reading? Why are you committed to reading it?

Believe it

• How can you explain the unity that flows through 66 books, over 1500 years, and 49 writers, yet meshing together to read as one single book?
• As you sit down to have a time with God’s word, what is the most important thing that you expect from the reading? How do you know that God has “breathed” every verse in this Bible (2 Tim. 3:16).
• Are there areas where Satan attacks you to cause you to question God’s Word, your faith, the forgiveness of your sins, or any other relationship factor, to destroy your peace?
• Why has God revealed His love to us in this book?

Apply it

• Read 1 John 5:2-3. In Deut. 11:13, God demands obedience. Many centuries later, John writes the same thing. Why? If someone is in a lifestyle of sin, yet continues it with no guilt after accepting salvation, are they truly saved?
• Love God, love people. It sounds easy, but what are some very difficult commands that are hard for you to carry out?
• Why do we hold back on obeying God completely? What is the cry of your heart?
• We live out about 60-70% of what we say we believe. How can we strive to obey God more fully during the remainder of 2022?

Close

Over the past couple of centuries, we have lost much of the reverence that once was held for God, His church, and His Word. Yet through the years, the Bible has remained the number one best-seller, selling approximately one hundred million copies each year. The content sets this Book apart from any other, being the infallible, inerrant Word of God. He chose men who would be filled with the Spirit of God, who would listen as He “breathed” His word to them. Eventually, their scrolls or letters were canonized, and the 66 books chosen by Him were made into one. It is complete, and Jesus warns in Rev. 22:18-19 to neither add nor take away from the words of this Book. Any additional books that may be thought of as “lost” books have discrepancies that clash with the true Word.

The message is not too hard to understand, especially with translations of modern English. Yes, sometimes some commands are difficult to obey, but the result is a new level of joy when carried out, and an increase in faith. We read His word because we know it will reveal Him. We believe it because we have faith in Him. We apply it because He has asked us to tell the world about Him.

John concluded his gospel with these words: “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. (Jn. 21:25).

DOCTRINE: GOD THE SON

January 30, 2022

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Have you noticed people today seem unable to think logically, interpret facts correctly, or understand clearly what they read or hear? Can you give recent examples?

Last Sunday we began a new series on the basic Doctrines of Christianity. We listened as Matt Willmington described the Doctrine of the Trinity in the First Person of God the Father. Today we continue the Trinity, looking at the Second Person of the Trinity, God the Son, Jesus Christ. There are more than 500 prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the coming of a Messiah, and Jesus fulfilled a number that defies possibility. Therefore, to read Old Testament predictions of what was expected of the Messiah means also going to the NT to see Jesus’ fulfillment. For instance, in Luke 7:19-21, we read Jesus answer John the Baptist as whether He was the Messiah. Later, in John 7:31, the crowds watched Jesus, as He, in evidence of His Messianic authority, stood in front of them, fulfilling Isaiah 42:6-8.

Focal Passage: Colossians 1:15-20

GOD THE SON

The Son of the Past

“We affirm that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Second Person of the Trinity. Eternally begotten from the Father, He is God. He was conceived by the virgin Mary through a miracle of the Holy Spirit. He lives forever as perfect God and perfect Man, two distinct natures inseparably united in one person.”*

• Read Colossians 1:15-16. Where did we first see Jesus Christ introduced in the Bible? What was the title usually given to Him in the Pre-incarnate Old Testament appearances? Name some of the times He appeared to OT saints.
• Read John 1:1-3. What are some of the conclusions we can draw from these verses? Read Rev. 22:13. What did Jesus say of Himself in this verse?
• Read John 4:25-26. Jesus made a factual statement here. Given His compassion, integrity, and actions, why would anyone delay accepting His salvation?
• Read John 1:10-14, 6:38, and 10:27-30. Why did Jesus say He had come to the earth?

The Son of the Present

“We affirm that Jesus Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice by the appointment of the Father. He fulfilled the demands of God by His obedient life, died on the cross in full substitution and payment for the sins of all, was buried, and on the third day, He arose physically from the dead and ascended into Heaven where He now intercedes for all believers.”*    

• Before we look in the Scriptures, what are some of the things you know Jesus is doing at this present time?
• Read Col. 1:17-18. Does Jesus act today in the lives of believers? What are some examples?
• Did you include these: To give salvation (John 10:10); To prepare a place for us (John 14:2); To give believers spiritual gifts (Eph. 4:10-14); To offer encouragement to His followers (Heb. 4:14-16); To make high priestly prayers on our behalf (Rom. 8:34); To send the promise of the Father (John 16); To care for His churches (Rev. 1:10-3:22); To work through His people (John 14:12); To wait to return as King of Kings (Heb. 10:12)?

The Son of the Eternal

“We affirm that the return of Christ for all believers is imminent. It will be followed by

seven years of great tribulation and then the coming of Christ to establish His earthly

kingdom for a thousand years. The unsaved will then be raised and judged according to

their works and separated forever from God in hell. The saved, having been raised, will

live forever in heaven with fellowship with God.”*

• Read Col. 1:19-20. Besides being Holy, what are some of the other attributes of God the Father that keep Him from looking upon anything evil? When man was created, could Adam have taken a stand against Satan when he and Eve were tempted? How has that sin affected all of mankind?
• What chance would we have to be in fellowship with God, without a mediator? Read 1 Tim. 2:5. Is it any wonder that one would be condemned to hell if he scorns the very reason the Son of God came to earth to die for us?

 

Close

It is clear that modern generations, raised to spend much of their time on technological games, social media, or mindless television and movies, would have a difficult time thinking through the irony of assessing the secular and ecclesiastical information concerning Jesus Christ. They can accept that He was someone who truly lived in history, did many incredible miracles, taught with authority, yet they discount His claim of being the Son of God and the foretold Jewish Messiah. It boggles one’s mind that they accept all that He said and did as being highly moral and erudite, yet assume Him a liar when He claimed to be God Incarnate.

What about you? Do you long for sweet fellowship with God the Father, free from sins and habits that seem to plague your existence? Do you have a broken heart when you sin, and confess it immediately? Perhaps those things that are the “weights that so easily beset us” could be the things God allows in our lives over and over until we get so sick of them we finally are willing to “lay them aside” (Heb. 12:1). Pray continually for a heart like His, and for eyes that see life from His perspective.

 

* Doctrinal Statement, Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, VA.

 

 

START THERE: DO SOMETHING!

January 16, 2022

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

What has gotten you so excited lately that you wanted everyone you met to know what you’ve experienced? Can you share?

 

The past two weeks we have discussed three of the six values that make up our church’s Mission Statement. We looked at our commitment to reading and studying Scripture, our time to develop a meaningful prayer life, and how much time we incorporate into our daily living to worship our God and make worship a lifestyle. Today we are going to look at the connection we have in our community as we come and go among both friends and strangers, loving them enough to have a heart for serving them, using Christ as our example. Above all, we want to love Him so deeply that sharing how our relationship with Him has changed our life is something we wish for everyone else to experience.

 

Focal Passage: John 13:4-17.

           

Do Something Unexpected

• Read John 13:4-5. If you had been one of the apostles in the room with Jesus on the night of the Last Supper, how would you probably have responded? Do you identify more with Peter, or with those who did not say anything? Have you ever been in a situation when you washed the feet of those around you? Can you share? What was the main point Jesus was trying to get across?
• What are some of the hang-ups you have that you might find hard to overcome to help a stranger? Have you ever tried to discern the root cause of the dread?
• Read Phil. 2:3-4. Can you share a time when you did some deed such as is listed here, and tell what occurred?
• Do you usually wait until you’re asked before performing a service? What would it take for you to step up to the plate and grab an opportunity when it happens?

 

The Eternal Impact

• Read John 13:6-8. Above, in the first bullet, we saw Jesus was making a point that the Christ-follower should have a servant’s heart. Did Peter realize this at first? What was his reaction when he realized what Jesus meant by His reply? Can you think of other Scriptures that speak of washing, as in new creation? Read Eph. 5:26 and Titus 3:5. Do these verses confirm the washing we should have as Christians? How was this a picture of His substitutionary death on the cross?
• Read Matt. 28:19-20. When we repent of our sins and accept Jesus’ gift of salvation, what types of responsibilities do we have? How are some of the ways He calls us?
• Read Matt. 25:40. What are some examples of actions we can do on any ordinary day that could make a difference to the recipient? How can we train our eyes to be open to opportunities to be of service, such as Jesus was?
• What are some ways we can be ready to share the importance of the gospel?

 

Christlike Service

• Read John 13:13-15. Are there parameters that you feel must be met to meet your expectation of serving Jesus? When Jesus was giving us the example of how to live our lives, was He teaching us anything else? Why is doing the right thing, in any given situation, the right thing?
• Who are the people you will not help, or those whom you stay away from? In order to be of service to Jesus Christ, how can you teach yourself to make special efforts toward those you don’t like?

 

Where do we get started?

• Pray! Pray to be alert to opportunities every day where you can be of service.
• Don’t wait for an invitation to serve! Take a step of faith and offer yourself.
• Don’t wait for the right fit! If you don’t find a fit at first, try something else.

 

Close

As you read the Gospels, are you sometimes overwhelmed with all the things Jesus did every day? It seems He spent much of the night talking to His Father, and from the time He rose in the morning until He “escaped” from the crowds, He was being followed, dogged, stalked by the religious rulers, always with a mass of people looking for healing, food, or His help. Just the thought of keeping that kind of schedule is intimidating when we think about service!

At first glance, it would seem as though we can never achieve the number of “rules” to be good enough to be saved. But what did we read in Titus? “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior (3:4-6), we see again that our salvation is grace alone, “not of works lest any man should boast.” Why do we have to be reminded of this so often?

If we could remember, internalize, and put into practice that God’s will is that we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and spirit, and then love others more than we love ourselves, we would find ourselves happier and more fulfilled as we serve Him. Approach the day with the intent to be watchful of every opportunity to serve others—even if it’s only a smile or a compliment. A baby or a young child has to be taught to do the things that make him/her into a responsible adult. Isn’t it logical, then, that a new Christian must also learn the ways of the Lord? Ask Him to show you the next step. You don’t need—nor will you get—a complete road map, but He will lead you down the path He has for you.

 

 

 

 

START HERE: THE POWER OF THE WORD

January 02, 2022

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

On New Year’s Day, many people resolve to change behavior patterns that need to be adjusted or eliminated, while other people have learned by experience that they will not carry such resolves through. Can you share if you have made some resolutions that began this week?

 

People who are in the financial world will tell you that it is only by constantly handling genuine money that a counterfeit bill can be spotted quickly. The same is true with our beliefs. To know Scripture well will enable us to recognize false teachers or false doctrines which are so rampant in today’s world. This past Sunday we will look at the authority of the Word of God and consider its power, its function, and guide for living. The words of Scripture are necessary when you are fighting in the spiritual realm (Eph. 6:17). Knowledge of God’s word is necessary if you want to lead someone to Christ (1 Thess. 2:13). We have in our hands a book that was “God-breathed” and has lasted through all generations since the time of Moses. Today we will look at some of the reasons this book is so powerful and living.

 

Focal Passage: Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3 16-17.

           

 THE POWER OF THE WORD

• Read Hebrews 4:12. As you read the first phrase of this verse, what is the significance of the first three words from Genesis 1:3, 6, 9? Read Mark 4:39. Does God require anything except His spoken word to create, exercise authority, etc.? How would you explain to an unbeliever that the Bible is “living”? What are some of the examples of power from the Scriptures?
• The Bible is also inerrant. What does this mean? With various translations and versions available that differ, how can we say that the Bible has no error?
• What is meant by “infallible”? What is so special about the scrolls that have been found over the past centuries?
• Which is more important, what we believe and think is true, or what the Bible says? How do you line up your beliefs with God’s word?

Read what it says

• Read 2 Tim 3:16a. What is meant by the “inspiration” of the Bible? If this is true (and it is), how will you be able to please God if you ignore reading and knowing the Bible, or assuming a sermon on Sunday will be all you need?
• Read 2 Tim 2:15. What are some of the keywords in this verse? What is the basic intent of this verse? Is it a priority for you to read your Bible? Why or why not?
• How can you find the will of God for your life? Is it in Scripture? As you read your Bible this year, will you find His will if you write down every reference (as in 1 Thess. 4:3, 5:18)? How can you learn what God wants from you unless you spend time in His word?

Learn what it means

• Read 2 Tim 3:16b. What is meant by doctrine? What are some major doctrines that are non-negotiables when you look for a church home?
• What is reproof from a Scriptural point of view? If you are familiar with God’s word on a certain activity, are you likely to engage in it if you know it’s wrong? Why not? If you are not sure what God says, why are you more likely to get carried away by false teaching? Where can that eventually lead you?

 

Put it into practice

• Read 2 Tim 3:16c. What is meant by “instruction in righteousness”? Read 2 Peter 1:3. What is the way through which this information will come to us? Does this mean that whatever question we have will probably be answered in God’s word?
• Read James 4:17. What excuse does this verse give you to not be of service to God? Read Psalm 119:11. Why is memorization so important?

 

Close

Were you one of those who raised your hand this past Sunday at the end of the church service, indicating you commit to reading a portion of Scripture every day during the coming year? What did you have in mind when you raised your hand—a verse, a chapter, a certain amount of time? Do you hope to read the Bible through in 2022?

If you had to commit to eating every day this coming year or doing something you enjoy, you wouldn’t have hesitated!. The truth is, many people believe the Bible to be boring or unnecessary. It is only when the people within the chapters come to life as real persons, with real problems, temptations, or crises just like you, that they begin to be seen as someone you can learn from. Questions regarding situational ethics may always arise, but it’s helpful to stop at that point, seek out a commentary by a solid Christian, and try to figure out what is meant.  Technology in this modern-day can make the Bible much more meaningful than a hundred years ago, by using sites designed to give original meanings.* Whatever it takes, make it a priority! You will never be convinced of God’s will for your life until you read it in the Bible. Keep a notebook handy, and write out your progress—you will be amazed at the growth in your spiritual life.

God didn’t give us the Bible so that we would be bored. Consider it His love letter to you, filled, as Peter wrote, with everything that you will need to live a life of peace and godliness, but it is through the knowledge of Him who has called you that that knowledge will come. Make this year count. If you know the Bible well, pick a topic that perhaps will cause you to concentrate harder as you read: the names of God, the prayers of those within the books, situations that you question (i.e., why did Jacob not recognize Leah the night of their marriage??), or any topic that will spark your interest as you read. Most of all, remember it is living! It may speak to you this year differently than it did last year, just because your circumstances have changed. Remember your commitment and read it with purpose every day.

 

*www.biblegateway.com; www.blueletterbible.org.

 

 

JUDE: STAND UP AND BE COUNTED

December 19, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

There are over 51 volumes of laws for Americans, some as archaic as “it is unlawful for a customer to pump their gas”! Some we know and obey, but most are not even known to us. Do you have a problem obeying all the known laws? Which one gives you the most trouble?

 

The Book of Jude, the short letter immediately preceding the book of Revelation, was written by the brother of James (verse 11). Both were half-brothers of Jesus. Jude was perhaps not revealing his relationship to Jesus out of humility and reverence. To have grown up in the home with Jesus yet not believed Mary’s or Jesus’ story of His birth must have saddened Jude greatly after the resurrection when the truth of Jesus’ deity was obvious to him. His short letter, which he desired to write to encourage believers, had to be changed to one of warning, as many false teachers had infiltrated the churches. Again, as the God-breathed living Word, Jude’s letter is as applicable to us today as it was to those who lived in Bible times.

 

Focal Passage: The Book of Jude

           

            We are called to stand up for what we believe in

 

• Read Jude 3. What is another word for contend? In verse 4, what was happening? Do we see this today? Have you known of anyone who joined your church to cause division? Can you share?
• Read verses 5-7. Jude reminds the church not to assume all of those who sit in the services are saved. Who does he give as examples? Does this apply to today?
• Read verses 8-10. What are some ways you can identify “wolves in sheep’s clothing”? If you thought of someone in the first point, do you recall what brought about the feeling that something was off?
• Read verses 16-19. In verse 17, what did Jude say the apostles warned them about? Why was it so important to warn believers that false teachers would come into the flock?

 

We are called to grow in what we believe

 

• Read Jude 20. What does he mean by “build yourself up”? How can you do that?
• If you were learning to play a musical instrument, how would you build yourself up? What does Jude list as a critical point in growing in your faith?

 

We are called to love through what we believe

 

• Read Jude 21. What does Jude mean to “keep yourselves in the love of God”? Does someone have another translation? Read 1 John 2:5, 3:10, and 3:17. How do these verses tell us how to keep ourselves in the love of God?
• What happens when we study the Scriptures faithfully? As you grow in your love for God, what do you desire to do? As you obey Him, what happens in your heart? How does this become a circle, growing you into a mature believer?

 

We are called to help others in their belief

 

• Read Jude verses 22-23. What is the first group of people Jude tells us we will encounter? How are we to help them? What does that mean to you personally?
• What is the second group he mentions? How does this line up with the Great Commission in Matt 28:19-20?
• What is the third group? What importance does “with fear” have for us? Read 2 Tim 3:1-5, 9. What are some precautions you would take to witness to these?

 

We are called to spend eternity with Him

 

• Read verses 24-25. What is so encouraging in the first phrase of verse 24? Why would He protect us from stumbling? Read John 10:28-29. What is so reassuring about these verses? How will Christ present us to His Father?
• Read Heb 1:3. How are these two verses similar?

 

 

Close

 

Recently we read through the book written by the half-brother of Jesus, James, and reflected on what it must have been like to be raised in the same household as Jesus, as well as several other siblings (Mark 6:3). Now we see Jude coming alongside his brother James in the role of a true believer of the Lord Jesus Christ. Both men (and probably the rest of the family, if we knew), were active in establishing the churches and beseeching the Christ-followers to remain steadfast as persecution and false teachers became worse and worse. Both letters, inspired as “God-breathed”, are very different in style, but keep to the same theme—that of encouraging and warning the churches. As we see Christianity today becoming the target of persecution, we, too, must remain faithful to our God, whatever a day brings.

Jude’s letter was written with one theme: warning of the apostasy in the early church. Nothing has changed during the past two thousand years, and as we are all aware, Christianity is a threat to every person who does not want to come under the authority of an Almighty God. The false religions which are not receiving persecution are not a threat to men, because they are recognized by Satan as man-made religions backed by idols, false gods, or ideologies written and fostered by men. Only Christianity, where the Creator God reaches down to bring man to Himself, is true. It is restricted to a narrow road, with Jesus Christ being the only way to eternal life. Acts 4:12 says, “For there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” And 1 Tim 2:5 says “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus.”

Keep your focus on God, your prayer life open to Him at all times, and your heart consciously ready to obey His Word. Carry your cross daily! Be ready at all times to tell of the hope you have within you! Forsake all sin and everything that can pull you away from God. It will be so worth it when you see His face.

 

 

1 & 2 PETER: BE HOLY

December 05, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

It’s hard to believe we are in December again! What is the most challenging part of this season for you? What have you learned about handling this challenge?

When Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote his two letters (1 & 2 Peter), nearly three decades had passed since Jesus Christ had been crucified, risen, and ascended back to heaven. Peter, the first of the apostles whom Jesus had chosen, was now months—or possibly weeks—away from being crucified himself. That fact makes these two letters to believers whom he had nurtured extremely precious. For three years Peter had daily been with Jesus, seeing His ministry, His miracles, and hearing Him teach, and now an additional thirty years had passed, as he carried out the work God had given him. Throughout both of the letters, Peter focuses on being citizens of heaven dwelling in a hostile world, yet remaining faithful. God never changes. His Word never changes. It is as “living and sharp” in our lives today as the day Peter wrote it, and as we go through days the likes of which we’ve never experienced.

Focal Passage: The Books of 1 Peter and 2 Peter

God’s presence in our lives gives us everything we could ever need

• Read 1 Peter 1:14-16. Why does Peter remind these Christians that they were once living another lifestyle? As we go out into the world, why is it necessary for us to remember that we were once unsaved? Read Is. 51:1. Is that what Isaiah also says? Why did Jesus call us out of that life? What did we deserve?
• Read 2 Peter 1:3. If someone told you that your parents had provided everything you needed to start your home and family, what would you expect when you stepped inside your first house? What did Peter mean when he wrote that God has given us everything we require (notice it does not say “want”) for life and godliness? What is the medium through which He provides this? How do we get that knowledge? What priority should the Word of God be in our lives?
• More and more we are seeing our lives filled with uncertainty. Did God hold anything back when His Word was given to us? If we need to know how to act, to do life, to overcome….is it all in the Scriptures? How do we find what we need?

As a result, we should seek the things ABOVE THIS WORLD

• Read 2 Peter 1:5-8. What are the character traits that Peter lists? Can people have these qualities and still be lost? Why does he say to “add” these to your faith?
• Read Matt. 6:33, Psa. 27:4, 8, 34:14 and Col. 3:1. What are some other attributes that we are to see increase in our life? Why are we to grow in our life of faith?

Avoid the things OF THIS WORLD

• Read 2 Pet. 1:4. We read that His divine power has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness; how do we know this is true? What will they help us escape? Read Ps. 119:11. Why is memorizing God’s Word a shield to protect us from sin? Read James 1:27. Why is it important to avoid the sins of this world?
• Read 2 Pet. 2:1-5. What should we rid ourselves of? How would you do that?

Peter writes that we are to desire the milk of the Word. What gradually happens as babies drink milk after they are born?

• As we grow, what happens in our lives? We often feel sacrifices are not necessary for our daily living. Read Ps. 27:6, 51:17, 116:17, Heb. 13:15. What are some sacrifices we can give God?

 

Close

No doubt you’ve seen pictures from the 1800s of the California Gold Rush, where men panned for nuggets of gold in the creeks and rivers in the west. In a way, that’s what we do as we read God’s Word daily, looking for those “nuggets” that will—as Peter wrote—help us navigate this life and our desire for godliness. How many times have you needed wisdom or guidance for something that seemed larger than life, and in your morning devotions a verse leaps out at you, giving you the way you should go? Many times, hopefully.

As you begin reading in 1 Peter 1, you see promise after promise. He says in verse 8, “whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory; receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” Reassurance of salvation is in this short passage. He says, “knowing you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold,…but with the precious blood of Christ.” In the second chapter he continues, “to you who believe, He is precious.” Later Peter speaks of our testimony among unbelievers, that because we “conduct ourselves honorably, they may, by our good works, glorify God.” And ladies, Peter has a message for you: that your “adornment” be not merely the outward arranging of hair, wearing gold, or fine clothing, but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”

His words flow over you as a blessing when he says we have a responsibility to “have compassion for one another; love as brothers [or sisters], be tenderhearted, courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling [sometimes so difficult!], but on the contrary, blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.”

Those are only a few of the Words of life. If we were golddiggers, we would be leaving nugget after nugget. Yet if we just took these few short passages and applied them to our hearts, carrying out the truths in them, we probably would change our families within a few months; perhaps change our church within the year; and who knows? Perhaps we could change our nation within this decade.

JAMES: THE CALL TO MATURITY
November 21, 2021
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Has anyone ever experienced a time of conversation with a stranger, only to later learn they were a well-known or important personality? How did you feel?

This week we have read the Book of James, half-brother to Jesus, who was in the household as Jesus grew to adulthood. Although He had grown up with James and the other siblings, they did not believe He was the Messiah and even asked Him to take His miracles elsewhere. Yet immediately after the Resurrection, the Bible states that Jesus sought out James (1 Cor. 15:7), and soon after notes the presence of Mary and “His brothers” praying with the others (Acts 1:14). Seeing his risen Brother alive had to have been a pivotal moment for James, and he became the leader of the church at Jerusalem. This short book is a picture of how to grow in the Christian faith and is a practical, powerful book encouraging us to be light in a dark world.

Focal Passage: The Book of James

A mature believer has a calm spirit

• Read James 1:19-20. James condenses most of his letter within these two verses, telling us three keys to Christian living. What are they? Is one more important than the other two? Explain how all three have a basis in love.
• What do you think he means by being “quick to hear”? What is at the root of the problem of waiting until someone stops speaking? How do we discipline ourselves to listen to others without interrupting?
• Read James 1:21-22. What result should be brought about if you are listening to someone teach? If your hearing does not turn into action, what is the problem? How useful are you to God if you simply listen, but do not “do”?
• What does James mean that we should be “slow to speak”? Read 1:26. What are some ways to discipline ourselves to control our tongue? Read James 3:6, 8. What is the ultimate grief the tongue can create? Read Psa. 39:1. Why is this a great verse to memorize?
• What is his final admonition? What is the reason he gives? What is usually the root of anger (Read Prov. 13:10)? How can anger destroy a family? Read Prov. 16:32, 19:11. How can an angry person achieve holiness, as God commands?

A mature believer is in a constant state of resetting

• Read James 1:21. How can we daily rid ourselves of the moral filth and evil that we hear or are subjected to? If left in our lives, what will eventually happen? What do you do to your computer to keep the viruses, malware, or other issues from getting into your hard drive? How is that like our hearts with evil?
• Read Psa. 119:11. Why is Bible study and memorization necessary to protect our hearts? What is another way we can shield our hearts from the world?

A mature believer speaks wisely

• Read Jas. 1:26. What is the defining truth in this verse? Read Prov. 10:19. This reinforces Jas. 1:19. How can we develop such control? Read Jas. 3:9-10. This is becoming a bad problem among believers. What can be done about it?
• Until we learn to speak wisely, how will we be able to be used by God?

A mature believer cares for others

• Read Jas. 1:27. What are the two areas where James says we should strive for fruit? How do those illustrate the mission statement of our church?
• Read Jas. 2:15. Why is he emphasizing this point concerning the poor? Besides giving our tithe to the church to distribute, how can we teach ourselves to keep our eyes open when among people, looking for those whom we can help, as it were “without our right hand knowing what our left is doing”?
• Read Jas. 3:16-18. These qualities are the essence of being a Christ-follower. Why do they sum up the different actions he has been suggesting that we follow?

Close

The book of James is one of the smallest, yet greatest, letters in the New Testament. Can you even begin to imagine what it must have been like to be raised in the home with Jesus, but ridicule Him, belittle Him, sometimes following at a distance watching His miracles, but with a hard heart? Probably James stood away from the crowd as the crucifixion and subsequent burial took place. Then, after the resurrection, to have Jesus seek him out and for James to see his Brother alive again? Oh, the anguish, the sorrow! Probably much greater than even Peter had suffered after denying Him. Immediately it seems James and Jude, if not also the other siblings, were part of those who believed, and with such joy!
James covers the main subjects that impact the life of a believer: the tongue, the speech, the listening ear, and the heart. Each of those can stand alone in importance and yet are covered in the rest of the letter by James. Recently we said that the book of Titus is great for encouragement, edification, and help, but James is right beside it! His writing is full of practical insight.
Re-read this book, and underline passages that God brings to your attention. Try to absorb the holiness that can be attained by learning the three important phrases: be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to get angry—all with a great attitude. Or, to sum it up as James did, pure and undefiled religion in the sight of God is to care for the orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the sins of the world. Or, as chapter four ends, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

PHILEMON: RESTORATION IS OF GOD

November 07, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Many families have a member who has withdrawn from the rest, for tons of reasons. Can anyone share if you have been impacted by a situation like this, and tell how/if you were able to heal the rift?

Philemon, a man of Colossae, became a Christ-follower and, being well-to-do, was able to offer his home for use as a church. He also owned slaves, one of whom was Onesimus, who stole from his master and fled to Rome, where he met the prisoner, Paul, and became a believer. Paul, aware that God’s will is forgiveness and restoration of fellowship within the body of believers, decided to send Onesimus back to Philemon, with Tychicus, bearing a short letter. In it, he praised Philemon for his work in Colossae and asked him to forgive Onesimus and restore the relationship as brothers in Christ. This one-chapter book underscores the value of forgiveness within the body of Christ. We need this reminder today, just as Onesimus and Philemon needed it in Paul’s day, as we are so prone to cast aside those who have hurt or offended us.

Focal Passage: The Book of Philemon

Love is the key to doing what is right

• Read Philemon, verses 4-7. Paul begins this letter by commending Philemon for all the good he was doing for the Colossian church. What does Paul mention? What was it that gave him particular pleasure?
• How do you think Philemon was feeling as he read the accolades from Paul, who was a “big deal” and whose name was known to most Christians? We know what is coming next—Philemon did not. Why was Paul praising and emphasizing Philemon’s Christ-like love for the saints?
• How do you think Philemon may have felt about the slave who had robbed him and ran away? Why do the things others do to us often leave us bitter? What must we do?
• The law permitted Philemon to have Onesimus put to death if he ever returned. How do you think Onesimus may have felt returning to Colossae with Tychicus?

Restoration requires grace

• Read verses 8-11. Paul used three different phrases in these verses to put some pressure on Philemon. What were they? Who were two other men whom Paul loved so dearly that he called them “sons”? Why would the use of “son” and “father” cause Philemon to think before acting?
• How would Philemon have been justified by having Onesimus killed? What was Paul asking him to grant Onesimus? Do you think Onesimus deserved grace?
• Why was Paul encouraging Philemon to forgive and show grace to Onesimus?

God will never give up on anyone

• Read verses 15-17. If you had been the recipient of this letter, under these circumstances, how would you have reacted? Paul was asking that Philemon consider Onesimus now as a brother. Why was that a reasonable request?
• Read verses 21-22. Why was Paul confident that Philemon would do the right thing? What would have happened to his testimony if he had not forgiven Onesimus?
• Jesus said we must love others just as we love ourselves. What is the right thing for you to do if there are those believers whom you have cast off because there has been some type of conflict? What does God expect from you?
• How is this the picture of what Christ did for us? Are you ever more like Christ than when you forgive and restore someone who has hurt you?

Close

Whether you have read the book of Philemon once a year for decades, or just a few times, have you ever realized that this letter, in twenty-five short verses, paints a complete picture of what Jesus Christ did for us? We have all been Onesimus.

We were born, grew to young adulthood, but probably just wanted to break the bond of parental control and live our own life. We envisioned a time when we might decide to follow Christ, but many of us possibly wanted to “enjoy” ourselves first. We “stole” years when we could have been following Christ, living for fun. Did we succeed?

Jesus left the splendor of heaven, fully aware of what God the Father had asked of Him. He was going to take on the flesh of a human body, born to parents who did not fully grasp the enormity of the incarnation. He preached salvation for three years, did miracles, fulfilled all prophecies that applied to His first coming. He was crucified to pay a sin debt that we all owed (but could not pay), was buried, and three days later rose to life again! After forty days of being with the disciples, He returned to heaven. All of this—and so much more—because of His great love for us.

For us, He continually offers forgiveness of the sins which we have committed. Philemon and Onesimus had to reconcile and Philemon had to grant him grace and forgiveness. We don’t have an ending for the story, but we know it came about just as our story with Jesus has come true. Christ saw our need, He made arrangements to pay for the need, and took us in as brothers and sisters when we believed in Him and repented of our sins. Now we have eternal life, based—not on what we’ve done—but on what Jesus did on the cross that crucifixion weekend. Have you let Him restore you to fellowship, after stealing years away from Him? If not, take care of it today. Then go out and do likewise to those who have hurt or offended you.

 

 

2 TIMOTHY: FINISH STRONG!

October 24, 2021

Pastor Charles Billingsley

 

Most people have had the experience of being in a race, a marathon, or even a deadline designed to give merit to those who finish well. Does this bring a memory you can share?

The Apostle Paul spent several decades and endured many tribulations preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. As he neared the time when he would become a martyr for the Lord, he wrote this letter to Timothy, with his thoughts centered on encouraging and edifying his “son in the faith” (2 Tim. 4:6-7). In captivity in Rome, in chains, isolated in a cold, damp, and dark cistern, no bed and little food, Paul still wrote with passion. His last words would carry Timothy through the next decades of his ministry as pastor of the church at Ephesus, and then he, also, would be martyred for the gospel. Today we will look at Paul’s admonitions to fight the good fight, keep the faith, and finish the race.

Focal Passage: The Book of 2 Timothy

 

Fight the Good Fight and Live your Life with No Retreats

 Choose your Battles Carefully

• Read 2 Tim. 2:3. Why would Paul use the analogy of a soldier? As we live as Christians, how are our lives like a battlefield? What are some of the battles we face, perhaps even daily? Why is it necessary to choose our battles with care?
• How would you decide which are important enough to fight for? Which areas in your life would this advice be useful?

Stay Prepared for Battle

• Read Eph. 6:11-12. If any of you are or have someone in your family who is a First Responder, is there ever a time when one can “kick back and relax”? Why is there seldom a time when one can call Time Out?
• Read Eph. 6:13-17. Why is it vital to know the pieces of armor? What are some other steps you can take after “putting on your armor” every day?

Fight from your Knees

• Read Eph. 6:18. Why is this the ultimate weapon? Can anyone recite Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr.’s, favorite saying on prayer? Why is it true?
• Read Phil. 4:6 and Col. 4:2. What is critical about the attitude of being in constant communication with the Father?

 

Keep the Faith and Live your Life with No Regrets

Faithfulness in the work

• Read 2 Tim. 2:6-7. Why does Paul switch his example here? What are some lessons we can learn from the farmer? How does a farmer live his life?
• Read 1 Cor. 3:7-8. How much control does the farmer have, other than sowing and reaping? How should we be looking to God for the same help in our lives?
• Read 2 Tim. 3:13-15. How do we see this happening today? According to verse 14, what are we to do? What causes some to throw up their hands and quit?

Faithfulness to the Word

• Read 2 Tim. 4:2-4. Who were Paul’s instructions meant for? Read Matt. 28:19-20. Were Jesus’ words meant only for the apostles? Do we take them seriously?
• What were the action words Paul used in 2 Tim. 4:2? How can you be prepared?

Finish Strong and Finish your Race with No Reserves

Stay Alert

• Read 2 Tim. 4:5. How had Paul done what he is now telling Timothy to do? When you’re exhausted, what are some techniques you use to get a fresh wind?
• Charles gave the statistic that only 46% of people in any given situation are engaged with the speaker. Think classrooms, congregations, conversations; is this you? How can you change your mental gears to stay completely focused?

Stay the Course

• If you had an example in the opening when your strength was giving out, what did you do to finish the course? Have you ever concentrated on taking just the next step? Did you eventually finish? How is that like our Christian walk?
• Read John 6:66-69. We recently read this passage. How is it so important in the context of finishing strong, so that we may focus on the reward of eternal life?

 

Close

How many people have you had for friends who have deserted their Christian walk and turned away from God? It seems many people do not have the frame of mind that we find in Job 2:10b when he spoke to his wife, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” Trials are not always from God, as Job’s were, but most would feel that “if He’s God, then He could have prevented this.” Many people believe that if life goes “south,” He doesn’t love them.

Trust is always so very important! Think back over your life, and you’ll no doubt see times when you felt betrayed by God. Yet often, though it make take years, you can see what He was doing, or possibly what He needed you to learn, or—if you came through with flying colors—what new level of faith you found yourself living. An English poet from the late 1800s wrote, “Ah! Must—Designer Infinite—ah! Must Thou char [burn] the wood ‘ere Thou canst limn [draw] with it?” Sometimes, that is exactly where we find ourselves.

In the end, we have to stand with Peter, as we read in John 6 above: if you give up, as others do, where will you go? Who else has the words of eternal life? And what if time passes and you don’t return? Will Hell be worth the life you turned from? Remember the way we WIN. When life is tough when you don’t know what to do, where to go, how to keep on going, What’s Important Now? Just think about what you should do and take that next step. Matthew 10:38 says, “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” Carry your cross one step at a time, and you’ll make it to the Finish Line.

2 THESSALONIANS: STAND FIRM, GOD IS FAITHFUL

October 10, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Have you ever had your credibility threatened even though you were innocent? How did you handle it?

Today we learn some very relevant lessons from the book of Second Thessalonians, written to the believers in Thessalonica. They were confused and disturbed, possibly by a letter slandering Paul and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul had to remind the church that they had believed the truth as he had presented it, and they needed to ignore those who were causing them distress. This short letter is so needed today, as it reminds us how to stand firm in our faith as the world becomes divided between good and evil, truth and lies. God’s word is truth, able to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Focal Passage: The Book of 2 Thessalonians

Thankfulness produces faithfulness

• Read 2 Thess. 1:3-4. Sometimes we are so grateful for something amazing that thankfulness just seems to burst from us. Can you think of an example? Why did Paul feel that he had to praise God for the way the church at Thessalonica was handling persecution?
• Read 2 Tim. 3:12-15. What are we to do when suffering persecution? What will determine whether you overcome or give up?
• Read James 1:2-3. How can these verses be considered similar to the truth that being thankful to God produces faithfulness?
• Read 1 Thess. 5:18. Why does God desire us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude?

How does being grateful enlarge our faith?

Faithfulness allows us to remain strong when under attack

• Read 2 Thess. 2:15. What does Paul tell the believers they are to do while under attack? Does someone have another word for “traditions”? What instructions was Paul referring to?
• Read Eph. 6:10-13. How can we fight the evil one if we don’t know what the armor of God includes? Can you list the weapons Paul tells us to put on in the verses following? How can you use them unless you know their function?
• Why is it so important to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness in caring for you during times of trials or crises? Have you ever kept a journal of these times?
• It is not uncommon to have a sense of heaviness if Satan is trying to attack. Do you recognize this, and have plans prepared for those times? Do your plans include thanksgiving, praise, and singing?

Faithfulness leads to deliverance

• Read 2 Thess. 3:1-3. Why does Paul covet the prayers of the believers? How is this like our world? Why is it so important that we pray for each other? How do you know that God hears and answers all of your prayers?
• Read 1 Peter 5:8. Peter also warns believers that Satan is real, evil, and spends his focus trying to devour God’s children. How are believers to resist him?
• Read John 10:10 and 16:33. Did Jesus believe Satan is real? Why do some believers think if they don’t “bother him, he won’t bother them”?
• Is this thinking Biblical? Why not?

Close

For most of us, our circles are immediate family, then the circle of friends, followed by a circle of acquaintances, those who help (doctors, pharmacists, business workers, etc.), and then community. Can you see why—as was mentioned last week—the burdens of the care for the churches and believers were a burden to Paul? Where we might be surrounded by friends numbering less than fifty, and casual friends at perhaps one-hundred-fifty, Paul’s concern was for the believers in all the cities where he had started churches, always being aware that the Jewish leaders would not hesitate to be used by Satan to destroy the new Christians.

Why do we think we are any less important to Satan than Christians in the days of Jesus? He has no reason to bother the unsaved, the wicked, or the evil person. He wants only to see the followers of Christ give up, get frustrated, have disputes with fellow believers, and throw up their hands. Is that how we’re supposed to react?

Paul reminds the believers at Thessalonica to remember the things they have been taught, the basics of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the word of God. In all these things they were to be continually giving thanks to God for His incredible gift of salvation, and His love and protection for them. These things are as needed today as they were then. Every day we can thank God for His faithfulness and give Him glory and praise for His constant care. As we reflect on His lovingkindness, our faith grows, for we know He loves us today as much as He did at any moment in the past, and will never love us any less the rest of our life. He loves us with a love we can only vaguely imagine. It is truly difficult to understand the reality of true, unconditional love. But He loves us so much that, while we were His enemy, He sent Jesus Christ to die for us. How can we ever repay Him? We can’t. But we can love Him with everything we have, thanking Him always for His care and faithfulness to us, and if we love Him, we will obey Him (John 14:21).

COLOSSIANS

September 26, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Commitment to a hobby or vocation often succeeds only because of the self-discipline involved. How did you achieve a victory at something you wanted?

Paul, writing from prison around 60 a.d., penned a letter to the believers at Colossae (in the southwestern part of modern-day Turkey) with the same fervent passion he had used as he wrote to many other churches. Though Paul had never met the Colossian Christians, he had heard that heresy was infiltrating their faith, thus causing him to write and warn them of the danger of believing false doctrine. The letter is both an encouragement to stay the course of their original salvation experience, and an admonition against turning from the pure gospel available through Jesus Christ. It is a letter exceedingly applicable today, as there are many religions now preaching Christianity to be “Jesus PLUS something else.” Jesus is the only way, the only truth, and the only life.

Focal Passage: The Book of Colossians

Walking in His will

• Read Colossians 1:9. During Paul’s greeting and opening remarks, he assures these Christians of his unfailing prayers made on their behalf. Looking back, we know Paul had learned false doctrine had permeated the faith of these dear souls. How would he then be praying? When you have a crushing matter, how does it usually impact your prayer life?
• What is the most important thing he prays for them? Why is it important for Christians to know God’s will? If you do not know His will, how can you do it? How will an apathetic believer seek to follow God’s will?
• If you are sold out to Christ, how will that translate into a desire to be filled with wisdom and spiritual understanding of His will?
• Read verse 10. What did Paul pray the result would be? Apply this to your life: are these four phrases descriptive of your current spiritual growth?

Growing in His power

• Read Col. 1:11. Which type of believer is more likely to be targeted for Satan’s purposes, (weak or strong)? Why? Which one’s destruction would ultimately cause the greatest impact to the church?
• How does a Christian gain their greatest strength to overcome?
• Read verses 12-14. What did Paul remind them? Why is it not as likely to get side-tracked from these great truths if one is seeking God’s face daily in prayer?
• Reflecting on today’s global troubles, how are great patience, joy, and giving thanks able to help us be strengthened in the “inner man”?

Standing in awe of His presence

• Read Col. 1:15-20. In verse 15, what does Paul say of Jesus? Read John 1:18. How does John confirm Paul’s statement? How do Paul and John support each other in Col. 1:16, and John 1:3?
• What do verses 19-20 mean to you? What are they saying about Jesus Christ?
• What does the cross mean to you personally?

  Living strong in His truth

• Read Col. 2:4. What are some of the arguments that we hear today that could deceive believers who have not sought to know God deeply? How does Hebrews 5:14 tell us to prepare ourselves to be victorious?
• Read Col. 2:6-10. Paul is full of encouragement for these believers. What does he tell them to focus on?
• Are these admonitions just as important for us today?

Being committed to His plan

• Read Col. 3:1-4. What are some steps we can take to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things? How can we be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” in the world?
• When you find Satan trying to steal your joy, what are some steps you take to get your mind back onto Christ? 

Close

This letter from Paul to the church at Colossae becomes so much more appreciated when we understand he was not writing to a group of believers he knew, but to a church that was being heavily attacked doctrinally by Satan. Paul was trying to pray them through it in his own life, and encourage them by his words to strengthen themselves in God.

As you read the letter to the Colossians, you feel as though this could be written to nearly any country in our world, and be just as pertinent as it was when Paul wrote it. We are inundated on every side by Jesus plus certain clothes, Jesus plus certain music, or (as we know), the Bible plus another book—or even a certain translation of the Bible.

As we have spent this year of 2021 reading the entire Bible through, and now re-reading the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs, we find Revelation 22 ending thus: ¹⁸ For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; ¹⁹ and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” God has given us everything we need for life and godliness. May we always live so committed to being filled with the deepest knowledge of God’s will, imbued with His power, that we will be strong enough to withstand the fiery darts Satan sends our way.

 

EPHESIANS: GOD’S GREAT PLAN

September 12, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

What are some of the benefits or “perks” that your children or spouse enjoy because they belong to you?

This week we have read the book of Ephesians, written to the believers in Ephesus, where the apostle Paul had ministered for three years. The letter to this church includes most of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul was not certain he would be able to revisit Ephesus, so he summarized all vital doctrine in the first three chapters and the behavior expected of God’s children in the last three. This six-chapter book could stand alone if you were in a position to carry only a few pages of the Bible, yet still have what you need as the “whole counsel” of the word of God.

Focal Passage: The Book of Ephesians

 

 We are immeasurably blessed

• Read Ephesians 1:3. What does God do for us when we become His child? What are examples of the blessings we receive? What does Paul mean by the phrase “in the heavenly places in Christ”?
• Read Eph. 1:4. When did God choose us for salvation? Why would we have been on His mind at that time? How do you imagine this occurred?
• What will happen to our heart, soul, and mind, if we are living our life with our thoughts centered on Him?
• Could you enjoy life without Him walking with you? Explain your answer.

 

We are part of His great plan

• Read Eph. 1:9-10. What was the mystery of God’s will? When had He predetermined that Jesus would come to the earth, die for the sins of mankind, be resurrected, and return to the Father? How did this “bring everything together in Christ”?
• Read verses 11-12. Besides our salvation and daily blessings, what else do we receive? How can we praise Him and bring Him glory for what He has done?
• Read verses 13-14. What happened at the moment you believed in Him, repented of your sins, and asked Jesus to save you? Besides being sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, what else does the Holy Spirit guarantee for us?
• We know only a world where sin reigns. What will Christ eventually do?

 

We have an eternal hope

• Read Eph. 1:18-19. What does Paul pray for us? What can we do to see that our lives are spent in the glorious reality of Christ walking with us?
• Read verses 20-21. What did God do for Jesus? Why do we not have to be concerned about the turmoil in our lives in this millennium? How can you rest in the fact that God has complete control over this world?
• What is the purpose of the church? Read Romans 8:34. What is Jesus Christ doing, even today, for us?

 

We are undeniably secure

• Paul takes great pains to see that we believers realize who our enemy is. What does he tell us to do? What are the six pieces of armor, and what is the function of each? Read verse 18. What is the seventh piece of armor that is intangible? Why is it so vital?
• Read Nehemiah 4:9, 17. How is this passage similar to our fight with Satan? How can we live in a world that is out of control?
• Read John 10:27-28. What is so very comforting in these verses?

 

Close

Our faith walk often seems to be uphill, doesn’t it? Yet if we would spend as much time meditating on God’s word, committing it to memory, drawing on its ideal for our lives, and drawing near to God, more than we spend watching television, movies, or engaging in random entertainment, we would no doubt see a great increase in our love for our Lord.

Paul wanted nothing less for the believers he had brought to Christ than to see them grow in grace and the knowledge of the Lord. Would we endure beatings, shipwreck, hunger, and so much more, with joyful emotion because we were counted worthy to suffer for Christ? It is hard to say a very resounding “Yes”, isn’t it? Many of us are wondering if today’s world will see a time coming when we have to take a stand for Christ that may cost us our lives. People around the globe are experiencing this every day.

The book of Ephesians is one with eternal perspectives that we need to internalize. Is it too much to begin to memorize these six short chapters, knowing that the doctrine in the first three gives us mighty promises of what God has done for us, what He is doing, and will continue to do? If you have these verses committed to memory, you will be able to answer nearly any question that is asked from the sincere heart of an unbeliever searching for God. Memorize the last three chapters and you will know the patterns for behavior that God wants to see from a regenerate heart. Were we to put these actions into our lives, each day would find us seeking His presence more than the day before. Without His strength, we can do nothing. With Him, nothing is impossible.

2 CORINTHIANS: THE THRILL OF VICTORY

August 29, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Who doesn’t love a home that runs smoothly with peace and laughter? It takes a lot of work to balance a home where there’s unity! Does anyone have some advice that works well?

After Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth, he then traveled to Ephesus and Macedonia. Eventually, he received word that his first letter had not been received well. As he wrote 2^nd Corinthians, he gave guidelines to eliminate the disruptions, factions, disunity, sin, and more, that were so affecting the church there. Paul also defended his testimony and apostleship, being transparent with many details of his life that are not found in his other letters to the churches. Although it seems a number of the believers had been restored to a close relationship with the other Christians by the time they received this letter, Paul’s biggest concern was that the church at Corinth would recognize the amazing grace of God that was available to them all.

Focal Passage: The Book of Second Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 1, 8.

 Joy and sorrow can co-exist 

• Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. What is Paul’s theme in these verses? Why does he deal so heavily with afflictions and comfort?
• What were some of Paul’s afflictions (11:22—28 if you need to refresh your thoughts)? Why does he say Christ comforted him in them? In verse 4, what is the purpose brought about by Christ comforting us in our afflictions? How does David say this same in Psalm 51:13?
• Read 2 Cor. 8:1-2. Although several chapters later, Paul still talks of afflictions. How is it possible to have both joy and sorrow at the same time? Can you give an example?

Joy is found in what we do, not what we have

• Read 2 Cor. 8:3-4. How did the church in Macedonia act when they were in “severe” affliction? Is this a normal reaction for people who are in the midst of some type of large problem?
• Think back to a time when your family was going through bad news or affliction. Did you request time to accept what was happening? How does that differ from what the Macedonian church asked? What had they learned?
• Which do you believe: that riches, beautiful decorations, “stuff”, and treasures, are a hindrance, or are they wonderful? Can you share your feelings?
• Why does a growing spirit of generosity indicate your faith is increasing? What is the most important thing you can acquire in this life?

It begins in giving all to Him

• Read 2 Cor. 8:5. Who is the source of everything we have or are? What did Paul mean that they gave themselves first to the Lord? How do you give yourself to the Lord? Read Luke 9:23. Does this summarize your thoughts?
• What is our position before God? On a normal day, how much does God figure in your thinking, reading, or talking? Is He getting the “left-overs” of your day, or is it built around Him? Can you explain? What does God want from all of us?

Growing in Him is important; going for Him is, too

• Read 2 Cor. 8:7. Paul is now leaving the thought of the Macedonian church. He has been made aware of the progress being made by many of the believers. What does he commend them for? What does he ask of them?
• What does he mean when he says they need to excel in the “act of grace”?
• Do you see your actions of giving as worship, or is it an act of ritual—or even compulsion? What is the difference? Are you truly a “cheerful” giver?

Christ as our example

• Read 2 Cor. 8:9. Who is the ultimate example for us to model our lives after?

What were some of the actions that Christ did that we should “abound” in?

• What has God asked you to do? Are you doing it?

 

Close

There is no doubt our world today is fractured with problems that cause us affliction at every turn. We seldom get through a day without bad news or news that creates an emotional roller-coaster in our home, community, or country. When that happens, is our first thought “God, where were you?” Or do we realize that evil people exist, and until Christ returns to this earth, they will always be with us? Do we see the disunity in our country being brought about by the different beliefs, factions, or rules that protect certain groups—all from divisions that may never be healed, yet we continue to pray fervently for them? We can also pray with more fervor, “Lord, may Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven!”

Paul knew believers had to live together in unity, and his heart was broken over the discord in the church at Corinth. Does your heart grieve over discord in your home, or community—or your church? What do you do about it? Or better to ask, are you doing anything about it? We will always have clashes with the world, but God did not send His Son to this earth for the church to tolerate sin, envy, jealousy, or attitudes of preferences within it. Peace comes to the body of believers when all wish to follow the example that Christ gave us when He left heaven to come to the earth, and when we desire the best for others, more than ourselves, and love for God and people motivates us in everything we do.

We will have affliction—but we can have comfort from God. We can comfort others in their affliction, and it will become a chain that binds our hearts together. We must Love!

 

ROMANS: PAUL’S PURPOSE, OUR PURPOSE

August 15, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Have some of you done any cold call selling (life insurance, books, etc.)? Did you find it becoming easier each time? Can you share your experience?

This week we finished the book of Acts, seeing the early church grow amidst persecution, and meeting Saul of Tarsus (whom God called Paul), breathing fire as a Pharisee against the followers of Jesus. He met the risen Lord, who transformed him from someone with an evil heart to a man with a passion to win his world for Christ. As we continue through the next several books, we will read his letters to many of the early believers, as the gospel began to spread. Paul’s passion was to bring Gentiles to follow Christ and experience a changed life. Today we focus on Romans 1, letting its power transform our lives as we follow Him.

Focal Passage: The Book of Romans, Romans 1.

            Paul’s purpose explained

• Read Romans 1:1-2. What were the “credentials” Paul wrote as his greeting to witness what Christ had done for him? Read Galatians 1:13, 15-17. Did Paul’s previous lifestyle cling to his reputation even after his conversion? What did the word “doulos (servant)” mean, and what did it say to that culture?
• Read Rom. 1:3-4. Paul gives a concise description of Jesus Christ. What do you see as you read these brief verses? Was Paul summarizing the whole gospel?
• Read verses 5-6. What does Paul say his responsibility became when he was saved? Who else does he say has this same responsibility?
• After God saved you, were (are) there still people who would bring up your past sins if the occasion permits? How do you handle it?

Paul’s passion explained

• Read Romans 1:16-17. These verses contain the most important statement that can be made about the Gospel of Jesus Christ: what is it?
• What is meant by the statement “ashamed of the gospel”? What are some ways you might feel you have some hesitation about sharing the gospel? How can you get past the feelings that hold you back from sharing? How is that like selling?
• Who does Paul say the gospel should be presented to? Would that include groups like politicians who are the opposition, neighbors who dislike you, co-workers who are jealous of your ability, wicked rulers? Who else?
• What happens when we share the gospel? As we prepare our hearts to be able to witness, what happens to our faith? What does Paul mean when he writes “the righteous [or just] shall live by faith” (quoting Habakkuk 2:4)?
• How have you lived your life by faith?

The world’s desperation explained

• Read Romans 1:28. As a reminder, who is Paul referring to as “they”? What did they do? What was God’s ultimate action?
• Read verses 29-31. What does these groups of people remind you of? How much of this do you see in the news, in the movies, or on social media every day in our world? How bad is it really?
• Read verse 32a. What happens to these persons?
• Read verse 32b. What is a second group that is just as responsible as the sinner? Think about the education a child in your family-or extended family-may be receiving. What danger lies in the mandates they must “approve” that is being given to all who participate in grave sins? How can they overcome toleration?
• Do you ever let Satan convince you that perhaps you have sinned beyond what God forgives? How do you handle these thoughts when they surface?

 God’s love explained

• Read Romans 6:23. What is the bad news? What is the great news? Why, then, will only a few accept God’s free gift? What are they afraid of?
• What do you see as the biggest problem affecting our nation at this time? What do you think is the biggest problem in the church?
• What would happen if each Christ-follower sincerely and lovingly shared the gospel with one person each week, month, or year?
• Could you commit yourself to share your faith this year?

Close

We tend to put Paul on a pedestal for his enormous passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his constant efforts at growing the church of Jesus Christ. Yet times have not changed—or if they have, they have perhaps gotten worse due to technology. Sin of any sort is at our fingertips instantly these days.

Do we feel we cannot make a difference because we are only one person? Then head to your local church and find others who have the same concern! One thing that can be learned by younger people is that if you have a thought, others also have thought it. If you have a burden, it is also on the back or shoulders of someone else. Let it be known through social media that you are looking for someone to witness with, do Bible study, fellowship…whatever it is you need or feel a passion for, there will be others who share it. Groups formed to help take care of the needs of the church was one of the first areas of service in the early church.

If you can’t leave your house, get a list of missionaries, and write a note of thanks to them for their work. We still have paper, pens, and stamps! If you cannot do anything physical, then grow yourself a prayer garden. The excuse for doing nothing is the lifestyle that has gotten our country where it is today. It’s past time for the church to work!

GROUP TIME – Part 5

SILAS – USE YOUR STRENGTHS TO STRENGTHEN THE TEAM

 

HOW TO GET STARTED:

It’s easy! Circle up with your friends and talk about the passage. We’ve set up the study with the same weekly routine.

 

A key practice of growing believers is readying, studying, and applying Scripture together.

The Scripture for our lesson today is: Acts 16:25-40

Each week we’ll READ the passage aloud, PRAY to ask the Holy Spirit to guide discussion, then follow these steps:

 

1. DISCOVER: What is the passage saying?

• Analyze: look for emphasized statements, repeated words, and the flow of the passage.
• How would you summarize or paraphrase these verses?

 

2. LEARN: What is the passage teaching?

• Ask the group to discuss the passage. What do they see?
• According to verses 22-24, what are some possible feelings Paul and Silas may have been experiencing when we see them in verse 25?
• “In Roman law, a guard who allowed his prisoner to escape was liable to the same penalty the prisoner would have suffered” (Code of Justinian 9.4.4). In the darkness, without having checked the prison, the jailer was about to kill himself to avoid the shame of public execution from an empty prison. How did Paul and Silas choose to Love God and Love People in these verses?
• According to verses 23-24, was the jailer easy to love?
• What transformed the jailer’s heart?

 

3. APPLY: What is our response?

• What is the Holy Spirit saying to you about this passage? Is He convicting you to do or change anything?
• Are there people in your life who are hard to love? How can you love them with your actions, even if they refuse to hear the words of the Gospel you may try to share? Read 1 John 3:18 together.

 

Read the passage aloud one more time and allow people to pray out loud in response.

GROUP TIME – Part 3

PHILIP – OBEDIENT AND FAITHFUL

During the six weeks of our Acts of the Apostles series, the Group Time lessons shared here will be a deeper exploration of a portion of the sermon rather than our usual lesson based on the sermon itself.  

HOW TO GET STARTED:

It’s easy! Circle up with your friends and talk about the passage. We’ve set up the study with the same weekly routine.

A key practice of growing believers is readying, studying, and applying Scripture together.

The Scripture for our lesson today is: Acts 8:26-40

Each week we’ll READ the passage aloud, PRAY to ask the Holy Spirit to guide discussion, then follow these steps:

1. DISCOVER:  What is the passage saying?
   • Analyze: look for emphasized statements, repeated words, and the flow of the passage.
   • How would you summarize or paraphrase these verses?

2. LEARN: What is the passage teaching?

• Ask the group to discuss the passage. What do they see?
• According to the verses, how did Philip know to leave Samaria? Where was he told he should go? What do verses 26-27 say he was to do there?
• List several ways the Ethiopian man is described. What was he reading? Consider why did he have that? Where might he have gotten it? How was he able to afford it?
• Was it a coincidence he was reading Isaiah 53 at the precise time Philip approached? How might Ephesians 2:10 relate to this passage?
• Where was the man going? Based on his attitude in Acts 8:37-39, what can we imagine would happen when he arrived?
• Was Philips’ immediate obedience significant in this passage?

3. APPLY: What is our response?

• What is the Holy Spirit saying to you about this passage? Is He convicting you to do or change anything?
• What are some ways you “hear” the Holy Spirit leading you? (Allow several to share) How can you practice listening to the Holy Spirit this week?

READ the passage aloud one more time and allow people to pray out loud in response.

GROUP TIME – Acts of the Apostles – Part 1

BARNABAS – A MAN WHO STOOD WITH OTHERS

During the six weeks of our Acts of the Apostles series, the Group Time lessons shared here will be a deeper exploration of a portion of the sermon rather than our usual lesson based on the sermon itself.  

 

HOW TO GET STARTED:

It’s easy! Circle up with your friends and talk about the passage. We’ve set up the study with the same weekly routine.

 

A key practice of growing believers is reading, studying, and applying Scripture together.

The Scripture for our lesson today is: Acts 15:36-41

Each week we’ll READ the passage aloud, PRAY to ask the Holy Spirit to guide discussion, then follow these steps:

 

1. DISCOVER: What is the passage saying?

• Analyze: look for emphasized statements, repeated words, and the flow of the passage.
• How would you summarize or paraphrase these verses?

 

2. LEARN: What is the passage teaching?

• Ask the group to discuss the passage. What do they see?
• According to the verses, how did Paul feel about taking John Mark with them to Pamphylia? Why?
• Does a sharp disagreement mean that they split in anger and now ignore one another?
• Read 1 Cor 9:6, Col. 4:10, 2 Tim 4:11 and Philemon 1:24. How does Paul treat Barnabas and Mark in these later writings?
• How was the spread of the Gospel impacted by this sharp disagreement?

 

3. APPLY: What is our response?

• What is the Holy Spirit saying to you about this passage? Is He convicting you to do or change anything?
• How can we move forward when we experience a disagreement with another believer?
• Barnabas, the encourager, wanted to give John Mark a second chance and it made a world of difference. Are you like Barnabas? Are you willing to give others a second chance?
• What are ways to hear, read, study, memorize, and obey God’s Word this week?

 

READ the passage aloud one more time and spend some time in prayer as a response to the lesson and discussion.

LUKE: THE LOST AND FOUND

June 20, 2021

Pastor Charles Billingsley

 

Losing a valuable item can cause many hours of agony! Do you recall a time you spent every waking moment looking for a lost treasure because it was so important to you? Did you find it?

Luke, a Gentile doctor who wrote the third Gospel, shared many of the events that are also found in the books of Matthew, Mark, and John, but he also included an additional number of miracles and parables that are unique to his book alone. This week our study is from Luke 15, as Luke told of Jesus confronting the Pharisees with their religious hypocrisy. Jesus used parables telling earthly stories with heavenly meanings. This chapter illustrates the amazing love of God.

Focal Passage: The Gospel of Luke, Luke 15:1-31, Isaiah 53:6, Malachi 3:7.

            God pursues us with reckless mercy

            The Parable of the Lost Sheep

• Read Luke 15:1-2 for the setting. Does anyone recall from two weeks ago some of the reasons tax collectors were so hated by the Jews? Why do you think the “sinners” referred to here were so drawn to Jesus?
• Read verses 3-4. Why does Luke begin verse 3 with “So”? Why do we in our culture find it strange that the shepherd would be concerned that he had lost one sheep, but still had ninety-nine? Let’s rephrase this: if you are part of a large, remarkably loving, family, would you easily accept the death of one of them?
• Can someone share what you remember of the actions of the shepherd if one of the sheep becomes lost? What did he have to do to get it back to safety?
• Read verses 5-6. How does the shepherd react when he finds his sheep? Is that how you reacted when you found the valued item you had lost? Can you share?
• Read verse 7. Can anyone paraphrase what Jesus is saying? Who in the crowd were the “righteous” ones who did not think they needed repentance? What does Romans 3:23 tell us?

God seeks us with patient love

The Parable of the Lost Coin

• Read Luke 15:8. Please share what you recall of the actual nature of the “coin” in Jewish culture of that day. What is that equivalent for a woman today? In our opening, was anyone’s lost item their wedding ring? How did you feel?
• Read verse 9. What did she do when she found the coin from her headband?
• Read verse10. Why do you not worry about God losing you out of His hand?

God waits for us with infinite grace

The Parable of the Lost Son

• Read Luke 15:11-12. Who remembers from the sermon the enormous burden of liquidating assets that a request of this type would have had for a Jewish family? What would the cultural shockwaves have been like as the news spread throughout the community? Why did the father do as the son requested?
• Read verses 13-16. What soon happened to the son (“not many days later”—it probably did not take him long to waste it all, just as it usually happens today). Would you have felt that he got what he deserved, or would you have felt sorry for him? Read Prov. 19:4. How does this seem to describe this son?
• Read verses 17-19. What were the words showing he truly repented? Why?

Read Psalm 51:17. Did he exemplify a life ready to be turned back to the father?

• Read Luke 15:20-24. How did the faither receive him? Have you ever lost one of your children for a period of time? What did you do when they returned home?
• In verses 22-23, what was the significance of the items the servants brought, as well as the feast? Have you ever felt this type of joy?

ARE YOU OUT OF THE FATHER’S HOUSE IN REBELLION?

Close

As we read the story of the Prodigal Son, our emotions run a gamut from intense anger at the impertinence of the boy to judgmental frustration with the father as he liquidated his assets and gave his child a third of the estate, then to gladness when the young man gets to the end of his rope, returning home in repentance, humility, and with a broken heart. Yet it is only part of the story at that point. The father sees the son coming and in a true godly fashion, runs—the worst of shame for Jewish men—to greet his boy. As the son tries to get his prepared speech said, his dad stopped him, ordered the servants to bring the items fit only for the son of the house, and kills the fattened calf (which was being readied for the older son’s wedding). A celebratory feast is held, as Jesus ended the parable, filled with happiness and rejoicing!

But turn the amazing reactions of the father to you and God. Did you ever rebel at some point after salvation, perhaps in your parents’ home, in your marriage, or in some other way, and deserve to have your name blotted out of the Book of Life? Or perhaps you feel that you have sinned away God’s grace and there is no hope. Re-read these three parables and emotionally let yourself experience how much God will go through to bring you safely to His fold. His mercy, patient love and infinite grace are never exhausted when a truly repentant heart is involved.

Don’t let time pass if you’re ready to return to the Lord. He will run to meet you with open arms, and He will never let you slip from His hand. Malachi 3:7 says, “..now return to Me, and I will return to you.” Do it today!

MATTHEW: THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

June 06, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Sometimes, for any number of reasons, we may be uneasy in a group made up of those outside our comfort zone. Will you share an experience that comes to mind and tell what happened?

This week we entered the New Testament era as we began the book of Matthew. We are now on the home stretch of reading the entire Bible during the first six months of 2021. The Jewish nation lived four hundred years between the Old and New Testaments, but God—though silent to the Jews—was working to bring about the fulfillment of the prophecies that would herald the coming Messiah. As the book of Matthew opens, the genealogy of Jesus Christ is given, followed by His birth, preparation for, and the beginning of, His ministry and teaching on earth. Join us as we learn important lessons from Matthew, chapter 9.

Focal Passage: The Book of Matthew

            God wants to use all of us

• Read Matthew 9:9. What were typically some of the unfavorable words used to describe most tax collectors? If you were a Jewish tax collector, and therefore a traitor to your nation, where would you most likely have found friends?
• What do you think Jesus saw as He looked at Matthew and told him to follow Him? What do you think Matthew saw that caused him to leave his job and follow Jesus?
• What may have been going through the minds of the disciples as they realized Jesus had just invited a tax collector to join their intimate group?
• What lesson can we learn when Jesus called a man who was an outcast in society to follow and be used by Him? Can a person get too far away for God to use?

God cares about all of us

• Read Matt. 9:10. What was the significance of Jesus reclining at the table in Matthew’s house? How comfortable would you be in a large gathering of those who are completely outside your comfort zone?
• Why do you think Matthew wanted his friends to meet Jesus, and Jesus to meet his friends?
• What does it take to have the kind of passion to see your friends and family have the opportunity to meet Jesus Christ?
• How do Matthew’s actions line up with your efforts to evangelize your circle of influence?

God wants to reach more of us

• Read Matt. 9:11. Although Jesus is in the early months of His ministry, what opinions had the Pharisees already formed? Why were they criticizing Him for eating with those with whom they themselves would not mingle?
• How did He respond? Read 2 Peter 3:9. How far away from God were you when He saved you? Did you take your own path at some point since then, and return?
• Read Ezekiel 33:11 and Matthew 9:36. Why will the churches never be full enough to satisfy Jesus? Do you love people that much?

 God expects more from us

• Read Matt. 9:12-13. Jesus had to rebuke the Pharisees for their attitude. How do you think this was received? What were some of the statements made about their character that you can recall from Scripture?
• What did Jesus mean, God desires “mercy and not sacrifice”?
• What more does God expect that we Christians do, besides ‘business as usual’?
• What are some of the character flaws that we must guard against, so that we don’t unconsciously become like the Pharisees?
• Why is it so much more important to point people to Christ, rather than telling them they do not deserve to be near Him?

Close

It is extremely easy to read through these chapters in Matthew, letting the familiar words wash over us, but miss the lessons to be learned. Had you been one of those whom Jesus called to follow Him, you might have been with some of your friends, perhaps even with those whose vocation was the same as your own. They were all no doubt forming a bond with each other and with Jesus. There may have been some curiosity as they grew in their relationship with Him, but there was probably also a thrill of being with someone so special.

Until Matthew. Can you imagine being in a group today of a similar type, when suddenly the one in charge calls to someone who is abhorred by your nation, working for another government, overtly cheating hard-working citizens, and saying, “Come, follow Me!” Then perhaps asking you to make him welcome? We would say, “Jesus—seriously? Really??” Do you think they perhaps grumbled that night? Yet they went with Jesus the next day to a feast at Matthew’s house.

It is much easier to read God’s word than to carry it out, isn’t it? In our case, we might need to show love to someone who has committed sins so vile our family never spoke of them; or someone whose political views are so removed from ours that we feel it might gag us to be nice; or someone from the other end of the financial spectrum who wants to date our daughter…and on and on. But Jesus gave us a responsibility when He returned to heaven that we would be the caretakers of His ministry, loving those who are around us and seeing that they are introduced to Christ. That’s our duty, and we will answer to Him as to whether we were faithful to Him who called us. Remember that to love God is to love people. It is like a coin, each side being a total of who we are. Or should be. May we never forget that.

 

 

 

MAJOR ON THE MINORS

May 23, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Do you recall learning “cause and effect” phrases as a young person? Perhaps you recall “a rolling stone gathers no moss,” or “you reap what you sow.” Can you share a memory?

Today and next Sunday we will be looking at the twelve “Minor Prophets,” as we finish reading the last few books of the Old Testament. As we continue this journey of reading through the Bible in six months, we find the warnings of these prophets could have been spoken recently in any area of the world and the messages would have been just as relevant as they were nearly a few thousand years ago. This Sunday we will concentrate on Amos, followed by key verses from Hosea, Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. Each of these men warned the people to seek the Lord God in order to avoid destruction!

Focal Passage: The Book of Amos

            God Calls Us to Be Holy and Punishes Our Sin

He calls us to listen

• Read Amos 5:1a. Even though Amos was calling the house of Israel to listen to what he was saying, who, then and now, was/is asking us to listen? What are some of the distractions that assault our senses from the time we wake each day, causing us to possibly overlook the voice of God?
• How can we develop the habit (or discipline) to “listen” for God during our time of prayer? Read Isaiah 48:12-13. Who was speaking in this passage? Who was He speaking to?
• We want God to listen to us. How can we develop the habit of quietness when we desire Him to speak to us?

There are always devastating consequences to our sin

• Read Amos 5:2 What were some of the heinous sins that God was going to punish Israel for? What hope did she have in this verse? Read Romans 3:23. Are we all under the same condemnation?
• If a believer continues in a lifestyle of sin, how does his become desensitized to it? (De“sin”sitized!) What will eventually happen?
• Read Job 4:8, Psalm 126:5, and Proverbs 22:8a. What do each of these verses promise us?

But He never leaves us without hope

• Read Amos 5:4. How did Amos finish the scathing warning of coming judgment? Why did God give them hope if they would repent? How is this like Jonah as he preached in Nineveh?
• Read Hebrews 2:3a, Rom. 6:23, and Psa. 32:2a. How do any of us have hope in this world? Are we passionate about taking this story of a living hope to a lost world around us? What are some ways we can do that if we’re just one person?

 But we must obey

• Read Amos 5:6. What is the very important word in this verse? Why? If you personalize the verse with your family name and community, would you be honest with yourself as to which side of the “or” you are currently living on?
• Read Romans 6:16. Is obedience a choice for believers? Read 1 John 2:3. Again, is obedience a choice for a believer?
• Read Colossians 1:21-23. What will Jesus do that will bring Him glory as we stand before God? What will you have to offer Him from your days on this earth?

Close

The warnings of these prophets—ordinary men who were called by God to proclaim judgment was coming—are as important in this day in which we live as they were in the days long ago. Our world is a mass of confusion with most countries divided down the middle between those who desire moral values and godly living and those who live the motto of the ending of the book of Judges, “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

What can we do? How can we change the world? It is so easy to feel we are alone in our thinking, and let despair overtake us. We look at our past and feel burdened with the failures we recall; we look at the future and the way seems unclear, the problems seem too big to handle and the help we see insufficient; we look at the present and are filled with fear of the next step. It’s easier to stay within our comfort zone, be silent, keep from making waves, and stay away from the news. But is it right?

Is that the life Jesus called us to live in Matthew 28? Hardly. The apostles, certainly, could have easily gone back to fishing. Few of them would have envisioned a death of martyrdom—until James was beheaded (Acts 12) and it “pleased the Jews” [religious leaders]. God does not want us to live afraid of men, either. Although we never foresaw a world where Christians are so hated, it is time for us to put fear aside and stand up; put our past behind us and remember all our sins were hung on the cross (Col. 2:11-15). The present day is a gift to us from God, that we should “rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day the Lord has made!” (Psa. 118:24). The future? There is only one way to handle it: stay in the Word, reading and memorizing, engrafting and meditating, until it is deep in your soul, ready to be a “lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path” (Psa. 119:105), so that you don’t sin. Love Him, talk to Him, pray to Him, obey Him, and LISTEN to Him! It may be a still, small voice, or it may be thunder. Be ready! 

Key Verses From the other Minor Prophets:

• Hosea 5:15: “I will depart and return to My place until they recognize their guilt and seek My face; they will search for Me in their distress.”
• Joel 2:12-13: “Even now—this is the Lord’s declaration—turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger; abounding in faithful love, and He relents from sending disaster.”
• Obadiah 1:3-4: “Your arrogant heart has deceived you, you who live in clefts of the rock, in your home on the heights, who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ Though you seem to soar like an eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down. This is the Lord’s declaration.”
• Jonah 3:10: “God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—so God relented from the disaster He had threatened them with, and He did not do it.”
• Micah 6:8: “Mankind, He has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
• Nahum 3:4-5: “Because of the continual prostitution of the prostitute, the attractive mistress of sorcery, who treats nations and clans like merchandise by her prostitution and sorcery, I am against you. This is the declaration of the Lord of Armies. I will lift your skirts over your face and display your nakedness to nations, your shame to kingdoms.”
• Habakkuk 1:12-13: “Are you not from eternity, Lord my God? My Holy One, You will not die. Lord, You appointed them to execute judgment; my Rock, You destined them to punish us. Your eyes are too pure to look on evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing.”
• Zephaniah 3:15: “The Lord has removed your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is among you; you need no longer fear harm.”