2022-04-24

Scott Bullman

 

“We live in a culture that seems to be attempting to redefine everything that God has ordained. This is especially seen in issues of family, marriage, and gender. Our culture as a whole is not just becoming more accepting of a new definition of family but is aggressively pushing this redefinition as good, healthy, and enlightened.” – Ken Ham

Genesis 2:18-24 (ESV)
“Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So, the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Matthew 19:3-6 (ESV)
“And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV)
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Colossians 3:18-21 (ESV)
“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”

The Wife’s Role

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord” – Col. 3:18 (ESV)

Submit = “to arrange under rank… to come up under.”

The Husband’s Role

“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them” – Col. 3:19 (ESV).

“The white noise of cultural confusion has left men insecure and unsure of our manhood. So, we settle for something far less than what God originally intended.” – Mark Batterson

The Children’s Role

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” – Col. 3:20 (ESV)
And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents… – Romans 1:28-30 (ESV)

The Parent’s Role

“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” – Col. 3:21 (ESV)

You can embitter your child by…
1. … Not Disciplining Them.
2. … Abusing Them or Giving Improper Discipline.
3. … Neglecting Them.
4. … Never Encouraging Them and Showing Them Affection.
5. … Showing Favoritism Toward Other Siblings.

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” – Eph. 6:4 (ESV)

2022-04-10
Gary Habermas

I. Paul’s Preaching of the Gospel Message (1 Cor. 15:1-2)

A. The Gospel Facts

B. Faith

II. The Early Creed(s) in 1 Corinthians 15:3ff

A. Literary Characteristics

B. Early Dates in Paul’s Reception of the Gospel Data (Galatians 1-2)

C. Eyewitness Testimony

D. Empty Tomb

III. The Importance of the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:53-58)

A. Endurance

B. Work

C. Conquering Death

2022-03-27

Dr. Ed Hindson

TRBC Doctrinal Statement: 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.

Seven Prophetic Promises for Every Believer’s Future

1. Rapture

“Dead in Christ shall rise first, then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

Greek, harpazo = “caught up” “snatched up”, “seized”

Taken from one place to another

Timing: Pre-Tribulational

Why? “not appointed to wrath” 1 Thess. 5:9

2. Bride to Father’s House

“My Father’s house has many rooms…I go and prepare a place for you” John 14:2

“You” = Believers (7 times)

Pattern: Jewish Wedding

Betrothal: Groom and Bride

Groom to Father’s House

Bride Remains at Her House

Groom Prepares Room

Father Authorizes Return

Groom Returns for Bride

Bride to Father’s House

3. Judgment Seat of Christ

“For we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ…so that each may be repaid…in the body” 2 Corinthians 5:10

Bema Seat: Rewards for Service

4. Marriage of the Lamb

“For the wedding of the Lamb has come and His Bride has made herself ready” Revelation 19:7

Wedding Garment: Fine linen, bright and clean v. 8

5. Triumphal Return

“The armies of heaven were following him…dressed in fine linen, white and clean” Revelation 19:14

6. Millennial Reign

“They lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years” Revelation 20:1-6

Satan bound in Abyss for 1,000 years

7. Eternal City

“I saw a new heaven and a new earth…Holy City, the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven” Revelation 21:1-2

Final State of Sinless Glorification

Invitation

Spirit and Bride say: Come!

Revelation 22:17

2022-03-20

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

TRBC Doctrinal Statement: We affirm that at the end of this age the unsaved will 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 in fellowship with God.

Jesus spent more time talking about Hell than He did talking about Heaven. Hell is mentioned approximately 160 times in the New Testament and of those, 70 mentions were from Christ Himself. Jesus had to talk about Hell because it is the guaranteed destination for everyone who is ever born because of sin. The purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to provide the alternative to Hell.

Three keys to remember about the Doctrine of Heaven and Hell

1. The Coming Wrath

Doctrinal Statement: We affirm that at the end of this age the unsaved will be raised and judged according to their works and separated forever from God in hell.

 

Doctrine of Sin…they are therefore subject to eternal punishment, under the just condemnation of a holy God.

Matthew 22:12-13 (NKJV) Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. ¹³ Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Matthew 25:41 (NKJV) Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels’

Rev 20:14-15 (NKJV) Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Matthew 25:46 (NKJV) And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.’

2. The Promised Path

Doctrinal Statement: The saved, having been raised, will live forever in heaven in fellowship with God.

Doctrine of Salvation: …The believer is declared righteous, born again by the Holy Spirit, turned from sin, and assured of heaven.

John 14:1-3 (NKJV) Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

John 14:6 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Rev 21:3-5 (NKJV) And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”⁵ Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

3. So, Let’s Do the Math

Doctrine of Salvation: … assured of heaven

Col 3:1-4 (NKJV) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

2022-03-06

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Doctrinal Statement: We affirm that human beings were directly created, not evolved, in the very image of God. As reasoning moral agents, they are responsible under God for understanding and governing themselves and the world. Adam, the first man, willfully disobeyed God, bringing sin and death into the world. As a result, all persons are sinners from conception, which is evidenced in their willful acts of sin; and they are therefore subject to eternal punishment, under the just condemnation of a holy God.

 

1. How we got here

Doctrinal Statement: We affirm that human beings were directly created, not evolved…

Gen. 1:26-27 (NKJV) Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” ²⁷ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

• Three views
  • Atheistic Evolution – random event which produced everything
  • Theistic Evolution – Deity used evolution to bring about everything
  • Special Creation – Genesis 1; God spoke the world into existence in six literal days
    • Day – yom
    • Uses of “yom” in Genesis and in other parts of Scripture refer to a 24 hour day. (So the evening and the morning were…)
    • Exodus 20:11 – “in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them and rested on the seventh day.”[1]
    • Why does it matter? Because if God did not create as recorded in Genesis, all of the Bible must be called into question.

 

2. How we were created

Doctrinal Statement: …in the very image of God.

Genesis 1:26b …Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…

• In God’s image – at creation, we were given similar characteristics as God
  • Ability to think
  • Emotion
  • Free will
• In God’s likeness – at creation, we were made holy, without sin
  • We have lost this element through our sin
  • But, we retain spiritual likeness through salvation
  • We receive character likeness through sanctification
  • We will receive physical likeness at glorification[2]

 

3. Why we were created

Doctrinal Statement: As reasoning moral agents, they are responsible under God for understanding and governing themselves and the world.

Rev. 4:9-11 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: ¹¹ “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”

• we were created for His glory
• to reflect His image
• and to carry out His work

 

4. How we messed it all up

Doctrinal Statement: Adam, the first man, willfully disobeyed God, bringing sin and death into the world. As a result, all persons are sinners from conception, which is evidenced in their willful acts of sin…

Gen. 3:1a Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made

• Satan devised a plan to tempt man into sin
• Humanity gave into that temptation

 

Gen. 3:15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.

• God devised a plan to redeem man – Jesus

 

5. God’s great plan of redemption

Doctrinal Statement: …and they are therefore subject to eternal punishment, under the just condemnation of a holy God.

Rom. 5:8-11 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹ Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. ¹⁰ For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. ¹¹ And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

 

Rom. 5:18-19 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. ¹⁹ For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

 

What we believe about mankind?

1. God created with a purpose
2. Man fell to temptation
3. God established a plan of redemption
4. When man accepts and believes in this plan, he is reconciled to God for all eternity

 

[1] https://www.icr.org/article/meaning-day-genesis/

[2] Foundational Doctrines of the Faith, Elmer Towns, pg. 63.

2022-01-23

Matt Willmington

Theology = Theo [God] logos [word, study]. Choose lumber, build house.

 

Three Levels of Doctrine [Al Mohler]:

1. Core Beliefs – absolutes to be Christian, denial is apostacy [in house]

2. Convictions – beliefs divide believers, churches, denominations [rooms]

3. Opinions – Christians disagree but remain in fellowship [seats]

 

You ARE a theologian – only question is what type?

 

GOD THE TRINITY

“We affirm our belief in one God, infinite Spirit, creator, and sustainer of all things, who exists eternally in three persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These three are one in essence but distinct in person and function.”

  

Genesis 1:1-3, 26, 28, 31 [CSB] In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. ³ Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light…. ²⁶ Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female… ²⁸ God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it… 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed.

• GOD – He is one person. He is ELOHIM [2600], ADONAI, JEHOVAH [6500]. He is not Buddha, Allah, Ra, Brahma, Pan Gu, Jumong, Zeus
• Created / Good – He is the source of all. His work is good
• Said / Image / Blessed – He is personal
• Spirit / Us – He is 3 people [not explicit in Scripture – implicit]

 

Isaiah 48:12, 13, 16 …I am he; I am the first, I am also the last. My own hand founded the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; … From the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time anything existed, I was there.” And now the Lord God has sent me and his Spirit.

 

John 1:1-3, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created… ¹⁴ The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

Matthew 3:16-17 When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”

 

Matthew 28:19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

 

Revelation 22:1, 16-17 Then he showed me the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb… ¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to attest these things to you for the churches. I am the Root and descendant of David, the bright morning star.” ¹⁷ Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let anyone who hears, say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who desires take the water of life freely.

 

GOD THE FATHER

“We affirm that the Father is the first person of the Trinity and the source of all that God is and does. From Him the Son is eternally generated and from Them the Spirit eternally proceeds. He is the designer of creation, the speaker of revelation, the author of redemption, and the sovereign of history.”

 

John 20:17 “… go to my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”

 

GOD IS… 

Spirit (John 1:18)

Self-Existent (Isa. 41:4)       

Self Sufficient (Job 41:11)

Eternal (Deut. 33:27)          

Omnipresent (Psa.139:7-12)                                                 

Omnipotent (Gen.18:14)

Omniscient (2 Kings 19:27)                                                    

Wise (Job 36:5)                     

Immutable (Num.23:19)

Sovereign (Psa.135:6)         

Incomprehensible (Deut. 4:35)                                             

Holy (Lev.19:2)

True (Deut. 32:4)                  

Faithful (Deut. 7:9)              

Merciful (Exod. 34:7) 

Gracious (Psa. 103:8)          

Love (Deut. 4:37)                  

2022-01-09

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Last week we talked about the power of God’s Word. This is the starting point of the mission of this church. Our mission statement: To Change Our World by Developing Christ Followers who Love God and Love People.

 

We are able to accomplish this mission through six values that undergird everything we do:

1. A Commitment to Scripture
2. A Culture of Prayer
3. A Lifestyle of Worship
4. Connected in Community
5. A Heart for Serving
6. A Passion for Sharing

 

Hebrews 4:14-16 (CSB) Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

 

1. He has invited us in

Vs 14a Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God

• Jesus has stepped into the mediating role between us and God
• This role provides protection, provision, propitiation

2. He welcomes us as we are

Vs 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.

• The high priest of the Old Testament was chosen from among men so could identify with those he represented
• Jesus allowed Himself to experience all of the temptations and challenges we face
• Hebrews 5 gives us a picture of this responsibility of a high priest
  Hebrews 5:2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he is also clothed with weakness

3. Take advantage of the invitation

Vs 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

• In this verse, we have a description of two elements of our six core values as a church:

1. Culture of prayer
   1. “let us approach” – we are specifically called to call to Him
2. Lifestyle of worship
   1. “approach the throne” – this is a clear representation of the awesomeness and holiness of God

• Thus, we have a call to live in worship

4. Honor Him as a result

Col. 3:22-23 (CSB) Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.

• Everything we do is an opportunity to honor Him, serve Him, serve others
• So how can we put this into practice daily:
  • Seek Him daily for our own needs and failings
  • Seek Him daily for opportunities to impact others
  • Answer the call to be used no matter what
  • Give Him the glory for every win

2021-12-26

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Today, we finish up our whirlwind run through the Bible. We’ve taught from all 66 books throughout this past year. While we certainly haven’t touched on every aspect of Scripture, as no ever could, we have spent a great deal of time focusing on the broad themes of Scripture. And so, today, we’ll conclude by revealing the theme of the Book. Not just the theme of the book of Revelation, but the theme of the entire Bible.

Revelation 1:1-3 (CSB) The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, ² who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, whatever he saw. ³ Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near.

 

1. Jesus is the Answer

22:16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to attest these things to you for the churches. I am the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star,

• Jesus is not only the creator, He is the descendent as well. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 11:1
• The term, “bright morning star,” gives the idea of the soon coming end of night

2. For The World Today

• We have the invitation of Jesus
  • 22:17a Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!”
  • The Spirit’s job is to convict a lost world of their sins and point them to the hope of the Gospel
  • The bride’s job is to tell the world about the Gospel
• We have a responsibility to Jesus
  • 22:17b Let anyone who hears, say, “Come!”
  • Our individual mandate is to tell others about Jesus and what He’s done for us
• This opportunity is for everyone
  • 22:17c Let the one who is thirsty come
  • The message of the Gospel is not exclusive to a lucky few, it is available to all
  • 2 Peter 3:9 – “not willing that any should perish”
  • Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and save that which is lost”
  • John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world…”
• This opportunity is to be enjoyed now
  • 22:17d Let the one who desires take the water of life freely
  • The hope of Heaven is absolute, but the benefits of believing begin now

3. Above Him there’s no other

22:18-19 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, 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 will take away his share of the tree of life and the holy city, which are written about in this book.

• John gives us a warning that we cannot change the message of Christ to suit our own needs or desires
• This echoes what Deut. 4 and Gal. 1 tell us about changing the message of God

4. Jesus is the Way

22:20-21 He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! ²¹ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with everyone. Amen.

• In times of desperation, we must always remember it is the hope of the Gospel that leads the way
• Time is short and Jesus has always been the Way, He is the Way, and He will forever be the Way

2021-12-12

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Today, we will have brief view of 3 important, yet quite small, letters within the New Testament. The Apostle John wrote all three of these letters to deal with significant threats to the church of Jesus Christ. Whether through threat of Gnosticism or the inappropriate, dictatorial actions of Diotrephes (3 John), he knew that any time a follower of Jesus Christ ceases to follow the teachings of Jesus and follows the teachings of man, bad things will happen. John wrote to encourage the church to remain faithful and committed to what they had seen, heard, and experienced.

1 John 1:1-4 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—² that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—³ what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. ⁴ We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

 

1. Love is not an option

1 John 4:7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

• It is vital for Christians to understand the importance of loving one another when it comes to fellowship as the body of Christ. There is no room for a lack of love.
• Dan Womack says “Tradition tells us that in his extreme old age when he could no longer minister the word, John was carried into the church and when asked for a word of wisdom, would invariably say, ‘little children, love one another.’”[1]

[1] The Christian Life Bible, Porter Barrington, editor., Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tn., pg 1277.

3 John 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God

 

2. God’s love is absolute

1 John 4:9-10 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. ¹⁰ Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice^, for our sins.

• God loved us so very much, He gave His only son for us
• Without this ultimate display of love, we would be unable love or live
• Today, there are many who are spending their lives “working their way to Heaven” while all along missing the only way there

1 John 5:13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

• Our hope of eternal life in Heaven is a direct result of the work of Christ on the cross, not the works of man

 

3. You can’t fake love

1 John 4:11-12 Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. ¹² No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and his love is made complete in us.

• The power of His presence is manifest through the love we have and the love we show

1 John 4: 14-16 And we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent his Son as the world’s Savior. ¹⁵ Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God—God remains in him and he in God. ¹⁶ And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.

• It is impossible to be “one who loves” without embracing that God is love

 

2 John 6 This is love: that we walk according to his commands. This is the command as you have heard it from the beginning: that you walk in love.

• Our actions are a direct reflection of our love, and our relationship, with God

 

[1] The Christian Life Bible, Porter Barrington, editor., Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tn., pg 1277.

2021-11-14

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

The book of Hebrews is one of the key books within the New Testament which speaks to the universal problem of individuals falling away from their commitment to Christ because of the noise and distractions of their circumstances. This book has a clear and convincing message of the superiority of Christ. While the book was aimed at a group of first century Jewish Christians, it is also aimed squarely at those within the 21^st century as well.

 

Hebrews 3:1-4 (CSB) Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. ² He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was in all God’s household. ³ For Jesus is considered worthy of more glory than Moses, just as the builder has more honor than the house. ⁴ Now every house is built by someone, but the one who built everything is God.

Hebrews is a critical reminder to Stay Committed

1. Christ’s promises are absolute

Vs 6a But Christ was faithful as a Son over his household.

• The writer points out the difference between Moses and Jesus in that Jesus was the SON
• Moses was a servant “in all God’s household” but Jesus was “over His household”

 

2. Our commitment is not

Vs 6b And we are that household if we hold on to our confidence and the hope in which we boast.

• Key word is “if” because this is clearly a warning to remain faithful to our following of Christ
• The writer wants to make sure the message is clear…we must stay committed to Christ

Vss 7-11 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you hear his voice, ⁸ do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, ⁹ where your ancestors tested me, tried me, and saw my works ¹⁰ for forty years. Therefore I was provoked to anger with that generation and said, “They always go astray in their hearts, and they have not known my ways.” ¹¹ So I swore in my anger, “They will not enter my rest.”

• Thomas Lea states, “Hardening the heart takes place whenever someone rejects God’s call or instructions.”^[1]
• “I was provoked to anger” is a direct quote from the Holy Spirit that our actions indeed have consequences

^[1] Thomas D. Lea, Hebrews, James, vol. 10, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 47.

3. Stay committed in your trust in God

Vs 12 Watch out, brothers and sisters, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.

• Warren Wiersbe says, “The emphasis in Hebrews is that true believers have an eternal salvation because they trust a living Saviour who constantly intercedes for them. But the writer is careful to point out that this confidence is no excuse for sin.”^[1]
• The writer of Hebrews was pointing back to the decisions, actions and consequences of those who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because of their lack of trust in God

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 288–289.

4. Develop relationships which will help you grow

Vs 13 But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.

• The clear message is that we must strengthen each other in our quest to stay committed
• Isolation will lead to separation

5. Christ’s promises are absolute!

Vs 14 For we have become participants in Christ if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start.

• The Christian life is not a job that can be accomplished part-time
• The commitment Christ has made to us is one which cannot falter
• But, we must always remember, our commitment must not falter either

 

 

John Dungey says, “The Lord Jesus Christ is God’s final word and man’s only Savior”[1]

[1] The Christian Life Study Bible, Edited by Porter Barrington, Thomas Nelson Publ, Nashville, Tn, pg 1235.

2021-10-31

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

The book of Titus, along with 1 & 2 Timothy, is one of the pastoral epistles. Paul wrote the letter for the purpose of encouraging sound doctrine, right living, and good church practices among the followers of Christ. He also clearly underscores what he wrote to Timothy in how leaders within the church are to act. It was written around 63 or 64 A.D.

Titus 3:1-11 (CSB) Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, ² to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. ³ For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. ⁴ But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, ⁵ he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. ⁶ He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. ⁸ This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. ⁹ But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless. ¹⁰ Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning. ¹¹ For you know that such a person has gone astray and is sinning; he is self-condemned.

1. We have a calling to be different in a difficult world

Vss 1-2 Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, ² to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people.

• “submit” – willingness to do what doesn’t come naturally
  • Romans 13 – Submit to authorities
  • 1 Timothy 2:1-2 – Pray for authorities
  • Acts 5:29 – But never compromise – “We ought to obey God rather than men”
• Contrasts between bad and good in verse 2
  • Slander (bloss-fo-ME-o) = to speak against someone in such a way as to harm or injure their reputation[1]
  • Galatians 5 – Kindness, Gentleness

 

Vss 9-11 But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless. ¹⁰ Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning. ¹¹ For you know that such a person has gone astray and is sinning; he is self-condemned.

 

2. Our calling comes from our changing

Vss 3-5 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. ⁴ But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, ⁵ he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

• Vs 3 For we too were once…
• “enslaved” – We were slaves to our former selves
  • Romans 6:20 – For when you were slaves of sin
• Vs 4 But when…
  • Romans 6:22 – But now, since you have been set free from sin and have become enslaved to God

 

3. This change leads to our hope

Vss 6-7 He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

• Because of what Christ did for us all, we have been made right with Him
• “justified” – to declare someone as being made righteous
• “salvation” is a legal term describing a guilty person before the bar who is then pronounced blameless by the judge. This does not mean the individual has been found guiltless. Instead, it means that the person has been released from guilt, his offense paid for. All of this is by God’s grace, apart from human merit.^[2] – Knute Larson

 

Vs 8 This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone.

• The practice of good works is the logical outcome of a true apprehension of the grace of God.^[3] – Edmond Hiebert

 

[1] Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–)

^[2] Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 383.

^[3] D. Edmond Hiebert, “Titus,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians through Philemon, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1981), 447.

2021-10-17

Matt Willmington

I Timothy 1:1-2b CSB

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope: To Timothy, my true son in the faith.

 

I Timothy 3:15 CSB

I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household.

 

I Timothy 1:15b CSB

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

 

I Timothy 1:17 CSB

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

I Timothy 4:1a CSB

Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith

 

MEN – WOMEN

 

I Timothy 2:1-2 CSB

¹ First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, ² for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

 

I Timothy 2:8-15 CSB

⁸ Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. ⁹ Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense… ¹⁰ but with good works, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.¹¹ A woman is to learn quietly with full submission. ¹² I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet… ¹⁵ saved through childbearing,

 

I Timothy 2:16 CSB

He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

 

CHURCH LEADERS

 

YOUNG PEOPLE

 

I Timothy 4:12-16 CSB

Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity… ¹⁴ Don’t neglect the gift that is in you;..  ¹⁵ Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to your life and your teaching;

 

WIDOWS

 

I Timothy 5:2-16 CSB

² [Exhort]… older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters with all purity. ³ Support widows who are genuinely in need… children or grandchildren, let them learn to practice godliness… The widow who is truly in need and left all alone has put her hope in God… if anyone does not provide for his own family, especially for his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever… at least sixty years old… known for good works… refuse to enroll younger widows… marry…

 

SERVANTS

 

I Timothy 6:1-2 CSB

¹ All who are under the yoke as slaves should regard their own masters as worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and his teaching will not be blasphemed. ² Let those who have believing masters not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers,
but serve them even better, since those who benefit from their service are believers
and dearly loved.

 

WEALTHY

 

I Timothy 6:7-10 CSB

⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. ⁸ If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. ⁹ But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

 

I Timothy 6:17-19 CSB

¹⁷ Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. ¹⁸ Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, ¹⁹ storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.

 

I Timothy 6:15-16 CSB

¹⁵ He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, ¹⁶ who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see, to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

 

2021-10-03

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Paul visited Thessalonica during his second missionary journey and planted the church to which he now writes. His mission in this letter was to celebrate their faithfulness, encourage them to be steadfast and point them to the blessed hope God has in store for us all. This message, like Paul’s other writings, are meant to be an encouragement to all Christ followers to stay the course and trust the heart of God.

 

1 Thess. 1:2-3 (CSB) We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers. ³ We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ

 

1. Our faith should drive us to action

Vs 3a We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith…

• Paul gives us the first glimpse of his later writing in 1 Cor. 13 here…”faith, hope, love” – the importance of these cannot be minimized
• Our faith in Christ should produce good things
• “We are not saved by faith plus works, but by a faith that works.”^[1] – Warren Wiersbe

 

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 160.

2. Our action should be reflective of our love

Vs 3b … your labor motivated by love…

• Labor (ko-pos) conveys the idea of “toil and trouble”
• This was not a simple act on the part of believers but a deliberate action because of their love for others

 

3. Our love is strengthened in our hope

Vs 3c … and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

• Endurance (He-poe-mo-NAY) = residing, staying for the long haul
• They were willing to go the distance because of what was ahead
• 1 Thess. 4:13ff is a picture of the promised future

 

4. Our witness will change the world

1 Thess. 1:7-10 (CSB) As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. ⁸ For the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith^, in God has gone out. Therefore, we don’t need to say anything, ⁹ for they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God ¹⁰ and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath

• Their faithfulness to God’s Word and God’s will became an example not only at home but it spread throughout the world because they were willing to “go”
• What you do here impacts there!

 

5. Stand strong no matter what

1 Thess. 2:4 (CSB) Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts

• Paul had been severely mistreated in Philippi but he shares here that he was not deterred in his mission
• Verse 2 states they were “emboldened” in their work because of their opposition
• This boldness came because they knew their mission was to serve God, not man
• “If there is ineffectiveness within the church or the individual, it has little to do with methodology, persecution, leadership vacuums, or ecclesiastical structures. Instead, it comes from being less than convinced that we deal with truth (the message). It comes from trying to please anyone or anything other than God (the motive).”^[1]

– Knute Larson

^[1] Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 22.

2021-09-19

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Philippians is a letter whose focus is on joy. Whether in suffering, service or worry, Paul makes it clear we should rejoice in the “excellence” of Christ. This short letter is full of encouragement to a people in desperate need of hope. The key encouragement is found in its opening words.

 

Philippians 1:3-6 (NKJV) I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, ⁴ always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, ⁵ for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ

• “This is the real basis for joyful Christian fellowship, to have God at work in our lives day by day.”^[1] – Warren Wiersbe

 

1. It starts in the Gospel

Philippians 1:20-21 (NKJV) according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹ For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain

• God has a clear and undeniable good work He wants to do in your life
• This work begins the moment we believe in Christ’s redemptive work
• Understanding we cannot lose when we live in the power of the Gospel

 

2. It is continued in love

Philippians 2:1-4 (NKJV) Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, ² fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ³ Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ⁴ Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others

• Genuine love for others is the beginning point for understanding the power of God’s work
• Seeing people as God sees them is a necessary step

 

3. It is in focusing on what really matters

Philippians 3:7-10 (NKJV) But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. ⁸ Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; ¹⁰ that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death

• We must set aside the things the world believes are important for the things God says are important
• Matthew 16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

 

4. It is secured by His gracious hand

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

• When everything seems to be falling apart, God provides what the world can’t imagine
• “The position of the believer is not simply one of waiting for an absent Lord to return; it is also one of enjoying the reality of a Lord who is always present.”^[2] – J.A. Motyer
• Let go of worry and let God lead
  • Prayer is the starting point
  • Thankfulness is the posture
  • Seeking Him is invited
  • He will guard your heart

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 65.

^[2] J. A. Motyer, The Message of Philippians, The Bible Speaks Today (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1984), 207.

2021-09-05

Charles Billingsley

This is what was happening in the churches of Galatia.

False teaching had crept into their church by way of a group called the Judaizers.  It was polluting the purity of the gospel that Paul had taught them, and in a very short time had turned their minds from the gospel of grace to a gospel determined by and dependent upon works.

Word comes to Paul in Antioch, and Paul is very upset.  So he writes them a scathing letter.

It reads differently than the other epistles.  You can tell right away that Paul is angry.

Written by Paul – 49 AD

Galatia was not a city.  It was a region.  Several churches were founded in that region by Paul on his first missionary journey.

Purpose for writing:  Judaizers had come into the region and were diffusing and diluting the pure gospel message of Paul.

Galatians is a Miniature book of Romans.   It was written 10 years before Romans.

It is the Charter of Christian Freedom.

Galatians can be divided into 3 different categories:

Chapters 1-2 –  Personal  – Paul defends his integrity as an apostle .  Paul tells his testimony about his conversion.  Paul attacks the ones who are perverting the Gospel.  Paul vs the Judaizers

Chapters 3-4 – Doctrinal  – Law vs Grace ;   Justification by Faith

Chapters 5-6 – Practical  – fruit of the spirit

^{Galatians 1:6} I am amazed that you are so quickly turning away from him who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—⁷ not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are troubling you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. ⁸ But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him!  ⁹ As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him!

Judaizers had entered into the churches there and had begun to convince the young, predominantly Gentile believers that the Gospel Paul had preached to them was not all they needed.  They also needed to carry on the traditions of Judaism…circumcision and other Jewish traditions were necessary for them to truly follow the Gospel of Jesus.  But this was NOT the pure gospel.

Glossary of terms as they are used in Galatians:

Gospel – the Good News.  The word gospel comes from the Old English god meaning “good” and  spel meaning “news, a story.” In Christianity, the term “good news” refers to the story of Jesus Christ’s birth, death, resurrection, and His message of salvation by faith in Him.

Justification – an act of God whereby we, who are sinners and deserve a just punishment, are looked upon as righteous in the eyes of God, not because of anything we have done, but because of what Jesus has done for us.  Because of what Jesus did on the cross…conquering sin, death, hell, and the grave, we are viewed as righteous in the eyes of a Just and Holy God.  It is “just as if I’d” never sinned.

Faith –  Faith is believing in something and committing to that belief.  It is a firm belief in the existence of God but also in the salvation that comes only from God…through His son Jesus.

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things unseen.“  – Hebrews 11:1

Grace – God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.   Undeserved and unmerited favor.  Grace is given, not earned.

Law – God’s standard of righteousness.  Given to Moses out of necessity, it was a rigid and unforgiving standard of rules by which mankind was to live.

Freedom – The state of being set loose from the power or the control of something or someone else.  To be in a position of liberty…exempt from the slavery and the confinement of sin.

Fruit  – The product, effect, or result of living righteously.

This book is a great reminder to us of three major themes:

1. We are justified by Faith 

Galatians 3:1-3

 You foolish Galatians! Who has cast a spell on you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? ² I only want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by believing what you heard?  ³ Are you so foolish? After beginning by the Spirit, are you now finishing by the flesh?

^{Galatians 3:10-11}

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, Everyone who does not do everything written in the book of the law is cursed. ¹¹ Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith.

^{Galatians 3:23-26}

Before this faith came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed. ²⁴ The law, then, was our guardian until Christ, so that we could be justified by faith. ²⁵ But since that faithhas come, we are no longer under a guardian, ²⁶ for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.

Martin Luther

1505 – lightning.  Surrenders life to monastery.  As a Young monk, he was deeply devoted to monastic vows and lifestyle, observing the daily rituals and prayer patterns, all in an effort to reconcile his soul with the Savior.

Martin Luther just could not grasp how the “justice of God” was motivated by anything other than anger.  He was terrified of God. Even angry with him.. He viewed God as this overbearing abusive Father who is just waiting to punish us when we make even the smallest of mistakes.

Is that your view of God today?

“Justification by faith, ‘is the head and the cornerstone. It alone begets, nourishes, builds, preserves, and defends the church of God; and without it the church of God cannot exist for one hour. “  – Martin Luther 

“ Grace is the way to life and it is the way of life. “   – Charles Swindoll 

Therefore……Our faith produces freedom . 

2.  We are called to Be Free 

Galatians 5:1  For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm,then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer – another German theologian.

Cheap Grace – the idea that we can live any old way we want to because we are “under” grace.  But that cheapens the the very nature of the gospel…which is to set us free from all that mess.

 

Conviction without compassion is damning – Legalism 

Compassion without conviction is dangerous – Liberalism 

Compassion with conviction is dynamic – Love 

 

In Christ – We are no longer slaves!!!

^{Galatians 4:4-7}

When the time came to completion, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. ⁶ And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” ⁷ So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then God has made you an heir.

We have been called to freedom in Christ….the incarnate God.  But this call is a call to die to ourselves and to embrace the grace of  Christ which brings us life!  That’s why Paul is able to pen these words in the second chapter of this Magna Carta of freedom:

^{Galatians 2:20}

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

3.  Our freedom produces fruit 

As a result of this freedom in Christ,  the natural result will be that we bear fruit.

God uses the word “fruit” often in His word when describing what knowing Him produces in our lives.

When we follow Him and obey Him our lives become fruitful.

When we walk in the Spirit, our lives are fruitful.

^{Galatians 5:16-26}

I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.^[g] 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Observations on Fruit

1. Fruit is always visible – no such thing as invisible fruit . “If your relationship to Christ is only visible to you…then it’s not much of a relationship.  If you are accused of being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you? Or would you be innocent of all charges?   Fruit is always visible.  If you are a Christian, people ought to know it.
2. Fruit is always consistent with the plant from which it was produced.  It bears the character of the tree from which it is a part.   Apple trees always produce Apples. Apples do not grow on Orange trees.  That’s not the nature of the tree.  The nature of the tree defines the makeup of the fruit.  If you are a Christian, we ought to look like the Savior we serve in our walk and in our talk.  So our lives should be filled with  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… among other things.
3.   Fruit does not exist for itself.  Fruit exists for someone else to eat it.  Your life in Christ is meant for loving and serving others.

^{Galatians 5:13-15}

For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. ¹⁴ For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.

¹⁵ But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

4. Fruit doesn’t try to be anything that it is not.  It just is.  Pears aren’t trying to be anything but pears.  Fruit is fruit…just because it hangs out on the branch to which it is connected.

The only way your life will produce this fruit….is to hang out with Savior to whom you are connected.  Paul Called it …”to walk in the Spirit.”

How do you do that?

Jesus used a different word in John.  Here is the secret to being a fruitful Christian.

To ABIDE!!!  REMAIN.  Just hang out!!  Stay connected to Jesus!

John 15:4 Remain (or abide)  in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. ⁵ I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.

If we will abide in Christ everyday…our lives will be fruitful…giving honor to Jesus Only Jesus.

That fruit is born out of a freedom that comes from Jesus Only Jesus.

And this freedom is born out of a faith alone and grace alone that has been justified because of Jesus Only Jesus!

This is the message of Galatians.  The Magna Carta of our Freedom in Christ.  Learn it.  Love it.  And Live by it.

Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

It is faith alone by grace alone In Christ alone.

It is Jesus Only Jesus.

2021-08-22
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

The letter we call 1 Corinthians in Paul’s to the church in Corinth to remain faithful and remain unified. He had heard of divisions and arguments within the church there and he wanted to set them straight. So, he wrote this letter as book of answers to the problems within the church. He addressed issues such as:

• Divisions within the church (1 Cor. 1-4)
• Issues of sexual immorality and serious implications (1 Cor. 5:1-13 & 6:12-20)
• Issues surrounding our interactions and disputes with other Christians (1 Cor. 6:1-11)
• Issues about marriage (1 Cor. 7)
• Abuses of the liberties allowed for a follower of Christ (1 Cor. 8-11)
• The Lord’s Supper – (1 Cor. 11)
• False views of proper worship and spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12-14)
• False ideas about Christ, His death and resurrection (1 Cor. 15)

So, Paul wrote this letter to clear up misconceptions, correct false doctrine, and condemn sin. All of which, in a way, can be evaluated through the lens of chapter 2.

1. The message

1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (CSB) When I came to you, brothers and sisters, announcing the mystery of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. ² I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

• Paul had no desire to confuse, corrupt or introduce any ideas to the church other than Christ and Him crucified.
• This central thought is the most important message one could ever hear and understand

2. The method

1 Cor. 2:3-5 (CSB) I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. ⁴ My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, ⁵ so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom but on God’s power.

• Paul emphasizes, both in ch. 1 and 2, that it is only through the power and presence of God that we can truly comprehend the vastness of salvation
• It is not through our human ability that we can explain and understand this message
• John 12:32 – Jesus said “if I be lifted up…”

1 Cor. 2:9 (CSB) But as it is written, What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived— God has prepared these things for those who love him.

3. The mind

1 Cor. 2:12-16 (CSB) Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God. ¹³ We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. ¹⁴ But the person without the Spirit does not receive what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually. ¹⁵ The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, and yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone. ¹⁶ For who has known the Lord’s mind, that he may instruct him?^, But we have the mind of Christ.

• The moment of salvation is the moment of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit
• God has promised through His Spirit He will encourage, instruct, guide, lead, strengthen all of us
• Ultimately, the destination is to have the mind of Christ

1 Cor. 1:18-19 (CSB) For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved. ¹⁹ For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will set aside the intelligence of the intelligent.

Actions of the People, Part 6

Priscilla and Aquila – The Original Power Couple

2021-08-08

Matt Willmington

Acts 18:1-3 After this, he left Athens and went to Corinth, ² where he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul came to them, ³ and since they were of the same occupation, tentmakers by trade, he stayed with them and worked.

1. This couple started their ministry in the midst of DIFFICULT TRANSITION

Acts 18:2b …who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome…

• Overcoming great obstacles can sometime be the very thing that sets you on the course of God’s will for your lives
• This experience of a “new beginning” could have been an excuse to complain but they used it as a reason for a fresh start
• God sometimes does His greatest work in the time of our greatest TRIAL

2. Their full-time ministry was also their CAREER

Acts 18:3 and since they were of the same occupation, tentmakers by trade, he stayed with them and worked

• They recognized their work could be also be their opportunity for GREAT IMPACT
• We should never believe that only the “experts” can do the work of the ministry
• It is the responsibility of all believers to fulfill God’s call of outreach

3. Though they were tentmakers, they also embraced the opportunity for MISSIONS

Acts 18:18 After staying for some time, Paul said farewell to the brothers and sisters and sailed away to Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila

• They went with Paul from Corinth to Ephesus to preach the Gospel
• Paul did that which “was his custom” and preached in the synagogues
• Priscilla and Aquila assisted him in his ministry
• The importance of recognizing that our mission is for both home and abroad is critical
• Our opportunity for missions:
  • TO PRAY
  • TO GIVE
  • TO SEND
  • TO GO

4. This couple embraced their job of BUILDING OTHERS

Acts 18:24-26 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was competent in the use of the Scriptures, arrived in Ephesus. ²⁵ He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately about Jesus, although he knew only John’s baptism. ²⁶ He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately

• They did not attack him PUBLICLY, they encouraged him PRIVATELY
• His ministry was made better because they cared about his impact
• All of us have a role to play in helping others fulfill their ministry

5. They used their own home as a place TO REACH OTHERS

Romans 16:3-5 Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus, ⁴ who risked their own necks for my life. Not only do I thank them, but so do all the Gentile churches. ⁵ Greet also the church that meets in their home

• They didn’t assume that ministry could only happen within the walls of the “church”
• They took Jesus’ command of “Go into all the world…” seriously
• Through their obedience, the KINGDOM GREW

What about YOU?

1. Are you letting your tough days be a catalyst for GREAT DAYS?
2. Are you using the workplace as a MINISTRY PLACE?
3. Have you prayed about GOING?
4. What are you doing today to help others GROW IN THEIR MINISTRY?

Actions of The People, Part 4

Timothy – Even the Young can Change the World

2021-07-25

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Acts 16:1-2 (CSB) Paul went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek. ² The brothers and sisters at Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him

1. Timothy was known to be a DISCIPLE

Acts 16:1b … where there was a disciple named Timothy…

• To be known as a disciple requires DISCIPLINE
• Your reputation doesn’t come easily or quickly but you can build the right reputation even if you’re young
• Spiritual disciplines:
  • THE WORD
  • PRAYER
  • OBEDIENCE
  • SERVICE

2. Timothy came from an UNLIKELY HERITAGE

Acts 16:1c … the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek

• The world, and the church, was not the most accepting or affirming at that time
• Yet, God used Timothy for an important task
• Timothy was willing to DO WHAT WAS NECESSARY
  • Acts 16:3 Paul wanted Timothy to go with him; so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek

3. Timothy was willing to work away from the LIMELIGHT

Acts 17:14 Then the brothers and sisters immediately sent Paul away to go to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed on there

• Acts 19:21-22 After these events, Paul resolved by the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem. “After I’ve been there,” he said, “It is necessary for me to see Rome as well.” ²² After sending to Macedonia two of those who assisted him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while
• Staying with Paul would have guaranteed the attention and the accolades, but Timothy was willing to do whatever was needed
• Timothy wasn’t in the work for HIS OWN GLORY

4. Because of Timothy’s faithfulness, he was TRUSTED TO CARRY ON

1 Corinthians 4:17 This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church.

• Timothy was sent by Paul from Ephesus to Corinth to influence the church and the culture with truth
• A young man who had been diligent in his work was now asked to fulfill his own CALLING
• This would never have happened if Timothy hadn’t done what was right
• Throughout the rest of Paul’s life, and even today, he used Timothy’s life and ministry to instruct, direct and encourage the church

What about YOU?

1. Are you willing to do what is necessary to be a DISCIPLE?
2. Are the spiritual disciplines a part of your ROUTINE?
3. Are you allowing your own “issues” to STOP YOU?
4. Is your ministry today setting you up for TOMORROW?

Actions of The People, Part 2

Stephen – A Respected Leader Who Stood Strong

2021-07-11

Charles Billingsley

Acts 6:1-5a (CSB) In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. ² The Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching the word of God to wait on tables. ³ Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. ⁴ But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” ⁵ This proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit…

1. Stephen had a GOOD REPUTATION

Acts 6:3b … select from among you seven men of good reputation…

• He was also full of the SPIRIT AND WISDOM
• The people were pleased to choose him to serve
• Would you BE CHOSEN FOR THIS GROUP

2. Stephen brought DIVERSITY TO THE CHURCH

Acts 6:3b …from among you…

• To this point, the church was of “one accord” meaning Jews who believed
• In chapter 6, we are introduced to the “Hellenists” who were Greek speaking Jews and were DIFFERENT THAN THE OTHERS
• Stephen was one of the Hellenists who expanded the reach of the church to represent the WILL OF GOD

3. The work of God expands WHEN MANY CONTRIBUTE

• Acts 6:7 So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.
• Stephen and the others contributed to the spread of the Gospel
• When we are willing to be used, GOD WILL DO A GREAT WORK
• The greatness of the work is dependent on our OBEDIENCE

4. Stephen stood strong regardless of the OPPOSITION

Acts 6:8 Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people

• Stephen was respected because of his willingness to stand for truth
• God never called us to be popular, He called us to be faithful – Rev. Jerry Falwell
• Acts 6:11-12 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.” ¹² They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; so they came, seized him, and took him to the Sanhedrin
• Stephen’s sensitivity to the SPIRIT made all the difference in his impact

5. Stephen knew how to deal with CONFLICT

Acts 6:15 And all who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel

• The natural human reaction to lies being told about us is TO SEEK REVENGE
• We desire revenge in the face of these attacks, but Stephen’s Spirit-led response is a great example
• His sermon in Acts 7 shows his willingness TO STAND ON TRUTH IN THE FACE OF LIES

6. Even when they continued to attack, HE FORGAVE

Acts 7:59-60 While they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” ⁶⁰ He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And after saying this, he fell asleep

• He left an example, as Jesus did, to forgive those who harmed him
• This is only possible through a life lived “full of grace and power”
• Does this example REFLECT YOUR LIFE?

What about YOU?

1, Do you have a GOOD REPUTATION?

2. Are you living IN THE SPIRIT?

3. Do you face opposition with GRACE?

2021-06-27

Pastor Jonathan  Falwell

Today, we arrive at the final Gospel. Although there are four books we call the Gospels, this last one is different than the other three. The book of John stands alone in its style and message where the other three (called the synoptic Gospels) stand together. The synoptic Gospels talk much about what Jesus said and did…John talks about who Jesus is.

Over the last three weeks, we’ve examined the ministry of Jesus through His actions and His teachings but today we talk about His purpose.

John 12:20-36 (CSB) Now some Greeks were among those who went up to worship at the festival. ²¹ So they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” ²² Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. ²³ Jesus replied to them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. ²⁴ Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. ²⁵ The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶ If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. ²⁷ “Now my soul is troubled. What should I say—Father, save me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour. ²⁸ Father, glorify your name.”^, Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” ²⁹ The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” ³⁰ Jesus responded, “This voice came, not for me, but for you. ³¹ Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out. ³² As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself.” ³³ He said this to indicate what kind of death he was about to die. ³⁴ Then the crowd replied to him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah will remain forever. So how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” ³⁵ Jesus answered, “The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn’t know where he’s going. ³⁶ While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become children of light.” Jesus said this, then went away and hid from them.

1. Jesus explains the importance of His death

Vss 23-26 Jesus replied to them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. ²⁴ Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. ²⁵ The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶ If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

• Jesus explains the “WHY” of his coming to earth – to die so we might live
• Verse 25 uses the word “life” in two different ways

2. Jesus explains the purpose of His life

Vs 27 Now my soul is troubled. What should I say—Father, save me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour.

• Jesus makes it clear the only reason He was here was to die
• His prayer in a time of need is once again instructive to us

3. Jesus explains the victory within His actions

Vss 28-33 Father, glorify your name.”^, Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” ²⁹ The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” ³⁰ Jesus responded, “This voice came, not for me, but for you. ³¹ Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out. ³² As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself.” ³³ He said this to indicate what kind of death he was about to die.

• God spoke from Heaven for the third time during Jesus’ time on earth (i.e. His baptism, the transfiguration)
• He spoke of how God had been glorified through what Jesus had already done and how He would be glorified through what Jesus was about to do
• Verse 32 doesn’t refer to a “universal” salvation. He is reinforcing His statement in John 3:14-15

John 3:14-15 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life

4. Jesus explains the response necessary

Vss 34-36 Then the crowd replied to him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah will remain forever. So how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” ³⁵ Jesus answered, “The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn’t know where he’s going. ³⁶ While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become children of light.” Jesus said this, then went away and hid from them.

• The message of Jesus’ entire time on earth is found in verse 36 – BELIEVE!

 

2021-05-30

Charles Billingsley

Hebrews 1:1

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.

 

Haggai – God of Renewal

Haggai 1:3-5
³ Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet,⁴ “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? ⁵ Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways.

Haggai 1:13
¹³ Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave the people this message from the Lord: “I am with you, says the Lord!”

Haggai 2:4-7
⁴ Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, ⁵ according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not.

Zechariah – God of Restoration

Zechariah 1:3
Therefore tell the people:  This is what the Lord Almighty says:  ‘return to me, declares the Lord almighty, ’and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.

Zechariah 2:6-9
⁶ Up! Up! Flee from the land of the north, declares the Lord. For I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heavens, declares the Lord.⁷ Up! Escape to Zion, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon. ⁸ For thus said the Lord of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye:⁹ “Behold, I will shake my hand over them, and they shall become plunder for those who served them. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me.

Zechariah 4:6-7
⁶ Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. ⁷ Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”

Malachi – The Lord’s Love for Israel

 

Malachi 1:1-2

¹ This is the message that the Lord gave to Israel through the prophet Malachi.
² “I have always loved you,” says the Lord.

 

God has always loved you – That’s not the questions.  The question is: Do we love Him back?

 

2 great commandments: Come from Deut. 6

 

Matthew 22:36-40

³⁶ “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”  ³⁷ And He said to him, “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ³⁸ This is the great and first commandment. ³⁹ And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  ⁴⁰ On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. “

 

The Old Testament is one big story of God’s love for His chosen people of Israel.

 

4000 BC – Creation – Adam and Eve  

2350 BC – Noah  

2165 BC  – Established Covenant with Abraham  

2080 BC – Ishmael 

2065 BC – Isaac 

2006 BC – Jacob and Esau  

1898 BC  – 12 sons of Jacob – Joseph  – sold into slavery 

1876 BC – Jacob arrives in Egypt

1870-1450 BC – Egypt  – Egyptian captivity 

1450 BC  – Moses  – Exodus from Egypt 

1450-1410 BC – Wilderness  

1410-1390 BC  – Joshua – Promised Land  

1245-1045 BC  – Judges period 

1055- 930  – Kings Period – Saul,  David and Solomon 

 930 BC – Kingdom is divided  

 870 BC – Prophets start coming on the scene 

 725 BC  – Assyrians conquer the northern Kingdom of Israel 

 605 BC – children of Israel begin to be exiled to Babylon.  

 590 BC Babylonians finish the conquer of the Southern Kingdom of  Judah 

 590-520 BC – Babylonian Captivity 

 536 BC – 1st Remnant allowed to return with Zerubabbel

 460 BC – More return with Ezra 

 470 BC – Esther saves the Jewish people in Persia 

 460 – 430 BC –  More Jewish people return with Nehemiah  – Governor 

435 – 425 BC – Malachi Preaches 

 

How Have I loved you???   Let me Count the ways!!!

 

How should we respond to God’s love?   With worship!!   Our worship to God is a response to the Love of God for us.  In fact, you could define worship as that very thing:  Simply loving God with our whole heart soul mind and strength.

 

Therefore:

1. God’s love expects our Finest

Malachi 1:6

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests:  “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master.  If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name!”

Worship demands our sacrifice

Do you offer God your best?  He takes these things seriously!

 

Malachi 2:5

“The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what I gave them.

 

Do we give God our leftovers?

 

God is worthy of our best!!!!

 

Worship requires Reverence

 

Let the love of God BREAK OUR Hearts of our sin.  

2. God’s love demands our faithfulness 

The disobedience of the priests led to disobedience of the people.

 

Malachi 2:13-14

¹³ Here is another thing you do.  You cover the Lord’s altar with tears, weeping and groaning because he pays no attention to your offerings and doesn’t accept them with pleasure.  ¹⁴ You cry out, “why doesn’t the Lord accept my worship?”  I’ll tell you why!  Because the Lord witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young.  But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows.

 

Let the love of God cause us to Guard OUR HEARTS!

Worship demands our faithfulness

3. God’s love is worthy of our Firsts

Malachi 3:6-10

⁶ “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. ⁷ Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’

⁸ “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me!

“But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’

“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. ⁹ You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me.¹⁰ Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

 

Let the Love of God Open our hearts to His provision and blessing

 

4. God’s love secures our Future 

 

Malachi 3:1

“Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Malachi 3:2 “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes.

John 3:16 – “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

 

Jesus died once and for all! No longer did the sheep have to die for the shepherd…
for the good shepherd had come to die for His sheep.

 

Jesus is love personified – all the love of God for His people wrapped up in the flesh….and they Knew Him not….

 

But the beauty of the good news is that not only did God complete and seal His covenant with the sacrifice of His son for His people…but by doing this, He opened up the opportunity for ALL people…even you and me to experience His everlasting love and salvation!!!

 

He gave us His best – His one and only son – Jesus… the spotless lamb of God

 

Let the love of God Heal our hearts with the forgiveness of our sin. 

 

Malachi 4:2a

But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free

 

Romans 5:8

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

 

Hebrews 1:1-4

¹ Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.² And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. ³ The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. ⁴ This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.

And He is the embodiment…the greatest expression of love the human heart can fathom.

 

Is He worthy of our finest?  Yes He is.

Is He worthy of our faithfulness?  Yes He is.

Is He worthy of our firsts?   Oh yes…and so much more.

And Because His love has paid for our forgiveness…He holds our future in His hands.

The message of  Malachi, The message of the Old Testament, the message of the New Testament, and the message of the cross of Christ is so profound and so rich that there’s not enough sermons we could preach or books that could ever be written to adequately describe it!  And yet, it is so simple you can put it into three words…

 

YOU ARE LOVED.  YOU ARE LOVED.  YOU ARE LOVED!!

 

How deep the Father’s love for us,

How vast beyond all measure,

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss –

The Father turns His face away,

As wounds which mar the Chosen One

Bring many sons to glory. 

Behold the man upon a cross,

My sin upon His shoulders;

Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice

Call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished;

His dying breath has brought me life –

I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,

No gifts, no power, no wisdom;

But I will boast in Jesus Christ,

His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer;

But this I know with all my heart –

His wounds have paid my ransom.

 

2021-05-16

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Daniel 9:1-10 (CSB) “In the first year of Darius, the son of Ahasuerus, a Mede by birth, who was made king over the Chaldean kingdom — in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the books according to the word of the Lord to the prophet Jeremiah that the number of years for the desolation of Jerusalem would be seventy. So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek him by prayer and petitions, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: Ah, Lord — the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps his gracious covenant with those who love him and keep his commands — we have sinned, done wrong, acted wickedly, rebelled, and turned away from your commands and ordinances. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, leaders, ancestors, and all the people of the land. Lord, righteousness belongs to you, but this day public shame belongs to us: the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem, and all Israel — those who are near and those who are far, in all the countries where you have banished them because of the disloyalty they have shown toward you. Lord, public shame belongs to us, our kings, our leaders, and our ancestors, because we have sinned against you. Compassion and forgiveness belong to the Lord our God, though we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed the Lord our God by following his instructions that he set before us through his servants the prophets.”

 

1. Know where deliverance comes from

Verse 3a So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek him by prayer and petitions

• It is no surprise that we often look to every other source for deliverance other than the one has already promised it
• It is God we must turn to in times of our greatest need
• Daniel had seen great and miraculous victories in his lifetime thus far, he knew exactly where to go

 

2. Make things right with him

Verse 4-5 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: Ah, Lord — the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps his gracious covenant with those who love him and keep his commands — we have sinned, done wrong, acted wickedly, rebelled, and turned away from your commands and ordinances.

• It is interesting to note that Daniel who had clearly “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8) would actually seek to stand for those whom had defiled themselves
• He placed himself in the same category with a people far from God.

 

3. Just listen

Verses 6-7a We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, leaders, ancestors, and all the people of the land. Lord, righteousness belongs to you, but this day public shame belongs to us

• Quiet reflection on God’s already revealed Word will give us a clearer picture of who God is and who we are not
• Our righteousness if but of “filthy rags” compared to Him (Isaiah 64:6)

4.  Righteousness belongs to Him

Verses 18-19a “Listen closely, my God, and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations and the city that bears your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before you based on our righteous acts, but based on your abundant compassion. Lord, hear! Lord, forgive! Lord, listen and act! My God, for your own sake, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your name.”

• Submitting completely to Him is the first great step towards wholeness
• Daniel lays out a perfect strategy for seeking God’s strength and deliverance
  • “Lord, hear!” – crying out to God
    • Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and incomprehensible things you do not know
  • “Lord, forgive!” – confession and repentance
    • Psalm 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin
  • “Lord, listen” – making our heart’s desire known to Him, petitioning Him for our needs
    • Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God
  • “Act” – recognizing our deliverance is in His hand

 

2021-04-18

Charles Billingsley

 When people reach the top and don’t find fulfillment, it causes a great amount of distress, discouragement, and despair.

 

This has happened in the lives of so many millions.  The illustrations are available by the thousands.  Take just a few celebrity stories that all ended in premature deaths of suicide or drug overdose.  Consider the desperate lives of:

 

Michael Jackson

Whitney Houston

Robin Williams

 

the list goes on and on….almost all of them at the height of their careers…and yet there’s still an emptiness…a longing inside.

 

And the list of lottery winners…same way.

 

As we dive in the first thing I notice in reading this book is how many songs have been written from Ecclesiastes.  It’s because this book asks the questions:

 

Why am I here?

What is the meaning of life?

Why do certain things happen in our lives?

 

There is one word and one phrase that you need to understand in Ecclesiastes in order to fully grasp this book. But if you learn this one word and one phrase, this book will mean so much more to you.

 

Hebrew Word:  Hevel  – used 38 times in this book.

  (ESV)

1:1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

² Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,

vanity of vanities! All is vanity.

 

Hevel means – “Vanity” or “Meaningless” or “Futile” which is what you probably see in your Bible translation.   But the most accurate meaning is ‘smoke or vapor, or breath’

 

We first see this word in Genesis 4:2.

^{Genesis 4:2} And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel (Hevel) was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground.

It means  – passing, short-lived.  Like a breath.  A vapor.  smoke.

 

And the repetition of the word here in this passage is the Hebrew expression of driving home the point with emphasis.  That’s why I love The Message translation of this:

 

(MSG)

1. 2 Smoke, nothing but smoke. [That’s what the Quester says.]

There’s nothing to anything—it’s all smoke.

 

It is important to understand that the word hevel does not suggest the absence of meaning. Solomon is not saying that everything in our lives is meaningless.  Rather, he is saying that there is a distortion or a mysterious obstruction of meaning to our lives under the sun. Life, therefore, is an enigma…a bewilderment that we won’t always understand.  And it’s like a vapor in that it is here today and gone tomorrow.

 

James 4:14 – yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

 

Our human nature compels us to discover a meaning for our lives.  We are born with this emptiness in our hearts.  Yet the instant we think we have grasped it, it disintegrates like smoke in our hands.  It is because of this that so many find themselves void of any hope.

 

1:1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

² Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,

vanity of vanities! All is vanity.

³ What does man gain by all the toil

at which he toils under the sun?

 

Phrase:  Under the sun  – Hebraism – A Hebrew figure of speech.  But before we dive into the meaning of this phrase, let’s look at where it came from.

 

Genesis 2:5

When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up for the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, ⁶ and a mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground

⁷ then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

In the first days, mankind was living hundreds of years because of the absence of disease AND because there were no harmful rays of the sun.  The earth was in a constant greenhouse effect – and a mist was watering the whole face of the ground.  It didn’t rain for 1656 years!

 

Then, because of man’s sin, God determines to destroy the earth with a flood.  And he does this by opening the heavens to rain.

 

Then the flood – Gen. 7:11 “In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened.”

– God opened up the heavens and God determined at that time that mankind would live 120 years or less.

 

The phrase under the sun refers all the way back to when mankind began to work under the harmful rays of the sun – from the re-beginning of mankind at the time of Noah and the end of the flood.  Mankind became much more vulnerable and frail after the flood.

 

When Solomon writes this phrase “ under the sun”  he is referring to everything that happens in this life as mortal, finite beings. It is life from a totally humanistic viewpoint…void of God or an eternal perspective.   – used 28 times in this book

 

Solomon goes on three searches to understand the point of man’s existence on this earth.

 

1. The intellectual search –  The cultivation of the mind. (1:12-18)

He tries education…and finds it doesn’t give his life the meaning he craves.

“I’ll find purpose through greater understanding.”

¹² I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. ¹³ And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. ¹⁴ I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.

 

18 For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases in sorrow.

 

Education is good…but one thing I’ve learned is that the more i know and understand…the less I realize I really know and understand.  And even from the wisest man who ever lived…Solomon…he comes to the conclusion that even though education is a good thing…it is not the end all. You can be the smartest man alive and still be empty.   Something was still missing…..

 

2. The hedonistic search – The pleasure of the body. (2:1-3)

 

“I’ll find meaning by doing what feels good.”

 

He’s going to Party!!!! Whatever he can do that brings pleasure…

1 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. ² I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” ³ I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life.

And when all the partying is over, when he sobered up, or when he came down from the high, or after another night with one of his many women…he found there was still something missing….

1. The personal works search – an exploration of the soul.

“I’ll find meaning in what I accomplish.”

If education won’t do it, and pleasure won’t do it, then I’m going to put all my energy into my work.

 

Ecclesiastes 2:4-11

 

⁴ I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. ⁵ I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. ⁶ I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. ⁷ I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. ⁸ I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man.

¹¹ Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

So he tries everything…to learn all he can, the experience all he can, and to accomplish all he can…and he still comes up empty.

 

Solomon then reaches three conclusions at the end of these searches.

Conclusion #1 – We all die

 

 You’ll find it in Eccl. 2:12-17

 

1. The same fate in this life awaits everyone, wise and fool alike.  We’re all going to die.  And shortly after, life moves on.  We are mortal beings.  We don’t know what each day will bring forth.  But one thing is for sure…100% of all people who live….will end up dying.

Hebrews 9:27 – It is appointed unto man once to die….and then the judgement.

 

¹⁶ For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool! ¹⁷ So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind.

 

Conclusion #2 – Someone gets your stuff

 

You’ll find it in Ecclesiastes 2:18-23

The benefits of this life’s works are inherited by those who never had to work for them.

¹⁸ I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me, ¹⁹ and who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. ²⁰ So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun, ²¹ because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.

 

Conclusion #3 – But it’s all in God’s hands

2:24-25

²⁴ There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, ²⁵ for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?

 

New Living Translation 

²⁴ So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. ²⁵ For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him?

 

So there is a time for all of this….

Ecclesiastes 3:1

3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

 

Reminds me of a song – by the Byrds…with the same lyrics…

^3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

God has placed an emptiness in our souls on purpose.  That longing you feel in your spirit…is not for more money or pleasure…it’s for God.  He put it there.  And He has intentionally trapped us in this dimension of time and space for the sole purpose of your soul’s fulfillment.  He made you with this hole in your…and it can only be filled by Him.

We are all born with this void in our soul.

And we are tempted to try anything to fill it.

 

And we begin to ask ourselves Is that all there is?

 

There are two things that last forever…the soul of mankind, and the word of God.

 

You are going to last forever.  But it’s a matter of where your soul will go.

 

When you go to the eye doctor, they have you look at an eye chart. And in order to determine what prescription you need for your glasses, they will have you look through a series of lenses until you are able to see clearly.

 

When we look through the lens of our own wisdom, our own perspective and our own motives, life remains blurry…

 

It’s only when we see through the lens of God’s perspective that we obtain the right focus or prescription to our lives in light of eternity.   And the reason for our existence becomes more clear.

 

(bring screens into focus here)

 

And we begin to see that it’s not about what we do under the sun…but instead what the Son of God has done for us.

 

But when you live your life in the son….this life is just the beginning of a glorious eternity.

 

This life is the short one!  But it’s incredibly important that we answer the issue of eternity now…because what we do with God in this life will determine where our souls spend eternity in the next life.

 

12:1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”

 

^{Solomon’s great conclusion}

^12:13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

It’s that simple.  To fear – means a healthy respect for…to honor God.

(Col. 3:1-3)

3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

 

 

Can i give you one more song lyric?

 

I stand amazed in the presence

Of Jesus the Nazarene,

And wonder how he could love me,

A sinner, condemned, unclean.

 

He took my sins and my sorrows,

He made them his very own;

He bore the burden to Calvary,

And suffered and died alone.

 

How marvelous! How wonderful!

And my song shall ever be:

How marvelous! How wonderful

Is my Savior’s love for me!

 

When with the ransomed in glory

His face I at last shall see,

‘Twill be my joy through the ages

To sing of his love for me.

 

How marvelous! How wonderful!

And my song shall ever be:

How marvelous! How wonderful

Is my Savior’s love for me!

 

2021-03-21

Charles Billingsley

 

Introduction

His name was William Borden – everybody called him Bill.  He was heir to the Borden silver mining fortune in Chicago.

Graduated high school at 16 years old, and was given a gift from his parents…a trip around the world.  During this trip, his heart was so moved by the plight of so many in poverty  and the sheer amount of hurting people in the world, that he felt an overwhelming sense of calling to become a missionary.  He wrote home and told his family…which was met with a negative response….that he would be wasting his life and his inheritance.  His response….two words in the back of his Bible….

“No reserves.”

He would enter Yale University that fall…and quickly became a spiritual giant on that campus…leading hundreds of his friends to Christ and starting Bible study groups that, by his senior year, involved over 80% of the entire student body!

He was offered many well-paying jobs when he graduated, but still felt this intense calling to missions….in China.

When he graduated, he wrote two more words in the back of his Bible…..

“No retreats”

William Borden went on to Seminary at Princeton in New Jersey. When he finished his studies at Princeton, he sailed for China. He was hoping to work with Muslims, so he stopped first in Egypt to study Arabic. But while there, he contracted spinal meningitis. Within a month, 25-year-old William Borden was dead.

When the news of William Borden’s death was cabled back to the U.S., the story was carried by nearly every American newspaper.

The author of his biography wrote this… “A wave of sorrow went round the world . . . Borden not only gave (away) his wealth, but himself, in a way so joyous and natural that it (seemed) a privilege rather than a sacrifice.”

Was Borden’s untimely death a waste? Not in God’s perspective, or his.  As the story has it, prior to his death, Borden had written two more words in the back of his Bible. Underneath the words “No reserves” and “No retreats,” he had written:

“No regrets.” 

Today we are going to be studying the story of two men who lived their lives like this…Ezra and Nehemiah.  But because we have such a short amount of time…we are going to spend most all our time in Nehemiah.

Background:

Timeline

605 BC Nebachadnezzer comes to power

587 BC – Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and it’s walls, gates and temple and take Jewish people captive.  Took the cream of the crop young people to Babylon.

539 BC – Persia overthrows Babylonian kingdom.  Cyrus becomes king.

536 BC – Ezra 1-6 – Cyrus allows a remnant of Jews to return to rebuild the temple and the city – Zerubbabel – but gentiles and rebels hindered the work and greatly delayed it, so the work took 20 years to finish.  (Ezra 1-6) – but the gates and the walls were not repaired.

485 – Xerxes comes to power

478 – Esther becomes queen – these events happen between

Ezra 6 and 7.

465 – Xerxes dies

458 BC – Ezra 7 – Ezra goes to Jerusalem – teaches the law

Two prevalent themes exist in both of these books:

1. The need to rebuild a structure of the city.
2. The need to rebuild the lives of the people.

 

A. The Brokenness of Nehemiah 

The Problem 

1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah.

Now it happened 

Nehemiah was in the Right place at the Right Time  – He has position, power, and proximity.   When God wants to accomplish a work He will put His people in the right places at the right time.

in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 

It’s late 446 BC. Hebrew month of Chislev runs from Mid – November – mid December on our calendar.  So King Artaxerxes was at his winter palace in Susa – the capital city of the Persian Empire.

It was just an ordinary day that would turn out to be a turning point for Nehemiah.

² that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. ³ And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”

⁴ As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

 

Here we see the brokenness of Nehemiah for his people.  He wept for his people  – His heart was broken not just because the city was in ruins, but also because of the sin of his people.  He fasted and prayed.   Then he waited on the Lord.

How long has it been since any of us wept over our nation?  our neighbors?  our loved ones who don’t know Christ?  Do we fast and pray for them?  I’ve been so convicted this week as I’ve written this message to, instead of complaining about our leaders or the incredibly shockingly fast moral decline of our nation…to instead pray…and weep, and fast for our nation and our neighborhoods.

What walls need to be rebuilt in your life?

Walls of conviction?

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) – Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Walls of relationships?

Walls of boundaries?

 

But Nehemiah went to God first.   As should we.

So we see his brokenness.

 

B. The Boldness of Nehemiah

“For I was the king’s cupbearer.”

Nehemiah was not a priest like Ezra.  He held a secular job – he was a Cupbearer  – a position of great power and influence. Like chief of staff.  He had very close proximity to the king.  Therefore, he had the ear of the King. He also was the last line of defense for the King.  He tasted the King’s wine.  It was a lofty, highly trusted, but high risk position. So he might have very well been the most trusted person in the king’s court.  The king trusted Nehemiah with his life.  – and he was a Jewish captive.

2:1 And it came to pass in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, that I took the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had never been sad in his presence before. ² Therefore the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.”

So I became dreadfully afraid, ³ and said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire?”

⁴ Then the king said to me, “What do you request?”  

5And I said to the king, if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”

⁶ Then the king said to me (the queen also sitting beside him),  

 “How long will your journey be? And when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

 

C.  The Vision of Nehemiah

⁷ Furthermore I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of the region beyond the River, that they must permit me to pass through till I come to Judah, ⁸ and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house that I will occupy.” And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me.

 

You may not feel adequate for the task or that you have enough education or that you have enough experience, but sometimes you just have to step out and start walking.

Anyone who accomplishes anything of significance will deal with failure along the way.

We learn more from our failures than we do our successes.

There’s no such thing as an overnight success.

Let vision and purpose be what drives you.

The bridge between vision and accomplishment is discipline.  

So develop the disciplines along the way that will keep you on task.

And Fear of failure should never enter the equation.

People are usually driven by one of two things: Fear or Vision   Fear will paralyze you.  Vision will energize you.  Fear will make you a coward.  Vision will make you courageous.

 

Nehemiah didn’t know what he was doing.  But he knew he had to do something.  So Nehemiah trusted God to lead him and to show him what to do and how to do it.

So he set out on the 1000 mile journey from Susa to Jerusalem.

 

⁹ Then I went to the governors in the region beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me. ¹⁰ When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of it, they were deeply disturbed that a man had come to seek the well-being of the children of Israel.

¹¹ So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days. ¹² Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me; I told no one what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem; nor was there any animal with me, except the one on which I rode. 

 

¹⁷ Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” ¹⁸ And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me.

So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.

¹⁹ But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they laughed at us and despised us, and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?”

²⁰ So I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.”

 

God has a plan and a purpose for all of us.  Seek His will, wait on His answer, and then go do it.

What is your vision for your life?  Where do you find yourself where God can use you right now?

 

If you have a God-given vision – it will probably be God-sized.  Which means it’s going to require God to intervene.

God is able to do it without you.  But He chooses to do it with you.  

When you have a God-given vision:  

1. stop, fast, pray and work.  Prayer has to come before action. God will equip you and God will prepare the way.  We need God to help us.  But God won’t do it without us.  Seek the Lord’s wisdom and seek the Lord’s timing.  “Pray like it depends on God. Work like it depends on God.”
2. Get ready to face opposition  – it takes grit.  it takes tenacity.  it takes determination.  It takes discipline . You will encounter enemies.

 

In chapters 4-6 – you see at least 9 different ways the enemy used to try to stop what work on the walls…trouble from the inside and the outside.

And somehow ….through all the obstacles and attacks, Nehemiah led his people to finish the wall in just 52 days!!

So how did he handle all this?

 

3. God-given vision cannot be accomplished alone– Each one had a job to do to repair their section of the wall. (chapter 3)

They had unity of purpose.

And it is the same today in the church.  We all have different gifts, and together, we can accomplish the work of the church.

 

Rom. 12:4-6 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them:

 

Nobody is too important to serve.

 

Neh. 4:6 So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

 

It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you have unity of purpose and you don’t care who gets the credit. You cannot do this alone.

4. Stay focused on the task at hand

Nehemiah prayed like it depended on God…he asked the Lord to handle it.  And then he worked like it depended on him….with a shovel in one hand and a sword in the other.

 Neh. 4:8-9 and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. 9Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.

 

We are in a supernatural battle everyday! But we need to remember..the battle belongs to the Lord..and the battle begins on our knees before the Lord.  Trouble is sure to come.  Stay focused on the task.

And by the way….Jesus endured all the things on that list of opposition, as well.   But he stayed focused on the task at hand…to seek and to save the lost!  In fact,  the very things he endured by others, was the very reason He came in the first place….to rescue us from our sin!!

 

Isaiah 53:3

He is despised and rejected by men,

A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;

He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

⁴ Surely He has borne our griefs

And carried our sorrows;

Yet we esteemed Him stricken,

Smitten by God, and afflicted.

⁵ But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes we are healed.

⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray;

We have turned, every one, to his own way;

And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

 

If God wants it, He will make a way.  And one thing He wants, is unbroken fellowship with HIs children.

That’s why when they finish building the walls, Nehemiah and Ezra the priest call them to a time of consecration and worship and celebration.

 

Maybe it’s time to live with:

NO REGRETS!

 

William Wilberforce

 

–  Born into the home of a wealthy family.  Came to know Christ while traveling through Europe with a brilliant politician friend who also had a solid Christian worldview.  Was then discipled by John Newton – a former slave trader who had radically been saved – wrote Amazing Grace.

 

We don’t need to fear failure.   What we must fear the most – is succeeding in things that don’t matter. 

William Wilberforce would “never rest” until he had done all he could do.

“Let it not be said that I was silent when they needed me.” 

~ William Wilberforce

 

 

What Wall is it that God wants you to build?

 

When God leads you to do something:

1. Stop, Fast, Pray and Work
2. Get ready to face opposition 
3. Remember you can’t do it alone
4. Stay focused on the task at hand.  

 

One of my favorite moments in this book:

6:1 Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates), 

2 that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought to do me harm. 

3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” 

 

When your enemies want you to meet them in a valley called Ono…your answer should be “Oh No!”

 

 Mark 15:29-30 (CSB)

29Those who passed by were yelling insult at him, shaking their heads, and saying, “Ha! The one who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself by coming down from the cross! ”

 

If not you….then who?  If not now….then when?   Love People.  Love God.  And together…we will build the Kingdom of God.  May the vision God has given us….end in Victory….and bring glory to His holy name.

 

No reserves! 

No retreats! 

No regrets!