WISE WORDS: UNDER THE SUN

April 18. 2021

Pastor Charles Billingsley

If you have a young person in your life, what seems to be their focus as they contemplate their agenda as an adult? Are you pleased to see the decisions they make, no matter how minor?

Today is our second message in our mini-series of “Wise Words,” as we focus on the wisdom of Solomon while reading the Bible through in six months. We will look at the book of Ecclesiastes, the last of his three books, written when he was an older man, looking back on his life. Even in a life journey fraught with mistakes on every side, he was able to come to a correct conclusion, that it is God, and God alone, who gives us everything we have in our lives and our whole duty is to Him. As we witness among acquaintances, it is a wonderful book to pull from the Old Testament, as it speaks to today’s generation who are searching for the meaning of life. We all know someone who longs to understand why their life is empty, and how they can fill the void.

Focal Passages: The Book of Ecclesiastes; James 4:14; Genesis 2:5-11; Colossians 3:1-3.

            Solomon’s Search for Meaning

                  In Education

• Read Eccl. 1:1-3. Before looking at Solomon’s searches for meaning to life, we need to look at his manner of writing. What is the single word he used often in this book? What did it mean? Why was this word important to him?
• Besides the word “Hevel” (vapor, smoke, short-lived), Solomon had an expression that he used often; what was it? What was significant about it? What did he mean by often saying “under the sun”?
• Read Eccl. 1:12-18. How does it seem Solomon was feeling as he wrote this passage? In verse 14, why was he frustrated? In the same verse, he uses a phrase that he will use in most chapters: “striving after (or, chasing) the wind.” What sense of futility is implied by these words? In verse 18b, what has he learned from this pursuit? Was he fulfilled? Do you know anyone like that? Have they gained the happiness they tried so hard to find?

In Hedonism

• Read 2:1-3. What pursuits does he strive for in these three verses? Did he find his heart’s desire?
• As he ended verse 3, why did Solomon use a word that could be translated “few”? Is that how most of us view the length of our life? Why or why not?

In Personal Accomplishments or Materialism

• Read 2:4-10a. What were some of the things Solomon sought to do or get during this time, as he tried to satisfy his emptiness? In verse 8, what does he seem to have acquired during this phase of his life?
• Read verse 10b. What was his opinion of his accomplishments? Read verse 11. When we see “Yet,” what are we to assume? What was his final summation?

Conclusion #1—We all die

• Read Eccl. 2:12-17. What conclusion did Solomon come to as he studied the differences of those who live foolishly and those who live wisely?
• How did his attitude seem in verses 16-17? How much truth was in his statements? Can you explain your answer?

Conclusion #2—Someone gets your stuff

• Read Eccl. 2:18-23. What was Solomon’s final conclusion as he looked at his wealth? Is this still a concern today for people who have riches? Should it be a matter that one gives considerable thought to? Explain your answer.
• He ends by calling this conclusion “a great evil.” What did he mean?

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

• Read Eccl. 2:24. What did Solomon think that he had learned? Was his lesson tied directly to his labor, or could it be separate from it? Explain.
• Read 2:25 and 12:1, 13-14. What is Solomon’s final conclusion? Was he correct?
• Would a person who wants to spend their life bringing people to Christ be more fulfilled than the person who lives for themselves? Can you reconcile both?

Close

Most of us will never have the riches nor wisdom of Solomon. Even so, to read of a man who had everything he could ever have wanted only to lose it, is one of the biggest catastrophes we can imagine. But in a lesser way, aren’t we all susceptible to such a falling away? To get fixated upon our “stuff” can turn our hearts away from the Giver of all things.

As you journeyed with Solomon through his highs and lows as he sought to find the purpose in life, did you often sense futility, anger, frustration, or confusion? Those are some of the real feelings of those who want to fill the void in their lives but don’t know how.

Can we help? As mentioned in opening, Ecclesiastes can make an open door into an unbeliever’s life if they read it, and then be open to discussion. When we were created, God placed a emptiness in our soul that is filled only by a relationship with Him. Until one decides to live for Him, life will be meaningless. If only the world could see this!

We must remember that life is “smoke”—a vapor that is here today and gone tomorrow, with the years flying by. We want to make our lives count for Christ. Even Solomon himself realized what was important as he wrote in Proverbs 11:30, “he who wins souls is wise.” May we internalize that truth!

BECAUSE OUR REDEEMER LIVES

April 04. 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

If, years ago, you had been shown one snapshot from your life today, would it have given you hope or a wakeup call at a time when you needed it? Can you share?

Resurrection Sunday! What a blessed time each Easter as Christians celebrate the Risen Savior. He is alive, without a doubt! Do you know there’s a sermon about the resurrection in Job? As we continued reading through the Bible this past week, we read of Job’s sufferings at the hand of Satan. One of the most beloved church hymns is from Job 19:25, as he exclaimed in his pain and loss, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth.” What a picture of hope from a man who had lost everything yet held on to his trust in his Savior. What a great book to study, with much to encourage us when we are enduring trials.

Focal Passages: The Book of Job; Psalm 16:9-11; Acts 2:29-33,36-38; Mark 1:14-15.

            There is hope in our loss

• What were some of the tragedies that happened to Job in the first few chapters? He is accused by his three “friends” of committing secret sin; how do you know this was not the case?
• Read Job 19:23-26. Do you remember any specific accusations that Job had to listen to? How could he still proclaim his faith in verses 25-26?
• What is the original meaning of the word “Redeemer”? How does it tie in with today’s “hocking” or pawning something, or going to jail?
• How could Job, David, and others be able to face their losses, but still maintain their faith in God’s protection, provision, and salvation? Are you able to do that?

There is hope in our heartache

• Can anyone share a time when you endured a tragedy and felt all hope was destroyed, yet God brought you through it and gave you a new hope?
• Read Psalm 16:9-11. What were some of the trials David had been through in his life? Read Psalm 16:8; can his profound statement here be the anchor for his life? How?
• The world—particularly in this day and time—will come down on us, and it will hurt. Can you explain how something like that can occur? Can we keep it from happening? How can we control our reaction?
• Often, our trials are not the result of our mistakes (as Job’s were not); why does that make them so much harder to bear than if we “deserved” them?

There is hope for our eternity

• Read Acts 2:29-33. Does anyone remember the circumstances under which Peter was preaching this sermon in Acts? What had recently occurred? In verse 32, what does he say they had all witnessed? Why did Peter say that Jesus—who had been raised from the dead—was now a source of hope?
• Read verses 36-38. What did the men cry out when they heard Peter accuse them of crucifying the Messiah? How did Peter respond?
• Read Mark 1:14-15. What does this verse mean to you?
• Have you reached a time in your life when you needed to confess that your sin will keep you from eternal life in heaven unless you throw yourself on God’s mercy? (Reflect). Are there those in your family that may not have eternal life unless they cry out for God to save them? Are you praying fervently for their salvation?

Close

Have you ever noticed how our tragic circumstances can bog us down in hopelessness or depression, until we talk with someone who seems to be going through even more than their fair share of disastrous times? It doesn’t take long before we are saying to ourselves, “I thought my life is bad right now, but theirs is so much worse!” As we read the book of Job, we see a man who had everything he could have wanted, then lost it all. His sufferings weren’t the result of a sinful lifestyle, and they make anything we are going through pale in comparison.

Few of us would be willing to trade the things that are bad in our lives for anything that Job had to endure, isn’t that right? And does it serve to remind you of times in your life when you may have asked a friend if their adverse situation could be the result of sin? If so, hopefully you did not pound it in the ground as Job’s “friends” did!

Most of us would come away from the book of Job begging God to not allow Satan permission to make us to suffer as Job did. But even if that happened, would we have the perseverance to hold fast to our faith? Consider carefully if terrible affliction would cause you to deny your God, for the coming years may definitely see the powers of Hell unleashed on the earth, and Scripture tells us repeatedly that it is those who will endure to the end who will be saved. The lesson we can learn from Job, David, and others, is that our walk with God has got to be a daily, close relationship. As David wrote in Psalm 16:8a, “I have set the Lord always before me.” David didn’t start walking with God when the going got rough—he began as a young boy. In the same way, we must be sure each day is spent with our hand tightly held by the hand of the Lord.

LOVE GOD LOVE PEOPLE: NO RESERVES, NO RETREATS, NO REGRETS

March 21. 2021

Pastor Charles Billingsley 

Have you ever had an awareness of something you would like to accomplish? Did you actually do it? Have you ever forgotten that once upon a time you had a dream for yourself?

The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, written shortly before the four hundred years of silence from God between the Old and New Testaments, furnished another incredible week showing God using ordinary people for extraordinary jobs. What encouragement to read of these servants of God, who did what many would have thought impossible, as they worked to see their countrymen able to return home to Jerusalem from the captivity of Babylon and Persia! As we continue the challenge of reading through the Bible in the first six months of 2021, we look forward to reading more of the men and women whom God called to do great works for Him.

Focal Passages: Ezra, Nehemiah

The Brokenness of Nehemiah

• Read Nehemiah 1:1-3. What do you learn about Nehemiah, reading only these three verses? Have you ever felt a love or an affinity for a place you have never been? Can you share the emotion? Do you think this was how Nehemiah felt?
• Nehemiah asks for information concerning Jerusalem and those who had gone back; what is he told? Why do you think the word “shame” is used?
• Read verse 4. We have not yet read of Nehemiah’s vocation in Persia, but if (as some think) he was born while in captivity, what surprises you about this verse? Why would you not expect this depth of love for God by Nehemiah?
• Why does the information break him? How does he respond? What goals did Nehemiah have as he fasted, prayed, and sought God? In verses 5-11, his prayer to God is recorded. Read verse 11. How does he finish his prayer?

The Boldness of Nehemiah

• What was the last sentence in Nehemiah 1 (vs. 11)? What did the cupbearer do?
• Why was it imperative that the cupbearer of Artaxerxes be a man of impeccable character? How much did the king depend on him?
• Read Nehemiah 2:1-2. Why was he “dreadfully” afraid?
• Read verses 3-4. What do you think the body-language of Nehemiah was as the king asked him what was wrong, keeping in mind that he could not be sad in the king’s presence? What do you imagine his prayer to God was between the king’s question and Nehemiah’s answer? How long did he have to pray? Have you ever had time only for “Help, Lord!”? Can you share?

The Vision of Nehemiah

• Read Neh. 2:7-8. How could Nehemiah have such a ready answer when the king asked him what he needed? What is the last sentence in verse 8? Does that explain his thoughts?
• What background did Nehemiah have that would be needed in organizing labor and resources for building a city wall? Would he have been “ordinary” if he had told God he was not qualified?
• Did Nehemiah have faith and confidence in himself, and his own abilities? How can you testify that he trusted God to lead him, and to show him what to do and how to do it?

Close

There is so much more to read in the book of Nehemiah. His journey to Jerusalem, his ability to detect when enemies were trying to stop the work on the wall, and his leadership as he spent twelve years governing the people are just a few examples. There are many lessons that can be learned from this godly man who had faith in the only true God.

Anytime we read Scripture we need to look for applications that will help us grow in our own faith and trust in God, as well as look with open eyes, ears, and hearts for God to call us to do something for Him. Has He ever given you a vision to work for Him? Remember, He can do it without you—but He chooses to do it with you! Here are some actions you must take in order to prepare yourself to serve Him:

1. Stop, fast, pray and work. Seek the Lord and His timing. Continue to let Him know that you are sincere in fulfilling the purpose He has ordained for you.
2. Get ready to face opposition. It will take tenacity, determination, discipline, and so much more. You will encounter enemies, and they will be against the work you’re preparing yourself for. Obstacles may come in the form of problems with physical health, finances, family and more—Satan has a repertoire of devices he can use to try to distract or hurt you.
3. A God-given vision cannot be accomplished alone. As you read further in Nehemiah, you find he assigned men to repair the section of Jerusalem’s wall that was near their home, so it was personal for them. Gather friends, your Life Group, your family—anyone who is willing to work. Neh. 4:6b: “The people had a mind to work.”
4. Stay focused on the task at hand. When enemies tried to stop the work, Nehemiah coordinated the men to take their tools in one hand, and their swords in the other. Don’t let Satan distract you with lies.

Never forget, we are in a battle every day of our Christian lives. The Apostle Paul listed the pieces of armor for our warfare in Ephesians 6:10-18. But as we learned in last week’s study, the battle belongs to the Lord, and it begins on our knees as we bow before Him. He has told us He has a plan and a purpose for us (Jer. 29:11). If you will seek His will, wait on Him to answer, then you can go out and do it!

LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE—A SPIRITUAL REBOOT

March 07, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Our children provide us with memories that we store up forever in our hearts! Can you share one of the favorite phrases of wisdom or laughter that your child delighted you with?

Reading through the Bible during the first six months of 2021, plus hearing sermons taken from the chapters from the week, is building a great discipline in our lives. This week we read of the reign of kings in Israel, in 1 and 2 Kings, reading the phrase “[the king] did evil in the sight of the Lord” over and over. Of the forty-three kings for Israel and Judah, only six were commended as “doing right in the sight of the Lord.” Today’s sermon will showcase one who received the highest praise from God as his accolade was 2 Kings 23:25: “Before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his mind and with all his heart and with all his strength according to all the law of Moses, and no one like him arose after him.”

Focal Passage: 2 Kings 22, 23.

            A Spiritual Reboot 

• Read 2 Kings 22:1. What are some of the normal expectations that one might assume from an eight-year-old boy? What do you think the citizens of Judah expected from a king who was only eight?
• What kind of spiritual atmosphere did Judah have at this time? What were some of the sins Josiah would have observed in his first eight years?
• Read 2 Kings 22:2. What do you think of when you hear the names of Ahaz, Amon and Manasseh? Why is this verse so incredible, considering Josiah’s age and environment?
• Read 1 Kings 15:11, 14a; 1 Kings 22:43; and 2 Kings 14:1, 3-4a. What were the pivotal words in each of these verses? How did they differ from 22:2?
• At the time Josiah was eighteen, his desire was to restore Solomon’s damaged temple. Read 22:10-11. What was the book the priest found? What was Josiah’s reaction?

        A Spiritual Refocus

• In most circumstances, when you see life going in a bad direction, what do you do? Read verses 12-13. What did Josiah command his officers to do when he was read the Book? What words did he use that showed his heart was suffering?
• Read 2 Kings 23:1-2. What was the complete refocus Josiah committed to as he endeavored to bring Judah into an obedient relationship with God?
• How can you tell from the action phrases in 23:3 that Josiah was sold out to God?
• What are some situations today that could be benefitted by the same amount of commitment? 

         A Spiritual Renewal

• Why was it possible for God to do such an amazing change in Judah with one young boy? Can you think of another young boy who was one of faith?
• If God could use a young child whose heart was open to His purposes then, is it possible He could use one person to initiate change in America in 2021?
• Is there any possibility that one person could be you?

         Close

How many eight-year-old boys have you known who would have had the ability, desire, or determination to govern a kingdom? What is even more incredible is the fact that Josiah, at his young age, had a will to lead his country to follow God! He, as we read, was reared by his wicked father, Amon, and his grandfather, Manesseh, was exposed to idol worship, pagan rites, with possibly little or no direction in life, and may not have been taught knowledge of God.

It is encouraging for grandparents to note that we will see a very few verses in 2 Chronicles 33:12ff that reveal Manasseh turned his life completely around in his old age, and possibly, in those last few years before he died, had an impact on his young grandson!

The remarkable faith Josiah had was honored by God. For those years between his coronation at eight, and the desire at eighteen to restore the damaged temple, little is really known. However, without a doubt God put the desire in his heart to bring back some of the beauty of Judah’s house of worship, with the result that the Book of the Law was found by the priest and brought to the king. Can you imagine such a scene? And Josiah sat for some period of time, listening attentively as Shaphan the scribe read the book, resulting in a tremendous fear at the possibility of wrath from God.

This story of one of the last kings of Judah leads us to look at our own lives, asking ourselves, is our life impacting anyone today for the kingdom of heaven? Are we living our life sold out to God with such a complete faith that the purpose and works He created us for is being served? Will we eventually leave this world a better place than it was when we arrived? But the most probing question of all is, Will there be anyone in heaven because we lived? Proverbs 11:30 says “He who wins souls is wise.”

There are few prayers that we can pray with more fervency than to beg God for a heart like His to do His will, and to let our life result in the salvation of someone who has previously chosen Hell. Will you pray that way?

THE REVOLVING DOOR OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

February 21, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Were you a model child? What was the harshest punishment you ever received, and what had you done?

After the death of Joshua, Israel continued to serve the Lord during the lifetime of the elders who had outlived him, men “who had seen all the great works of the Lord which He had done for Israel” (Judges 2:7). Then the people began to drift away from God until they were in such a sinful state that God was forced to remove His hand of protection from them, leaving them vulnerable to the domination of enemies. When they cried out to God, He delivered them, and peace would reign again for a period of time. They would again become immersed in idolatry, need to be punished, cried out to God for deliverance, and the pattern would begin over. It was a never-ending cycle of people whose lives were no longer sold out to God. Judges ends with the sorrowful verse, “In those days there was no king in Israel, everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Are there lessons to be learned when the most blessed people in all the earth cannot be faithful to the Lord God of the universe? Definitely. Let’s see how we can make sure no cycle of rebellion can get a stronghold in our lives, requiring God to punish us.

Focal Passage: Judges 2

Forgetting the goodness of God yesterday is the first step toward our disobedience of

            God tomorrow

• Read Judges 2:10. Why were the parents in Israel not passing on a reality of God in their lives? Read Deut. 6:4-9. What did God desire them to do?
• Why was it so hard for the children of Israel to remember the miracles God had done for them? How did that cause them do start worshiping idols?
• Read Judges 2:11-12. Why does it seem they could not make the connection between idol worship, going into slavery, and God restoring them to their home?
• What was considered a “good life” by these people? How is it possible for people to attribute qualities of beneficence to a man-made idol?
• How could that mentality cause them to forget the goodness of God?

Disobedience requires punishment

• Read Judges 2:14-15. What was the biggest reason that Israel continued again and again to turn to idolatry? Why did God have to punish them? Read Eph. 6:23. What does God say about sin?
• Why can God not tolerate sin?
• Does every sin have a consequence? Why or why not?

Punishment doesn’t mean God stops loving us

• Read Judges 2:16-18. What are some of the most encouraging phrases in these verses? How do you know that these are as applicable today as they were to the children of Israel?
• Did you read in these verses where God said He would stop loving Israel? Why or why not? Why was His action always to forgive and restore?

So, stop the cycle!

• Read verse 19. Why was it so much harder for them to return to God with each successive period of sin? Why can that be a lesson for us?
• What is the surest way to stop the cycle of rebellion?
• Thinking back to the lack of teaching in the homes in question 1, what are you doing with your children or grandchildren, to teach them dependence on God?

     Close

Reading through the Old Testament can be overwhelming as we wonder if there were many who truly loved God and remained faithful to Him. The people did their ritualistic sacrifices, chose to worship idols, were punished by God, became slaves to their enemies, cried out to God, restored, and then the cycle was replayed over and over again! Why did they not “connect the dots”? Each time we read the next segment of their history we have to ask, will they be faithful this time?

We need to pray that the lessons we see in the lives of the children of Israel will help us avoid the pitfalls of life, as we hold tightly to the hand of our Father.

There are those who are now teaching sinless perfection (i.e., a person truly saved does not sin again) which is causing great grief to some of the body of Christ. This section of Judges gives us a beautiful statement of security in Judges 2:18b: “For the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed them and harassed them.” Most of our enemies are the invisible demonic forces that we sometimes overlook, yet we are “oppressed and harassed” by them. Keeping your prayer life as an active, constant discipline is your priority. No relationship can grow if there is no communication. Bible study—not just reading—is also imperative. This is also a discipline you need to keep strongholds away, as you are taught, reproved, corrected, and trained in righteousness through God’s word. Follow these diligently and you will stop the cycle as you keep God as the focus of your life. Remember—and talk to your children about—His presence and power in your life, and know at all times you are as dependent on Him as a newborn babe is on their parent.

WALK IN HIS WAYS
February 7, 2021
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Have you ever made the comment, “Well, living with ________ is better than living with the alternative”? Can you share the example?

Open: 

The month of January passed quickly as members of Thomas Road were challenged to read the Bible through in six months. Sermons on Sunday are being pulled from a passage read during the prior week. Today we finished with Deuteronomy, also known as the “Second Giving,” as Moses reinforced to Israel  the Laws God had given them. We know God had many blessings that He had promised His chosen people, but they hinged on Israel following and loving Him.

Focal Passage: Deuteronomy 11.

Walking with God is better than any other option

• • Read Deut. 11:13-15. What is the condition God gives Israel in verse 13? What are the blessings that follow in verses 14-15?
  • How is this similar to the actions of parents as they place rewards for conduct or goals in front of their children?
  • Read John 6:66-68. Peter realized that only Jesus had what no one else could give; what was it? Where would you go if you left Jesus?

Not walking with God has devastating consequences

• • Read Deut. 16-17. What is the conditional phrase that begins this passage? What are the curses that will come to the one who rejects God to follow some other form of idol or god?
  • How have you gone your own way when you felt as though God’s rules were too stringent to obey? Can anyone share?
  • What are some conditional rules in our everyday lives that can have dire consequences if we disobey them?

Hold His truths close and tell others

• • Read Deut. 11:18-21. In verse 18, who is the “you” that can be assumed here? Whom are the actions directed toward?
  • In verse 19, who will be on the receiving end of these actions? What are they being taught, and who will be doing the teaching?
  • In verse 20, what else will exhibit the testimony of God’s children? How? How should your home reflect your love for Jesus Christ?
  • What is the promise in verse 21? If this promise is yours, will you be happy?

The bottom line is clear: be a follower of Jesus Christ

• • Read Deut. 11:22-24. What are the two commandments in verse 22 that God again states as conditional?
  • What will be the blessings of someone who loves Him fully, and is faithful to Him? How—if you fulfill both these commandments—will your love for your neighbor be shown?

Will you be that person cited in verse 22?

Close:

It is hard to read the books of Moses and not criticize the Israelites for their continual grumbling, complaining, and pagan worship practices. It comes with our tendency to judge other people, even when we know we shouldn’t. That is, until God shows us the beam in our own eye. The swiftest challenge to a judgmental spirit is to ask God to show us if the bad habits that we detect in someone else are present in our own life! God doesn’t pull any punches in taking you at your word that you are asking because you really want to know. We definitely need to beware if we hold the Israelites to a higher standard than we hold ourselves.
As we read through Genesis to Deuteronomy, we assume that we would do so much better at being faithful to God than the Israelites were. We feel we would not have to bear any of the curses that were promised to come to them if they did not follow God. In reality, it is with this in mind that we need to focus on the instances during the day when we fail God because we are failing our brother. We often let anger, impatience, irritability, or dozens of other sinful actions to enter our spirit.

HOLY GOD, HOLY PEOPLE
January 24, 2021
Matt Willmington

When someone mentions “neighbors,” what comes to your mind? Do you think in parameters other than locality (perhaps work, etc.)?

Open: 

This past week we read through the book of Leviticus in our reading plan for the first six months of 2021. This book seems filled with rules and regulations that pertain only to the Israelites, until we go beneath the obvious and seek the hidden jewels of God’s concern that we be a holy people. Today we will look at the many people groups He wanted Israel to care about, as He spoke to them from Mt. Sinai. He desired them to become a holy nation, and wanted holiness in the camp at the foot of the mountain. We, as Christians of the twenty-first century, need to learn what we must do in order to be holy, as He is holy.

Focal Passage: Leviticus 19.

Respect

• • Read Leviticus 19:3-4. Why should a child be taught to respect their first authority figures? What is the connection between having respect for the parents and God’s law to keep the Sabbath?
  • Israel had to deal with pagan idols of wood, stone, etc. What are some of our idols? What dangers do they hold?

Sacrifice

• • Read 19:5-8. Israel did not remain faithful in striving for holiness. Read Malachi 1:7-8. What were some of the charges God brought against them? What had they done?
  • What are some of the ways believers nowadays sacrifice to the Lord? How is it possible to ‘profane’ those ways?

Generosity

• • Read 19:9-10. Will someone please explain the concept of Old Testament gleaning? Who was allowed to glean?
  • Read Ruth 2:5. How does this verse seem to indicate landowners paid attention to those who came to his field to glean?
  • Read Deut. 15:11. God was (and is) very concerned for the poor. Who are some of those you consider poor, and are willing to help? Who are some you are not willing to help? Why? Is this Biblical?
  • Who is the second group God was concerned for in these verses? What is the work ethic that the original text indicated?

Honesty

• • Read Lev. 19:11-12. Why is honesty important to God? What is the opposite of being honest?
  • Read John 8:44. Who is the father of lies?
  • The phrases in our passage all have a common theme: what is it?

Justice

• • Read verses 13-16. God has many “do not’s,” in these verses; can you use one verb that would remedy all of these?
  • Several of these commands are concerned with how you treat your neighbor. Who did Jesus say your neighbor is? 
  • Can anyone share which one listed in these verses is the hardest for you to do?
  • Read verse 16b in KJV; what does it tell us? Would you be willing to act on a neighbor’s behalf? Does anyone have an example?

Love

• • Read verses 17-18. God has many characteristics. What is the first one you think of?
  • Look back through the verses 1-18; who all does God want us to care for? Do you have a particular problem with any of them (don’t answer aloud)? If so, pray that God will help you conquer the fear.

Close:

Did you have a hard time reading through Leviticus this week? You can be honest, as there’s only you and God knowing the truth! You probably were thinking that Leviticus isn’t the most enjoyable book in the Old Testament—but did you gain new insight from this sermon?

It’s amazing how week after week, after hearing a sermon, we are reminded of the truth of Hebrews 4:12 where the author writes, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

May His word birth in you a holiness that will be obvious as you seek to “be holy, as He is holy.”

THE CALL OF GOD
January 17, 2021
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Have you ever been approached about a job or a commission, that—for whatever reason—you really didn’t want to do? You made excuse after excuse, to no avail! What happened?

Open:

As we read through the Bible over the next few months, our sermons will relate to a portion of that week’s text. This past week our chapters contained the stories of Moses, a great and respected father of the Jews. As we delve into his story, though, we see Moses nearly missed God’s call upon his life as he tried his best to resist God’s mission for him. What about you? Has God asked something of you that you have no desire to do? Let’s see what happened to Moses.

Focal Passage: Exodus 3:1-22, 4:1,10-11.

Never Ignore God’s Call

• Read Exodus 3:4. During the forty years prior to our passage, how had Moses lived? When he saw the bush burning, do you think he was curious, or did he think it was an act of God? Why?
• Did the Lord speak to him before he had turned aside, or after he come near the bush? What lesson can we learn from this verse?
• How do you think Moses recognized God’s voice? What did God tell him to do (vs. 5)? What was his response (vs. 6)?

Never Question God’s Call

• Read Ex. 3:10-11. Did God ask Moses if he would go bring the Hebrews out of Egypt, or did He tell him to? How did he respond? 
• After Moses exclaimed that he was not qualified (vs. 11), what were the other excuses he used? What was his final plea?
• Read Isaiah 6:1,5,8. How different was the reaction of Isaiah in being willing to serve God, versus Moses ? How was Moses like Jonah?
• What had God promised Moses each time he protested? We tend to think he did not want his calm life shaken up, but what might have been other reasons he did not want to go back to Egypt?
• We read this story based on our own experience and knowledge of God: had Moses been raised to know God’s nature? If he had been, might it have caused him to serve God more gladly?

Never Doubt God’s Power

• Read Ex. 3:12a. God is omnipotent! What does that mean? What are some of His works?
• Growing up as a “Royal” in Egypt, do you think Moses would have had much contact with the slaves, or known he was kin to them?
• Why would Moses have doubted God’s power to strengthen him?
• Do we make excuses to say no to God when He reveals a mission He wants us to do?

Always Trust God’s Heart

• Read Ex. 3:14. Moses had argued with God one time too many!  What happened? How could it have turned out differently?
• Do you have any fear of making God angry? Why or why not?
• What do you know about God that would cause you to say ‘Yes’—or possibly ‘No’—to His call for you to go on a mission for Him?

Close:

When you were young, did you ever raise your hand in church, signifying your intention to do something with your life for the Lord? Perhaps you were willing to be a missionary, a pastor, a nurse, or enter some other ministry—only to let the vow slip through your fingers when you were an adult.

Many of us greatly desired to have a vocation that would serve and glorify God, only to allow it to crumble. Would you have fought for it if something in your life had been different? Possibly. Possibly not.

At this time in the life of Moses, he was eighty years old. We hope by that time we will have done great things for God! What if we have let the “What if,” or “No,” or “Later” excuses fill our lives? We can turn to Matthew 21:28-31 to see this illustrated by Jesus: “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father? They said to Him, ‘The first.’”

Moses, albeit very hesitant to obey God, went with Aaron, his brother, and became a mighty leader of the Jewish nation. If we have said Yes to God but then pulled back, we see that God counts as obedience the one who does His will. Let us rededicate our lives to do whatever God tells us to do, having learned from these chapters that He believes the best of us—not because of our weakness but because He equips us with His strength.

FORGETTING THE PAST WITH A HEART FOR THE FUTURE
December 27, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

What is in your life that you wish were removed? If so, is it up to you, or does it involve someone else making a change? Can you share?

Open:

Christmas 2020 is now behind us, and in a few days it will be a brand new year. We all hope that the COVID 19 virus, with all its extended problems, will soon be over and forgotten. Today we will focus on leaving yesterday behind and focusing on tomorrow. Paul encouraged us to forget those things in our past that keep us from a wholehearted commitment to Christ and press toward Him. Join us as we study.

Key Verse: Philippians 3:13-14: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Focal Passage: Philippians 3:7-14.

The things I thought mattered don’t matter at all

• Read Phil. 3:7. When Paul came to faith in Christ Jesus, what were some of the things in his past that he would have considered “loss”? What became the focus of his total commitment after his conversion?
• What are some of the things that you know are in your life but are not of any eternal good? What would it take for you to get rid of them?
• Read Matthew 6:33-34. What should take the place in our lives of those things that are a loss from God’s standpoint?

Our ultimate goal is to know Him

• Read Phil. 3:8. What do we call the part our life that wars with our Spirit? Of the things in your life that you would count as loss, why do you hold onto them?
• What are some of the things you can do to see that your focus stays on God, as you go through your daily routine?
• What daily impact on your life does Christ have? How can you know Him better?

Knowing Him requires commitment

• Read Phil. 3:12. How does Paul say that he is committed to following after Christ? What are other translations?
• With any commitment you make, what practice will yield the greatest victory in your life? What is the difference between discipline and intention?  
• Read 2 Timothy 2:15. How will we present ourselves to God, if we have handled His word well?

Letting go of yesterday, focusing on tomorrow

• Read Phil. 3:13-14. Why is the past able to have such a strong hold on our lives? What are some steps you can take to forget yesterday’s failures or sins?
• How can you discipline yourself to follow Christ more completely in the coming year?
• What are you committed to do, to make Him Lord of your life?

Close:

Most of us are so glad to see 2020 pass. As a church, we were challenged to fast last January, in order to focus on our relationship with Jesus Christ, and on what we would like to see our church accomplish as the year unfolded. At that time, we had no idea what would occur in the next months. Now we can look back and see we probably would have been more specific in our prayer and fasting, had we known that social distancing, masks, economic failure for many, and a host of other trials would enter our lives due to the Covid 19 virus.

Now, none of us can be sure that 2021 will be better, can we? Some companies already have directed their employees to assume they will not be going back to the physical offices until at least April, 2021. That tells us that we may not know the full extent of the damage done in this past year. Many would have a tough time seeing the rigid guidelines put in place during 2020 be continued into 2021.

So how can we prepare our hearts to cope with the new year if it doesn’t fulfill our hopes? We can study God’s word every chance we get, focusing on Him, His plans and most of all, recognizing His omnipotence and His sovereignty. He has not been surprised by the past year, and yet He allowed it. Our responsibility is to trust Him fully, being obedient in what He tells us, knowing His purposes are far beyond anything we could imagine. He is a good, good father!

A THRILL OF HOPE : HOPE HAS A NAME
December 13, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Have you ever been referred to a doctor, car repair shop or other specialist, for a problem that was driving you crazy? How did you feel after making the appointment?

Open:

Today we continue our Christmas series, “A Thrill of Hope.” We stand amazed that we are able to look at history and see the fulfillment of prophecies accomplished when the Son of God, Jesus Christ, came to this earth and provided salvation to those who believe. As was recently pointed out, 332 Old Testament passages prophecy of the first coming of the Messiah, and Jesus fulfilled every one. Knowing that He has provided a way for man to have eternal life is enough to give any born-again believer “a thrill of hope!” Today, we look at the Name of that hope, Jesus Christ.

Key Verse: Isaiah 9:6-7a: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.…”

Focal Passage: Isaiah 9:6-7a.

He redefines Hope

• Where are some of the places people look for hope? When did you become aware that there is a complete difference between wishful-thinking type hope, and the hope that is based on the promises of God?
• Why is Jesus the only place where we can be certain the hope is trustworthy?
• Read Isaiah 9:6b. Why is He greater than we can ever imagine?
• How do you know that Jesus will always be willing to guide us through any daily struggles we encounter?
• Why is He called the Mighty God, as well as the Everlasting Father?
• What is meant when we say Jesus “redefined” hope?

His hope has no end

• In Israel at the time of the birth of Christ, what was one of the greatest hindrances for people believing Jesus was the Messiah? Why did the people expect a military leader?
• Read Isaiah 9:7a. If you were reading Isaiah’s prophecies at the time he wrote them, how would you have interpreted this verse? Who will be able to oppose the Messiah’s authority? If His kingdom is not an earthly government, what will it be? What will be some of its characteristics?
• Before Jesus came, what way of making peace with God did the people have? How did He also redefine salvation and forgiveness?

His hope has a catch

• Read Acts 4:12. What are some facts you observe as you focus on this wonderful verse? If you know someone who does not believe Jesus is the only way for salvation, how does it bother you that they will go to Hell because of their choice?
• Why do all other religions believe theirs is the only true religion? What makes Christianity different?
• Read Phil. 2:9-11. What are the marvelous statements from this passage? How can you draw hope from what you’ve read here in Philippians?

Close:  

As we continue our series on hope, we “hope” you’re beginning to get the sense that this certain hope is something you want to understand well!  David grasped the significance of a sure hope in Psalm 16:9, when he said, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.” Luke reinforces these words of David again in Acts 2:25-27, when he quotes the entire passage. Our confidence in Jesus Christ allows us to take the promises that God has given us in His word and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they will come to pass.

When people say you can “take [something] to the bank,” if you’re familiar with checks, you might visualize it this way: set a blank check in front of you; date it with the date of your salvation; the payee line would have your name. What a wonderful thing, to put your name as the recipient of whatever comes next! That would mean no one else can steal your joy, your peace or your hope. The line for the payment would list “God’s Promises,” and any or all of the promises for us in Scripture would be valid here. It would be signed by Jesus Christ, who is God. You can then look at the check whenever you feel hopeless or discouraged. You can rest that you will receive the promises of God, and you can trust Him to fulfill His part in your life. This is why your Hope is certain.

He is our peace, our joy, our strength, our hope—and any “name” that can be named. He is “The Lord Your God.”

A THRILL OF HOPE : HOPE REVEALED
November 29, 2020
Charles Billingsley

This has been a year like no other we’ve known. What are some things you are hoping to see happen as 2021 prepares to debut January 1?

Open:

We are entering one of the most joyful seasons of the year. Christmas—no matter where you live—is a season filled with love and hope, memories of childhood, gifts, and so much more. Definitely it can be a sad time for some, but as Christians, we focus on the greatest gift of all that happened in a manger in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. Today we begin a new series as we recall that first Christmas, titled “A Thrill of Hope.” Let us dig deeply into history and the Word as we seek to focus on the birth of the Christ-child, the Messiah of the world.

Key Verse: Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

Focal Passage: Matthew 1:18-25

Hope Revealed—In the promise of the Christ

The Hope

• What are the two kinds of hope? How do they differ? As you “hope” for 2021, is it wishful thinking or Biblical hope? Why can we not live without hope?
• Why is Biblical hope thrilling? What is it based on? Give some examples.

The Prophecies

• What was the approximate number of prophecies in the Old Testament that foretold the first coming of a Messiah? What were the odds of someone fulfilling any number of them? What were some of the prophecies?
• When Jesus came, how many of the prophecies did He fulfill? How could He do that?

The Intertestamental Period

• After the prophets were finished writing and prophesying, God went silent. How many years did the people not hear from God? What were some of the things they would have missed?
• What are some things you know about this period of time?
• What would be some of the things that would WE would miss if God were to go silent now?

The Incarnation

• What do you think the prevailing belief is concerning Jesus: did He begin life as a baby in Bethlehem? What Scriptures can you think of that speak of  Jesus’ past glory with the Father? Read Colossians 1:15-18.
• Read John 1:1-3, 14, 10-11; 3:16-17. These few verses tell the life of Jesus.

  Why was the incarnation necessary?

• Without the birth of the Messiah, what could not have happened?
• Read Hebrews 4:15. Why was He worthy to save our souls? Have you really taken it in that He went through the incarnation and death, just to save you?

Hope Revealed—in the power of the Cross

• Read Romans 8:31, 37-39. What did the Cross reveal, that Jesus would go through such pain and suffering for us?
• Read Phil. 2:8. Jesus’ death was a one-time sacrifice; how do you know it is just as effective today as it was in the days of the early church?
• What can we do to receive this salvation? Can we earn it, or lose it? Why? Who gets the glory for this?

Close:

What a world of terror we live in—yet Jesus, through His glory as God the Son, His incarnation and death, and His resurrection and present glory in Heaven, has made it possible for us to live with perfect peace in our hearts, knowing He has everything in His hands and is overseeing all things with a purpose.

How can we have such hope? Because we can look at our own lives and see that He has been faithful (even during the times when we haven’t been). “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises,” Peter wrote. This assures us that it is the power of Jesus Christ that has saved us, given us—as Peter says—everything we need, and we can do nothing on our own to earn this salvation except cry out to Him from our pit, asking Him in faith to save us for eternity. What glory shall be ours one day! To be with Jesus Christ, with all the saints of the earth who have died in Him, with our family who were believers—what a reunion that will be. All because of Him.

Is His grace and salvation as effective today as it was in the days He walked the earth? Look around you. Whose life have you witnessed who came from the depths of a pit of sorrow, or sin, of cursing, of addictions, immorality, and so much more, yet they were changed by humbling themselves before God almighty and being willing to call Him Lord. What a thrill of hope comes to the one who believes!

THE BEGINNING AND END
November 15, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Have you ever had to defend a circumstance that you knew had happened because you were there, while others were saying it had not happened?

Open:

In the intervening years between the ascension of Jesus back to heaven, and the writings of the Apostle John, the church had experienced great growth. However, with the passing years, people within the church began to attack the deity of Christ, saying He was a “good man,” but not the Son of God. John had to defend his own testimony, realizing if the believers did not stand up for their faith in Christ, the church might collapse. Today, we are seeing believers waver in their faith as the church is being attacked more than ever before. Let’s examine the reasons we know Jesus is the only begotten Son of the Father.

Key Verse: 1 John 1:1: “We proclaim to you the One who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw Him with our own eyes and touched Him with our own hands. He is the Word of Life.” (NLT)

Focal Passages: 1 John 1:1-4; Rev. 1:8, 1 John 5:20-21.

Jesus has always been the only Way

• Read 1 John 1:1a. Where is the first mention of Jesus Christ in Scripture?
• Read Genesis 1:26. Who was God referring to?
• Read John 1:1. What did John write about Jesus’ existence? Why was He called the Word?
• Read John 14:6 and 17:21. What did Jesus say of Himself?
• Why and Where do people look everywhere else for happiness, rather than Jesus Christ?
• Why does the church exist? To whom did Jesus give the responsibility to proclaim the one way to heaven?
• Who prowls the earth as a roaring lion? Why? Why is Jesus the only one who can deliver us from the mouth of the  one who seeks to devour us?

Jesus became like us to save us

• Read John 1:14, then 11-13. What happened when Jesus came to earth?
• Read 1 John 1:1b. John wanted to make sure that he was believed; why was his testimony certain? John spoke of seeing and touching Jesus; why was he emphasizing that He was fully man, yet fully God?
• Read John 1:15. What did John the Baptist (not the apostle) say of Jesus?
• Read John 12:27. Why did Jesus say that He had come for this hour?
• Read John 3:36. What will happen to those who reject Jesus as Savior?

Jesus came to give us life

• Read 1 John 1:2b. How does John reaffirm the statement Jesus made in John 14:6?
• Read John 3:14-16 and 1 John 5:13. How are we promised eternal life?
• Read John 5:24. Why did Jesus continue to tell the people how to have eternal life? Can Jesus lie? How do you know?

Jesus came to bring us home

• Read John 6:67-69. Have you ever been this discouraged? What did you conclude? Read Acts 4:12. Why is this verse so full of hope?
• Read John 10:28. Do we have to worry that Jesus will somehow let us go?
• Read John 14:1-3. Do you ever doubt the words of Jesus? What do you do?
• Read 1 John 5:20-21. What are some of the things that can take first place in our hearts, rather than God? Why do people reject Him?

Close: 

Recently a very moving conversation was had between an older adult and a young person. The subject was the airplanes that flew into the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001. The young person had read there was no evidence of planes uncovered in the debris, while the older person had seen the news channels the morning of the attack and watched in anguish as thousands were killed. Fortunately, this was before fake news was as prevalent as now. The young person listened with complete trust as the truth was told.

It has been only nineteen years since that fateful day. It is easy, then, to see how the deity, birth, death, and resurrection of Christ could be attacked, being two thousand years ago! Especially as the sinfulness of mankind seems to be growing worse and worse. Few want a religion that is based on one way to heaven, rather than a broad, wide way that allows any belief. No wonder John had to be alert to always present the Gospel in a timely manner whenever possible, and with clear truthfulness. As do we!

Faith, the evidence of things not seen, persuades us to believe in Jesus Christ as God’s only begotten Son. He was made flesh, fully God yet fully man, gave Himself willingly to die on a cruel cross for the sins of mankind, was buried, three days later rose again by His own power, and ascended to heaven. Now He waits for the Father to say, “Go, get your children!” May our faith never falter as we wait for the sound of the trumpet!

UNKNOWN GOD: THE GOD OF TRIBALISM
November 01, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Have you ever used the phrase “may your tribe increase” when talking to someone? What did you mean by it?

Open:

Today we are going to examine our lives for the sin of “tribalism,” as we conclude our series, Unknown gods. We have been looking for evidence in our lives of anything that has usurped our first love, which should be God. We see tribalism every day, though we may not recognize it. In America, we will be voting this week for our presidential candidate, and anger is taking over social media, with division on every hand. Political party hatred and personality conflicts are everywhere, while we still are dealing with Covid, social distancing, and financial woes crowding in on us. It is time to take up your cross today and follow Jesus, take it up tomorrow, and each of the following days God grants you, that you may please Him who called you.

Key Verse: Luke 10:27 : “He answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”

Focal Passages: Luke 10:25-37, 1 Cor. 13:4-8.

The only way to truly love your neighbor begins in your personal

Relationship with Christ

• Read Luke 10:36-37. When the ‘expert in the law’ asked Jesus who his neighbor was, he did not expect Jesus to turn the question back onto him. How did Jesus answer, as He closed out the parable of the Good Samaritan? During your normal day, where do you talk with the largest number of people? How many would you guess that to be? How many of those are people whom you may never see again? How do you treat them?
• In thinking about your answers for #1, would your behavior change if you are at a gathering of people of another religion, political view or group for whom you have no particular affinity? How? (That’s tribalism).
• Can someone define tribalism (definition is at the end of the study, if no one can)? What are some examples you can give as to groups where you might feel on edge or stressed? Do you avoid such places, if you can?
• Why is it so important to get your relationship with Christ right? If you don’t love God with your whole being, how will you be able to love those who are not like you? Is John 15:17 just for those in the faith, or for the world?
• Read Colossians 2:6-7. Why should we be able to love those outside of our “circle” if we are rooted in Christ?

Loving your neighbor never is done passively

• Read Luke 10:31-32. What groups did the first two men represent? If this parable happened today, what would you expect from a preacher or elder?
• Had you been watching, how would you have felt about two of God’s men leaving the hurt man beaten and bleeding? Would you have mentally labeled their church hypocritical at that point, and gossiped?
• If Jesus had told you the parable, what group (in your mind) would you have had a bad reaction to Him choosing a person from? (That’s tribalism).
• So what is the pivotal question Jesus asked the expert? How would you answer Jesus?

Loving your neighbor always required an active step

• Read verse 33a. What were the steps the Samaritan took with the victim? Did he (the Samaritan) go above and beyond anything the Jewish community would have even imagined? Why?
• Re-think posts you’ve seen this past week on social media. In your mind, think of a couple that made you angry; did you convey that anger from the issue to the person writing? Do you see how easy it is to be entangled in tribalism? What are steps you can take to let go of the anger?

Loving your neighbor always requires reflecting God’s love

• Read 1 Cor. 13:4-8. What are some ways God expects of us to love, in order to conquer the sin of tribalism? How can we begin?
• What are some of the attributes of God? Since He is holy, and has told us to be holy, what are some of the character qualities He wants us to develop?

Loving your neighbor does not mean having to sacrifice your beliefs or

Biblical truth.

• What is the hardest concept to grab hold of when you feel as though being nice to ( or loving) someone with a different agenda will cause you to choose between them and your beliefs?
• What must we focus on in order to love those who seem unlovely (to us)?

Close: 

Isn’t it amazing how you can sit with your Bible and coffee, having your morning quiet time with God, pray, and all is well with your life, yet five minutes later you pull your phone out, open Facebook to see what has been posted through the night, only to have someone push your buttons with the force of their words so hard you want revenge? You decide you want to stay away from them, possibly wish them ill will, and unfriend them. Done. Was it in line with your devotions?

Perhaps we feel that life is much more peaceful when we leave those who cause stress out to the side. We call our best friends, get sympathy and encouragement from them, and try not to think about those who mangle us in word or deed. It’s easier to ignore people who are mean, who intentionally hurt us, who hate our beliefs, our God, or our church. But is it God’s way, to leave them alone?

It takes total faithfulness to Him to desire a life that has no penchant for being selfish. If taking up our cross daily and following Him—-while it is today—is too hard, when will it get easier? Do we want Him to carry it all? Are we going to pull out our track record when we stand before Him, and say, “Well, I did (this), and (this), and (that) and…” and He may say “I never knew you.” What are we going to say? “WHY?” And He’ll say, “You had no love for anyone but yourself, your clic of friends, and those who were just like you. You didn’t want to be My hands and My feet, loving on others.” Could you bear that?

Tribalism: the attitude and practice of harboring such a strong feeling of loyalty or bond to one’s tribe that one excludes or even demonizes those who do not belong to that group; or, loyalty to a tribe or other social group especially when combined with strong negative feelings for people outside the group.

UNKNOWN GOD: THE GOD OF STATUS
October 18, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Nearly everyone wants to be admired, either for a character quality, or for a possession. Can you think of something in your own life that you struggle with?

Open:

We are continuing our series, “Unknown gods,” identifying “idols” that may be in our lives. Today we are looking for the quest for status. We have to be honest, pride is prevalent in all our lives, but whether we quickly turn it over to Jesus as a sin, or let it grow into a stumbling block or a stronghold is something each of us has to search his life to find out. Remember that the heart “is deceitful and desperately wicked,” and it takes God’s flashlight to uncover all the hidden deceptions Satan may have placed in our lives. Let’s search to see how badly we want people to notice us, admiring us for a God-given trait, looks, or something we’ve acquired!

Key Verse: Matthew 20:28: …”just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Focal Passages: Matthew 20:20-28, 23:11-12.

The desire for status

• Read Matt. 20:20-21b. Picture a dinner where someone very special was attending, and put this situation in that place with two guests and their mom; how would you feel? Was there any indication she thought Jesus might turn her down? What should a godly mother have done?
• Assuming the two young men put their mom up to this performance, what would be the root cause to make them do something like this? What had to have been some of the feeling James and John had about the other disciples (or their comparison to them)? Why does it sound rather arrogant?
• How long had they been with Jesus? Why would you not have expected this behavior from them? What did John call himself in other passages?
• What are some of the things Christians today do to obtain status among their peers? Why do we feel the need to seek praise from them?
• Again, what is the root cause of desiring status? Read Prov. 13:10a. What goes hand-in-hand with pride? How does God feel about pride?

An empty pursuit

• Read verse 22. What type of Messianic kingdom did these two men still have in their mind, causing them to be misled as to God’s program?
• In Jesus’ day, what did it mean to “drink the cup” of another? Why would James and John have no idea of the scope of suffering the early believers would endure? What are some of the things you know from church history?
• How about us? Are we willing to go forward in church, do some good deeds, but pray, Please, Lord, keep us from suffering for being a Christian?
• Why is it a good thing in this day and especially in this time in America, to ask ourselves whether we are willing to go through suffering for our faith?
• If we envy someone for what they are or have, why will we never be satisfied if we set out to attain it? Also, what is envy in God’s sight?
• Read Matt. 23:11-12. Why does this so go against human logic? When we stand before the Lord, what will our greatness be found in?

The right way

• Read Matt.20:25-27. Why does Jesus say, “It must not be this way among you”? Who wants to be a servant or slave to someone else? Why not? If we humble ourselves to be servants here on earth, what are we exemplifying?
• Read John 13:12-17. Have you ever washed a brother or sister’s feet? If so, how did you feel? What are some acts of servanthood that we should be doing?
• Why does God desire humility from us? How can we squash pride?
• Who was the one who was the epitome of beauty, and became a snare to mankind? Read Ezek. 28:14-16. How far away from God can sin take us?
• What are some steps you can take to make certain you are not seeking status?

Close:

Everyone wants to be important to someone, to be admired by their friends or acquaintances, or given honor somewhere. We will often do extraordinary things in order to gain attention, or get accolades in some form.

Probably everyone in our church family is aware of the Barrick family, who were in a wreck in 2006, when a drunk driver hit their car at 80 mph. It nearly killed Jennifer, the 15 year old daughter of the family. Since that time, they have visited across America, as well as internationally, sharing their testimony and the miracles that God has brought about since that time. Thousands have been saved as a result.

We can look at the Barrick family and wish we could be used to win so many souls to Jesus Christ. But few of us would be willing to endure the path of suffering that this family of four has had to walk in order to be used so greatly. For example, Jennifer’s life has never been the same, the father has suffered a bout with cancer, and so has Jennifer. Their scars are deep.* The cost of suffering can have a high price tag on it, as James and John both learned before they died. John survived being boiled in a pot of oil, a miracle on par with Daniel in the den of lions.

When you’re tempted to take measures to be admired, to desire “stuff” to make others envious, it will never satisfy. Eventually someone will have a bigger car or house, be more beautiful, or be more admired for their wealth. Life is so much more than attaining status. God has prepared a place for us, that is more than we can ask or imagine; He has plans and purposes for us, if we’ll be sold out to Him—-and they will bring a lifetime of joy that nothing you can plan for yourself could bring. Won’t you trust Him today? He’s worth whatever status you have to give up!

*HopeOutLoud.com

Unknown god: The god of Pleasure
October 04, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

What is one thing that you love doing, that you can do alone? Has it ever gotten you into a situation that was comical or catastrophic?

Open:

We are in the second week of the new series, looking for “gods” that may be in our lives—though we may be unaware that we’ve placed them above our love for God. Paul had spent time in Athens, teaching men who had no idea there is one true living God, while worshiping gods of every created or imagined thing. Perhaps with that heathen nation in mind, he wrote 2 Timothy, warning Timothy to keep his life clean from the stains of the ungodly world around him, an admonition we all need to heed.

Key Verse: 2 Timothy 3:1-5: But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good. traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away.

Focal Passage: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Lovers of Themselves

• Read 2 Tim. 3:1-2a. When did the “last days” begin? Are we in them now as well? How long will they last? Explain why we are in perilous times?
• What is involved in being a lover of yourself? How does one fall in love with themselves?
• What is God’s plan for all of mankind? How does loving oneself turn God’s plan upside down?
• Read Matt. 22:37-39. How does this passage illustrate God’s plan?
• If one is a lover of self, how do they treat those around them? How do they see themselves in relation to others? Does life become “all about me”?

The result of messing up God’s plan

• Read 2 Tim. 3:2b-4a. Why is there a natural progression between loving oneself in the sense Paul means, to being a lover of money?
• What happens when you become a lover of money? Read 1 Tim. 6:10. How would a person live who has no limits to his wealth?
• How does it feel to have a friend or acquaintance who is constantly telling of something their wealth enables them to do? Basically, what are they doing? What comes after boasting? What are some things the Bible says about pride?
• What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “blasphemy”? Read Exo. 20:7 and Psa. 139:20. Why do Christians spend their days constantly taking God’s name in vain, never realizing they are sinning? What if we said, “Oh, my John!!” or “Oh, my Linda!!” The world exclaims OMG without ceasing—but why do Christians? Do you do this? How can you stop?
• As Paul lists the next several sins, (go back to focal passage) where do we see these manifest? If they are in our children or grandchildren, what can we do? Are we afraid to call them to upbraid them, lest we ruin a relationship? If no one interferes, where will they eventually spend eternity?

A false worship

• Read 2 Tim. 3:4b-5. Do you know someone who lives on the ragged edge of pleasure? What need is he/she trying to fill?
• Read Eccl. 2:9-11. How did Solomon sum up his life? How did he die?
• Read James 4:1-10. What did James tell us we need to put first? Yet he says the source of our unhappiness begins with what type of living?
• For those we know whose life is filled with the list Paul gives to Timothy, what does Paul tell him (or us) to do, if they don’t change their lifestyle?
• Are you strong enough to distance yourself from those you love whose life is listed in the focal passage?
• How can you put God first in your life, every day, in every way? Read Eccl. 12:13-14.

Close:

The passage in 2 Timothy 3 gives a clear picture of those whose love for themselves leads to acquiring money. Their love for money—making it as well as spending it—often leads them to brag about the amazing or pleasurable things it allows them to do. Their life becomes filled with pride at what they’ve accomplished,  and self-sufficiency moves in, blaspheming the need for God to be in their lives. They may continue the downward spiral by preferring to place parents in nursing homes so they can carry on with their pleasure-filled lives, or it may skip to the next generation: children quickly pick up on the lack of personal love the parent has for them, and they themselves will give their own lives over to the sins of personal pleasure, spending the money that is abundant, trying to fill the need for love with a hate that spirals them down further. What a tragedy! Lives that could have been lived for Christ, lived for themselves and their own pleasure.

Searching out and repenting of sins that are hiding deep in our own flesh is a time-consuming, soul-baring job. But if you truly wish to be sold out to God, you will take each of these demonic evils and see that none of them are lurking in the depths of your soul. If you find one, beg God to clean you, and make you ‘whiter than snow.’ Follow 1 John 1:9, “if you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive you, and cleanse you from all unrighteousness!”

BETTER TOGETHER
September 20, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Everyone has probably had a bad day—or possibly a bad year! Can you share a particular memory of one of your worst days, and tell what you learned from it?

Open:

This pandemic period of isolation, quarantine, and social distancing has been very rough, hasn’t it? In most cases, people with families, jobs or responsibilities outside the home have found these seven months extremely hard. Has it caused you to appreciate the things we took for granted, like being with friends, going out to eat, going to church, movies, or shopping? Today Pastor will teach us from Hebrews of the strength and encouragement we gain when we do life together!

Key Verse: Hebrews 3:12-13 (HCSB): “Watch out, brothers, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception..

Focal Passage: Hebrews 3:12-13; Acts 2:46-47.

Spiritual Awareness In An Ungodly World

• Read Hebrews 10:12a. Why does man have a nature that is sinful? Read Romans 6:23. What can be done about our sinful nature? How can a person profess God to be Savior, but then have to be careful not to be overtaken with an evil, unbelieving heart? Read Mark 4:14-20, for Jesus’ answer to this question. What are some things going on right now that would draw you away from God?
• Think about this time in history: what is Satan trying to do to everyone? Why is it critical that we know the word of God? Read Psalm 119:11. Is this the answer?

A Breaking Away From God

• Read verse 12b. Probably all of us know someone who has chosen to leave the church (or Christ). Can you share (no names, please), and tell what the results were? Should/could the church have been able to restore such a one  as written in Galatians 6:1?
• What do we mean when we say that a person must be intentional or deliberate about his walk with Christ, so as not to be led astray? If you take your hands off your steering wheel while driving, what does the car do? How does that analogy serve to describe our human nature when we are not careful about guarding our relationship with Christ?

Better Together

• Read verse 13. What have we learned about the importance of togetherness during Covid 19? What does verse 13 mean “to encourage one another”?
• How often are we told to encourage each other? Why should we need encouragement every day? Read James 5:13-14. How many times do you procrastinate about doing a good deed, only to let the time slip by?
• Does anyone recall a first-hand experience of someone who put off accepting Jesus, only to lose their life prematurely? Can you share?
• What would be some reasons we are told to encourage each other “today,” so that no one is hardened by sin’s deception?

Gene Getz stated, “Though true Christianity uniquely involves a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it is also a corporate experience…Christians cannot grow spiritually as they ought to in isolation from one another.”

Close:

Years ago an analogy of the sinful nature we humans labor under was likened to a bird: he has wings, and can fly, but he also has legs and feet, so he can walk. Yet in his normal state, he naturally goes from place to place by flying. We, as fallen man, have a sin nature which causes us to fall short of the mark that God wants. However, when we are made new through salvation, it is no longer our sin nature that is in charge, but we are a new creation, in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit. We have to jealousy guard ourselves against Satan’s offenses.

As we study isolation from a biblical viewpoint, it brings up the subject of the pandemic that has stolen most of a year of our lives (so far). How many people do you hear saying “Yes! I’d love life to be like this?” Not many, right? Few people, while they may enjoy peace and quiet for a time, do not desire a life of separation from their friends and families.

Acts 2:46-47 says, “Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.” Wouldn’t it be a joyous time here on earth if we could spend time with each other, loving on each other, and inviting strangers in to share our meals—and see them come to God?

As Corrie Ten Boom said, “When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christians, the devil smiles. When he stops studying the Bible, the devil laughs. When he stops praying, the devil shouts for joy.” Let’s give him no reason to rejoice!

A BOLD FAITH
September 06, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Lately we’ve heard much about the “silent majority.” Who does that apply to, and if we are the majority, why are we silent? What could we do if we pulled together?

Open:

The past many months have been strange and difficult. Loved ones in hospitals without family visitation, no school activities, and so much more. Now small changes are taking place, but there’s a long way to go before we are back to normal. The writer to the Hebrews encourages us in today’s sermon to be bold in our faith, not silent, not fearful, not afraid that God is going to fail us!

Focal Passage: Hebrews 10:19-25

The Confidence of a Believer

• Read Hebrews 10:19. We all know what it’s like to lack confidence in life; can you give an example, and explain why you lacked confidence? If you knew you couldn’t fail, how would you react? What does the blood of Jesus enable us to do?
• Read verse 20. What was the significance of the veil in the temple being torn in two from top to bottom when Jesus was crucified? Why did the writer to the Hebrews stress the fact that the new way was “living”? Jesus called Himself the ___, the truth and the life. What was the significance of the “way”? Why were the new Christians called people of the “Way”?

The Closeness of the Believer

• Read verse 22. What are the two best ways to draw near to God? What keeps the fellowship between you and God open? Read James 4:8a. Is this a promise?
• How would you describe a “true heart”? What will God do if we have a true heart and draw near to Him? How do we keep our conscience “sprinkled” and our bodies clean? Why is it so important that the moment a sinful thought enters our mind, we confess it? What are some ways we can immediately threaten Satan’s kingdom as soon as we have confessed?

The Consistency of the Believer

• Read verse 23. Can you give some examples of things you hold to tightly? How can we hold so tightly to our faith that no one can doubt that we believe in Jesus Christ? What about our language-does it contain profanity?
• Read James 1:5-8. How does God view our wavering when we are asking Him for something? What does being “double-minded” mean?
• Read 1 Corinthians 1:9. How do you stake your life on the word of God?
• Pastor read a thought-provoking quote today: “Faith reposes completely in the love of God: Hope vividly anticipates that God will fulfill His promises in a particular way.” Can you have some discussion how this brings a feeling of joy to your heart when you meditate on these words?

The Commitment of the Believer

• Read verse 24. What are some ways which you’ve found that encourage others to serve with love and good works? How can you do these two duties with joy, rather than wishing you hadn’t committed to doing them?
• Read verse 25. Putting Covid to the side, what are some reasons people stay at home and watch church on the tv? Why is that the wrong way to participate in a service if you’re able to go to a local church? When God said not to forsake the gathering together with other believers, was that a command or a suggestion? Read Prov. 18:1a. Why is isolation wrong? Can you fulfill the commandment to love, if you isolate yourself?
• What Day is the writer speaking of in Hebrews? Is 1 Thess. 4:16-18 the Day the Hebrews writer meant? How can our own particular “day” come sooner?

Close:

We have entered a new phase in living the past 9 months. We began hearing about Covid 19 months before it reached the point of isolation and quarantine. Now we are seeing those in power making decisions that are against the rights available to American citizens through the Constitution. We seem to sit and wait for the next law to be enacted, rather than cohesively rising up against such actions.

How does this relate to our salvation and eternal life? In our sermon today, we find we are to be bold as we come before the throne of God, imploring Him on behalf of our country. We are His children and should all be seeking Him!! We don’t have to quake and fear as we see our rights taken away—God is much stronger than the evil around us. But how many of us plead for revival in our land?

We also are told not to forsake the assembling of ourselves with other believers. God said do that, period. Do it. We get encouragement and strength from being with other Christians. We can’t do this life on our own—as much as the government tries to impose laws to isolate us. Would that those in power could see the armies of the Living God encircling our country and the believers! Be bold, share your faith, and love even those in authority.

NO MATTER WHAT—MAKE A DIFFERENCE
August 23, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Do you have a passion for a certain work, or a talent for something that you love doing? How have you used that to benefit others?

Open:

Do you ever wonder what kind of impression you made on a person (or a group of people) after you have left them? Perhaps you self-criticize everything you said, replaying it all in your mind, wishing you had said or done a million other things. Paul had a very succinct admonition to Timothy: Command and teach [the things I’ve taught you], don’t let Satan make you feel less than you are because of your lack of years, and be an example in your speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Those are sound instructions for each of us, every day, leaving the impression we make to God.

Key Verse: 1 Timothy 4:11-13: (CSB) Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching.

Focal Passage: 1 Timothy 4:11-13.

BE AN EXAMPLE

• Read 1 Tim. 4:11. When have you had a doctor or someone in authority “command” you to do what you know is good and profitable for you physically? Explain. How was it profitable for Timothy to command and teach the various churches those things that Paul had taught him?
• Read verse 12. There is really only one way that people will listen to what you have to say; what is it? If you are a young person (Timothy was perhaps 30), how do you need to conduct yourself so that others listen to you?
• What were some ways in which Timothy had to be an example to the new believers, and the ones he hoped to win to Christ? Would this come about naturally, or did Timothy (or we) have to be intentional?

SPEECH

• Read 1 Tim. 12 (again). What are ways words that come out of our mouths are able to destroy our testimony? What are some examples?
• Read Matt. 12:34. Where did Jesus say the words that come out of our mouths originate from?
• Can you share how you handle conflict behind closed doors? How do your spouse and children see Christ in you when you are in conflict with one of them? Do they hear what you say as godly, reflecting whom you say you love? Read James 3:6-12. Is this someone you know when they’re at home?
• What are some ways in which your speech reveals the inner spirit of Christ, so that you don’t have to worry about what might come out of your mouth?

CONDUCT

• What are some examples of your conduct that makes an impression on others? Which of your actions do you need be concerned about when someone knows you call yourself a Christian?
• Is there ever a time when your life can be used for worldliness, and it not come back to bite you? Share your thoughts.
• Read 1 Peter 2:12. How does Peter tell us how to live in such a way that those around us will observe our holiness?

LOVE

• What are some of the issues on Facebook that get you stirred up? How would Jesus have handled those people who have made the remarks?
• Why is it so hard to love unconditionally? As followers of Christ, do we have any luxury to hate another person? What is in 1 Cor. 13 that effects you most?

FAITH

• Do you have little trouble believing that Jesus was God, came in the flesh, lived a sinless life, died a cruel death, and rose to return to heaven? Why, then, is it so hard to trust Him with our finances, our children, our desires?
• How would you define your faith in Christ?

PURITY

• What are some of the most prevalent areas of sexual immorality? How can we minister to someone who’s fallen into one of those deep pits?
• Read 1 Cor. 6:18-20. What about in your own family, are you able to calmly discuss the sinfulness that is the bottom line in the life of one of your children?

Close:

Recently a passage in a book had a mother, taking her sons’ faces in her hands as they left for school, and saying, “Don’t forget who you are!” It was her way of instilling self-worth into the lives of her boys. It would be good for us to look in the mirror daily and remind ourselves, “Don’t forget Whose you are!” Being a Christian is not an on-again, off-again relationship.

The instructions that Paul gave to Timothy have often caused us to assume he was a young man, perhaps around 20 years of age. It is amazing that Timothy was approximately the age of Jesus when He began His ministry. Paul was able to encourage, edify, build up, and instruct his young disciple to keep himself from the world, in order to gain Christ. Do we live our lives in this way?

If there are areas in today’s sermon where you feel weak, or feel the enemy can easily get a foothold, go back and read the entire books of 1 and 2 Timothy until your inner spirit has absorbed the tremendous truths and instructions that are found in them.

PSALM 46
August 09, 2020
Teaching Pastor Charles Billingsley

Riots, violence, political unrest, covid virus, earthquake, hurricanes—has 2020 caused you to wonder if there’s a safe place to move and make a new life?

Open:

Over the past few weeks we have looked at the very practical book of James, followed by how to incorporate the things we learned into our lifestyle. Today we are going to go from practical, every day living, to impractical, God-centered living. What do we mean? Practical living is the life lived for the benefit and love of others. Impractical living is what the world thinks of as crazy—trusting God for our daily living that does not come from the practical side (work, teaching, etc.), but from His word: do not fear, realize He’s with us always, His Spirit indwells us and He leads us through life. Are those impractical? Not for the son or daughter of Almighty God!

Focal Passage: Psalm 46

GOD’S PRESENCE IS WITH US

• Read Psalm 46:1. Do any of you recall how safe you felt when your father or mother was with you during a time when you might have been afraid? In this present day of violence and civil unrest, how often do you consciously consider God as your refuge? If you feel trouble coming, what steps do you take to make sure you realize He is your very present help?
• Read 1 Peter 5:7. What does it mean to you that God is your Protector?What are some other descriptive terms for Him as He takes care of you?
• How can you live for any given moment without it being the “present”? Did God limit His protection to the past, or to the future? Why?

WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR

• Read Psa. 46:2. What are some things going on right now that cause you anxiety? How do you handle the fear they inspire?
• How many verses are there in the Bible that encourage us to not fear? Why would God go to such lengths to give us one for each day?
• If, when you feel overcome by fear, you remind yourself that you are a child of God, how does that help you?
• Read Psalm 91:1. What is conditional about the safety of God’s protection?
• Read Psa. 46:3. Have you ever been in a severe natural disaster (hurricane, etc.)? Were you afraid? What is the worst thing that can happen? Has God left us at that moment?
• Selah. What did the psalmists mean when they inserted “selah” in a Psalm?

GOD’S SPIRIT IS IN US

• Read verse 4. What are some of the nouns that the word “river” can stand for in scripture? If you remember the global trajectory as Charles expanded on the Gulf Stream, beginning in the southern tip of Florida and ending in the Arctic Ocean, what did he liken the amazing spinoffs from that river to?
• Think of our church, located here in central Virginia; how far do the “spinoffs” reach that begin with our congregation? Explain your answers.
• Read John 4:13-14. Was Jesus speaking of literal water? What water did He mean? (Read John 7:37-39. What was the Water?)

WE HAVE NOTHING TO FLEE

• Read Psa. 46:5. Who is the “her” Jesus is speaking of in this verse? What is Satan powerless against? Do we need to flee before him? Why?
• Read verses 6-8. Who is raging? Read Psalm 2:1-3. Why are they raging?
• Why do we not need to fear what man may do to us? Read Hebrews 13:6. Does this verse bring you comfort?

Close:

What did we learn today? God’s presence is with us, so we have nothing to fear. God’s Spirit is within us, so we have no reason to flee! Take those two statements and make them your watchwords for the week. He is, as we read, a very present help in trouble—and definitely we are in troublesome times right now.

Since God is a God or order, it should cause each of us to realize that He made a verse of encouragement—or verses saying “do not fear” (or some version of those words) for each day of our year! Would that we had had a calendar for 2020 that had one of the verses telling us not to fear on the top in bold for each day of this calendar year! For many of us, we will look back upon 2020 and tell it to our grandchildren, those who are too young to be impacted by the isolation, the lack of eating out whenever we wanted to, the lack of school, the virtual online subjects (good and bad), and the year of no sports. It has been a year most of us want to forget.

But through it all, hopefully in the worst of times, we have remembered that our Father, who is in heaven, has never given up control of the events that have over-shadowed us this year. He is with us, never leaves us, and will always be there to take our burdens. May we all praise His holy Name!

FAITH WITH FEET: JAMES 5
July 19, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

All of us have a conscience that is (or should be) activated in a moment if we react quickly with anger or impatience, don’t we? If we ignore it often enough, it becomes almost silent. Can you share a time when you know you reacted badly?

Today we finish our series, “Faith With Feet.” This last chapter of the book of James is filled with four sections that are all connected by the depth of our commitment to God. Do we observe the rich focusing on their riches, forgetting God and mistreating people? Learn from their sin. Do we need patience if we are being treated unfairly?  Do we need more patience waiting on God to act in a situation? Do we have trusting faith  that He really hears our prayers? We will finish this practical book with help to live knowing we matter to God more than we can imagine!

Key Verse: James 5:8: You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Focal Passage: James 5:1-20

MOTIVES MATTER

• Read James 5:1-6. Who had James addressed this book to in chapter one? Many of those scattered Jews had become rich and forsaken the faith, mistreating their brethren. Why did James need to address this?
• Is it wrong to have money? Then what is the issue here? Why would rich people want to hoard their money and possessions, when they can’t “take it with them”? What would be their motive to get richer?
• Can you think of someone wealthy who gave most of their money away? Why would a person like that be such an example of God’s heart?
• Can you be poor and love money? How is that possible?
• How do motives involving money matter in life? Give some examples.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

• Read James 5:7-12. Every generation for two thousand years has thought Jesus would return in their lifetime. Why would James say it was at hand? Why is it even more likely that we really are in the “last days”?
• Does Jesus have to return to this earth before His “coming” happens to thousands of people every day? Why is it so important to be in a right relationship to Him?
• What is the connection to patience that James brings into this passage ?
• Why is it such a virtue to have patience? How many prayers have you prayed that Jesus has answered at the last hour—when you’re about to give up? Why do you think He may wait like that?
• What was the circle of trials and patience that we learned in James 1:2-4?

THE PROPER POSTURE OF PRAYER

• Read James 5:13-18. As we read this passage on prayer, rather than taking it apart verse by verse, focus on the passage as a whole. Why would James mention Elijah as an analogy of a man of prayer? Was Elijah perfect? How did he describe Elijah?
• What are the three answers to prayer that God gives? (Don’t forget: He answers every prayer!) If He says “No,” how do you react? Read Matthew 26:38-39. How did Jesus pray to His Father? What lessons can we learn about prayer from these two verses in Matthew?
• When should you ask yourself, “Why am I praying for this?” What would be the advantage of learning to ask yourself this before every prayer?

THE POWER OF PURPOSE

• Read James 5:19-20. What is so encouraging about these verses? Does anyone ever get too sinful to be able to be saved?
• Have you carried burdens of sin that you’ve committed since you were saved, that have made you fear God has blotted your name out of His book?
• Read Romans 38-39. What does that verse mean to YOU?

Close:

Has James become someone you can hardly wait to meet in heaven? A half-brother of Jesus, obviously scoffing at His being the Messiah, yet doing a complete 180 after he sees Him beaten, crucified, and buried, only to rise from the grave by His own power and show Himself to James, in particular. What a meeting that was!

His leadership in the church at Jerusalem became his focus later. As the leader of the church, he must have remembered much of what Jesus had said and did at home before His ministry began. James’ personality shines through the book, and his practical style of living out your faith—which, he reminds us, if not bearing fruit, is dead—will enrich your walk. He takes almost every “common” sin known to man, and tells us how to handle it: trials, pride, giving, teaching, clean living, lying, cursing, money, power, prayer… if you want to know how to live the Christian life in a nutshell, go to James. The book will give you advice in almost all areas.

Do you still memorize? This small book is easy to commit to memory: most of his passages flow from a word or phrase (or thought) used in the preceding passage. Get a grip on the thought, and the passage is easily memorized. It will come in handy for the rest of your life!

FAITH WITH FEET – FAITH AND WORKS
July 5, 2020
Jonathan Falwell

Can you think of a time when a celebrity, politician, or someone of wealth or fame came near you, and you asked for a photo or autograph? Can you share?

Open:

The new series, “Faith With Feet,” from the book of James, gives us practical insights on how to conduct ourselves as Christians—not only by our actions, but also by our verbal witness. Many of us think that others should see “Christ in us” as we do our daily living. However, unless we confess with our mouth that Jesus Christ is our Lord, it is possible others may just consider us a “good” person. Today we will see that it is by our fruits that the world will know that we are Christians (Matthew 7:17-20).

Focal Passage: James 2:1-26

Everyone Matters

• Read James 2:1. Who is James writing to? Does someone have a translation other than “partiality”? If not, perhaps we could say, “Do not make distinctions between the people you meet while you are striving to maintain a walk of faith.” Why is that important?
• Read verses 2-4. If someone who is dirty or smells badly sits in a pew near you at church, what might be our natural reaction unless we are very good at guarding our tongues and expressions? Read Lev. 19:15. How does this verse back up James 2:2-4?
• What might be a word other than “attention”? You could substitute the word “court” (the old-time dating word), which would mean you go to some length to ingratiate yourself in order to get their attention. In plain terms, you are ________.
• Why does the Holy Spirit (through James) say that showing partiality (preference) between the rich and poor is judgment with evil motives? What does he mean? What type of message might this send to those individuals?
• Read verses 5-7. How does God view the poor man? Why do you think that is the case? How do rich people often act? Whose name are they blaspheming? What is at the core of their actions?
• Read verses 8-9. What is the “royal law”? If you give honor or disdain to someone because of their station in life, why is this sin?

Everything Matters

• Read James 2:10-11. Would you say that each of the Ten Commandments vary in degree of sinfulness? Why or why not? How many sins does it take to make a person a sinner?
• Read verses 12-13. What would be some of the ways in which a godly person would treat both the rich and the poor? Which one would be more affected by the Christ-like actions?
• If the Bible is the book from which we will all be judged, and it is opened as we come forward, how will that make you feel? What is the only reason you can have peace about it?
• Read verses 14-18. As you read it, substitute the word “fruits” for works, to be less confusing today. Remember the verses from Matthew 7 in the opening? If you have friends who say they are Christians, do their words or actions cause you to wonder if their salvation is real? Why or why not?
• To paraphrase verses 15 and 16, James says “If you are aware of a Christian brother or sister who needs food, or even clothing, and you see them on the street, talk to them, and then leave, saying ‘Have a great day,’ what good is the faith you say you have?” What should you do in that case?
• Read verses 17-18. James is NOT saying that faith + works = salvation; he is saying faith in you is alive, and you are rooted in God. As such, you (with a live faith) will produce fruit. If you are not producing fruit, your faith is dead. Read Romans 7:4. Should all Christians produce fruit?

It All Matters

• Read verse 19. When you affirm that you believe in God, how do others know that you are not just “talking the talk”? What else does it take?
• Read verses 20-26. Why does James continue to focus on the importance of believers understanding that their actions speak much louder than their words? 
• What two examples of faith with action does he use? What part of Abraham’s life did James cite as a defining evidence of his faith? Could you have done what Abraham did?
• Who was the second example, and what do we know of Rahab? What could have been the outcome of her action of faith? Did she let that stop her?
• Read verse 26 again. Is that the same as verse 20?

Close:

Each chapter of James is filled with statements that convict that average Christian who warms a pew on Sunday, puts in tithe, eats, works and sleeps the next six days, and returns to church. Definitely that is a generalization, but it is unfortunate that the number of those who are comfortable in their lifestyle, versus those who want something deeper, is not equal. We can all think as we listen to James of the areas where we fall down. Hard.

A long-haired, dirty young man in hiking boots, with his girlfriend, walked down a church aisle and sat on the front pew. Instantly some people in that church became uncomfortable, but others made them welcome. The pastor, led by God, preached a sermon straight from the heart, not knowing the young man was a drug user and dealer. God reached down and saved that couple, and as soon as he was able to graduate from college and seminary he began preaching. He is still preaching after 40 years. Many souls have been saved and lives changed as a result. What if he had been told to sit on the floor in the back?

Recently a popular book had a main character whose life was spent so quietly that his own sisters had no idea if he was saved, and did not have the courage to address the situation with him for fear of alienating him. They asked a friend to talk with him. Amazingly, he had a deep faith, prayed often and fervently, studied his Bible, but thought his life would be a testimony even if he did not say anything. Learning to communicate turned out to be a journey for him that was a great trial, but he persevered. Many Christians are like this fictional character, assuming a testimony doesn’t need words.

James belabors the point of faith producing fruit, knowing it is the only way others will learn the way of salvation. As Romans 10:14 says, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” There are countless ways we can minister, from taking meals, helping with children, using our talents such as carpentry, painting, etc., cleaning—too many to list—all with the aim of opening up a path of friendship that, as Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr. used to say, “earns us the right to be heard.” Our faith is put into action to fulfill a need, giving us the possibility of proclaiming Christ as our Savior.

Father of Fathers
June 21, 2020
Pastor Matt Wilmington

On this Father’s Day, can you share some who most influenced you to strive to become a great dad?

Open:

All of us have heard it said that our views of God are usually based on the relationship we had with our earthly father when we were a child. The truth is, no matter what our earthly father was like, spending time in God’s word daily, learning all we can about His character, along with a faithful prayer life, all give us a perfect picture of the Father we have in heaven. Men, especially fathers, need to be so sold out to Christ that you can immediately tell by their countenance that they are a child of God the Father.

Focal Passages: John 14:1-10; John 15:1-2, 8, 16; John 17:11, 17:21

Men: YOU have a Father who has a HOME for you

• Read John 14:1-2. Who was Jesus speaking to in these verses (go back to John 13:1-5, if you’re not sure)? What did He promise believers in this passage?
• What kind of home has He prepared for you? How do you know there is room for all?
• Read verses 3-6. What is the only way to the Father who is in heaven?

  Jesus was telling His disciples of the Father; what can you learn about God from these verses?

• Sometimes we ignore our earthly father because of his past actions. Why should we never want to ignore God, as our heavenly Father?

Men: God desires FRUIT for you, and through you

• Read John 15:1-2. Can you share something about gardening? Why does Jesus say God is your “gardener”? What are some of the things a gardener does?
• Why is it necessary to prune away branches that are dead or those that sap the strength of the main vine? Why does God prune us? What are some ways He does this?
• Read verse 8. What glorifies God? How do we produce fruit? What is the best fruit that we can bear?

Men: God desires for you to be pure in your relationship with Him

• Read John 17:11. What does Jesus have on His heart as He is about to endure the cross and return to His Father? Why does He ask God to protect us? What does protection assume? Who is the adversary? What other kinds of protection do we need to be guarded from?
• Read 1 Peter 1:22. How did Peter say we are purified? Which Person of the Godhead helps us obey the truth? What is the fruit produced by a pure heart?
• Read 1 Thess. 5:23. What is the end result that God desires for our lives, so that we’ are ready when He calls us home?

Men: God desires all believes to live in unity

• Read John 17:20-21. What does Jesus desire for all believers? Why is there so much division between races throughout the world?
• What can we do to make an impact on the problems of division in our land?
• Is is possible that an honest smile, a sincere compliment, a good deed, an invitation to lunch to a person not of your race…could help bridge the chasm that has developed between people?

Close:

Father’s Day. Like Mother’s Day, this celebration of the life of the earthly man we call “father” has been different, as we are now about one hundred days into COVID 19. We’re excited that perhaps we may be beginning Phase 3 of returning to some sense of normalcy this coming weekend. But has it changed your heart?

This sermon for the men who need to be reminded that although they are the anchor for their family—providing shelter, clothes and food (and a million other items)—they do not have to shoulder the burden all by themselves. They have a loving Father in heaven who cares so much about them that He has promised He will provide for their needs (Matt. 6:25-34). Yes, He asks obedience and purity from His believers, but in turn, the riches which He supplies will be more than we can ever think or imagine! (1 Cor. 2:9). There are definitely times He has to prune us, but it results in more fruit in our lives. He’s a trustworthy, faithful, loving Father, and no one on earth can compare to Him.

RUN THE RACE: RUN IT WITH HEART!
June 07, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

It seems crazy that someone would hope to win a game or competition without knowing the rules, doesn’t it? Yet it happens! Can you think of an example?

Open:
Today we continue our series, Run the Race, as we realize there are responsibilities we have as believers, so that we can not only endure the hills, valleys and hurdles in life, but finish well. Jesus was very clear as He gave us the foundations for our training—telling us what godly actions will produce positive results when we live according to His word. Jesus called them “blessings,” or literally “Happy are those who,” have the heart attitude that will bring us to crossing death’s finish line with a “well-done, good and faithful servant.” Today we will look at the first four Beatitudes.

Key Verse: Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the gate of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.

Focal Passage: Matthew 5:3-12

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

• Read Matthew 5:3. For the next several verses, Jesus taught that one would be “blessed” by accepting the truth in each one; what did He mean by blessed? Can you think of any other verses that begin “Blessed is “?
• Did God mean these would bring happiness to you? What are some things the world (and possibly believers) consider equivalent to happiness? Is this what Jesus meant, or did He mean a much deeper fulfillment?
• What kind of poverty was Jesus speaking of here? What would cause you to be poor in spirit? Read Isaiah 29:19. Does this verse refer to the same heart attitude? What will the reward be for those who humble themselves before God in repentance?

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted

• Read Matt. 5:4. What would the world assume the word “mourn” refers to? What did Jesus mean? Had the Old Covenant of sacrifices created a life of sinless perfection? Is there anything we can do to earn our salvation? Is this why we mourn?
• Besides grieving over our own sinful state, what are some other issues that will give us a broken spirit of mourning? Read Psalm 34:18. What can God do with a broken heart or contrite spirit?
• What are some of the ways people look for for comfort? Was this what Jesus meant? If you come to Him mourning your sinfulness, realizing that you can do nothing to merit His favor, what will He do with your repentance? Why does this explain how grace and healing begins?

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth

• Read verse 5. What do most people think the word meek means? Is this correct? Can someone explain what it actually means? Does anyone have an example of meekness? 
• Do you know anyone who is meek? Will you share why you perceive this person to be powerful, yet filled with kindness and gentleness? In this past week, have you seen meekness displayed by anyone during the turbulent, violent actions that have gone on in America?
• What will be the inheritance of the meek? Do you think Jesus was speaking of the earth as we now know it? Why or why not?

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

• Read verse 6. Other than for a time of fasting, have you ever gone without food or water for a period long enough to trouble you? Can you conceive of hungering and thirsting so completely for righteousness that it would break your heart? What are some things we sometimes crave? Have you ever craved righteousness that much?
• What does God promise to those who crave to be righteous before Him? Where does the change in one’s life have to begin?
• Do you feel confident as you think about the Bema Seat judgment, and what it will be like? What can take away your concerns?

Close:

Can you imagine what it must have been like for the common people who were listening to Jesus on the hillside in Galilee? As is mentioned in the scriptures, “the common people heard Him gladly,”(Mark 12:37), and “He taught as One having authority, and not as one of the scribes” (Matt. 7:28-29). They were being filled with teaching so different than what was taught in the synagogues that many perceived it as Truth, and recognized Jesus as the Messiah.

Jesus began this discourse with people gathered all around Him. If you’ve been to Israel and stood on the area where He taught the Beatitudes, you can easily imagine the scene. There had to have been a sense of awe that filled them. Some, no doubt, were the ones who said, “Isn’t this the carpenter’s Son?” Others, representing the religious leaders, would have been furious that Someone who had not had the benefit of their teaching would take it upon Himself to teach the people. But the others—the ones whom God had loved from eternity past, were taking it all in, trying to understand what He meant, and in effect, hungering and thirsting to be clean from their sinful nature. How many had only hours or days before death? Would they have absorbed His words, like the thief on the cross, and believed that He was the Messiah?

No one is promised tomorrow—or, for that matter, two minutes from now. Make certain that you are ready to cross the finish line, ready to throw your arms around Jesus, praising Him for what He’s done for you.

RUN THE RACE: A NEW BEGINNING
May 24, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Have you (or someone close to you) participated in a race, perhaps a 3K, 5K or even the Boston Marathon? How did that go for you? Were you committed to going the distance?

Open

Last week we began a new series, “Run the Race.” All of us, no matter our status in life, have days or seasons where we would just love to stand on the sidelines of life, checking back in if/when things got easier. That’s not Biblical. God’s word encourages us to keep on when the going gets tough. In fact, He warns us that in this life “we [believers] will have tribulation,” but we are to be comforted, for HE has overcome the world (John 16:33). Ultimately, we are the only ones who determine whether we will quit or head for the finish line. Let’s each run our race as believers with the knowledge that Jesus has said He has already given us the victory!

Key Verse: Psalm 122:1: I was glad when they said unto me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

Focal Passages: Psalm 107:28-32; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 10:13, 15:57.

THE ELEMENTS OF THE RACE

Remove

• Read Hebrews 12:1. When athletes prepare for a competition, what do they generally wear? What would happen if they tried to compete with heavy clothing on or with full backpacks?
• Read 1 Sam. 17:38-39. David was about to be in a competition that would end in life or death. How does this passage illustrate Heb. 12:1?
• If sin is the “weight,” what must you do? What is something else the weight can be? If it is your own selfishness, what can you substitute your feelings of it’s “all about me” with? Are you prone to laziness or procrastination (a sloth)? How can this be a weight, and what can you do to change that?

Renew

• During His ministry on earth, what was Jesus’ daily schedule like? How did He renew His inner strength regularly? How can you make time for fervent prayer on a daily or frequent basis?
• Read 2 Tim. 1:14. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life? How can we grieve Him? How can we renew ourselves in Him?
• Read Heb. 12:2a. How can we understand Jesus as the author of our faith? Read Rom. 8:28. God does not keep us from making wrong or bad choices. He can, however, bring good out of what we’ve messed up, and if it’s sin, cleanses us from them when we’ve confessed (1 Jn. 1:9). Why do we need to be constantly aware of this every day?

Return

• Read Heb. 12:2b. What were many of the things Jesus endured between His Incarnation and Ascension? Have you endured any persecution for the cause of Christ, and if so, what type?
• Read 1 Cor. 15:57. God knows we are going to have tough times. What does He let us know that gives our spirits strength during those times?
• What is the victory that we know is coming?

Close

Today would not be complete without giving praise, glory, and worship to God for moving in the hearts of those in authority in our state to reopen our churches on this day! Only those who love to spend their Sundays in a local church body, worshiping Jesus Christ, and encouraging and loving on each other will understand the joy that was in our hearts today as we were allowed once again to assemble together!

We have had—and most are still having—a tough time in our nation even as we have begun Phase 1 of reopening our businesses, some returning to work, or financial aid starting to come in. Financial crisis, health crisis, family crisis—they’re on every side. But today, God bless our President, our churches were declared to be “essential” and allowed to reopen! To be with friends after separations of nearly three months was extremely emotional. Tears were shed, hugs sometimes shared (sometimes social distancing just didn’t cut it!), and love was rampant. It was a day filled with love and joy.

This has been a test of strength for many of us. It’s been a more than just a challenge to be within our house and yard, not allowed to socialize except on rare and stringently ruled occasions. Do you feel as though you’ve been running a race? Not of competition but of just drawing on strength to make it daily. Many haven’t had that strength to draw on. If you are aware of someone who needs help, please let our church know, or take a meal to their door. You’ll encourage them with your love, and you might be the only person they see today. Pray daily and fervently for those on the front lines, for those away from their families, and for those who have lost a family member to COVID 19. You’ll be blessed beyond measure!

THE POWER OF A GODLY WOMAN…AND MAN!
May 10, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

It is estimated that we each meet more than 10,000 persons in a lifetime, who form an instant opinion, negative or positive, about us. What kind of impact do you think you have on most of those people?

Open:

Today in America is called “Mother’s Day,” as we honor those women who have helped make us into the person we are, or a day when we as mothers are honored. The power wielded by those with parental authority over children is tremendous, so God has laid out many admonitions to be followed. We will definitely make an impact upon those whom we raise, whether good or bad. The bottom line is, what is our responsibility before God?

Key Verse: Jeremiah 17:7: Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.

Focal Passages: Jeremiah 17:7-10; 2 Cor. 12:9-10; Psalm 62:5-7; 1 Cor. 13:13.

LEARN TO LEAN

• Read Jeremiah 15:5. Is it natural for humans to give control of their life over to God? Why or why not? However, if we try to do life our way, what does God say will be the consequences? Although things may go well for a season, what will be the final result of a life built around yourself?
• Read verse 6. Why is the person who shuts out God a “fool” (Psa. 14:1)? Were we created to do life on our own? Why or why not?
• Read 2 Cor. 12:9-10. Why would you guess so many people turn to God when life becomes too much for them to handle?

LEAN TO LEAD

• Read Jer. 17:7-8. Have you ever traveled somewhere and felt as though you had come “home”? Why is this an analogy of the person who embraces Christ as Savior?
• Read Psalm 1:1-3,6. This Psalm leads one to think perhaps Jeremiah was familiar with Psalm 1. What are some of the qualities in these two passages that can be likened to a Christian whose roots are deep in the Lord?
• Read Psalm 62:5-7. What are some things you find it very difficult to wait for? Was “an answer to prayer” one of the things mentioned? Why do we find it so hard to wait for God to answer our fervent prayers?
• Why is it so important that you learn to lean on Jesus before you can safely and responsibly lead others?

LEAD IN LOVE

• Can you name some professions where a lack of love would/could make a difference in the lives of those one works with? Why would it matter?
• Read 1 Cor. 13:13. Why is love greater than faith or hope? If, as a parent or guardian, you use methods of dictatorship or control, why will the child come to fear or hate you (in all probability)? Will they long to get out of the house? Can anyone give an example?
• Read Jer. 17:9-10. Why is it not wise to follow your feelings when making life decisions? What is the best way to weigh the desires of your heart?

LIFE LESSONS TO TAKE AWAY:

1) Love  —the way you will have the greatest impact on others.

2) Recognition —as you lead, others must be able to recognize that God is

your only authority, and the one on whom you lean.

3) Appreciation —those whom you lead need to be assured that their actions

and personhood are of great value, both to you and to God.

Close:

Days set aside to examine the responsibilities of parents or guardians are so beneficial, especially in this day when everyone is taught to do things “your way.”

As parents, learning to trust in Jesus is the greatest gift, outside of loving the other parent, that we can give our children. When we make Jesus our focus and friend, talking to Him throughout the day in a conversational manner, we are leaving an imprint on our children’s minds. It shows we know He’s there and we are positive—not hopeful—He is listening to our every concern. It is a habit one can form that will have great rewards!

There is no greater joy, John writes, than to see our children walking with the Lord. If we drop them off at church for an hour, drop them off at school for eight hours a day, there are few periods of time left to truly teach them about God. If you are learning to lean on Jesus, and desire to lead others, first make sure you are leading your own children to know the Lord Jesus as Savior.

Nothing we have here on earth will be in heaven with us, except the souls of those we’ve led to the Lord. He who wins souls is wise (Prov. 11:30)!

AND YOU SHALL…
April 26, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Having friends on social media has become a way to socially interact during the pandemic of COVID 19. What type of material do you post? What do you like to read?

Open:

The past few weeks we examined the last words of Jesus as He was arrested and crucified, culminating last week in His words from Revelation, “Behold! I come quickly!” His last statements tell us two things: we must be the ones to go and tell, and Jesus is coming soon. Today we want to go deeper into these phrases, examining our own hearts to see if we are carrying out His Great Commission, or if we are hoping others will be the ones who “go and tell.”

Key Verse: Acts 1:8a: But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me….

Focal Passages: Matthew 4:19, 9:37, 24:9-14a; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15; Phil. 4:13.

Jesus commanded it

• Read Acts 1:8a. When does the Holy Spirit take up residence in a believer? What do the words “you shall” imply?
• What do we consider to be our options about sharing the news of salvation through Jesus Christ? What are some excuses we use not to share?

Jesus taught it

• Read Matthew 4:19. How did Jesus live His life in order to be our pattern? What are some examples from His ministry?
• Are there areas of your life where you have told someone, “Do as I do”? Have you used this phrase in connection with your walk with Jesus? Why or why not?

The world needs it

• Think nationally and globally: what are some troubles that are in today’s world? What is the basic root problem?
• Read Matthew 24:9-12. What are some of the evidences of hatred toward Christians today? How does this sound like Jesus’ words of the “last days”?
• Can you think of other examples that may indicate we are getting close to His return?

You can do it

• Read Matthew 24:14a. What is God’s promise in this verse? Is there any ambivalence in His statement?
• Read Matthew 9:37. What field and harvest was Jesus referring to? Why are there few workers? Who is responsible for the work? What problem does the world need to be saved from?
• Read 1 Peter 3:15. Who are to be the preachers? How can you make yourself ready? What does it mean to do it in meekness and fear?

Close:

Another week of isolation, social distancing, quarantine, and COVID 19, terms that were not even part of our ordinary vocabulary until perhaps the first part of December, 2019. Now we speak of them many times a day, hoping the time is soon when employees can return to work, we can mingle with the ones we love, and life regains some normalcy. As we consider the Great Commission, we want to know what can be done to “follow Christ” in this time of craziness when we are still feeling our way, trying to stay positive. What are some of the great things you are hearing about in your town? We know this is a time when churches are stepping forth, calling members on the phone to ask “How can we help you?” Food baskets and meals are being distributed (and yes, social distance is practiced), financial help is being offered, and much more. We’re hearing of parking lots at the local hospitals being filled with prayer warriors, sitting in their cars with headlights on, praying for patients who can’t have visitors or family while they are inside. Restaurants are furnishing food to shut-ins, and donations are on an upswing as the communities rally around their own. It has been amazing to see the photos of cities like Los Angeles and New York, now, compared to three months ago! The clarity of the air has been radically impacted, smog is fading, gases are controlled, and canals and streams are clearing up. Life is much healthier! The best of all the great news, however, is the number of people who are turning to Jesus Christ, understanding their need of a Savior, and hearing their sins can be forgiven. The fear of getting COVID 19 may be great, but an eternity spent in a very real place called Hell is much more fearsome. It is marvelous to see scores of people deciding it is time to take God seriously. Thank You, Lord, for the blessings You’ve given us during this time unlike no other we’ve ever known!

EASTER SUNDAY: HE LIVES!
April 12, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

What are some of the ways you’ve had to learn new facets of technology during this enforced time of quarantine from COVID 19?

Open:

The past two weeks we’ve taken an in-depth look at the last words of Jesus as He hung on the cross. We have found comfort and hope that He gave in those final moments. Today, with Christians worldwide, we celebrated the victorious outcomes of those few days when Jesus was led away to be judged, tortured, then crucified, then buried. However, on Sunday morning, the tomb was EMPTY! This year, as churches globally are empty while a pandemic rages, we have gathered in living rooms, dens, or kitchens and watched by way of technology believers praising our Risen Lord. His purpose for coming to earth was complete!

Focal Passages: John 19:28-30, John 10:17-18; Hebrews 10:9-10.

His work was accomplished

• Read John 19:28a. In our humanity, it is hard for us to not think that because He is God, He could endure the suffering. Not so! But how does this verse put into clarity the fact that His mission was first and foremost in His mind?
• What were the “things” that were now accomplished?

The Scriptures were proven

• Read verse 28b. What were some of the Scriptures you can think of that Jesus fulfilled in the three years of His ministry?
• Read John 1:29. How did John the Baptist know that Jesus was “The Lamb of God”? Read Luke 1:15b. How could this have been part of the answer?

His love displayed

• Read John 19:30b. There are so many areas that the phrase “It is finished” could have referred to; list as many as you can.
• Read Romans 5:8. Whom do you know who would give their child to be beaten and killed by and for evil, wicked men? What were you like before salvation?

His power confirmed

• Read John 19:30c and John 10:17-18a. Who was in total control of the death of Jesus? In verse 18a, who took His life away from Him? Did He at any time lose any of His control?
• Read Colossians 2:9-10. What does this verse say about the power of Jesus Christ?

His promise fulfilled

• Read John 10:18b. John continued Jesus’ statement of His death. Could anyone take the power away from Jesus that could keep Him rising from the grave?
• Read 2 Corinthians 5:15. Because Jesus went through such agonizing suffering for us, what is our responsibility?
• Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. If you had stopped reading at the word “buried,” would there have been any victory? Why does the victory come because of the resurrection?

Close:

What a marvelous Easter Sunday! Probably the majority of us who have been Christians for most of our lives have seldom missed many Easter services, so to not center our activities around our church on this day seemed unsettling. At the same time, in a way it freed our time up to plan for new ways to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, unlike in years past.

For believers in our local community, most of us were obligated to remain at home, selecting our worship service(s) based on the digital abilities of the church we usually attend, or those of friends or relatives. For some of us, we were even able to watch, by Facebook or social media, more than one. We were additionally blessed to be able to attend our normal Sunday school through Zoom, seeing, hearing, and interacting with those whom we’ve come to love and fellowship with on a regular basis. After lunch, again through the blessing of technology, we were able to watch the full-length production of “JESUS,” as performed by Sight and Sound Theatres of Lancaster, PA. The moving presentation, with animals, amazing props, and realistic actors brought the scenes from the life of Jesus into our homes and lives, and even gave us fresh images of activities that were common to Jesus. 

How much time did you spend today thanking Him for the suffering He endured for you? Or thanking Him for your salvation? Did anything that was said today impact your life for eternity? When this period of global isolation is over, will you return to business as usual, or will you remember the special moments when God seemed to reach down and pull you—like Jesus did Peter from the ocean waves, as he walked on water—out of the depths of the sea? Don’t forget lessons learned this Easter!

FAMOUS LAST WORDS, PART 1
March 29, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

During this unprecedented time of enforced isolation from most of our fellowmen, have you heard about or read of actions that people or businesses are doing that are encouraging?

Open:
Today we enter a new series, looking forward to Easter, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus made statements as He hung on the cross, not only meant for those people in that time, but also for mankind throughout the ages, for us, and for the generations which will come after us. They all give a beautiful picture of the heart of Jesus Christ, what He came to earth to accomplish, and the plans He had for all of us.

Key Verse:

Focal Passages: Luke 23:32-43; John 19:25-27

Forgiveness

• Read Luke 23:32-33. What had been happening to Jesus during the past several hours? What was happening to Him physically as He hung on the cross?
• Read verse 34. Can you comprehend how it was even possible for Him to focus on the people who had sentenced Him to death—and sinners through the ages—while He was in such agony? How would you have handled it?
• How was His prayer to His Father answered even as He hung dying?

Hope

• Read Luke 23:39. Jesus was hung between two thieves; who can the first criminal represent through the years since the crucifixion?
• Read verse 40. Who could the second criminal represent? What had begun happening in his heart that caused him to rebuke the first thief?
• Read verse 41a and Romans 6;23. How did this man understand there is a penalty required for sin? Read verse 41b. During the three years prior to the crucifixion, what had Jesus been doing that the second thief was able to make his remark? Read John 18:20. How does this verse confirm your answers?
• Read verse 42. How can you know that, in a moment of clarity, his faith became real?
• Read verse 43. How does the answer of Jesus give you encouragement? How is this the epitome of hope?

Comfort

• Read John 19:25-27. As the time was passing, Jesus’ pain had to be getting harder to bear. Why does it bring comfort to know in those horrible moments His concern was for others, including His mother? Why was He concerned for her welfare after the crucifixion?
• What did He ask of John? Why would He ask John, and not one of His half-brothers?
• What does this concern show about the heart of Jesus? Why does it exemplify the commandment to “honor thy father and thy mother”? (Exo.20:12).

Close:

Most of us have never been in excruciating pain to the point that Jesus suffered over His entire body. When we think back upon our lives to a time of what we considered intense pain, it could be a migraine, a broken bone, childbirth, kidney stones, or a variety of other conditions that comes to mind. To think of the beating, the cruel thorns in the scalp, nails driven in the hands and feet—those things are beyond our understanding. 

Taking all the pain into account—especially considering we can’t really identify with the depth of it—and then speaking in a manner that reveals a heart full of love, is beyond comprehension. In the statements we read today, the first showed a complete love for those who were standing at the cross, not concerned for the monstrous deed they had performed. Yet He asked His Father to forgive them! Not only them, but by extension, sinners who have chosen to walk apart from Him through the centuries. What love!

His second statement was full of love and hope. Few verses bring such great hope as telling the second thief, “Today you’ll be with ME in Paradise!” For those who have asked Jesus to save them—even in their last moments of life—what peace that one verse can give. The third statement, giving the care of His mother to the “beloved disciple” (John), shows how He loved and cherished her, honoring her for the years she had spent preparing Him for this moment.

Most people would be screaming expletives at worst, or unable to speak coherently at best, but not Jesus Christ. As in His life, His final words were spoken for the good of those who would need the forgiveness, hope or love. What a testimony that His life—and dying—was!

LIVING THE DASH
March 15, 2020
Charles Billingsley

Have you ever wished you could go back and live your life over again, except with the wisdom you now have? What would you do differently (that you can say!)?

Open: Tombstones almost always have the birth date and death date of the person in the grave. Between the two is a “dash,” indicating days, months or years that the person lived. The length of life may vary greatly, but the end result is always the same: they departed from this earth and were immediately in the presence of the Lord. No two people have lived their “dash” the same, but their relationship with the Lord God will decide where eternity is going to be spent.

Focal Passage: John 11:1-44.

Living the Dash—through the waiting

• Read John 11:1-7. Why did Jesus wait for two days before leaving for Judea? Do you think Mary and Martha were calmly waiting? Why not?
• Read verse 11. What are some things we can do as we spend the time waiting for God to answer prayers? Which ways honor God as we wait?
• Read Psalm 27:14. Why is it so important to face our circumstances with faith, rather than doubts, fears or unbelief? If you are waiting on the Lord, what does He promise you?

Living the Dash—through the weeping

• Read verse 21. What did Mary and Martha both say when Jesus finally arrived in Bethany? Do you think they expected Him to come immediately upon hearing that Lazarus was sick? Is that different from our expectations when we have a serious prayer request?
• Read Psalm 34:17-18 and Hebrews 4:15. How can you actively process the thought that God understands your pain?
• Read Isaiah 43:2. How can you tell from this passage that God is very aware of what you’re going through? How do you know He’s working even when you cannot see Him?

Living the Dash—through the watching

• Read John 11:38-39. Only Jesus knew what He was going to do for Lazarus. Who were some of those in the crowd? (For instance, mourners). How do you think each group was reacting to what Christ was doing?
• Read verse 40. How can you make this verse applicable to your circumstances when you are going through tough times?

Living the Dash—through the wonder

• Read verses 41a-44a, Could any of those present have been prepared for this result? Explain how you imagine Lazarus able to come out, empowered by the Spirit, yet bound by grave clothes. How is that like our new nature and old nature?
• What are some of the things that can keep us bound? Did you remove all your “grave clothes” after salvation?

Close: Everyone’s life as God’s child is different! As we read through the New Testament, most of us might assume that those who knew and loved Jesus as a friend, and believed Him to be the Messiah, might have had a special relationship that we—2,000 years later—would never imagine. That was not the case, as we saw in today’s sermon. Mary and Martha had a tough couple of weeks, when their faith was tested severely.

Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus, loved their friend, Jesus of Nazareth, deeply. When Lazarus fell sick, the sisters immediately sent messengers to Jesus to let Him know His dear friend was sick. Then they waited for Jesus to come. What about you? In your time of waiting for an answer to prayer, what do you do? Unlike Mary and Martha, you can keep your eyes on the Big Picture. A life of unbelief has no place in a Christian’s tough circumstances. Faith gives hope as we wait. We can also keep our faith in His blessed promises. He has never left us, and He isn’t going to do so now! And we know that none of His promises has ever failed! And while we’re waiting, we have to remember that God is working all things out for our good. Lastly, we have to keep our heart tuned to His beautiful Presence. He is not only our dear friend, but loving Savior. And remember, God works in the space of the entire dash, not just a sliver of time.

As we move through our own dash, let us wait on the Lord. We will eventually discover His impeccable plan. It is by living for Him that we discover the wonder of worship and His intimate Presence. The lifestyle of worship is a perpetual celebration over the freedom and forgiveness God has given you. It is a beautiful “sacrifice” to Him from a loving child!

THE BEST JOB WITH THE BEST PAY
March 01, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Every day we put our faith in hundreds of things that may or may not fail us. What are some? Why do we not think twice about using these items (or matter) without conscious thought?

Open:

Do you ever question your level of faith? There is no “half-way” mark in following God. If you’re not all-in, you’re out. Not because you don’t have a choice, but because true believers are so grateful for and so aware of the miracle of salvation that anything less than our best is not an option! Today we read the opening of Paul’s letter to Titus, whom Paul called “a son in the faith.” Paul’s joy to be a slave for the gospel of Jesus Christ is an example of what our life should be like.

Focal Passage: Titus 1:1-4.

We don’t have a choice

• Read Titus 1:1a. How did Paul describe himself in this passage? What did he mean by “bondservant”? How could Paul call himself an apostle?
• Until a person makes a decision to be a Christian, what is his position in relation to eternal life? Can there be “fence-riders” in the Kingdom of God? Why or why not?
• If you have made a declaration of salvation, but are not ready to leave a  lifestyle of disobedience, what may be the state of your soul? Will a true believer desire to live a life of obedience to God?
• Why do we say a believer—Christ-honoring, all-in Christ-follower—has no choice but to be a bondservant of God?

Not just to know truth, but to live truth

• Read verse 1b. (NLT: “…teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.”) How can you know about Jesus Christ, but not have enough faith to live for Him? Do you have an example?
• As your soul, mind and spirit grow in knowledge of God, what should be happening to your relationship with Him?
• Read John 8:31-32. What did Jesus mean that “the truth would make you free”?

This truth matters

• Read Titus 1:2. Why is it important that God cannot lie? What is the difference between someone who DOES NOT lie, and Someone who CANNOT lie?
• Is there any promise you can go to in the Word of God and not tie it back to Titus 1:2? Why? Why does it matter that this is true?

It’s our job. It’s our joy

• Read verse 3. What are some of the words for the translation for Paul being “committed” with the job of preaching?   
• Read 1 Timothy 2:5-7a. Why did Paul not have any doubt that Jesus Christ had given him the mission of preaching for as long as he was able?
• Read Acts 20:24. Is there any greater joy than doing what you know God has appointed you to do?

Given to us all

• Read verse 4 and Matt. 28:18-20. Whom did Christ commission with the task to preach the gospel? How do you know in your own life whether it is a calling (i.e., your job), or a by-product of living the Christian life?
• If God has given you another profession, how can you reach lost souls for Christ as you live your life?
• Read James 4:17. How would this verse apply to you, if you never testify to friends or neighbors of the salvation you’ve experienced?

Close:

Most of us have heard the story of Charles Blondin, the amazing French tightrope artist who, in the mid-1800’s, showed his daring feat of crossing Niagara Falls, providing the prime example of what true faith is.

Mr. Blondin stretched his tightrope across the Falls, walking back and forth several times, each time with a different challenge: once he was blindfolded, once he was in a sack, on stilts, on a bicycle, in the dark, and once with a stove, over which he cooked an omelet!

The watching crowd grew more and more enthusiastic, eventually drowning out the thunderous Falls themselves. Blondin yelled to the crowd, “Do you think I can carry a man across in this wheelbarrow??” “Yes, we believe,” they yelled! Again, he asked, “Do you think I can carry a man across in this wheelbarrow??!” The crowd screamed, “Yes, yes!!” Blondin yelled back, “Who will come get in the wheelbarrow?” The crowd fell silent. No one took up the dare.

This beautiful, true story from an incredible man provides the perfect example of the call of God upon our lives. We must be so filled with faith in Jesus Christ that we are ready to answer with a positive cry of “YES” to any task He wants us to perform! As Paul himself tells us, he was a bond-servant of God—a slave for God—because he could never repay with his life what God did in providing His own Son to pay for the sins of Paul—and any of us. Our love in return, because of His great love with which He loves us, should evoke the highest passion of praise and worship that we can give. It should never be just knowing truth, but living the truth.

It has been said that the person who loves his job will never work a day in his life. What a joyful statement, and how perfectly did it describe Paul! Through the physical torment, the bodily suffering, and the mental anguish as he was deeply concerned about his planted churches, he was still filled with contentment and joy (see 2 Corinthians 11:23b-28). How totally important it is that we teach our children and grandchildren the worth of searching our hearts to find what thrills our souls with a passion, then train for that work. Meanwhile, continually take your spiritual pulse to make certain your love for Jesus Christ never grows dim or becomes lukewarm. Telling those we meet of His grace should always be our joy!

THE TRUTH THAT SETS YOU FREE
February 16, 2020
Phil Waldrep

Most families in today’s world have been affected by the actions of someone who has been betrayed by one they have trusted. Can anyone share and tell what the outcome was (without names or relationship)?

Open:

There are many admonitions in scripture that caution believers to beware having an unforgiving or bitter spirit. But we all know friends or family members who have been the victim in a betrayal, and often are not sure how to help. What is God’s way to forgive someone and move on, being set totally free? Let’s examine the subject.

Key Verse: Psalm 41:9: “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.”

Focal Passage: Psalm 41

1. Forgiveness frees me forever

  THE EMOTIONS OF BETRAYAL

• Read Psalm 41:9. How did David describe the betrayal he had experienced?
• There are five emotions that can be associated with the pain of betrayal; what are they?
• The emotion of denial soon leads to ______,  Anger, when not given to God, can lead to _______.  Can someone explain the difference between anger and rage? What can rage lead to? Rage, if let go, turns to __________. Why is bitterness so dangerous? If one is bitter, what can that easily turn to?
• Why is anger a normal emotion? Is it possible to control anger? Is rage as able to be controlled? The emotion of bitterness puts a filter over one’s eyes; what does this filter start assessing?
• In the final emotion, revenge, how do (non violent) people usually act?

  THE STEPS OF FORGIVENESS

• If a victim CHOOSES to begin the steps of forgiveness, what are they? “I choose to give up __ ________ ______ __ _______.”  “I choose not __ ___ ____.” “Even if my betrayer is _______, I will not try to _______ ___ _________ __ ___ ____.”
• Why is it not enough to say these are going to be one-time decisions? If you choose to (give up all personal rights to revenge), to (not try to get even), or not to (destroy the blessings on their life), who is going to keep trying to take you down? Who is for you?
• For most victims, the choices to keep claiming victory will be in verbal battles. Read Psalm 39:1.

2. Forgiveness frees me from the person who betrayed me

  LIES TO RENOUNCE

• What are some of the “normal” lies told victims who have been betrayed that must be renounced? Are there any references in scripture that point to the victim as being the problem?
• Victims do not have to forget; victims must use discretion as to whether to establish a relationship of any type with the betrayer, ever again (especially depending on the severity of the betrayal or the age of the victims); victims do not need to ever reestablish the level of relationship with the betrayer that it was before the betrayal. Why or why not are these true?

  WHAT IS—OR IS NOT—FORGIVENESS

• Forgiveness is NOT the same as TRUST. What is the difference, according to the sermon Phil Waldrep preached?
• It is probably not possible for a victim to ever forget. Why is this statement true while we are on the earth?
• As long as you hold on to your unforgiving spirit, what control does your betrayer have over you? Who is really controlling you? Can you CHOOSE to forgive and lay the chains down to God? How was the washing of Judas’ feet an example of Jesus not allowing the betrayal by Judas to control Him?

3. Forgiveness frees me from the pursuit of my betrayer

• Why is it considered normal for any victim to want the betrayer to hurt at the same level of pain they experienced? Is it the right thing to do? Who can be used to try to get even? Why does this never work?
• The moment you do it ____ way, you will be happy. Why does it make a difference to CHOOSE His way?
• No matter the problem, a first step is necessary in order to begin the process of healing; why is trusting God’s way an essential beginning?

4. Forgiveness frees me from the pain of my betrayal

• The pain doesn’t go away immediately. If you start the journey of forgiveness, you will one day wake up and realize you are healed. Who can relate the analogy of the apple trees used by Phil Waldrep?
• What happens when God takes all the broken pieces of your life and puts you together again? Can someone tell the analogy of the Antique Shop and the pottery?

Close:

Betrayal hurts people! As soon as the subject of forgiving a betrayer for a heinous act is brought up, a victim immediately becomes agitated or hostile. Most feel they have laid the bitterness to rest, but would confess happiness hasn’t been found yet. There are probably very few who could ever go through what King David did in our opening key verse, and come out unscathed. Nor could someone go through a betrayal and not have cried a bucket of tears as they felt the pain of the lies, “I could never have been happy because YOU _____!!” Why is it a victim believes the terrible things they are told? There is little that can wound a victim as much as the betrayal by someone they considered a “best friend,” “a soul mate” of a spouse, a “parent who loved me more than anything.” So how do you help someone who has been victimized?

This sermon by Phil Waldrep gives us much armor, as a friend, a counselor, a co-worker, or a concerned family member, to recognize and offer help. Keep it in your favorites file and listen to it (or read his books) and be able to give someone the steps to being set free, as well as recognizing the emotions that they may be dealing with, thinking they are on the right track—and aren’t.

Not only can this be a great help to third party victims, but hopefully it will help if you yourself are the victim of a betrayal. God wants us to be victorious in our walk with Him, and knowing His ways is vital to that. He has shown us the ultimate forgiveness as He paid the debt for our sins, and He desires this lesson be taken to heart and in turn, we offer forgiveness if someone hurts us.

May we all learn the lessons packed in this sermon, and be alert to ways in which we can help our hurting brothers or sisters!

SO MUCH MORE: REACHING BEYOND OUR GRASP
February 02, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Have you recently done something that was definitely out of your comfort zone? It’s a very stressful thing, isn’t it? Can anyone share?

Open: Today we are ending our series “So Much More,” and at the same time ending a church-wide twenty-one day fast. We had humbly prayed that God would hear our prayers for a year of ‘so much more than we can ask or think,’ both in our church family and within our own physical family. Now we are seeing what we need to get out of our comfort zone, even when we feel somewhat off-balance, and ask God to use our lives to increase His kingdom here on earth.

Key Verse: Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…”

I. The Importance of Reaching

    If we are going to see God do infinitely more in the days ahead, we must be faithful in carrying His message outside of our comfort zone.

It is COMMANDED BY GOD

• Read Mark 16:15-16. What are excuses for us to ignore the command in this passage?
• Is there any room for arguing with God about it? (Think of Moses, when he was called by God to lead Israel out of Egypt; what did he do?)

It is GOD’S PLAN FOR ALL OF US

• Read 2 Peter 3:9. What did Peter mean that God isn’t being slow about returning? When you think of your family, how long do you want God to hold off coming back for His children?
• Who does God not desire to be saved?

His love COMPELS US

• Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. What is our responsibility once we have experienced salvation?
• How can we tell that we have died to our old life?

The world NEEDS JESUS

• Read Ephesians 2:1-3. What is Satan’s strategy?
• What made the difference between our new life and the life we lived before hearing the Gospel?

Time is SHORT

• Read Matt. 24:36. Have you lived through a situation where you should have died? How did you feel? Did it leave a lasting impression?

II. Reasons Why We Don’t Reach

    What keeps us from sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ?

We don’t know the GOSPEL OURSELVES

• How many verses do you have confidence you know—and would be able to use—if someone asks you how to be saved?
• Do you feel you would be able to simply tell your own story of salvation? Why or why not?

We don’t care where some people SPEND ETERNITY

• Read Hebrews 9:27. Are there people you passionately care about that are facing an eternity in a very real place called Hell?
• Without naming names or relationships, can you think of some you feel sure are going to Hell, and it doesn’t bother you?

We worry about what PEOPLE MAY THINK

• What is the true, bottom-line reason that we don’t tell others about Jesus?
• Read 1 Tim. 3:6. If your answer was “pride,” what does Paul liken it to? What is the devil’s fate going to be? Is that the same as the person with pride? Read Ezek. 28:17a. What was Satan’s sin?

III. Let’s Remember the Gospel

    A synopsis of sharing our faith

God is our LOVING CREATOR

• Read John 1:1-5. How perfect was creation at the beginning?

His creation is FULL OF SIN

• Read Romans 3:23. Why did sin spread to the world?
• Do we have a choice to sin or to be holy? Explain your answer.

Jesus paid FOR OUR SINS

• Read Rom. 3:24. What has freed us from the penalty due our sin?
• Read 1 John 4:10. Can someone explain the debt of sin against us, and what Jesus did?

We receive this payment THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST                                                               

• Read Rom. 6:23. What is the difference between “wages” earned, and a gift?
• Read John 3:16 and Romans 5:1. What is the only way of salvation?

The result of our faith is ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD

• Read John 10:27-30. What does Jesus promise believers in this passage?
• Why did He willingly go to the Cross?

Close:

What an eye-opening series this has proven to be! One doesn’t realize how far into apathy we can fall until a point in a message shakes us awake. It’s easy to let the trap of a busy life lull us into a habit of distancing ourselves from the world, and a closer examination will expose a life that has become unintentionally withdrawn from people who differ greatly from ourselves.

Many may work in a profession where the number of employees is few and  possibly similar in race and values. Assuming this to be true, by the time they get home from work (40 hours per week on the average—and most of the time more), and sleep, or be home at least ten hours per night, they have possibly 58 hours left in their week. For those, Sunday (or another day off) may be the day when errands have to be run, leaving about 44, or slightly more than 6 per day. Meals (or dine out), and any extra-curricular activities for the children or grandchildren will eat that up, and suddenly the extra time for the social life of a church member, i.e., life groups, week-night classes or prayer meetings, get shoved to the side. In the end, it’s easy to cancel thoughts of any additional nights (soul winning, visitation, house groups, etc.), because there’s no “me time” left. And, without a doubt, it is busy! Satan’s tactic in this day and age is the use of a busy lifestyle. But if we are not in a large workplace we can become sheltered from unbelievers.

What is the answer? Without a doubt it’s going to take an intentional schedule change. When something needs to be added to one’s schedule—like a once a week night of witnessing—something else has to go. As we know, the command to win souls is God’s will for us, and therefore the lack of doing so can become sin in the lives of some believers. We are not speaking of those who are hampered by a season of duties that seems to have no answer. If this is truly the case in your life, perhaps you can arrange your schedule at home at some point so that you can become a true Prayer Warrior, lifting up those who need salvation on a very regular basis. What it boils down to is the defining point: are you concerned enough about God’s business to make adjustments in your own life, or do you perhaps find yourself in a not-too-concerned mindset as people all around you every day are actually dying in their lost condition, and going to Hell for all eternity? It’s definitely a situation that may get us out of that comfort zone!

 So Much More: The Heart of Gratitude
January 19, 2020
Pastor Jonathan

Recently, has anyone made a specific effort to say “thank you” to you for something you have done? If so, can you share how it made you feel?

Open: Today we continue our series, “So Much More,” as we look for ways to live our lives where the power of God produces infinitely more ‘than we can ask or think.’ We all want a life where blessings pour out over the top! What does that look like, and what does it require? A heart filled with gratitude and praise is one that will glorify God—and heart full of thankfulness will keep us from a life of pride.

Key Verse: Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…”

Focal Passage: Luke 17:11-19.

The Struggle to be Grateful [can be defeated if:]

We live entitled lives. “I DESERVE THIS AND MORE”

• Read 1 Samuel 25:14-16. What had Nabal been told regarding the protection of his servants and his livestock?
• Read verse 11. When Nabal had been told of the protection by David’s men, how did he respond? How would he have reacted if he had had a grateful heart?

We live discontented lives. “IF I ONLY HAD MORE…”

• Read Genesis 3:1-5. What did Adam and Eve have in the Garden of Eden?
• How did their actions show they were unwilling to have even one thing denied them? They lost the Garden of Eden because they wanted more!

We live jealous lives. “THEY DON’T DESERVE THAT.”

• Read Luke 7:44-46. What did Jesus say Simon had done for Him when He had entered Simon’s house to eat?
• Read verse 39. What was Simon jealous of? Why did he think the woman did not deserve for Jesus to show mercy to her? Do you know people who are angry at God because He has forgiven your for past sins?

LIVING WITH GRATITUDE

TURN EVERY BLESSING INTO PRAISE

Praise God for your NEW POSITION

• Read Luke 17:15. When you came to salvation, what were some of the things in your life that changed?

Recognize the MASSIVE DIFFERENCE GOD HAS MADE IN YOUR LIFE

• Read John 9:24-25. What difference did Jesus make in this man’s life when He stepped into it? How is that synonymous with the spiritual difference God made in your life at salvation?

Recognize WHERE YOU WOULD BE IF IT WERE NOT FOR JESUS

• If you were saved as an adult, what are some things that changed in your life (spiritual or physical)?

Praise God for HIS PROVISIONS

• Read Luke 17:16. What had Jesus provided for this man? How would his life be different now?
• Read Exodus 16:17. What type of provision did God make for Israel in the wilderness?
• Why should our joy never be based on our circumstances?

Praise God for THE POSSIBILITY OF IMPACT

• Read Luke 8:26-29. How do you envision this man’s life possibly impacting his village? Read verse 39b. What did the demoniac do? Read verse 40. What was the result of his impact in his town?
• Read Isaiah 6:1, 5, 7-8. What radical change was made in Isaiah’s life when he saw the Lord? What was his immediate response upon salvation?
• Be a blessing in SOMEONE ELSE’S LIFE! Were you “saved to serve,” or ‘saved to sit and sour’?
• What are the two main ways we show our grateful thanks to God for saving us?
• Read Matthew 28:19-20. What responsibility has God given to His children whom He has saved? How can you thwart His will for your life?
• Thank God Always!

For what GOD HAS DONE                                                                 

• Read 1 Chronicles 16:9b. When David gave this command to his people, what was he actually telling them to do?
• We know witnessing is just “telling our story.” Why is it so hard to do this?

For God IS OUR REWARD

• Read verse 10. What do you think of when someone mentions ‘reward’?
• Where will we receive our ultimate reward? What will it be?

For GOD IS OUR GOD AND HE WILL NEVER CHANGE

• What are some of the acts of God from Genesis to Revelation?
• How does it effect you that His resurrection power is yours, as His child? If you have His power available to you, what does that mean to you personally in your life?

For GOD SAVED US FOREVER

• Read 1 John 2:17. Why do we have to take ‘eternity’ and ‘forever’ by faith?
• Read Hebrews 10:14. We cannot truly understand the concept of eternity. What are some of the things you think of as you try to grapple with being in heaven for eternity?

Francis Schaeffer: “The beginning of a man’s rebellion against God was, and is, the lack of a thankful heart.”

Close: Most of the things in our lives that make for a healthy, happy, or contented life do not come about because we have practiced them a few times in succession. There’s an old cliche that says a habit is something that has been done three times. The truth is, those things which give us a beautiful life are the results of continual discipline. Ask any person who has a dedication to a sport or a hobby and they will tell you of the long hours that have been required to achieve the results they desire.

A passionate spiritual life requires the same type of discipline. Going to church, daily prayer times, or hours of Bible study are not habits that can be taken for granted; they will almost always be the result of a godly self-discipline. In Genesis 3:19, God told Adam, “you will eat your bread by the sweat of your brow.” It is not a long stretch to realize God could just as well have said, “you will learn of Me—the Bread of Life—by sweating though hours of discipline.”

Not only is spiritual growth the result of discipline, but also the growth of maturity and wisdom in our character as well. Today’s quality of gratefulness is not acquired by giving a brief “thank you” for something kind done for us. It might be in forcing yourself to drive back to town when you’re almost home, just to tell the person in the grocery store “thank you!” Eventually the inconvenience in order to right a wrong (not in the moral sense, but in training yourself in the way you should go) will help you remember the quality you’re trying to instill in yourself. How do you teach yourself hard lessons that last a lifetime? When you answer that question for yourself, you will be on the road to teaching yourself how to “love life and see good days! (I Peter 3:10). May we all take the time and self-discipline to see that we hold ourselves to a high standard of excellence: God Himself sought that standard for us when He told us, “Be holy, as I am holy”. Ask Him to help you be ‘so much more’ in your character as a Christian than you can ‘ask or think.’

So Much More: A Walk in the Word
January 5, 2020
Charles Billingsley

How many times have you been ready to assemble a DIY item, and cast aside the instruction sheet? Did you end up with parts left over? Can you share a memory?

Open:

Today we begin our new series, So Much More. We know the scriptures tell us that God is able to do so much more than we can ask or think, but do we step out in faith to explore the truth of that statement? Study with us as we start at the beginning: using all the resources in God’s Word as our “instruction book,” knowing it will be a lamp and light as we travel through life!

Key Verse: Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…”

The Importance of God’s Word

You can TRUST THE WORD OF GOD

• Read 2 Timothy 3:16a. Why is it important to read the Bible?
• If you thought of an illustration in the opening, did you end up needing the  instruction sheet? How is that like ignoring the instructions in the Bible as you try to navigate life?
• Read 2 Sam. 22:31. Why can you trust God’s word?

It NEVER CHANGES

• Read verse 16b, and Malachi 3:6a. Do you believe God when He says that He does not change? Why or why not?
• Read John 10:30 and John 14:6. How can a person believe that God’s word is true? Has it changed over the past 4,000 years? What does this tell you?

It will always CHANGE YOU

• Read verses 16b-17. There are six verbs in these verses that tell what God’s word will do for you; list each and explain how it can change you. (For instance, “Teach us”).

The Power of God’s Word

It is our WEAPON AGAINST SATAN’S ATTACKS AND LIES

• Read Eph. 6:12. How do we come against Satan’s attacks with God’s word?
• Matthew 4:1-11: can someone tell what happened between Jesus and Satan in the Wilderness experience?

It FEEDS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST

• Read Matt. 5:6. What is the promise in this verse? How is this true?
• Read Psalm 34:1, 8, 10, and Psalm 37:3. How is our relationship with God strengthened when we are “feeding” on God’s word?

It keeps us FOCUSED ON ETERNITY

• Read Colossians 3:1-4. Where are our thoughts often directed as we read the Bible? Is this true for you?
• Read Eph. 2:6. If we are “seated in the heavenly places” with Christ, where will our thoughts be during the day?

The Integrity of God’s Word

           Jesus Christ IS THE WORD                                                                     

• Read John 1:1-3. What was the role of Jesus Christ in Creation? What is He called in these verses?
• Read Col. 1:12-19. How does this verse confirm the truth that Jesus was active at creation? What does consist mean (we had this word recently)?

The Word is LIVING AND ACTIVE

• Read Hebrews 4:12-13. If something is designated as “living,” name some qualities it possesses. Is that true of the word of God?
• Is it possible the Bible, being “alive,” has a life that will keep it living no matter how men try to eradicate it?

The Word is the ROADMAP OF THE WAY

• Read John 14:6 again. If Jesus is the “Way,” how can the Bible also be the Way? How does it point people to Jesus?

Our Commitment to God’s Word

We need to HEAR GOD’S WORD

• Read Matt. 7:24 and Mark 4:20. What did Jesus say about our listening with attentive ears to the preaching of His word?

We need to READ GOD’S WORD

• Read Acts 17:11. What made the Bereans different from most of the people the apostles preached to?
• How can a person learn to discern truth from error in teaching or preaching?

We need to STUDY GOD’S WORD

• Read Joshua 1:8, in NLT if possible. What was God telling Joshua? Why is it applicable to us as well?
• Read 2 Tim. 2:15, in NLT if possible. How much importance does God place on studying the scriptures?

We need to MEMORIZE GOD’S WORD

• Read Psalm 119:11. What is the best reason for memorizing scripture?
• Read Psalm 119:148. What is a reason we might lie awake in the night?

We need to OBEY GOD’S WORD

• Read James 1:22. What are we doing to ourselves if we listen to preaching on Sundays, but do not obey God during the week?
• Read Deut. 11:13-14. What does God promise to the persons who obey and love Him with all their heart?

Close:

In the past several years, a new diet has been sweeping the country, with thousands of people anxious to give a review about the amazing results that can be achieved for those who are faithful to the plan. There are not such great results when the diet is not followed wholeheartedly, which is now called “Dirty” dieting.

What an apt analogy to walking in the light of the Greatest Book ever written! The Bible has sold billions of copies, changing people beyond what anyone could ever hope to imagine, and transforming worthless, meaningless lives into vibrant, healthy persons. People who have been changed by the relationship with Jesus Christ are eager to give Him the credit for a new life—born again by the Holy Spirit.

On the opposite side are the millions who want an escape from hell and its burning fires, but don’t desire to have Jesus become the King in their lives! Many of the books of the Bible offer dire warnings to these who play at their Christian walk. They sit in church on Sundays, piety in their expressions, while their minds are busy concocting wicked plans that they can hardly wait to put into action. Fooling the others in the congregation, they are not fooling God, who knows the thoughts and intents of each heart. What a sorrowful thing that they believe they are getting away with their sin, when all the while the price for their redemption has been paid, if they but repent, turn from their sin and pride, and accept the free gift of God.

Only a life whose heart is sold out to God will find its way to an eternity with Jesus Christ and other believers. For those whose lives have been transformed, there is but one option. Is that the way you have chosen?

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING
December 29, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

The end of another year! They seem to go so quickly, don’t they? Can you share a situation or blessing that has brought great happiness to you this past year?

Open: At the end of any given year many people will reflect on the past twelve months for things that brought joy. Today, however, we are going to look forward to the coming year, particularly trying to be aware of the tremendous potential for God to bless our family and our church with “So Much More,” as we seek to serve Him at a new level of love and obedience. Join as we prepare for a new year and a new decade, anticipating what we can expect God to do, and also understand what it is that He desires us to do!

Focal Passage: Ephesians 3:14-21.

No limit to God’s greatness or God’s goodness

• Read Eph. 3:15. How did God create the heavens, the earth, and all things that are in them? Read Col. 1:17. Not only did God through Jesus Christ create all things, but what else does He do? What does “consist” mean?
• Read verse 16. What resources does God have? Who else has this much to draw from? What does He use them for?
• Where does Paul say we will be strengthened? What is our “inner man”? What are some of the reasons we would need to be strengthened in our  heart or soul? (For instance, to avoid temptation to use profanity.)
• How do you know there is no limit to God’s provision for strength in your ‘inner man’? Will He ever expect you to do life by yourself? Why or why not?

Our contentment is based on our connection

• Read verse 17. Can someone liken the verbs in this verse to electricity and its power? Why will we find contentment in life if our “power” is because we are “rooted and grounded” in God?
• Read Hebrews 4:16. Why would we have boldness, if He is filling us with contentment? Go back to Eph. 3:12 and read. Where do we get our boldness?
• What is the difference between contentment and happiness? Is contentment and joy the same? Why?

God wants us to trust Him that much

• Read verse 18. How can we know the “height and depth, and width and length” of God’s love? What is Paul trying to convey?
• In 1 Cor. 13, the “love” chapter, what are some “love ______” that you can say God does or doesn’t do? (For instance, God never fails).
• If we were able to fathom such a love as God has for us, how would it change our actions?  How do we treat others if we are filled with His love?

We will be complete

• Read verse 19. If you spend time in real, soul-satisfying, prayer every day, what begins to happen to your relationship to the Savior? As you start to comprehend the love God has for you, what begins to happen to you?
• Why will this kind of completeness not come through outward influences?
• What is our value based on? Why do people think it is in their job, their family, their car, their home or their location?
• Read verses 20-21. What will limit the power that can be at work in us?

When people ask you, “Who are you?”, how do you reply (“John, I’m a teacher,” or “John, I’m a child of God”)? Again, where is your value?

Close:

Recently a checking account balance revealed resources available to a local lady. When she shopped, there was no concern about prices, her interest was only in the product she needed, not its cost. Most people do not shop like that. They have to be aware of the lowest-priced item, hoping it will be as good as the one that is the higher dollar and more reputable. Their resources are not unlimited!

The resources of the Lord are not second-rate, nor material (although they can be tangible gifts, for sure). If we are “rooted and grounded” in Him, then—like a well-watered tree—we will produce fruit showing the Spirit is truly at work in our lives. The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as we deal with others. There is no limit on these gifts, and they compound the more you use them! Are they gifts you would like to see in your life, but don’t? How much time daily do you spend with the Lord?

Most people are aware of photos of couples who have been married for years and their appearance has become quite similar. Exodus 34:29 says, “Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai…that [he] did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.” Have you been so complete in Him this past year that your face ‘shines’ like His? Acts 4:13 says, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” Does your face testify to others that you have been spending time with Jesus?

SING NOEL: HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING
December 08, 2019
Scott Bullman

What part of “the Magic of Christmas” do you enjoy the most? Do you have any traditions in your home that were begun by your parents or grandparents?

Open: As we continue our Christmas series today, we will focus on a carol by one of the most prolific hymn-writers of all time—Charles Wesley. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” has been sung and loved by millions of people for almost three-hundred years. Today we’ll also examine the subject of angels, who had an awesome role of announcing the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Key Verse: Luke 2:13-14: “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace good will toward men.’”

Christmas Carol: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley

What the Bible teaches about Angels:

Angels are CREATED beings.

• Read Colossians 1:16. How does this verse validate the truth that angels are created beings?
• Why is it said there is a fixed number of angels? (Read Matthew 22:30).

Angels are SPIRIT beings.

• Read Psalm 104:1-4. Besides Spirits, what other title do angels have in this Psalm? Are angels always invisible? Could they also have other roles when they would be visible? (Read Hebrews 13:2 and Genesis 19:1).  Angels are INNUMERABLE.
• Read Revelation 5:11. Does someone recall the meaning of the Greek word that is translated “myriads” in this verse? How is that like the word “infinity”?  Why can they not be counted?

Angels have PERSONALITIES, with Intellect, Will, and Emotions.

• Read Ezekiel 28:17. God is speaking of Lucifer in this verse (and passage). What confirms that he has Intellect
• Read Isaiah 14:12-13. What statements show Lucifer (the Fallen Angel) has a will?
• Read Luke 2:13 and 1 Peter 1:12. What words show the angels have emotions?
  

There are RANKS of angels.

• There are two Archangels listed in Scripture; who are they? Does anyone remember any of the times they were used by God?
• Read Ezekiel 10:5 and Isaiah 6:1-3. What are the two ranks of angels in this passage?
• Read Rev. 4:6. What is the rank or category of angels in this verse?
• Read Matt. 18:10 and Heb. 1:14. What job do these Guardian angels do?

Angels are POWERFUL beings.

• Read Joel 3:11. What is their term in this verse?
• Read Dan. 10:12-14. Why had this angel been delayed in coming to Daniel? Who had helped him? What other title did we hear for Michael (under “Ranks”)?
• Read Matt. 28:1-4. What did this angel do?

Angels are FUNCTIONAL beings, with Purposes.

• Read Rev. 4:8. What is their function in this verse? Read Luke 15:10. In this verse, what are the angels doing? Why are they filled with joy (go back to “Personalities” for an answer).  Here are some of their purposes: They worship God (Rev. 4:8); They observe the people of God (Luke 15:10); They comfort God’s people (1 Kings 18 and 19—Elijah); They inform and instruct (Luke 1:19, 26; Matt. 1:20, 2:13, 19; Luke 2:9).

Christ the SAVIOR is Born:

Charles Wesley was zealous to get the correct doctrine and theology in his hymns. Below are some of the phrases he used to write the beautiful carol, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, and the Scripture verses that he used to validate the statements. As this has been quite a lengthy study, consider letting someone read each phrase, sharing the verse and any comments.

• “Mild He lays His glory by”: Read Philippians 2:6-7. What does this verse tell us about Jesus Christ?
• “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see”: Read Colossians 2:9. Can someone explain this verse? (None of us can understand it well, so we must take it by faith!)
• “Pleased as Man with men to dwell”: Read John 1:14. Will someone please paraphrase this verse?
• “God and sinners reconciled”: Read 2 Cor. 5:17-19.
• “Light and life to all He brings”: Read John 1:4.
• “Born that man no more may die”: Heb. 2:9.
• “Born to give them second birth”: John 3:3

Close:

“Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!”

Can you imagine a mind so productive that you could write ten lines of beautiful poetry each day of your life for stanzas in hymns exalting God, His Son, His creation, and His Godhead? Charles Wesley—a man with a human ability like any of us—used his gifts to not only write songs that would last many centuries and touch many millions of people, but he also preached Christ crucified, leading men into that new birth that he wrote about, introducing them to the Savior he loved.

Christmas has a beauty that is of another world. No matter the chaos, the weather, the crises, or the health issues, somehow those things can get set aside for a little bit of time in order to experience that wonder that the season brings. Ideally, we would all have family, food, a light snow, and abundant love inside every home. However, we know that is not the case. Simply listen to conversations as you shop and you will hear the sadness, the grief, or the anger that people carry when their families or their lives have not been given over to the saving grace that Jesus provides generously. As we read the words of this old glorious carol, we remind ourselves that He was in heaven from eternity past, He created the wonder of earth—“without Him, nothing was made that was made”(John 1:3b)—then came as a Baby to His creation. There, He would be raised as a boy, grow to be a young adult, preach and do miracles for three years, then be killed in a most atrocious manner by those He came to save. Hanging on a cross made from a tree, He was separated from His Father in order to pay for the sins of the world. But that all changed when the third morning came and the stone had been rolled back from the opening of the Tomb—where the folded napkin lay proclaiming “It is finished!” He had risen from death, was seen by people for forty days, and now sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high, interceding for us, and waiting for the word to “Go! Get Your children!” Do you know Him? Do you call Him “Father”?

BEING GRATEFUL WHEN THINGS MAY NOT BE GREAT
November 24, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

How do you cope when life starts handing you one crisis after another? Are you a person who shuts down, engages in rigorous activity, or something you’ve devised for yourself?

Open:
Thanksgiving—the week set aside for us to express our gratefulness to God and each other for the good things that have happened this year. But there are also hard times, and for some, it is hard to express thanks in the middle of trials. As we go through those times, we often forget that God is faithful, that He is good (all the time), and that He has not left our side even for a moment this year. Today, let’s focus on lifting up our spirits by lifting up His Name!

Key Verse: Ephesians 5:20: “…giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Focal Passage: Ephesians 5:17-21

Don’t be drunk with wine

• Read Eph. 5:17. Paul is about to lay out ways we should react when life gets tough. First, however, he admonishes us to take seriously what he is about to write. Will someone put verse 17 in today’s language? What are we if we ignore what he writes?
• Read verse 18a. Why does Paul warn believers not to escape their problems in ways that don’t achieve lasting results? What do these false remedies do?
• Have the self-medicating (alcohol, drugs, shopping, etc.) attempts fixed or compounded the initial problems? Explain your answer.

Be filled with the Spirit

• Read verse 18b. What does the word of God mean when it tells us to be “filled with the Spirit”? How can we do this?
• Read Galatians 5:22-23. How can this passage illustrate what Paul means in the Ephesian passage?

Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord

• Read verse 19. What is the difference between a “psalm,” a “hymn” and a “spiritual song”? Where do we find psalms? What was their purpose? What was the purpose of hymns in the early churches? What about spiritual songs?
• When you are singing (or humming, whistling, or playing an instrument) do you consider yourself to be worshiping the Lord? Is this what Paul means?
• Read Eph. 5:18-23. The heathen of Paul’s day were described in these verses. Why did Paul want the believers to develop new habits and new thought life?
• Which style of living (heathen or believers) made for lasting happiness?

Giving thanks always in all things

• Read verse 20. What does an attitude of gratitude do for the one who has it, and the one who is benefited by it?
• What is special about a grateful spirit?
• Have you developed a habit of giving God thanks when situations—both bad or good—come into your life? If so, can you share how it has impacted both you and your relationship with God? If not, can anyone share their thoughts as to why God would have told us to develop this quality?

Take Aways:

• Make a list of the things that God has done for you that show He is good;
• Listen to calming music;
• Spend time in prayer and in reading the Bible;
• Actively look for ways to be a blessing;
• Remember—focus on what God has done for you!

Close:

Have you ever considered a spilled cup of hot coffee? The accident may be an irritant or a disaster, depending on where the spill occurs. It can be blistering hot, burning wherever it lands; it can leave a dreadful stain if it spills on white fabric; at the least it wasted a drink that was anticipated. But the bottom line was, coffee was spilled because that was what the cup held!

What comes out of you if an accident occurs—whether catastrophic or mildly irritating? Do words pour out that scorch those around you? Does anger come out that burns feelings? Does what come out of your mouth stain those around you? Or do you find something “good” that resulted? What comes out of the cup is what is inside and the evidence is there for all to see.

Paul was instructing believers who lived in a heathen area where sexual immorality abounded, where drunkenness and unhealthy lifestyles were the norm. Now the new converts needed to come out from among those people, and Paul was instructing them to renew their “vessels” (their bodies) with those fruits of the Spirit that would erupt with praises to God when something jostled them! They were to be singing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in their hearts” to the Lord (Paul must have recognized that not everyone has the gift of beautiful voices!) He knew that what would come out in times of crisis was what was inside.

Is that like you? What comes out when you are bounced against the wall? Do you erupt with those things which should have been cast out of your life, or are you so filled with the Spirit that you thank God for some part of the situation?

Thanksgiving comes once a year to remind us to strive for active gratefulness for another year. Let’s allow our lights to shine among those we know so brightly that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father in heaven!

 DANIEL 6: REMAIN FAITHFUL!
November 10, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

In today’s world, almost everyday we are met with situations that will compromise our standards. Let’s be honest, most of the time it is easier to give in and avoid conflict than to stand firm and be conspicuous! Can anyone relate?

Open:
We have come to the sixth chapter of Daniel—probably the most famous chapter in the book of Daniel. Few of us have chosen to defy ungodly authorities in order to obey God, but those who have can taste the fear of certain death, as Daniel probably did. Let us see what lessons can be learned from this faithful servant of the only True God.

Key verse: Daniel 5:31: “And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.” (NKJV)

Doing the right thing will make you a target

1. The key verse today sets the stage for Daniel’s new work. What does this short verse tell us about the kingdom of Babylon? Daniel had come to Babylon as a youth (perhaps fourteen or fifteen years of age), in 586 BC. Now it is about 540 BC, which would make Daniel having served as a slave in Babylon approximately how many years? About how old is he now?
2. Read Daniel 6:3-5. What type of character did Daniel posses that those jealous rivals could find nothing bad to say about him? Do you know of anyone today whose character cannot be slandered?
3. Why is it a “given” that tribulation or trials will come when we are faithfully serving God, walking in His commandments? Read John 16:33. What is the truth, and what is the resulting promise? Read 1 Peter 5:8. Why is this the case?

Faithfulness is more important than popularity or acceptance

1. Read verses 10-11. What does verse 10a tell you about Daniel? In 10b, how do you know that Daniel had no hesitation about exposing his prayers? How can that type of inner strength be obtained?
2. We established a probable age for Daniel in question 1. In verse 10c, then, how long had Daniel been praying like this? (Are you this faithful in prayer?)
3. The wicked men knew where to find Daniel. What are some things—up to now—that Daniel could have done differently? Had he caved in, what would have been his testimony? Since he was faithful, what does this show?

God will protect and reward

1. Will someone please summarize the events through verse 21, and tell the situation Darius finds himself in? How do you think Daniel felt, when he was taken captive to the den of hungry lions? Read Daniel 3:18 and tell how the two situations were similar, though many years apart.
2. Read Daniel 6:26. What impact did Daniel’s miraculous protection make upon King Darius? What are we able to learn from this chapter in Daniel? Does this mean that Christians will never meet an untimely death at the hands of evil men
3. Read verse 28. God chose to protect Daniel in the den of lions. What reward did he receive as he served out his final years in Babylon? Does faithfulness always have an earthly reward? Why or why not?

Close:

Probably few chapters in the Old Testament are as well known as this chapter relating Daniel’s experience in the den of lions! From Sunday School age, children are familiar with the amazing protection by God as He shut the mouths of those hungry lions and set Daniel free. Can you imagine the people seeing him emerge, unharmed, the next morning when his king comes to the den? As Darius issues a new decree stating that the God of Daniel is the True God who can save and protect, one can only hope that there will be some Babylonians in heaven because of the faithful character of this godly man.

A cliché that wonderfully describes Daniel’s life is one we hear sometimes in Christian circles: “Be the type of Christian so that, when your feet hit the floor first thing in the morning, Satan exclaims, “Oh, no! He’s/she’s awake again!” Would that we all were that type of faithful servant of God.

As we studied the second point of the sermon, Daniel, now an old man, serves to furnish us with an example that not many young people today can understand: that faithfulness to God is so much better to be grasped than acceptance by those people who are the wealthy, the beautiful, or the SNL’s (the Strong, Natural, Leaders).  There are too many hearts broken in families today at the actions of their loved ones falling short of God’s best for us, looking rather for the praise of those they consider someone to emulate. We all have examples and they are not something we are happy about, unless our own testimony is thin or tepid. Let this chapter in Daniel speak to your own heart as you examine your life to see if you fall short in meeting God’s standards. Would you have given in to the new law to not pray except to Darius for thirty days, claiming you were obeying those in authority? Or would you have closed the windows (if you had even continued to pray!) of your house, so no one could see you? Daniel, who after all was a mere man, had to have experienced some fear that the lions would eat him within the first few minutes: would your fear have turned you into a lunatic? Three Old Testament saints were held in such honor by God that He mentioned them in the prophetic book of Ezekiel: “If these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job, were…” (Ezek. 14:14). God was very proud of the faith of Daniel. Is He proud of your faith?