2022-11-06

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Today, more than ever it is important for Christ-followers to stand up and stand out. Our voices must be heard but our voices need to look less like the world and more like Christ. We have been called to be ambassadors for the Gospel and there has never been a more critical need for the hope of the Gospel than now.

Ephesians 5:1-16 (NKJV) Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. ² And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.³ But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; ⁴ neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. ⁵ For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. ⁷ Therefore do not be partakers with them.⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), ¹⁰ finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. ¹¹ And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. ¹³ But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. ¹⁴ Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”¹⁵ See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil.^[1]

1. Look like Him

Vs 1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.

1. We can no longer try to “fit in” to a culture which is running away from truth and God’s Word
2. We must “stand out” and show the world an alternative to the evil around us

2. Love like Him

Vs 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

1. Standing Out is not permission to attack those who believe differently than us
2. It is a calling to reflect the love of Christ to a world that needs to be loved

3. Live like Him

Vss 3-4 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; ⁴ neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

1. Live differently than the world so we can be an image of holy living
2. While sin will always be a pull in our culture, holiness can always win out

4. Walk like Him

Vss 6-11 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. ⁷ Therefore do not be partakers with them.⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), ¹⁰ finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. ¹¹ And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

1. Even many of those who claim to stand for truth distort truth for their own purposes
2. Never allow false truth and false doctrine to sneak into your journey

5. Because the time is now

Vss 14-16 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”¹⁵ See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Vss 15-16 (NLT) So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. ¹⁶ Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

1. It has never been more important than now to speak up and stand out
2. Our culture has entered a season where it has become a frontal attack on everything the Word of God teaches
3. We have no option but to hold fast to the Word and to His Way

^[1] The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Eph 5:1–16.

2022-10-09

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

1 Samuel 24:1-7 (CSB) When Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness near En-gedi.” ² So Saul took three thousand of Israel’s fit young men and went to look for David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. ³ When Saul came to the sheep pens along the road, a cave was there, and he went in to relieve himself. David and his men were staying in the recesses of the cave, ⁴ so they said to him, “Look, this is the day the Lord told you about: ‘I will hand your enemy over to you so you can do to him whatever you desire.’ ” Then David got up and secretly cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. ⁵ Afterward, David’s conscience bothered^, him because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. ⁶ He said to his men, “As the Lord is my witness, I would never do such a thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed. I will never lift my hand against him, since he is the Lord’s anointed.” ⁷ With these words David persuaded his men, and he did not let them rise up against Saul.

Throughout the period of time from David’s anointing by Samuel until the time he became king, Saul sought to kill David a number of times. Throughout 1 Samuel 18-26, we read many different accounts of Saul’s attempts, even after Saul promised he would not hurt him in chapter 24. Can you imagine the fear that must have coursed through David’s veins knowing the king of Israel, and 3,000 of his soldiers, were out to kill you? Yet, David remained strong and encouraged.

Psalm 57:1-11 (CSB) Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me, for I take refuge in you. I will seek refuge in the shadow of your wings until danger passes. ² I call to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.^{, 3} He reaches down from heaven and saves me, challenging the one who tramples me. God sends his faithful love and truth. ⁴ I am surrounded by lions; I lie down among devouring lions—people whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. ⁵ God, be exalted above the heavens; let your glory be over the whole earth. ⁶ They prepared a net for my steps; I was despondent. They dug a pit ahead of me, but they fell into it! ⁷ My heart is confident, God, my heart is confident. I will sing; I will sing praises. ⁸ Wake up, my soul! Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn. ⁹ I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. ¹⁰ For your faithful love is as high as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches the clouds. ¹¹ God, be exalted above the heavens; let your glory be over the whole earth.

1. When the enemy approaches, take refuge in God

Vs 1 Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me, for I take refuge in you. I will seek refuge in the shadow of your wings until danger passes.

• As David sat in the cave, he recognized the imagery of the cave itself as a the picture of God’s protection
• Although just outside the cave the enemy was near, he knew the grace of God was enough to bring him through

2. The refuge starts in prayer

Vs 2 I call to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.

• David’s journey of seeking refuge in the “shadow of God’s wings” began with an earnest prayer; crying out to God from the midst of the fear 

3. It continues in trust

Vss 3-4 He reaches down from heaven and saves me, challenging the one who tramples me. God sends his faithful love and truth. ⁴ I am surrounded by lions; I lie down among devouring lions—people whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.

• Prayer is not the weapon you need if you cannot trust the one you are calling on
• David was aware he was surrounded, yet his trust in God was all he needed to survive
• God brought him from loneliness and despair to encouragement and support

1 Samuel 22:1-2 So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When David’s brothers and his father’s whole family heard, they went down and joined him there. ² In addition, every man who was desperate, in debt, or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.

4. It is confirmed in worship

Vss 5-11 ⁵ God, be exalted above the heavens; let your glory be over the whole earth. ⁶ They prepared a net for my steps; I was despondent. They dug a pit ahead of me, but they fell into it! ⁷ My heart is confident, God, my heart is confident. I will sing; I will sing praises. ⁸ Wake up, my soul! Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn. ⁹ I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. ¹⁰ For your faithful love is as high as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches the clouds. ¹¹ God, be exalted above the heavens; let your glory be over the whole earth.

• The only way to fully trust God in times of your greatest fear is to recognize God is greater than our problems
• There is nothing we face God cannot overcome

Application

1. If David faced intense attacks after being anointed as the next king of Israel, you can be sure you will face them as well
2. Prayer is our greatest weapon against fear, anxiety and attacks
3. Never forget the greatness of God. Nothing is too hard for Him. (Jeremiah 32:27)

2022-09-25

Charles Billingsley

Scene 1 – The Battlefield

17:1   Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle.

And they were gathered at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. ² And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines. ³ And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them.  

⁴ And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.  ⁵ He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze.  ⁶ And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. ⁷ The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron.  And his shield-bearer went before him. ⁸ He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle?  Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. ⁹ If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” ¹⁰ And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.” ¹¹ When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed.

Scene 2 – Bethlehem 

¹² Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons. In the days of Saul the man was already old and advanced in years. ¹³ The three oldest sons of Jesse had followed Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. ¹⁴ David was the youngest. The three eldest followed Saul, 

¹⁵ but David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.

1.  David was faithful in the mundane 

When we are Faithful in the small things, God will trust us to be faithful in the big things. 

Scene 3 – Back to the battlefield

 ¹⁶ For forty days the Philistine came forward and took his stand, morning and evening.

¹⁷ And Jesse said to David his son, “Take for your brothers an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers. ¹⁸ Also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them.”

²⁸ Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.”  ²⁹ And David said, “What have I done now? Was it not but a word?” 

³⁰ And he turned away from him toward another, and spoke in the same way, and the people answered him again as before.

³¹ When the words that David spoke were heard, they repeated them before Saul, and he sent for him. ³² And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 

³⁶ Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” ³⁷ And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”

2. David was focused on the right things

A proper perspective will empower your faith.

With God all things are possible!!

3. David was fine with just being himself 

In everything natural, be spiritual.  In everything spiritual, be natural.

All you have… is all you need

Scene 4 – The Battle

4.  David was fearless in the face of giants

⁴⁰ Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine.

⁴¹ And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. ⁴² And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance.

⁴³ And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. ⁴⁴ The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” ⁴⁵ Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. ⁴⁶ This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, ⁴⁷ and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.”

⁴⁸ When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. ⁴⁹ And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.

⁵⁰ So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. ⁵¹ Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.

Scene 5 – The Victory

 ⁵² And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron. ⁵³ And the people of Israel came back from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their camp. ⁵⁴ And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent.

5. David firmly held on to his trophies

Stay Faithful in the mundane

Stay focused on the right things

Be fine with who God has made you

Face your giants head on

Firmly hold on to your trophies

Jesus is the greatest Champion of all.

YOU are a trophy of God’s grace. 

Put your fear down and pick up your faith!

The battle Belongs to the Lord!!!

2022-09-11

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

1 Samuel 16:1- 13 (CSB) The Lord said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem because I have selected for myself a king from his sons.” ² Samuel asked, “How can I go? Saul will hear about it and kill me!” The Lord answered, “Take a young cow with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ ³ Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will let you know what you are to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate to you.” ⁴ Samuel did what the Lord directed and went to Bethlehem. When the elders of the town met him, they trembled and asked, “Do you come in peace?” ⁵ “In peace,” he replied. “I’ve come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. ⁶ When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Certainly the Lord’s anointed one is here before him.” ⁷ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.” ⁸ Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel. “The Lord hasn’t chosen this one either,” Samuel said. ⁹ Then Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The Lord hasn’t chosen this one either.” ¹⁰ After Jesse presented seven of his sons to him, Samuel told Jesse, “The Lord hasn’t chosen any of these.” ¹¹ Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” he answered, “but right now he’s tending the sheep.” Samuel told Jesse, “Send for him. We won’t sit down to eat until he gets here.” ¹² So Jesse sent for him. He had beautiful eyes and a healthy, handsome appearance. Then the Lord said, “Anoint him, for he is the one.” ¹³ So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully on David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

1. God is not limited by our limitations

Vs 11a Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” he answered…

Psalm 22:6-7 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by people. ⁷ Everyone who sees me mocks me; they sneer and shake their heads:

• Jesse hadn’t even considered to send for his son when Samuel arrived
• Everyone around David looked down on him as significant, yet insignificant

Psalm 22:6-7 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by people. ⁷ Everyone who sees me mocks me; they sneer and shake their heads:

2. God’s calling is greater than our failings

Vs 11b … he answered, “but right now he’s tending the sheep…”

• Jesse replied, “he’s doing what he is fit for…”
• At times, we believe we are not worthy of anything better than what we are, or what others think of us

Psalm 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not conceal my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Psalm 51:1-5 Be gracious to me, God, according to your faithful love; according to your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion. ² Completely wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me. ⁴ Against you—you alone—I have sinned and done this evil in your sight. So you are right when you pass sentence; you are blameless when you judge. ⁵ Indeed, I was guilty when I was born; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.

3. God never anoints the incompetent

Vs 13a So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully on David from that day forward…

• Even Samuel thought it must be someone else, yet God had a greater plan

⁷ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.”

• Man looks out the outward, God sees us for who we really are

2 Cor. 12:8-10 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. ¹⁰ So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Psalm 22:6-10 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by people. ⁷ Everyone who sees me mocks me; they sneer and shake their heads: ⁸ “He relies on the Lord; let him save him; let the Lord rescue him, since he takes pleasure in him.” ⁹ It was you who brought me out of the womb, making me secure at my mother’s breast. ¹⁰ I was given over to you at birth; you have been my God from my mother’s womb.

2022-07-17
Matt Willmington

1 John 4:7-21 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and his love is made complete in us.
13 This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent his Son as the world’s Savior. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God—God remains in him and he in God. 16 And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.
17 In this, love is made complete with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love.
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And we have this command from him: The one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.

SUMMARY: Love each other because God is love. He proved it by sending his son to save the world. He loved us first so we love him and each other. We haven’t seen God but we can see his family. When we love, God lives in us and we live in him. His love is completed in us, and it gives us confidence against fear, judgment, and punishment. If we say we love God and hate each other, we are liars and we have not seen God.

1. If you love the Father you love the family. [7, 8, 16, 19]

Love each other because God is love
a. “dear friends” “brothers sisters” not neighbors [Lev.18, Luke 10]
b. 4 times here, 11 times in John’s letters [agape]
c. No love? Don’t know God [7, 8, 16]

2. Love sends, serves, sacrifices. [9-11, 14]

He loved us first and proved it by sending His son to save the world
a. Trinity – Father [9 14], Son [9 14], Spirit [13]
b. Love’s Revelation = God sent the Son
i. ‘One and only’ = priority, not origination
ii. “world” – yes elect, but not exclusive
iii. “SAVIOR”= ‘atoning sacrifice’ not example, teaching
c. He loved first
d. Since God loved by serving WE must also

3. We love what we see to love what we can’t see. [12, 14, 20]

We can’t see God but we can see family
a. John testimony – “we saw him!”
b. We ‘see’ Jesus, we see His family
c. His love grows to completion

4. Live in God because he lives in you. [12, 13, 15, 16]

When we love, we have the Spirit, God lives in us and we live in him
a. Proof of his remaining in us = Spirit
b. Confess Jesus = God is in you, you are in God
c. We know + believe. You can know w/o believing
d. If you live in love God lives in you and you in him [John 17]

5. Completed love gives confidence. [12, 17, 18]

Love is completed in us, gives confidence for fear, judgment, punishment
a. Love doesn’t fear [1 Cor.13] it drives out fear.
b. Fear judgment? You aren’t living in love

6. Haters don’t love, lovers don’t lie. [20-21]

If we say we love God but hate each other we lie and have not seen God
a. Can’t love God if you hate family
b. Jesus’ command from – John 13, 17

ONE ANOTHERS

HONOR Romans 12:10 Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another.

HARMONIZE Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

JUDGE Romans 14:13 Therefore, let us no longer judge one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister.

BUILD UP Romans 14:19 So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.

WELCOME / ACCEPT Romans 15:7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.

INSTRUCT Romans 15:14 My brothers and sisters, I myself am convinced about you that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another

SERVE Galatians 5:13 For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.

DEVOUR Galatians 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

PROVOKE / ENVY Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

CARRY Galatians 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

BEAR Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

LIE Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another.

KIND / COMPASSION / FORGIVE Ephesians 4:32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

SUBMIT Ephesians 5:21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.

ENCOURAGE 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.

DO GOOD 1 Thessalonians 5:15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.

HATE Titus 3:3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.

CRITICIZE James 4:11 Don’t criticize one another, brothers and sisters. Anyone who defames or judges a fellow believer defames and judges the law. If you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

COMPLAIN James 5:9 Brothers and sisters, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door!

CONFESS / PRAY James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.

HOSPITABLE 1 Peter 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining.

HUMBLE 1 Peter 5:5 In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

FELLOWSHIP 1 John 1:7 If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

2022-07-03

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Last week, we talked about making a change in our lives by seeking purity and avoiding sin. Today, John takes to another level of change as he tells us to love.

1 John 3:11-24 (CSB) For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another, ¹² unlike Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous. ¹³ Do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. ¹⁴ We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers and sisters. The one who does not love remains in death. ¹⁵ Everyone who hates his brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. ¹⁶ This is how we have come to know love: He laid down his life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ If anyone has this world’s goods and sees a fellow believer in need but withholds compassion from him—how does God’s love reside in him? ¹⁸ Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.

¹⁹ This is how we will know that we belong to the truth and will reassure our hearts before him ²⁰ whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows all things. ²¹ Dear friends, if our hearts don’t condemn us, we have confidence before God ²² and receive whatever we ask from him because we keep his commands and do what is pleasing in his sight. ²³ Now this is his command: that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another as he commanded us. ²⁴ The one who keeps his commands remains in him, and he in him. And the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit he has given us.

1. Love is not a choice

Vs 11 For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another

• A reminder from 1 John 2:7 – “this is not a new command but an old one…”
• John reminds the reader that love is not an option or a choice, but a command from God
• Matthew 22 clearly instructs us on God’s command to love

Vs 14 We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers and sisters. The one who does not love remains in death

• Our love for others is a clear marker of our faith

2. Jealousy is the enemy to love

Vss 12-13 unlike Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous. ¹³ Do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

• Cain’s actions were a result of his hatred of his brother doing the “right thing”
• The world will hate us too if we are seeking to following God’s plan for our lives
• Why? Because the world doesn’t know HIM

Vs 15 Everyone who hates his brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him

3. Love needs to be connected to action

Vss  17-18 If anyone has this world’s goods and sees a fellow believer in need but withholds compassion from him—how does God’s love reside in him? ¹⁸ Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.

• This is a reminder not to be like those who talk about love but don’t actually love
• The church was full of individuals claimed piety and love for others but were only focused on self
• We must act on our love
• Warren Wiersbe says, “To love “in word” means simply to talk about a need, but to love “in deed” means to do something about meeting it. You may think, because you have discussed a need, or even prayed about it, that you have done your duty, but love involves more than words—it calls for sacrificial deeds.”^[1]

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 512.

4. Love can only come through Christ

Vss 23- 24 Now this is his command: that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another as he commanded us. ²⁴ The one who keeps his commands remains in him, and he in him. And the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit he has given us.

• This is a reminder of Jesus’ command from Matthew 22
• Verse 24 calls us to action and obedience
• Verse 24 also gives us a “check” in our spirit which flows from the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives
• This is a precursor to chapter 4
• David Walls states, “True Christian experience is revealed not just in our beliefs but in our behavior.”^[1]

^[1] David Walls and Max Anders, I & II Peter, I, II & III John, Jude, vol. 11, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 199.

2022-06-19

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

1 John 2:12-29 (CSB) I am writing to you, little children, since your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. ¹³ I am writing to you, fathers, because you have come to know the one who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the evil one. ¹⁴ I have written to you, children, because you have come to know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you have come to know the one who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, God’s word remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one. ¹⁵ Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world. ¹⁷ And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever. ¹⁸ Children, it is the last hour. And as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. By this we know that it is the last hour. ¹⁹ They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. However, they went out so that it might be made clear that none of them belongs to us. ²⁰ But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. ²¹ I have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie comes from the truth. ²² Who is the liar, if not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This one is the antichrist: the one who denies the Father and the Son. ²³ No one who denies the Son has the Father; he who confesses the Son has the Father as well. ²⁴ What you have heard from the beginning is to remain in you. If what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. ²⁵ And this is the promise that he himself made to us: eternal life. ²⁶ I have written these things to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. ²⁷ As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you don’t need anyone to teach you. Instead, his anointing teaches you about all things and is true and is not a lie; just as it has taught you, remain in him. ²⁸ So now, little children, remain in him so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming. ²⁹ If you know that he is righteous, you know this as well: Everyone who does what is right has been born of him.

1. A Universal Message

Vss 12-14 I am writing to you, little children, since your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. ¹³ I am writing to you, fathers, because you have come to know the one who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have conquered the evil one. ¹⁴ I have written to you, children, because you have come to know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you have come to know the one who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, God’s word remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one.

• John is clearly addressing his letter to EVERYONE within the church
• This message is not for a special group. He addressed it this way to refute the arrogance of the Gnostics

2. Walk from the world, walk towards the light

Vss15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

• You can’t have it both ways. Either you love God with all of your heart or you don’t.
• “If we love the world, we are not loving God. We cannot love the world and love God at the same time. This interpretation is strengthened by James 4:4, “Friendship with the world is hatred toward God.”^[1]

^[1] David Walls and Max Anders, I & II Peter, I, II & III John, Jude, vol. 11, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 175.

3. Now is the Time

Vs 18 Children, it is the last hour. And as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. By this we know that it is the last hour.

Vs 21 I have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie comes from the truth.

Vs 25 And this is the promise that he himself made to us: eternal life.

• We clearly live in a time where “love of the world” seems to making inroads even into the church.
• We have a responsibility to recommit ourselves to the things of God.
• We know God’s plan and we know God’s promise, we have no excuse.

4.  Stand strong

Vs 28 So now, little children, remain in him so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you know this as well: Everyone who does what is right has been born of him.

• It is time to do the right thing and live for Him.
• Ephesians 6 teaches us we must put on the armor of God to be protected and ready for what’s ahead.

2022-06-05

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Today, we’re going to begin a study through the letters written by John the Apostle. While he wrote both the Gospel of John and the book of Revelation, our study this summer is going to focus on the three small letters he wrote near the end of his life from the city of Ephesus. These letters were not written to a specific individual, or even a specific church, they were written as “circular letters.” Circular letters were intended to be passed around and read by anyone and everyone who had a vested interest, and the interest that brought the readers together was they were part of the family of God.

1 John 1:1-10 (CSB) What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—² that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—³ what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. ⁴ We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. ⁵ This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. ⁶ If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. ⁷ If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. ⁸ If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1. Jesus is still the Way, Truth and Life

Vss 1-2 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—² that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—

• John’s purpose in this opening statement was to reiterate that Jesus was not just a man, He was God
• This letter is refute the rise of Gnosticism within the early church which denied the deity and incarnation of Christ

John 14:6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

2. We are one family because of Jesus

Vss 3-4 what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. ⁴ We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

• The clear statement here is our fellowship with one another is not based on location, denomination, status or any other manmade position…it is based on the person of Jesus Christ
• Only through Christ and his love can we have true fellowship with one another

3. Hypocrisy destroys the family

Vss -5-6 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. ⁶ If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.

• A line is drawn here which clearly indicates we cannot have it both ways…we can’t live for the world and claim to live for Christ

4. Obedience builds the family

Vs 7 If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

• We must determine our daily steps on the word of God and His love

5. So let’s be honest

Vss 8-10 If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

• We cannot achieve perfection in our human body, but we can maintain a perfect relationship with God through our recognition and confession of our sins
• Confess (homolegeo) – “acknowledge, to agree with”
• Verse 10 refers to the individual who may deny or ignore their sins with no conviction. The thought here is a believer with the Holy Spirit’s convicting work within will always recognize their failings and will be convicted of his sin.

Final Thought: Chapter 1 is a clear reminder of the fact Jesus is the Son of God who came to take away the sins of the world. As Christians, the family of God, we must recognize His deity and power and live according to His Word.

2022-04-24

Scott Bullman

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

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

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

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

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

The Wife’s Role

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

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

The Husband’s Role

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

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

The Children’s Role

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

The Parent’s Role

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

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

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

2022-04-10
Gary Habermas

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

A. The Gospel Facts

B. Faith

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

A. Literary Characteristics

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

C. Eyewitness Testimony

D. Empty Tomb

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

A. Endurance

B. Work

C. Conquering Death

2022-03-27

Dr. Ed Hindson

TRBC Doctrinal Statement: We affirm that the return of Christ for all believers is imminent…to be followed by…tribulation and then the coming of Christ to establish His earthly Kingdom.

Seven Prophetic Promises for Every Believer’s Future

1. Rapture

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

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

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

Taken from one place to another

Timing: Pre-Tribulational

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

2. Bride to Father’s House

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

“You” = Believers (7 times)

Pattern: Jewish Wedding

Betrothal: Groom and Bride

Groom to Father’s House

Bride Remains at Her House

Groom Prepares Room

Father Authorizes Return

Groom Returns for Bride

Bride to Father’s House

3. Judgment Seat of Christ

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

Bema Seat: Rewards for Service

4. Marriage of the Lamb

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

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

5. Triumphal Return

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

6. Millennial Reign

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

Satan bound in Abyss for 1,000 years

7. Eternal City

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

Final State of Sinless Glorification

Invitation

Spirit and Bride say: Come!

Revelation 22:17

2022-03-20

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

TRBC Doctrinal Statement: We affirm that at the end of this age the unsaved will be raised and judged according to their works and separated forever from God in hell. The saved, having been raised, will live forever in heaven in fellowship with God.

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

Three keys to remember about the Doctrine of Heaven and Hell

1. The Coming Wrath

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. The Promised Path

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

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

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

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

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

3. So, Let’s Do the Math

Doctrine of Salvation: … assured of heaven

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

2022-03-06

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

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

1. How we got here

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

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

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

2. How we were created

Doctrinal Statement: …in the very image of God.

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

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

3. Why we were created

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

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

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

4. How we messed it all up

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

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

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

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

• God devised a plan to redeem man – Jesus

5. God’s great plan of redemption

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

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

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

What we believe about mankind?

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

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

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

2022-01-23

Matt Willmington

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

Three Levels of Doctrine [Al Mohler]:

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

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

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

You ARE a theologian – only question is what type?

GOD THE TRINITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GOD THE FATHER

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

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

GOD IS… 

Spirit (John 1:18)

Self-Existent (Isa. 41:4)       

Self Sufficient (Job 41:11)

Eternal (Deut. 33:27)          

Omnipresent (Psa.139:7-12)                                                 

Omnipotent (Gen.18:14)

Omniscient (2 Kings 19:27)                                                    

Wise (Job 36:5)                     

Immutable (Num.23:19)

Sovereign (Psa.135:6)         

Incomprehensible (Deut. 4:35)                                             

Holy (Lev.19:2)

True (Deut. 32:4)                  

Faithful (Deut. 7:9)              

Merciful (Exod. 34:7) 

Gracious (Psa. 103:8)          

Love (Deut. 4:37)                  

2022-01-09

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

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

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

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

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

1. He has invited us in

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

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

2. He welcomes us as we are

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

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

3. Take advantage of the invitation

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

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

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

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

• Thus, we have a call to live in worship

4. Honor Him as a result

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

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

2021-12-26

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

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

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

1. Jesus is the Answer

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

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

2. For The World Today

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

3. Above Him there’s no other

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

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

4. Jesus is the Way

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

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

2021-12-12

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

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

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

1. Love is not an option

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

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

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

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

2. God’s love is absolute

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

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

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

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

3. You can’t fake love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2021-11-14

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

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

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

Hebrews is a critical reminder to Stay Committed

1. Christ’s promises are absolute

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

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

2. Our commitment is not

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

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

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

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

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

3. Stay committed in your trust in God

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

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

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

4. Develop relationships which will help you grow

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

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

5. Christ’s promises are absolute!

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

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

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

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

2021-10-31

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Our calling comes from our changing

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

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

3. This change leads to our hope

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2021-10-17

Matt Willmington

I Timothy 1:1-2b CSB

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

I Timothy 3:15 CSB

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

I Timothy 1:15b CSB

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

I Timothy 1:17 CSB

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

I Timothy 4:1a CSB

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

MEN – WOMEN

I Timothy 2:1-2 CSB

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

I Timothy 2:8-15 CSB

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

I Timothy 2:16 CSB

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

CHURCH LEADERS

YOUNG PEOPLE

I Timothy 4:12-16 CSB

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

WIDOWS

I Timothy 5:2-16 CSB

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

SERVANTS

I Timothy 6:1-2 CSB

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

WEALTHY

I Timothy 6:7-10 CSB

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

I Timothy 6:17-19 CSB

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

I Timothy 6:15-16 CSB

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

2021-10-03

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

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

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

1. Our faith should drive us to action

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

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

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

2. Our action should be reflective of our love

Vs 3b … your labor motivated by love…

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

3. Our love is strengthened in our hope

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

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

4. Our witness will change the world

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

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

5. Stand strong no matter what

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

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

– Knute Larson

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

2021-09-19

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

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

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

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

1. It starts in the Gospel

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

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

2. It is continued in love

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

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

3. It is in focusing on what really matters

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

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

4. It is secured by His gracious hand

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

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

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

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

2021-09-05

Charles Billingsley

This is what was happening in the churches of Galatia.

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

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

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

Written by Paul – 49 AD

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

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

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

It is the Charter of Christian Freedom.

Galatians can be divided into 3 different categories:

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

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

Chapters 5-6 – Practical  – fruit of the spirit

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

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

Glossary of terms as they are used in Galatians:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. We are justified by Faith 

Galatians 3:1-3

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

^{Galatians 3:10-11}

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

^{Galatians 3:23-26}

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

Martin Luther

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

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

Is that your view of God today?

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

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

Therefore……Our faith produces freedom . 

2.  We are called to Be Free 

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

Dietrich Bonhoeffer – another German theologian.

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

Conviction without compassion is damning – Legalism 

Compassion without conviction is dangerous – Liberalism 

Compassion with conviction is dynamic – Love 

In Christ – We are no longer slaves!!!

^{Galatians 4:4-7}

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

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

^{Galatians 2:20}

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

3.  Our freedom produces fruit 

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

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

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

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

^{Galatians 5:16-26}

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

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

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

Observations on Fruit

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

^{Galatians 5:13-15}

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

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

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

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

How do you do that?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is faith alone by grace alone In Christ alone.

It is Jesus Only Jesus.

2021-08-22
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

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

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

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

1. The message

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

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

2. The method

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

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

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

3. The mind

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

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

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